Food was good but service was lacking. Also, two things really annoyed me about this restaurant: 1) They add a 3% surcharge on the entire bill so they can pay "fair wages" to their employees, which is stated in their menu. This is IN ADDITION to gratuity. Now I am all for paying a fair wage, and I tip well, but this surcharge is absurd. If the restaurant wants to pay fair wages then they should pay their employees fairly. THEY have the power to set wages. Don't make a disingenuous statement on your menu that you are charging extra for the employees sake and implying that this is the responsibility of the patron. This surcharge is actually 100% profit for the owners - don't be fooled otherwise. If $30-$50 entrees (plus high alcohol prices) don't cover your overhead then perhaps you need to rethink your business plan. 2). They only serve water upon request, and even then it's an 8 oz glass and you have to ask for refills each time. There is a sign as you enter stating that because of "drought conditions" they are not serving water unless you ask. There may be a drought in Colorado but of the dozen or so places in Vail that I visited that week, none refused to serve water. In fact it flowed freely everywhere except here. A restaurant that charges upwards of $50 an entree should provide a glass of water, much less one at relatively high altitude. This is just another faux expression that they are doing something meaningful. If they truly believe this, then they should provide bottled water sourced from somewhere other than Colorado. But since that would cost a few cents per guest, don't expect that to happen. I've been to many great restaurants across the US and world, from dives to 3 Star Michelin establishments, and have never encountered this absurdity. I won't get into the service issues but it was not great, especially for the price point of this place. It's a shame because the food was good, but service and the absurdity of the above will probably keep me away next time. read more

The other reviews don't lie, this is a 5 star place. (Ignore the lower reviews, they hate their lives). We came in and I had high expectations. When I have high expectations you better meet them. And guess what, they were met. Service was a solid 4 stars, until the general manager came to correct a mistake personally and did it with such eloquence. Props to him for his hold on the English language. 5 stars. Food was a solid 4 stars, until the dish that my sister had was graciously switched out because she did not enjoy the particular flavor of the shrimp. They swapped out her meal for another one of her choosing and rushed the order. 5 stars for the new food and once again, awesome service. Ambience: 4 stars. Ain't the coolest place in the block but it has its charm. But you care about food, interior design is for the eyes not the mouth. My recommendations: GET THE PIMIENTO CHEESE. if you don't, you wasted your life. turn around and go back. Side note: I wish my carbonara was a bit bigger. like 17 more noodles. It doesn't take much to fill me up, but just a touch more would have done the trick. read more

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Best restaurant in Vail hands down. Great cocktails, service is always great, and the pimento cheese appetizer was crafted by god himself. Thank me later read more

HOLY HAMBURGER they have a good burger. Super "Vail" vibe. Great bartender service (ate at the bar) Get the oyster shooter. and for God's sake, get the burger! read more

Stopped in for after dinner drinks and the bartending staff could not have been more kind, engaging and all around welcoming. Thank you for a great night! read more

This holds the record for longest wait I've been given. 3 hours! Luckily a couple girls asked if we wanted to sit with them in their booth, so that worked out. Grilled Caledonian Blue Prawns were excellent! The old fashioned variation cocktail I got was meh.. Vibe is good, but too crowded even for me. Service was solid. read more

This is one of our favorites in Vail. The bone marrow is outstanding. They have a great craft beer selection. We tried the pimento cheese the last time we were there and it did not disappoint. read more

BONE MARROW BONE MARROW BONE MARROW! Get it now! Don't think about it! Do it NOW! We are foodies and fell in love with this place! We sat by the window and watched the people drool over our food lol. We got the grilled octopus, Shrimp and grits, Pork shank Salmon then the peppermint taco and carrot cake. All amazing to say the least. I can still taste the flavors as I write this. Superb! Can't wait to come back. read more

The service is excellent. I ordered salmon cooked to perfection. We sat at a nice round table near the window with a pretty view. The waiter said when Kim and Kanye were in Vail they dined here as well. Also, the dessert many had a nice variety of options that will suite everyone's palate. read more

