We chose Allred's to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday while vacationing in Telluride because of…read moreits outstanding reputation. There is no denying that the setting is spectacular. The gondola ride and panoramic mountain views are breathtaking and were, without question, the highlight of our evening.
Unfortunately, the dining experience itself didn't live up to the reputation or the price. Our dinner for two, including gratuity, was approximately $325, and we expected the level of food, service, and attention to detail that comes with a premier fine-dining restaurant.
The meal started with promise. The lump crab corn soup was creamy and flavorful, but despite its name, there was barely any lump crab. I found myself searching for it throughout the bowl. It was enjoyable, but I expected much more considering the description and the caliber of the restaurant.
The hamachi crudo was also underwhelming. While it was beautifully presented, the flavors were forgettable and lacked the freshness and balance we expected. My boyfriend summed it up best when he said he wouldn't even rank it as "okay."
Unfortunately, the entrées never reached the "wow" factor that so many reviews led us to expect. My Dayboat Alaskan Halibut was slightly dry, and while the fish was well seasoned, the accompaniments were so tangy that they completely overpowered the delicate flavor of the fish. My boyfriend's Pan Seared Elk Sirloin was cooked beautifully, but the purée served alongside it simply wasn't very good and didn't complement the meat. Neither entrée left us saying, "We'd come back just to order that again," which is exactly the feeling I hope to have after spending over $300 on dinner.
Dessert was enjoyable, but it wasn't enough to change our overall impression. My boyfriend's Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake was the better of the two desserts, while my seasonal peach tart was pleasant but not particularly memorable. Like the rest of the meal, both desserts were beautifully presented, but the flavors didn't leave a lasting impression.
The service also lacked the attention to detail expected at a restaurant of this caliber. Our server never brushed the crumbs from our table between courses, and although I had clearly noted on our reservation that we were celebrating my boyfriend's birthday, no one ever acknowledged it with a simple "Happy Birthday." We weren't expecting a complimentary dessert or special treatment, but recognizing a special occasion is a thoughtful touch that many fine-dining restaurants consistently provide.
The atmosphere was also disappointing. I understand Telluride embraces a relaxed mountain culture, but guests were dining in flip-flops, which took away from what should have felt like a special-occasion dining experience. Even more concerning, the woman seated next to us was vaping inside the restaurant. It became bothersome enough that I finally got up and politely asked her to stop myself. I was surprised that the staff never noticed or addressed it. Guests should never have to intervene in that situation.
Overall, we left feeling that we paid for the incredible location and views more than the food or service. The scenery is unquestionably five stars, but the dining experience simply didn't justify the price. Allred's has a five-star view, but in our experience, the food, service, and overall atmosphere fell well short of the reputation that brought us there.