Killington, Vermont, might be the largest ski and snowboard destination in Eastern North America, but thats not all it has to boast about. With more than 100 restaurants, bars, and shopping options throughout the region, skiers, foodies, and shoppers alike can enjoy all the terrific Killington restaurants and bars that this ski town has to offer.

During my weekend in Killington, I thought I would be able to make it to all the Killington restaurants, bars, and pubs, at least the ones on the 5-mile Killington Access Road, to check them out. I was wrong (and full).

Sometimes it was the people that ledme to spend much more time than anticipated at each place; sometimes it was the views, the staff, the live entertainment, or the drinks. Sometimes it was the food, coffee, or the atmosphere that prolonged my stay, but it was soon clear that, regretfully, there was no way I was going to make it to every place I had intended.

No matter what type of food or atmosphere youre looking for, youll be able to find it in Killington, a laid-back but high-energy ski town that has no dress code (except no ski boots) and where vacationers and locals alike are always in a good mood.

So just where are my favorite Killington, VT, restaurants and bars? Ill start from the top, literally.

Killington Restaurants and Bars Guide

The Peak Lodge

Its rare that youd get the opportunity to eat a deliciously prepared meal at 4,241feet. Along with amazing views of three mountain ranges the Greens, Whites, and Adirondacks this Killington ski lodge offers breakfast, lunch, and snacks using ingredients sourced from local farms. Get there when it opens (9 a.m. on weekends, 10:30 a.m. on weekdays) to try a made-to-order omelet or breakfast sandwich, or go for lunch anddig into a gourmet burger or selection from the mac n cheese bar. If youre in the mood for something to warm you up, try their Chipotle Apple Turkey Chili. Relax by the fireplace and enjoy a local draft or hot cocktail and take in the view. Skiers and non-skiers alike can enjoy this unique dining experience by using the K-1 Express Gondola.

Motor Room Bar

Explore the mountain after hoursthrough the window of a snowcat. Make sure to make a reservation to dine in the original motor room of Killingtons first 4-passenger lift, with floor-to-ceiling windows. The Motor Room Bar snowcat leaves at 5:00 p.m. from near the K-1 Lodge and drops you back off at 7:00 p.m. after you enjoy light hors doeuvres and cocktails.

Roaring Brook Umbrella Bar

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 youre coming down from your last run or just pulling into the area. They offer hot chocolate, hot cider, a full bar, and beer on draught, which makes for fun warm drink combinations.

Long Trail Pub

You dont 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 aprs drinks or order off the pub fare menu with views of the mountain as the backdrop. If burgers, salads, or sandwiches dont appeal to you, the Snowshed food court downstairs has a variety of made-to-order stations. Watch your family or friends ski down the learning terrain right outside the window while you enjoy a hot chocolate, draught beer, or cocktails.

Lookout Tavern

The building Lookout Tavern is in was originally Killington ski areas first lodge, but is now a family-owned-and-operated bar and restaurant. If youre staying close by, have their free shuttle service pick you up and bring you home. It is a high-energy atmosphere and a place where skiers and non-skiers come together for upscale bar food or an aprs drink, and to tossthe shells of the free peanuts on the floor. The chances are high that youll end up in a conversation with someone youve never met while sitting or standing around the U-shaped bar, especially during happy hour from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Call ahead to reserve a seat and try the Roasted BBQ Salmonor the Left Coast Burger topped with jalapeos, peppers, cheddar cheese, and guacamole. Definitely do not pass on dessert after all, with the calories youll burn skiing, you deserve it! Joy, the owner, makes all the desserts in-house, including cheesecake and Toll House cookie pie.

Domenics Pizzeria

Domenics 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 Domenics is quite alluring. Enjoy a cocktail, fine wine, or local beer from their rotating list at the bar made out of copper.

Choices

Choices is Killingtons 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 doesnt havea 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. They also offer Sunday Brunch, and their host is definitely one of the friendliest in Killington!

Wobbly Barn

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. Their quieter hours for dinner are from 4:30-6:00 or after 9:00 p.m. If you still have energy left, join them for their live music and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. Dont forget to call the free Wobbly Wagon shuttle service to pick you up and drop you off.

Liquid Art Coffeehouse & Gallery

Liquid Art draws a more professional crowd and is an upscale restaurant/caf, which offers an espresso bar, specialty cocktails, and healthy fare. The post and beam building is decorated with local artwork and crafts forsale including hats, jewelry, paintings, photography, and dishware. This family-owned-and-operated restaurant servesbreakfast sandwiches, crepes, homemade bread, and more, starting an hour before the ski lifts open. If youre taking the day off from skiing, sit by their fireplace, access their free Wi-Fi, and drink a Vermont coffee or specialty latte. Dont forget to try the Jitterbug, which is a blend of espresso and hot chocolate. If youre more in the mood for a cocktail, try the warming Jacked Up Chai, made with chai tea, Jack Honey, vanilla, steamed milk, and cinnamon. Their vegetarian chili is award-winning and their ice cream is homemade.

JAX

If you need to wash your clothes after a long day on the mountain, youre in luck. JAX bar is located directly above Killingtons only laundromat, Scrub-a-Dub Pub. JAX offers live entertainment 7 nights a week, many nights bylocal 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. Try their self-proclaimed Best Grilled Cheese in Killington with caramelized onion and apples or one of their many other delectable appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads, or flatbreads.

The Foundry

The Foundry has a rustic, quintessential Vermont feel to it. The post and beam building was built in the 1970s, and is equipped with a big, sealed-stone fireplace and two chandeliers. They have an upscale dining room and a more casual tavern, both of which have the same brunch, lunch, and dinner menu options. However, like most establishmentsin Killington, they haveno dress code and some people come straight from the mountain while others choose to dress up. With live entertainment 5 nights a week and ice-skating on the pond outside 6 days a week, there are plenty of reasons to addThe Foundry to your list of must-visit Killington restaurants.

McGraths Irish Pub

A quick drive from the Killington Access Road, McGraths 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, whichcaptures the pubs mixed crowd and atmosphere perfectly. McGraths offers the states 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 youre in Dublin instead of Killington. McGraths is a true Irish pub that relies on natural materials, they even have a rock outcropping that servesas a couch. They offer great pub food, some of which is inspired by Ireland, such as their Guinness Stew and Irish Reuben.

Which Killington restaurants and bars are your favorites? Let us know!

This post was first published in 2015 and has been updated, but we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy. You should always contact the individual Killington restaurants and bars for the latest information before planning a visit.

SEE MORE:
High Cuisine | Vermont Slopeside Dining
Codex | A 1920s-Inspired Speakeasy Bar in Nashua, New Hampshire
Guide to Vermont Ski Resorts | Best Places to Ski in Vermont

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