The Little Diner

Looking for the perfect spot for a mountain morning? The Little Diner is a legendary family-run eatery located in the heart of the Vail resort, USA. It is rightfully considered the only full-service diner in town, where a classic breakfast is transformed into a true culinary show.

The standout feature of this place is the open kitchen, which allows guests to watch their orders being prepared from scratch. No pre-made ingredients are used here: everything from the sauces to the signature pastries is made following old family recipes using fresh local ingredients.

The diner is famous not only for its authentic atmosphere but also for its high quality of service. It is a cozy spot where reasonable prices meet generous portions, making it a favorite for both professional skiers and local residents.

For your convenience, below are the main contact details for The Little Diner, which will help you book a table or check menu details before your visit.

At The Little Diner, the main activity is enjoying gastronomic masterpieces in a relaxed setting. Be sure to try their famous German Pancake or delicate sweet crepes, which are considered the restaurant's signature dishes.

If you visit after 11:30 AM, the menu expands to include classic American lunch favorites: juicy cheesesteaks and homemade biscuits with thick sausage gravy. For those with special dietary needs, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

In addition to the food, guests can enjoy a unique spectacle at the open kitchen. Watching the chefs masterfully handle orders at a fast pace adds a special energy to the visit and makes waiting for your food part of the overall experience.

Getting to The Little Diner is a breeze, as it is located at 616 W Lionshead Cir, right inside the Concert Hall Plaza building. It is situated directly at the West Lionshead Plaza bus stop, making it highly accessible for tourists.

The city operates an active free transport system called Vail Transit. You can take any route heading to the Lionshead area and get off right by the diner's entrance. If you prefer a taxi, the ride from the city center will only take a few minutes.

For those traveling by car, there are parking lots available in the Lionshead area; however, keep in mind that they can be very crowded during the peak ski season. In this case, using public transport is a more convenient and faster solution.

The story of The Little Diner is, above all, a story of family and dedication to tradition. The establishment is run by a married couple, Brian and Peggy Little, who have successfully created an atmosphere of true home comfort in the heart of the ski resort.

Many dishes here are prepared using secret family recipes. For example, the famous Eggs Benedict has a romantic backstory: it was this very dish that the current owner's father once used to win his mother's heart. Such details make the food at the diner feel especially soulful.

While Vail is known for its expensive restaurants, The Little Diner consciously maintains the classic American diner format. The focus here is on local products and preparing every ingredient by hand, from the sausages to the sauces—a rarity for major tourist hubs.

You should set aside about 45–90 minutes for a visit to The Little Diner. This is plenty of time to leisurely enjoy a delicious brunch and watch the chefs' virtuoso work in the open kitchen.

However, keep in mind that the place is extremely popular. During the peak tourist season, a queue may form at the entrance, so the wait time for a table might increase slightly. To ensure your visit is comfortable, it's best to arrive a bit early or plan your visit with a little extra time to spare.

The Little Diner caters to early birds and lovers of hearty brunches. The diner is open daily, allowing guests to plan their breakfast any day of the week without exception.

The standard operating hours are as follows:

• Monday — Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Remember that breakfast here is served all day long, while the lunch menu becomes available after 11:30 AM.

After a hearty breakfast at The Little Diner, it’s a great idea to take a stroll around the area. The Lionshead district offers many interesting locations to diversify your day in the mountains.

Below are popular spots located within walking distance of the diner. Here you will find excellent restaurants, memorial sites, and ice rinks.