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

2935 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

Apr 2, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
American, Wild Game, Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Dinner Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
Phone number
(828) 963-7400
Website
http://www.gamekeeper-nc.com/
Payment options
AMEX, 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, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Mixed Game Grill$29.00
Featuring chef's choice of grilled game* & sausages with dipping sauces* & fries
Wild Turkey Pot Pie$26.00
Wild Turkey Pie - Heritage breed Turkey in a rich gravy with peas & pearl onions, topped with flaky pastry accented with pimento cheese & chives. Great to share!
Escargot$20.00
French burgundy snails baked with garlic butter & demi-glace, served with grilled baguette
Emu Tartare$15.00
Minced emu fan filet* with egg yolk*, chives, shallots, capers & soy sauce. Served with "Roots & Branches" olive oil & rosemary crackers
Bleu Salad$11.00
Bibb lettuce with Spanish Valdeon bleu cheese, apple vinaigrette, red onion confit, spiced pecans & dried cranberries
Mixed Greens & Beet Salad$14.00
Mixed greens tossed with balsamic vinaigrette, pickled red & golden beets, fennel, orange supremes, lemon whipped ricotta, fried parsnips & red radish
Poached Pear Salad$14.00
Bartlett Pears poached in honey & Port tossed with mixed greens, citrus vinaigrette, feta cheese, toasted walnuts & pomegranate
Potato Soup
Cream of new potato soup with bacon & chives
- Bowl$11.00
- Cup$6.00

Entrees

Entrees served with seasonal vegetables

"Hot Pot"$45.00
featuring rare seared yellowfin tuna*, mussels, crawfish, mushrooms, bok choy, napa cabbage, bonito flakes & coconut hot pot broth
Emu Adobo$42.00
Braised emu fan filet in adobo sauce with charred salsa verde, queso fresco, avocado crema, pickled red onions, red radish & cherry tomatoes. Served with fried corn tortillas.
Cornmeal Fried Trout$32.00
Pan-seared cornmeal crusted trout with green onion polenta, pimento cheese butter & fresh cucumber salsa
Bison Hanger Steak$49.00
Grilled bison hanging tenderloin* with garlic mashed potatoes & horseradish sour cream
Elk Denver Leg$49.00
Elk Denver Leg* with creamy butternut squash risotto, seared beech mushrooms, grilled broccolini, roasted baby carrots & shiitake mushroom jus
Beef Coulotte Steak$45.00
Grilled 5.5 oz Brasstown beef* coulotte steak with twice-baked potato featuring leeks & oyster mushrooms, grilled asparagus, charred onion & horseradish demi-glace
Venison Osso$48.00
Osso buco style venison shank slowly simmered in a hearty tomato stew served with garlic mashed potatoes and rosemary gremolata
Duck Leg Confit$47.00
Confit duck leg paired with alligator andouille hash, kale, sweet potatoes, spring peas and lemon sage beurre blanc
Game Bolognese$37.00
Fresh bucatini pasta from Basil's Restaurant in our thick 'n rich antelope bolognese sauce, with spinach and Parmesan
Anteloaf$33.00
Classic game meatloaf grilled and topped with sundried tomato bbq served over garlic mashed potatoes.
Veggie Plate$28.00
Bbq brushed tempeh with a tasty sampling of almost every leaf, stalk, root, fruit, nut, grain & flower in house, please specify if vegan

À la carte

Risotto$8.00
Creamy butternut squash, sage & spinach risotto
Mac n' blue Cheese$8.00
Creamy blue cheese mac n' cheese

Desserts

Brownie Con Leche$12.00
Chocolate brownie with cinnamon & rice custard, torched merengue, crumbled spiced pecans, chocolate espresso beans & orange zest
Mango Sorbet with Malibu Rum$10.00
Malibu Rum spiked mango sorbet with a shortbread cookie & toasted coconut
Bourbon Bread Pudding$12.00
Bourbon bread pudding, with crumbled pecan topping, whipped cream & caramel
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream$9.00
House made vanilla bean ice cream topped with chocolate crumble

What 2,935 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
Romantic
Asheville / Western North Carolina
American

