**15/10; iconic, must be protected at all costs** My girlfriend and I are in Vail for the weekend to watch dogs jump into water, as one does. We're staying at the Grand Hyatt, which has been... fine. Meh, if we're being honest. A local recommended Mountain Standard, so we tried to make a reservation on OpenTable and quickly learned they were booked solid until tomorrow (a great data point, btw). But, being the swarthy pirates that we are, we showed up anyway; and thank sweet baby Jesus, we found two seats at the bar. Our barkeep, Gummow, a fellow swarthy pirate, was excellent in every possible way. His bar back, Rowan, could not have been a better support man. Together, they delivered the kind of service that makes you remember why hospitality is an art form. And the food? Absolutely to die for. My girlfriend had the oxtail, and I had the mock paella. Both were incredible. The service, the food, the environment; every facet was dialed in. We will be going back tomorrow for lunch, possibly dinner, and possibly to inquire about monthly rent. As a former service industry worker myself, real recognize real. This place and these people are it. Mountain Standard is iconic and must be protected at all costs. read more

Had a lunch meeting and followed mapping app that doesn't point correctly to the creek side of the building - but figured it out. This place is popular as we walked by 45 minutes before and already a bunch waiting as they have great creek side seating for maybe 6 tables. If being a tourist you should walk by and check in for waiting list seating as this place can be crowded. We came early and sat in the bar and I found it pretty hospitable the bar staff especially Rohan was great and helped pick some local whiskey. Got seated when our guest arrived with great seating. The food was good although not memorable as what I expected. Hard to compare as one of my first times at Beaver Creek Village. I can definitely see dropping by the bar as I'm sure there wouldn't be the wait needed for tables read more

We were seated quickly and the staff was excellent. Our server, Kylie, was amazing. She was friendly, gave food and drink suggestions, discussed ingredients and what to expect from the flavors, and made us feel welcome. Other employees helped with service, including clearing plates and inquiring if we needed anything. The restaurant is definitely number one at customer service and I loved how everyone worked together. Even though the restaurant was busy, we did not feel lost in the shuffle. It was clean and inviting. They offered an array of choices, so there would be something for everyone if you decide to dine here. The food was good, preparation and display were done carefully, but the taste was overall just ok. The appetizers we chose were Warm Pimento Cheese, which was mildly flavorful, but good, and Prime Beef Carne Apache, which had no flavor at all. The main courses we chose included a pork dish and a chicken dish. The chicken had great flavor, but was placed on a bed of potato wedges which were not all completely cooked through. We felt this took away from the overall dish. The accompanied sauce made with yogurt and poppyseed did not add any flavor to the dish. The pork dish had great flavor. The drinks accompanying the food were made well and tasty. The kids menu has an array of choices as well, and our choice of macaroni and cheese was a hit! We ended with a frozen snicker bar dessert that tasted exactly like a frozen snickers bar. Overall, we had a very nice evening and would definitely visit again. read more

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Didn't have a great experience today. Server was very nice, but the food was suspect. We ordered a shrimp appetizer that was strangely crumbly, which I've never had with shrimp just kind of came apart in little pieces as if it was overcooked. I reported it to the server he said I'll let the Chef know and then brought me the bill of the never said anything. I asked him what the chef said, and he said well do you want me to take it off? I'm like I'm just asking what his opinion was and he said he said that's the way he cooks it. I said OK. I use their Blackbird app as they recommended to pay. Nobody seemed to understand how it worked and they finally got it to work at automatic gratuity without even asking me and they said oh you're done you're good. I think the service part could be better on the management side. Kind of a lack of understanding of customer needs and just common courtesy. Heard about mountain standard for a long time and had planned to come here, when they made it and they would be my last time. read more

Still one of my all time favorite restaurants, and definitely my favorite spot to eat in the valley. Service is always impeccable and the ambiance is lovely both in the dining room and at the bar. I brought in my friend visiting from out of town and she loved it. We had half a dozen raw oysters on the half shell, pimento cheese, and the crab mozzarella sticks, all of which were to die for. I also ordered a Bloody Mary and it had a nice almost smoky flavor and just the right amount of spice. Can't wait to come back in soon! read more

