Killington, Vermont, is renowned as the largest ski and snowboard destination in Eastern North America, but its appeal extends far beyond the slopes. Few, if any, resorts can rival the nightlife in Killington. The five-mile downhill run of action that is The Killington Access Road has no equal. Their are OVER 100 bars, night clubs & restaurants on this 1 stretch of road! Après all day and party all night at these top spots during your next visit.
Whether you're seeking a laid-back drink after a day on the mountain or an energetic night of dancing and live music, Killington offers a diverse range of options to suit every taste. From casual bar hangs to rowdy dance club vibes, Killington has something for everyone. Let's explore some of the best places to eat, drink, and party in Killington.
Just before the lifts shut down, happy hours commence with free wings, shrimp and other cheap eats. Solo guitarists, amazing bands, fine dining, local & national D.J's provide the entertainment.
Killington Ski Report Pickle Barrel Nightclub
Après-Ski Hotspots
As you purchase your lift tickets and plan to join them, local businesses are getting ready, too.
There’s nothing like the tranquil mountain atmosphere of Killington to get you in the mood for a laid-back drink on the porch during a summer afternoon on a holiday weekend getaway, or an après-ski cocktail on a cold winter night.
Read also: Summer in Killington
Lookout Tavern
The first spot on the left when you’re coming off the mountain, Lookout Tavern, is a natural stop when you’re ready for après ski fun in Killington. VT. The building Lookout Tavern is in was originally Killington ski area’s first lodge, but is now a family-owned-and-operated bar and restaurant. It is a high-energy atmosphere and a place where skiers and non-skiers come together for upscale bar food or an après drink, and to toss the shells of the free peanuts on the floor.
The menu offers delicious burgers and wings, as well as burritos, chili, wraps, and more. Featuring eight made-in-Vermont beers plus excellent house-made specialty cocktails, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a full day on the slopes. Challenge a friend to a game of pool or pinball, or just enjoy the local flair.
Their extensive wine list and drink offerings shine with items like the Spruce Tip Gimlet, made from Killington Distillery Woodland Gin, and their Old World Reds, which complement the Vermont Cheese Board or Roasted Bone Marrow.
Call ahead to reserve a seat and try the Roasted BBQ Salmon or the Left Coast Burger topped with jalapeños, peppers, cheddar cheese, and guacamole. Definitely do not pass on dessert - after all, with the calories you’ll burn skiing, you deserve it! Joy, the owner, makes all the desserts in-house, including cheesecake and Toll House cookie pie.
If you’re looking for more of a sports bar vibe, the Lookout Tavern is the perfect place to go.
Read also: Vermont Getaway Hotels
Reservations are recommended for parties of eight or more. | Closed Monday and TuesdayAddress: 228 E Mountain Rd., Killington, VT.
Roaring Brook Umbrella Bar
Enjoy cold beer and warm chili at the Roaring Brook Umbrella Bar after a long day of skiing. Located at the foot of Superstar, a black diamond trail, the Roaring Brook Umbrella Bar makes for a fun place to watch skiers’ and snowboarders’ skills (or lack thereof). It also makes for a lively crowd fresh off the slopes and dressed in full ski attire.
With a limited menu of chili, chowder, chips, and pre-made sandwiches, these two yurt-like buildings with transparent walls are a great place to regroup, whether you’re coming down from your last run or just pulling into the area.
Long Trail Pub
You don’t even have to leave the mountain to find live entertainment. The Long Trail Pub, located upstairs in the Snowshed Lodge, has a very lively atmosphere. At this part-sports-bar-part-restaurant, you can grab après drinks or order off the pub fare menu with views of the mountain as the backdrop.
Read also: The Story of Highline Lodge
If burgers, salads, or sandwiches don’t appeal to you, the Snowshed food court downstairs has a variety of made-to-order stations.
Iconic Bars and Nightclubs
Nightlife in Killington offers a mix of everything from casual bar hangs to rowdy dance club vibes.
The Wobbly Barn
Few, if any, resorts can rival the night life in Killington.
Since opening in 1963, Wobbly Barn has been a staple on the Killington bar scene. A steakhouse restaurant that also functions as a live music venue and nightclub, Wobbly Barn picks up the pace for après ski and late night dancing and entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.
The Wobbly Barn has been voted the best ski bar in the country by various ski magazines, so if going to Killington, a visit to The Wobbly Barn is a must.
Dine at the legendary Wobbly Barn Steakhouse or join them for live music at the restaurant that was created by collecting pieces of ten barns from across New England. Opened in 1963, the steakhouse serves beef, seafood, soup, and a salad and fresh bread bar. If you still have energy left, join them for their live music and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.
It's one of the few ski bars where the ratio of women to men were in the favor of the men! This popular, peanut shell on the floor, Apres ski location is a short drive from the mountain and hard to miss with its distinctive sign.
The Pickle Barrel
At The Pickle Barrel, you’ll find four bars, three levels, and two stages, ready for whatever you want to get into during your ski vacation. Live music, dance floors, and cold drinks are the name of the game at this popular nightlife spot.
