Top Resturants, Bars and Nightlife  

1. Sweet Basil located in Vail Village - One of the top restaurants in the Vail Valley. This Vail experience began in 1977 as a small, casual 47 seat restaurant. Since then Sweet Basil has grown considerably in size and reputation. Surrounded by the majestic Gore Range, Sweet Basil has been a must for travelers and locals alike for 24 years. Award winning wine list. $$$. Reservations highly recommended - 970-476-0125

2. Larkspur located at the base of Golden Peak - A fresh approach to dining in the Vail Valley, this American Brasserie serves regional cuisine with rustic French overtones. The beauty of the natural environment has inspired the menu and decor, creating a warm ambiance certain to leave a lasting impression. $$$. Reservations recommended - 970-479-8050

3. Game Creek Restaurant on Vail Mountain - Perhaps the best dinner in the Vail Valley isn't in the valley at all. It's on the mountain in the scenic Game Creek Bowl. Take a short ride up the Eagle Bahn Gondola to Eagle's Nest where we'll escort you, by shuttle in the summer or snowcat in the winter, to our cozy European-style chalet. The magnificent setting is matched only by our American gourmet multi-course meal and superb wine list. $$$. Reservations required - 970-476-9090

4. Wildflower located in the Lodge at Vail - A beautiful setting, featuring creative cusine and an incredible wine list. $$$. Reservations recommended - 970-476-5011

5. Cucina Rustica located in the Lodge at Vail - "A Tuscan Grill". Rustic Italian Cuisine Authentic dishes prepared by Italian trained chefs served in a comfortable, rustic atmosphere. $$$. Reservations recommended - 970-476-5011

6. Pazzo's Pizza located in Vail Village and Avon - The boys of Pazzo's - Hutch, Powder Tom, and Mike O - met in the mountains of Vail, skiing and snowboarding by day and cooking pizza by night. In 1990 they opened their first Pazzo's Pizzeria in Vail, Colorado. Since then they have opened locations in Cabo San Lucas Mexico and Avon, Colorado. Stop in and celebrate with the Boys! $ - $$. 970-476-9026

7. Campo di Fiori located in Vail Village - A true Italian experience with authentic décor, dishes, wines and atmosphere straight out of Italy! $$$ Reservations recommended. 970-476-8994

8. Terra Bistro located in the Vail Mountain Lodge & Spa in Vail Village - Terra Bistro is an up-scale urban bistro with a relaxed atmosphere. Our fresh seasonal menu focuses on using local produce, free-range meats, and fresh seafood and boasts such accolades as the Dirona award, Wine Spectator's award of excellence. Chef Kevin Nelson combines Asian, Mediterranean, and southwestern influences with the season's finest and freshest ingredients. Our wine list features an extensive selection of reasonably priced and high-end wines as well as a variety of champagnes. $$$. Reservations recommended 970-476-6836

9. Chap's in the Cascade Resort & Spa - Set in the splendor of Colorado's Rocky Mountains and perched above the pristine ambiance of Vail's Gore Creek, is the Valley's newest and sharpest place for steaks and grilled foods - Chap's. Chap's captures the mystique of the ultimate steakhouse through its classic décor, outstanding wine list, and the award-winning service of the staff. $$$. Reservations recommended. 970-479-7014

10. Pepi's Restaurant & Wild Game Room in Vail Village - Pepi's restaurant has two dining rooms. Our main dining room known for its Continental cuisine and Austrian specialties and The Antler's Room which serves wild game and gourmet items tableside in an atmosphere of Austrian Gemutlichkeit. $$$ Reservations recommended. 970-476-4671

11. The Bully Ranch in the Sonnenalp in Vail Village - A real taste of Colorado awaits you in the casual and lively atmosphere of Bully Ranch. A local favorite since 1986, the Bully specializes in the finest cuts of prime aged beef and barbecue ribs matched by a full bar with extensive wine and beer selections. Generous libations, including our famous mudslides and plenty of free parking make this a favorite spot. $$. 970-479-5656

