It shouldn’t come as a surprise. Colorado is, after all, the best state in the United States for both skiing and drinking. But the competition was pretty stiff: Tahoe, Whistler, Vermont, Jackson Hole.
Still, Colorado landed two spots on USA Today’s new list of the best après-ski bars in North America — and the top spot was a brewery.
Coming in a No. 8 was The Fitz at Manor Vail Lodge in Vail.
“The Fitz is a destination for foodies and families alike, known for serving comfort food and drinks with a bit of flair,” USA Today said. “Their delicious menu is filled with delicious choices, like their grilled mahi-mahi fish tacos, rib-eye sandwich, and Fitz Burger, all of which hit the spot after a day on Vail’s epic slopes. With an impressive local draft list, it’s also a great spot to grab a drink.”
Topping the list at No. 1 was Outer Range Brewing in Frisco.
From USA Today: “Outer Range Brewing Company commits 1% of their equity, profit, product, and time to The Summit Foundation, which gives back to the Summit County community. With a prime location in the Colorado Rockies, their famous Thai-ish fried chicken is a post-skiing favorite.”
We’re not sure how the number one spot got such a sparse writeup, but we’d add that the vast, two-story brewery offers a packed and party-like scene throughout the year.
Founded in 2016 by Lee and Emily Cleghorn, Outer Range — which has a second location in Alpine ski town of Sallanches, France — also makes some of the best hazy IPAs and double IPAs in the state, collaborates frequently with other breweries and landed on The Denver Post’s own list this year of 10 breweries and distilleries to visit in Colorado right now.
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