Gamekeeper Restaurant

I've been wanting to go for years and let me start with the good. What a beautiful place and very polite staff. Our waitress was very friendly and she did take very good care of us and we had a nice view. My experience was that it was good not great. Everything was good not great. I'll start with the appetizer we had soup to start and again it was good nothing grand we had the potato and butternut squash bisque. The soup was fine tasted good but I was just underwhelmed that was the two options. My father mother and I ordered the ribeye my wife ordered the elk. My first dig here was while I enjoy spicy things my mother not so much and the vegetables that were served with it were pretty spicy and I just would have thought at this price point the waitress would have went over the preparation and mentioned that. My second issue is at the price the steak was good not great. It had a lot of fat and gristle to start. Secondly I was pretty shocked how dry it was and the only way you could order it was medium I would have preferred a bit less done. I'm being a bit critical get but again at the price point it didn't knock mine or the rest of my family socks off. My mother only ate half because of how tough it was. My wife's elk dinner was good. It had a good flavor and the sides were pleasant. So all in at the price point if you want a beautiful view and good service they did that pretty well but there's a lot of other restaurants in the area that I think are better food wise.

We had the best dinner with the best of friends at the Game Keeper in Boone, NC— the kind of meal you’re still thinking about days later. We started with the Salmon Cakes, packed with rich salmon belly and lump crab and topped with a punchy Cajun remoulade- brilliant combination. The Burrata Salad was creamy and dreamy topped with colorful pickled beets, and the Bleu Salad hit that sweet-tangy note with apples, spiced pecans, and buttermilk bleu cheese. Then came the stars of the night: the Elk Denver Leg, perfectly grilled with a nice smoky flavor and the Bison Short Rib that was melt-in-your-mouth tender. Not a bite left on the plate, just the scraped-clean bison bone as proof we loved every last morsel. The prices here are definitely on the higher side, but this is the kind of place you go to celebrate-the food, the atmosphere, the whole experience. I

We had such a wonderful anniversary dinner for our first time at the gamekeeper! Everybody was so kind and attentive and the food was absolutely amazing! Brett is just so awesome at what he does in the bar and incredibly kind. Jonathan was kind to come out and chat with us. Tonya was our server and was the absolute best! Everyone was caring and the environment had a special warmth to it. We felt so welcomed for our first time here. We will definitely be back soon! Pictures include the meat sample appetizer, the lamb rack and the elk Denver leg! For dessert we had the strawberry shortcake.

Outstanding!! We waited until after the summer tourists went back south. Jonathan and Atticus were phenomenal!! They walked my wife with an umbrella in the rain. My wife had the soup while I enjoyed the Bibb & Bleu Salad. For main course, she had the Sea Bass which was super delicate yet flavorful. The spices enhanced and didn’t overwhelm the fish. I had the Bison Short Ribs. I poked the meat with my fork and it slid off the bone! The risotto and veggies made for a scrumptious contrasting base. For dessert we were concerned as we’re both GF. We asked for 1 scoop of ice cream and asked the kitchen to be innovative. A little candle for my wifes birthday flickered on a caramel and blackberry reduction with leaf shaped crunches on the top. THIS is our new go to local High Country restaurant.

Great place for dinner. As a starter, we had the potato soup. For the main, we had the beef short ribs and beef tenderloin. For dessert, bread pudding with a scoop of ice cream. All were excellent. Some friends have also visited indicating the Elk and Lamb Chops were also great.

Hands down my favorite restaurant in NC. I’ve been a repeat customer since my Appstate college days. I love the adventurous menu, amazing cocktails, and extensive wine list. The mixed game grill appetizer, emu fillet, and bread pudding are my go-to choices, but everything is exceptional. The rustic ambiance is out of a storybook. I absolutely love this restaurant and I can’t wait for my next visit.