Mountain Standard - New American Near Me - Vail, Colorado

Probably the best food we've ever had. My wife and I took a trip to Vail and left our kiddos behind, and we were so excited to try Mountain Standard based on the reviews we had read. My wife had the prime iron steak and I had the piri piri chicken. Both were absolutely incredible, but the piri piri chicken is in a class of its own. I was initially nervous about the poppyseed yogurt, but all of the flavors paired together made the chicken the best I've ever had. Though a bit on the spicy side, the flavors complemented each other and I wasn't sweating from the heat. Hands down would eat there again, but we are heading out in the morning. We also had drinks at the bar (Old Fashioned and Moscow Mule) and they were delicious as well. You definitely can't miss this place! read more

Mountain Standard - Piri Piri Chicken - New American Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The food here should be a way of life! Oh-mah-gaaaaawwwww!!!!!! We wanted to keep it simple so we ordered the cobb salad and pimento cheese. Simple. Right? Wrong. The complexity of taste and varying textures tripped my taste buds out! I wish there was a mountain standard here in San Diego.... read more

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I was quite disappointed. We made reservations at 8:30 because that was the only time available. We called to check if anything was available earlier, nothing was. The hostess was rude. Our server wasn't bad but I was really upset about our food coming out lukewarm. It was my birthday and we had been waiting all day for this reservation so I was very upset when both our shrimp and grits and pork shank came out lukewarm. We were planning to get a dessert but I was so disappointed in the taste of the food, I just wanted to leave. The pork shank didn't have enough flavor. Will never be going back to Mountain Standard or it's sister restaurant Sweet Basil. read more

Emily was the best waitress and we had a delicious dinner! She was so friendly and knowledgeable. Very Impressive kids menu including wagyu steak! Our compliments to the chef and the pastry chef. We'll be back soon! read more

This place has some character. We had reservations for dinner. The food was really tasty. I got the pork shank and my son got the rotisserie chicken. Both dishes were prepared perfectly. The wings were great as an appetizer. The service was good by not great. read more

Food was fabulous, we had the heirloom tomato salad, turkey club, and hamburger. The service was subpar - our server seemed completely disinterested in being there and barely spoke to us - I would have given more stars but honestly it didn't seem that any of the staff was very excited. They charge a 3% surcharge so they can pay a higher wage to staff, which I think is awesome, however, most of the staff didn't deserve it - I will say we sat close to the kitchen and the chefs were awesome and working so hard. Also, there was no a/c which I'm sure usually isn't a problem with the location being in the mountains, however, it was a hot day and the inside of the restaurant was not at a comfortable temperature. Overall a great restaurant, maybe just need some help with staff training - being more hospitable, and engaged. read more

Better than standard. Great menu, open kitchen and fun attentive service. Always a good vibe.

Without a doubt, this was one of the better dining experiences we have ever had. That goes for the service, all the way to the food. Our whole experience started when we had 3 friends join us at the last minute, when our original reservation was only for 4. It was a busy night, but the hostess Kara went out of her way to make it work. There are 1000 of restaurants that would have turned us away, but she seems to be the type who thinks in solutions. From there, our dinner was incredible, with the group ordering the pork shank, steak, oysters, octopus, and more. Everything was incredible and the entire table was passing plates around with every course. Our waiter was also fantastic, and was not only hilarious, but very informative. Everyone in the group left talking about it, and we had a serious debate about going two nights in a row. If it wasn't a short trip, I am sure we would have. This place is for sure worth a visit. read more

A modern favorite in Vail that blends elevated flavors and a mountain casual feel. The patio is wonderful in the summer with views of Gore Creek. It's owned by the same people as Sweet Basil (upstairs), so you can count on thoughtful servers and delicious food. We frequently bring out-of-town guests here; it's a favorite! read more

The front desk staff as well as the manager were so rude. Our waitress was sweet and attentive but didn't make up for the fact that the food was meh at best. For the price i was hoping for more memorable. read more

Food and service were excellent. The owner was working and is a fantastic gentleman. We came with 21 people for lunch on a ski day, and the whole MS team delivered. read more

La comida es excelente, los cronos también Desafortunadamente cambiarían mi plato favorito un tuna crudo. Imposible conseguir reservación read more

