10 Best Bars in Southwest Colorado, Colorado

The century-plus-old bar at the New Sheridan Hotel is a favorite hangout for skiers returning from the slopes and, in summer, for everybody else. There's live music weekly.

Beer fans shouldn't miss Ska Brewing, a homegrown brewery that boasts a large "tasting room" with 20 taps. The decor is bowling-alley inspired, drawing from the two-tone era of ska music, and includes tables crafted with wood from former lanes at a Denver bowling alley. If the weather allows, you can sip your beer on the parklike patio or second-story deck, beneath enormous, metal brew tanks. Pair your beer with a sandwich or artisanal pizza from the Container restaurant, made from two repurposed shipping containers attached to the brewery. Stop by on a Thursday night for live music or 4 pm Monday through Saturday for a brewery tour.

There's more to this traditional working barbershop than meets the eye. Drop the right password (hint: it's subtly displayed on the website), and you'll be ushered through the bookcase into a Gatsby-worthy speakeasy. Sure, it's a bit gimmicky, but the excellence of the ever-changing house-original cocktails and small plates more than makes up for it.

Awash in flocked wallpaper and lace, the Diamond Belle Saloon is dominated by a gilt-and-mahogany bar. With its prime location—on the ground floor of the historic Strater Hotel—plus live ragtime piano music and servers dressed in period costumes, the Diamond Belle can really pack them in. Try the Brazilian mint martini; if you're hungry, order the much-hailed Diamond burger. Ask for the "secret menu."

An 1899 cabin built from hand-hewn logs, Kochevar's is a classic saloon where locals play pool.

A favorite après-ski destination, the Last Dollar (locals know it as "The Buck") has lots of beers, great margaritas, and a rooftop bar with phenomenal views.

Tucked off the main strip, this tiny bar serves eclectic small plates, family-style entrées to share, and killer cocktails in a speakeasy atmosphere (complete with a blacklist drink menu delivered in a book). It's packed from 4:30 until 11:30 pm, so reserve a table in advance online.

This popular place is packed for happy hour each day from 4 to 6. Stay for dinner, as the steaks are terrific.