The Little Diner

4.6 (1.1k reviews)

ModerateDiners, Breakfast & Brunch, Burgers

Closed • 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Updated a few days ago

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The Little Diner - Pancake - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The Little Diner - Good and ambient - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The Little Diner - The Pfannkuchen (Dutch Baby Pancake) is always a favorite of mine and a must order with bananas and chocolate chips. - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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The Little Diner - Mixed Grill is very very good!! - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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THE LITTLE DINER ATMOSPHERE

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Moderate noise

Casual

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Good for groups

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Tastey breakfast sandwich (he rated it a 7/10)

Pegan S.

Not Good...this is a 1st for me....and it makes me sad to say it. HEAD's UP.... if your are popping off of the to enjoy a good meal, know that the parking is not convenient. You need to find the Lionhead Village parking garage & walk through the shops to get to the building. The signage does not make it easy to find on the upper level. But, we had read that it was a "great breakfast spot" so we took the time to find the pkg garage & walk to the Diner. Having bartended in a previous life, we both feel most comfortable dining at a bar... so we settled in at the bar and patiently waited to be greeted. The server was very involved with another customer, showing them photos (on her phone) and then, while they continued conversing, she brought us waters. While dropping the waters, she asked us "what can I get you to drink?" and without our ready answer, abruptly turned back to the other couple and continued their visit... completely forgetting, I am guessing, that she had even asked us a question. After another 3 minutes of wrapping up their visit, she finally returned, as if she had not left us hanging....and hungry. No "I'm sorry" or "my apologies for the delay", just a question of "what was it you wanted?" Hubby replied that we would like the "fresh squeezed orange juice" and asked if it was squeezed in house. "No, I just work here, I don't squeeze it" and that was how our morning dining experience nearly ended. The VERY FIRST ITEM on your menu touts "fresh squeezed" and it is not the truth???? What else isnt' the truth? Are those "made from scratch" biscuits made in someone else's factory? Anything else need a disclaimer? Having been on the road a bit & being very hungry, and also having decided that this was a diner that we wanted to experience (after a lot of research the night before), we did order. Hubby's breakfast sandwich scored a 7 out of 10 for him, my over medium egg and bacon would have been a delicious 10 had they been a little more up to temp than "barely warm" (they sat under the warming light for over 5 minutes). We were sitting right where we saw our food prepared, in the lovely open kitchen, so we made note of the time lapsed between my plate going to the expo station & his breakfast sandwich being plated. So, food wise...we give this diner a 7. Service wise.... a 1. She never looked our way again after taking our order. I had to literally call out "excuse me, ma'am...could I please get a refill on my coffee?" Our waters were never refilled. She spent her time "working her regulars" and missed out on a potential regular (as we pass by Vail a LOT) and also missed out on 2 very generous tippers. (Having both been in the service industry, we start out at 20% when we sit down and it typically goes up from there. Last night's server was wonderful and he was rewarded for the outstanding service.) This morning's service was abominable and her tip was definitely not 20%. I must say that the cooks' areas were very tidy and clean. I was highly impressed with their stations and give them kudos for that and the perfect preparation of my egg. The diner is so cute, I really wanted to love it. I left very sad that our experience was not a positive one. Last thing...there are placards that ask that patrons help them survive by giving to their Go Fund Me or Venmo account. um......

Lori H.

The restaurant had a classic diner vibe, which was nice to see. It was a little busy, so come prepared for a short wait as they cycle people in and out. For drinks, I like my coffee strong, so I ordered a hot Americano with two extra shots of espresso. It was perfect--just the way I like it. For the food, we loved everything here. You can't go wrong with anything. We shared several dishes, but my favorites were the Pork Chops & Eggs and the Pancakes. The service was excellent. I didn't catch our server's name, but he was great. He cracked several jokes, making the experience more enjoyable. I highly recommend stopping by for breakfast. I haven't tried their lunch or dinner, but I'm sure it'll be great. I'm looking forward to coming back.

Tiffany V.

This was definitely a nice treat staying in Vail. Definitely try the Dutch Baby if you haven't had it before - it's unique and we shared two across 8 people. The eggs benedict are also a solid savory dish option.

I got the Florentine omelet and it was amazing (super packed with fillings, yay!), and absolutely enormous. The staff was really friendly and accommodating. One of my friends had to leave early and they were nice enough to get her food out more quickly. They also have a fantastic allergy chart, which made ordering much easier for my other friend with food allergies. The only downside was the 45-minute wait for a table (probs because their food is so good!) and that the seating area wasn't very charming compared to other places in the area

Atlas W.

