Delicious food, lovely service. I was visiting the area and this place and the menu caught my attention. 'The Gamekeeper', what name could be more intriguing for a unique dining experience? I was not disappointed in the food. All selections were ideally prepared, seasonally balanced, and well paired. What I was really pleased about was the service. The staff elevate the entire experience. To name one or two would leave out what was an incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable, and cohesive Team. I would certainly recommend The Gamekeeper to anyone looking for the complete dining experience. read more

Let's just start out with the obvious. The service, meal options and atmosphere are tops. Our party of 6 was fortunate to have Allan G as our server. The wine and cocktails assistance was great and the mixed grill appetizers were perfect. The bison short ribs are killer. A very enjoyable evening. Everyone in the party raved about the meal and service. Bravo to the chef, staff and management. Our first trip to the area proved challenging on a rainy night in the mountains. We opted for transport via uber and Lyft services. FYI it's almost impossible to confirm service in Blowing Rock. With no show transportation at 9:30 pm the staff jumped into action. Lucky for us the one driver that did show agreed make 2 trips. read more

Absolutely incredible food and an amazing experience at the gamekeeper. The menu was full of wild game meats and locally sourced goods. Everything was cooked to perfection with mind blowing flavor combinations. The restaurant and outdoor grounds are beautiful, we got to enjoy the outdoor seating. Their bar makes delicious intricate cocktails and had a list of wine. Jonathan and Emily took great care of us. You have opened our minds palates to new flavors and foods, thank you! We can't wait to return. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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Absolutely a 10 out of 10! Service was phenomenal. Kale was so friendly and attentive. The food was top notch and the desserts were superb. A must try in Boone. read more

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. read more

The Gamekeeper - Mixed Game Grill - New American Near Me - Boone, North Carolina

This place is awesome. The dining experience started with the Mixed Game starter including bison, elk, and antelope! It was amazing with the dipping sauces. We had the Bison Short Rib and Turkey Pot Pie. Both were perfect. Ending with the German Chocolate Cheesecake and Chocolate martini. Well worth the money!! read more

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! read more

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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. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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Gamekeeper is a must recommend! Such a cozy place with amazing food. Service is top notch. If you're in the area be sure to stop by!

Beautiful setting, right beside the live fireplace, excellent waiter, food was disappointing for price. Very limited menu with few choices-possibly because of the holidays. Food was just a bit above average. Wish I could be more positive..my friend said her salad was not that fresh. I want this wonderful, unique property to continue to succeed but would suggest better menu and to not ver from food quality. read more

Great food and awesome setting I would love to go for lunch on the outdoor area during the summer

Let me preface this with have enjoyed many meals at this establishment. Recently, we had reservations for dinner. They were for a Friday dinner. Arrived 10 minutes before reservation time. Having been to this restaurant many times prior, we thought it unusual the valet wasn't present NOR any other cars (customers or employees). Another vehicle pulled up and a party of 4 emerged from their vehicle. We jokingly said ....guess we're the first ones here. Climbed the stairs to front door. Door locked; no signage alerting customers to closure. Tables with boxes on top were visible through windows. I called restaurant number and got a recording. The recording said due to pending weather and plumbing issues, they would be closed until the following Wednesday. This was Friday. These reservations were made 1 month prior. No phone call to alert us of their status of closure. It's no easy drive up to this restaurant. Winding mountain roads are part of the drive to get to this location.. However, upon arrival finding out about closure was most unacceptable. Again, no courtesy call to let us know their status. Fortunately for us, we know the area and were able to find alternative dining option. Can't say the same for the other party of 4 who weren't from the area. read more

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. read more

The Gamekeeper - Sweet Leaf - New American Near Me - Boone, North Carolina

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. read more

The Gamekeeper - Duck breast - New American Near Me - Boone, North Carolina

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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 read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

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! read more

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. read more

The Gamekeeper - New American Near Me - Boone, North Carolina

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

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. read more

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. read more

The Gamekeeper - Hanging beef tenderloin with garlic mashed potatoes and fire roasted vegetables. - New American Near Me - Boone, North Carolina

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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 read more

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

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! read more

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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. read more

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: ---- 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. read more

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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! read more

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

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! read more

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

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. read more

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. read more

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 read more