little on mountain — Restaurant in Fort Collins

The food, drinks, and service were all outstanding, and because I think this is one of the most modern and highest quality food experiences in Fort Collins today, I’m going to give them top marks. In particular, the focus on local in season produce is what makes the experience unique.

However, there are a couple things about dining here that are annoying enough to be worth mentioning in detail.

First, the incredibly short menu is a bit difficult to navigate without sections for larger and smaller plates. Thankfully, one of the servers very patiently walked us through every dish and made great recommendations. Given the shortness we were sad to see a popular item 86’d early in the night.

Second, the seating options and the complex, inflexible reservations process are frustrating almost infuriating and definitely not inclusive of folks who need accommodations.

Let me start by saying this place is indeed little - and that unreliable patrons can sink profit margins with no shows. But you should know that unless you are sitting on the patio - you will be perching on a high backless stool either at a bar or at a communal table.

Looking at the three reservation options online; dining room, chefs counter or patio - I chose dining room expecting to get a normal table for two so it was surprising to find myself being given the option of communal table on a stool, at a bar on a stool, or outside.

I wonder where a person with mobility issues, or in a wheel chair, would sit in the winter. I’m don’t need an ADA accommodation, but I’m older, have short legs and an achy back, and don’t hear so great anymore, so a communal table on a stool is about as inviting as an Arby’s.

Finally, you are required to make a non-refundable deposit to reserve a spot (notice I didn’t say table) AND once you make that booking it’s impossible to modify it within 24 hours even if there is space available to move your booking to a different spot (not table).

There are no options on Tock to modify the time, no phone number to call, just an email address which went un answered until it was way too late. Faced with the prospect of being charged $30 for a no show, I went through a logistical hassle to make the original time work - only to discover my slightly modified arrival time could have been accommodated very easily.

I was visibly annoyed upon arrival, an to their credit, I think the entire staff did everything they could to make it right for us. They really handled it correctly, and made sure we had a...

Oh boy, this will be a long one so buckle up! I should preface this by saying this was my husband’s favorite restaurant in town and we’ve eaten here about 10-12 times in 3 years. It’s never been my favorite because the vibe is too snobby for me, but I’d roll with it for him.

Friday the 13th, my birthday :) Reservations made, day of we attempted to change them from 2 to 4. Since they do not have phone number to call into, correspondence was through email and instagram dms. So everything is in writing. They confirmed via email they could change reservation to 4, all good. We show up, they could accommodate 3 and not 4. The hostess curtly informs me that this was communicated with us before I could even respond in anyway (ouch, hand slap right off the bat) so we had no choice but to leave which I was ok with because her tone was defensive. It was busy, she was stressed. I get it, I’m out. If we would have just known they couldn’t have accommodated our request we would have planned to go somewhere else, no biggie. My husband who had done the correspondence went to talk with them. He was literally ushered out by the owner. Probably because the place is so small and chaotic up front, but still just an unsettling feeling. There wasn’t an apology for the mishap just more a “please understand we are busy and we can’t accommodate you.”

I’m a Fort Collins native, 40 years :) Fort Collins has a certain vibe that is diminishing; low key, humble, unpretentious. This place is not those things. I felt like I was in trouble the minute we got there. I just wanted to leave immediately. This review won’t change their success. They will always have a full house, the food here is great, there’s no doubt. However, we will never go there again, and I will never recommend this place to newcomers again. Really, this review is just for the owner to read, and ultimately this review is on how they made us feel.

Anywho, coming from a very long time local, if you want food that is just as amazing as Little, but the low key humble Fort Collins vibe that people come here for, go to The Regional. Hands down. If you’re ok with smaller dishes with amazing drinks, try Persimmon, which doesn’t see the hype...

My initial experience at this restaurant was quite promising, marked by attentive service and high-quality cuisine. The atmosphere was welcoming, and our server was friendly and well-informed, setting the stage for an enjoyable dining experience.

However, my last two visits were less than satisfactory due to the intrusive behavior of our server. His approach was overly intense, with a focus on upselling rather than understanding our preferences. On both occasions, my desired dish was unavailable, and rather than asking for an alternative preference, the server hastily recommended the most expensive items on the menu.

The culinary experience was a mixed bag. While the food was generally commendable, my most recent choice of a lamb dish was disappointingly salty. This was particularly frustrating as it was not my initial choice but a hurried recommendation from the server.

The server's aggressive upselling extended to beverages as well. After my cocktail, I requested a club soda, only for the server to return mid-meal insisting that I would prefer red wine. This was not only incorrect but also disrupted the overall dining experience.

It would have been far more beneficial if the server had taken the time to ask for our preferences and read his audience before rattling off the menu at breakneck speed. Such an approach would have made the dining experience more personalized and enjoyable.

Regrettably, the server's behavior has marred two special occasions for me. While the food has been mostly good, the intrusive service has led me to reconsider future visits. I'm unlikely to return to this establishment if there's a chance of being served by this particular individual.

So, what began as a promising dining venture has turned into a lesson on the critical role of balanced and respectful service. The server's relentless upselling and failure to consider customer preferences have significantly detracted from the restaurant's overall appeal, overshadowing its...