The Little Diner is one of those places we never skip when we're in Vail. It's small, lively, and runs like absolute clockwork -- even when it's packed. Counter seating, open kitchen, short orders flying... it honestly feels like a scene from a movie. The food never fails. Hearty breakfast plates, strong coffee, and portions that actually fuel you for a full ski day. And the help is always -- get this -- actually helpful. Fast, friendly, and on top of everything. It gets busy (because it's good), but turnover is quick and the energy is part of the charm. If you want a no-frills, reliable breakfast before hitting the mountain, this is it.

Evan L.

Sit at the bar. Talk to the locals. Order the breakfast burrito and a side of biscuits and gravy. You won't regret it. Best breakfast in Vail.

Stephanie N.

Our server was a bearded delight. The bacon was thick cut, everything was fresh. The German pancake was the star of the show. We didn't even put anything but lemon squeeze on it. Holy flavorful!!! Highly recommend

Paul J.

Our first recommendation for Vail was to visit Little Diner, and now we know why. This place is amazing! An old-timey-ish diner, it serves up fresh breakfast fare with no frills or fanfare, but plenty of flavor! Our recommendation: order the Pannekoeken as soon as you sit down - it takes about 20minutes to bake but it's worth the wait. I got the Ranch Hand breakfast - three eggs over easy, toast, has browns, bacon and one pancake. Exactly the way to start the day! High quality food cooked just right, washed down with a cup of black coffee. And the Pannekoeken is a nice sweet item to share around the table. The rest of the table got assorted breakfast items from omelets to grits and fruit cups, and everyone raved. 100% this is the place to go for a meal in Vail! You gotta stop by!

Anh N.

Came the day after end of season and they were still bustling! Great cozy diner to grab breakfast. Servers are attentive and service is quick! Got a Benedicts plate and the server noticed right away the eggs were overcooked and he brought out new eggs without even asking! No frills breakfast, but do try the Dutch baby if you haven't. Thin airy pastry bigger than your head.

Troy H.

The little diner was an absolute find The food excellent the service was excellent 50 coconuts for breakfast worth it

Little Diner is a magical breakfast spot. During our five days in Vail, we ended up going every single morning--and even did takeout one day to enjoy breakfast back at our rental. Everything was packed thoughtfully, and the food still felt fresh, which was a great surprise. We're a picky family of five, and somehow each of us found multiple favorites on the menu. That alone says a lot. Jesus and the entire team were consistently warm, welcoming, and always ready with a smile. They truly made each morning feel special and helped us start every day on the right note. Thank you for such a great experience--we'll definitely be back.

Chris B.

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 worth a visit.

Stephanie S.

This is the best little hidden spot! Located in the tunnel on the way into Lionshead Village, it's a small diner that had great, quick, service and food! We had the pancakes, crepes, and a breakfast sandwich and all were really good! We got a table right away and sat outside. The inside looked cute as well. Might be back tomorrow!

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Alison T.

2 years ago

I'm in heaven If you are ever up in Vail, Colorado you have to check out The Little Diner! Service and food are amazing! You won't be disappointed! Ask specifically for Miriam. She was truly amazing this morning (She's also been here for 15 years!) Thanks for the great experience this morning. Will definitely be coming back! read more

The Little Diner - Apple al a mode crepe - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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John R.

Elite 23

218

3 years ago

Fun little diner to eat at before a long day of hitting the slopes! The food here is really good and reasonably priced for a mountain town. Just make sure to join the waitlist before you come because this place gets super busy, had to be 10+ people waiting when we got seated. I ordered the 2 egg's breakfast with cheese grits, sausage and rye bread. It was the perfect amount of food and for 12.99 a great deal in Vail. It was all cooked well and a great start to my day, loved the old timey diner vibe! read more

The Little Diner - 2 eggs and meat - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Ed G.

274

1 year ago

Ordered the Benny and it was delicious! A bit taken back by the slight citrus taste that must have come from the hollandaise?! No not lemon. Was orange. Anyway, everything was delicious and servers(yes many servers) were extremely attentive. Definitely come back when in vail! read more

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Karin H.

Elite 26

432

344

2 years ago

You may have to wait, but once you sit, the service is fast and the food is yummy and hot. I had the two-egg breakfast with ham and coffee, my spouse ordered the corned beef hash; homemade and yummy with two eggs over easy. Great food, good-sized portions, and wonderful coffee. The service is excellent. Yum! read more

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Lauren T.

