Fantastic experience for our anniversary. We did not feel judged for having our 16 mos old with us & everyone working was so extremely kind & professional. Thank you for that.
A great dining experience as always. Consistent flavors with each course which keeps us coming back. Unique offerings that are always deliciously prepared. We just love this place!! We always visit when in the area.
Garnet Dark
Went here for the first time last night with husband and 10 year old. They do have an unofficial kids menu that the server will tell you about options for if you ask.The place has a lovely ambiance outside, inside was fine - was expecting a bit more coziness. Wine by the glass options had a few not typically seen (ex: pinotage) on a by the glass menu, which was nice.Menu options for starters were limited and very meat heavy, with the only cold options being the salads. I had the “Bleu” salad and it was super delicious! It was my favorite part of the meal. My husband was indifferent to his “Green” salad, was more eating it to be healthy.For entrees I had the elk Denver leg and husband had the bison hanger steak. Both were cooked just about right, maybe a tad over. But the whole dishes together just felt clunky. Accompanying the elk were mashed potatoes, a mushroom sauce, some other type of mushrooms that were not in the sauce, roasted carrots and roasted broccolini. It felt like too much and the focus was lost on the elk and there were too many flavors.Only other comment would be on the service. I don’t know if they were trying to turn our table fast or what, but the woman who was mostly clearing our table asked if we were still working or needed some boxes when we both had half our meals left, food in our mouths and were holding our forks still. There was nothing about our demeanor that indicated we were done. It felt rushed and rude.Wouldn’t go back, but was nice to get some meat options that are not typically seen.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Bleu Salad
Maura Schaffer-Greer
We’ve live in the Boone area for over a decade and have waited to go here. The food was absolutely delicious. We did the chef-choice grilled meats as a starter and the mushroom bisque. The Elk leg and Korean-bbq sausage were great. The cocktails were wonderful and our entrees were amazing as well. Service was splendid. Can’t say enough good things about our experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Elk
I've never had a fine dinning experience however, it exceeded expectations. My girlfriend had a wonderful dinner on her birthday. Our server(Emily) was so friendly and answered all questions and checked in often. They gave her a free desert for her birthday it was overall the best experience I've ever had at restaurant with some of the best food and atmosphere around.
luther kincade
Game Keepers in Boone is a total gem! The vibe is cozy, the food is top-notch, and the atmosphere is just right. My favorite dish? Definitely the elk! But let's talk variety - I tried elk, antelope, bison, and even emu! And guess what? Emu is red meat! Mind blown, right?Now, onto the cocktails - they're seriously amazing. Sip on something delicious while you soak in the cool ambiance. And can we talk about valet parking? Total game-changer!Oh, and before I forget - you've got to try the game sampler appetizer. It's a game-changer (pun intended)!Last but not least, the staff. Super friendly, super helpful - they really know how to make you feel welcome.So, if you're in the mood for a fun night out with excellent food and great vibes, Game Keepers is the place to be. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Emu Fan Fillet with Sun-Dried Tomato Jus Spinach Parmesan Risotto, Game Sampler Appetizer, Mixed Grill Appetizer, Grilled Bison Hanging Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Horseradish Green Onion Sour Cream
Moon Park
Fantastic restaurant to experience different game meat. I had emu for the first time and the meat was so tender like filet mignon. The venison and bison was delicious too. I highly recommend this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Emu Fan Filet, Grilled Bison Hanging Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Horseradish Green Onion Sour Cream
This place is in the top 3 of all restaurants we've ever visited. Location is beautiful. Parking made simple by valet. Elizabeth was our waitress and was incredible. Food was fantastic. Will be our nice place out in Boone from now on.
Some of the best food my husband and I ever had! I got the emu filet, and he got the anteloaf. Both were super tender and flavorful. The seasonal vegetables were cooked to perfection! My dish had mushroom risotto (first time I've ever tried risotto), and the bar is now set high. Also, the service was amazing, very attentive but not bothersome. This is a must visit, and we will be back! The last 10-15 minutes had twists and sharp turns, but honestly worth it.
Kris
We have eaten here many times and the service is always outstanding. Bea was especially attentive for this visit with our family. But 2 of us ordered the short ribs and found them tougher rather than the drop-off-the-bone tender that we felt they should be. Otherwise my Denver Elk was excellent as was the Bison.
