2015 World Championships: Après All the Way

By Published On: January 16th, 2015Comments Off on 2015 World Championships: Après All the Way

A Local’s Guide to the Best Watering Holes in the Vail Valley

Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of articles guiding visitors through off-the-hill activities and events at the 2015 FIS World Alpine Ski Championships in Vail and Beaver Creek, Colo.

BEAVER CREEK

The Birds of Prey race week, which customarily takes place during the first week of December, is considered by many as the best time to party in Beaver Creek. Certainly the World Championships will be no different as this often family-dominated resort town is transformed into an international celebration. Here are some of the top options for wetting your whistle after skiing.

Coyote

Photo: Mintz

Coyote Café

The Coyote Café exists at the nexus of the universe where tourists and locals coexist in everlasting affection for this slopeside bar. An after-work home to ski patrollers and instructors, as well as a popular après scene with the out-of-towners, the “Yotey” promises cold beer, warm nachos and hot nights at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain. The bar has also become notorious in the world of ski racing as the host of wee-hour World Cup shenanigans. Even better: the Yotey is offering a World Championship special all this season: $20.15 for nachos and a pitcher of Bud or Coors Light, and $20.15 for a pair of margaritas with chips and salsa.

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Dusty-BootPhoto: Mintz

Dusty Boot

Pull up a stool at the bar — if you can find one. Arrive early, so as to nail down one of the coveted spots along the bar and one of the best happy hour deals in town: seven bucks for select entrees, such as fish tacos, with a beer or glass of wine. Six bucks for a PBR and a shot of the bottom-shelf stuff. Note: You must be seated in the bar area to receive the deal. Happy hour passed you by? The Dusty Boot is worth checking out for casual fare and a party atmosphere throughout the night.

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Chophouse

Photo: Mintz

Chophouse Patio

Location. Location. Location. There’s simply no quicker way to soak up some rays and get some drinks after a day on Beaver Creek Mountain than the (often) sunny Chophouse patio. The large seating area overlooks Centennial and is serviced by a friendly staff. The food is simplistic and can be expensive for what it is, but if you’re in the need for immediate sustenance, it’ll get the job done. A $4 Sierra Nevada bottle is the bar’s most competitive happy hour offering.

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Metro

Photo: Mintz

The Metropolitan

Finally, there’s a casual and comfortable place to grab a bite and a drink in Beaver Creek where you don’t have to claw your way to a table. Can’t find a seat at the Yotey or the Boot? The Metro offers a mellower après experience and modern menu in a lounge-like environment. Its team of wine experts has more 70 years of experience, bringing tales of wine tasting from around the world. Happy hour is from 3 to 5 p.m. with great deals on food, including a pulled pork taco for $3 and tuna sliders for $6. Wash it down with a specialty drink such as the Spicy Beaver: Herradura tequila, lime juice, jalapeño and cilantro-infused agave nectar for $7.

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Hooked

Photo: Mintz

Hooked

Get “hooked up,” as they say, every day from 2 to 5 p.m. One of Beaver Creek’s most interesting restaurants also offers one of the most competitive happy hour packages. Start with $1.50 Daily Hook Up, which is a small portion of just about anything the chefs decide to throw together. For $3, tuck into a sloppy Joe slider or two-piece sashimi. For a dollar more, you can land a four-piece sushi roll. Five bucks scores a pair of oysters on the half shell. Thirsty? Hooked has Coors drafts for $2, local Crazy Mountain draft for $3 or a glass of house wine for $5. Last call for these specials is at 4:30; last people are allowed in the door for happy hour at 4:20.

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AVON

The town of Avon at the base of Beaver Creek is known more for its spirited late-night scene than its après, but during a busy World Championship week, there will likely be quite a bit of spillover. If you happen to be staying down the hill or are passing through, there are a couple great happy hour options.