I'm always on the hunt for the ultimate bloody Mary recipe. So when I saw, "Roasted Tomato Bloody Mary & Oyster Shooters with Vodka" I had to try them. They definitely live up to their name. Made with all fresh ingredients, starting with fresh beefsteak tomatoes charred on the grill, spicy and bold, topped with a tomato that tastes like an olive! We had the most amazing server! She gave me the email for the chef for the recipe! What we ordered: Bone Marrow Grilled Baby Octopus Roasted Tomato Bloody Mary's Oyster Shooters - with Vodka Be careful with the shooters, the altitude is something else in Vail! Cheers! read more

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A burst of bold flavor is how I'd describe Mountain Standard. There's nothing standard, however, about the restaurant at all. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and you quickly feel at home. Between the staff and the dynamic energy, it's easy to enjoy a meal here. Don't be put off if you don't eat pork (their logo is a pig and there's even pig artwork in the restaurant), because there are many non-pork options. For appetizers we ordered the coal roasted olives, squash bruschetta, and wood roasted carrots. The olives were mixed with raisins and pine nuts and were some of the best I've ever tasted. I'd recommend the roasted carrots (with a lemon yogurt sauce) as well. We all ordered the grilled salmon, which was incredibly tasty with Brussels sprouts, beets, and lentils. We also had a side of wild rice, which again had a wonderful roasted flavor to it. And if that wasn't enough, there was an amazing mint ice cream sandwich with chocolate fudge on the bottom layer for dessert. Our dinner was so delicious that we came back for lunch two days later. The rotisserie chicken salad (with apples, beets, avocado, pecans, and a yogurt vinaigrette) was super yummy. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Vail! read more

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A popular place , but had a very frustrating experience here. Management was inconsiderate and non accommodating for situations that arose and drastic surprise weather change. read more

This is definitely THE place to dine when in Vail. The menu is inventive and everything we ordered was delicious. The cocktails did not disappoint. The animal crackers is a must. It's the best appetizer to be paired with beer or any cocktail. They seem to have a bit of sunlight issues during sunset hours. (Think blinding light in your eyes while trying to enjoy your cocktail.) I would recommend avoiding this place until it's dark... But other than that, YES. Definitely a winner. read more

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First day in town, came here for Dinner. Very nice service starting From the door on. The environment is pretty relax and romantic. Our server was pretty nice. Good sense of humor and knowledge about the food, always a plus. I didn't have any drinks but friends enjoy their cocktails. The food was good. We ordered some salads and salmon. Defiantly recommend read more

This place is a WOW! Every dish was perfectly prepared and had its own unique flavors. Service by Kayla was exceptional. She actually made incredible food even better. Maybe it's a little pricey but when it's this good who cares. read more

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DONT GO HERE! They are RUDE! The food is subpar and the GM and the bartender clearly have no social skills. If can't follow social distance boys GET IT TOGETHER! I would never give them my business...... read more

Mountain Standard is a gorgeous restaurant with great grub! Especially loved the three-meat platter and the artichoke. If you like pork at all, you'll really be wowed. In fact, you'll go hog wild, because this place knows how to do the pig. Three reasons the Mountain Standard deserves four stars: 1) Fantastic cocktails, entrees and cocktails 2) Fun crowd 3) Nice tables inside and out Extra credit: It's located directly below the fabulous sister restaurant, Sweet Basil. read more

Bring back the root vegetable dish!!! Loosing more and more Vegan options each year. Thank G they still have the baked olives. Delicious!! We dream about them all year. Mostly nice staff. One cold waitress. Sweet hostess. Want to add one more star, just add back the Vegan dishes, please. Went back a few more times and discovered that the french fries are Vegan (separate frier). The chef made me a special Vegan meal each time. Always delicious! read more

Mountain Standard - Vegan dish prepared specially by Chef. - New American Near Me - Vail, Colorado