We went here for my wife's birthday. When we arrived there was a little happy birthday sign on the table, and every staff member we saw that night asked whose birthday it was and wished her a happy birthday. They went out of their way to make it special. The cocktail list is carefully curated and I personally felt like it had something for everyone. We started with the Pay the Piper and Almost Famous, both of which were perfectly balanced and delightful.The food is on the expensive side, but was incredible. We had the adobo emu appetizer, and then we had the anteloaf and Elk for mains. My wife had a glass of red with her antelope meatloaf and I had the Raising Canes. Again, an incredible cocktail but completely different from the first. Portion size was surprisingly large (in a good way) for a "fancy" restaurant. We both cleaned our plates and then shared the bourbon bread pudding for dessert. The restaurant is not huge, but never felt like we had to yell or raise our voices to have a conversation. Ambiance is a rustic hunting lodge on the side of the mountain. There is optional Valet parking as the lot is a little chaotic but the valet is happy to show you where to park if you want to self park. The drive up/down the mountain to the restaurant is a little sketchy in the dark (plus it was raining for us), but obviously that's outside of their control and stating this is more of a FYI for future guests. Overall an incredible experience and would definitely go back again!Dietary restrictions: They asked about dietary restrictions and allergies at the beginning before ordering. There is a vegetarian option on the menu and a footnote that states you can have it vegan if you let them know. There were two fish dishes at the time of our dinner as well. The staff also mentioned that all sides can be changed as well, so if there is a side you cannot eat it can be substituted.Parking: The parking is on the side of a hill, and is quite tight, so if you're not comfortable driving and parking, just have the valet park your car. If you choose to self park, they will show you what spot to park in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bourbon Bread Pudding
chuckles434
We went here for my wife's birthday. When we arrived there was a little happy birthday sign on the table, and every staff member we saw that night asked whose birthday it was and wished her a happy birthday. They went out of their way to make it special. The cocktail list is carefully curated and I personally felt like it had something for everyone. We started with the Pay the Piper and Almost Famous, both of which were perfectly balanced and delightful.The food is on the expensive side, but was incredible. We had the adobo emu appetizer, and then we had the anteloaf and Elk for mains. My wife had a glass of red with her antelope meatloaf and I had the Raising Canes. Again, an incredible cocktail but completely different from the first. Portion size was surprisingly large (in a good way) for a "fancy" restaurant. We both cleaned our plates and then shared the bourbon bread pudding for dessert. The restaurant is not huge, but never felt like we had to yell or raise our voices to have a conversation. Ambiance is a rustic hunting lodge on the side of the mountain. There is optional Valet parking as the lot is a little chaotic but the valet is happy to show you where to park if you want to self park. The drive up/down the mountain to the restaurant is a little sketchy in the dark (plus it was raining for us), but obviously that's outside of their control and stating this is more of a FYI for future guests. Overall an incredible experience and would definitely go back again.
Amanda Lester
The Game Sampler Appetizer was a good way to try the Emu & Elk without getting two entrees. The dipping sauces were delicious! We got the bread pudding to go and it was delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Game Sampler Appetizer, Bleu Salad
DavidF
Always an excellent selection of interesting options. I usually get the mixed grill appetizer as my entree because it provides a nice sample of a few different items. Wonderful setting, ambience and overall experience.
QCS67
Excellent menu and execution in a very special setting. Wide selection of meats and fish, some hard to get elsewhere (Emu, Venison, Bison), all very well prepared. Service was excellent.
Fantastic experience for our anniversary. We did not feel judged for having our 16 mos old with us & everyone working was so extremely kind & professional. Thank you for that.
A great dining experience as always. Consistent flavors with each course which keeps us coming back. Unique offerings that are always deliciously prepared. We just love this place!! We always visit when in the area.
Went here for the first time last night with husband and 10 year old. They do have an unofficial kids menu that the server will tell you about options for if you ask.The place has a lovely ambiance outside, inside was fine - was expecting a bit more coziness. Wine by the glass options had a few not typically seen (ex: pinotage) on a by the glass menu, which was nice.Menu options for starters were limited and very meat heavy, with the only cold options being the salads. I had the “Bleu” salad and it was super delicious! It was my favorite part of the meal. My husband was indifferent to his “Green” salad, was more eating it to be healthy.For entrees I had the elk Denver leg and husband had the bison hanger steak. Both were cooked just about right, maybe a tad over. But the whole dishes together just felt clunky. Accompanying the elk were mashed potatoes, a mushroom sauce, some other type of mushrooms that were not in the sauce, roasted carrots and roasted broccolini. It felt like too much and the focus was lost on the elk and there were too many flavors.Only other comment would be on the service. I don’t know if they were trying to turn our table fast or what, but the woman who was mostly clearing our table asked if we were still working or needed some boxes when we both had half our meals left, food in our mouths and were holding our forks still. There was nothing about our demeanor that indicated we were done. It felt rushed and rude.Wouldn’t go back, but was nice to get some meat options that are not typically seen.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Bleu Salad
We’ve live in the Boone area for over a decade and have waited to go here. The food was absolutely delicious. We did the chef-choice grilled meats as a starter and the mushroom bisque. The Elk leg and Korean-bbq sausage were great. The cocktails were wonderful and our entrees were amazing as well. Service was splendid. Can’t say enough good things about our experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Elk
I've never had a fine dinning experience however, it exceeded expectations. My girlfriend had a wonderful dinner on her birthday. Our server(Emily) was so friendly and answered all questions and checked in often. They gave her a free desert for her birthday it was overall the best experience I've ever had at restaurant with some of the best food and atmosphere around.
