From the creators of Sweet Basil in Vail Colorado comes a fresh, innovative new restaurant opening December 2012. Aptly named Mountain Standard, this rustic and relaxed tavern aims to set a new standard in the Vail valley by using an ancient form of cooking.
The majority of Mountain Standard’s menu will be prepared via the most primal cooking method: over an open and live wood fire. The only restaurant in the valley to devote themselves to this age-old way of cooking, the food at this exciting new restaurant will have rustic, bold and honest flavors, focusing on the purest ingredients in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond.
Service, like the cuisine, will have that perfect balance of providing a first class dining experience with a more casual vibe. There is no smoke and mirrors here - no fuss - just simple, honest, from the heart service and cooking. The beauty of the creek side location is mirrored by the high energy vibe of this dynamic restaurant.
"the two of us were happy to find Mountain Standard open during Vail's mud season. the staff was extremely attentive and fun. the pork belly appetizer was perfect. my date's salmon was cooked to perfection in delicious light broth, and my pulled rotisserie chicken salad hit the spot. affordable too. Cheers!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
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"An imaginative take on midwestern standards using field and farm to table approaches to cooking. Wonderful appetizers--shrimp and grits, coal fired olives and whiskey pork belly. Terrific entrees--grilled cod on polenta, country pork chop and rotisserie chicken. Small restaurant with great view of bustling kitchen. Reserve to make sure you get in. You won't regret the experience."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Service was great! Our waiter gave us great suggestions on what to order & they were all delicious!! I give the chef kudos for using Tamari instead of regular soy sauce in the food. Thank you, I've been gluten free for 3 yrs & so appreciate this. I just wish there was a dessert option besides the standard ice cream or sorbet. Even berries would be good. We look forward to going back to mountain standard to try some more dishes. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked great!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, hot spot
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"We loved our salad. Great mixture of tastes. Salmon was very good although too large for me. Service was just right. The waiter seemed to be there just at the right times. Could use more vegetarian options. Not interested in any of the meat dishes and shrimp was said to be too spicy. A great experience and we'll be back."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"From start to finish, everything was fabulous! The hostess was kind and attentive to seating us and even gave us options as to where we'd like to sit. The server was knowledgable and had some awesome recommendations. The food was outstanding! Bone marrow and pork belly to start, can't go wrong. I highly recommend Mountain Standard, excellent dining experience."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"The food was creative and delicious. The lamb was done perfectly, the salad was big enough for two, and the chocolate dessert so good that I only got one bite after my son torn into it. If I had more time, I would return gladly."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, hot spot
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"We have loved Sweet Basil for years and now Mountain Standard is a good alternative to dining at Vail. Friendly staff, hip organic modern decor, brilliantly classically prepared dishes. The Coal Roasted Olives to start are a must...we are just trying to figure out how to make them back at home in Toronto."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, kid-friendly, romantic, scenic view, great for lunch
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"Overall we were disappointed as a friend had been touting this place highly. Our server Charlie ignored us most of the night. It started off on the wrong foot when I suggested ordering a bottle of cote de rhone at 48$ and server said we should have a bottle of an Ojai syrah that was priced at $68- he said it would go well with the restaurant's spicy food, etc. My husband then said he preferred to have a Bordeaux. After this he just seemed to ignore us. It took a very long time to come back and take our order. When we asked for an extra wine glass we finally asked a runner- nikola who was delightful by the way- and he bought it. We also asked for bread and butter and it never came so we asked Nikola and gain, he bought it"
Dined on 03/11/2013
2007
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"We did not enjoy our evening. It was noisy, music was loud. Service was average and seemed rushed. Table was wiggly and tipping over every time you lean on one side. Lobster bisque was less then average without even one piece pf lobster in it. My fish, pollock was good, but very greasy add ons.
