We visited here twice during our trip to Vail, which shows how much we enjoyed it. We absolutely loved the Swiss Hot Dog, Toasted Sub, and Ernst's Famous Uber Soup. The service was excellent. Everyone working was kind and welcoming. The restaurant was cozy and inviting. I look forward to coming back a third time before our trip ends. read more

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We had a great experience here with the staff! We enjoyed the drinks at the bar. Super cool spot. read more

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This is a small restaurant tucked in between two larger businesses in Vail Village. It's seat yourself, if you can find a spot. They do have tables both inside and outside, but they're all situated pretty closely together. You order at the counter and then they call out your name when your order is ready. I went with the small cup of coup and the chupacabra sandwich. I asked for no onions and the cook recalled the first one as he was handing it to me, remembering that he put onions on it. He made me a new one and said I could keep the onion one. The new one also had onions If the onions didn't need to be scraped off, the sandwich would be 10/10. The soup was ok. I don't think I came across any chicken and the noodles were pretty soft. The broth was very flavorful and unique, though. It also provided the warmth needed on a cold winter day. read more

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Two dogs, one bun: a story of a misleading menu, overpriced food, and disappointment. We were excited to try this spot for a reasonable lunch. On the menu they had a "2 Bratwurst special" for $20. We ordered it and the cashier asked if my husband and I were splitting it, as if this was something people do often here. We said yes, paid, and waited for our food. Imagine our surprise when we found two tiny hot dogs in one bun- NOT enough for two people and they should've told us that. And it didn't even taste that good. We won't be back. read more

One of the worst dining experiences we've ever had We were so excited to try Blü Cow -- we love funky local spots and were looking forward to some cozy hot chocolate and sausages after a day in Vail. The décor was cute and the seats comfy. The Swiss Dog was tasty but not worth $17, and two hot chocolates plus a soup brought our total to $68 -- steep, but we expected that in a ski town. We were told the soup would take 10 minutes, but after 30 minutes of waiting, nothing. When we politely asked about it, the owner came out and started yelling at my wife in front of everyone, insisting we hadn't waited that long and being shockingly rude. The soup finally came out as we were leaving -- it was fine, but nothing special. We left feeling upset and embarrassed. I've never been treated so badly at a restaurant. Between the overpriced food, long wait, and aggressive owner, we won't ever be back. read more

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I can't believe I'm just writing a review as I've been coming here for years. The Swiss dog and pup are staples. It has a curry seasoning that is just so good! On my last visit, I sadly learned they are being pushed out of their space. I so hope they find another location as they are a mountain staple. read more

I was itching for a sandwich for lunch but happily stumbled to this spot instead. The Swiss hot dog and famous soup are so yummy!! I have found a new favorite Vail spot to go to. We also enjoyed the black truffle chips. I want to try the Bloody Mary next time. The service is so chill and great. Such friendly people. read more

A great lunch option in Vail. The cafe has options for sausages and soups. The chicken soup is delicious and really has a huge number of veggies in it. The space is small but there are small tables and a bar to sit at. Very cozy and fun to look at the old photos of the owner. Friendly service and Vail prices. read more

The Blu Cow - Ernsts Famous Soup! - Cafes Near Me - Vail, Colorado

They do a few things and do them very well! Very flavorful Swiss Hot Dog. You've got to have one! Right at the bottom of Vail ski lifts in Vail Village. Full bar, draft beer and great sandwich- the Swiss Hot Dog! Real people serving real food. Nice vibe with indoor and outdoor cozy seating. read more

Modest sandwich shop. Fresh bread and a tasty break from nearby spots. In short: not transcendent, but satisfying. Decent coffee too.

Great menu! Loved their chicken noodle soup. Grilled cheese was average. Service was super sweet and the dinner like atmosphere was just so fun! I highly recommend this place! read more

