This isn't your boss's Beaver Creek. The slope-side Coyote Cafe, a fave of the mountain staff, is a refreshing alternative to the swank that's been steamrolled across the village. Inside, you'll find a Corona logo–bedecked kayak and a disco ball hanging from the ceiling, and a buffalo head mounted on the brick wall. The clientele can be as colorful as the decor: Lift operators, ski school instructors, and snow bunnies stream in at 4 pm and again after 10 pm for late-night action until 1 am. The tap selection includes Dos Equis and Fat Tire along with the standard Bud and Bud Light, or you can try your luck with a $58 pitcher of Cougar margaritas made with Corzo Añejo tequila.—Sarah Tuff

Open daily 8 am to 1 am.

A chain bar and restaurant with three other locations in Colorado, the Boot is kicking from 3 to 5 pm, when for just $6 patrons can get some pretty decent grub (quesadillas, fish tacos) along with a draft beer. Like the Coyote Café, it's got an over-the-top margarita (the 46-ounce Platinum for $200). But mostly it's an island of good value—where mostly regular Joes tip back cans of PBR and shots of tequila—in a sea of Veuve Clicquot and caviar. Though the blond wood and bright lights don't scream Alpine coziness, the tin ceiling and cowboy posters are nice touches, and there are 16 beers on tap.—Sarah Tuff

Open daily noon to 10 pm.

With its enormous deck at the bottom of the Eagle Bahn gondola, the bar is an après-ski people-watching magnet—especially during the March–April spring season. ("Is she wearing a bikini?") It's also known for its daily drink specials and overall kicked-back vibe.

This elbow-to-elbow packed bar, where ski-boot-clad revelers gather in Vail Village after a day on the hill, has a great selection of local microbrews. There's also live acoustic music nightly—expect to hear some Elton John and the occasional Goo Goo Dolls riff. Beat the crowds by reserving a table in advance on the website.

Owned by three young guys, this is party central in Vail Village, complete with $15 cocktails. The nightclub draws a young, sexy crowd gabbing on their Razr cell phones. The gimmick is themed rooms—including a 1950s jukebox room, disco dance floor, and a smoking lounge.

Let's face it: Few things taste better after a long day of skiing, at least to carnivores, than a heaping bucket of chicken wings. That's why Monday nights at the Bavarian-themed Tap Room, when all-you-can-eat wings are just $7.95, are packed with anyone who might be pinching pennies around Vail. The $3.50 Colorado lagers from 3 to 6 pm every day are a big draw, too. The best spot in this bar is at one of the deck tables: Skip that last run to stake out a spot with a view.—Sarah Tuff