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OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the most unique menus I have seen. Every dish we ordered was outstanding. Staff was wonderful and kind to our 4 year old daughter. Not a place I’d go to all the time but for special occasions this is an awesome outing with family and/or friends.
m
mousefarm
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is excellent! We tried the sampler platter to start so we could try multiple things & it did not disappoint! Even the French fries were amazing!!
DE
DEBBIE
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food! Wait staff was excellent! The atmosphere was wonderful!
BJ
BenJ
Charlotte
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wow! Terrific on all counts! The Gamekeeper’s ambiance is amazing. Cozy, “mountainy,” festive and romantic all at once. Nowhere else compares. Our server, Elizabeth, was most personable. She and the other staff members made us feel so welcomed, as if we had just arrived home for a meal with family. The food was fabulous, as always! The potato soup is to die for, the very definition of how less can be more - it is more to be sure. Our elk leg was cooked perfectly with an awesome sauce that complemented it perfectly. Great job! We cannot wait to come back! Ben J
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was our first time at The Gamekeeper and it was awesome. The food was delicious.
KB
KarenB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our dinner was so delicious. The staff was just amazing! We will be back soon!
s
savannahtourist1
Coastal Georgia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Not our first time at gamekeeper, because it is a favorite. But this visit was just exceptional! The turkey pot pie starter was top notch. Favorite entrees were the elk Denver leg, coulette and emu. And the bourbon bread pudding, best dessert in Boone. Fantastic experience as always! Highly recommend!
FH
FranH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had potato soup & elk leg; emu tartar & game bolognese. All to die for. Would order each again. Chocolate brownie for dessert. It was good but would get something else next time. Service & atmosphere were amazing. Our new, favorite restaurant. You won't be disappointed. Plan ahead, reservations are hard to get.
D
Dawn
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 23, 2023
overall4food2service4ambience4
Liked every thing ,but food. Sampler appetizer over seasoned. Our main meals just ok.
BH
BillH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing experience overall. Highly recommended, and will return!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The wait staff was awesome; friendly and attentive. The food was great! Valet parking was fast and efficient—our car was waiting for us when we walked out of the restaurant. We’ll be back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Top notch service from the minute you arrive. Valet parking, announcement made to the hostess stand that you are on your way and excellent food and service once you are seated. Beautiful views.
SM
SheMc
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved everything about The Gamekeeper!!! The meals, drinks and dessert was delicious and an experience.
J
Jennifer
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a dreamy 23rd anniversary dinner at the Gamekeeper. The staff are super attentive and friendly. The food was AMAZING. If you are a serious meat eater, go for the emu tartare. For entree I had the duck and my husband had the elk. Duck was sweeter with perfect crispy skin and a delectable pea, sweet potato, kale, and alligator andouille hash. Elk was smokey and tender and risotto it came was apparently so good I didn't get a bite! We both ordered the enormous bourbon caramel bread pudding but even though I couldn't have finished mine it was just as well we got two because we would have been fighting over that caramel sauce! It's a spendy restaurant but it's worth it for a special occasion. Worth every penny. Bring cash to tip your valet!
d
dshelms
Charlotte
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious and service attentive. Recommendations made by our waiter were on point. So glad we took the time to eat here and hope to return some day!
TW
TerryW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a fantastic meal and always is we have told several people about the food
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We eat at the Game Keeper every time we visit Blowing Rock/Boone. It’s our absolute favorite place. Highly recommend!
w
wer3
Charleston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great atmosphere, bar, food, and outstanding service. A little on the pricey side but otherwise worth the experience.
S
Stefanie
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing service, food was impeccable. Highly recommend!
R
Rachel
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food, great service! Loved being treated so well by the entire staff—made the experience that much better! First time trying and we will be coming back for sure!
RM
RickM
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
So happy to be able to enjoy this restaurant,it is a top 3 restaurants this year. Rebecca did a outstanding job. She has perfect timing with her service and a great personality which made the evening so enjoyable . We will be back again and tell all our family and friends to make their reservations .. on the subject of reservations we made on Tuesday for Thursday the link made them for the 30th of March??? Not the 9th but the restaurant didn't miss a beat and got us in with no wait .. we were so lucky please check your reservations you might not be so luc
FF
FoodFan
Western NC
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent all the way around. Food and service are top notch.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greensboro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious, the ambiance and staff were amazing. This was an absolute treat. We drove over 2 hours to eat here, but it was definitely worth it and we will be back!
C
Cinzia
Coastal Georgia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is our favorite restaurant in Blowing Rock/Boone area. We were celebrating our anniversary and it was exceptional per usual. My very favorite menu item is the Emu Tartare. Perfection. Great service, great atmosphere. Fantastic experience!
CH
CrystalH
Western NC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service were phenomenal as always. Matt provided great service and has a nice personality with a friendly smile.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Wilmington
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This restaurant was made to celebrate special occasions. The welcoming ambiance made for a relaxed evening. Our waiter was fantastic with his thorough and knowledgeable explanations of menu offerings. Drinks, starters, and meals were all wonderful. It is pricey, but worth it.
S
Senrab
Western NC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, not your usual but the mname is GameKeeper for a reason. Friendly staff, willing to her in your decision if you need it. Our place for anniversaries and special occasions.
f
foodie
Western NC
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always fantastic!! Great Food Great Service!!
NC
NCFoodie
Western NC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We’ve been coming to the Gamekeeper for many years. It never fails to provide interesting and unique meals with top notch service.
AM
AllisonM
Indiana
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Wonderful staff and great food!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Gosh, dinner was amazing, as always! This is my husband's all time favorite restaurant and we can't get enough of trying different dishes, drinks and desserts on the menu! Never had a bad experience here and we can't stop coming back! The food is just that great!! The view isn't bad either!! Definitely a 30 out of 10!!!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We came up to the mountains for a long weekend getaway from the Charlotte area. We made reservations for The Gamekeeper nearly 3 months ago for what was to be our very first visit there. We were beyond thrilled with our dining experience tonight! Staff, atmosphere, food, drinks…EVERYTHING was of the highest quality and we very much look forward to returning again!! Thank you for such an amazing evening!
M
Miki
Raleigh
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best meal I've had in ages. Staff is attentive and friendly. Dinner was outstanding.
HJ
HolJon
Raleigh
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Gamekeeper is our most favorite restaurant. The menu is outstanding. We had the escargot it was the best I had. Denver Elk Leg and Anteloaf for entrees. They have delicious and creative cocktails like the Black Mountain Manhattan, Smoked Old Fashion, and Turbo Coffee. The hospitality is as thoughtful as the menu. Every staff member was gracious , attentive, and invested in our experience. We can not wait to return.
r
rbg1
Charlotte
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
This was our first time eating at the Gamekeeper. We had heard a lot of good things, and all the reviews were accurate. The food was excellent and the service was as well. We really enjoyed!!!
S
Spinner
Washington DC
39 reviews
vip
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Have been dining here for 10 years. This meal was the best I’ve had there.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite restaurant in the area by far. The food and wine list are amazing. The friendly attentive staff makes it the perfect night out.
SA
StaceyA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hidden Treasure! A quaint cottage nestled in the mountains, this restaurant has a magical vibe. The atmosphere is rustic and eclectic; casual and elegant at the same time. The food is an artistic experience in itself! Delicious, unique choices from wild game to vegetarian. Excellent service. This place is a memory maker!
CP
ChipP
Greensboro
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall4food3service3ambience5
with my fiancé for Valentines weekend. I started off wonderful with that delicious blue cheese macaroni . Emu was ok, beef was chewy. Ended with superior desserts, bread pudding & brownie. Do not sit in the bar area. I realize there are a few more tables in the bar area, but it gets very crowded and not very intimate. If I go back, I will insist on not sitting in the bar area . 3.8 stars!
MP
MattP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent all around. Great food and I would definitely recommend the elk.