Elite 26 All-Star

417

572

1242

6 years ago

This place is a gem! It's a small restaurant but a very authentic diner with large portions that come out fast. The Mixed Grill was out favorite but the waiter recommended the Dutch Baby. This may sound strange but they have an exceptional fruit cup. Most places do like hard cantaloupe and grapes but this was fresh blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. I saw someone eating it and it looked so good that I substituted my potatoes for fruit (which is not like me) and was thrilled! Tastey hot coffee. read more

The Little Diner - Mixed Grill - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The Little Diner - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Kristyn A.

2 years ago

I REALLY REALLY love this place. It's tiny but so good. Their omelettes are delicious, as is their bacon and hash browns (the shredded kind). We love that if you can't decide what to get, their sides include one pancake, and one slice of French toast, which is so unique to see. The service is also great. When we visit our favorite place to sit is at the bar so that we can watch all the cooking happen. Thank you for being our go-to spot in vail! read more

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Rachel H.

2 years ago

Unfortunately I had the bad experience of seeing discussions in the kitchen for the second time!! It's a great place and the food is very good, but it's terrible to witness such strong fights from the kitchen team! read more

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Brian L.

Dear Rachel,…

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t d.

Elite 26

862

170

2 years ago

This place was packed in late April, when the rest of Vail Village was quiet. The coffee is very good. I was not impressed with the biscuit, however, the Dutch baby pancake and strawberry blintz were very good. Staff were professional and effective. Nice place to get good old fashion breakfast. read more

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Erica E.

Elite 26

258

1217

2 years ago

Excellent food and large menu. There is something for everyone. The food portions are large and service is quick and excellent. They open at 7am and I recommend getting there upon open if you don't want to wait for a table as the inside is super small. read more

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Alice G.

Elite 26

292

3 years ago

I wish I could give The Little Diner all the stars in the world! This place is breakfast heaven! The food is amazing! I ordered an omelette and my husband ordered a club sandwich and they were both fantastic! The omelette came with a side of hash browns that were absolutely perfect: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, seriously perfect! We ordered a Dutch Baby thinking it was the size of a "normal" pancake, but it is the size of a Dutch oven pan! Gigantic! But it is delicious, we took 2/3 of it to our hotel and ate it for dinner and it was still delicious. We had the berries for topping and they gave the right amount of tangy to this fantastic mix of pancake and crepe, but with a crispy crust. Extra stars for the soundtrack and for whoever picked the volume, since the music added to conversation, not took over it. The decor is awesome, looks like a vintage diner with subway tile on the walls and booths with red seats. Service is impeccable. They have the nicest people working at the Little Diner. Parking is a block down the road, so set your GPS for the parking lot, and walk 5 minutes inside of this cute Vail villa to get to breakfast heaven. read more

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Donald M.

2 years ago

Great diner. One of the few truly casual restaurants in the area. Vail needs more places like this. Not a fancy tourist spot but great for a family meal if you are spending the day skiing. read more

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Brianna F.

Elite 26

196

165

488

6 years ago

We were in town last week and had been wanting to try this place for breakfast. If you're staying at the Marriott or Ritz Carlton, this place is super close by. We picked up takeout from here given the limited outdoor seating available. When I arrived to pickup the food, I was immediately impressed with their setup. There were a few tables outside that were distanced well-apart. They had a long table in front of their doorway where the register was stationed. Very little clutter on the table, but visible hand sanitizer and marked cups for "new" and "used" pens. I always appreciate the attention to detail and doing everything possible to make everyone feel comfortable. We ordered Pannekoeken with blueberries, a side of biscuits and gravy, Eggs Benedict, and Ranch Hand Breakfast. The Pannekoeken was our shareable sweet breakfast item. It was a pretty good size and loaded with fresh blueberries. I got the Ranch Hand Breakfast with eggs over easy, thick-cut bacon, pancake, toast and hash brown. It was a lot of food! In fact, I had to put the pancake aside for another meal. We all felt like the food we ate here was hearty, homey, and satisfying. No complaints! read more

The Little Diner - Side order of biscuits and gravy - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The Little Diner - Ranch Hand Breakfast with bacon and eggs over easy - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The Little Diner - Pannekoeken (Dutch baby) with blueberries. Sunk a little in the takeout box but still good! - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The Little Diner - Pannekoeken with blueberries, side of biscuits and gravy, Eggs Benedict, Ranch Hand Breakfast - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The Little Diner - Eggs Benedict - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The Little Diner - Pannekoeken (Dutch baby) with blueberries. Sunk a little in takeout box but still good! - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Tom D.