Me and two friends had 5:00 dinner reservations on a Saturday night. Valet was easy and we were sat immediately. Our server was excellent and attentive to start. The food and cocktails were also excellent. The only hiccup was a cocktail order that took unusually long to receive later in the evening, along with a server who disappeared. I didn’t mention anything because everything to that point had been stellar. When we received the bill, those drinks were removed! Highly recommend!

Such a beautiful spot!! Kale our waitress was beyond helpful, friendly and entertaining! The food was amazing and the ambiance just makes you want to hang out for hours!! Cocktails are a bit pricy, but definitely delicious. We had the Elk and Bison short ribs.

If you think "American cuisine" means burgers and fries, The Gamekeeper will change your mind-forever. We started with the Mixed Game Grill, a primal masterpiece of wild meats(elk, bison and handmade duck sausages) that feel straight out of a hunter's dream. Every bite was rich, smoky, and perfectly balanced by house sauces that hit sweet, tangy, and peppery notes all at once. Yum!! The Potato Soup is comfort redefined, silky smooth, kissed with crunchy bacon and GK's secret spice while the Seared Scallops were showstoppers: buttery, caramelized, and lifted by a citrus-sage foam that danced on the palate. For mains, the Elk Denver Leg and Bison Short Rib were both jaw-droppers. The elk, walked a long distance from New Zealand, tender, earthy, and paired with bleu mac & cheese (yes, genius), was the flavor of the mountains themselves. The bison, intact on the serving plate yet fell apart on the fork, layered with merlot demi-glace and mushroom risotto that made you close your eyes for a second. We came here to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and The Gamekeeper went above and beyond. The chef surprised us with these 2 delicate house-made pumpkin macarons, plated like a little work of art, sweet but not overpowering. It wasn't just dessert; it felt like a thank you for letting them be part of our night. That gesture sealed it. The Gamekeeper doesn't just serve food; they serve memories. Over all, Every dish here feels handcrafted, soulful, and deeply satisfying. The Gamekeeper isn't dinner; it's a love letter to wild flavor. Worth every mile, every minute, and every bite.

We had a family dinner here while on vacation in Banner Elk. This is an amazing restaurant. We all enjoyed our dining experience. We started with cocktails, Crimson and Clover, Coal miners daughters. Both were delicious. We shared the mixed grill and tomato tart. Just wow. All the entrees were amazing. The spiced apple cake with butterscotch gelato was spectacular. Our servers Jadin, Chloe and others treated us awesomely. Valet service is great also since parking is unique (on the mountain side). Restaurant is comfortable and welcoming with unique decor. Highly recommend trying it when in the area. Make reservations.

Excellent dining experience all the way around. Our reservation online didn't go through, but they made room for us in the bar anyway on a Friday night. Alan, our waiter, helped with wine selection when they didn't have Pinot Grigio, and his suggestion was on point. His service throughout the night was amazing. The food is nothing short of perfection and a symphony of flavors. We started with the seared scallops. The side items bold flavors really compliment the scallops. Our entrees were the Bison short ribs, and Elk leg. Both were fabulous, and the mushroom risotto was . We had Sauternes for a desert wine, and paired it with Caramel Bourbon bread pudding a la mode, and a Salted caramel chocolate tart with chocolate ice cream. Both were a 10/10. Best anniversary dinner we could have asked for.

This was my first real experience at the gamekeeper which is one of the more well-known restaurants in the Boone area. This was their special four course Thanksgiving Day event. We were greeted with a valet who parked our car and escorted to our table. The waitress was knowledgeable in all of the food options and helped us choose what we wanted. The four courses were soup, salad, entree, and dessert and everything was amazing. The owner came and spoke to us during our meal and was just super friendly. This was an amazing place and I cannot wait to go back! All of the food was perfectly cooked and just very delicious.

