A range of peaks and valleys hug Eagle County from all angles. This landscape is a recreational playground, with the town of Minturn as its vibrant vortex of adventure. From the Minturn mile to the bike park and every trail in between, every explorer in these parts needs adequate sustenance. Fortunately, Sunrise Minturn is here to advance your adventure with hearty, delicious dishes, refreshing coffee and cocktails and the ideal mountain town atmosphere.
Longtime local and chef Douglas McAvity opened Sunrise in November of 2017. McAvity had been a chef in Vail for 12 years prior and was eager to establish a restaurant for the busy local. He makes it his priority to source his ingredients from as many other local businesses as possible, with prices that cater to the community. His menu is a taste of the Valley, with bagels from Village Bagel, coffee from Color Coffee Roaster, hot sauce from Sendy Sauce and more.
Stepping into Sunrise means stepping toward a meal that’s comforting, consistent and nourishing. Looking for the perfect fuel after a Monday morning workout, I started with a fresh drip coffee. The bold cup of joe, with no added ingredients, was both smooth and invigorating. The Popeye smoothie was ready minutes after I placed my order. The beverage — made with pineapple, spinach, cucumber, banana, coconut yogurt and hemp hearts — both hydrated and restored me from the inside out. I asked to add whey protein powder to the blender for an extra boost to my muscle recovery. I absolutely recommend this addition.
Photos courtesy of Douglas McAvity
Following a few sips of my smoothie, my Lou’s Scramble was hot and ready. I was served a stunning plate full of eggs scrambled with diced onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach and avocado, served over a bed of perfectly golden- brown hash browns. And I of course added a dollop of Sendy hot sauce on top. I took home half of this generous portion in the restaurant’s to-go box, made from compostable plant fiber. I was relieved by the fact that my food was not sitting in a box of microplastics.
One of the most special aspects about Sunrise is their commitment to making your day more enjoyable and easier. That is why McAvity serves both breakfast and lunch during all hours of operation.
“Our grab-and-go burritos are perfect to take on any hike or mountain adventure,” McAvity says. “We also serve our entire menu all day, so if you need a sandwich at 7 a.m. for your daily adventure, we have you covered. If you need a place to unwind and kick back when it’s all done, we have a great boozy brunch menu to take the edge off.”
The boozy brunch, such as the entirety of their menu, is served every day from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. There is something for everyone: try the legendary Sunrise Bloody Mary made with their signature mix, or sip The Fizz, mixed with house-made lavender syrup.
Sunrise’s interior is also a testament to McAvity’s commitment to supporting the local. There is an undoubted sense of camaraderie within its walls. The music is energizing paired with the cowboy-proud, western Colorado décor. It is hard to miss the eye-catching and thought-provoking yellow light-up sign: “It is what it is, ain’t what it ain’t.”
On the same wall lies the “Own a Piece of History” collection. All of these ready-to-purchase possessions were found by Red Cliff-based artist Bob Will. He finds these tokens of Colorado history on hikes, walks and strolls along the Eagle River.
It is evident McAvity and the Sunrise team cherish and support the people of the Vail Valley. From the menu to the merchandise, Sunrise is a celebration of community. Every detail reflects a deep-rooted connection to the local culture and the people who call this Valley home.
As McAvity says, his “customers have become like family over the years.”
