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Easy, Delish, & Cheap: The Top Fast Casual Spots in Ski Towns

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It's a familiar winter scenario: You're driving the I-70 "parking lot" en route to one of the ski areas, or crossing the high desert, SUV packed full of gear and whining kids. Maybe you've just finished a day of hardcore shredding, and you're ready to ingest your own arm. You need food- good, affordable, nourishing food, in a laidback atmosphere- stat. From Stowe to Tahoe, we've got the run-down on ski region faves that offer the holy trinity of fast, delicious, and easy on the wallet, with nary a pink slime burger/taco among them. Remember, Curbediverse, our picks are ordered west to east, not from best to worst. Did we miss something? We'll be updating the list, so leave us a comment or send us a tip.


-By Laurel Miller · All Eater Ski Coverage [Curbed Ski]

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Earthly Delights

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Although the “new” Northstar location is a bit more generic compared to the original Truckee bakery located in a Gold Rush-era house, this is still one of the best bets in Tahoe for creative sandwiches, an amped-up salad bar, and good grab-and-go (think lasagna, quiche, polenta pizza, turkey meatballs stuffed with smoked mozzarella, and grain-based salads). It’s the housemade baked goods, however, that put this place on the map. Don’t even think about leaving without a hefty Seven-Layer Bar, banana-chocolate chip cupcake, brownie, or gooey, oversized cookie. Lots o’ gluten-free goodies, as well.

Beto's Mexican Food

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Speedy delivery at this counter-service restaurant, combined with massive portions of tasty classics (it’s a good sign when the menu board provides photos for ravenous gringos) make it the most popular Mexi in Reno. Don’t forget to buy some homemade dulces at the register on the way out.

Backcountry Delicatessen

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With locations in Jackson Hole and Steamboat Springs, Backcountry Delicatessen scores points for their array of monster specialty sandwiches (there’s a Build-Your-Own option as well, in addition to soups and salads). Breakfast sammies also available.

Teocalli Tamale

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This cheerful little spot on Elk Avenue is a lunchtime favorite with locals jonesing for fresh, healthy, housemade “white boy” Mexican. The namesake tamales are delicious, but it’s hard to go wrong any which way you choose.

Eagle Diner

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Located 30 miles west of Vail off of I-70, this classic 50s-style diner is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Carbo-load on signature dishes such as biscuits and gravy, pancakes, Huevos Rancherso, juicy burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Larkburger

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As a spin-off of Vail's fine dining restaurant, Larkspur, Larkburger cooks up tasty burgers that won't leave you feeling awful. Think natural ingredients, Black Angus Beef, and biodegradable containers. Try the truffle fries.

Yellowbelly

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In just a short 16 months since Yellowbelly opened locations in Vail and Boulder, this healthy “fast gourmet” chicken joint has attracted legions of followers. Among its charms: Boylan’s Cherry Soda on tap, old-school punk on the sound system, righteous rotisserie and fried chicken (breaded with rice flour, for a lighter, gluten-free crust), and lots o’ vegetarian options, including quinoa salad, sautéed green beans, Brussels slaw, and baby kale salad.

Fraser Valley Hot Dog

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Get yer elk, bison, wild boar or carrot (yes, really) dogs here! This funky hut serves up gourmet hot dogs topped with everything from blue cheese to truffle oil. Try the aforementioned carrot dog, which is marinated in teriyaki and topped with goat cheese and ginger slaw.

Green Goddess Cafe

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The breakfast sandwiches are the big draw- think Vermontesque ingredients like maple sausage, Cabot cheddar, and…Siracha? Smoothies, hash, baked treats, grilled cheese specials, soup, and salads also make for fine breakfast and post-pow fare.

Earthly Delights

Although the “new” Northstar location is a bit more generic compared to the original Truckee bakery located in a Gold Rush-era house, this is still one of the best bets in Tahoe for creative sandwiches, an amped-up salad bar, and good grab-and-go (think lasagna, quiche, polenta pizza, turkey meatballs stuffed with smoked mozzarella, and grain-based salads). It’s the housemade baked goods, however, that put this place on the map. Don’t even think about leaving without a hefty Seven-Layer Bar, banana-chocolate chip cupcake, brownie, or gooey, oversized cookie. Lots o’ gluten-free goodies, as well.

Beto's Mexican Food

Speedy delivery at this counter-service restaurant, combined with massive portions of tasty classics (it’s a good sign when the menu board provides photos for ravenous gringos) make it the most popular Mexi in Reno. Don’t forget to buy some homemade dulces at the register on the way out.

Backcountry Delicatessen

With locations in Jackson Hole and Steamboat Springs, Backcountry Delicatessen scores points for their array of monster specialty sandwiches (there’s a Build-Your-Own option as well, in addition to soups and salads). Breakfast sammies also available.

Teocalli Tamale

This cheerful little spot on Elk Avenue is a lunchtime favorite with locals jonesing for fresh, healthy, housemade “white boy” Mexican. The namesake tamales are delicious, but it’s hard to go wrong any which way you choose.

Eagle Diner

Located 30 miles west of Vail off of I-70, this classic 50s-style diner is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Carbo-load on signature dishes such as biscuits and gravy, pancakes, Huevos Rancherso, juicy burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Larkburger

As a spin-off of Vail's fine dining restaurant, Larkspur, Larkburger cooks up tasty burgers that won't leave you feeling awful. Think natural ingredients, Black Angus Beef, and biodegradable containers. Try the truffle fries.

Yellowbelly

In just a short 16 months since Yellowbelly opened locations in Vail and Boulder, this healthy “fast gourmet” chicken joint has attracted legions of followers. Among its charms: Boylan’s Cherry Soda on tap, old-school punk on the sound system, righteous rotisserie and fried chicken (breaded with rice flour, for a lighter, gluten-free crust), and lots o’ vegetarian options, including quinoa salad, sautéed green beans, Brussels slaw, and baby kale salad.

Fraser Valley Hot Dog

Get yer elk, bison, wild boar or carrot (yes, really) dogs here! This funky hut serves up gourmet hot dogs topped with everything from blue cheese to truffle oil. Try the aforementioned carrot dog, which is marinated in teriyaki and topped with goat cheese and ginger slaw.

Green Goddess Cafe

The breakfast sandwiches are the big draw- think Vermontesque ingredients like maple sausage, Cabot cheddar, and…Siracha? Smoothies, hash, baked treats, grilled cheese specials, soup, and salads also make for fine breakfast and post-pow fare.