Vail's après has two moods. On Bridge Street it's loud and joyful, boots still on, the crowd spilling out the door. In Beaver Creek and the hotel bars it's fireside and grown-up. The best trips have a bit of both, then somewhere good to go once dinner is done.
Our curated ranking, cross-checked with live Google ratings, weighs the atmosphere, the drinks, the music and the timing: where to be at 3:30 p.m. versus 11 p.m. Ski boots welcome unless noted.
The Vail Moments Index
The 20 best après-ski spots in Vail, curated.
A curated list, cross-checked with the MICHELIN Guide where it applies. Beside each one, its rating on Google Maps, live, and a tap to Yelp and Tripadvisor to compare. Prefer the crowd's view? Sort by Google rating.
20 après-ski spots
01
Photo: E R P · Google The Red Lion
Vail Village après · Vail Village
The Bridge Street landmark, with live entertainment and a crowd that overflows into the street. Seating is first come, first served; big groups can ask for a bar table during shows.
- Après-ski
- Live music
- Groups
02
Photo: Richard Cox · Google Pepi's Bar
Vail Village après · Vail Village
The classic corner at the foot of Bridge Street, in Gasthof Gramshammer since Vail's early days. Grab a seat on the covered patio and watch the last skiers come down.
- Après-ski
- Locals' spot
- Ski-in/ski-out
03
Photo: Mountain Standard · Google Mountain Standard
Vail Village après · Vail Village
An in-between menu in the late afternoon and a seat by the hearth over Gore Creek. A polished après that rolls easily into dinner.
- Après-ski
- Wine lovers
- Groups
04
Photo: Tavernetta Vail · Google Tavernetta Vail
Vail Village après · Vail Village
Spritzes and a stylish bar at the Four Seasons: the elegant alternative to the louder decks.
- Après-ski
- Wine lovers
- Date night
05
Photo: King's Club · Google King's Club
Vail Village après · Vail Village
The Sonnenalp's fireside bar, with cocktails and live entertainment. Quiet, comfortable and right for a drink after dinner too.
- Après-ski
- Live music
- Date night
06
Photo: Root & Flower · Google Root & Flower
After dark · Vail Village
An intimate wine and cocktail bar on Bridge Street with more than 20 wines by the glass and a reserve list. Walk-ins welcome; it stays open until around midnight.
- Wine lovers
- Date night
- Late night
07
Photo: Daisey Chillie · Google Shakedown Bar
After dark · Vail Village
Vail's live-music room at the top of Bridge Street, with bands year-round and a 21-and-over crowd. Check the night's lineup and arrive early on big weekends.
- Live music
- Late night
- Groups
- 08
Chasing Rabbits
After dark · Vail Village
A multi-room night out at Solaris: restaurant, library lounge, arcade, film house and the Moon Rabbit speakeasy. Ideal for groups who want the whole evening under one roof.
- Late night
- Groups
- Date night
09
Photo: The George Restaurant & Pub · Google The George
After dark · Vail Village
A locals' pub on East Meadow Drive since 1996, with pool tables, foosball and a late kitchen. No reservations, no pretense.
- Locals' spot
- Late night
- Good value
10
Photo: Vivek Kohli · Google Vendetta's
After dark · Vail Village
The Bridge Street pizzeria whose bar stays open late, until 1 a.m. on weekends. The village's dependable after-hours slice.
- Late night
- Après-ski
- Good value
11
Photo: WYLD · Google WYLD Bar
Beaver Creek après · Bachelor Gulch
Craft cocktails, rare spirits and refined small plates at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, steps from the snow.
- Après-ski
- Ski-in/ski-out
- Date night
12
Photo: Coyote Cafe · Google Coyote Cafe
Beaver Creek après · Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek's long-running Tex-Mex bar, with margaritas on the patio and an afternoon happy hour. No reservations; check in with the host.
- Après-ski
- Locals' spot
- Good value
13
Photo: Vicki Baker · Google Fireside Bar
Beaver Creek après · Bachelor Gulch
At the base of Bachelor Gulch: barbecue, mountain food and cocktails by the fire. An easy last run to a warm seat.
- Après-ski
- Ski-in/ski-out
- Families
14
Photo: Charlie Morales lona · Google Mamie's
Beaver Creek après · On Beaver Creek Mountain
A Colorado-style beer garden at the top of Bachelor Gulch Express. Stop for a beer in the sun before the final runs down.
- Après-ski
- Ski-in/ski-out
- Groups
15
Photo: Beaver Creek Chophouse · Google Beaver Creek Chophouse & CBAR
Beaver Creek après · Beaver Creek
Slopeside steaks and seafood, with CBAR for a drink straight off the hill. Central and comfortable.
- Après-ski
- Ski-in/ski-out
- Groups
16
Photo: Jenn L · Google Garfinkel's
Lionshead & Golden Peak · Lionshead
Lionshead's sunny slopeside deck near the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Casual, lively and the easiest meeting point on this side of town.
- Après-ski
- Ski-in/ski-out
- Groups
17
Photo: Vail Chophouse · Google Vail Chophouse
Lionshead & Golden Peak · Lionshead
A slopeside steakhouse whose bar hosts live music at après. Call ahead for a table near the band.
- Après-ski
- Live music
- Ski-in/ski-out
18
Photo: Avanti Food & Beverage, Vail · Google Avanti F&B Vail
Lionshead & Golden Peak · Golden Peak
A food hall at Golden Peak with a central bar and several kitchens. The fix when the group can't agree on what to eat.
- Après-ski
- Groups
- Families
- 19
Trails End
Lionshead & Golden Peak · Lionshead
New for winter 2025–26 at Lion Square Lodge, across from the Eagle Bahn Gondola: tacos, tapas, burgers and a deck with mountain views.
- Après-ski
- Good value
- Groups
20
Photo: Tavern On The Square · Google Tavern on the Square
Lionshead & Golden Peak · Lionshead
The Arrabelle's tavern on the Lionshead square. A warm drink as the skating rink lights up.
- Après-ski
- Families
- Date night
Good to know
Timing. Lifts close in the afternoon and the decks fill fast. Arrive at the popular spots a little before the mountain empties.
The ride home. Within each village you can walk from bar to bar. Between Vail and Beaver Creek, take the free Core Transit express, and check the last departure before you settle in. Ride-hailing cars can be scarce late at night.
Seasons. Several bars reopen for winter in mid- to late November. For the season's big nights, from New Year's Eve to spring concerts, see the Vail events calendar.
Hungry? Our restaurant guide picks up where après ends.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best après-ski in Vail?
Our first pick is The Red Lion on Bridge Street, followed by Pepi's Bar at Gasthof Gramshammer. For something quieter, Mountain Standard or Tavernetta Vail.
Is there nightlife in Vail?
Yes. Shakedown Bar for live music, Root & Flower for wine, Chasing Rabbits for a full night out, and The George and Vendetta's for late hours.
Where is the best après in Beaver Creek?
The WYLD Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch for cocktails, Coyote Cafe on the plaza for margaritas, and Mamie's on the mountain for a beer in the sun.
How do I get home from après in Vail?
Within each village you can walk, and the free town buses run in Vail. Between Vail and Beaver Creek, take the free Core Transit express and check the last departure, since ride-hailing can be scarce late at night.