With summer, and the Teva Mountain Games, just behind some April clouds, I am excited to be outside as much as possible, including for meals!

When I am not backpacking or hiking, I take a work break refuge by eating outside- almost any patio will do, but if you are looking for the best where you can still enjoy the Teva Mountain Games atmosphere, then don’t fret, I did an office poll of where the best places to snag a snack, sunglasses required. Here’s what we came up with:

1. Los Amigos. Closest to all of the Teva Mountain Games and Vail Mountain lift, the Vista Bahn, this spicy patio will serve up your favorite Mexican dishes and the best guacamole you can find in the high country. Bring your family, and enjoy the fresh air, entertainment, and sunshine.

2. Vendetta’s. Not only is this the best place to grab a late night snack, but Vendetta’s back patio catches some great late afternoon sun. Try a “Ray Jay’s Wave” pizza (Canadian bacon, green peppers, and pineapple) for a full summer effect.

3. Red Lion. Located in the heart of everything that is happening in Vail, get here early because the Red Lion always has a full patio. I recommend trying their dry, smoked ribs with a local Colorado brew… 1554 by New Belgium goes great with a burger, too!

4. La Bottega. Enjoy the northern Italian casual restaurant, and take a look at their lunch menu. Watch out! The sandwiches are very large, and make for a great split meal, and I haven’t found a better Meatball sub in all of Colorado! La Bottega’s patio is in Vail Village, and is one of the best spots for people watching.

5. The Marketplace. Across from La Bottega is the Marketplace, which also includes the Tavern. Don’t want to stay for lunch? No problem, the Marketplace has a steady supply of fresh, organic meats, cheeses, and produce for you to create a personalized and healthy meal.

6. Big Bear Bistro. Located at the top of Bridge Street, Big Bear Bistro is the place to stop for breakfast! Featuring fresh, and locally roasted Vail Mountain Coffee, they make getting your travel group ready for a full day of kayak, raft, & canine competition-viewing easy. My top recommendation: try their breakfast burrito, complete with Mike’s Finest Green Chile. Stop by in the afternoon, or call in- they do pickup as well as delivery in Vail Village.

7. Garfinkel’s. Located in Lionshead, Garf’s (the short version quoted by many locals) is located on Gore Creek, and is a great deck to “Watch everyone come down the mountain at the end of the day,” not to mention that Garf’s has one of the largest patios in town, and unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains.

The Teva Mountain Games will take place June 3-6, 2010.

Check out Plum TV's coverage of past Teva Mountain Games (Watch Video)

Check out more images from past Teva Mountain Games (View Slideshows)

Janyce Brandon is a Vail local & blogger. You can read more of her work here.