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Made a reservation here for our trip to Vail & I was so happy with the staff. I went in during lunch time to request a table in the front area so we had a view of the glass windows / outside, and they accommodated us. Wow the crab mozzarella sticks were SO good. Perfect sharable app & we loved the sauce that came with it. Reminded us of a Thai chili. I got the pork shank and it was a bit salty for me but still fall off the bone soft. Thee salad was so refreshing & the Gruyère potatoes purée was sooo creamy & yummy. That was my favorite side. My husbands steak was cooked to his liking and the green bean casserole on the said was such a nice touch! Different and cozy. Our server was so kind too. He was helpful! read more

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Loved this spot for dinner on a trip to Vail. Place was very lively. Tough to snag seats for sure, but lucked out and got a couple bar chairs. We got two apps and two entrees and have to say it was a tough too much food for us this evening even thought everything was delicious. Honorable mention for the piri piri chicken and the crudo which were my favorites of the evening. Bar staff was great and hospitable as well. read more

This place NEvER disappoints and our server Amanda was amazing ! The food is a work of art - see my photos for my recommendations! The ambiance is bustling, energetic , and fun! I highly recommend MS when in Vail for an amazing relaxing time ! Bon Appetit! read more

Foods good. It always is. And I understand if they are extremely busy at all hours of the day when they're open. Just keep in mind if the server is slow to take your order and bring you your food the manager will walk up and ask you to hurry up. This happened to us. It took 15 minutes for the waiter to ask us our order in 20 minutes to get coffee at the end of the meal. Then the manager walked up and asked us to hurry up that the next reservation party had already arrived. read more

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Went here after visiting their sister restaurant Sweet Basil the night before. That restaurant was not that great so I wondered how this would be, it was awesome!! Everything from the appetizers, salads, and entrees was flavorful ( something Sweet Basil lacked) and delicious. The staff from the hostess to our awesome waiter were all first rate!! The atmosphere was comfortable with a great view of the river. If you are deciding between the 2 restaurants, go here!! read more

Came here per a friend's recommendation. Google directed us to lululemon but the restaurant is actually on the back of the building by the creek. Good thing they have a small sign there. Also, We ran into someone who worked for the restaurant, Freddie who saw the lost look on our faces and walked us around to the entrance. Decided to end our day early to have a late lunch here around 2 pm. The restaurant was fairly empty and we were seated immediately. Got the prime beef carpaccio for an app. My friend got the fried chicken sandwich and I got the gyro. The carpaccio was delicious! I loved the flavors and bone marrow. The chicken sandwich had a healthy serving of chicken and the sauce was delicious but it was messy. The gyro had a tiny portion of meat compared to the bread and you could barely taste the meat bc it had lots of sauce and veggies and only small portion of meat. Would not order the gyro again unless they doubled the meat. Prices are high and you have to pay extra $4 plus for fries, salad or onion rings. read more

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Mountain Standard is our favorite restaurant in Vail! We make a point to come and sit at the bar every time we are in town (obviously, we do recommend sitting at the bar haha). We get the same thing each time we are here as well: the warm pimento cheese with bread as an appetizer and we split the Crispy Whole Rainbow Trout Bo Ssam (which comes with rice/beans and cornbread). Highly recommend you try this! There's plenty to split between two, maybe three people. The drinks are delicious and the preparation of everything is great. I would describe the atmosphere as nice yet still comfortable. read more

Mountain Standard - Crispy Whole Rainbow Trout Bo Ssam, rice and beans, cornbread - New American Near Me - Vail, Colorado

