Vail Bars: Where To Drink & Nightlife In Vail-Avon 2024

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE BEST BARS IN VAIL? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

Vail is one of the most famous ski towns in the world, and as a popular ski holiday destination, you can bet the nightlife in Vail is top-notch too!

As Colorado locals, we find nothing better than grabbing a drink with friends after a long day on the slopes. 

So, we’ve pulled together the best bars in Vail-Avon, from local pubs to craft breweries and upscale cocktail spots. Many of these places also serve incredible food, so we’ll tell you how each spot can satisfy your well-earned appetite.

Here are the best spots to find great nightlife in Vail-Avon for every type of ski bum!

9 Best Vail Bars & Nightlife

After the sun sets, Vail-Avon comes alive with an array of bars, pubs, nightclubs, and lounges for locals and visitors alike. Here are the best places to visit!

1. Root & Flower

Root & Flower is a locally owned and operated wine bar in the heart of Vail Village, just steps away from Gondola One. It’s one of the most popular places to go for a drink in Vail, providing an elegant atmosphere with modern vibes and highly-skilled cocktail artists.

With over 50 wines available by the glass, rare iconic bottles from around the world, plus beers on tap and craft cocktails – there’s something for everyone at Root & Flower!

Besides drinks, you can order snacks like cheese boards, delicious cold plates, or small hot meals such as Birria quesadillas, duck fat potatoes, and marinated steak brochettes – all made fresh!

And there are a few delicious dessert options, like Swedish pancakes or pound cake, that can pair perfectly with certain wine selections.

Keep in mind that private events occasionally buy out the whole bar, so it’s wise to have a backup plan just in case it’s a closed event when you arrive at Root & Flower.

2. The Remedy Bar

The Remedy Bar is located in the beautiful Four Seasons Resort of Vail, and it’s the perfect spot to spend a cozy evening with family or pop in for a mid-day ski break.

People love this bar’s chill ski après feel, and there’s nothing better than unwinding on the outdoor patio with year-round fire pits, delicious food, and great drinks with a view of Vail Mountain.

If you’re coming for a night out, you’ll find an array of elixirs & potions (cocktails), fancy wine by the glass, and local beer on tap. The Remedy also offers a variety of zero-proof mocktails that are just as tasty as their alcoholic counterparts.

With a full kitchen and rotating menu for lunch and dinner, most people visit The Remedy for dinner and drinks.

You’ll find lots of hearty dishes like Elk & Black Bean Chili to Salmon Bowls and Burgers, plus less-filling sandwiches and salads. 

And don’t forget to try their famous Haut Chocolat!

They use a house-made marshmallow and chunks of rich Valrhona chocolate. Although pricey, this specialty treat is often the reason people visit, so you should try it at least once! 

3. G1 Ski Bar Vail

G1 Ski Bar Vail is an excellent spot for a drink in between runs or for a post-skiing beer or snack.

Tucked away in an unassuming spot right next to Gondola One, it’s so convenient if you get off the lift and don’t want to walk far into town. There is limited seating, but they have a comfortable patio out front with heaters during the winter, so you can usually find a place to sit.

The bar serves up 7 Hermits Brewing Company beer, which is locally ‘brewed at altitude’ in Eagle, just a few miles west of Vail. 

G1 Ski Bar Vail also offers cocktails but they’re mostly known for their large selection of beers.

If you get hungry while enjoying your drinks, there are snacks like pizza, soft pretzels, tacos, and all-day crepes. 

But this bar isn’t exactly known as one of the best places to eat in Vail, so we would come here for a quick beer after skiing, then head elsewhere for dinner!

Overall, G1 Ski Bar is a cozy spot that adds character and charm to an upscale ski town.

4. The George Restaurant & Pub

The George Restaurant & Pub is an underground establishment with an eclectic English pub atmosphere. You can find it near Gore Creek under Vail’s Mountain Haus. This spot is open til’ 2am year-round for night owls who want to keep the party going.

This underground pub has lots of local Colorado beers on tap, plus an extensive martini list and a decent number of wines available by the glass. 

You can also come here for late-night comfort food like quesadillas, fish & chips, burgers, loaded fries, and a delicious king crab & filet mignon surf n’ turf special!

All these items come at very reasonable prices making The George one of the more affordable bars in Vail if you’re looking for dinner & drinks.

It’s a great spot for a lively hangout session with friends or family while enjoying delicious creative cocktails and tasty bar snacks.

5. Bart & Yeti’s

Bart & Yeti’s is one of the best bars in Lionshead Village, Vail. Named after two legendary family dogs, it is one of the only local establishments left in Vail and has been operating for nearly 40 years. 

It has a rustic ‘old western town’ decor that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another era.

The atmosphere is not fancy but rather cozy and casual. Locals come to enjoy good company with affordable food and drinks. 

Bart & Yeti’s serves beer, hard seltzers, wine by the glass, and house recipe cocktails. 

As for food, they are known around town for their Irish nachos and Normy wings, but the food menu also includes soups, salads, nachos, chicken fingers, burgers, and a variety of sandwiches. 

There’s an outdoor seating available so customers can enjoy the beautiful mountain views while sharing a few drinks over dinner. 

However, what sets this bar apart is its service. The staff prides themselves on being your ‘home away from home’ and will make you feel like a part of the family! 

6. The Blü Cow

Looking for a place with warm cocktails after a day on the slopes?

The Blü Cow is a hidden gem nestled in Vail Village. It offers several cozy cocktails like Chai Hot Toddy, Irish Coffee, RumChata Hot Chocolate, and traditional Australian Hot Spiced Wine – perfect for making that cold mountain air feel just right!

