Shakedown Bar — Restaurant in Vail

We absolutely did not get what we paid for, as you can see from the photos (our group is in their early 30s). Time stamps on the photos range from 10 pm - midnight (when we had to give up on caring because the bar was so crowded/bouncers couldn't keep up with the volume - and that's not a dig, just the facts). These photos are also just a small sample of the number of people that took our reserved seats. As soon as we got up to get a drink, use the restroom, etc. someone would slide in. This is obviously not on the patrons, there was no way they could have known since the bar made little to no effort to indicate the seats had been reserved. Scott is correct that I was up most of the night (per his response to my last review), of course this is because our seats were taken. My partner and I have both worked in the service industry and are always respectful because we've been there. We point blank said to the cocktail waitress and bouncer that our frustration was not with them, we understood management likely did not prep their staff for our group coming in. Not cool to play that card, but not surprising, it's low hanging fruit to say that we were rude to the staff. We also had an incident where the bouncer asked two gentlemen to move and they got in his face. One of them then proceeded to pour a drink on the chair so we couldn't sit down. I'm shocked the bouncer didn't kick them out, now THAT was being terrible to the staff. They also didn't have a manager on duty, which is just poor business on a busy Saturday night. I don't know how they can deny what clearly happened and wouldn’t expect us to escalate this. I also called to ask them to please reverse the charges to give them a chance to do the right thing before we took this further, but never heard back. My only intent is to warn others of my experience in hopes they have a better one. I also do not know anyone named Colton (seems odd to assume other one star reviews are me?)

UPDATE: My credit card company fully refunded this charge after a dispute period with the merchant. Shakedown had an opportunity to respond to my claim and they either 1. Did not respond, or 2. Did respond, but didn't have any "proof" that could counter all of the proof I attached with my complaint (+ a letter from an attorney). Clearly, Shakedown was in fact in the wrong and did not provide the service I paid for. Feeling very thankful to be done with this and to never go back - but, wishing all the best to the staff, I hope management does better for you all...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Shakedown Bar again, and I must say, it was an experience beyond my expectations! From the moment I walked in, the vibrant atmosphere and warm welcome made me feel right at home. The live music lineup is nothing short of phenomenal, offering a diverse range of genres that cater to all tastes. It's evident that Shakedown Bar isn't just a venue; it's a community hub where artists and audiences come together to share unforgettable moments.

The staff at Shakedown Bar deserve a special mention for their impeccable service. Friendly, attentive, and always ready with a recommendation, they truly know how to make every guest feel special. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, you're treated like family here.

The drinks menu is another highlight, featuring an impressive selection of cocktails, craft beers, and spirits. Each drink is crafted to perfection, showcasing the bar's commitment to quality and creativity.

What truly sets Shakedown Bar apart, though, is its dedication to fostering a supportive environment for local musicians and artists. This place is a testament to the power of music in bringing people together, creating a sense of community that's hard to find elsewhere.

In summary, Shakedown Bar is more than just a bar; it's an experience, a community, and a celebration of music and camaraderie. Whether you're here for the music, the drinks, or the company, you're in for a fantastic time. I can't recommend it enough and look forward to many more memorable...

If you’re looking for a tiny expensive underground bar with live music that smells like incense, you’ve found it. It is rather odd that they have a cover charge when there’s live music and then also have a band tip line on every tab. We were crammed in like sardines on a Saturday night with a bunch of 50+ men awkwardly swaying to the live music and trying to hit on every woman under 50 since they’d left their wives…wherever. Add in the locals who reek like pot trying to dance with the hot young wives…it’s just a weird gross atmosphere you’d only find in a place like vail or Aspen. It was so packed I’m surprised the fire department wasn’t in there removing people. I didn’t see the government mandated capacity sticker but they clearly weren’t doing anything to monitor capacity so who cares?

It would truly be one star if not for the staff. They do their best with this nasty weird crowd and despite being busy they were...