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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
3195 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
7:00 PM
Booked 14 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • 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
    Tyler Smith
  • 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 3,195 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
  • 4.5Value

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

    Romantic

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Good for special occasions

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    American

3,195 Reviews

  1. yawadrah

    Western NC

    52 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another great experience! Atticus was an excellent and attentive server. The bolognese and hangar steak were fantastic. We also enjoyed the tartare. The sides that come along with the meals are always outstanding. It makes it tempting to try the veggie plate one day. Thank you, Gamekeeper!

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The entire staff were remarkably. Attention to detail was excellent. Food was presented beautifully and tasted amazing!

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  3. MeghanH

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service staff was very knowledgeable and the food was excellent. Highly recommend. We drove through intense fog to dine here. It was worth it!

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  4. SvenW

    E. Tennessee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Very nice place for a date night or other special occasion.

    Is this helpful?

  5. LibG

    Charlotte

    66 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    66 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food3service4ambience3
    We love the Gamekeeper and know it is always expensive but this time was too much. I had the seafood pot which was 2 scollops, 2 crawfish and a few mussels for $46.

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  6. ChanceK

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience….as always. The venue is outstanding. The staff is very attentive. Super wine selection. Do not miss the bread pudding!

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tommy suggested and served a four course meal that was beyond words! Everything was absolutely delicious. We started with the Emu Adobo then had the Antelope Bolognese, followed by the Hanger Bison steak and finished off with the Bread Pudding. One of the best meals I’ve ever had. We will definitely be back and asking for Tommy.

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  8. ClaudiaB

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    The restaurant is beautiful. Food was good, but price value ratio off a little. Our server was too occupied with a large group and we felt slightly neglected. The bar crew on the other hand was very attentive and super friendly while we were waiting for our table.

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  9. JulieS

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Lovely setting. Food was ok. Large servings but honestly too much on the plate.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding dinner and service. A little tricky pulling in given the size of our truck but amazing dinner!

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  11. CharlesF

    Miami

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Summer was very pleasant efficient and the other servers work as a team.

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  12. CameronS

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and service! Me and my girlfriend went for her birthday, and it was nothing short of amazing!

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  13. JayH

    Richmond

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    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 that accompanied the Trout Belly appetizer. So succulent and well prepared and a beautiful match with the aioli accompaniment. We 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 probably ask to be sat in Rebecca's section.

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  14. BrentS

    Western NC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A hidden gem in NC Highlands.Gamekeeper is unique exquisite great place for variety off dishes from game,beef to fish.The mixed grill app is a must.Enjoyed every visit for over a decade and highly recommend for anniversary and birthdays for a little something special. Brent S

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  15. ShereeB

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had talked about this place for years. Glad we went for our anniversary.

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  16. Delanita

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was wonderful. Looking forward to visiting again.

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  17. Deacs

    Greensboro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food, setting, and service. Highly recommend going.

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  18. Cody

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best meals I've had in a very long time. I booked reservations about 2 months in advance as I've been wanting to go here for about 10 years and could never find a reservation when I was up on vacation, and it lived up to every expectation I could have of it. Not sure who is in the kitchen but they have a true chef back there; every single thing on the plate could be eaten together and work perfectly.

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  19. MaryAnn

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dining at the Gamekeeper never disappoints! Food is consistently cooked perfectly and served with style and professionalism. The decor was very festive with warm light creating a pleasing ambiance. We appreciated that my husband's birthday was celebrated with a little placard on the table and the famous bread pudding for dessert!! We'll be back....and one of these times, I hope we get to sit near the fireplace!!

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  20. PamC

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a unique experience!!! We really enjoyed our meal and the service was outstanding!

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  21. AndyH

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Awesome experience! Disneyworld pricing but - like Disneyworld - an experience you won't soon forget. Worth the splurge. This was a fabulous night! Food was great. Service was world class. The venue is in a house Ive always loved. Don't miss this.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was our first visit back since our 2006 wedding reception. Everything was truly amazing. The staff was great!! Food fantastic!!! Everyone should add this to your must do list!

