Find Lionshead’s best deck at Garfinkel’s

It’s a question that echoes across the Back Bowls and Vail Mountain daily throughout the winter: “Do you want to go to Garf’s?”

For over 30 years, Garfinkel’s at the base of Lionshead Village in Vail boasts some of the best views in town, and the menu has something for whatever you’re craving. Nachos, quesadillas, mozzarella sticks, buffalo chicken wraps and chicken tenders are the classics, but there’s also Garf’s wagyu burger, served with truffle pecorino cheese, bacon, caramelized onion, lettuce, tomato jam and pickles. Roasted half chickens, 12-ounce ribeyes, seared Atlantic salmon and a wagyu sirloin are on the same menu, making it one of the more robust and diverse menus in the valley. But sometimes you just want some classic chicken wings, and Garf’s has some of the best in the state.

With such a large space, choose to sit by the windows or outside and enjoy the views, or sit near the bar — which is always showing sports on their multi-TV setup. And if you happen to get a view of the legendary shot wheel, then you will inevitably feel the urge to order from it — just be sure to thank your bartender!

Classic grub and fine steaks and fish aren’t the only things on the menu, either. Pastas include a lobster ravioli and vegan Bolognese, and the kids’ menu is made for the pickiest of eaters: burgers, fish and chips, hot dogs, chicken fingers, grilled cheese, mac & cheese and pasta marinara will surely fuel up the little ones.

It’s worth coming back over and over again to try the extensive menu, but that’s OK because you’re going to want to save room for dessert each time. In typical Garf’s fashion, they have some classics and some unique takes. Hayley’s Sundae, with a fudge brownie, and the Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie are special in their own ways, and the root beer float and New York cheesecake are classics.

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There’s a reason Garf’s continues to be a staple in Vail thirty-plus years later, and it doesn’t take long — or many bites — to see why.