We love The Gamekeeper. This time was as expected--top notch! We were celebrating our anniversary, and our server, Allen, went out of his way to make it memorable. We shared the Bleu Salad made with butter lettuce, fresh Bleu cheese crumbles, apple slices, pickled onions and cranberries. There was plenty for both of us. I ordered the Bison Short-rib with mushroom risotto and roasted carrots with broccoli. My husband had the Elk Rack served with Bleu Mac and cheese with broccolini. Perfection. For dessert we chose the Bourbon Bread Pudding with caramel sauce. Compliments of Allen for our anniversary. Valet parking made navigating the steep hill parking lot a non-issue. Make a reservation and you will see what a fantastic experience The Gamekeeper is.

I wanted to love this place, so bad, but I left with mixed reviews. I booked dinner here for my actual birthday, I think normally it would be too extravagant/expensive. I viewed their menu online and was a bit nervous that my husband may not find anything he would like. Upon arrival, the restaurant is beautiful. It sits perched on the mountainside along a windy narrow mountain road (if driving on these type of roads in the dark / inclement weather makes you nervous, come during daylight hours). One of the highlights was the valet parking. Charlie greeted us immediately, opened the passenger door for me and whisked our car away. Upon being seated our waitress came over and introduced herself (I forgot her name). I wish she would have explained some of the more unique menu choices to us as we had never been there (in her defense I could have asked too, but I was just taking in a relaxing day). I ordered the Blue salad to start with my husband getting the potato soup. Both were excellent. For dinner, I got the beef hanging tenderloin, and my husband got the bouillabaisse. I would have loved to try something more adventurous but I just didn't ask so I kept with a 'safe' option. We also ordered wine at the recommendation of our waitress for each dish. Dinner itself was delicious. The beef was a bit hearty so I had to eat it slow, taking a few breaks. My husband absolutely loved the bouillabaisse and ate every bit. We then ordered the very popular bread pudding with ice cream which the restaurant comped for my birthday which was very sweet and I'm grateful for. The waitress explained it has been the same recipe for over 20 years, and while good, wouldn't have been my first choice if there were more traditional options. Just a few things of note. I'm extremely detail oriented and ambiance is important to me. The room we were in is decorated with string lights woven through branches hanging from the ceiling. It's gorgeous except that many of the string lights are out and need replacing. I also would have preferred ice in my water, not a huge thing, but my meal was so heavy it would have helped. The restaurant is quite pricy and while I'm glad we went, I'm not sure we'll be back. We can definitely find comparable food for much less. At nights end back to the parking lot we went where Charlie actually remembered our last name and RAN to get our car, he was our star of the night!

What an incredible little gem. Kind of out of the way but that's never deterred us from enjoying a great meal. This restaurant specializes in game-based dishes as you probably can figure by its name. Every item we had was amazing. And the ambience is super fun.

Excellent food and service but even my Manhattan guests were shocked how expensive it was

This place just never seems to really change. There are some small changes here and there, but for the most part, the menu stays pretty tame. Food was good enough but not for $100 per person. Nothing on the menu felt special or worth the trip. I probably only go once or twice a year but it feels less special every time.

There isn't anything comparable in the region, maybe even the east coast. Maybe I'm just not well traveled, but nonetheless. This place is everything I could have asked for on my birthday. The Service, food, ambiance, everything... The ambiance is like you're in somebody's personal lodge, very cozy and welcoming. We had the wonderful mixed game grill appetizer which is a sample of meats they have as entrees. The bleu salad was an excellent and refreshing take on the classic wedge salad. Everyone enjoyed their entrees. It's not cheap but that should be expected for this level of dining.

My husband and I love The Gamekeeper! We have been there several times and the food and service never disappoint. We have had a couple of different dishes from the restaurant but our absolute favorite has been the Elk Denver Leg- absolutely delicious! The atmosphere and excellent food makes for the perfect night out.

Not bad at all. Great meat. Nice ambiance. Service took a little longer than one needs to but it was ok.