Mountain Standard has always been our go-to on ski trips. We never skip this place when we come to Vail, and this time, we even made it twice - once for lunch and once for dinner. Dinner reservations are available 30 days out on Open Table, and they go instantly. I heard them quote 2+ hours for walk-ins, so definitely plan ahead if you can! Cocktails: I've always loved their cocktails, so even if you don't have dinner here, you should at least check out the bar. I've never been disappointed in any drink I've gotten. Dinner: - Butternut baba ganoush: all the flavors of baba ganoush but with butternut squash, and the warm pita was great - Fire roasted tomato and chorizo soup: a bit on the thinner side, smoky, interesting - Buttermilk sea salt biscuit: rich, flaky, with extra butter, country ham, and red pepper jelly - Warm pimento cheese: I don't usually care for pimento, but their's is great with grilled bread. They also use this on their burger at lunch - Wood grilled octopus: nice wood fire flavor, great ham hock beans underneath, grilled avocado - Crispy brussels sprouts: interesting flavor with the grilled avocado sikil pak - Wood fired pork chop: tender, generously sized - Grilled cobia: wonderful warming pineapple coconut curry, charred pineapple, and fresnos for a kick - Seafood diavolo: very flavorful (my dad found it too salty), served over polenta Lunch items: - Fresh catch: Argentenian shrimp and polenta - like shrimp and grits, very flavorful - Grilled cheese and soup: always a good combo - Burger: we added the onion rings, which had a good kick to them They also had a really solid kids' menu, which I appreciate. Despite how busy they are, service is attentive, and the manager came by personally to check in, which was a nice touch. Food and drink pacing was also good despite it being packed. They have their system down! There's a reason why we keep coming back trip after trip! read more

One of the best spots we found in Vail! Sister restaurant to sweet basil and located right below, the dishes all had a twist to them with great mix of ingredients. The carpaccio coming with bone marrow was a stand out! I loved this combo. The Brussels sprouts on the salmon dish were also a star on the plate. We also ordered the pimento cheese which was a table favorite appetizer! With clear view into the kitchen it was so fun when the kitchen staff would cheer each time a round was bought for them. Mountain standard is elevated but fun and we all really enjoyed it! read more

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Had such a great experience at Mountain Standard! The beet salad was amazing, and the beef cutlet sandwich is absolutely something I'll come back for; tender, juicy, and perfectly crunchy. Definitely a must try! read more

Mountain Standard - Beef cutlets sandwich - New American Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Amazing food. The best food I think I've ever had in my life. The corn is incredible, the steak melts in your mouth. The service was on point. Everything was perfect! read more

We had such a wonderful evening at Mountain Standard in Vail. We sat outside, which was perfect for enjoying the mountain air, and the service was friendly and attentive throughout the night. For drinks, I tried the Cowboy Capri Sun cocktail refreshing with a bright balance of gin, melon, cucumber, and citrus and a milk stout beer, which was smooth and easy to sip. Both paired nicely with the food. To start, we ordered the Prime Beef Carpaccio with Bone Marrow, which was rich, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. The Standard Wedge Salad was crisp and fresh, with just the right amount of dressing and toppings for texture and bite. The Salmon Crudo was delicate and bright, a really nice contrast to the heartier dishes. For the main, the Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip was perfectly cooked tender, smoky, and paired with cabbage and green apple for a fresh balance. Everything we tried had a thoughtful mix of flavors and textures, and nothing felt too heavy or overwhelming. Overall, it was a lovely dining experience great food, great drinks, and a warm atmosphere right in the heart of Vail. Highly recommend if you're looking for elevated yet approachable mountain dining! read more

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Very well executed food & very friendly staff. We enjoyed everything we ordered, including the onion rings! They have a wonderful riverside location (right beneath Sweet Basil - same owners) that will be more charming once the construction fencing is removed. read more

The food was excellent and our waiter was fantastic - attentive, friendly, and professional. Unfortunately, the experience was seriously dampened by the bartenders. The bartender with the ponytail (and mustache) was dismissive and rude, and the older bald bartender was no better. When I simply asked if my martini came with olives, I was met with a condescending response: 'All you have to do is ask.' Then literally tossed olives in it!! The attitude felt arrogant and unwelcoming, almost as if they were acting like sophisticated locals and treating guests like clueless tourists. First impressions matter, and this kind of behavior reflects poorly on an otherwise great restaurant. If it weren't for those two behind the bar, this place would easily be a seven-star experience. read more

Service was great! Came by for a glass of wine and a small bite. A friend recommendeded the pimiento cheese dip and it did not disappoint! Also ordered the crab mozzarella sticks but could have gone without it. It was too heavy and an odd flavor. Overall, great experience. read more

Mountain Standard - Pimiento dip and biscuits - New American Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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The menu is exceptional, and the food is delicious. It just seems to have a limited menu. It probably doesn't help that I'm not really a fish guy. The pimento cheese spread is legit. 100 coconuts read more