One of the best restaurants in vail! Only disappointment were the drinks. I got a spicy Fresno infused tequila drink asked for it with less simply syrup but said he couldn't because it was prebatched, he said it wasn't that sweet but it was. Anyways here comes the praise , pimento bacon appetizer was out of this world, should never be removed from their menu. Heirloom tomato goat cheese salad was refreshing and flavorful one dish were heavy salt is welcomed. I ordered the trout which was good but the broth was too salty so I couldn't get the taste of the fish. I liked the sunflower and arugula salad to balance the butter nuttiness of the dish. Wife ordered the salmon which was also cooked perfect to her liking and the spicy fried Brussels were also really good. Kids hot dog was so good too. No room for dessert I'll be back! read more

I know this sounds crazy, but I think the two things I loved best about this place were our waitress and the scratch-made herb ranch dressing. Brenn was so excited about the food and her pride in her job and the food were electric and contagious. That said, everything was awesome. The Diablo (Nashville got chicken sandwich) was UHMAZING paired with the onion rings and some fries on the side (with the herb ranch to dip in OBVIOUSLY). The New England Clam Chowder is excellent as well. Not to mention the perfection that is the Jodie Dallas in all its maraschino glory. But seriously, above all that, Brenn was so beyond friendly and enthusiastic and awesome. Her suggestions were so spot on and it was so helpful. Go here. It's so great. read more

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Awesome view and atmosphere !! I love this place!! This place is one of my most favorite places on Vail!! Make sure u get the bone marrow, it's amazing !! They have great cocktails, even kids cocktails !!! Great and relish beers from near and far!! This place has an awesome view!! U can go however u want - straight off the mountain or dressed up ! My daughters love it here! There is a fire burning in a park out front, which is very fun !!! read more

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Mountain Standard is always a favorite when we're in Vail. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, the service is attentive and friendly and the food is always outstanding. Most recently I had the carrot and vegetable soup with toasted pumpkin seeds and squash /pear bruschetta. My husband had the bone marrow and hot oysters, all of which was delicious. For desert we had the maple pecan bacon tart and the mint ice-cream sandwich. You've never had anything like it, the ice-cream sandwich wasn't peppermint, but creme de menthe and real mint flavor, it will blow your mind! Sol, one of the chefs came out and talked us through some of the new menu options both here and at sweet basil, explaining the inspiration behind them and telling us about the local ingredients....some of which literally came from outside the front door! read more