The Blu Cow - Cafes Near Me - Vail, Colorado

As a local I've had a great experience here pretty consistently for the last few years. Today l, I felt pretty compelled to write a review because of an exemplary employee and some great vibes! First, I want to make it clear I have mainly come here for drinks. They do have a variety of liquor options, beer options, and "mixer options", which makes it easier to order specific drinks you might have in mind. Typically, I order a whiskey ginger, a ranch water, or "neat" options so I can appreciate that. (Sorry ladies, I can't speak to an espresso martini but...) Some bars around here don't have as many options, so just something to consider as a plus. Food is pretty good. Most places in Vail will charge you a fortune for basic food so while it still is pricey, it's not terrible in comparison. It's not somewhere I would sit down for a full dinner, it's meant to be a drinking spot with a bite to eat or a quick grab as you're headed out. So please don't expect to sit down here with 3 kids, 8 adults, 3 elders, and strollers, and feel "catered to". Nice layout; while it's small and not particularly spacious, most areas around here are not roomy or spacious. But you can walk to the bathroom without tripping over someone, which is nice in Vail. German themed clock decor, if you're into that thing. Patio is super cute, I've definitely caught a few vibes over the years on the patio and it's great if you catch it in a slow moment to really savor. Today, I had just gotten off a rough workday and "Brooke"/"Brookes"? Really was super sweet and friendly. He got me a drink and water super quickly and kindly despite the fact he was serving multiple other guests. I watched him run around super efficiently all eventing; serving multiple guests at the same time, still checking in with people, curating music, laughing, and honestly, it was awesome. I've been here across ski afternoons and music shows but I truly had a great time at the Blu Cow this evening. One drink and some friendly music + casual company was the ticket this evening. So many places I've been or worked at here in Vail are understaffed and the attitude you get reflects that (understandably)... Not here. I just wanted to shout him out and also this local staple that to be fair... I have not reviewed until now. You're on vacation, you need a quick bite or a drink... give it a try! :) I was devastated to see one recent negative reviews because I think they're completely unrealistic and biased. I have come here on and off for YEARS and never had a bad experience. This is not a for rent photo shoot spot and if you are not renting the joint you cannot expect management or staff to accommodate that for free when they cannot limit patrons to meet your requests...? The rent here in the main square is sometimes thousands of dollars a month. They are throwing down good dogs and drinks: this is not a wedding shoot venue. Just a thought. ;) enjoy the Blu Cow!! (As someone who came here as a guest before I lived here!!!) read more

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This spot is a must every single time I go to Vail! I don't even eat sausage but I could eat three of these sandwiches in one weekend! You gotta give it a try read more

Every time my husband and I visit Vail we always make a stop here. The food is delicious, service is always wonderful and it's set in such a cute shop! I wish there was one closer to our home I would gladly eat here every day read more

My husband and I love loaded hot dogs/sausages so this was a natural choice for us when we were in Vail. My husband and I shared: - Swiss Hot Dog - El Chupacabra I enjoyed both of them and liked getting to try two different options. The bread to filling ratio was a bit off for me, there was a lot of bread. The menu is very small. There was a sandwich we wanted to try, but they were out, so we were still hungry after. I would have loved a couple of more options. The space is very small and a bit crowded/loud. They have outdoor seating as well. Parking in Vail is kind of a pain. Go to the parking garage, pay, and walk over. You won't find parking anywhere else. This is a great spot for lunch in Vail. read more

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Good food and fast service. Even if it looks packed inside, don't worry. You'll be able to order and get your food quickly. I recommend trying both The Swiss Hotdog and El Chupacabra. My wife and I got married on the rooftop of a loaded hotdog restaurant so I think it's fair to say you can trust my opinion of hotdogs and sausages. I'd gladly return if I'm ever in Vail again. I'd probably try one of their paninis the next time. We tried ordering it on our first visit but the couple in front of us ordered the last one! Oh well, better luck next time. read more

The Blu Cow - The Swiss Hotdog and El Chupacabra - Cafes Near Me - Vail, Colorado

This place has really good food. It's really popular so it can get crowded but well worth the wait. read more

The Blu Cow - Yummy Swiss hotdogs - Cafes Near Me - Vail, Colorado

This was the first stop on our trip to Vail. Incredible food! Would highly recommend it!

I love a good hot dog and this place has excellent hot dogs - the double dog was delicious. The bun was perfect, a little crispy on the outside and tender on the inside and it's not like the buns you get 8 in a pack at the grocery store, this is like a flatter, fluffier baguette. The Swiss dogs are skinny yummy bratwurst with a snappy casing, I only wish we had ordered a triple. The arugula, onions and sauces complement the dogs & buns perfectly. It was a nice snack to go with the cold beer. We stopped by for a quick drink before a meeting and ended up wolfing down the hotdogs & beer. I need to come back to try the other menu items. Service was friendly, helpful and quick even though they were very busy. read more

Cute Swiss place for apres ski. I loved the drink and the triple Swiss dog. My husband and kids loved the soup. It's a different type of chicken noodle soup with lots of herbs. It's very refreshing. read more