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

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Diner temperature check required
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

The Gamekeeper is rated 4.9 stars by 2935 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

Apr 2, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

3005 Shull's Mill Road, Boone, NC 28607

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
100 yards up Shulls Mill Rd from the entrance to Yonahlossee
Neighborhood
Boone
Hours of operation
Dinner Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
Cuisines
American, Wild Game, Contemporary American
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Ken Gordon
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, 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

Dining areas

Additional information

Potato Soup

Emu Tartare

Elk Denver Leg

Starters

Mixed Game Grill$29.00

Wild Turkey Pot Pie$26.00

Escargot$20.00

Emu Tartare$15.00

Bleu Salad$11.00

Mixed Greens & Beet Salad$14.00

Poached Pear Salad$14.00

Potato Soup

Entrees

"Hot Pot"$45.00

Emu Adobo$42.00

Cornmeal Fried Trout$32.00

Bison Hanger Steak$49.00

Elk Denver Leg$49.00

Beef Coulotte Steak$45.00

Venison Osso$48.00

Duck Leg Confit$47.00

Game Bolognese$37.00

Anteloaf$33.00

Veggie Plate$28.00

À la carte

Risotto$8.00

Mac n' blue Cheese$8.00

Desserts

Brownie Con Leche$12.00

Mango Sorbet with Malibu Rum$10.00

Bourbon Bread Pudding$12.00

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

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Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

How is The Gamekeeper restaurant rated?

Is The Gamekeeper currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information