When the sun goes down — and even during afternoon happy hours — Vail buzzes with a nightlife and après scene that will quench your mountain-town thirst. From bars and lounges to breweries and live music, you’ll find what suits your mood every summer and winter.
Pro tip: Some Vail restaurants and nightlife spots close for spring and fall shoulder seasons, or at least for some part of it. Check our What’s Open page if you plan to visit in off season for insights into what’s open in Vail while you’re here.
True Bars (No Food)
Shakedown Bar
Vail Village
Shakedown is a staple for live music, après, happy hour and nightlife. Located at the top of Bridge Street, Shakedown Bar has the best rock ‘n’ roll shows around and keeps its capacity limited to make sure everyone has an enjoyable experience.
10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company
Vail Village
Ideally located on Bridge Street with a prime view of the Covered Bridge, 10th Mountain features signature whiskeys and cocktails, while paying tribute to the 10th Mountain Division soldiers who inspired Vail’s mountain lifestyle. Pull up a stool and listen to live music while you sip on one of their smooth concoctions.
Bridge Street Bar
Vail Village
You’re sure to hear the sound of Vail’s party scene flinging out the doors at Bridge Street Bar. You’ll find live music and DJs in separate rooms, so you can choose to have a singalong kind of night or dance like no one’s watching.
Vail Breweries
7 Hermits Brewing & Pub
Vail Village
Cozy seating outside — and in — invites passersby to explore 7 Hermits brews and guest taps alongside breakfast or savory crepes, street tacos, pizza and more — just 60 feet from Gondola One.
Vail Brewing Co.
Vail Village
With a bird’s-eye view from the second-level balcony of Solaris Plaza, Vail Brewing is the perfect place to soak in the sun and taste incredible beers that have become a staple in the valley and beyond.
Afternoon Happy Hour & Après Spots
Pepi’s Bar
Vail Village
Established in 1964 on the prime corner of Bridge Street and Gore Creek Drive, Pepi’s is one of the hot spots to see and be seen. Whether you grab a table on the patio or inside, its welcoming Bavarian charm, Austrian beer and live music will make this one of your go-to spots.
Blü Cow
Vail Village
At the top of Bridge Street, the Blü Cow is the perfect afternoon stop for a cold beverage after a day on Vail Mountain. Save room for the world-famous Swiss hot dogs — two pork and veal brats on a baguette with spicy brown mustard, a “magical” curry spice and chopped onions.
Alpenrose
Vail Village
A landmark since 1974, Alpenrose serves up authentic German and Austrian beers, wines and cocktails on a quaint Bavarian-style patio. It’s an ideal spot to relax on a sunny afternoon with a tall cold one, fondue, pretzels and hearty meals.
Vail Chophouse
Lionshead Village
Post up at the foot of Vail Mountain on the primo patio or head inside and grab a bar stool or table. Enjoy live music and late-night merriment after the dinner crowd has gone to bed.
Garfinkel’s
Lionshead Village
“Garf’s” is one of the hottest après-ski/adventure spots! Grab a picnic-style table on the huge deck overlooking the mountain and soak up the atmosphere. The late-night scene goes off when the party moves inside the spacious bar.
The Red Lion
Vail Village
Since 1963, this longtime Vail institution has started the party with local musicians playing live music in the late afternoon and again in the evening. On a sunny day, the iconic patio is a lively spot in the afternoon or before heading out on the town for the evening.
Los Amigos Taqueria & Bar
Vail Village
Located at the top of Bridge Street just steps from the gondola, Los Amigos boasts another excellent patio — a favorite spot for afternoon sun and a margarita.
The Remedy Bar
Vail Village
Remedy, in the Four Seasons, is a great place to socialize over cocktails or catch the game on TV. The lively après-ski/adventure scene here is set against incredible mountain views, whether inside or on the patio with its year-round firepits.
Lounges
Chasing Rabbits
Vail Village
Find your senses stimulated as you eat, drink, socialize and play at this restaurant, theater, library lounge, arcade and speakeasy. Indulge in a Mediterranean meal, savor craft cocktails and enjoy a movie screening.
King’s Club
Vail Village
Located inside the Sonnenalp Lodge, visit the King’s Club for live music, comfortable seating and a roaring fireplace to unwind by. Enjoy a specialty drink from the top-shelf selection, a glass of wine or German beer while you listen to local musicians.
Bad Kitty Lounge
Vail Village
This little hideaway bar is tucked down under the main drag on Bridge Street with a speakeasy-style decor and vibe. Enjoy a fresh new cocktail or a spin on an old favorite in this small watering hole.
