Garfinkel's

Garfs is a local bar and tourist bar all in one.  Boasting the largest deck in Vail, it isn't hard to see why this place attracts everyone.  If you're headed out with hopes of meeting people whether you live here or not then this is probably your best bet.  During ski season don't miss Friday nights here.  Their big special is $3 you-call-its.  Tough to beat a Crown or Grey Goose mixed drink on a Friday night in a ski town for $3.  The place gets packed and they have a DJ, so put your dancing shoes on and utilize them if you can find room.  In the summer it's not quite as wild due to less seasonal workers and tourists, but there are still great times to be had.  Whether mtn biking or skiing, you can't beat this place for an early afternoon beer and appetizer.  Their beer selection is nothing to boast about, but when the bar is 100 meters from the gondola I guess you can't be too picky.  I'd recommend the quesadilla, and also get a side of their thai sauce no matter what food you order (trust me on this one).  I'd say this place is the epitome of a ski bar, and not many places in Vail give Garfs a run for their money.  Show up in ski boots, covered in mud, or dressed up and nobody's gonna judge you - but they will probably be able to tell if you're from outta town. :)

Pros: great location, right at the bottom of the mountain in Lionshead. Perfect for a apres-ski beer. Tons of outdoor seating. Fun arcade games to keep the kids entertained for a bit.

Cons: The food. I think I cooked better food in my college dorm room. Kids liked their meals, but the adults weren't impressed.

Bottom line: go for the location and the beer, not the food.

One of the few places in the area open late for dinner, and also quite affordable for Vail. Definitely more of a local vibe. The food was fine, it is basically diner food. Parking is tight in the local lot.