The 5 Best Happy Hour Specials (Vail) Around Vail Valley

A discounted martini, a cold beer overlooking the ski slopes or a plate of seafood enjoyed before dinner can make happy hour a highlight of an afternoon in Vail. Throughout Vail Village and Lionshead, restaurants and bars offer a range of specials that complement the area's lively après-ski culture. Some focus on creative cocktails and shareable appetizers, while others combine familiar pub food with mountain views and casual gathering spaces. Whether visitors are returning from the slopes or residents are meeting friends after work, these establishments provide opportunities to unwind and enjoy the local dining scene. The Best of Vail Valley recognizes restaurants and bars that contribute to Vail's happy hour traditions.

Avanti Food & Beverage, Vail

Avanti Food & Beverage brings a modern food hall experience to Vail's Golden Peak area, combining five independent kitchens, two bars and a spacious patio overlooking the mountain. Its happy hour runs all day Monday and from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, giving guests opportunities to enjoy afternoon drinks in a casual setting. The culinary lineup includes Backyard Burgers, Capriata, Glo, Taqueria del Oro and Boychik, offering everything from smash burgers and pizza to ramen, tacos and Mediterranean dishes. With communal seating and a beverage program featuring specialty cocktails, frozen drinks, beer and wine, Avanti accommodates groups with different dining preferences.

Garfinkel's

Garfinkel's has been a gathering place in Lionshead Village since 1993, combining a classic mountain-town sports bar with one of the area's prominent outdoor decks. The restaurant overlooks Vail Mountain and the gondola, giving guests a front-row view of skiers returning to the base area. Its menu includes burgers, wings, fish and chips and other American bar favorites, complemented by beer and cocktails. With indoor televisions for sporting events and a lively outdoor atmosphere, Garfinkel's offers a casual setting for après-ski drinks and afternoon gatherings.

The George

The George has welcomed locals and visitors to Vail Village since 1996, offering a relaxed pub atmosphere with a menu that extends beyond traditional bar food. Its daily happy hour runs from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring $6 mixed drinks, $8 martinis, $12 starters, $15 pub selections and $25 entrées. Signature dishes include the Duck & Mushroom Quesadilla, Shroomin' Sirloin and crispy Plum Duck, giving guests several options for pairing food with drinks. Pool tables and foosball add to the casual atmosphere.

El Segundo

El Segundo brings Mexican-inspired street food and a substantial tequila program to Vail Village, combining traditional flavors with Asian and American culinary influences. Its menu features inventive tacos such as Korean barbecue wagyu with kimchi, a Philly cheesesteak variation and beer-battered mahi-mahi with slaw. The bar offers more than 100 tequilas alongside handcrafted margaritas and specialty cocktails, making it a gathering place for guests interested in agave-based drinks. A patio overlooking Gore Creek provides an outdoor setting for enjoying tacos, appetizers and beverages after a day on the mountain.

Montauk Seafood Grill

Montauk Seafood Grill has served fresh seafood in Lionshead Village since 1987, offering a dining experience inspired by coastal cuisine. Its menu features fish and shellfish preparations alongside steaks and other selections, supported by a wine program designed to complement seafood dishes. The restaurant's bar provides a setting for guests to enjoy cocktails and conversation before settling in for dinner. With its established presence in Lionshead and emphasis on seafood, Montauk offers an alternative to traditional pub fare for an afternoon or evening gathering.

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