Elite 26

208

433

5 years ago

Breakfast Symphony! We scored two of the coveted counter seats with a view of the flattop grills and marveled throughout our visit at the efficiency, culinary skill, and constant motion that it takes to keep The Little Diner humming. Our orders - the Ranchhand Breakfast and the Vegetable Crepe were masterfully prepared and attractively plated and the food was hot and delicious. Don't miss this when you're in Vail. Come early to avoid the waitlist, but if you end up on it, keep the faith and grab a counter seat to watch the symphony! read more

The Little Diner - View from the Counter Seats - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Nirmal M.

2 years ago

We went here for a late breakfast, and the service was fast. I ordered the eggs breakfast with a side of sliced avocado and corned beef hash--the hash was quite good! My partner ordered the blintzes, which were more like crepes than traditional blintzes, but he enjoyed them. We'd come back. read more

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Kate O.

Elite 26

3 years ago

Cute diner. Very good food and was seated very quickly. Lots of vegetarian options since meat can be swapped with avocado. read more

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Charles M.

1 year ago

Great spot for breakfast just a short walk from our hotel. Classic diner with good food, great service despite crowd. Very popular with the locals read more

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Walt J.

1 year ago

Always great food and fast service. This is our go to place in Vail for breakfast. Good selection on the menu. It is always busy but the wait is minimal and you can get on the wait list on their website. read more

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Katie M.

2 years ago

I want to say the food was amazing! I got the eggs benedict and a mocha latte and my husband got the biscuits and gravy. I was so impressed with the quality and quantity of food. The quite little bar top was cozy and comforting during the snowy weather. The only reason I wouldn't give it 5 stars is due to the service. There was a lady behind the counter who was quite snippy and borderline rude with her responses. The prices were pretty expensive, but for the quality of the food we didn't mind. The rude attitude did keep us from returning again during our trip. I would recommend this place, but maybe get ready for snippy waitress. read more

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Brian L.

Dear Katie,…

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Kathleen Z.

Elite 26

247

664

5 years ago

Picked this spot because we just wanted breakfast and the Yelp reviews selected this spot. Our waitstaff Gustavo highly recommended the Eggs Benedict. The eggs were poached perfectly... literally perfectly with a bit of run and still some golden yolk inside to cut through. The Holland side was also perfectly prepared with just the right amount of lemon and consistency that draped the eggs and ran just enough. I had a side of grits that were also delicious. My partner had a customer omelet with hash browns that were crisped to a golden brown and tender inside. A side of sausage gravy coupled nicely. The Bloody Mary was no slouch with quite a bit of spice. Would come here next time we're in Vail. read more

The Little Diner - Breakfast with a hot date - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Allison L.

Elite 26

305

160

338

4 years ago

So glad we found The Little Diner (courtesy of Yelp). I'm not a big breakfast person but saw that this place had a lot of positive reviews and decided to give it a try. This was probably one my favorite meals during my time in Colorado. If you can, I recommend sitting at the countertop where you can watch the chefs cook. Add your name to the waitlist ahead of time, and try some of the more unique dishes (like the Dutch Baby or Mixed Grill). read more

The Little Diner - Dutch Baby with choc chips - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The Little Diner - Mixed grill with chorizo - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The Little Diner - Ranch Hand Breakfast - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Charita A.

Elite 26

394

609

3469

4 years ago

After not being able to find the actual location once inside this cute village area in Vail, I was pleasantly surprised with everything inside the actual diner. Its small for sure so I wouldnt reccomend it to anyone who doesnt like sitting close to other neighbors while dinning. Theres a waitlist program on their website which is quick and easy to use. I definetely suggest the waitlist. We had to wait about 20 mins total on a Thursday for lunch after adding my name to the waitlist. Try to get a seat inside at the counter for a real experience. I got to watch my entire meal be prepared as well as my familes. Its a good and bad thing for someone like me whos a bit of a germaphobe. It was still cool though to see how fast everyone moved in the kitchen and maintained their little stations. I had the steak wedge. It was good but a bit messy and awkward to eat. I also had a boozy hot chocolate which was yummy. The portions are generous and the service was good. I would come back here any chance I get. read more

The Little Diner - Hot Chocolate with Peanut Butter whiskey - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The Little Diner - Steak Wedge - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Allen M.

238

3 years ago

Driving thru Vail and needed a quick lunch. Found this on Yelp and picked it due to the high ratings. I had the Philly Cheese Steak, others had the BLT, and Patty Melt. Some had the sweet potato fries and others tried the onion strings. Everyone raved on how good everything was. The onion strings were the biggest hit. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. If I'm ever in the area again, will definitely stop in for a meal at The Little Diner. read more

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Gayle R.

2 years ago

The MOST DELICIOUS Ruben sandwich EVER! The bread was perfectly toasted and hugging thick slices of juicy corned beef with a light thousand island dressing and a bit of kraut. SO GOOD. Cute place, nice service. We would love to try everything on the menu. read more

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Kristina S.

