Early Morning Ski Run? Pop into Vail’s 5 Best Spots for Breakfast on the Go

Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day — which is especially true if your day is jam-packed with calorie-burning activities. Fortunately, the Vail Valley is a foodie-friendly mecca for outdoor-sports enthusiasts seeking early morning meals.

If cage-free eggs, organic meats, artisan bread fresh out of the oven and house-roasted coffee are on your go-to breakfast list, Vail has you covered.

Whether your plan is to hit the slopes for first tracks or get on the trail before the heat of the day, these five breakfast spots will have you fueled and on your way in no time.

The Larkspur Market

Open daily at 8 a.m. in the winter, the Larkspur Market is the perfect place to grab a bite and a cup of coffee before hitting the slopes at the base of Golden Peak. Locals rave about the Bacon Breakfast Burrito, and there are plenty of other prepared breakfast sandwiches and pastries on offer.

Northside Kitchen and Grab & Go

Starting your day at dawn? Head to the Northside Kitchen in Avon or the Northside Grab & Go in West Vail (both on the north side of I-70). They open at 6 a.m. and serve a mouth-watering selection of burritos, sandwiches and wraps ready to go or made to order.

The classic bagel breakfast sandwich is big enough for two, and you can get it with homemade sausage, bacon or ham. If you’ve got a little more time, the Kitchen is famous for their pancakes, French toast and huevos rancheros — and did we mention the donuts?

Local’s tip: Even if you’re just stopping at the Grab & Go, don’t wait in line like a chump. Call a few minutes ahead to place your order, and it will be at the counter waiting for you when you swing by.

Loaded Joe’s

Just over the Covered Bridge and tucked underneath 10th Mountain Whiskey in the heart of Vail Village, you’ll find Loaded Joe’s Coffeehouse and Lounge. They serve a hearty selection of breakfast sandwiches on croissants, tortillas or bagels from 7 a.m. (6:30 a.m. in the winter) to 1 p.m. and lunch sandwiches throughout the day.

They’re known by locals for their ultra-hip music playlist and as the best place to grab a shot (of coffee!). However, come back in the afternoon for a selection of tasty cocktails and après-ski snacks. There’s also a second (larger) location in downtown Avon.

Westside Café

If you have a little more time (and the day’s activity won’t be hindered by an overly full stomach) head to the Westside Café in West Vail for the “World’s Best Benes.” While that is indeed a hefty proclamation, it’s warranted.

If you enjoy eggs Benedict with a twist, you’ll love the bison tenderloin, the Crabalicious or the South of the Border. Can’t decide? They’ll let you go halfsies. The place is always packed, and they don’t take reservations, so get there early (it opens at 7 a.m.), get served and get on with your day.

Local’s tip: If eggs Benny isn’t your thing, try the Local or the Tourist special: two eggs, hash browns and toast. The only difference is how much you pay — the Tourist special is $2 more!

Avon Bakery

For homemade organic bread, pastries and generous sandwiches in Avon, the Avon Bakery & Deli is the spot. They bake all day, so the place pretty much always smells like fresh bread — if you weren’t already hungry, you will be as soon as you walk in the door.

While you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, the chorizo breakfast burrito is sure to get you revved up for a day of adventure.

Everything is made to order, and there’s often a lengthy line around mealtimes, but you can order and pay online or with their app, or just call ahead to place your order. They’re open daily at 6:30 a.m. during the peak seasons.

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