First Chair is a nod to old-school Vail and a way to preserve a simpler Valley — a Vail that is filled with a pure love for the mountains. A Vail that is more approachable. A Vail with affordable food. A Vail for locals and visitors alike who reap every lift and sow every turn.
Photos courtesy of First Chair
Drew Riley, Dusty Martin and Zach Martin have established a down-to earth space where the cocktails, creative burritos, shots and chocolate chip cookies seem endless. At the top of Bridge Street, next to Surefoot, First Chair serves grab-and-go burritos every day beginning at 8 a.m. First Chair can be your first stop in the Village before you ride up the hill and your last stop before living this dream life all over again.
“We are here for the skier,” says Dusty Martin. “So, you can stand in line at Gondola One and still get first chair while eating a nice, hot breakfast.”
The family-owned business strategically limits its menu to no more than seven burrito options for breakfast and a different selection of six or seven burritos for lunch and dinner. Breakfast burritos are served until 11 a.m., after which the lunch and dinner options become available. This makes it easier and faster for you to get on the slopes. After all, Vail was built for skiing in the first place.
“We did not want any decision fatigue,” Riley emphasizes. “If you are for everyone, you are for no one.”
Riley, the proprietor of Los Amigos and Russell’s, realized this over the pandemic when the Mexican restaurant was serving grab-and-go burritos, beer and shots in the heart of the Village. It was at this time, Riley knew our town was in desperate need for an affordable, quick yet delicious eatery. Once the space that is currently First Chair became available, Riley called up his brothers-in-law: Dusty and Zach Martin. Their decision was a no-brainer: Vail needed a spot that is convenient, where the working class could grab a quick, hearty meal without sacrificing quality or breaking the bank. 
“There is no shortage of burritos we can come up with,” Dusty Martin proudly shares. Think gyro, strawberry French toast, chopped Italian sub, burger smash, Tokyo chicken, Thanksgiving, chicken and waffle, turkey and brie, falafel, a Denver breakfast burrito, veggie breakfast and more. There is always a kids option, like their chicken strip and mac and cheese burrito. Not only did Riley and the Martins do this in order keep variety on a concise menu, but also to research what customers crave and avoid food waste.
“Tortillas and fillings are what we do,” Riley says joyfully.
In fact, you can even order nachos with any of the toppings that are on their current burrito menu. A tortilla chip is a still a tortilla after all. And then there are those chocolate chip cookies — a top snack for skiers and riders of every age — these treats are complimentary during après.
The interior design is rich with ski town touches, all thanks to Emma Martin, Dusty Martin’s wife, who brought the family’s vision to life. You cannot
miss the “First Chair Last Call” neon sign that both inspires to clip into your skis or snowboard and celebrate this place we are lucky to call home.
When you grab for a napkin, as I did when I inevitably had to dab some of the delectable raspberry jam and basil pesto from the turkey and brie burrito off my face, notice the details on the dispenser. There are trivia questions about Vail mountain and the Town of Vail, furthering the restaurant’s dedication to maintaining Vail’s legacy. You can also find the staff’s headshots on the napkin dispensers. “We have a great staff in here that let customers’ guards down with our friendly atmosphere,” Riley adds.
The First Chair fun doesn’t stop at the restaurant — it’s alive on the slopes, too. Keep an eye and ear out for the First Chair family as they carve fresh tracks and hand out their signature “Free Shot” cards to lucky skiers and riders.