3 years ago

This place is not healthy and the food is terrible. I had the apple crepe and Dutch Baby. The crepe was dry and had no flavor. The Dutch baby was a mushy pile of grease and also terrible. Don't waste your money here. Go to Vintage or Westside Cafe instead. read more

The Little Diner - Dutch baby center is all mushy and puddles of oil. Gross. - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Brian L.

Dear Kristina,…

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Alisa J.

Elite 26

243

2021

7055

4 years ago

Awesome diner in Vail! The corned beef hash was so good and the best I've ever had! It was so buttery and delicious. The Dutch baby was also really good but it was huge and hard to eat the whole thing. I recommend adding something to it. I got cinnamon apples. Wasn't too crowded and got a seat immediately on Saturday around 7:30 am. Will be back! read more

The Little Diner - Dutch baby - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The Little Diner - Ranch breakfast with corned beef hash - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The Little Diner - Hot chocolate - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Reel N.

3 years ago

Went here on Monday morning around 8a in September. No waiting to get seated. We sat at the counter. I had the Mixed Grill. Really big serving. Couldn't finish it. Definitely consider getting it to share. Friendly staff. Great diner feel. Would definitely go back. read more

The Little Diner - Mixed Grill platter $16.99 - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Cela G.

Elite 26

296

586

4 years ago

This is a small and cute place for breakfast. I arrived early which meant i didn't have to wait long for them to sit me. They have a QR code for the menu. I ordered the ranch breakfast which came with three eggs, choice of meat either bacon, ham, chorizo or sausage if you don't eat meat they have veggies as an option, also a choice of grits, hash browns or a fruit cup, pancake and toast. It was very filling and hash browns were delicious. Also had a cup of coffee which came out to a total of about 30 bucks gratuity included on receipt. There are bathrooms near the restaurant but weren't very clean I'd suggest using the restrooms in the parking structure near the lion heads gondola. It's located behind moes bbq if you're coming from the gondolas. Waiter was very attentive. It did fill up quickly so I'd suggest arriving early. read more

The Little Diner - Ranch breakfast. - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Reyna B.

1 year ago

Best meal I've had in a while. The steak and egg hoagie is to die forrrrr. Pancake was also good.

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Sarah D.

Elite 22

304

251

121

3 years ago

This place is--as advertised--little in size...but big on flavor. Don't miss the Dutch Baby pancake. It is 100% worth the wait. My husband had the eggs Benedict, which was incredible, but the Dutch baby is where it's at! read more

The Little Diner - Dutch baby pancake - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Steve T.

2 years ago

The food, portions and service are great! Great value for the price!!! Incredible breakfast! read more

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Biz M.

2 years ago

Highly recommend! Excellent service, great food and professional services. The staff was very considerate and felt like home.

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Zach M.

157

2 years ago

Great if you know what to get. The espresso was 3 out of 5 okay, but it was good. Caffeine for the morning. The blueberry pancake was amazing. ... Steak, onion, omelette was great. And the hashbrowns were great. Kinda hate how they used the Sysco cooking oil, but that's just whatever. I'm being nitpicky. The service is great, as always. read more

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Alexa K.

173

242

3 years ago

Great spot for breakfast/lunch in the village. I'm conflicted on service: on one hand, the staff was incredibly friendly, however, food took forever, and there was a cheque mishap at the end that was slightly frustrating. Overall though, really tasty spot! We sat outside, so it was pretty cold! read more

The Little Diner - Egg White Veggie Omelette - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Destiny G.

1 year ago

I tried the steak wedge in particular and it was crispy and tasty, the service was awesome, the ambiance was peaceful and cozy

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Brian K.

1 year ago

Had breakfast at this little gem in Vail. The food was amazing, cost was great and service was fantastic. Will definitely be going back. It is a must for anyone looking for a great breakfast spot. read more

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Sierra S.

337

3 years ago

Quick service, good food, and a cute diner atmosphere! This is a great breakfast spot to try when in Vail. read more

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Christin S.

Elite 24

1203

132

198

5 years ago

Not an exaggeration when I say this was my favorite breakfast ever!!! You can check in online and track your place in line, but since it's a diner it moves super quick! The service was incredible friendly, and we loved sitting at the counter and watching the skilled chefs do their thing! Overall it is a TON of food. We split the blueberry blintz, and while I genuinely don't normally like sweet foods for a regular meal this was absolutely incredibly and we devoured it. The taxi driver's special was loaded and delicious, and if you get the eggs benedict definitely get the corned beef hash upgrade! The hollandaise is a tiny bit mayo heavy but overall it's so delicious and worth it. Overall this spot is a must if you're in Vail, and make sure to check in online to optimize your experience! read more

The Little Diner - Eggs Benedict with corned beef hash upgrade - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The Little Diner - Taxi drivers special - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The Little Diner - Blueberry blintz - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Christine S.

