The Gamekeeper Restaurant and Bar, located between Boone and Blowing Rock NC, is well known for interesting and delicious interpretations of Southern classics. The menu changes seasonally blending the traditional with the exotic, satisfying both meat and veggie lovers. Quality and care is evident in all we produce.
The freshest of local ingredients and humanely farm raised meats are served. The knowledgeable staff is fabulous and truly stands behind what they are serving and producing. It is the ultimate marriage of fine dining and comfort food. This is not haute cuisine: you will leave sated and satisfied after your experience.
The freshest of local ingredients and humanely farm raised meats are served. The knowledgeable staff is fabulous and truly stands behind what they are serving and producing. It is the ultimate marriage of fine dining and comfort food. This is not haute cuisine: you will leave sated and satisfied after your experience.
Reviews (29)
Cary D.
Jan 15, 2022
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Esther B.
Jan 06, 2022
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Brad F.
Jan 02, 2022
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Alexis F.
Jan 01, 2022
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We made reservations for New Year's Eve dinner four months in advance to be seated in one of the igloos. Called day of to confirm and it was all set. Valet confirmed we were in the igloos upon on arrival. Yet once we made our way to the hostess she stated we were to be seated inside. I explained this must be an error given all the confirmations and trouble I had gone through to be sure we were seated correctly. We had two small children with us that were very excited for this experience. Yet the restaurant made an error and overbooked the igloo. The excuse was something about it being in the
Blake Jurgensen
Dec 31, 2021
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Ashley G.
Dec 18, 2021
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We had an amazing dinner. We got the emu tartar. I can't describe to you how amazing this appetizer is. We ordered the elk and bison steak. The elk had continuous flavor, so I preferred it. The bison was slightly lighter In flavor but more tender. Though they both are amazing, in a taste test or comparison, I preferred elk and so did my husband. They are both by far the best meat we've ever experienced and we eat venison regularly. We got both medium rare and more tender than any fillet we have ever had. They were cooked to perfection. The bleu Mac and cheese was next level
Alexandra F.
Dec 08, 2021
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We had a fantastic dinner here celebrating our son's 19th birthday.
Really want to make sure everyone knows that vegetarians can eat here too! We had one vegetarian in our party and they made her a fantastic Vegetarian sampling board that I would totally order as a starter to a meat heavy meal. It was her main dish and had all kinds of great veggies, mashed potatoes, olives, etc. and it looked fantastic too! Keep in mind, not vegan though. They also have great salads that could be entrees.
We enjoyed the Mixed Game Grill and the Charcuterie Board to start. Very much loved the Mixed Game
Really want to make sure everyone knows that vegetarians can eat here too! We had one vegetarian in our party and they made her a fantastic Vegetarian sampling board that I would totally order as a starter to a meat heavy meal. It was her main dish and had all kinds of great veggies, mashed potatoes, olives, etc. and it looked fantastic too! Keep in mind, not vegan though. They also have great salads that could be entrees.
We enjoyed the Mixed Game Grill and the Charcuterie Board to start. Very much loved the Mixed Game
Ashly G.
Dec 04, 2021
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AMAZING! By far the best meat I've had in Boone... heck maybe ever. Valet was extremely courteous, host polite and prompt and waitress was A++ amazing. She had excellent recommendations for cocktails and got me to try something outside my comfort zone and I'm soooo glad she did. "What the elf" was delicious! I could have easily kept drinking but alas would likely not have been able to walk out the door had I done so. We started with the mix grill. Holy Camel sausage. Wow! Had emu for dinner. Was very delicious and accompanied by some of the most delicious braised cabbage I
Camden Willeford
Nov 15, 2021
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Went for my wife’s birthday and it was a great experience. The staff was top-notch. From valet to the service, everyone had a smile and was extremely helpful. Everything tasted wonderful as well. The butternut squat bisque was phenomenal. My wife cleaned her plate of trout and the Bison I had was delectable. Capped it off with the bread pudding, it was a 5 star meal from start to finish.
Ojas Gokhale
Nov 10, 2021
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Very unique and delicious food and some of the best service we have seen in a long time. All of the dishes we ordered were amazing. The Elk Legs stood out, cooked to perfect medium rare, they were just amazing. The Emu pasta was good as well.
Our server Maria was super attentive, knowledgeable and very courteous.
Highly recommend them if you are in the area and want to try some unique and rare game meats.
