Steamboat’s Mountainside Happy Hour Spots
The clink of glasses is a familiar sound at the end of an epic day on snow in Steamboat Springs. As the days get longer, the lure of happy hour teases most of us out of hibernation. On the mountain, Slopeside Grill’s annual ice bar is the go-to hangout for a little après ski. Refuel on wings, pizza or their White Bean Chicken Chili, a local’s favorite for over 20 years. Warm up at the base area by the outdoor fire at Timber and Torch. Sip on $4 drafts and $6 cocktails while watching the floodlights go on and people gear up for a little night skiing.
Head Downtown For Live Music, Tapas and Riverside Seating
Alternatively, head downtown to Steamboat’s longest running brewery, Mahogany Ridge. Try an Alpenglow, their full-bodied amber ale or a Rabbit Ears Climber; a zingy blend of Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum, McCormick’s Irish Cream and their home brewed Rabbit Ears Root Beer. Snag a seat and snack on $1 tapas from 4-5:30PM. every day. Grab a riverside table on Yampa Street at Aurum. Happy hour runs from 4:30-6PM, but you might easily be tempted to stay. Live music is a staple at this eclectic venue, which recently added luxury heated yurts to their dinner seating options. Another riverside option is E3 Chophouse is you’re feeling carnivorous.
A Unique Seating Experience And Variety Of Flavors
If unique seating options sound like fun, then slide onto a bench inside one of three refurbished gondolas at Mountain Tap Brewery. Set on the patio, the retired cabins are a magnet for families, couples and small groups of four to six people. Food is a family-friendly line up of small plates, snacks and wood-fired pizzas. Adults can sample the local brews including favorites like Cliffed Out, Chasing Sunset and Passionate Pedal.
Experience a taste of Europe at the newly opened Standard Gallery and Bar on Lincoln Avenue. Snack on a charcuterie platter spilling with the likes of jàmon Serrano, chorizo and fine cheeses, paired with a glass of wine. Check out the art, or watch a live artist at work, depending on the night.
Go for Mexican inspired cuisine and cocktails at Salt n’ Lime, where the rooftop patio offers a bird’s eye view of downtown. Check out Mambos for the flavors of Italy, and outdoor seating when weather permits. If it’s all about the cocktail, then the mixologists at The Laundry are hard to beat. Nearly everything shaken and stirred in this old timey brick building includes their legendary infusions. One Fiery Margarita will set you up for nothing short of happy hour fun.