Bar Scene in a Restaurant
Root & Flower
Vail Village
This chic, modern wine bar on Bridge Street offers more than 50 vinos by the glass, creative cocktails and more. A changing menu of new American bites is available for snackin’.
Mountain Standard
Vail Village
Serving creative cocktails, spirits, wines and beer, this relaxed tavern is set along Gore Creek with a high-energy bar and dining area. Pull up a bar stool in this dynamic and approachable spot.
Bart & Yeti’s
Lionshead Village
This laidback bar is the go-to for many locals. With its cozy log-cabin interior and large patio, it’s a perfect stop in Lionshead to grab a drink during the afternoon, après ski and late night.
Vendetta’s
Vail Village
Vendetta’s is happening 24-7! With afternoon cocktails on the deck post mountain adventure or late-night drinks with a slice of pizza in the spacious bar, this is a local and ski-patrol favorite that is welcoming to guests from all over.
Fall Line
Vail Village
Fall Line is located on Bridge Street with patio seating overlooking all the action of the village. Check out the inventive craft-cocktail menu with something for everyone in the stylish bar.
Loaded Joe’s Vail
Vail Village
You might know Loaded Joe’s for incredible coffee and breakfasts, but it’s also a favorite watering hole. Be the star at the weekly Friday-night karaoke and hear live music on Thursdays for Reggae night or Sundays for open-mic night.
Deca + Bol
Vail Village
Located in Solaris Plaza, the nightlife scene at Bol features a bowling alley with lounge-style seating, a chic modern bar and global fare (on the Deca side) if you’d like to switch things up.
Bistro 14
On Mountain
Bistro 14 is tucked high atop Vail Mountain at Eagle’s Nest. The ride up the Eagle Bahn Gondola will be rewarded with a full bar and incredible views.
Barrio Social
Vail Village
This high-end bar offers a sleek interior that flows outside onto the patio for optimal people-watching and outdoor sunning with a beverage. Drinks (and food) are inspired by travels through the Iberian Peninsula, with Spanish and Portuguese wines, sherries and ports.
Not Your Typical Hotel Bar
The Fitz
Vail Village
Located in Manor Vail Lodge, the Fitz is the ideal spot to hit before heading to a show at the Ford Amphitheater, when strolling around Ford Park and the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, and after a day of mountain adventure. It’s known for its stunning deck overlooking Gore Creek and plenty of specialty and standard drinks.
Bully Ranch
Vail Village
Experience a casual Western atmosphere and cozy bar ideal for rounding up friends for happy hour or later hours. Try their infamous mudslide cocktail — the limit is two per person for a reason!
The George
Vail Village
This lively basement hangout is happening with the après and late-night crowd. On the lower level of the Mountain Haus Lodge, near the covered bridge, it’s usually packed in the afternoons and evenings with party-goers.
Elway’s
Vail Village
Located in the Lodge at Vail, Elway’s is a sophisticated yet comfortable bar with hightops or bar seating, and is a perfect place to start or end an evening out on the town.
Altitude Bar and Grill
Vail Village
Found inside the Evergreen Lodge, this is Vail’s No. 1 sports bar. With 19 TVs and a 100-inch projection TV, the recently renovated bar in the best place in Vail to watch any game with beer in hand.
Pivot 62
West Vail
Pivot 62, in the Highline, is a great spot to relax and unwind by the fireplace while enjoying handcrafted cocktails, as well as local beers and spirits in the afternoon until late evening.
Gessner Restaurant and Bar & Fireside Lounge
West Vail
This Grand Hyatt destination features an expansive list of local microbrews, wines and spirits in a chic atmosphere. The Fireside Lounge provides inventive après-ski food, drink, music, breathtaking mountain views and a can’t-miss social scene.
The Gambit Bar
Vail Village
Located inside The Sebastian–Vail, the newest lounge in Vail, guests will enjoy The Gambit Bar’s inspired cocktail list, savory bites, and live entertainment from Vail Valley’s best artists.
Cafe Bars
Treff Café
Vail Village
Newly opened at the Sonnenalp Lodge, this European street bar serves authentic German fare, creative cocktails and more.
Gorsuch Ski Cafe
Vail Village
Grab a cafe table outside at the top of Bridge Street — or inside — and cozy up with a specialty cocktail, schnapps, wine or beer.
• Learn about bars with live music.
• Experience Vail’s live-music scene.