Their small patio has live music during the summer, which creates an inviting atmosphere to relax with friends over drinks and snacks. 

There are a few local beers on tap, plus pints of traditional European beer and wines. 

You may see a few things on the menu, but the bartender will be shocked if you order anything but the famous Über Soup (Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup) and Swiss hot dogs (pork & veal brats served on a French baguette with curry seasoning).

The Blü Cow’s Swiss hotdogs have been a staple in the Vail/Avon since 1967 and continue to be one of the must-try meals in town. Make sure to visit at least once when you’re in town!

7. Fall Line Kitchen & Cocktails

For a more elegant dining and drinks experience, you should check out Fall Line Kitchen & Cocktails.

Fall Line Kitchen & Cocktails is one of the best Vail bars, where you can enjoy drinks and delicious food in an elegant atmosphere. It may look like your average restaurant on the outside, but once you enter, you’ll feel transported back to a retro ’60s ski lodge. 

The drinks menu is extensive, with wine by the glass (bubbly, white, rosé, red) and local beers on tap from Vail Brewing Co., Avery Brewing Co., Lefthand Brewing Co., and Upslow Brewing Co. 

There are also a variety of unique cocktails crafted by expert bartenders that you won’t find anywhere else. 

The food menu is just as impressive. Lunch is from 11am – 3pm, where you can order upscale starters like tuna tartare, fresh oysters, salads, soups, and sandwiches.

Then they have a more comprehensive selection of dishes for dinner (5-9 PM), including hand-cut prime steaks, dry-aged pork chops, and lobster tails!

Then, if you want a special treat, indulge in one of their dessert wines, which are made from extra-sweet grapes and are a lovely way to end your day in Vail.

8. Garfinkel’s

Garfinkel’s Bar is one of the best bars to get a drink in Vail, Colorado. 

Situated in the middle of Lionhead Village with beautiful views of the slopes and mountainside, this family-run establishment has been around since 1993 and is one of the few local spots left in Vail.

At Garfinkel’s Bar, beer enthusiasts can choose from 12 beers on tap ranging from big international beers to small Colorado breweries. Those who don’t love beer can choose a long list of wines and unique house cocktails. 

In addition to drinks, food lovers will find delicious fish & chips along with burgers and wings on Garfinkel’s menu and live music on the patio during the summer months.

Whether you’re into craft beer or warm cocktails, this cozy sports bar is a place you can go while still in your ski clothes but not yet ready to head back to the hotel!

9. Pepi’s Bar & Restaurant

Pepi’s Bar & Restaurant is a favorite among regular visitors to Vail, offering an authentic Austrian dining experience with traditional beer, wine, and cocktails. 

Named after Pepi Gramshammer from the Austrian Super Ski Team, the restaurant and bar opened at Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer in 1967.

At Pepi’s Bar & Restaurant, you can enjoy classic Austrian beers on tap or indulge in featured cocktails like the Spicy Margarita or the Breckenridge Double-Aged Barrel Manhattan.

Their heated covered patio offers outdoor seating every summer and winter so you can watch aprés entertainment while enjoying your food and drinks. 

They also serve delicious dishes such as Jägerschnitzel, Hungarian Veal Goulash, Bratwurst, and wild game meats that will transport you to the Alps!

It’s conveniently located close to the slopes and Gondola One, so it’s the perfect place to grab something quickly before heading back home after skiing! 

BONUS: Vail Brewing Company

Vail Brewing Company is a veteran and ski-bum-owned brewery that opened in 2014.

It has two locations, one in Eagle and the other in Vail Village, making it easily accessible for people around the Vail-Avon area.

The brewery offers an extensive selection of beers on tap, from blonde ales, pale ales, red ales, sours, and IPAs, but their most popular beers are the Hot Mess Blonde Ale, Gore Creek IPA, and Pete’s Stash Pale Ale. 

Don’t like beer? Vail Brewing Co also serves hard seltzer and kombucha!

Visiting Vail: FAQs

Vail, Colorado is a beautiful mountain town that attracts skiers from all over the world, and it has some of the best bars in the Rocky Mountains.

Here are some answers to common questions we hear about visiting Vail:

Does Vail have good nightlife?

Yes, Vail has great nightlife! There are bars and restaurants around Vail Village, Lionhead Village, and Avon, with beautiful views of the slopes and mountainside, local beers on tap, classic wines, and unique house cocktails.

What is the bar at the base of Vail?

Garfinkel’s is the best bar at the base of Vail, perfect for a mid-day break between runs. If you are looking for something a little classier, Root & Flower is also at the base of Vail.

Are there any clubs in Vail?

There are a couple of clubs in Vali. The one closest to the slopes in Vail is Shakedown Bar on Bridge Street, which has live music and a funky, energetic atmosphere.

What’s the best bar for après ski / happy hour in Vail?

The best bar in Vail for après ski / happy hour is Garkinkel’s. They have a casual setting with affordable drinks and great food you can enjoy while overlooking the mountain. It’s also somewhere you can go in your ski clothes! 

Wrap-Up: Vail Bars & Places To Drink

Exploring the wide variety of bars and places to drink is one of the best things to do in Vail. Whether you’re looking for an après ski spot like Garfinkel’s Bar or want something more upscale like Fall Line Kitchen & Cocktails, there is sure to be something that fits your needs.

For the best overall bar experience in Vail, we highly recommend Root & Flower. Its cozy atmosphere and quality drink menu are what helped it to the top of this list!

So grab some friends and enjoy the best bars and nightlife in Vali-Avon, Colorado, and don’t miss out on these amazing brunch spots!