12. Swiss Chalet Restaurant in the Sonnenalp in Vail Village - Imagine a small European inn where a heartwarming simplicity prevails. Welcome to the Swiss Chalet, home of Vail's most popular raclettes and fondues. A wonderful alternative to the everyday restaurant scene, this is a hands-on experience where you can grill your own meats or indulge in mouthwatering cheese and chocolate fondues. $$$. Reservations recommended. 970-476-5656

13. La Tour - Incredible French cuisine with a wine list to match. $$$. Reservations recommended. 970-476-3696

Also, just outside of Vail, some of our favorites include:
1. Masato's in Avon - Top quality sushi; extra crispy tempura. $$. 970-949-0330

2. Beano's Cabin in Beaver Creek- An elegant dining adventure on Beaver Creek Mountain. Open-air snowcat-drawn sleigh ride. Spectacular five-course dinner. Casual attire. $$$. Reservations required. 970-949-9090

3. Wolcott Yacht Club in Wolcott - Fish house and deli. Signature dish: Fresh fish taco. Full bar outside. $ 970-926-3402

4. Gore Range Brewery in Edwards- A local's favorite with a huge menu. Signature dish: Rotisserie chicken. Signature drink: Handcrafted bee. $$ 970-926-BREW

5. The Gashouse in Edwards- The original and first building (gas station) in Edwards. Wide range of dinner and launch items. Signature dish: Quail $$. 970-926-3613

6. The Saloon located in Minturn.- Mexican and more! Signature dish: Plato Veracruz (duck). 970-827-5954

7. Mustangs - An affordable family option in Edwards, complete with salad bar!

Top 10 Apres

1. Garfinkles at the base of the Gondola in LionsHead - A great place for sunny days with a huge deck. Also, tons of TV's to watch all your sporting events on after a day of skiing!

2. Los Amigos at the base of the Vista Bahn in Vail Village - a great place for sunny days to sit and watch skiers make their way down Pepi's face. Killer margarita's!

3. Kaltenburg at the base of the Gondola in LionsHead - A true German beer hall with BIG German beer, pretzels and music!

4. Atop Eagle's Nest at the Blue Moon Bar - Don't head down the mountain without grabbing a Blue Moon beer and enjoying the views and live music atop Vail Mountain. You can even take the Gondola down if it gets too late to ski down.

5. Red Lion in Vail Village - A staple in Vail since the beginning. Great live music where you can sing along to all your favorites!

6. Vendetta's in Vail Village - You'll find Vail Ski Patrol here any day of the week. Grab a slice of pizza and a beer and you'll feel like a local in no time.

7. Pepi's in Vail Village - THE place to be seen and people watch off the deck. Live music and European flair!

8. The Club in Vail Village - A wild time with live music where the entire audience gets involved - whether you want to our not!

9. Powderhounds (with a new name soon!) at the base of the Gondola is LionsHead - Typically has live music and is a great place to end the day outside.

10. The Tap Room in Vail Village - A popular local hang out with TV's for all you sports-fans and a great menu and drink list!


Nightlife Scenes


1. Tap Room/Sanctuary in Vail Village - A favorite among locals. Hang out downstairs or head upstairs for dancing!

2. Vendetta's in Vail Village - You'll always find Vail Ski Patroller's hanging out here. Get a table if you can, grab slice of pizza and a beer and you'll feel like a local in no time.

3. The Club in Vail Village - Live music every night, playing all your favorites and then some! Popular among the "younger, crazier" crowd.

4. 8150 in Crossroads in Vail Village - Catch local, state and national acts throughout the year. Be ware the floor tends to bounce as everyone dances and has a great time.

5. Adventure Ridge

6. The Red Lion in Vail Village - A staple since the beginning. Get ready to sign along to all your favorite "bar tunes" and classics.

7. The Platz'l in Vail Village - A small friendly bar with specials and various music each night.

8. Bully Ranch located in the Sonnenalp in Vail Village - Friday nights this place is packed with locals. Great food and don't miss one of the famous Mudslide drinks - they limit you to three, so be careful.

9. Bogart's in Vail Village - Dancing, hanging out, and late night food. A great place to end your evening.

10. The Bridge - Late night dancing and more on Bridge Street

11. Fu Bar - Famous hang out of "Ryan" the fire-fighter...the place to be seen!