Let’s get one thing straight: après means “after,” and après ski is all about the vibe after you’re done skiing. Whether you went bell-to-bell or just cruised one sweet lap from the top of Mid-Vail to the bottom (no judgment—I’ve done both), you’ve earned your après. And yes, you’re absolutely showing up in your comfy ski wear and probably still in your ski boots.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the go-to après spots in Vail Village. Places locals love and where the energy is just right after a day on the mountain. These aren’t your Yelp-sponsored, influencer-heavy joints and they aren’t all super glamorous either. They’ve got character, good energy, and true après vibes. You might just catch me at one of them on your next trip to Vail!
Blu Cow
Highlights: Swiss dog, German Beers, European Style Cafe and Bar
Website: theblucow.com
Nothing hits quite like a Swiss dog and an ice-cold German pilsner after a day on the hill. If you haven’t had this magical combo yet, make Blu Cow your first stop post-ski—or even better, swing through for a mid-day recharge. A Swiss dog, in case you’re wondering, is exactly what your taste buds have been missing: a perfectly snappy sausage tucked into a crusty Italian baguette, topped with spicy mustard, curry, greens, and onions. It’s crunchy, savory, and bold—Guy Fieri would 100% approve. On sunny days, grab an Aperol Spritz and post up on the flower-lined patio. You’ll be instantly transported to the Alps!
Bonus tip: ask the bar for Clacker and dive into a little table game action while the après energy builds or jump right into the party with a shot ski!
Two Arrows
Highlights: Coffee, Cocktails, Lounge Vibes
Website: www.twoarrowscoffee.com
Coffee spot by day, cocktail lounge by night. Walk in and it feels like you’ve been transported from a little ski town straight into a trendy club on the Upper East Side. It’s easily one of the vibiest spots in the Valley and definitely a local favorite. You seriously can’t go wrong with any of the cocktails, they’re all super well-made by bartenders who actually care.
For a little après pick-me-up, grab a Carajillo – a simple but seriously delicious combo of espresso and Licor 43. It’s 100 times better than any espresso martini, and I will gladly die on that hill. Come for the caffeine, stay for the party—this place turns into a full-on DJ disco scene some nights, and the vibes never miss.
El Segundo
Highlights: Margaritas, Table-service restaurant, Upscale Mexican
Website: elsegundovail.com
The BEST house marg in the Valley—no question. Honestly, all their margaritas are solid, but when the house one is this good, you know they take their tequila seriously. Black lava salt rim, strong, not too sweet—two of these and you’ll be more than ready to hit the next après spot and dance it out.
If you’re looking for a solid sit-down, table-service kind of vibe, this is your spot. Everything on the menu hits, but I always go for the posole when I need something cozy, and the Korean BBQ tacos when I’m craving a little fusion. On sunny days, the patio overlooking Gore Creek is chef’s kiss.
Shakedown
Highlights: Live Music Bar
Website: shakedownbarvail.com
The love of my life (sorry, Axel). Back in the day, my girlfriends and I had a code: “STS?”—aka straight to Shakedown? If that text hit, you knew we were skipping everything else and heading straight to the fun. If you’re ready to dance in ski boots with a cold beer in hand to Tom Petty, the Dead, Talking Heads, and Bruce Springsteen, this is your spot. Total basement bar vibes, disco ball spinning, and a live music lineup that never misses.
The après set typically runs from 4–8pm—perfect for a post-ski rally. Grab a bite around town after, then come back at 9pm when things really kick off. Don’t even ask how many times I’ve been deep into the first set still in my ski boots. This place always delivers.
Vendetta's
Highlights: Pizza By the Slice, Old Vail Charm
Website: vendettasvail.com
Vendetta’s—better known as V-Bar—has been a local icon since 1983, and it’s easy to see why. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, this spot is buzzing day and night. There’s just something about its old-school Vail character, late-night energy, and pizza-by-the-slice that keeps people coming back.
On bluebird days, snag a spot on the patio for prime people-watching and après sunshine. When the temps drop, head inside and grab a stool at the well-worn wooden bar. It’s the kind of place where conversations flow easily—especially if you’ve just come off the mountain and need to rehash the day’s best (or worst) runs over a cold beer and a slice. And while any slice here will hit the spot, Knight Moves (sausage, pepperoncini, pineapple, and basil) is my go-to—especially if you’re not afraid to mix sweet and spicy.
The George
Highlights: Great Happy Hour, Basement Dive Bar, Buck Hunter (!!!)
Website: thegeorgevail.com
Vail’s iconic basement dive bar. Another oldie but goodie, this spot has been around since 1996 and it probably hasn’t been updated too much since (although, RIP the pool tables they had pre-COVID… still not over it, guys). And fair warning: once you wander down the stairs into the basement, it’s very easy to lose track of time. One second it’s 4 PM, and next thing you know, it’s 11. I speak from experience.
If you’re looking for laid-back, no-frills vibes, cold beer that won’t break the bank, and Buck Hunter (just us?), this is the place. The walls are covered in nostalgic ‘80s and ‘90s ski mag pin-ups, random sports memorabilia, and local art—it fully commits to the whole ski town dive bar aesthetic.
Happy Hour might just be the best deal in the Village: every day from 5–8 PM, they’ve got $6 you-call-its, $8 martinis, $13 apps, and $23 entrées. Told you it was dangerous.
Bad Kitty Lounge
Highlights: Cocktail Lounge , Mid-century Speakeasy Vibes
Instagram: @badkittylounge
Down some stairs and tucked away, this cool, tiny bar knows cocktails. With only a handful of seats, you may be standing when this place gets full, but that’s part of the charm. Given its Mid-century, speakeasy vibes and tucked away location, it feels like you’ve been let in on the best little secret right off of Bridge Street.
A ski boot disco ball hangs from the ceiling, scattering specks of light across the room and setting the tone for a cozy, cocktail-forward night. Whether you’re craving a classic or want something more adventurous, the bartenders here really know their stuff. Don’t be shy about asking for a recommendation!
La Cantina
Highlights: Cheap Bites, Quick Stop Before the Bus, San Diego Style Mexican
Website: lacantinavail.com
I’ve saved this one for last because if you’ve made it this far, you deserve to know about this hidden gem. And honestly, I won’t even be mad the next time there’s a line out the door at Cantina because of it.
Tucked away on the second level of the Vail Transportation Center, this classic, no-frills, order-at-the-counter Mexican joint is the real deal. It doesn’t look like much, but don’t sleep on it. Waiting for the bus back home? Grab a house marg and a couple tacos while you wait. There’s a self-serve salsa station, and it’s perfectly positioned for a quick bite before you sprint to catch your ride.
But if I’m being honest, too many times we’ve popped in for a “quick snack” and ended up saying, “Eh, let’s just take the next bus” and opted for another round of margs. It’s chill, affordable, reliably good, and just has that laid-back local vibe. Truly a hole-in-the-wall worth knowing about.
Après in Vail isn’t just something you do after skiing—it’s part of the whole experience. Locals are always down for a spot where you’ll find good deals, great vibes, and solid value, whether that’s a low-key patio, a packed dive bar, or a cozy little hideaway off Bridge Street. Now that you’ve got the inside scoop, you’ll know exactly where to head after last chair. So kick off your boots, raise a glass, and toast to doing après the Vail way—relaxed, a little rowdy, and always unforgettable.
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