a local’s guide to vail, colorado
i was born and raised in colorado and am lucky enough to spend a lot of my weekends in vail. it’s the perfect little getaway from denver with world class restaurants, bars, and hotels. read on for my full list of the best restaurants, bars, and hotels in vail, colorado.
eat this there: the best restaurants in vail, colorado
sweet basil: $$$-$$$$
one of my favorite restaurants in vail and probably the most popular in the village serving upscale, creative, modern american cuisine. make sure to make reservations in advance – call for parties of 5 or more.
mountain standard: $$$
under the same ownership as sweet basil, mountain standard is it’s more casual but still stylish sister restaurant. the food is rustic yet sophisticated (don’t miss the coal roasted olives, southern pimento cheese, and wood roasted bone marrow for starters – i didn’t even particularly like olives until i had them here) plus the cocktails are divine. make reservations in advance.
osaki’s: $$$$
this is truly one of vail’s hidden gems. it’s an intimate, no frills space, with the sushi bar taking center stage. they have daily sushi and sashimi specials which are prepared delicately and beautifully. my friend, who is a vail local, and sushi snob swears by this place. word is starting to get out, so make reservations in advance.
from the famed owner of nobu, this high end sushi restaurant with posh decor, high ceilings, and sweeping windows looking out onto the village is definitely one of vail’s most “sceney” spots. make reservations in advance.
up the creek: $$$
set right along the creek in vail village, this farm fresh american restaurant is a vail staple. it’s simple, classic food but always delicious. if you go early, you probably don’t need reservations, but for prime time, i recommend having them. up the creek is also great for lunch or aprés on a nice day, as you can sit on the patio overlooking the gore creek.
almresi: $$
this quaint, rustic mountain cottage is the perfect setting to enjoy german/austrian fare. the owners, coming from germany, serve quality and delicious alpine classics in a warm and inviting atmosphere. don’t miss the glüwhein (hot mulled wine).
vintage vail: $$
this quaint french bistro is so charming and the food is delicious. it brings a little bit of parisian flare to the vail scene. the champagne brunch is a perfect option here or come for a french brasserie dinner, with classics such as moules et frites or beef bourguinon.
vendetta’s: $
another vail staple, vendetta’s is a lively, casual place to enjoy pizza and a beer. if i’m being honest, there is really no good authentic, italian food in vail, but this place is just a classic with good pizza (can’t really go wrong with pizza). go here for a casual night out and to experience one of vail’s lively and best known locales.
pepi’s bar and restaurant: $$$
truly a vail classic, this austrian restaurant is set right in the middle of the village with decor that hearkens back to it’s european alpine roots. the menu features wild game and austrian classics like schnitzel and käsespätzle.
normally, i steer clear of this place (as it seems a bit gimmicky) but we went recently when i had a craving for späztle (i’m a carb fiend) and a friend ordered the trout, which turned out to be one of the best fish dishes i’ve tasted in a long time. go here for a casual night out in one of vail’s iconic restaurants, especially if you’re craving rich food.
bully ranch: $$
a casual western themed restaurant with great comfort food. a perfect spot for a casual night out serving southwestern and american cuisine.
aprés this there: best spots for aprés ski in vail, colorado
root & flower: $$-$
this cozy-chic wine bar is my favorite place to grab a drink aprés ski. they have an exquisite wine list, offering over 50 wines by the glass, plus inventive craft cocktails and small plates.
the red lion: $$
right off the mountain, in the heart of the village, the red lion is a quintessential vail restaurant and bar. it’s been around since the 60’s and has been the aprés spot for locals and tourists alike ever since. while it’s not my top place to go, as i like a bit more of a laid back scene, if you’re visiting vail, you can’t miss having an aprés beer and some chili at this iconic bar.
mountain standard: $$$
mountain standard is also a great place to grab cocktails aprés ski. they have an eclectic craft cocktail menu with a classic margarita that can knock you over. the food is rustic yet sophisticated (don’t miss the coal roasted olives, southern pimento cheese, and onion rings for starters – i didn’t even particularly like olives or onion rings until i had them here). grab a seat at the bar if you can or make reservations in the dining area in advance for guaranteed seating.
elway’s: $$-$$$
tucked away in the lodge at vail, this restaurant has one of the best happy hours in town. plus, on your way in, stop by the fire pit and make yourself some s’mores which are put out daily by the lodge from 2:30 – 3:30 pm (one of my favorite local insider tips).
as noted above, vendetta’s is a hotspot in the village where you’re always sure to find a hopping scene. they serve up pizza by the slice with beer and wine to wash it down. the patio out back is the perfect spot on warm days to wind down from a day on the slopes with views of the mountain.
the four seasons vail (remedy bar): $$$
the four seasons has a beautiful bar looking out through floor to ceiling windows with sweeping views of the mountain. and the adjacent terrace has fire pits where you can sit outside and enjoy your cocktails or specialty hot cocoa overlooking the scenic pool and slopes above – one of the best views in town.
just steps from gondola one in vail village, enjoying a drink here on a sunny afternoon and watching skiers and boarders navigate treacherous pepi’s face is a long-standing vail tradition. as the name indicates, los amigos offers mexican fare. but go for the atmosphere and drinks, not as much for the food.
dream this there: where to stay in vail, colorado
the four seasons vail: $$$$
the four seasons vail is a modern, beautiful, luxury mountain resort. though not right on the mountain, it offers sweeping views of the slopes that are hard to beat. plus they have a five star spa including steam rooms, saunas and roman baths that are perfect for unwinding after a long day of skiing.
the lodge at vail ( a rock resort): $$$
just steps from gondola one and a ski valet that makes your life so much easier, the lodge at vail is a perfect choice for your stay in vail. offering a nice spa as well as thoughtful touches like complimentary coffee and tea in the mornings and coffee, hot cocoa, and fresh baked cookies in the afternoon, you’re sure to feel pampered.
the arabelle at vail square ( a rock resort): $$$$
the arabelle is located in lionshead, close to the eagle-bahn gondola. it offers luxury amenities ranging from rooftop pools with incredible views and lavish guest rooms.
hotel talisa – a luxury collection resort: $$$
offering a fireside lounge with breathtaking mountain view as well as blissful and invigorating treatments at the alpine spa, hotel talisa is a five star experience. most notably, hotel talisa’s on-property chairlift provides for vail’s only true ski-in/ski-out luxury resort, with on-site rentals and ticket office, aided by a world-class ski concierge.
the sebastian: $$$$
a confluence of approachable chic and high mountain comfort, the sebastian – vail is an alpine oasis with enticing experiences. they offer a luxury spa, an art collection, and library as well as easy access to the slopes.
the doubletree vail is 4 miles from the slopes, but offers a shuttle that will take you right into the village. it’s an updated property with modern mountain decor and is one of vail’s best values.
fallridge at vail: $$
full disclosure, my boyfriend owns a property here, so i am obviously biased but it is a great value for your stay in vail. adjacent to the vail golf club and nordic center and just a 5 minute drive from the village with shuttle service that drops you off right at the slopes. fallridge offers 1, 2, and 3 bedroom condos with full kitchens and cozy fireplaces. if you’re interested, feel free to contact me directly and i can try and get you special pricing!
airbnb: $$-$$$
one of the most affordable options for a stay in vail will be through airbnb or vrbo. be sure to check out these websites far in advance for the best options.
and that’s a wrap on my travel guide to vail, colorado. please feel free to reach out to me here or on instagram @wear_this_this. and check out my other posts on what to wear for a trip to vail in the fall or in the winter!