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The Gamekeeper, Boone, NC
The Gamekeeper, Boone, NC
The Gamekeeper, Boone, NC
The Gamekeeper, Boone, NC
The Gamekeeper, Boone, NC

The Gamekeeper

4.9
4.9
3115 Reviews
$50 and over
American
Top Tags:
You haven't fully experienced the Blowing Rock, NC region until you've dined at The Gamekeeper. It's a true gourmet restaurant with an engaging blend of upscale elegance and mountain charm.


Famous for an evolving menu that blends the traditional with the exotic, The Gamekeeper features a selection of perfectly prepared game plus a range of continental and American entrees.

Acclaimed chef and owner Ken Gordon brings tremendous warmth and skill to the table treating you more as friends than guests. You'll experience a meal to remember that includes fine wines, decadent desserts, and a generous serving of personal attention. You'll leave happy and impressed with a desire to return soon!

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 13 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Cuisines
    American, Wild Game, Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (828) 963-7400
  • Website
    http://www.gamekeeper-nc.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Ken Gordon
  • Private party facilities
    We have a private dining room that very comfortably seats 25 guests.
  • Private party contact
    Wendy Gordon: (828) 963-7400
  • Location
    3005 Shull's Mill Road, Boone, NC 28607
  • Neighborhood
    Boone
  • Cross street
    100 yards up Shulls Mill Rd from the entrance to Yonahlossee
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 3,115 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Best Overall

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Best Food

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Best Service

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Best Ambiance

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Best Value

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Great for fine wines

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Romantic

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Good for special occasions

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    American

3,115 Reviews

  1. Paul

    Raleigh

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bartender great as was our server-Virginia. Super nice young lady and food was certainly wonderful

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  2. Lanes

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful elegant romantic atmosphere.. Very unique memorable experience. We will be back for the holidays!

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Impeccable service and food. Beer menu needs to be added to the drink list.

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  4. ShanaS

    Western NC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our second visit was as lovely as the first. Food was delicious, the staff was friendly and attentive and the drinks were great. Quaint and upscale at the same time.

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  5. Randy

    Raleigh

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food and service. One of our favorite restaurants

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Greensboro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff is very attentive and friendly. Food was cooked properly and very tender meat. My only suggestion is to have more selection of red wines under $100 a bottle.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing dining experience! Very warm, friendly and informative waitress! Food is delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Thanksgivingvisitor

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A special place we enjoy! Food and wine is always great.

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  9. JohnT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, venue and service. Best restaurant in the area.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It is always a delight to have dinner there, great atmosphere. Service is second to none.

    Is this helpful?

  11. richard

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From dropping off the car, entering the establishment, meeting our waitress having appetizers and our main course to dessert, EVERYTHING WAS GREAT.

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  12. DianeC

    Charlotte

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We had to rank our normal five star review down to four stars this trip. To begin with, wine by the bottle for red wine went from $60 a bottle to $225 a bottle. We noticed very few people ordered bottles of wine, and that’s the reason! We were looking for a $60-$80 a bottle price range which I feel many people do likewise. When our food arrived, the two of us who ordered fish found that both were over cooked. The 2 of us who ordered meat found that their entrée was undercooked, even though requested at medium. Their normal attention to detail was not there!

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  13. DKlovesgreatfood

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely restaurant with wonderful food and service!!

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  14. RussellK

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best dining experiences. Outstanding server-seemed to enjoy her work. Out of state guests will return just for that experience.

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  15. NancyL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our third time there, always a fantastic meal and great service.

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  16. McNeill

    County Durham

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Soups and cocktails were outstanding. Rebecca , our server, was extremely pleasant and helpful.

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  17. Dixie

    Western NC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Game is not my favorite thing but others at my table really enjoyed the bison and elk. The salmon was good, a little heavy on the succotash. Blackberry salad was nice with its light dressing. It’s always good there. Ambience is great, but ask for a table not next to the kitchen.

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  18. floricab

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was perfect! So was the service! Very good restaurant. Thank you!

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  19. WillM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    It’s been 10 years since I’ve eaten at the game keeper, and it was still fun and delicious: the fritters weren’t crispy, but they were good, the entrees were very tasty. The cobbler was fantastic and the service was incredible. Overall I would always recommend this to anyone. Wondering if that amazing charcuterie plate was still around?

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  20. ReneZ

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Overall excellent, as always. Only criticism is the CC upcharge. It seems silly. Add the cost to the meal. The number of people paying in cash at these values are minimal. Don't nickel and dime people. It left me with an unnecessary sour taste.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    WOW. One of the best meals we’ve ever had in our lives, and my bf is very particular about his food. Game plate, emu, pork chop, drinks, and the salted caramel chocolate torte were all insanely delicious. The service was spectacular, noise level good, beautiful views, it was all top notch. Will definitely be back next time we’re in town!