Our server Maria was super attentive, knowledgeable and very courteous.
Highly recommend them if you are in the area and want to try some unique and rare game meats.
Diosa Victorino
Oct 31, 2021
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My husband and I made the right choice in making a reservation at the Gamekeeper to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary. We had an incredible experience here! The staff was all friendly! Hats down to our server Lizzy. We commend her for her positive attitude and patience as she answered all of our questions about the menu. We both were pleased with everything we ordered! Shout out to the trout I had because it was delicious as well as the bread pudding! We recommend this place to whoever visits the Boone area. It’s a food adventure worth trying. Thank you so much for treating my husband so
Chad H.
Oct 28, 2021
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Phenomenal food coupled with top notch service. Started with some great cocktails, followed by butternut squash bisque and potato soup. Hard to choose which was better. Had bison and the lamb chops for our entrees. Both were fantastic. Topped it off with a chocolate and caramel tart which was heavenly. This restaurant is an easy five stars.
Paul Gantt
Oct 20, 2021
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Amazing as always. We showed up a little early and ordered specialty drinks, an herbaceous mocktail and the Burning Man. Both were great starters to the dinner. The croquettes for an appetizer, the antelope meatloaf and the Patagonian toothfish were all exceptional. The service was friendly, fun and prompt The atmosphere is warm, eclectic with a twist of retro. One of our favorite places to treat ourselves in the High Country.
Jacob Presson
Oct 17, 2021
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It’s well worth the trek into the mountains to get the Gamekeeper experience. I snagged a late reservation for a bar seat and loved it. Staff was friendly and helpful, talking me through some of the more exotic menu options. I had a truly excellent butternut squash bisque for my appetizer which is delightful. The elk for main course was incredibly rich and filling. Unfortunately I didn’t have room for dessert this time but I will be back again to try that out.
Linda S.
Oct 17, 2021
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We had the most amazing experience at the Gamekeeper on Thursday for our elopement dinner. Every single person we came across from the valet to our server was kind and welcoming. Upon being seated we were welcomed with two glasses of cava and a congratulations sign. My husband picked this restaurant and I will be honest I was a little nervous about the menu selection as I had never had elk or venison before. However, after a couple of bites I was forever changed. The food was absolutely amazing. The elk - which they recommend served medium rare - was tender and so delicious. The venison osso buco
Jamie Harvell
Oct 16, 2021
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Keep your eyes on the long and winding road to eclectic mountaintop dining ..The trip is worth it!
Quirky original assemblage art and mosaics greet you as you enter the intimate mid century setting, each room warmly lit by unique lamps and firelight.
I have to admit I was intrigued (and secretly a little intimidated) by the prospect of "wild food" but when the potato soup I was craving on my hike was right there on the menu, complete with generous bacon crumbles and complimented by a lovely Malbec, I settled in to the experience. The Emu was incredible, and a pleasant surprise, tasting like tender
Quirky original assemblage art and mosaics greet you as you enter the intimate mid century setting, each room warmly lit by unique lamps and firelight.
I have to admit I was intrigued (and secretly a little intimidated) by the prospect of "wild food" but when the potato soup I was craving on my hike was right there on the menu, complete with generous bacon crumbles and complimented by a lovely Malbec, I settled in to the experience. The Emu was incredible, and a pleasant surprise, tasting like tender
Amber B.
Sep 27, 2021
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Linda Myers
Sep 23, 2021
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Don W.
Sep 18, 2021
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Michael T.
Sep 13, 2021
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After being seated.. took a stroll around this awesome space. Saw Grandfather Mountain through the trees while having a drink on the outside deck. .... Beautiful! Started out with Fried Green Tomatoes.. then Emu & Trout... OMG just delicious!
Pause ... the service .....5 out of 5 stars!!
Now back to the food experience!!
Next up Bread Pudding, which everyone claims is really tasty. WOW! It was!
Closed out with coffee and wine!
We hated this place! LOL NOT!!!
Pause ... the service .....5 out of 5 stars!!
Now back to the food experience!!
Next up Bread Pudding, which everyone claims is really tasty. WOW! It was!
Closed out with coffee and wine!
We hated this place! LOL NOT!!!
Ana M.
Sep 12, 2021
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MacKenzie C.