Mountain Standard - New American Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The food was amazing. The service was lacking but a manager stepped in. They were busy. read more

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For starters, we asked almost every local where we should eat and almost everyone said mountain standard. We're so happy we took their advice. We came on a Saturday night and sat at the bar. We ordered a bottle of wine and the pimiento cheese to start. I wouldn't have minded eating the pimiento cheese everyday for the rest of my life, but then we got the tuna tataki and steak tips. The tuna was absolutely phenomenal. The steak was good, and came with a yummy potato side, but the tuna stole the show for me. The bartenders were really great and good company as well. The whole atmosphere of the restaurant made for a great dinner and start to the night read more

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We always end up here when in Vail Great atmosphere and cocktails! And the food is always amazing! read more

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Wow this restaurant was incredible! Food, service, ambience, music - all phenomenal!! We began with a couple of cocktails and tried a few of their appetizers! Absolutely loved the chilled corn and crab soup! It was delicious! The poke was also delicious as was the warmed pimento cheese! The scallops were cooked perfectly and delicious but a tad too salty - but still really good ! Then we had the whole trout served family style! It was such a cool dish with crispy trout which you place on little lettuce cups with dressings - and served with the best cornbread' I have ever had and rice and beans ! Such a fantastic meal ! Loved this restaurant read more

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I hear the food is very good -- elevated comfort bar food and more. However, I came for lunch after long moring of travel only to be seated and ignored for a very long time in a not very busy looking restaurant. No offer of water let alone bring approached for a drink let alone a food order. After 10 minutes I gave up and left as clueless server finally approached with a water pitcher and asked, "Is anything wrong? as I headed out. "Yes. No service so I've no hope of receiving lunch before dinner time." I must admit my secondary motivation for leaving was how far I'd travel for the exquisite scenery of Vail and hoped to enjoy the creekside outdoor seating at Mountain Standard. However, the creek is under seemingly long-term repair with a large green screen running along it. Not at all scenic nor even a neutral alternative. If you bring your own water and can wait for what others, also, refer to as spotty or inconsistent service, then perhaps the food will make it worth the waste of time. I should add that I'm neither impatient nor unable to understand if an establishment is packed and busy. But it was not. Many open tables. read more

Excellent meal and experience in Vail! Our condo provided transport from Lionshead to Vail Village but the bus would have been just as easy to get here. They were able to get us in without a reservation but highly recommend booking several weeks out for best time and seating options. The carpaccio was excellent as was the bone marrow that came with it. The lamb kafta was the table favorite for appetizer. The wine selection was great. Our entrees were all very good and well portions. Highly recommend the pork shank. The staff were attentive and the table stayed cleared throughout our meal. It was a little loud at times but was still a very cozy space. read more

Wow, I was super impressed with this charming restaurant! Get there a few minutes early and take a photo under the twinkle lights on their swinging bench too.. very cute. Food: 5-stars. Incredible. you MUST order the pork shank.. I know its not a totally normal menu item but it was to die for. Other favorites were the wedge, tuna crudo, santa maria tri-tip, and the biscuits.. just drooling thinking about it. Service: 5-stars. Very attentive and helpful while ordering. I'll flag, if you sit near the kitchen, just expect them to start cheering every ~20-30 minutes (not sure why they were doing this but it made the energy really fun in there!). Vibe: Exactly what we wanted on our moms trip... fun, high energy, and a great pre-game spot for the night. HOT TIP: Reservations... you have to try and make a reservation exactly 30-days in advance.. I know this sounds nuts but I happened to be awake at 12:15am and snagged our res for 30-days out, and when I woke up at 7am MT, there was nothing left for that evening between 5:30-8pm on a Saturday.. crazy I know. Just be prepared to wake up very early and you may get lucky!! read more

