This restaurant is now history.  Closed in fall of 2004 due to pending reconstruction of the Lionshead Gondola Building.

The review. An in-depth analysis of new and existing restaurants in the Vail Valley.

No longer in business.  Entire building was redeveloped recently.

A visit to the Kaltenberg Castle Brewery.

A quick fall remodeling of the now empty Lionshead Gondola loading terminal produced this new, upscale micro brewery and restaurant.

Lots of faux German castle touches abound in the very high ceiling facility. An attractive dark wood bar runs along one wall of the oversized beer hall and the noisiness of the place surely must mimic similar pubs on the continent. Long, dark wood stained tables are meant to seat groups of strangers european style.

A moderately eclectic menu blends some simple Germanic foods with American style dishes that can be found at many Denny's or similar local restaurants. We sampled two of the three locally produced microbrews - a darker Dunkel and the Kaltenberg Pils. Both were fine, albeit on the pricey side. The wine list was sparse, concentrating on Italian wines, which while out of character for the theme of the restaurant, probably work better with the food offerings.

Highlights: My meal was fine. A roasted pork loin, bone-in, with red cabbage and a baseball sized dumpling. All portions were generous. The beers are good. My Montepulciano red wine was delicious with the meal.

Lowlights: The menus both for food and wine are quite limited. Beer obviously is the main focus. Prices are typically Vail. Menu items ran $12-27 for entrees, wine by the glass was $4-9 and beers ran $4-5 per stein. Because it's an out-of-the-ordinary-experience, the place is worth trying - at least once.

Reviewed by ORP on 1/20/98

No longer in business - replaced by the Arrabelle Hotel Complex.

Previously reviewed: La Bottega - Alicante

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