The 17 Best Vail Bars – From a Local
Last Updated on January 13, 2024 by Molly Egan
The Vail Bars are well known for their après-ski scene, yet there are some fantastic custom cocktail bars and dive bars. Read more for the best bars in Vail for your next trip!
Where will you have breakfast the next day in Vail? Well, here’s a roundup of the best breakfast spots in Vail.
See how Vail comes to life when the slopes empty and the town fills up.
In Vail, bar culture thrives as a vibrant and integral part of the town’s après-ski scene and nightlife, creating a lively atmosphere where locals and visitors come together to unwind, socialize, and celebrate the mountain experience.
From cozy mountain-themed bars to upscale lounges, the town comes to life after the slopes are empty. The transformation into bustling venues filled with people enjoying the energetic ambiance and reveling in the après-ski traditions make Vail a popular destination.
Difference Between Vail and Beaver Creek Bars
You will find more bars and nightlife in Vail Village than in Beaver Creek. There are a couple of establishments with locations in both areas – The Chophouse and Blue Moose Pizza.
Price Breakdown for Vail Bars:
One dollar sign ($): generally indicates relatively low prices, indicating more affordable options or budget-friendly establishments.
Two dollar signs ($$): generally indicate moderate prices, indicating a more upscale or premium experience with higher-priced menu items or drinks.
Three dollar signs ($$$): generally indicate higher prices, usually reserved for luxury venues or establishments with expensive offerings.
Four dollar signs ($$$$): generally indicates the highest price range, typically luxury venues or expensive offerings.
Vail Ice Bar
The best bar in Vail is the literal ice bar! For the anniversary season, they brought back these bars on top of the mountain – and it was magical! We all wait with bated breath to see if they return.
Stay the night – don’t drink and drive – at these Vail Hotels
Reasons to Visit Vail
Vail, Colorado, is a popular destination for many reasons. The world-class skiing and winter sports are most well-known, with over 5,000 skiable acres and a vibrant après-ski scene.
In the summer, the stunning natural scenery of the Rocky Mountains offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and scenic drives. Vail is known for its vibrant cultural scene, thriving arts community, and international cuisine.
Top Vail Bars by Category
These are our top vail bars by category. If you know what you want then head to one of these six bars for a memorable time in Vail Valley.
The best dive bar when you are on a budget is The George.
The best well-designed speakeasy is The Library at Chasing Rabbits.
The best food, cocktail menu and chill vibe is Root & Flower.
The best bar scene, food menu, and attractive bartenders is Mountain Standard.
The best local brewery is Vail Brewing Company in Eagle-Vail.
The best bar for live music and apres ski is Shakedown Bar.
Best Bars in Vail:
Bad Kitty
Root & Flower
Bully Ranch
Remedy Bar
Mountain Standard
Almresi
Frost Bar
Slope Room
Bart & Yetis
El Segundo
Two Arrows
Pepi’s
The George
Vail Brewery
Shakedown Bar
The Library at Chasing Rabbits
Garfinkel’s
Bad Kitty
Vail’s best retro-vibe dive bar is under Kemo Sabe on Bridge Street. The charm of the wallpaper, inventive cocktails, and casual bar will make your time so enjoyable!
Vail Village $$$
Insiders Tip: Forget disco ball – enjoy the Disco Ski Boot!
Root & Flower
Cozy with a vibrant ambiance vail bar. Excellent wine and craft cocktails with knowledgeable bartenders.
The changing menu for both food and cocktail will always delight! You’ll always be satisfied as it’s all SO good.
Vail Village $$$
Insiders Tip: During ski season – make it for àprés DJ! In Summer, make it for pop-up sushi.
Bully Ranch
This Western-style and casual restaurant and bar is a must-visit in Vail. The bar has the easiest to snag a spot all year round and is easily found in Sonnenalp hotel.
The mudslide is our favorite, followed by the Angels Envy hot toddy!
Vail Village $$
Insiders Tip: Get the Bully Bourbon Burger or Truffle Tots if you are hungry!
Remedy Bar
A sophisticated and upscale atmosphere is located inside the Four Seasons. The best cocktail is the Vail Spritz, made with elderflower liqueur and sparkling wine.
