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avern on the Gore has taken the best features of alpine taverns, sports bars and Colorado dining and wrapped it into one great mountain experience. The Tavern is well named, as it offers the largest list of Colorado microbrews in town — 32 craft beers in total, plus standard domestics. In keeping with the friendly nature general manager John McKenzie fosters, he personally compiled the book of beers, complete with beer-related quotes on every page — from Plato to Homer Simpson. McKenzie and his new executive chef, Chris Moulton, take pride in the quality of the food they serve. The Tavern’s fresh oysters, flown in daily from the East Coast, are a big hit for $1.50 a pop. They include Chesapeake Bay oysters (where 10 percent of retail proceeds benefit oyster reef restoration) and Chincoteague Salt Oysters, which stand up to their salty name. When it comes to hearty entrees, McKenzie buys 100 percent Colorado chicken, beef, bison and lamb that are all natural, with no hormones, steroids or animal by-products. Moulton focuses on using fresh ingredients to bring out natural flavors. Dishes like the chicken marsala and the lamb lollipops, the latter of which feature a special coffee-spiced rub, are savory, without being overpowering. Likewise, side dishes such as the whipped potatoes and fresh vegetables present light and fresh, rather than overly rich. And, for those who want to begin on a festive note, the Tavern offers an array of appetizers — from clams and mussels to bruschetta or sweet potato fried. Or you can dive immediately into one of the Angus burgers, packed with extras like smoked gouda, banana peppers, bacon, spicy slaw and more.
Tavern on the Gore 223 Gore Creek Drive / 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. (kitchen until 10 p.m.) 970.476.2828 / tavernonthegore.com by Kim Nicoletti
photos by Kristin Anderson
Top of the Game In addition to the juicy burgers, several wide-screen, high-definition televisions hint that the Tavern may be the place to watch big games. Add to those several smaller, “personal” high-def TVs strategically embedded in wooden panels
Price
Apps $9-$18, entrees $10-$30 •••
Ambiance
Casual dining with great spirits, food and sports •••
Signature dish
Fresh oysters •••
PERFECT FOR
vail
64
High-energy meals, game day
along tables and booths, and you’d be correct if you guessed that “it gets crazy — you can’t even walk around in here during a Broncos game,” McKenzie said. Still, he distinguishes: “We’re not a sports bar, but we just happen to be the best bar to watch sports in. You can watch sports in style at your own table.” The restaurant’s dry-stacked stone columns, rich wooden walls and huge windows complement the mountain environment outside. In fact, the Tavern’s deck and dining room sits right over the Gore Creek. And, beginning in March, the entertainment extends outside, with live music on the heated deck. The Tavern’s entertainment factor, along with its Colorado microbrews and all-natural meat sourcing — plus its oyster bar — make it an unparalleled experience in Vail’s casual dining scene. • Tavern burger with fries, smoked gouda, sauteed onions, mushrooms, banana peppers, spicy slaw, bacon and fried tomato. left Bone-in sweet apple pork chop. above