Maya

Photo courtesy of Maya

Maya

Located within the luxurious Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Avon, Maya is surprisingly accessible from the hill. From Bachelor Gulch, take Leave the Beav’ down to the Beaver Creek Landing and ride the Gondola directly into the Westin. (Getting back up to Beaver Creek after hours is another matter — you’ll probably have to take a bus.) The modern Mexican restaurant features a beautiful and comfortable lounge and maybe the best happy hour offering in town: $2 mini gourmet tacos. Mexican tapas, such as mahi mahi ceviche, wild mushroom flatbread and smoked brisket nachos are $4 each or two for $6. House-crafted margaritas and sangria are 5 bucks.

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Vin-48Photo: Mintz

Vin 48

This would be a long walk in your ski boots (don’t try), but if you want to avoid some of the Beaver Creek crowds, it’s worth looking into Vin 48. Located within the historic “Boat Building,” the restaurant is one of Avon’s top dining experiences. Get a taste at happy hour, which happens every night from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the wine bar: $8 small plates include duck confit with kimchi eggroll, and caramelized onion and gruyere ravioli. Also available are select glasses of wine for $5 and premium drafts for $3.

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Loaded-Joes

Photo: Mintz

Loaded Joe’s

Welcome to hipster paradise! Artisan roasted gourmet coffee, smoothies, “socially conscious” food and a plethora of alcohol — that’s Local Joe’s in a nutshell. This local hangout wears many hats: restaurant, coffee shop, bar and music venue. It’s comfortable and affordable, too, with happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. every day offering $3 beers, $4 wells and $5 wines. Also check out the mini version of Loaded Joes on Bridge Street in Vail Village.

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Pepis

Photos: Mintz

VAIL

The iconic Bridge Street in the heart of Vail Village offers one of ski country’s best après experiences anywhere. Here’s how to navigate the seemingly endless options.

Tourist? Check out the world-famous Red Lion for nachos, wings, generic acoustic music and the quintessential après experience. Brown Eyed Girl is a guarantee, and so are the cougars on the prowl.

Looking for the best view? At Los Amigos, sip margaritas while watching skiers maneuver down the slick Pepi’s Face at the end of the day.

Got an AARP card? Your crowd is located down the street at Pepi’s, which also features generic acoustic music and mature patrons who still know how to have a good time.

Hipster? Loaded Joe’s is where you’ll likely find fair trade cocktails and 15 different types of coffee.

Bro, bro? Check out Colorado Underground. We’re not really sure what happens in there, but we know there are no windows — and a recreational stripper pole.

Vail regular (but still want the scene)? Hit up Vendetta’s for a pitcher of beer and a slice of snow pig (pizza with something like seven types of pork), as well as daily drink specials.

Want something fresh and different? Don’t overlook the Blue Cow, formally the legendary Swiss Hot Dog of Lionshead, now with a sleek, modern bar scene and the same classic recipes.

Cocktail connoisseur? Locally crafted bourbon, rye, vodka and moonshine are readily available in the rustic, newly designed 10th Mountain Whisky and Spirit Company tasting room. There’s no food and no beer — just the best booze in Vail.

Don’t care? La Cantina, the Mexican joint in the parking structure, offers excellent tacos and margs in one of the least appealing locations in Vail. But the seats are full for a reason.

Skied down the wrong side and wound up in Lionshead? Garfinkle’s is another quintessential après experience on the west side of Vail. The best deck in town, nachos, beer and single people — that about sums it up.

Most of these après sites are located on or near Bridge Street, located here.

Ready for dinner? Check out our complete 2015 World Champs dining guide.

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About the Author: Geoff Mintz

Geoff Mintz is a former alpine ski racer who cut his teeth at Ragged Mountain and Waterville Valley, N.H. After graduating from Holderness and UVM, he relocated to Colorado, where he worked on the hill prior to pursuing a career in journalism. Mintz served as associate editor for Ski Racing Media from 2011 to 2015. He later reconnected with his local roots to manage all marketing and communications for Ski & Snowboard Club Vail before resuming work at SRM as editor-in-chief.