Best Apres-Ski Spots in Vail

Vail is one of my favorite ski towns EVER.  Going to college at CU Boulder, skiing at Vail was a wintertime staple ~ & one of the reasons I love it so much is because the town itself is so much fun.  You’ve got apres-ski spots galore here, all set amongst a pretty European feel, with Bavarian-styled hotels & shops.  And though some places are really posh, old-school haunts like Vendetta’s & Garfinkel’s still set the tone for a down-to-earth mountain town.  Here, I’ll help round-up the “Best Apres-Ski Spots in Vail,” to make your post-slope decisions just a little easier!

My friends & I enjoying post-slope drinks & Mexican food at Los Amigos ~ right across from Gondola One.

GWTW Tip: For my favorite ski-in/ski-out hotels in Vail, read this article. 

Map of Vail’s Top Apres-Spots

Best Apres-Ski Spots in Vail

I’m splitting apres-spots into two categories in Vail: those in Vail Village vs. those in Lionshead ~ where you’ll find upscale hotels such as The Arrabelle & The Hythe.  Restaurants are listed in order, starting from the closest to the slopes.  Click on the restaurant’s name to see their menu & website.

Where to Apres-Ski in Vail Village

1. Los Amigos = Close to the Slopes with LOTS of Tequila Options & Great Patio.  Sit up at the bar, or outdoors on their lively patio.  This is the closest you’ll get to the slopes for apres in Vail Village! Try their Mango Chicken Street Tacos & wash it down with a Black Diamond Margarita. Hours: 11AM-10PM DAILY.
2. The Red Lion = Old-School Vail Staple with Live Music + Red Umbrellas on Outdoor Patio.  This place has been around awhile, & they’re open late ~ so you can take your apres well into the night!  Nachos, quesadillas, salads, chili, BLT’s, burgers & BBQ are some of their menu options, + a full bar. Hours: 11AM-11PM DAILY.
3. Vendetta’s Pizza Bar & Restaurant = Great Italian Food with a Quieter Downstairs & Livelier Bar/Upstairs.  If you’re in the mood for pizza, pasta, or garlic bread: head here. This is also a nightcap spot, open ’til at least midnight everyday ~ & Espresso Martinis & delicious Aperol Spritz’s are on the menu. Hours: 11AM-12AM DAILY.
4. Pepi’s = Austrian-Style Cozy Chalet with Year-Round Outdoor Patio. This is another “OG” spot, & loved by many as one of the most fun & homey apres-spots ~ & a great place to “see & be seen.” Try their German-style Pretzel, Brat Sandwich, Hummus Dip, or Beet Salad. Dinner offers more specialty entrees. Hours: 11:30AM-9PM DAILY.

The patio at Los Amigos looks right out at Gondola One in Vail Village. Their guac is delish here!

The Red Lion has been around forever: it’s a Village staple with live music & a great apres-scene.

Vendetta’s Pizza Bar & Restaurant is located right by Los Amigos, & is great for all kinds of Italian food.

Pepi’s has a confusing name ~ because it’s a cute little Bavarian-style chateau serving Austrian fare! Great spot for apres.

I didn’t include it on the list: but the Four Season’s Remedy Bar is a great place for a posh post-slope drink, & just a short walk from the Village.

Best Apres-Ski Spots in Vail

Where to Apres-Ski in Lionshead Village

1. Vail Chophouse = Steps from Eagle Bahn Gondola with Steaks + Live Music + Full Bar.  For a great view of the slopes in Lionshead Village: the Chophouse is a great apres-choice. Try their French Onion soup, Roasted Beet or Wedge Salad, Charcuterie Board, or Crispy Pork Belly Sliders. YUM.  Hours: 11AM-9PM DAILY.
2. Garfinkel’s = “OG” Popular Vail Sports Bar with Huge Wraparound Deck + Views + Full Bar.  For down-home fun & a more relaxed vibe, + the chance to chat with locals: this is your best bet. Typically packed, you can Build-Your-Own-Burger here, try their famous Nachos, or Mountain Hot Dog. Lots of sports bar-type fare, but it’s good.  Hours: 11AM-10PM DAILY.
3. Tavern on the Square = Upscale Eatery in The Arrabelle Resort ~ with Breakfast Too.  Their gorgeous year-round outdoor patio & pretty bar indoors makes for a great spot for any meal ~ including apres. They’ve got beer, wine, & craft cocktails, plus Bruschetta, Truffle Fries, Tacos & Burgers, & a nice Tuna Poke Bowl.  Some say the food’s overpriced, but this is one of Vail’s finest resorts.  Hours: 7AM-9M DAILY.
4. Revel Lounge = Upscale Mid-Century Modern Vibes within the Hythe Hotel. Your apres can turn into dinner + nightcaps inside this beautiful new hotel. Food choices are more creative here, & include a Bison Sausage Skillet, Smoked Salmon, Club Sandwich, & a Bacon-Bacon Salad. Wash it down with a Bighorn Sour or yummy Huckleberry Smash. Hours: 11AM-11PM DAILY.

Vail Chophouse is steps away from Eagle Bahn Gondola, with a modern interior & busy outdoor patio.

Garfinkel’s gives you that fun, local’s vibe with a more relaxed feel than the posher Vail joints.

Speaking of posh: step inside The Arrabelle’s beautiful slope-side Tavern on the Square. Photo by Open Table.

The Hythe Hotel’s upscale bar Remedy Lounge gives rustic chic vibes with a side of mid-century modern.

Best Apres-Ski Spots in Vail

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