The Blu Cow - Inside - Cafes Near Me - Vail, Colorado

Blu Cow Vail is Vail's gem! Best bar vibes, cozy atmosphere, and those Swiss dogs are a must-try. The exceptional staff makes it a top-notch experience. read more

Good food, great atmosphere, great location, great staff. Came here on a trip to Vail. The place initially attracted me with their great music but once I yelped them I saw so many amazing comments so it was a must to try. Location does have indoor and outdoor seating but if cold the indoor seating is small so plan on getting it to go. I got the Regular Swiss Dog which hit all the flavor palettes you want. Really amazing sausage flavor mixed with the arugula and brown mustard is a must to have. This is their signature dish and it won't disappoint I also got the Turkey Brie Fig Panini which was packed with flavor. Definitely a sweet sandwich but after snowboarding Vail all day, this really gives you this savory home cooked feel. Overall, highly recommend as prices are also very good. read more

A must stop. Old Swiss Hot dog that was in Lionshead ( building was condemned 30 years ago who I had been to) and Avon. Caught now runs. I ordered the full dog you get a full beer which I did. Good with everything on it-spicy mustard, arugula and curry in a toasted bun. I normally to not like curry. read more

The Blu Cow - Cafes Near Me - Vail, Colorado

What made us choose this place especially when there was so many places to choose from at this beautiful Ski Town?!? Local man eating at the patio told my group of girlfriends: "This place has been here for a long time and has been making amazing food!" And they had a sign for $5.00 beers and wine! So! This was the place! We came here for a late lunch from Glenwood Springs. We were passing by this adorable/fancy ski resort and decided to have lunch here. What we had: Blu Sweet Margarita: Bar tender, we trust you, give us your special! It was stunning! And very tasty and sweet! Trumer Pils: So refreshing, it hit the spot! Bloody Mary: It was so needed after all the walking and time to relax before the meals came! Chicken Noodle Soup: It was very flavorful and unique. It had alot of unique spices! 23 organic herbs and veggies!!! It was topped with parsley and lime. It wasnt traditional. Turkey Brie Fig Panini: Flavor combination was great! I love the fig spread. It felt like Fall! I loved it! Served hot! Made to order And of course we had their ---Original Swiss Hotdog---- Pork and Veal Brat! What made this so unique is how it's topped with argula and the home made curry spice! Full of Flavor! Well how can you go wrong! This is the place to have lunch! Good food. Amazing service. Fun atmosphere. The bar tender and chef were very accomodating! The decorations are adorable! You can bar seating, regular indoor seating, or outside! Where it looks like a Disney fairytale story book! Even though it was off season to visit Vail, it was still beautiful! I could just imagine how majestic it will be with the snow. However for now with the beautiful fall colors, mild weather, and light crowd, Vail is still beautiful! I hope you will enjoy this cute little restaurant and town as much as I did! read more

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This little gem is right off the gondolas in vail village. We went with my parents and little kids. The food was good, you order at the counter. It was a nice little stop after exploring during the evening. read more

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Unfriendly. Expensive for what it is. Unfriendly. No wonder the place was empty. Did I mention unfriendly? ...I think it's unfriendly. Just go to First Chair instead. read more

The blu cow... unhealthy food, entitled children behind the bar, and overpriced drinks. What's not to love!

This is a special place deserving of your hard earned cash. Simone has crafted a wonderful establishment with a great menu. The Swiss dog is exceptional and the soups are equally good. The place is small but the atmosphere is outstanding. The staff provides wonderful customer service. I always enjoy stopping in for a beer and a dog. Can't say enough good things about this place. do yourself a favor and stop in. read more

A staple of Vail! A quaint little place with yummy food and quick service! We stopped in with a group to grab lunch and enjoyed the brats and a quick beer. read more

Before heading to Vail, I accumulated a list of restaurants and items I wanted to eat. The Blu Cow's Swiss Hot dog made the cut Anyone that knows me knows that I'm a sucker for a good brat or dog. The Blu Cow had me at curry powder, arugula, veal sausages and mustard. I ordered a double at their street cart, as the bar was closed due to Covid. It wasn't a savory dog by any means, it was bitter, sweet with a touch of savory. It was something that's totally different. For that reason alone you should go and check it out. I didn't really interact with anyone, so I can't rate the service. However the young lady that took my order outside was friendly and kind. Get one to go and eat it at the nearby stream or go back to your hotel. read more

