ski bar

The Ski Bar location is one of the best around. This place has it all due to it's unique underground layout -- dance floor, a bar room great for hanging with friends and the back room that varies from foosball to Karaoke. The often overlooked 'VIP' room could be the best place for a group in town since you can take turns chilling out and dancing.

Formerly known as Club Chelsea and FuBar, when the current ownership took over they gave it a nice little face lift.

ambiance: It is called Ski Bar so you are welcome wearing whatever for apres. Ski Bar keeps it mountain style at night.

contact info:
304 Bridge St
Vail, CO 81657
(970) 476-0360

samana

The highest quality dancing in Vail, Samana has a much more urban feel than any other Vail hangout: ropes contain the waiting lines and the godfather booths are a great place to hang out.

Samana also gets great live acts for the size of the venue so it's definitely worth checking out a show or DJ and knocking back some Red Bull Vodkas with a dance crew.

They do book private parties and is one of the easiest places in town to get it done online. You can book a reservation for a table or the entire bar online.

ambiance: urban hip with some mountain style

contact info:
228 Bridge Street
Vail, CO 81657
970.476.3433

la bottega

Whether it's the local's special 14" cheesesteak for two or more classic Northern Italian cuisine, La Bottega is a great place to go just because of the settings. The recently remodeled feel of both the restaurant and wine bar are a great addition to a solid menu.

One relatively undiscovered place for free flowing wine, appetizers and tapas is the wine bar.

atmosphere: Newly remodeled with a vibrant yet cozy feeling. Casual to slightly formal.

reviews:
Vail Daily August 16, 2007

menu:They have a daily menu at La Bottega, but you can download a sample menu here: La Bottega Menu (.pdf download)

contact info:
100 E Meadow Dr # 37
Vail, CO 81657
(970) 476-0280

the club

The Club is classic Vail not for only it's 'top' of the village location, but for the range of antics that ensue here by tourists and locals alike. A steady progression of live performers have gained local legend status: "The Good Times Man" Steve Meyer, Scott Munns and Mission 19, all have strong followings here -- and for good reason.

atmosphere: Kick back to a song you've known for years, grab a cold beer and wait for the next round of shots to be bought by the unsuspecting guy with the gold card.

calendar of events: Can be found on The Club's website

contact info:
304 Bridge Street
Vail, CO 81657
(970)479-0556

tap room

One place that always seems to have something going on and with a wide range of audiences. 'Burger and a Beer' nights (Tuesday) always bring in the locals seemingly even more during the shoulder seasons. During weekends and especially during the ski season, if you want a table, you better be there early. Tables fill up by 3 during ski season weekends and stay packed until late dinner.

It's no secret that the Tap Room is probably the best place to watch sports in Vail. Big Screens and football drink specials cater to this and every March you will find college hoops fans enjoying their teams on spring break.

Hidden gems are Monday and Tuesday food specials and the menu. Crowd pleasing American cuisine with regular specials.

Specials are kept up to date on the Tap Room website.

ambiance: Although it is sports oriented, it feels nicer than a sports bar, but outdoor wear is always present. As the night gets later, the feel gets more upscale.

contact info:
333 Bridge St
Vail, CO 81657
(970) 479-0500