Maybe your ski boots have been conspiring against you all season, or you just discovered that ‘après-ski’ actually means ‘another credit card bill.’ Whatever the mountain threw at you this week, redemption awaits in the form of melted cheese and blistered crust. Here are 10 pies in Vail guaranteed to make you forget the lift lines and remember why you came.
Blue Moose Pizza Beaver Creek
$$ | (970) 845-8666 | WEBSITE
Those looking to shake off a ski-day chill should head to Blue Moose Pizza Beaver Creek, a lively sports bar spot where it’s impossible to have a bad meal. Gather with your family and prepare to be welcomed by the aroma of hot pizza and wings sizzling away from the kitchen. Kids are essential for this experience: they’ll love playing in the spacious outdoor area while parents relax.
Plus, the Caesar salad with great dressing is a must-try, and Cam provides top-notch service that makes everyone feel valued.
Pivot 62
$$ | (970) 476-2739 | WEBSITE
If it’s been one of those days where your ski boots pinched your toes all morning, the lift line was endless, and you face-planted right in front of the lodge, head straight to Pivot 62 near the Highline hotel. Because there’s no better way to shake off the mountain chill than by digging into a fantastic, plate-sized BBQ pizza. Order it with the gluten-free crust, which is so perfectly crisp it might make you sigh with relief. Go ahead, let it out.
Sauce on the Creek
$$ | (970) 949-3291 | WEBSITE
This relaxed Vail spot serves up satisfying American Italian comfort food, and they absolutely deliver. Drop in whenever you need to unwind after a day on the slopes with a plate of perfect arancini—so good you’ll finish all four—or a crispy, moist salmon that feels like a warm, reassuring hug.
The friendly bartender and waitstaff, including Myra and Romina, create a welcoming, quiet atmosphere where you can actually hear your dining companion rave about the well-grilled chicken parm sandwich or the sweet, huge scallops. It’s the ideal place to decompress and savor a delicious meal without the usual hustle.
Alpine Pizza Company
$ | (970) 393-5553 | WEBSITE
This pizza spot in Vail focuses on Detroit-style pies, instead of the thin-crust versions you more commonly see around town. The crust is so perfectly caramelized you’ll be tempted to shrink yourself and take a nap on its crispy, cheesy edges. But fantastic pizza isn’t the only reason to make this place a high priority. The pepperonis are cup & char style, creating tiny pools of savory grease. The light, fresh sauce is a stunner that soaks into the airy dough beautifully.
And there’s enough rich flavor in every slice to almost forget about the fact that you’re eating at a picnic table outside because the small walk-in joint has no indoor seating—but the blazing-fast service and friendly staff make it worth the wait.
Magustos Pizza & Burger Pub
$ | (970) 827-5450 | WEBSITE
Your car just got stuck in a snowbank for the third time this week, and you’re starting to question your life choices. Just take a breather, head inside, and warm up with a visit to Magustos Pizza & Burger Pub. The pizza-and-burger spot in Vail serves some of our favorite pies in town, with a crust that’s perfectly crisp and generous toppings that hit the spot. Don’t leave without trying their Philly cheese steak, which is loaded with flavor and incredibly satisfying.
Local Joe’s Pizza & Delivery
$ | (970) 476-2222 | WEBSITE
At this casual pizza joint in Vail, you can walk in, order, and have a hot slice of cheese curd pizza, a crisp gluten-free crust veggie pie, and a cold local beer in front of you in no time. The combination is exactly the comfort meal you’ll want after a long day of skiing when your legs feel like they’ve been through a meat grinder.
Pizza One Avon
$ | (970) 949-6000 | WEBSITE
If the question “when was the last time you had a pizza that made you reconsider your entire relationship with cheese and crust?” doesn’t prompt an immediate “just now,” then head to Pizza One Avon. This must-visit spot in Vail is serving up outstanding pies with generous toppings and amazing sauce on a sturdy, perfectly baked crust. Don’t skip adding their beyond meat substitute or vegan cheese if that’s your style.
You might just discover a new dimension of pizza satisfaction right there in your booth.
Chicago Pizza
$ | (970) 476-7000 | WEBSITE
Many occasions call for a meal at Chicago Pizza, like après-ski gatherings, family dinners, or celebratory meals after finally mastering that tricky blue run. The cozy ski-town space in Vail runs over with warmth, with board games scattered on tables and a crackling fireplace in the corner. And the outstanding pizzas, like the perfectly balanced cheese and pepperoni and the customizable calzones, are exactly what you want to eat while watching snow fall outside the frosty windows.
Apres Cafe
$$ | (970) 688-5437 | WEBSITE
So you just finished a long day on the slopes and need something to warm you up from the inside out. Happens to the best of us—just head straight to Apres Cafe in East Vail. The cozy spot excels at all types of comfort food, with a laid-back vibe that reminds you this place isn’t trying too hard. There’s a fantastic pizza with solid seasonal toppings that hits the spot every time, and a burger on a gluten-free bun we’d order again and again.
The fireplace area and warm ambiance make it the perfect place to unwind, and Tommy’s expresso martinis are the cherry on top of a truly wonderful dining experience. With attentive service and owners who genuinely care, it’s the kind of hidden gem you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Pazzo’s Pizzeria
$ | (970) 476-9026 | WEBSITE
There’s no better way to cap off a long day on the slopes than by heading to Pazzo’s Pizzeria in Vail. Walk right in and grab a seat at one of their cozy wooden tables, then choose anything from their straightforward menu of classic pizzas and Italian dishes. The housemade crust is perfectly crisp and chewy, and when it’s loaded with fresh toppings and baked well-done, you’ve got a winning combination.
Go for the supreme pizza with its generous pile of meats and veggies or the classic margherita topped with massive slices of fresh mozzarella and basil.