Mountain Standard - New American Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Two five-star reviews in a row ain't my style. But there is such a thing as an exception. Enter Mountain Standard. My last review? Sister restaurant and "it" locale, Sweet Basil. Hardly a coincidence. On our last night in Vail, my dad and I changed our dinner plans last minute and headed to Mountain Standard sans reservation (easier than it looks/sounds). We couldn't deny the rave reviews of it on virtually every dining and travel site out there--Yelp, TripAdvisor, Zagat--you name it. While Sweet Basil gives off more of a refined vibe, Mountain Standard is far more rustic (goes with the name, I suppose). It's larger and cozier. Both are fairly relaxed environments as far as fine dining establishments go, but at Mountain Standard you can just feel right at home, winding down from a full day of skiing and winter weather (in my case). My dad and I decided that we'd like to sit at the bar, which ended up helping that vibe reach its utmost potential. There will be a wait for the bar as well at peak hours, but don't bail too quickly. It's worth it. Read on. Mountain Standard boasts some fun craft beers as well as some specialty cocktails, so of course I had to try both. Like any good craft beer establishment, you'll be able to sample whatever you'd like on tap. Like any GREAT craft beer establishment, when you ask to try one, the bartender will take the liberty of giving you two for comparison purposes. I ended up going with a rye IPA, which was fabulous. I typically don't like IPAs, so this is a bold statement. Our bartender (more on him later), also whipped up a few bartender's choice cocktails for me over the course of the night, one of which was incredible (the other was an experiment--not bad, and I greatly appreciated the effort): the Paper Planes (bourbon, aperol, amaro). While the menu cocktails looked delicious too, I got the sense that this bartender valued creativity (I also love watching bartenders at work), so I deferred and went the original route. We maybe might have perhaps ordered too much food. When you're sharing and the entire menu is mouthwatering, it's easy to make fewer choices instead of ruling something out completely. After all, opting *for* something is opting *against* something else. As was the case at Sweet Basil, everything we ordered here was unbelievably flavorful and downright yummy: Alaskan King Crab w/ cocktail sauce and Joe's mustard sauce (A) Mountain Standard has a fairly impressive raw bar considering Colorado isn't exactly near any large bodies of water, so obviously this crab wasn't the freshest of fresh. Even so, it really hit the spot. The sauces deserve almost as much praise as the main event--"cocktail" and "Joe's mustard" don't do them justice. I had only tried cocktail sauce and melted butter on king crab legs before this point, so this was a welcome innovation to behold. Wood Roasted Baby Carrots w/ grilled cauliflower, lemon yogurt, ras-el hanout, golden raisins and crunchy bits (A++) Sadly this was a pretty small salad, so I only got a few morsels. And what good morsels they were. A delicious, flavorful (have I said that enough yet?), comforting winter salad. Savory yet slightly sweet and perfectly seasoned. The "Standard" Wedge w/ crispy prosciutto, maytag blue, puffed farro and avocado (A+) The puffed starch concept must be a hallmark of this restaurant group, and I'm a fan. I don't exactly jump at the chance to eat iceberg lettuce (I might as well just eat plain ice), but as should be the case, in this dish it was simply the vessel to hold the harmonic texture and flavor profiles. My only issue was that the dish might've been a bit excessive on the maytag blue, but that could just be the health freak talking. Lovely presentation, even better taste. Charred Octopus w/ black-eyed peas, ham hock, preserved lemon, garlic crumbs (A) I'm an octopus snob, so I'll say that this was a "touch" overdone. But I still thoroughly enjoyed this dish. Creative ingredients and wonderfully balanced flavors are hard to critique. I'm a fan of pairing legumes with octopus, so that octopus/pea combo was much appreciated. Undeserving of their own graphs but still tasty were our side orders: Smoked Mushrooms/Black Kale (A-) and the Brussels sprouts w/ peanuts (A). The mushrooms/kale were pretty standard--considering rest of the deliciosity that we consumed, they were comparably "meh". As for the Brussels sprouts and peanuts? Always a winning combination. Whereas the kale and mushrooms were pretty bare bones, these weren't exactly the healthiest of Brussels sprouts. But sometimes that extra crispiness is just worth it, and we found that out first hand. Service was A+ and more. Our bartender was such a treat, which led us to happily order a six-pack for kitchen (it's an actual option on the desert menu--cute touch). Whenever this order is placed, a reverberant cheer sounds throughout the venue. Gave us one more thing to smile about! read more

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Great scenery! I loved the fact that the service was professional and quick. The kitchen staff are so kind and looked so thrilled to be working. The food was AMAZING! My husband and I shared the pork shank and it was delicious! The meat came off the bone, and I did not even need a knife to cut it. I loved this restaurant. read more

If I could give a minus star I would for the hostess. I have never had anyone be so rude. She needs a lesson on Common courtesy. I will not ever go back until they replace her. I'm In Vail every summer for 2 weeks & 2 weeks in the winter. If you see a blond keep walking. read more

When you walk out of a restaurant before you eat because the staff was so unbelievably rude, it says everything. We all have bad days but in this situation, reserved party of 12, it was atrocious. Sad to say they won't ever get our business again. read more

Enjoyed a great lunch today. We had margarita and Bloody Mary. Blood Mary had a Smokey n nice taste to it. Then ordered shrimp n grits, which had a nice kick to it. Then shrimps po boy and rotisserie lamb Cubano. So yummy! A bit $$$. read more

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We've been fortunate to eat here the past two summers during our annual visit to Vail. Each experience has been remarkable. The service is always top notch. Far beyond anything else we've experienced in the Village. This trip we tried a few new dishes. The bone marrow marrow appetizer was beyond words. So good we ordered two. We had the lamb sirloin, roasted prime rib, halibut and trout as our entrees. Each were phenomenal in their own right, but the lamb is in a league of its own. I'll be back next year! read more

Mountain Standard - New American Near Me - Vail, Colorado