Know for its club like entertainment feel this wooden two story establishment has a limited menu but is can offer the maximum fun. Open for Happy hour and late night it offers bands local and regional playing favorite covers on the main stage with a DJ mixing popular dance tunes during breaks. The second floor has an overlook of the main dance floor and hosts a second stage called the Crows Nest.
Amazingly enough, the first floor main stage sound does not infiltrate the Crows Nest music and more intimate feel. There are 4 main bars two on the first and two on the second floor. Cover charge for Happy hour is usually $5 and a minimum of $20 late night. As a note if you go for happy hour don't expect to be able to avoid the late night cover just by hanging out, The Pickle Barrel closes at 8pm kicking everyone out and reopens at 9pm for late night.
Jax Food and Games
For a more laid-back night out, Jax Food and Games is equal parts one of the best places to eat in Killington, Vermont, and one of the most fun bars in town. Try your hand at Big Buck Hunter or darts or grab a game to take to your table.
With everything from Connect Four to Cards Against Humanity, you’ll find hours of fun at this popular Killington nightlife spot. Stop in on Taco Tuesday for live music from local favorite Rick Webb or catch other local acts Friday through Sunday.
Right next door to the Pickle Barrel it hosts many Arcade games, live entertainment, good bar food and friendly/knowledgeable bartenders. Typically busier on Friday nights as they have one of the more popular regular acts in Jamie and Aarine, Jax's is a meeting place for those coming in to town for the weekend and looking to forget the trip up. Fridays can have a cover of $5. Saturdays are more low key with local entertainment and usually no cover.
Grab some food, play arcade games, or watch sports while doing your laundry at JAX. If you need to wash your clothes after a long day on the mountain, you’re in luck. JAX bar is located directly above Killington’s only laundromat, Scrub-a-Dub Pub. JAX offers live entertainment 7 nights a week, many nights by local artists. JAX is also a great place to watch a game, with a big projection screen and smaller TVs throughout the bar area. They also have a few arcade games.
Other Notable Establishments
McGrath's Irish Pub
A cozy pub in the midst of Killington, McGrath’s Irish Pub is located just a short drive away from the Killington Access Road, nestled inside of The Inn at Longtrail. The pub first opened in 1938, and has since served as a haven for eclectic crowds of hikers, motorists, and people enjoying their night out in a laid-back and inviting atmosphere.
The bar touts that they have the largest selection of Irish Whiskies in the entire state, as well as certified Guinness pourers that can tailor your Guinness. Rt 4 towards Rutland before Pico ski slope on the right is the Long Trail in which houses McGrath's Irish Pub with an earthy feel from its half log furniture and rocks coming into the space from the floor and walls. The Sheppard's pie is worth writing home about.
Enjoy a personalized Guinness while listening to live Irish music at McGath’s Irish Pub. A quick drive from the Killington Access Road, McGrath’s Irish Pub is one of the most popular spots around. Located inside The Inn at Longtrail, which has been there since 1938, their motto is “A place where the dressed-up folk, travel-worn motorists, and roughly dressed hiker all might mingle with no apologies,” which captures the pub’s mixed crowd and atmosphere perfectly.
McGrath’s offers the state’s largest selection of Irish whiskeys and will even personalize your Guinness. They have live Irish music every weekend that will make you feel as if you’re in Dublin instead of Killington. McGrath’s is a true Irish pub that relies on natural materials, they even have a rock outcropping that serves as a couch.
Liquid Art
Liquid Art draws a more professional crowd and is an upscale restaurant/café, which offers an espresso bar, specialty cocktails, and healthy fare. The post and beam building is decorated with local artwork and crafts for sale - including hats, jewelry, paintings, photography, and dishware. This family-owned-and-operated restaurant serves breakfast sandwiches, crepes, homemade bread, and more, starting an hour before the ski lifts open.
If you’re taking the day off from skiing, sit by their fireplace, access their free Wi-Fi, and drink a Vermont coffee or specialty latte. Don’t forget to try the Jitterbug, which is a blend of espresso and hot chocolate. If you’re more in the mood for a cocktail, try the warming Jacked Up Chai, made with chai tea, Jack Honey, vanilla, steamed milk, and cinnamon.
Domenic’s
Domenic’s is an upscale pizza joint with dough and sauce made fresh every day. Domenic, the owner and chef, and his staff are more like a family than co-workers, and are all very welcoming, helpful, and accommodating. This 50-seat restaurant also offers takeout and delivery for those who would rather enjoy a pizza, calzone, or lasagna from the comfort of their hotel room or on the road, although the spacious room and fireplace at Domenic’s is quite alluring.
Choices
Choices is Killington’s oldest chef-owned restaurant, celebrating 30 years in 2016. Claude, the owner and chef, graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and is known for his rotisserie lamb, chicken, and stuffed pork. The 60-item menu and daily specials offer a wide variety of “choices,” from nachos to escargot, and from burgers to rack of lamb. As part of the VT Fresh Network, Claude partners with local farms to give customers fresh and local food. They also support local artists by hanging their work on the walls.
Although there are tablecloths and cloth napkins, the staff recognizes that Killington is a ski town and doesn’t have a dress code; they like to call it “casual elegance.” Join them in the bar area for the same menu options, local and organic rotating beers, and a 70-item wine list - nearly 30 of which can be ordered by the glass - or a martini.
tags: #killington #night #life