Far View Lounge — Restaurant in Cortez

The view is amazing. Unfortunately, that's the only thing this place has going for it. We arrived around 7:15PM hoping to enjoy drinks, snacks, and the sunset. We walked in as a party of 6 and received a whole lot of attitude because they are not really equipped to handle a party larger than 4. (All of the tables are either 2 tops or 4 tops and they do not allow you to put tables together) They have 2 seating areas outside with fire tables that accomodate up to 8 comfortably. There is no propane in the table, though, so don't expect them to be lit. And it's a fire table so if you are looking to eat dinner your plate sits on the edge of the table and you sit on the edge of the comfy seating. (There was a family at one of these and a woman at the other. The server asked the woman to move so we could all 6 sit together) We were asked 2 or 3 times if someone had helped us before anyone actually took our order. (The poor family at the other fire table was forgotten and finally ordered 10-15 minutes after us even though they were there well before us.) When ordering, one person ordered a margarita and was told they were out of lime so they couldn't make a margarita. They asked for a Fenceline (local Mancos) cider. Was told "if we have it." They were out of both cider choices. One person asked for a cider margarita and was told the server refused to make those because they aren't very good. After finally getting the drink order settled it was time for food. 2 desserts and 2 orders lemon pepper chicken wings. Desserts came no problem. An hour later we were still waiting on chicken wings. When asked we were told that chicken wings orders were not showing up in the kitchen. But our desserts did? (Our server stated the kitchen was struggling to keep up because they had 28 rooms booked last weekend and 128 this weekend.) We canceled the wings and magically 5 minutes later they showed up at our table. The menu says they serve lemon pepper chicken wings. There is nothing about buffalo sauce. When the wings showed up and I questioned them their pretend chef came over and told me they start with lemon pepper then toss in the buffalo sauce. WHAT?!?!?! Where on your menu does it mention buffalo sauce?!?!? I would have never ordered buffalo wings covered in sauce. (In my world, sauce belongs on the side so I can control the amount. I do not order meat in sauce.) We received attitude from the moment we walked in and every time we asked a question. I think the server hates their job and takes it out on the customers. The only friendly/helpful people was the food runner and the guy who brought us water. (Speaking of water, it appears they are trying to be a higher end lounge but they serve your water in paper cups) Overall, the entire place seemed to be failing and no one cared. It felt like the customers were an inconvenience because they had better things to be doing. Not sure what though because not a single outdoor table was bussed and the fire table was filthy. My recommendation: bring your own food and drinks to the park and stay in Cortez or Mancos. Which is a shame because Mesa Verde is an amazing park and the entire experience could be a gazillion...

Let's start with the positives.... the food is actually quite good and while not outstanding I think deserves a higher rating than I've given. So if you're prepared to put up with the poor service this place will be fine.

On entry we were given a table and as the restaurant was quiet I asked for a table by the windows. This rather upset the greeter.... who went off back to the reception desk, came back and then dumped the menus on the table I asked for but didn't speak to me. Rather set the tone.

Eventually menus arrived and very slowly our order was taken. Overall it was slow with the exception of wine arriving promptly which I enjoyed.... so asked for a second glass which took so long it arrived in time for desert orders.... I took it anyway as by this point I expected desert to take an age to arrive which it did.

I'm not sure what the servers were doing as points during the meal they'd have team discussions which seemed more important than serving. I actually felt a bit sorry for our server as rather than a section of tables to cover she had ones dotted around the whole restaurant which being big didn't help the service. Overall I didn't feel that welcomed.

One minor complaint was the number of dead flies near our table on the window sills.. I dont know the area so it could be a days worth but they did seem like they'd been there a while.

We didn't seem unique as I could hear similar complaints around the restaurant.

Overall... sort the service out and this place...

Beautiful view enjoyed with a great menu! This was the absolute perfect way to end the day after hiking and exploring the park. I sat on the terrace and enjoyed the sunset with my dinner. The staff was excellent and friendly even though they seemed a little over extended. I enjoyed a prickly pear margarita, short ribs tostada, and for dessert the lemon Tres Leche, which was all incredible! I highly recommend this place, the old reviews didn't reflect my...