Sep 09, 2021
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We had the most INCREDIBLE experience at The Game Keeper in Blowing Rock last night. This restaurant is my soul put into a place... before even walking inside I felt like I was home. It was so artsy and funky but in such an elevated way. It was Asheville meets Boone in a homey, rustic, familiar, yet progressive feel.
First of all, the food was out of this world. Local, season, organic veggies. All herbs and flowers for garnish grown on premises, and impeccably prepared wild game. Over the course of the night we ate emu filet, wild boar, bison short ribs, antelope, elk, and a few other things
First of all, the food was out of this world. Local, season, organic veggies. All herbs and flowers for garnish grown on premises, and impeccably prepared wild game. Over the course of the night we ate emu filet, wild boar, bison short ribs, antelope, elk, and a few other things
Laurie A.
Jul 25, 2021
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This maybe my favorite restaurant ever!! We arrived early and enjoyed their delightful deck while waiting for our table. We started with the mixed grill app, what a nice way to try the different meats!! Delicious. We moved onto the Fried Green tomatoes with a wonderful pesto sauce. For Entrees we enjoyed the Encrusted trout with pimento cheese butter, cukes and fried capers!! The trout came with a delicious garlic mashed, and the most delicious veggies, cauliflower, squash, carrots and kale!! Also at our table we had the Antolope and the beef tenderloin, all plated were cleaned!! For dessert
Sharon Ennis
Jun 24, 2021
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Service was excellent from seating, food recommendations, and presentation. The atmosphere is cozy with a pretty mountain view. Food was amazing. Unique offerings that had wonderful flavor and texture. Eat with your eyes first followed by the scrumptious first bite. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a new adventure.
Tiffany Combs
Jun 21, 2021
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Great staff and service. Amazing food we tried the mixed game grill, the duck, and the elk. The drinks were also well satisfactory; Chris tried the old fashioned sorghum. I tried the cosmo and the grasshopper. To full for dessert so we got the bread pudding to go. Definitely look forward to getting to go back. We had a reservation for 6/13/21 5:00pm.
Merna A.
Mar 01, 2021
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Unpopular opinion here, but I think this restaurant was way overhyped. We actually came here because of the positive Yelp reviews! The appetizer was my favorite part of the meal. My entree (emu) tasted off- I took two bites and gave up. I have had emu before and it did not taste the same- I felt like I was eating perfume or something. My partner ate all of his, however we both left hungry- I would not come back.
Joe S.
Feb 10, 2021
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We were on our way to Boone from Asheville on our honeymoon and found ourselves famished in the middle of nowhere. My wife grabbed her phone and asked for "great restaurants near me" and The Gamekeeper popped up.
It is a wee-bit off the beaten path, but they have handicap access and a great view from their patio.
The place was empty when we walked in, and were informed that the restaurant didn't actually open for another hour or so. With heavy hearts and empty stomachs we headed back to the car, then maître d' Chris Varipapa caught up with us and cheerily offered that he
It is a wee-bit off the beaten path, but they have handicap access and a great view from their patio.
The place was empty when we walked in, and were informed that the restaurant didn't actually open for another hour or so. With heavy hearts and empty stomachs we headed back to the car, then maître d' Chris Varipapa caught up with us and cheerily offered that he
Jennifer G.
Jan 06, 2021
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This place has tasty meats! We enjoyed a family dinner recently. Temperatures were checked upon arrival, following valet parking taking our keys. We were sat quickly (at our reservation time). Service was excellent and waiter very knowledgeable about recommended temperatures to cook each meat. Pricey (~$50pp) but a neat experience! 4 stars due to price. All food tasted fresh and was flavorful.
Claire M.
Oct 31, 2020
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Excellent food and service. We came to celebrate a special occasion and noted on our booking. We arrived to find a "Happy Birthday" sign waiting to surprise us at the table. What nice unexpected touch!
Our waitress was extremely knowledgeable about the different dishes and types of meat. She helped guide us through the types of game so we could select what would meet our taste. The wine list was amazing and there were great choices to complement t our food. The Maitre D', Michael, knows his wine! He came by the table to check on dinner and discuss the wine we selected from Uruguay
Our waitress was extremely knowledgeable about the different dishes and types of meat. She helped guide us through the types of game so we could select what would meet our taste. The wine list was amazing and there were great choices to complement t our food. The Maitre D', Michael, knows his wine! He came by the table to check on dinner and discuss the wine we selected from Uruguay