I have truly never experienced better customer service than I have from this place, and that is extremely hard to find these days. My fiancé and his 7 groomsmen went here for dinner and I (from afar) ordered 2 bottles of wine to be delivered to their table. After a little mix up, the 2 bottles didn't make it to their table -- but after I left a quick voicemail, the manager called me immediately, apologized for what had happened, and offered to fix the issue AND more. Not only was this outreach more than I could have ever imagined, I received several texts from the group of guys about how amazing the food, service and restaurant was. I'm usually not one to leave a review, but this place deserves it. The whole family will be back soon!

Wow...what a unique and amazing experience. First of all, a big thanks to our full service bartenders Emily and Brett. They were so professional and friendly, it really made the night special. Emily recommended the "sweet leaf" cocktail which is like an alcoholic Thai tea, and the "mighty ducks" which, to us, was like a margarita and a classy old fashioned together (that sounds weird but it was really delicious). Followed by the fried green tomatoes and the potato soup, it was a great way to start the evening. The main course was the elk...Holy cow...or holy elk...idk...but man was that amazing. This place is a must visit for an awesome dining experience. Five stars every single time.

One of the top meals we have had --hands down. The menu featured an incredible assortment of game, and everything we ordered was phenomenal. Three of us had the elk, one had the tenderloin--each cooked to absolute perfection. From start to finish, we were treated to white glove service that made the evening feel truly special. Be sure to make a reservation--and don't forget to tip your valet, because even that part of the experience felt top-tier. And whatever you do, don't skip the pistachio tart. It's an unforgettable treat!

If I could give this place 10 stars I would. Wow. First, you will need a reservation. So if you are planning to dine here make it way ahead of time. Second, if you are not a carnivore this might not be your favorite place because you will have to sit and watch everyone else savoring every delicious morsel of perfectly cooked exotic meats without you. This unique little restaurant is nestled up on a hillside with a tight parking area (valet is offered) so I would caution against bringing the big truck. The restaurant inside is cozy and low-lit and feels like you're walking into a warm and inviting hunting cabin. There are lots of windows so you have a nice view if you arrive around sunset, there is also a porch area which would be lovely in warmer weather. The service is great! Alan, our waiter, was very friendly and attentive and gave us recommendations on the menu. For starters we ordered the Emu Adobo and the Mixed Game Grill. The Mixed Game Grille is a variety of chef's choice cuts of meats and sausages; ours had Smoked Alligator sausage, Wild boar sausage, Emu, and Bison. A-Mazing! The Emu Adobo was an exciting fusion of Emu meat (one of my new favs) and South American Adobo, the flavors were incredible. For the main course we ordered Rabbit Pot Pie and the Emu Fan Fillet, again, everything was spectacular! The pot pie was savory and the crust was flaky. The Emu was tender and juicy and perfectly paired with the garlic risotto and veggies. So SO good. One of the highlights of this place is how they source their meats, upon my myriad of questions the chef gave me a list of the farms where they source from and I was so impressed that they strive to provide local farms wherever possible. Of course, I had to try dessert so we ordered the Bread Pudding and the Chocolate Mousse. The mousse was good, but the bread pudding was amazing! I even had my leftover bread pudding the next morning with coffee and it was as delicious as it was the night before. Yum! LOVE this place and will make a reservation ANY time I am in the area. 10 Stars!

Beautiful setting, marvelous service and outstanding food. We had the Emu and Bison. Both were perfectly prepared (medium rare). Had to order the bread pudding for dessert which was extraordinary

Great tasting food, but prices are over the top for here. It is not the best in the area, as Giddeon and Dangerfields hold down that honor, in my opinion. Salmon dinner average with no sides $64 Most meals seem to be about 20% higher than most good restaurants in area. I will admit the lamb chops were prepared as requested and very flavorful but be prepared for a shocker when your bill comes with a few drinks

It has really grown over the years. Food was wonderful. Staff very friendly. This is a very charming restaurant on the hill. Highly recommend.

