E3 Chophouse — Restaurant in Colorado

When we choose a place to spend hundreds of dollars, we expect the minimum courtesy and service. I was in steamboat with two VIP's and decided to take them to the best steakhouse in town. We arrived a little early to beat the crowds and the ski season had just ended so we understood that people were on edge and tired.

When we got in, I asked the host if we could be seated with a good view of the river, ready to tip her $20 just to seat us. That is how it's done at nice places. We show appreciation for good service more than the actual food. That was the major attraction to this place for us. The service, and the view of the River. She snickered and said "All of our tables have decent views of the river." I stood there stunned as she gathered our menus and walked over to the garage door table with the patio blocking our view.

Unbelievable that a place who's prices are more than Morton's or Ruth's without the reviews to back it up, would treat people like this. I mean honestly, we were ready to spend a lot on dinner just between the three of us, and even bring back our business partners next time. This OFF-SEASON trip was strictly a scouting mission for people visiting me in Denver. I was completely embarrassed in front of my VIP's, so we left.

We went to another place nearby and spent over $300 on drinks and dinner, trying to forget how horrible service is in this entire state of Colorado. You need southern hospitality training, not millenials with attitude. After reading the low star reviews, it all makes sense. The running theme is: You pay for the views not the food service.

04/30/2019 - Dear owner,

Thank you for your response, and apology. The snicker we may or may not have misinterpreted, did not offend my guests. It was the table she sat us at without 'the decent' view she described. Her immediate dismissal of our request is what stunned me. We were sat in front of the patio garage doors. THAT is what offended me. I am in Steamboat a lot in the summer and ski seasons which is what surprised me about the service this go around. It is obvious you do not care to listen to the many reviews talking about your hostess' attitude. It is sad, because the food is phenomenal and atmosphere is gorgeous. You just need staff who appreciate being there...

First and foremost the food was good, the steak I ordered (ribeye) was unfortunately a very thin and shabby cut though it was well cooked (medium rare) and seasoned perfectly. I very much appreciate and support the ranch-to-table concept. The garlic mashers were outstanding. The stuffed dates and fondue appetizers were also excellent.

I ordered a rye old fashioned to start and did not specify a brand of rye, which usually means you get something middle to lower end in price on the list (they had about 8 or so rye offerings I believe). I was quite dismayed to find that they made one with one of their most expensive rye brands without asking me first - a cheap and blatantly obvious way to try and up the total bill. What's worse is that cocktail was extremely average to boot, proportions were clearly off and it was garnished with a cherry... not the usual orange zest. Overall a disappointing showing for the barkeep. The wine list was fine, we enjoyed having a wine flight option to try several Cabernets with our steak.

The service was good. Our server was extremely friendly, genuinely welcoming and helpful. More attention could be made to clearing used service wear and sweeping the table between appetizers and entrees. The pace of food arrival was superb. Dish presentation and plating was very good and fitting of the price point. The atmosphere somewhat missed the mark. The prices are that of a middle to high-end steak house but the environs are more of a slightly upscale American tavern. Don't get me wrong, I very much enjoyed the atmosphere but it doesn't have the ambiance of a steak house. Music was very good and volume was accommodating for easy table conversation, though I will note the place was nearly empty when we dined.

Overall it was a very good meal but not quite deserving of the price point. A few minor improvements and adjustments could really make this place into what it's trying to be. Look forward to giving it another go...

We were extremely disappointed. We evaluated the menu on opentable and decided what we wanted prior to making the reservation on opentable. We ordered the goat cheese filled dates, 14 oz Ribeye, Brussel Sprouts and Bacon, and Lobster Mac and Cheese. The Lobster Mac and Cheese had no lobster in it. The waitress came to our table several times to take our plates while we were mid-fork and we had to stop her from taking them. Based on the lack of people there, she had no reason to rush us. Upon receiving our check, we noticed discrepancies between the prices we expected based on opentable and the prices on our check. We brought it to our waitresses attention and she said she would get the manager. Tony Smith, the general manager approached our table and attempted to engage us in a casual conversation about where we were from and what we were in town for, avoiding the real issue and reason for him to come to our table. Once we redirected him, he stated, "I will not honor the opentable prices," claiming that their menu changes "seasonally" then later claiming it changes "daily." He wanted to give us a gift card to come back for happy hour. However, we are from another state and politely requested he change the check to the costs reflected on OpenTable. He then got very heated and loudly obstinate in front of other diners making comments like "there is no way they could have forgotten the lobster in the mac & cheese." His ignorance & lack of any humility in the situation made us realize his lack of maturity and experience in the restaurant business. He also blamed OpenTable for the menu not being updated online. Very poor customer service & on our way back to the hotel the hotel staff shared with us how terrible the restaurant is stating the locals also would NEVER...