Primrose — Restaurant in Four Corners States

We’re full-time Steamboat locals who have supported Primrose for years — sometimes dining here multiple times a week. This is an honest review from regular, local customers who make a point to support Steamboat’s small businesses.

Primrose is the definition of pretentious without substance. We’ve been here many times, and every single visit ends the same way: rushed, dismissed, and treated like we’re a burden instead of paying customers. This last time was the nail in the coffin.

The second we finished our main course, the staff started slapping down the bill without asking if we wanted anything else — a not-so-subtle "get out." Each time we ordered another round of drinks, the bill magically reappeared. To be clear, we only ordered two rounds of drinks after our main course — one was essentially our dessert course — hardly excessive. Finally, they flat-out told us we had to leave because they “needed our table” for an 8-top — even though the restaurant was half empty and no one was waiting. As proof of how absurd their excuse was, OpenTable happily let us book an 8-person table the minute we walked out. Translation: they just wanted us gone.

And then there’s Collin, the owner. Let’s be honest — unless he sizes you up as socially or financially “worthy” and you’re willing to play the brown-nosing game, you don’t exist to him. He struts around like he’s running a Michelin star spot, when in reality he’s alienating the very locals who keep his place alive in the off-season. Arrogant, dismissive, and completely out of touch.

When we finally told the waitress that Primrose disappoints us every single time, her smug response was, “Well I think that’s an exaggeration.” No — it’s the truth. The service here is cold, the atmosphere is uncomfortable, and the entire place runs on ego, not hospitality.

Bottom line? Primrose doesn’t just fail at hospitality — it mocks the very idea of it. We’re done wasting our time and money here. Steamboat has too many restaurants that actually appreciate their customers. Primrose deserves...

When we first walked in there was no host or hostess to greet us at the door. When someone finally came over to greet us she said she would have to check if our table was ready or not. Yes, we had a reservation. In an open room full of empty tables. Not off to a great start. We were seated next to loud and obnoxious wine reps/staff with all their i-pads, backpacks and journals out taking inventory and conducting business. Not very professional for the front of house. This should have been done before you opened for the day. Waitress was aloof and uninterested and made herself as scarce as possible. Had to ask for water at a fine dining establishment and the waitstaff seemed mad that we asked for water. No bread service. Cocktails were very slow getting to the table. As the evening went on the restaurant started to fill up, it eventually got so loud in the restaurant we couldn't hear ourselves over the rowdy patrons getting wasted at the bar. This definitely isn't the place you want to come for a quiet, relaxing date night or to celebrate a special occasion. The restaurant would benefit greatly from some sound reduction panels on the ceiling and walls. Food was mediocre at best. 2 people in our party ordered the ribeye steak for two at $140. Somehow they managed to scorch the outside of the steak and keep the inside completely raw. I ordered the Duck Breast Two Ways. The duck confit leg was good but the breast was so hard, raw and chewy I couldn't cut it or chew it. I was scared of choking on it. Totally inedible. Opening salads, appetizers, and sides were fine but nothing new or creative. Ultimately, this place is all attempted style but no real substance....

As a restaurant industry veteran with over 20 years of experience as both a server and general manager, I have a deep appreciation for well-executed service, and I want to start by saying the food was exceptional — beautifully prepared in every way. The restaurant itself is stunning, and the overall atmosphere was outstanding. Additionally, the managers and all supporting staff who interacted with our table were genuinely phenomenal — attentive, helpful, and welcoming.

However, our assigned server significantly diminished the experience. He was inattentive and disengaged, visiting our table only once to take our order, which he got partially incorrect, and then didn’t return until it was time to present the check. When we asked to split the bill, he was unable to do so and placed the blame on us for the confusion, which felt unprofessional.

Additionally, a gratuity was added to the bill without any prior mention — not by the server or on the happy hour menu we ordered from — and as a result, an additional tip was unknowingly given on top of the included one. While we accept some responsibility for not catching it in the moment, it was still a disappointing and avoidable situation, especially since transparency around gratuity is standard practice.

Overall, while the experience was anchored by excellent food and a strong team, the service from our assigned server was not reflective of the otherwise high standard set by the rest...