The Little Diner — Restaurant in Vail

Very disappointed… this is NOT a $100 breakfast, (for 4). We read many reviews and seem that “this was a MUST GO breakfast spot. I say… NO! Parking is very difficult unless you are actually staying “in the Village”. The host is a bit arrogant. The server barely spoke English, which is ok, as long as they understand English… which clearly, when we received our food… (not all together), was not the case. we were 2 couples. First couple ordered: (1) basic 2 eggs over easy with potatoes, bacon and toast, (2) 2 eggs, scrambled with pancakes and bacon. The second couple: (1) eggs Benedict please delete the meat, (2) 2 eggs over medium with bacon and potatoes.

What we received… Couple 1… the pancakes came out for her, 2 eggs for him (grossly over-cooked) with the potatoes. (No toast, no bacon… Then my eggs Benedict came out, drowning in cold hollandaise that was soooo bland, (clearly they are not using real butter, fresh lemon juice, dash or even any salt and pepper)… you can easily tell they are using low quality ingredients and making it in large quantities…My soft poached eggs were nearly hard boiled… the potatoes were the burnt end of an early batch served at rooom temp, as they must keep it to the side of the range and the bits of potato had gotten hard. 10 minutes after, my husbands 2 eggs come out… as well as the 2 scrambled eggs to go with my friends pancakes. THEN… they delivered 3 plates of bacon… we even asked. We asked why so much bacon on 3 separate plates… the server just smiled and nodded.

We were soooo frustrated at that point, we just wanted to leave…. THEN we got the bill… over $100!!!!!!!!!!!!! They charged for 3 side ordered of bacon and charged full price for the breakfast(s) that were already priced and described to include a “choice of meat”… they charged me for hollindaise sauce, then charged me for my eggs and a side of potatoes…

Our breakfast for 4 should have been $70-75….. and it was over $100!!!!!!!!!!!, the way they rung it in… and the sporadic manner in which it was delivered, ruined everything.

Never, ever going back!!!!! We found a. Wonderful place for a quality breakfast just down the road… easy to park, delicious, quality food and fantastic, friendly and attentive service… go to West side Cafe’ and Market… you...

A great place to eat!

Typically when I look at reviews for restaurants, I check the overall rating and number of reviews. This gives me a good litmus test about what to expect. Then I look at all the negative reviews to see the nature of peoples’ complaints. Concerning those negative reviews for “The Little Diner,” I experienced nothing like that.

We came for an early lunch for my wife and a late breakfast for me. The gentleman who greeted us at the door was friendly and enthusiastic and welcomed us immediately with a smile. He offered us a choice of seats and we sat at the bar. We were able to see much of the action going on in the kitchen, which is often fun.

Kenzie was our server and she was friendly, heppful and attentive. She was also conversational and made us feel welcome and appreciated.

My wife had the Expert Burger with fries, which was an excellent burger and more than enough for just about anyone’s appetite.

I chose the Ranch Hand Platter for breakfast. This place actually knows how to make scrambled eggs well-done (which seems to be a skill many cooks apparently lack, in my experience). They have excellent, thick, “boot strap” bacon, which has a wonderful Smokey flavor. The hash browns were made fresh and slightly crispy. Throw in some rye toast and a pancake and I was set! There was plenty of food, and all of it was tasty.

Two things: a dining experience here, for a diner, was a bit on the pricey side. But, eating out anywhere in Vail is going to be that way. But, as far as a diner experience goes, for its location, I thought the meal was worth it. Great food in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere is always worth a few extra bucks. And let’s face it. Vail prices are always a bit higher.

Also, you need to remember that this is a DINER. You won’t get a maître d’ and a harpist playing in the background. What diners do best is serve good food in a friendly atmosphere. This place does that well.

I would definitely recommend this place to folks staying in Vail who just want a nice belly-filling meal in a great atmosphere.

Parking could be a challenge, but if you are at the LIon’s Head shops, you can...

During our first of what will be many visits to Vail, our friends raved about The Little Diner for a classic and comforting brunch that hits all the right notes. My wife had the large, fluffy biscuits generously smothered in rich, creamy sausage gravy—savory and indulgent without being overwhelming. Accompanying the biscuits were perfectly scrambled eggs and a hearty serving of crispy hash browns, adding both texture and balance to the plate. Being an omelet fan, the Southwestern was a standout on the plate—beautifully golden and fluffy, filled with delicious chorizo, their specialty chili's (with more requested on the side), and chock-full of cheese. With both dishes, their crispy hash browns (watching how they were prepared) were a knock-out of the park. I was able to ask for a side of pancakes, and they were brought out early with our mimosas, which made for a perfect breakfast appetizer.

Each component was well-prepared and flavorful, making the meal feel both satisfying and familiar. It’s the kind of brunch that reminds you why diners are such beloved staples—simple, hearty, and delicious. Plus, sitting at the bar not only gave you a look into how the kitchen runs, but also the friendly and regular touch from the wait staff. If you're in Vail and craving a traditional brunch done right, don't miss out on The Little Diner as a staple that's...