Elevated by après-ski traditions, the mountain bar scene has become essential to the Vail experience. With many visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation, these establishments offer more than just drinks—they’re portals to community, celebration, and breathtaking alpine views. If you’re in Vail and craving a memorable evening, here are our top picks for spots that blend exceptional cocktails with vibrant atmosphere, all ready to welcome you after a day on the slopes.
The Gambit Bar
$$ | (970) 477-8130 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you have a long day on the slopes and your soul craves the comfort of a perfectly chilled espresso martini with a very elegant, slender stirrer. Settle into one of The Gambit Bar’s plush leather chairs inside the Sebastian hotel and exchange knowing glances with any curious visitor at 9pm on a Thursday. Is this a meal? We don’t think it really matters.
Red Lion
$$ | (970) 476-7676 | WEBSITE
If you’re spending time in Vail during ski season, it is your duty as a visitor to try the tower of nachos and other pub favorites at Red Lion at least once. We love their fish and chips for a satisfying meal, but a little-known fact is that Red Lion also serves what some call the best chicken sandwich they’ve ever had. You can even enjoy it while watching football on a Saturday afternoon, like an evolved version of the casual hangouts you used to frequent in college.
Try the ski boot shotski the next time you’re celebrating a great day on the slopes.
Pivot 62
$$ | (970) 476-2739 | WEBSITE
Whenever we stop by Pivot 62 near the Highline hotel after skiing, we never leave without at least one slice of their smoky BBQ pizza. Even if we’ve also ordered generous plates of wings, Brussels sprouts, and empanadas that consistently arrive hot and flavorful. Pivot 62 offers several gluten-free choices, including pancakes, English muffins, bread, and turkey bacon, for those with dietary needs.
Try the BBQ pizza that comes with a perfect crust and rich toppings—it’s been called one of the best pizzas ever. We’d also recommend the unique and tasty drinks, like the ones servers Rolando and Sergio might suggest, which pair well with the lively music and welcoming atmosphere.
Bad Kitty Lounge
$ | (970) 393-5077 | WEBSITE
There are more bars in Vail than there are ski runs on a powder day, but this intimate lounge is one of the few you should adjust your regular après-ski routine for. Get a pear-flavored cocktail that surprisingly tastes like spiced apple cider, and a tropical-inspired pina colada that’s perfectly balanced—not too sweet. You might feel a little too sophisticated for your own good by your second drink, but would that really be such a bad thing?
Montauk Seafood Grill
$$$ | (970) 476-2601 | WEBSITE
Montauk Seafood Grill in Vail offers a variety of delicious seafood dishes, with standouts including the lobster tail, grilled shrimp, barbecue salmon, and seared Ahi tuna. Except this place gets its fresh ingredients flown in daily, which makes it a perfect spot for seafood lovers who appreciate quality.
Get the excellent shrimp cocktail or a delightful chef’s specialty salmon dish and enjoy the fun wine list and delicious cocktails until you figure out why the attentive service has received special mentions.
The Restaurant at Chasing Rabbits Vail
$$$$ | (970) 444-4677 | WEBSITE
The rabbit Bolognese from this Vail restaurant has saved us from bickering with our partners and sending snarky texts to our friends. Something about the combination of tender rabbit, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta soothes our restlessness like something sipped in a dimly lit speakeasy. The pasta is cooked al dente, simmered with slow-braised rabbit, and then topped with fresh Parmesan right when it comes out of the kitchen.
Stop in to try their smashed fingerlings and one of their fantastic cocktails at the arcade bar.
Bart & Yeti’s
$$ | (970) 476-2754 | WEBSITE
We once had the idea to create a Vail weekend itinerary that revolved entirely around Bart & Yeti’s sunny patio and a good book. And we stand by this as a perfectly reasonable vacation plan. But if you’re just here for one thing (and not a whole afternoon), make it the pork green chile. This hearty, flavorful bowl comes with a generous portion (so it’s a meal in itself), and has tons of great warmth.
We also recommend the purple passion chicken sandwich, and the Burrata Caprese Salad for all those that can’t commit to leaving Bart & Yeti’s with just a single dish.
Shakedown Bar
$$ | (970) 479-0556 | WEBSITE
This live music spot in the heart of Vail serves up some of the most energetic nights in all of Colorado – especially when their cover bands are rocking and the crowd is buzzing. If you want something lively, stop by and grab a reasonably priced drink. They have a typical cover charge of $20, although locals sometimes get in free, which means they’re practically asking you to bring cash and your dancing shoes.
Cucina
$$ | (970) 754-7872 | WEBSITE
By now we hope that you’ve politely introduced yourself to Cucina just a short walk from Gondola #1 at Vail (since it’s home to some excellent live music). And if you haven’t, let appetizer time be your way in. The service can get fairly slow here during busy times, so swing by for a drink and wings any evening of the week. First, you’ll taste fresh ingredients, then bold flavors, then tender salmon, then perfectly cooked lamb chops, with everything coming together in your satisfied mouth.
Make sure to take your morning and try their breakfast buffet with attentive service. What happens is a pleasant surprise. The word ‘fine’ seems somehow inadequate. Bring your family.
Express Lift Bar
$ | (970) 754-4590 | WEBSITE
Express Lift Bar serves ski break staples that we wish we had at the pit stops of our youth, including a Mudslide Hot Chocolate that warms you from the inside out and a pretzel with beer cheese that hits just right. We could sit here and argue about the Mudslide’s proper classification as a drink or not a drink. Instead, we think you should do whatever you want, knowing that ordering a pretzel by itself with some extra cheese is also an excellent snacking decision.