This is always must when visiting the High Country of NC, especially in the winter time! Always a fire burning in the fireplace when it's cold out. If you can imagine a cozy, romantic, cabin in the woods. This is exactly what you will find here, almost has a hunting lodge in the Swiss Alps feel. You will also find those hunting lodge entrees on the menu as they focus on game meats here! We have tried Emu, Elk, and Venison In the past, all prepared perfectly. The service is always great whether you sit at the bar or in the main dining room.

Always excellent! Refreshing cocktails, crisp salads and exceptional entrees. The Bleu salad was so delicious and refreshing with apple slices, candied pecans and cranberries. With an apple vinegarette. We both had the Hanging beef tenderloin which was cooked to perfection with absolutely delicious roasted vegetables. Don't forget about dessert! The bread pudding a la mode is the best ever.

: ---- Over the past 16 years, I've been fortunate to visit 68 countries and 36 states, exploring a diverse range of cuisines and regional flavors crafted by world-renowned chefs. My passion for culinary exploration is complemented by a rigorous approach to restaurant reviews, focusing on three key criteria: Ambiance, Service, and Food. Given the online reviews and local suggestions I decided to take a group of people to this restaurant for a great evening of food, fun, and good conversation. Here is what I found. --- Ambiance: After navigating a narrow and steep drive up a hill, we arrived at the restaurant, which boasts a unique location but inviting to the customer. The decor inside and out was richly ornate, reflecting the restaurant's historical charm. The setting exuded a homely warmth, reminiscent of a cozy family dinner. --- Service: Although the wait staff demonstrated attentiveness, a significant issue arose regarding the timing of food service. A key concern for me is the synchronization of dish arrivals, and unfortunately, 4 out of 6 main courses were served while 2 diners were left waiting. We waited 3 minutes and 23 seconds for the remaining dishes to arrive. This lapse in timing was problematic and may have contributed to other noted issues. --- Drinks & Food: We began with a round of cocktails, with selections including the House of Dragon, Fleur de l'Âge, and a classic Smoked Old Fashioned. The cocktails were intricately crafted with a sophisticated blend of flavors, justifying their premium price. However, the wine selection was disappointing; I had hoped to order a few bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon, but the majority were priced at $225 each. --- Appetizers: We started with the Mixed Game Grill, featuring the chef's choice of game meats and sausages with dipping sauces, and Humbolt Fog, a soft-ripened goat cheese accompanied by fig compote, toasted walnuts, whipped chèvre, Provençal olives, and fresh brioche. The presentation of the Mixed Game Grill was lackluster, with the meat appearing simply arranged and some items served below room temperature. Although the dish was eventually comped, the presentation was concerning. In contrast, the Humbolt Fog was exceptional, showcasing a delightful mix of flavors and textures. --- Entrees: Our group sampled three entrees: Emu Fan Filet, Bison Shortrib, and Elk. The meats were well-seasoned and cooked to perfection, highlighting their distinct flavors. However, the accompanying vegetables and potatoes were excessively salted, which overshadowed the quality of the meat. The garlic risotto was an exception, prepared with a well-balanced flavor profile. Despite the appealing presentation, the entrees were served lukewarm, which was particularly disappointing given our previous feedback about cold dishes. --- Conclusion: While this restaurant has the potential to offer excellent food, my recent experience was not worth the premium pricing. I would recommend visiting with the expectation that the restaurant address issues such as food temperature and seasoning. It is preferable to add salt to taste rather than contend with over-seasoned dishes that cannot be adjusted. One other side note: they knew it was one of the couples anniversary at the table, you would expect as a restaurant they would have brought out a small something sweet with a candle to celebrate the milestone.