Have a relaxing drink before fine dining or enjoy the full bar scene! If you are with kids, the hot chocolate is a must!
Vail Village $$$$
Insiders Tip: The outdoor seating has the best view with fire-pits. The second best is the fireside lounge!
Mountain Standard
Rustic and trendy ambiance bar with a bar scene and American bites.
The best cocktail is their Sazerac, made with rye whiskey, absinthe, and bitters.
Vail Village $$$$
Insiders Tip: There is always a wait, so try to get on the bar seating list. Order the Bone Marrow and ask for the whiskey shot!
Almresi
Cozy and charming Alpine-inspired decor – you’ll feel transported to Austria. The best drink is the Winter Spice, made with cinnamon whiskey and apple cider.
Vail Village $$$
Insider’s Tip: Stay for dinner and have fondue!
Frost Bar
A sleek and modern bar with live music on the weekend evenings. Smoke Show is a must-have cocktail made with mezcal, jalapeño, and lime.
Vail Village $$$
Slope Room
Chic and stylish atmosphere to sip your favorite classic cocktails. The best cocktail is the Slope Room Mule, or extensive wine and liquor menu.
Vail Village $$$$
Insider’s Tip: Come for happy hour and stay for delicious food in their dining room!
Bart & Yetis
The best casual and friendly vibe with ski-themed decor with a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Lionshead Village; $$
Insider’s Tip: Great for après-ski drinks and good times. For the best pizza in town – snag a slice from Alpine Pizza next door!
El Segundo
Vibrant and lively ambiance with Latin-inspired flair. The best Margaritas in Vail!
On a sunny day, enjoy the large patio and listen to Gore creek!
Vail Village $$
Insider’s Tip: Do yourself a favor and have their queso and tacos!
Two Arrows
The best daytime coffee shop turned cocktail bar at night. They have occasional DJs and the best last-call bar in town.
Vail Village $$
Insider’s Tip: You’ll find an after-party to many AMP shows here.
Pepi’s
Iconic ski-lodge bar with a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere. The best cocktail is the Hot Toddy.
It’s an iconic staple of Vail’s history and the longest-running restaurant and bar.
Vail Village $$
Insider’s Tip: Always find apres live music here at the charming, relaxed tavern.
The George
The best dive bar in Vail – laid-back setting – and great food for the price! The must-have cocktail is whatever you like!
Vail Village $$
Insider’s Tip: The best bridge street bar to start and end your night – you’ll spot it before walking the covered bridge!
Vail Brewery
Relaxed and inviting brewery with a friendly and communal vibe, offering a variety of craft beers of Vail Brewing company. Enjoy local beers and views at the Solaris plaza location.
Must try the Blonde Ale, Gore Creek IPA, and cinnamon pretzels! There are two locations, Solaris Plaza in Vail Village and Route 6 in Eagle Vail.
Vail Village $
Insider’s Tip: The Eagle-Vail location has the most charm with a Taco food truck outside – but the Vail location is a great choice.
Shakedown Bar
The best live music bar in Vail, with a vibrant and energetic atmosphere it is a staple for Vail nightlife. Come for the live music, local musicians, and enjoy your favorite drink – don’t expect creative cocktails.
Vail Village $
Insider’s Tip: It’s a great place to start and end your night on Bridge Street.
The Library at Chasing Rabbits
A Cozy and speakeasy-style bar tucked away in an underground setting will make you feel you are in New York City with the cosmopolitan vibe. The cocktail menu and specialty cocktails are fantastic.
Vail Village $$$
Insider’s Tip: It’s a great place to have a cocktail and have your kids play games in the Rabbit Hole next door.
Garfinkel’s
Popular sports bar with a lively and energetic atmosphere, known for its casual vibe and drink specials. A charming dive bar next to Eagle Bahn gondola with amazing views of Vail Mountain!
Lionshead $$
Insider’s Tip: Has the best outdoor patio view of vail mountain, pub grub, and après scene of all mountain towns!
Conclusion:
As you can see above, there are many options for having a beverage after your mountain town adventure – whether in ski boots or bike shoes.
We suggest Three bars for larger groups and apres ski: Vendetta’s – A Wage Earner’s Ski Bar – The Red Lion – the original Vail Hospital!
