Vail’s thriving drink scene is full of innovative flavor, offering standout sips at Vail cocktail bars, restaurants and distilleries that you may not find anywhere else. From seasonal delights to bold signature pours, these unique beverages showcase the creativity fueling Vail nightlife and beyond, whether you’re exploring slopeside lounges in winter or sunny patios in summer.
Creative Concoctions at Restaurants & Bars in Vail
Looking for something beyond the classics? From dining darlings to hotel bars, leave it to the mixologists at these spots to craft something original.
Bad Kitty Lounge: This little hideaway cocktail bar in Vail Village is tucked down under the main drag, befitting its speakeasy decor and vibes — including a sparkling ski-boot disco ball. Bartenders will whip up a custom cocktail based on your likes and dislikes, no menu necessary.
227 Bridge St., Vail, CO 81657, 970-393-5077
Matsuhisa: Complement an impeccable meal of Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influences by ordering the zingy Gardener, made with Roku Gin or Corazon Tequila, serrano, cilantro, ginger and lime. You can also upgrade to Vago Elote Mezcal or make it Nobu-style with Don Julio 1942. Others have tried to replicate this drink but no one makes a cocktail quite like this one.
141 E. Meadow Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-6628
The Remedy Bar: At the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, socialize over specialty cocktails like the bold Oaxacan Old Fashioned with Casa Noble Añejo Tequila, Del Maguey Mezcal and chocolate bitters. The lively scene here is set against uninterrupted mountain views, whether you’re inside or enjoying the fresh air from the stunning patio with year-round fire pits.
1 Vail Rd., Vail, CO 81657, 970-477-8600
Two Arrows Coffee | Bar: A coffee shop by day, Two Arrows stirs up stellar cocktails with modern techniques. Ask for a bespoke creation or try the Gimme More with Thai tea-infused vodka, crème de cacao, lime, pineapple and sweetened condensed milk.
225 Wall St. Vail, CO 81657, 970-763-5101
The Gambit Bar: Artful cocktails are the name of the game at this luxe lounge in The Sebastian Vail, where locally sourced ingredients are often incorporated into the drinks. Sip on a Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned, a blend of Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon, sour cherry cordial, cherry bark, vanilla bitters and cherry wood smoke.
16 Vail Rd., Vail, CO 81657, 970-477-8130
King’s Club: Whether you’re listening to the live music or cozied up by the roaring fireplace, the perfect companion at this Vail bar inside the Sonnenalp Hotel is the White Negroni but Different, made with Tanqueray Gin, celery-passion fruit vermouth, Luxardo bitters and celery bitters for an unusual yet tasty libation.
20 Vail Rd., Vail, CO 81657, 970-479-5429
Best Bars in Vail for Winter Warmers
Come in from the cold après-ski and order up a piping-hot adult beverage.
The George: This beloved basement hangout takes hot chocolate to another level with riffs like the Nuts & Berries, a combo of Frangelico, black raspberry liqueur, hot chocolate and whipped cream.
292 E. Meadow Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-2656
Rimini Cafe: Though known for its decadent gelato, you can’t pass up a boozy Spiked Mocha. The addition of Sugarland Banana Cream Liquor to Italian roasted espresso and Rimini’s housemade hot chocolate puts a twist on the coffee-shop staple.
675 Lionshead Pl., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-1712
Up the Creek: Set right on Gore Creek, it’s an idyllic spot to enjoy farm-fresh American food along with an extensive drink list. Rid yourself of any chills with the Grand Cider’s comforting mix of Grand Marnier, Stoneyard Cinnamon Liqueur and apple cider.
223 Gore Creek Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-8141
A Taste of the Alps
These Vail Village bars are the places to go if you’re looking for authentic Bavarian beverages.
Almresi: As you feast on fondue, pork schnitzel and bratwurst bites, don’t miss out on the specialty Feuerzangenbowle, a traditional German drink (and a bit of a spectacle) made when a rum-soaked sugarloaf is set on fire and drips into spiced hot wine.
333 Bridge St., Vail, CO 81657, 970-470-4174
Alpenrose: This rustic German-Austrian restaurant will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe, with a drink menu to match. High spirits are sure to follow a shot board of Zirbenschnaps, the traditional stone-pine liqueur of the Alps.
100 E. Meadow Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-8899
Refreshing Summer Sips
When patio season comes around, quench your thirst on a sunny day with one of these cooling bevs.
The Fitz: Located at the Manor Vail Lodge, The Fitz boasts a scenic patio that overlooks Gore Creek. It’s the place to stop on the way to a show at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (aka The Amp) for a pre-show cocktail, including tiki concoctions like the Coco Loco: jalapeño-infused tequila, pineapple, lime, coconut cream and cucumber simple syrup.
595 Vail Valley Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-4959
Avanti Food & Beverage: Nothing says summertime like a frozen refreshment, and Avanti’s frosé is just the ticket. A blend of Reyka Vodka, rosé wine, lemon and strawberry can be topped with a mezcal, vodka or coconut rum float for extra punch.