The Blu Cow - a sandwich and a drink - Cafes Near Me - Vail, Colorado

This place has gone waaay down hill. Watching them make the food is gross. No hand washing and the woman at the counter wiped her nose with her hand, rubbed them together and then turned the register screen to me. She then truend with her bare hands and make a hot dog. GROSS WAAAAAY too expensive for service and food that use to be good and is not any more read more

Vail is a bit stiff. It's a bit over elegant. It's a pinch too snooty if you ask me. But none of those descriptors can be labeled onto Blü cow. We love Blü cow. We love their hot dogs. We love their staff. We love their hot chocolate. We love their chicken noodle soup. We love their logo. Shucks darnit, we just love the vibe. Best place in vail. Bar none. read more

The Blu Cow - Hot dog - Cafes Near Me - Vail, Colorado

Terrible customer service. For a small local business, you would do yourself a favor by not having one of your employees falsely accuse our party of not paying our bill. Let me paint the picture ... Our party of 8 came in for a cocktail while waiting for The Shake Down to open next door (go there, not here). We requested a specialty Carajillo coffee drink which they happily made. After 3 separate bills were paid, we went to The Shake Down next door for live music. Next thing you know, one of the employees from the blü cow comes rushing into The Shake Down telling the door guy, "some Mexicans didn't pay their bill, can I come in?" Not only is that racist and completely inappropriate, but he was very aggressive and threatening. After getting in several of our faces, including women, we showed him proof of payment so he scurried off. The entire exchange was so uncalled for, but what makes it worse is that my friend spoke with a manager over the phone a few days later who said he would make it right by refunding our three bills. When it came time to refund after we sent receipts via text, he went completely dark (see photos). I would encourage anyone considering patronizing this establishment to think twice. They're clearly unscrupulous and don't care about how they treat customers. Good luck. read more

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PROS: delicious dogs, cool vibe, great drinks. A longtime favorite. CONS: I can only eat here when I'm in Vail. The Blu Cow is a longtime favorite of mine. My husband grew up eating this delicious food in Lionshead at Swiss Hot Dog and introduced me to these delicious sausages. The Blu Cow only has two menu items, and because they're both perfect, that's literally all it needs. The hot dogs are so tasty and unique with the mustard and curry. The chicken noodle soup is also delicious, but I rarely order it because the dogs are so dang good! Do yourself a favor and stop in this place! read more

The Blu Cow - Regular Swiss Hot Dog - looks messy but so dang good! - Cafes Near Me - Vail, Colorado

We stopped in for a quick bite to eat on one of the days during our vacation in Vail. We ordered the El Chupacabra, which is a Colorado elk jalapeno cheddar brat, and it is topped with their sauce, corn bacon, cilantro relish, and onions. It comes served on a perfectly toasted baguette. The restaurant states they are world-famous for this Swiss hot dog, and I can see why. We really enjoyed it. The flavors blended together perfectly, and it provided just a bit of heat from the jalapeno, but it was not overwhelming. The staff was friendly and very attentive. The food did not take longer than 5 minutes to come out. This may be due to them being near closing time. We also appreciated that although they were near closing time, we were not rushed at all. read more

$30 for a brat and a cup of soup that had zip for flavor? Pass. The only flavor on the brat was mustard and the soup had no flavor except for the cilantro and lime added after. I took the soup back and they were super offended that I didn't like it. She stated "you're the only person who has ever complained!" Well, different strokes for different folks but for me I actually like flavor. I couldn't name you one of the 23 herbs the claim to use in this soup because it just tasted like lime water. read more

The Blu Cow - Cafes Near Me - Vail, Colorado

Such a great spot! It was exactly what I was looking for with great drinks and amazing Swiss dogs! The two bartenders were super friendly and stuck around to tell us all about the history of the place, which was super fun. Definitely coming back - probably same time tomorrow! read more

The Blu Cow - The Triple and Moscow Mule - Cafes Near Me - Vail, Colorado

Nothing is better after an amazing ski day than a classing brat from the Blü Cow. This place really speaks for itself! Absolutely must try. read more

The Blu Cow - Hot Dog - the Reg - Cafes Near Me - Vail, Colorado

Came to Vail for the first time in years and fondly remember the Swiss hotdogs in Lionshead. The memories came flooding back with the frost bite, except the dogs are better than I remember. Cool vibes, perfect location, can't wait to come back again soon read more

The Blu Cow - Dog and beer - Cafes Near Me - Vail, Colorado

Overpriced sandwich shop. The "famous" "chicken noodle" soup is basically broth with a few veggies tossed in. Really?