We have been in the area for about 2 years now but never tried The Gamekeeper. One reason is you need a reservation and they are booked out for a month or more. So when we had some friends coming to visit I went ahead and reserved about 3 weeks before they came. They only had 2-3 days available to choose from even 3 weeks out. Let's start with getting to The Gamekeeper. It's basically a house that was converted to a restaurant and it's in the middle of nowhere. It's up the mountain through some narrow winding roads. If you are from the area it's not too bad, but if you're visiting from somewhere flat it can be a trek. I'm use to it and I would still not want to go at night. When you arrive you go up a steep driveway and are greeted by the valet who will park your car. They were very nice and already had all our info. The place itself is pretty cool. It's surrounded by woods and has a small deck area for outdoor seating. I also noticed some inflatable igloos which I'm guessing they use in the winter. That would be pretty cool. Service was great no issues there. Our server was friendly and made recommendations based on our tastes. Was attentive but not overbearing. Everything came out in a timely manner as it should. Drinks were also good. Now we get to the heart of why I can't give it more than 3 stars. The food. We came here because we wanted to try some new things. Their name is The Gamekeeper so what better place to try some interesting game meats. I'm not a big game meat eater, no one in our party was, except for maybe the rare venison. However we all do love meat and wanted to try something new. We started with the platter appetizer that had a bit of the various meats. It was good, but nothing really stood out. All the sausage meats could have really been any kind of meat because they simply taste like the large amounts of seasoning in them. Again they did not taste bad, but it certainly didn't taste like emu or wild bore or what not. Anyways we then had our entrees. Again nothing was bad, but nothing stood out. I had the elk... tasted like any other steak to me. Honestly the mac and cheese was the best part of my entree. Some of our friends had the bison and my girlfriend had a shank (don't remember of what). Again everything was good, not great, not special. I would say the shank was the best one as it had the most flavor, but again the flavor was of all the seasoning, wine etc and not the meat necessarily. We ended the meal with dessert. We went with the bread pudding as I'm a huge fan of bread pudding. It was very good, small, but good. Now if we end the story here it would probably still be a solid 4 stars. However once you account for price... I just can't go more than 3. The place pretty pricey, especially for the amount of meat you get. Sure $50 for a steak at a nice steak house in not crazy, the issue is for $50 you get a tiny piece of elk meat and a plate full of sides. Plus to me personally... the elk, bison etc doesn't really taste much different from a nice cow steak. Not worth over $100 per person plus the hassle of having to reserve a month out and then the drive here. I think this will be a one and done type of experience for us.

I've eaten there in the past and was very impressed with the tastes. They do a great job of preparing the food.

This highly regarded restaurant disappointed on several levels. First, the food was average, from appetizer to dessert, and most disappointing, when the trout was ordered, we were informed that it was not available because it was saved for a potential "regular" guest. Not that it had been pre-ordered, but that it was being held in case he showed up. Seriously? They had one fish? The service was fine, though nothing special, and when the adjacent table was cleared, they sprayed the smelly cleaning fluid and it misted over to us while we were eating. That doesn't even happen at Waffle House. Finally, the inside ambiance was a problem, as our table had a table on either side that were too close and instead of a romantic dinner for the two of us, we were hearing all about the troubles of the foursome on one side and the eating issues of the teen in the family on the other. At least one of us had a window view over the parking lot.

Ambiance is fantastic, service great and food great. Prices are on higher end . Would recommend this place

I got the rabbit pot pie and it was delicious. They heavy pour on drinks so that can be a plus if you aren't driving but if you are, good luck. Service was good. Ambiance is a little dark but everything is extremely clean. We've ate here a couple of times and would recommend it to someone as a cool place to eat.

