Blondies Trophy Room — Restaurant in Cortez

EDIT: Talked to one of the servers that has been there for a long time (and one of the few that I listed as the experienced but undersupported) and glad to have a face-to-face about the place. I'll be going in to chat with management at some point to clarify my review in hopes it helps them understand my experiences here. Holding out hope!

Original review: I'm local and tried so many freaking times to give this place chances, especially because I like their food, which is above average pub grub. Greasy and salty, how i like it. But this place.... Cortez already has limited options for dining out. But they never answer the phone for togos in the evening, firstly. That I can get over. Maybe they're busy? Well, except when they just hang up the phone without answering.

But, more than that, the service in-house is AWFUL. There are maybe 3 employees who I've ever seen hustle or show any effort (I'm a server, I know what that looks like and give them a lot of patience because I've totally been there) but are perpetually unsupported by any other staff. All the other employees look like they haven't even graduated high school. They also act like it - intoxicated behind the bar and unable to do their jobs. I've watched them lose all control over their bar with the people they clearly overserved.

Damnit, the food is great on a night I don't want to cook, but it is just not worth spending that much money for crap service and...

I love Blondies! I have no complaints. Firstly, The menu is adventurous and creative, yet approachable. Also, the selections, the atmosphere, and even the location definitely “represent!” Just like in Cortez, there is something for everyone. If I’ve been gone for some time, I love to stop here upon my return: I’m greeted with actual, enjoyable food, in a place that is casual, affordable, and friendly, and is not too bourgeois or formal-feeling to visit on a whim. Lastly, Blondie’s can usually answer the question, “what is there to do?” It’s like a second, cooler, visitor’s center where one can chat with locals, other travelers, or your servers. If you need pointed in the right direction to begin exploring the area,the people there are more than happy to offer insight; and then there are both weeknight and late-night events (read: live music!!!) In addition, I must emphasize that Blondie’s boasts versatility in it’s charms and, that, my friend, is one of its best features. It’s been my choice for everything from a weekly lunch date with my little boys to a business lunch to wildin’ out for a night. If I were to wish for anything, it’d be that the Greek Salad and the Wasabi Ranch (for the fried green beans) were brought back, but make no mistake, I have found some new go-to...

Called in an order since I was late to arrive in town. Understand, you are paying for pub food, but the steak was perfectly cooked, the corn was fantastic, and the mashed potatoes were done right. There was a "stew" served with my meal that was similar to a baked potato meeting a tortilla soup that was a culinary masterpiece. The service was spot on with a quick response and watching the bartenders and servers rotate responsibilities and handle a large crowd showed that each person knew what they were doing and it was a clinic in team work and customer service. The atmosphere was very mixed, young, old and everything in between. You could see the locals and regulars that were relaxed and enjoying the busy night and...