Popped in for a small bite lunch. Glad we got in when we did because as we were looking at the menu, a fast-moving rainstorm came thru and people were piling into the restaurant ducking for cover. Food was beautiful and amazing. We share three starters. Buttermilk Sea Salt Biscuits (country ham, pepper jelly), Bone Marrow & Wagyu Carpaccio (with an onion aioli, onion marmalade, pecorino cheese and challah sticks) and the special dish Hokkaido Scallops ( peaches, cilantro, citrus marinade). We were absolutely blown away by the presentation of the dishes and the flavors. I'd order everything again and again and again. You could feed me the Hokkaido scallops every single day. Restaurant had a fair number of tables and booths as well as a patio seating area. Would definitely visit again the next time we're in Vail. read more

Mountain Standard - *Bone Marrow & Wagyu Carpaccio - New American Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Outstanding service! From the host, to our server and the manager visit. Well done! We were seated on the front patio, which was nice, but did notice the floor isn't very even in that area. The clam chowder is out of this world!! Gluten free bread falls apart, but that's typical. read more

Mountain Standard - Clam Chowder - some of the best I've ever had! - New American Near Me - Vail, Colorado

The ambience was nice for a date night. The food was delicious and well portioned, though a little pricey, but it is vail. Service was friendly. It was busy, but service was a little slow and disorganized, and they never noted the special occasion we were celebrating which was a bit disappointing for the high price tag. read more

Stopped in for a late lunch. We had a variety of items including the crab sandwich which was very good, the burger which was very high quality meat and cooked perfectly and the rotisserie chicken salad that was given a big thumbs up. Enjoyed the tea with mango. Service was very good. read more

we dined outside / creekside. perfect attentive service without being overbearing. great selections of starters and mains. the shrimp app was ideal. the tri-tip was very good. the house made snicker bar dessert was amazing. thanks for a great dinner and being open for mud season. read more

Not just a great restaurant for Vail but a truly great restaurant for anywhere. The butternut squash babaganoush and trout family meal were phenomenal and my husband loved his cocktails and dessert. Very reasonably priced kids meal, good service and nice moody atmosphere with creek views. read more

Stopped by for a late lunch on the patio. Always 10/0 experience from the view by the river, the helpful service, and the outstanding food. This is by far one of my favorite restaurants. read more

Mountain Standard - cowboy capri sun - New American Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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Spectacular dinner. Get a reservation way in advance....although we got lucky and someone had just cancelled so we were seated at 6 pm. Drinks = excellent. Local beers are excellent. Poutine - lick the plate good. Mahi - outstanding!! Kitchen sauce - this is a favorite -- you can buy the kitchen a round of beers!! Mason service!! Snickers ice cream bar - we almost skipped this & am so glad we broke down and ordered. Its takes exactly like a snickers - WOW!!! read more

Mountain Standard - Check for 2 - New American Near Me - Vail, Colorado

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The food was excellent and our waiter was fantastic - attentive, friendly, and professional. Unfortunately, the experience was seriously dampened by the bartenders. The bartender with the ponytail (and mustache) was dismissive and rude, and the older bald bartender was no better. When I simply asked if my martini came with olives, I was met with a condescending response: "All you have to do is ask." Followed by him, literally throwing the stick of olives in my martini slashing in my cocktail. Yes I was shocked. I've never had this happen to me in my life. The attitude felt arrogant and unwelcoming, almost as if they were acting like sophisticated locals and treating guests like clueless tourists. First impressions matter, and this kind of behavior reflects poorly on an otherwise great restaurant. If it weren't for those two behind the bar, this place would easily be a seven-star experience. read more

The piri chicken as well as the angus steak were both very good amazing flavor perfectly cooked. The restaurant had a very cool atmosphere and our server was very knowledgeable and provided us with equisite service. read more

Benjamin Netanyahu himself portioned the steak. It came out as 6 pre cut bitesize pieces, the thing should've come out with a kid cuisine logo. They should've called it the "lil tikes babys first steak". There was also this dish on the side that had the pure intention to maim, every thing about it was there with evil intentions. All in all great restaurant would recommend. read more

Mt. Standard is not to be confused with Mt. Excellence. The menu is extremely limited, With only 5 entrees. Asking for additions such as fresh onions or tomatoes is met with apologies.. The drinks are carefully measured and free pours non existent. The food is over hyped. I will say the staff is excellent, cannot not be kinder. A little "fluff" description on the menu. Certainly adequate, but falls short if excellent. That said, place to be seen. More hype than solid good stuff. read more