We reserved a plastic bubble igloo, and we loved it. There are three of them, and we totally recommend sitting for dinner in them. Four of us could talk and laugh with the warmth of a little electric fireplace. Big Band music was piped in. There were no loud noises. The zipper door was used by our fabulous waiter, Atticus, who was professional in every way, and chatted with us. Our meals were amazing. The "game" to choose from was bison, antelope, venison, emu and elk. From the venison Osso Bucco to the antelope Bolognese and Anteloaf...all meals were delicious. We began our evening with the Mixed Game Grill Starter. The game sausage, and pieces of meats were good enough to entice us to continue with different entrees. We had plenty of food, and took some home. Inside, the building has a small bar, and small rooms of several tables each. The place is quaint, but noise level is loud. The entryway walls are really nice with colorful tiles, glass, plates and jewelry, designed and made by the owner's daughter. Valet parking is necessary.

Ordered the emu tartare, which was excellent and my husband and i ordered the elk and bison. both were so delicious! our wait staff were incredibly nice and made great suggestions of drinks and food to order since it was our first time. we didnt have reservations but got seated outside and view and weather were stunning! will definitely return!

We have heard amazing reviews on this place and wanted to give it a try during our stay in Boone. I would definitely recommend booking in advance. We were very lucky to snag a reservation after looking several times. The driveway is very tight. We were able to get through in a full sized truck, but it is very tight. They have valet service which was amazing. Very cozy and warm atmosphere inside. Dim lighting with candles on the table and twinkle lights in the ceiling. The view is outstanding. If you can sit outside I highly recommend. Our waiter was very attentive, never once let our glasses get empty. I had a glass of white wine and my boyfriend had whiskey. Wine was delicious. Liquor drinks are very strong he stated. We got the mixed game grill for an appetizer. The main entree was elk leg and bison short-rib. Both were very delicious. We were both highly impressed. Price is expensive but you get what you pay for! We can't wait to come back.

I would have never known about Gamekeeper if someone hadn't told us. Restaurant is very remote. Try to take paved road. We took the "short cut" and it was harrowing! But worth the trip. Valet parking required, stairs up to front door. Cozy tables in a log cabin feel, service excellent, lots of voices for food that is unique. Take the trip, make a reservation, enjoy a unique and beautifully prepared meal. Do not drink too much cause ya gotta drive outa there!

Another excellent meal at The Gamekeeper. We literally made a trip around this reservation. It's my husband and I's very favorite restaurant. Started with the sampler. My husband had the picanha and I had the drum. Loved the sauce served with the drum! Meals were excellent as was the service. Thank you for a wonderful bday dinner!

Excellent service, incredible menu, and always lovely and intimate setting. I always try to celebrate at least one occasion here every year!

after enjoying our meal at the game keeper, my wife, and I discussed how rare it is to have such an outstanding restaurant in such a secluded place. Although full, it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. Pulling up, we were surprised with a valet service. With an eight month pregnant wife, that was a very welcome surprise. Walking straight into what felt like an elevated hunters lodge, the hostess was very welcoming and congratulatory, as we were there enjoying our last trip before the baby comes. We started the night with drinks. I enjoyed the smoked, old-fashioned, and the bartender created a one-of-a-kind, seasonal spiced Mocktail for my wife to enjoy. As an appetizer, we shared the fried green tomato Caprese. The heirloom tomato and mozzarella were fresh, and the fried green tomato stayed crispy - a unique and fun twist in the normally summer staple. They also brought out bread. For our entrée, we split the elk Denver leg, which was cooked medium, rare, according to the chef's recommendation. It was plenty of food for both of us, and we enjoyed every bite - especially the elk paired with the mushroom au jus. Plan ahead and put this restaurant at the top of your list.

Celebrated our 48th anniversary here. Unique dining experience! Food & service was excellent! Very special meal. Can't wait to go back!