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were seated immediately when we arrived for our reservation. Cocktails were Devine. Swap fritters for app, salad and Two had elk, one emu and one elk pasta dish followed by a selection of all the desserts. Everything was top shelf and service was impeccable. Staff was friendly and very informative. Perfect evening.

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  23. Bcox

    Charlotte

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was excellent and the food was very good! We had the Bison Hanging Tenderloin and the Elk Leg, both were cooked to perfection and were very tasty.

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  24. KristenC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our family comes here every year for my birthday and it never disappoints. They even are nice enough to put up with my 3 and 1 year old recently which is so appreciated.

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  25. JenniferT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Came for a long wkd getaway with just my husband and I. Made rsvp around 2 months prior. We had the chefs choice appetizer which had alligator,bison and emu. I had the elk with blue cheese Mac n cheese and grilled veggies and he had the elk linguini. Both were cooked to perfection and full of flavors. Bread budding and ice cream to end the night and it was so yummy. Our waitress was amazing and her smile lit up the room she was so pretty. She had dark brown hair that was wavy. She was so very nice. We didn't feel rushed and was encouraged to relax and enjoy each part of our meal. The atmosphere was wonderful and twinkle lights glowed after sunset and made for a nice evening. We will be back for sure.

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  26. Ohjtud

    Western NC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing as always, a must stop whenever we are in the area. Cannot go wrong with any selection on the menu. Do not miss out on the bread pudding!

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  27. NickkiA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and great atmosphere. Will definitely be coming back!

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely loved our dinner! Food, drinks, service! Everything was incredible. Will definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  29. NancyW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved it as always! The swamp fritters and elk linguine was amazing! Love all of the staff there.

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  30. TomD

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful evening at The Gamekeeper. Food and service spot on in a great setting. Can’t beat it.

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  31. CB8855

    Greensboro

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Private location tucked away in the trees, nice outdoor patio if weather cooperates, service was very good, food is something you just don’t find at every restaurant. We had the mushroom bisque to start with, which was the best I have ever had, shared the fitters, very taste, my wife had the Elk tenderloin and it was excellent, I had the Anteloaf meatloaf that was very rich and tasty, had a couple of bites of bread pudding that was fantastic. Service was very good, first time visit and will be back soon!!

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  32. SaraS

    Coastal Georgia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff from the valet to the hostess to the servers was top notch. Great experience!

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  33. Blocal

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere, good food. We live here and one of our favorite restaurants.

    Is this helpful?

  34. GabyS

    Miami

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful setting, amazing food and friendly staff. Can't wait to be back.

    Is this helpful?

  35. Pauline

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Had 6:00pm reservations on a Saturday. The restaurant was already quite full, but we were seated immediately. We ordered the bison and emu and both were delicious. The bison tasted very similar to prime rib, and the emu closer to a filet. The risotto was good, but mashed potatoes were better (not a huge fan of risotto). Our waitress was very helpful with our meal selection. While not the “best” meal I’ve ever eaten, it was still fantastic and worth the cost for a new experience. We would definitely return to try other items from the menu.

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  36. MikeandKatieH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We decided to attend the Gamekeeper for the very first time for a 50th birthday celebration. The experience was incredible from the valet service to dessert. The food was exceptional, the atmosphere was peaceful and elegant. Our waitress, Rebecca, was knowledgable, informative, friendly and fun. Everybody on staff were extremely friendly and very catering. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and look forward to going again.

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  37. Cindy

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful unique experience which should not be missed when visiting the High Country area. We stayed in the area for two weeks( to gladly escape the heat!) and took each of our two daughters to eat there when they came to visit. Our first visit there was in the early 200’s when one daughter attended Appalachian State University. It has kept a top level of food and service since then.

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  38. DeeM

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great ambiance in unique surroundings. Food and service excellent. Enjoyed everything about this place.

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  39. TeresaG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a special treat restaurant, not for every day dining, but so wonderful that special meal with family or friends! Over dinner we were planning our next visit, and the one after that, and the one after that….. Thoroughly enjoyed! Valet service was amazing too!

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  40. MayaD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was torch and delicious!! We loved our experience! Environment was peaceful!

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

The Gamekeeper is rated 4.9 stars by 3115 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 13 times today
Google Map for The Gamekeeper

3005 Shull's Mill Road, Boone, NC 28607

Additional information

  • Cross street
    100 yards up Shulls Mill Rd from the entrance to Yonahlossee
  • Neighborhood
    Boone
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    American, Wild Game, Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ken Gordon
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.gamekeeper-nc.com/
  • Phone number
    (828) 963-7400
  • Private party facilities
    We have a private dining room that very comfortably seats 25 guests.
  • Private party contact
    Wendy Gordon: (828) 963-7400
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