Elite 25

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707

125

3 years ago

Couldn't have asked for a better brunch stop on our first visit to Vail. We kept checking the online waitlist through Google because we had heard how small this place is but how busy it gets. We thought we were doing great since it continued to say no wait every time we checked as we approached Vail. Of course when we got to the restaurant at 9:35 AM on Friday (maybe 10 mins after our last waitlist check) there was now a waitlist of 15 people. We thought we were in for a long wait but got called almost immediately since we were only a party of 2! We were seated at the counter which was fun to watch them make the food. Our waitress, I think her name was Miriam, was so nice & prompt with service. We ordered the dutch baby with cinnamon apples, a side of hashbrowns, orange juices, & blueberry pancakes. Everything tasted fantastic but the dutch baby was the star because we don't get to have it everyday. Be forewarned the pictures online don't do it justice; the thing is massive! Still worth getting though & don't forget to add toppings! My husband & I agreed we'd come here everytime we stop in Vail. read more

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David W.

3 years ago

Great breakfast spot - Get there 10 min before it opens (7) and sit t the bar - it's fun to watch the kitchen work Eggs perfectly cooked - I tried the sausage and bacon - both are tasty I also recommend the green Chile pork - you can get as. Side read more

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Thuy N.

171

2 years ago

Cute diner vibe with very reasonably priced food with good portions and friendly staff. Would recommend for a family friendly fun breakfast spot read more

The Little Diner - Joe's Special Crepe - Diners Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Page 3 of 27

616 W Lionshead Cir
Ste 204
Vail, CO 81657
Directions
(970) 476-4279
Call Now
Visit Website
https://thelittlediner.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does The Little Diner open?

The Little Diner opens at 7:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.The Little Diner opens at 5:00 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does The Little Diner close?

The Little Diner closes at 2:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.The Little Diner closes at 9:00 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Thu 7:00 AM - 2:00 PMFri-Sun 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does The Little Diner take Bitcoin?

No, The Little Diner does not take Bitcoin.

Does The Little Diner take credit cards?

Yes, The Little Diner takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does The Little Diner have catering options?

No, The Little Diner does not have catering options.

Does The Little Diner have a drive thru?

No, The Little Diner does not have a drive thru.

Does The Little Diner have a happy hour?

No, The Little Diner does not have a happy hour.

Does The Little Diner serve alcohol?

Yes, The Little Diner serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does The Little Diner allow dogs?

No, The Little Diner does not allow dogs.

Does The Little Diner have TVs?

No, The Little Diner does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does The Little Diner have bike parking?

Yes, The Little Diner has bike parking.

Does The Little Diner have outdoor seating?

Yes, The Little Diner has outdoor seating options.

Does The Little Diner have parking?

Yes, The Little Diner has parking options. Garage Parking

Other Amenities

Is The Little Diner wheelchair accessible?

Yes, The Little Diner is wheelchair accessible.

Does The Little Diner have free WiFi?

No, The Little Diner does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

The best breakfast in Vail! Serving up fast, fresh, comfort food to nourish your soul. Open daily from 7 'ish' a.m. to around 2 p.m., offering Breakfast all day & Lunch after 11:30 am. Last seating is at 1:45pm. The Diner specializes in traditional favorites and regional specialties made from scratch daily using family recipes and freshest locally sourced ingredients. Come by and try the house specialty German Pancake, a sweet crepe, homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, corned beef hash, or fall in love with the Eggs Benedict the owner's father "wooed" his mother with. The list goes on.. Looking for Lunch? The Diner locally sources it's 100% all natural Angus burgers and serves them up on a freshly baked hard roll. It's all good! The "Little" part refers to the last name of the friendly owners who do all the cooking, by the way, but also to the fact that this spot isn't very big, so you may have to wait, but just "a little". Located at the west end of Lionshead in the Concert Hall Plaza building at the West Lionshead Plaza bus stop.

History

Established in 2008.