This was my second time here. The staff is wonderful. Good is good, maybe just not a five. The pasta (yak) was good but I really didn't taste the meat - there was not too much. Had too much broth. My husband had the elk, which he enjoyed. If we are back in Blowing Rock, we probably will return to try a few other dishes

This is the most amazing unique restaurant I've ever been to in my life. My goal is to try everything on the menu! Ive tried the emu and elk leg and the meat sampler. Everything is out of this world!!! The restaurant itself is so beautiful and eclecticly decorated. The staff is SO NICE. Everyone helps each other out, they are so accommodating and grateful for their customers. They are very knowledgeable and always have great recommendations, especially with the wine pairings. The meat is always cooked perfectly and is so tender and flavorful. The vegetables are perfectly charred and Smokey. My favorite side is the mushroom risotto. I always say I want to stop and just get some to-go when I drive by. The wine and martinis and cocktails were on point! And the bread pudding with ice cream was out of this world. This restaurant is a go to, must see, new tradition for you the way it is for me!

Great experience dining here. The appetizer (we went with a sampler to try all kinds of meats was amazing. I ordered the Elk Leg and it was cooked to perfection with a plate full of perfectly cooked veggies. My wife ordered a duck pot pie and honestly she did not like the crust...but come on, let's be honest, your gonna order a pot pie at a wild game restaurant? The waiter and bartender were great. Even made some fresh limoncello to end out the meal. We will definitely return!!!

Another memorable meal. Romantic & eclectic atmosphere. The food is always delicious & seasoned to perfection. A must if you are in the High Country of NC.

Emily was our server and she is so professional and kind. We took our parents who are visiting here after a hike. The vibe and view are wonderful. We loved the beef hanger and emu. Mixed game grill was also delish! Cocktails are great.

Ambiance. Service variety. Great drinks and dinner for all. Great place for celebrations.

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.

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!!!

Truly my favorite restaurant in the Boone/Blowing Rock area. Fantastic food with a menu that changes seasonally. I am especially fond of the emu tartare. Truly delicious food, incredible service, great bar menu and the best valet service I have had anywhere! Located in the gorgeous Blue Ridge mountains with incredible views and a lovely atmosphere-don't miss it!

We have dined at Gamekeeper many times and have always been impressed; however, our experience and meal were very disappointing on NYE. It was a prefix 4 course meal, which we were not a fan of. It was NYE, and we didn't want to sit at a dinner table for over 2 hours. It took way too long. The food started out very good until I got to my main course, which was the snapper. It was the worst piece of fish I have been served in a restaurant. It was not even edible, and some parts of the fist were undercooked. A good bit of time passed from the time I was served the fish and the time the server came back to check on us. I ended up eating some of my friend's elk, which was very good. Once the server came back, I expressed my dissatisfaction for the fish. Nothing was done at all to make up for the bad meal. For the money we spent ($1400 for a party of 6), I would have thought they would have cared more or would have done something. I do not know if we will return to Gamekeeper.

I have never come to this restaurant and had a bad meal. Everything is so good. The atmosphere is so warming and welcoming (but it is a little cold inside, so bring a jacket). It's just the right amount of eclectic. Also, the service is always amazing. I would recommend this place 10/10 times. It's better than any other restaurant around town, in my opinion.

Our experience at The Gamekeeper was wonderful. We were sat at a 2-top in the small bar area which was probably the quietest part of the restaurant (save for the outdoor igloos). We started with two well made craft cocktails to accompany the Trout Belly appetizer. So succulent and well prepared and a beautiful match with the aioli sauce. We then shared the entree of Elk Leg and again, cooked to perfection along with out-of-this-world Bleu Mac-n-Cheese and delicious vegetables. Finally, the Bourbon Bread Pudding topped it all off with finesse. Rebecca is an amazing, friendly, and attentive server. She guided us through the menu options with charm and decanted our personal special bottle of wine prior to the meal. The next time we are in the area, we will definitely return and ask to be in Rebecca's section.

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 we finished with the blueberry Cobbler, amazing!! Highly recommended!! We have to give a special shout out to the wait staff who were amazingly delightful, Jonathan and Josey plus so many others who we did not get their names!! We will be back!

Great ambience! A daunting drive up the mountain but definitely worth the experience. The restaurant is unique and magical. The food is phenomenal and the staff were welcoming, attentive and professional.