We did not feel well after this meal. We would not recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2011
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"Been here a few times and each time they're getting better and better! I still think the stand outs on the menu are the winter salad, the pork belly, and the 1/2 chicken. The lamb and salmon stil need a litte tweeking in my opinion but are certainly good. The seafood is also always fresh and delish! Glad to see the kitchen improving and Vail enjoying a new hot spot!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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"The food was an amazing blend of complimenting flavors and textures. Everything we ordered was perfectly prepared. Starters: Grilled artichoke; Quail's legs Entrees: Carpaccio; tender belly porchetta over polenta and broccoli
The design of the space is well crafted and gives a warm feeling upon entering. Carefully stacked firewood parallels the aroma if wood smoke beyond the open kitchen threshold. Booths are comfortable and loose table seating next to the enormous sliding glass doors offer a wonderfully clear view to Gore Creek nearby. The noise level is energetic but not overpowering, and the bar side of the restaurant is very lively indeed.
Service was good, however our server forgot a glass of wine for dinner, and it didn't m"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"Sweet Basil is our fave place in Vail so we were curious to try Mtn Std. Nice place to catch up with friends---very private booths and not too noisy. My husband and I decided to split a salad and burger---the kitchen split both items for us (separately plated) which was considerate. Food was great and our server was charming. Definitely want to go back and try dinner!"
Dined on 02/28/2013
2009
Special Features: great for lunch
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"A standout addition to an already vibrant dining scene. The small plates were firmly based on their main ingredients and the complementary flavors of the other ingredients made them special. The rotisserie chicken was amazing."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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"WOW--So glad we stayed an extra night in Vail, even if it meant nearly being snowed in the next morning--literally the best salad I have ever eaten (the mountain salad); perfectly cooked leg of lamb cooked over a wood fire; delicious winter vegetable dish, a waiter who was perfect level of attention....all with a lively social scene. Will definitely be returning."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"I ordered the pork chop and it seemed expensive at $38 and it arrived charred and black. My daughter ordered a hamburger which came charred and black too. My husband's lamb was served with a meager amount of slices. Our water was never refilled. Probably won't return as there are other places in the Vail Valley which are much better."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2007
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"Wonderful new restaurant! The food was outstanding, service excellent. Initially, a large noisy drunken party made things difficult, but once they staggered out it was a pleasant, relaxed setting. The open kitchen does not result in distracting ambient noise. Will definately go back!"
Dined on 02/05/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"This restaurant needs to look into the whole "less is more" concept. Seems like every dish we tried what just completely over worked. The chicken especially, just had way too much going on. The food wasn't bad, but if it had been simpler, this place would have been so much better. Service was pretty good."
Dined on 01/21/2013
2007
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"Given that I love Sweet Basil (same owners as Mountain Standard) I was excited to try Mountain Standard. Unfortunately, I was sorely disappointed. While my guests and I really liked the ambiance and had nice service, the food left something to be desired. We started with the pork belly appetizer and grilled artichoke appetizer. The waiter had specifically said the pork belly would melt in our mouths. Well, it was so dry and overcooked that instead we choked it down. Wish we'd sent it back but we were too busy talking. The artichoke was flavorless and uninspiring. I ordered the shrimp & grits appetizer and a salad for my meal. The shrimp and grits were great and I enjoyed the salad as well. Unfortunately, everyone else had poor-bad meals."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
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"Specialize in Rotisserie. We sat at the 4 person booth next to the kitchen, it was neat to watch the kitchen but you couldn't see all that much. All of the meats at my table were very moist and well seasoned. The bone marrow appetizer was very good, and I was pleased with my half chicken."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Really enjoyed the new, more casual addition to Sweet Basil. Limited menu, but everything was really good. Very good burgers, outstanding onion rings, accompanied by a wonderful milk stout beer. Nice upscale lunch option to top off a great ski day."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2012
Special Features: great for lunch
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"I was told this Sweet Basil sister was Sweet Basil at half the price. Not correct on either count. This is one of those places where every menu listing just must have an ingredient or two to prove they're hip and cool, but that makes every dish an adventure. You might like that but I do not. Food was OK but nothing special to me. As the new upscale restaurant in town leveraging off Sweet Basil's name, the place will be packed this season so reserve early."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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"New and interesting presentations of some American classics. A rather limited menu, but certainly worth visiting. Everything was tasty and well presented."
Dined on 01/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Nearly perfect by mountain standards (no pun intended). I find that I have to lower the bar a bit when I'm in the mountains. Great food, great service. Very cool aesthetic. A perfect option for a casual yet upscale mountain dinner."
Dined on 01/17/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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