Apres Ski/Happy Hour and Restaurants

Question

It's been years since we've been to Steamboat and I cannot find any recent posts regarding this topic.

Apres Ski:

We like to do apres ski/happy hour and have appetizers.

Do they offer this mainly in the ski village area or do the downtown restaurants have offerings as well?

Do you have any recommendations/favorites?

Dinner Out:

I see there are a few restaurants in the ski village area but it looks like for the biggest variety, we should go downtown.

We like casual and not too fancy.

Do you have any recommendations/favorites?

Years ago, there was a restaurant where we picked out steaks and grilled them ourselves. Does that still exist?

Is there adequate parking downtown (is it paid parking) or is it better to take a shuttle?

Thanks for your help!

Answer

Steamboat Springs has a vibrant apres-ski and dining scene that has evolved over the years, offering options both in the ski village and downtown. For a quick happy hour or casual bites, you’ll find most ski-in/ski-out locations in the ski village catering to apres-ski crowds, but downtown also has plenty of options with a more local feel.

Apres Ski/Happy Hour:

Ski Village: Many of the slopeside lodges and restaurants offer apres-ski specials, often starting around 3–4 pm. You can grab drinks, appetizers, and enjoy live music at some spots. Popular choices include Montage Mountain Lodge and Storm Peak Lodge.
Downtown Steamboat: Downtown has grown in recent years and now features several bars and restaurants offering happy hour specials. These tend to be a bit less crowded than the ski village and provide a cozy atmosphere. Favorites include Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill and Hob Knob.
Apres-ski downtown can be a fun option if you plan to stay in town for dinner afterward, avoiding the rush back from the mountain.

Dinner Out:

Downtown: For variety, downtown Steamboat is your best bet. Options range from casual pizza and burger spots to higher-end bistros and international cuisine. Notable casual options include Back Door Grill for Latin flavors, Salt & Lime for Mexican, and Winona’s for American comfort food.
Ski Village: Offers more limited options, typically hotel or lodge restaurants, but convenient if you plan to end your day on the slopes. Examples: Slopeside Grill and Rendezvous Restaurant.
The old-style grill where guests picked steaks and cooked them themselves, often known as “Old Town Grill” or similar, no longer operates as it did years ago. Most restaurants now focus on traditional service, though you can find casual steakhouse options downtown.

Parking and Transportation:

Downtown Steamboat has both free and paid parking; during peak times, paid spaces can be easier to find. There are also several public lots and street parking meters.
The Steamboat Shuttle runs between the ski area and downtown, which can be convenient if you want to avoid parking hassles, especially during apres-ski hours or busy weekends.

Overall, for apres-ski, the ski village is lively and convenient, but downtown offers a broader mix of food and drink, making it great for both happy hour and dinner in a more relaxed setting.

Apres Ski/Happy Hour and Restaurants

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