Skiing Vail is no walk in the park. With a high point of 11,570 ft and over 5,000 skiable acres, Vail Resort can tire out anyone. But don’t feel bad about calling it early – with legendary skiing comes legendary après. Vail’s iconic bars, restaurants, and music venues await you.
Make the most of your trip with the best après ski bars in Vail.
Best Live Music & Local Vibe: Shakedown Bar
You don’t have to be a deadhead to get down at Shakedown
As Jerry Garcia would say, “Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart, you just gotta poke around.” We followed Jerry’s advice and poked around Vail until we found Shakedown Bar, a proper locals’ joint. Grab a drink for après, or swing by in the evening for the live band and real party. With a phenomenal sound system and relatively cheap drinks, Shakedown is the spot to go if you’re looking for a fun night out.
Address: 304 Bridge St, Vail, CO 81657Phone Number: (970) 479-0556
Website: Shakedown Bar Vail Website
Best Slopeside: Garfinkel’s
Slopeside sports bar delivering pub fare and mountain views since ‘93
After a long day on the mountain, you’ll want to beeline it straight to Garfinkel’s at the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Take your pick of classic comfort foods like nachos or the fried chicken sandwich, or switch it up with Thai lettuce wraps and tuna poke. With a wide range of spirits, beers, and other beverages, Garf’s ensures that you won’t leave thirsty. We recommend dining on the patio to enjoy one of Vail’s 247 days of sunshine.
Address: 536 E Lionshead Circle, Vail, CO 81657Phone Number: (970) 476-3789
Website: Garfinkel's Vail Website
Best Happy Hour: The George
Laidback, lounge-style pub slinging steaks, seafood, and pub grub
Pub vibes, but make it gourmet. The George’s menu features some big-ticket items like Surf ‘n Turf and Filet Mignon, but the friendly pub atmosphere and solid happy hour menu keep things casual. Slide in at 5 pm and fire off your happy hour orders, because “happy hour” is just that – one hour. Be sure to order the duck and mushroom quesadilla, a local favorite.
Address: 292 E Meadow Dr, Vail, CO 81657Phone Number: (970) 476-2656
Website: The George Vail Website
Best Après All Day: The 10th
Upscale, on-mountain lodge serving the après ski trifecta – food, booze, and views
Here’s how a trip to the 10th works. Step 1: Cruise to Mid-Vail for the best on-mountain meal you’ll have all trip. Step 2: Wrench off your boots and slide into slippers. Step 3: Order anything and everything on the menu – a Wagyu burger with Tender Belly bacon, burrata salad, truffle fries… We’d have it all if we could. Step 4: Enjoy the big mountain views until you can gather the energy to send it down to the next après stop.
Address: The top of Gondola One at Vail Ski Resort – Main Vail, Vail, CO 81658Phone Number: (970) 754-1010
Website: The 10th Vail Website
Upscale: The Remedy Bar
The Four Seasons’ bar serves wines from around the globe, thoughtfully crafted dishes, and the best hot chocolate you’ve ever had
The Remedy Bar features all the essential elements of upscale après: a lofty interior with a mountain view, a lengthy wine list, and balanced dishes made from high-quality ingredients. But one thing makes this place a standout: the hot chocolate. The steaming drink is poured over a homemade marshmallow and chocolate doily, producing a rich blend that will ruin Swiss Miss forever.
Address: 1 Vail Rd, Vail, CO 81657Phone Number: (970) 477-8600
Website: Remedy Bar at Four Seasons Vail Website