The Little Diner opened April 8, 2008 after an extensive renovation of the former DJ McAdams Crepes and Omelets restaurant that had occupied the space for nearly 30 years. Keeping with the tradition of the old restaurant Diner owners Brian & Peggy Little decided to keep the open kitchen and 20 seat bar design (the most efficient use of the space) as well as a few things on the menu that people had come to know and love over the years. With the remodel of the kitchen The Little Diner is now equipped to offer a full menu featuring traditional favorites, unique regional treats, and house specialties. The highly trained and experienced chefs at the diner make nearly everything on the menu from scratch daily with family recipes and take great care in preparing the freshest, highest quality, and best tasting food possible right in front of your eyes in the open kitchen. Come in and try the German Pancake, Breakfast Burrito, Biscuits and Gravy, Corned Beef Hash or Eggs Benedict!

Meet the Business Owner: Brian and Peggy L.

Brian Little was born in Memphis, TN and raised in Seattle, WA. Peggy hails from Pelham Manor, NY. Growing up Brian spent every summer and holiday in Brighton, TN at his Grandma Dot's house watching her closely in the kitchen and learning what he could. At age14 he started washing dishes in a local restaurant and worked his way up to prep cook then line cook. While attending Arizona State Brian met Peggy (they were chemistry lab partners) and they were both paying their way through school working in restaurants. When in school Brian became the Night Kitchen Manager and then Sous Chef of the bar he had worked at since moving to Tempe. Brian finished school, moved to Vail in 1998, and Peggy joined him a little later when she graduated. They both worked in the service industry in Vail over the next few years and eventually Brian was offered a Private Chef position. In late '07 the diner space came available so Brian and Peggy jumped at the opportunity and the next year they married!

More Info

Special Hours, Health Score

The Little Diner Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
2 Reviews

Ask the Community - The Little Diner

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They aren't. They are open for business.

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Jessica C.

2 months ago

The perfect diner exists @thelittlediner Growing up, my dad would always take me to greasy spoons, so I feel like an expert on this treasured category of restaurant. The Little Diner in Vail, CO is without exaggeration my favorite one I've ever discovered! In a stunning town known for tourism, it truly feels made for locals. The service was the warmest, most welcoming vibe and we felt like family- literally! We had breakfast with Jim Little, Chef Brian's dad We tried Jim's famous hollandaise on the eggs Benedict (how he won his wife's heart) and the two signature pancakes, Hatch green chili bloody mary, and as always I ordered corned beef hash in honor of Bill Coughlin, which was exceptional. Great coffee in a constant stream along with good conversation and a ringside seat watching line cooks in action, some have worked there for 15+ years The Little Diner is under threat from a developer shutting down the property next spring "The goal is to secure funding to purchase the commercial space in the new Concert Hall development (now named "The Apogean") when it is rebuilt. By owning the space and having the developer help us build to suit we will be able to guarantee the diner will be here for future generations! April 8th was our 18th anniversary and we couldn't have thought of a better time to kick off our crowdfunding campaign! Your support is very much needed. It seems like a big ask for a lot of money, but if everyone that loves our diner just gave "a little" we would meet our goal well before the building gets torn down! Don't let another important part of this community fade away. Please share and spread the word!" #saveourbacon read more

Dan L.

4 years ago

Some legends should be left untold. Yeah, the good reviews fooled us into visiting with our family vacay crew of 11. After getting on the call ahead list and being told our table was ready, we waited another 20 minutes for the party occupying our table to leave; but it's gonna be worth it right? Nope. Waiting at the table for 30 more minutes to even order was the next step. Then the real fun began. The wait for the food was at least another 45 minutes, then finally, the moment we've been waiting for... HALF of our order showed up. 15 minutes later we finally found someone to ask where the rest was, and of course, they had no idea. 15 more minutes another plate was delivered. YAY! But what about the rest? 10 more minutes and like magic, the final pieces of our "legendary" breakfast arrived on the scene. To round out the rest of the experience, we were offered a $30 gift card for the inconvenience. Because we TOTALLY want to come back for another 3 hour breakfast, especially in Vail where there is absolutely nothing else to do with your time. (That's a joke, people.) Oh, and the amount of times I was asked if I needed a warm up on coffee: zero. P.S. Food was good-ish. Bacon was burned, and so were the biscuits in the biscuits and gravy side. ‍ read more

Jared C.

11 years ago

not the best cool little place but the quality of the food wasn't so hot. you can see the cooks right in the center of the seating area. that's both good and bad. good for the atmosphere bad because you could see the amount of oil used for your meal. i felt like i weighted the chair lifts down until afternoon. in addition to the low quality ingredients i'd say this place is over priced even for Vail. they charged us to split a plate because we shared our breakfast with our two year old. i ordered a breakfast burrito, they charged me for the salsa and the avocado. up charge for an avocado i get but little thing of salsa for a burrito? we got a good laugh about that one. needless to say we didn't return. read more

Mende C.

