Burritos all day, burritos all night in Vail

A neon sign blazes like a beacon behind the counter: First Chair, Last Call. It’s a mission statement for the perpetually ski-stoked: ski all day, party all night. And at this beloved burrito-and-bar spot, you can attempt both (at least from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

With an all-day bar and burritos rolled fresh to order, First Chair is the unofficial fuel station on Bridge Street. It’s your last chance to snag a warm, wallet-friendly grab-and-go meal before you hit the mountain, and one of the first places to grab a drink when you ski down.

Owner Drew Riley grew up in the restaurant scene under his father, who founded Russell’s and Los Amigos. He knows what snow-chasers want: a true local’s spot — a place that’s quick and casual, but with heart and soul behind it. “Skiing is why we’re all here,” said Riley. “We want people to come in and eat before and after they head out.” 

Breakfast kicks off with The Classic, a sunrise wrapped in a crispy tortilla, stuffed with eggs, cheese, bacon and golden potato hash — add real-deal chorizo if you like. Or embrace The Denver — of omelet fame — including eggs, ham, peppers, onions, tomatillos and potato hash. It was engineered specifically to be devoured on the gondola. By late morning, the lunchtime burritos arrive at the scene. The Local is a treasured recipe from Los Amigos with tender marinated chicken, rice, beans, cheese, corn salsa and pico tucked in a toasted tortilla. Looking for a more adventurous line? The Burger Smash burrito is a fan favorite, with smashed burger, tater tots,  lettuce, tomato, caramelized onion, a fried egg and Comeback Sauce.

Inside, a long bar with twentyish seats, a handful of tabletops, and multiple big-screen TVs set the stage for après. The bar pours beer, wine, seltzers and cocktails, but the one you want is the Mi Amigo Margarita. Made with house-infused green chili tequila, pineapple and lime, it’s the perfect blend of savory, sweet and satisfying.

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What truly makes First Chair a magnet for locals isn’t just the burritos, the laid-back atmosphere or the prime outdoor patio for people watching: It’s the staff (also long-time locals) and the specials.

Those deals keep the stoke high: buy a burrito and get 50% off a beer. Or, gather your most adventurous friends for a shot-ski (hanging over the register, ready for revelry) and you’ll get 20% off the shot total. Plus, live music and DJs will keep the good vibes rolling all winter. 

At First Chair, the burritos are big, the drinks are strong and the welcome is warmer than your boots after sitting all night on the boot dryer. It’s the kind of place you wander in for a bite and somehow stay for another round, where the neon promise of “First Chair, Last Call” feels less like a slogan and more of a lifestyle you’ll happily adopt.So whether you’re fueling up or winding down, First Chair will fill your stomach and your soul without emptying your wallet.