458 Vail Valley Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-763-6017
Barrio Social: Soak up the lively atmosphere at this Spanish-influenced spot while imbibing one of the specialty gin and tonics, including the namesake Barrio’s Gin & Tonic with Rives Pink Gin, grapefruit juice, pink peppercorn and Fever Tree Tonic.
100 E. Meadow Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-688-5422
Nightlife in Vail: Drinks With Entertainment
These playful venues offer a little something extra to elevate your night out.
DECA + BOL: More than a traditional bowling alley, BOL’s 10 lanes have plush seating areas where you can sip in style between throwing strikes and spares. It may not count as a full serving of vegetables, but the Mad Beets’ blend of Roku Gin, prosecco, rhubarb, lemon and beet puree delivers earthy goodness.
141 E. Meadow Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-5300
Chasing Rabbits: Where to start with Chasing Rabbits? You can’t go wrong at this restaurant, arcade and lounge all in one. But for a Vail speakeasy experience, head to the Moon Rabbit for one-of-a-kind creations, often with over-the-top presentations. The Cheshire Szechuan will tingle your palate with Iwai 45 Japanese Whisky, Szechuan peppercorn syrup and umami bitters.
141 E. Meadow Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-444-4677
Vail Restaurants & Bars for Unique Wines
If grapes are more your style, you won’t be disappointed at these establishments known for their extensive and esoteric wine lists.
Root & Flower: One of the best bars in Vail Village for oenophiles, at Root & Flower you can book a wine-tasting class to dive deep or just stop by for a glass of something adventurous, like the Kobal “Bajta” Hazole Belo Orange Wine from Slovenia.
288 Bridge St., Vail, CO 81657, 970-470-4189
Sweet Basil: Speak to the sommelier at this MICHELIN Guide-recommended, fine-dining icon to select the perfect glass or bottle from the extensive lineup of bubblies, whites, rosés and reds from around the world. Look for the Foradori “Sgarzon” Teroldego, made with an indigenous Italian grape from the Trentino region.
193 Gore Creek Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-0125
La Tour: This sophisticated French restaurant has an impressive wine list that’s earned an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. Check out the selection of bottles from world-renowned estate Domaine de la Romanée-Conti for the ultimate splurge.
122 E. Meadow Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-4403
Crafted-in-Colorado Beverages
Get a taste of something locally made at distilleries, bars and breweries in Vail.
Archetype Distillery: The top-shelf gins and vodkas distilled from wine grapes are excellent in a martini or gimlet, but things get really interesting when you explore the tasting room’s signature cocktails. Go for the Rucksack; Archfiend Smoked vodka, beef-jerky spirit, Worcestershire spirit, palm sugar, cherry simple syrup and lemon sounds a little crazy, but we promise it works.
183 Gore Creek Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-333-6565
10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company: Serving craft specialty whiskey and spirits, this is a must-stop for libation lovers. The Vail Village tasting room includes a bar, comfy lounge area and pub-style seating. Make a selection from options like spirit flights or cocktails like a maple-syrup old-fashioned or moonshine margarita. At The Hythe Vail hotel, an outpost crafts drinks with 10th Mountain products, like the Backcountry Buck — 10th Mountain Alpenglow Cordial, 10th Mountain Moonshine, lemon and ginger beer.
227 Bridge St., Vail, CO 81657, 970-470-4215
Garfinkel’s: This longtime watering hole is a great place to throw back a Colorado brew, with a robust selection of craft beers in cans, like Storm Peak Brewing Co. Guava Kettle Sour, or a pint off the tap of something from Eagle River Brewing company.
536 E. Lionshead Cir., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-3789
Vail Brewing Company: Handcrafted beers are a mainstay with the mountain-adventuring crowd, and Vail Brewing Company features a dozen award-winning beers on tap to sip on the patio. Try the Riva Red Ale with notes of rye, bread crust and mild hop bitterness.
141 E. Meadow Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-470-4622
Make It a Mocktail
When it comes to Vail bars and restaurants, you’re in good hands if you want something to drink sans alcohol.
Mountain Standard: The sister restaurant to Sweet Basil has an artisanal bar program that includes zero-proof refreshments like the Rest in Pennies, a mix of tomato shrub, lemon and honey ginger beer.
193 Gore Creek Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-0123
Slope Room: At the Gravity Haus Vail, Slope Room is an alpine bistro with a sleek bar area where you can unwind with a Hai Ball, which combines Seedlip Garden and Seedlip Spice nonalcoholic botanical spirits, matcha and lime.
352 E. Meadow Dr., Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-6836
Vail, Colorado Nightlife & Bars FAQs
Is There Good Nightlife in Vail?
Vail has great nightlife, but it’s different from big-city club scenes. While you won’t find traditional nightclubs, there are plenty of lively bars, energetic après-ski spots and lounges that stay active into the night. Many venues feature live music, from DJs to full bands, and are perfect for dancing.
Do I Need to Dress Up at Vail Bars & Restaurants?
Like many mountain towns, Vail isn’t too dressy. Most places are casual, and you can put a mountain-chic twist on your attire. Get more tips on what to wear in Vail.
Is Vail Nightlife Active Year-Round?
There are some bars and restaurants that close during shoulder seasons in April, May, October or November, but many are open all year.