11 years ago

This is a spot that my husband and I like to go for brunch! In a word, YUMMY! Love the atmosphere, kind of laid back and happy. We ate so much! Had to wait a little while to be seated, but hey, when the food is that good, why not?? This is not some fast food type deal. This is honest to goodness home cooked food! We actually discovered this place via YELP and the reviews were helpful! This is definitely someplace that we will continue to visit! If you are in Vail, this is a must!!! read more

Scott F.

7 years ago

Tried to get served at 1:30 pm, and they would not let me and my son in for a late lunch even though the sign said open til 2pm. Worst part, there were at least twenty people in there eating. Poor first impression. Instead, we went next door to Moe's and got terrific BBQ and speedy service. Too bad I still have not been back to the little diner with little service. read more

S L.

187

3 years ago

Not good. Have to elaborate on yelp otherwise they will not post. So, this is a bad restaurant that doesn't care if they are bad. They know they have plenty of foot traffic, so they are on the NEXT policy. Cook cheap, doesn't matter if you come back, plenty more peeps will come through our door, Next! Hopefully, someone reads yelp. Vail does have choices! read more

Barb W.

7 years ago

Quaint little diner with seating for about 100. Only open till about 2 p.m. so great for breakfast and lunch. Very clean open grill area. Friendly staff and excellent coffee! They serve the impossible Burger which satisfies my vegan needs, but had a pretty decent looking menu for everyone else. My food was prepared fast, served hot and was really good. read more

Katie M.

11 years ago

My husband and I found this place online. Upon arrival and putting our name in, we definitely thought the place was "little" and different. We kept an open mind and were no disappointed. This was an amazing breakfast, cannot say enough good things about the food... The place does have great character, and the "little" space adds to it. read more

Vanessa M.

12 years ago

A perfect morning in the valley. We both had very simple breakfasts, which somehow seem to be the ones that get messed up or arrive cold quite often. Not here - our service was great even though she was obviously extremely busy, coffee was always topped, and we were just plain taken care of the entire time. Great job guys. read more

Jonathan M.

7 years ago

The best spot in town for breakfast. Our driver up from the Denver airport recommended it, and they didn't disappoint. My eggs benedict were amazing, although the guy next to me at the counter ordered the "Dutch Baby", and that looked out of this world. I'll have to come back the next time I'm in town and try that one. read more

Krupa D.

5 years ago

The food was amazing. We had to wait for an hour but it was worth waiting. MARRYYAM was amazing. She took a great care of us. She was super friendly and hard working. We enjoyed talking to her. I would visit this place again for sure. THANK YOU MARYYYM.. read more

Makayla W.

6 years ago

Make a reservation asap. Such a good start to the morning. Only disappointing part was the fire alarm went off half way through our room and we rushed through bfast and left with the alarm still going, apparently it happens a lot. read more

Christopher B.

118

8 years ago

Phenomenal pancakes, fluffy, crunchy and delectable! Came to this place for breakfast with four friends and we all enjoyed our meals immensely. They cook the food in front of you with total transparency. Must eat when in vail! read more

Stephanie T.

8 years ago

Favorite breakfast place in Vail. Feels cozy and friendly with great food and service. Always stop in when we're in Vail. Lots of different menu options so everyone in our group is happy. This place is a must when in Vail! read more

Ashlynn B.

10 years ago

Very well worth the over an hour wait. What a great way to start a day in Vail! We all got something different and it was all wonderful. The grits are so delicious. I wish I could bring a bowl home. read more

Rogelio J.

11 years ago

Hands down the best breakfast I have ever had in my life, I love the eggs benedict, you will have to wait, but it is very much worth it, you have to visit the little dinner if you are in Vail. read more

Lynn T.

10 years ago

I got the German pancake and couldn't stop eating it. Try it with the lemon and syrup. I also got the mixed grilled scramble and it was huge. can't go wrong with the hash browns or Philly. Yum read more

Eliza C.

398

12 years ago

Adorable and open layout. Phenomenal food. This is now our goodbye to Vail tradition every spring. Before we head to the airport on the last day, we stop in for breakfast. Fantastic! read more

Julie M.

4 years ago

All four of us loved our food. Service was slow. We waited 45m to get seated and we could see many open tables. Glad they have a wait list online. We would return. read more

S W.

5 years ago

Sooooo good! I had the Mexican grill and added bacon and it did not disappoint!! Ordered their famous pancake to try and it was perfection! Fluffy with a crisp!! read more

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59 The Little Diner reviews that are not currently recommended

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59 reviews that are not currently recommended

The Little Diner - diners - Updated August 2026

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