For a more authentic dining experience amongst the glitz and glamour of Vail and Beaver Creek ski resorts, Edwards offers a more relaxed vibe with access to fantastic food. Here you will find locally owned and operated restaurants as well as The Inn at Riverwalk, an independent hotel in the heart of Riverwalk in Edwards.
Nestled in between the river and the shops, The Inn is the only hotel that has access to Edwards’ robust local culture. Guests at The Inn receive exclusive discounts to numerous restaurants, shops, and activity partners located in and around Riverwalk.
Edwards is where mountain locals planted roots and nourished their culinary dreams. Locally sourced and sustainable ingredients paired with casual and welcoming vibes define the dining scene. The high-quality, low-key approach to food is worth the short drive from Vail or Beaver Creek. Within walking distance are numerous restaurants to fill your stomach and fuel your adventure any time of day. Here are a few of the area’s top picks:
The New Kid on the Block
The best new restaurant to the Edwards dining scene is Mountain Fish House & Oyster Bar, located in the lobby of The Inn at Riverwalk. Step inside, and the bright and casual ambience with an indoor-outdoor bar has been drawing in locals and visitors since they opened their doors last summer.
Serving fresh seafood daily, Mountain Fish House’s menu offers classic east coast dishes such as crab cakes, fish & chips, and clam chowder. Other specialties include lobster rolls served three ways, crispy fried crab tater tots with homemade tartar sauce, and a daily selection of oysters. Seafood is sourced from local fisherman and family operations on the east and west coast, bringing the freshest fish to the Rocky Mountains. Head in early for happy hour from 3:30 – 5:30pm daily for food and drink specials, including $1.50 oysters. Kick back with a craft cocktail or a glass of wine and enjoy the best seafood with all of the flavor and none of the fuss.
Tried & True Favorites
For the tastiest treats in town, head to Hovey & Harrison | Cafe, Bakery & Market. Their display case features daily rotating fresh baked goods including muffins, cookies, tarts, pastries, sourdough bread loaves, and more. Grab a freshly brewed coffee and sweet treat to go, or sit and stay a while. The cafe menu offers breakfast and lunch and features seasonally inspired food sourced from small, family run farms in Colorado.
Enjoy a traditional east coast style bagel at Village Bagel. Each bagel is hand-rolled, boiled, and baked fresh daily, producing the perfect chewiness on the inside with a slight crust on the outside. Lather with a house-made shmear such as honey rosemary or hatch green chili, or indulge in one of their specialty sandwiches. They also serve gluten-free bagels and vegan shmear.
Curl up with a great book and a crepe at The Bookworm, an independent bookstore, cafe, and coffee shop located in the Riverwalk. Sweet and savory crepes are their specialty, such as the Green Eggs & Ham, stuffed with gruyere cheese, ham, spinach, and a fried egg, or the Julia Child crepe filled with Nutella, powdered sugar, and strawberries or bananas. Their menu also features healthy smoothies, homemade soups, creative toasts, and filling salads.
The Boardroom Market & Deli offers a unique spin on breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Hand-crafted hoagies are stuffed with house-roasted meats including pastrami, turkey, or roast beef. Interesting combinations take classic sandwiches to the next level. Pair with a salad or homemade soup for a fast and filling meal.
The Drunken Goat loves their wine and cheese. Their menu offers small tapas, unique bruschetta, tasty lunch sandwiches, and larger dinner plates. A build-your-own cheese board should accompany any visit here, as there are a few dozen varieties to choose from. With an extensive wine list and sun-soaked patio, this is a lively spot for lunch, happy hour, and dinner.
Craving Cajun? Main Street Grill serves up delicious creole and cajun dishes in addition to casual fare. Their extensive menu has something for everyone, from Louisiana classics like spicy shrimp creole and Andouille sausage jambalaya, to burgers, sandwiches, wings, and ribs. Their bar is popular for happy hour and late night drinks.
A local’s favorite, Craftsman Brew Co, recently expanded their space, and their menu. Known for their signature craft sandwiches, such as the Nashville Hot Chicken or Mushroom “Pastrami”, their menu now also includes small plate starters and large plates for the table. With an open kitchen concept and edgy vibe, Craftsman Brew Co brings together artisan ingredients in an approachable way.
Zino Ristorante, right outside The Inn’s doors, is a casual contemporary Italian trattoria, serves crispy wood fired pizzas and fresh pasta made in-house. Traditional Italian dishes and modern unique combinations are inspired by family recipes from the chef & co-owner and access to seasonal ingredients. The main dining room is open and bustling, whereas the upstairs lounge and bar have a more intimate, yet equally energetic vibe. In the warmer months, the doors in the dining room open to a creekside patio and bocce court.
For fine dining, Juniper is a long-time staple restaurant in Edwards. Perfect for date night with dim lights and white tablecloths, their menu consists of elevated, mouthwatering dishes. Offerings change seasonally, but a few favorites never go out of style, such as the veal scallopini with angel hair caprese or braised short rib with boursin cheese mashed potatoes. Finish the evening with a decadent dessert – the hot sticky toffee pudding paired with a Tawny Port is the perfect nightcap.
Stay & Play
The Inn at Riverwalk is the best place to stay to experience everything Edwards offers. Within walking distance of all the best restaurants, a creekside pool and hot tub, 24 hour Lavazza coffee bar, and access to a complimentary gear garage, The Inn allows you to be close to the adventure, yet away from it all.
