The Gamekeeper

Name: The Gamekeeper
Address: 3005 Shull's Mill Road, Boone, NC, United States, 28607
Telephone: (828) 963-7400
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.9

4.9

3119 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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 32 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

Popular dishes

Mixed Game Grill$29.00
Featuring chef's choice of grilled game* & sausages with dipping sauces* & fries
Emu Tartare$16.00
Minced emu fan filet* with shallot, capers, chives, soy sauce & egg yolk. Served with "Rustic Bakery" olive oil and rosemary crackers
Bison Short Rib$18.00
Braised bison short rib, fresh summer corn, poblano peppers, pickled okra, port tamarind demi-glace
Fried Green Tomatoes$16.00
Heirloom tomatoes layered with fresh mozzarella, cornmeal crusted green tomatoes, basil pesto, toasted almonds & a trickle of balsamic reduction
Crawfish Zucchini Fritters$14.00
Crawfish, zucchini, key-lime buttermilk aioli, fried capers, hot sauce

First Course

Blackberry Salad$14.00
Arugula tossed with mixed berry vinaigrette, orange segments & blackberries with candied lemon, crispy country ham & cucumber mint slaw
Bleu Salad$12.00
Bibb lettuce, apple vinaigrette, buttermilk bleu cheese, red onion confit, spiced pecans, dried cranberries
Potato Soup$11.00
Cream of new potato soup with bacon & chive oil
- Bowl$11.00
- Cup$6.00

À la carte

Risotto$8.00
With asparagus, zucchini, lemon & Parm
Mac n' Bleu Cheese$8.00
macaroni, buttermilk bleu cheese, chives

Main Course

Emu Fan Filet$49.00
grilled emu* fan filet, sun-dried tomato jus, lemon risotto with asparagus and zucchini, seasonal vegetables
Elk Denver Leg$49.00
grilled elk denver leg*, shiitake mushroom jus, bleu mac n' cheese, grilled broccolini, baby carrots
Bison Hanger$49.00
grilled bison hanging tenderloin*, horseradish sour cream, garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables
Anteloaf$33.00
Classic game meatloaf grilled and topped with sundried tomato bbq served over garlic mashed potatoes with seasonal vegetables
Beef Picanha$49.00
Grilled beef picanha* with Mediterranean salad, chimichurri, and grilled naan
Elk Linguine$32.00
fresh Basil's Restaurant linguine, sautéed elk denver leg, local mushrooms, squash, cherry tomatoes, white wine thyme butter sauce
Faroe Island Salmon$38.00
seared Faroe Island salmon*, lemon chive butter, okra succotash, snap peas
Cornmeal Crusted Trout$34.00
cornmeal crusted NC rainbow trout with cucumber salsa, pimento cheese butter, creamy green onion polenta and seasonal vegetables
Veggie Plate$28.00
A tasty sampling of almost every leaf, stalk, root, fruit, nut, grain & flower in house and bbq brushed tempeh. Please specify if vegetarian or vegan!

Desserts

Strawberry Sorbet$10.00
Strawberry sorbet with vanilla wafers
Blueberry Cobbler$18.00
Watauga blueberries baked with Gran Gala under flaky pastry with peach gelato. Great to Share!
Vanilla Ice Cream$9.00
Vanilla bean ice cream with chocolate chip cookies
Salted Caramel Chocolate Tarte$13.00
Chocolate tarte dough layered with Fleur de Sel caramel custard & dark chocolate hazelnut ganache with vanilla bean ice cream
Bread Pudding$12.00
Traditional bread pudding with bourbon and crumbled pecan topping to take it to the next level. Oh yes, and caramel sauce & whipped cream

What 3,119 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

3,119 Reviews

DJ
DianeJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service they serve food inna timely 👌 fashion. Every thing we ordered was delicious. A WONDERFUL experience.
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A
Andie
Greensboro
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent destination for a special occasion. Fabulous food. Excellent and attentive service.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Columbus
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best dining experience I’ve have in a long time, highly recommended.
Is this helpful?
P
Paul
Raleigh
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Bartender great as was our server-Virginia. Super nice young lady and food was certainly wonderful
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L
Lanes
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful elegant romantic atmosphere.. Very unique memorable experience. We will be back for the holidays!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Impeccable service and food. Beer menu needs to be added to the drink list.
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SS
ShanaS
Western NC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
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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R
Randy
Raleigh
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food and service. One of our favorite restaurants
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greensboro
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
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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OT
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?
T
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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JT
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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SB
SorbasBest
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service and valet parking to help a special occasion be special.
Is this helpful?
OT
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.
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r
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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DC
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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DK
DKlovesgreatfood
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely restaurant with wonderful food and service!!
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RK
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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NL
NancyL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our third time there, always a fantastic meal and great service.
Is this helpful?
MN
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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D
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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f
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!
Is this helpful?
WM
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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RZ
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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OT
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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OT
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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B
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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KC
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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JT
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.
Is this helpful?
O
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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NA
NickkiA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and great atmosphere. Will definitely be coming back!
Is this helpful?
OT
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?
NW
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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TD
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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CB
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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SS
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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B
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?
GS
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.
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P
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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MK
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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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 3119 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 32 times today

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

The Gamekeeper

Make a reservation

Additional information

Bread Pudding

Bison Hanger

Bleu Salad

Starters

Mixed Game Grill$29.00

Emu Tartare$16.00

Bison Short Rib$18.00

Fried Green Tomatoes$16.00

Crawfish Zucchini Fritters$14.00

First Course

Blackberry Salad$14.00

Bleu Salad$12.00

Potato Soup$11.00

À la carte

Risotto$8.00

Mac n' Bleu Cheese$8.00

Main Course

Emu Fan Filet$49.00

Elk Denver Leg$49.00

Bison Hanger$49.00

Anteloaf$33.00

Beef Picanha$49.00

Elk Linguine$32.00

Faroe Island Salmon$38.00

Cornmeal Crusted Trout$34.00

Veggie Plate$28.00

Desserts

Strawberry Sorbet$10.00

Blueberry Cobbler$18.00

Vanilla Ice Cream$9.00

Salted Caramel Chocolate Tarte$13.00

Bread Pudding$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

How is The Gamekeeper restaurant rated?

Is The Gamekeeper currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information