Game Keepers in Boone is a total gem! The vibe is cozy, the food is top-notch, and the atmosphere is just right. My favorite dish? Definitely the elk! But let's talk variety - I tried elk, antelope, bison, and even emu! And guess what? Emu is red meat! Mind blown, right?Now, onto the cocktails - they're seriously amazing. Sip on something delicious while you soak in the cool ambiance. And can we talk about valet parking? Total game-changer!Oh, and before I forget - you've got to try the game sampler appetizer. It's a game-changer (pun intended)!Last but not least, the staff. Super friendly, super helpful - they really know how to make you feel welcome.So, if you're in the mood for a fun night out with excellent food and great vibes, Game Keepers is the place to be. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Emu Fan Fillet with Sun-Dried Tomato Jus Spinach Parmesan Risotto, Game Sampler Appetizer, Mixed Grill Appetizer, Grilled Bison Hanging Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Horseradish Green Onion Sour Cream
Fantastic restaurant to experience different game meat. I had emu for the first time and the meat was so tender like filet mignon. The venison and bison was delicious too. I highly recommend this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Emu Fan Filet, Grilled Bison Hanging Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Horseradish Green Onion Sour Cream
This place is in the top 3 of all restaurants we've ever visited. Location is beautiful. Parking made simple by valet. Elizabeth was our waitress and was incredible. Food was fantastic. Will be our nice place out in Boone from now on.
Some of the best food my husband and I ever had! I got the emu filet, and he got the anteloaf. Both were super tender and flavorful. The seasonal vegetables were cooked to perfection! My dish had mushroom risotto (first time I've ever tried risotto), and the bar is now set high. Also, the service was amazing, very attentive but not bothersome. This is a must visit, and we will be back! The last 10-15 minutes had twists and sharp turns, but honestly worth it.
We have eaten here many times and the service is always outstanding. Bea was especially attentive for this visit with our family. But 2 of us ordered the short ribs and found them tougher rather than the drop-off-the-bone tender that we felt they should be. Otherwise my Denver Elk was excellent as was the Bison.
Restaurantji Recommends
We went here for my wife's birthday. When we arrived there was a little happy birthday sign on the table, and every staff member we saw that night asked whose birthday it was and wished her a happy birthday. They went out of their way to make it special. The cocktail list is carefully curated and I personally felt like it had something for everyone. We started with the Pay the Piper and Almost Famous, both of which were perfectly balanced and delightful.The food is on the expensive side, but was incredible. We had the adobo emu appetizer, and then we had the anteloaf and Elk for mains. My wife had a glass of red with her antelope meatloaf and I had the Raising Canes. Again, an incredible cocktail but completely different from the first. Portion size was surprisingly large (in a good way) for a "fancy" restaurant. We both cleaned our plates and then shared the bourbon bread pudding for dessert. The restaurant is not huge, but never felt like we had to yell or raise our voices to have a conversation. Ambiance is a rustic hunting lodge on the side of the mountain. There is optional Valet parking as the lot is a little chaotic but the valet is happy to show you where to park if you want to self park. The drive up/down the mountain to the restaurant is a little sketchy in the dark (plus it was raining for us), but obviously that's outside of their control and stating this is more of a FYI for future guests. Overall an incredible experience and would definitely go back again!Dietary restrictions: They asked about dietary restrictions and allergies at the beginning before ordering. There is a vegetarian option on the menu and a footnote that states you can have it vegan if you let them know. There were two fish dishes at the time of our dinner as well. The staff also mentioned that all sides can be changed as well, so if there is a side you cannot eat it can be substituted.Parking: The parking is on the side of a hill, and is quite tight, so if you're not comfortable driving and parking, just have the valet park your car. If you choose to self park, they will show you what spot to park in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bourbon Bread Pudding
We went here for my wife's birthday. When we arrived there was a little happy birthday sign on the table, and every staff member we saw that night asked whose birthday it was and wished her a happy birthday. They went out of their way to make it special. The cocktail list is carefully curated and I personally felt like it had something for everyone. We started with the Pay the Piper and Almost Famous, both of which were perfectly balanced and delightful.The food is on the expensive side, but was incredible. We had the adobo emu appetizer, and then we had the anteloaf and Elk for mains. My wife had a glass of red with her antelope meatloaf and I had the Raising Canes. Again, an incredible cocktail but completely different from the first. Portion size was surprisingly large (in a good way) for a "fancy" restaurant. We both cleaned our plates and then shared the bourbon bread pudding for dessert. The restaurant is not huge, but never felt like we had to yell or raise our voices to have a conversation. Ambiance is a rustic hunting lodge on the side of the mountain. There is optional Valet parking as the lot is a little chaotic but the valet is happy to show you where to park if you want to self park. The drive up/down the mountain to the restaurant is a little sketchy in the dark (plus it was raining for us), but obviously that's outside of their control and stating this is more of a FYI for future guests. Overall an incredible experience and would definitely go back again.
The Game Sampler Appetizer was a good way to try the Emu & Elk without getting two entrees. The dipping sauces were delicious! We got the bread pudding to go and it was delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Game Sampler Appetizer, Bleu Salad
Always an excellent selection of interesting options. I usually get the mixed grill appetizer as my entree because it provides a nice sample of a few different items. Wonderful setting, ambience and overall experience.
Excellent menu and execution in a very special setting. Wide selection of meats and fish, some hard to get elsewhere (Emu, Venison, Bison), all very well prepared. Service was excellent.