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  23. TrishJ

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Rebecca was excellent and very attentive as was everyone who helped with our needs.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Been to The Gamekeeper many times and it never disappoints. Best restaurant in northwestern NC and one of the best restaurants anywhere. We have to go every time we're in the area and easily our favorite.

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  25. Dale

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It is such a rare, wonderful experience when the food and the experience create a positive and memorable meal. The food at Gameskeeper met/exceeded all expectations and the staff fully exceeded expectations. Thank you Michael and staff. Highly recommend you treat yourself to a dining experince.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had reservations a few weeks ago and had to cancel last minute and management was very understanding. I was so glad we were able to snag another reservation so quickly. Everything we had was amazing! Definitely will be back.

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  27. KathyC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I tried to think of a better restaurant that we have been to during our 48 years of marriage. We have come to the conclusion that there is none finer than The Gamekeeper.

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  28. BobLikesToEat

    Tampa

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just love it, even if just an old fashion on the porch.

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an excellent dinner at Gamekeeper, and the staff was superb. We will definitely be returning.

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  30. ChloeS

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This dinner was by far the most amazing meal we ever had in our entire lives! My husband and I came to the Gamekeeper for a date night on our honeymoon, and we were blown away by the quality and quantity of the food we were served. The Elk and Emu were delicious, along with all of the other dishes we had. Our server was wonderful, and anticipated our every need. The ambiance was eclectic, romantic, and fun, the perfect date night spot! We ended our dinner with the best Old Fashioned and split a bread pudding a la mode for desert. We will surely be back again!

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  31. NickF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We came for our anniversary dinner and it was perfect as always. One of our most favorite restaurants! Our waiter was amazing and very helpful with recommendations and descriptions of plates!! We can’t wait to come back!

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  32. DeborahR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My favorite restaurant in the NC mountains. Amazing ambiance, food, service and views.

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  33. bethv

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Gamekeeper has become one of our favorites! With all of its memorabilia and twinkling lights, the atmosphere is charming and inviting. Our table was located in the main dining room with a lovely view of the wood-burning fireplace and the mountains. The drinks were delicious, the butternut squash bisque was to die for, the trout was the best I've had and the fact that no bread pudding was left is a true testament to its tastiness! Our waitress, Summer, was on point and our food was prepared to perfection! Can't wait to come back!

    Is this helpful?

  34. MaggieVA

    Richmond

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    When you are willing to drive 400 miles to enjoy a meal at a restaurant you know the food and the experience must be good. Well, it is not good. It is fantastic. And, whenever we have a celebration or special occasion--we head to the Gamekeeper in Boone, NC. (We live in Virginia!). This evening's meal was no exception. It was exceptional. From the young man parking the car to Allen our Server, to the food. Absolutely the best. This is why we have already booked for our February Anniversary/Birthday coming up in 2024. You can't leave a reservation to chance when you know you want to be there. I cannot recommend this restaurant more highly. It is our #1.

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  35. KarenM

    Charlotte

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love this place SO much. Every bit is a delight. Great drinks. World class cuisine in a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere. I especially love all the tiny white lights that lend to the magical environment. The servers are so kind and accomodating. Best dining experience ever!

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  36. MTNLocal

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, the Gamekeeper is fantastic! Definitely order the mixed game grill as a starter.

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  37. JohnC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Top notch restaurant - food, service, ambiance are all exceptional!

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  38. CindyE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was fantastic as always. Well worth the cost. Ambiance is always magical.

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  39. LeslieW

    Western NC

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, wonderful food, drink, service and atmosphere. Bartender Brett made a great cocktail and Monica’s attentive service was excellent.

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Always a pleasure. Staff is great and the food is the best. Will be back.

    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 3195 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 14 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
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • 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
    Tyler Smith
  • 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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