The National Telluride — Restaurant in Telluride

While I can’t speak to the food, this review is solely about the inappropriate and rude interaction that we had with the restaurant manager, Mary. When I booked our reservation weeks in advance, under the special request, I put that I would need a high chair. If there were any problems with this request, I would assume that the restaurant would contact me prior to my reservation or NOT provide that option. On the day of our reservation, I phoned the restaurant to see if there was any way we could cancel the reservation. While my daughter is great in restaurants, she was having a rough day and I didn’t want to subject the other restaurant patrons to her abnormal behavior. I called and asked to cancel the reservation or push it back a little bit later in hopes that I could get her down for a nap. While I understood there was a 24 hour cancellation policy, I had hoped that with enough time the restaurant would work with me. The manager Mary was rude on the phone, and told me that we had no option but to keep our reservation or be forced to pay $25 a person cancellation fee ($150 total) via the credit card on file. So, we decided to keep our reservation, reminded Mary we would be coming with a baby, and showed up on time.

When we checked in the the host, we were informed that the restaurant had no high chairs. Instead of apologizing for the misunderstanding, Mary continued to be rude stating “how was I supposed to know you needed a high chair? Most people will bring in their own high chairs.” First, we were traveling from across the country and have dined at multiple finding dining establishments from New York to Los Angeles (we’re experienced). One can assume that the majority of people who dine in this restaurant are from out of town. Second, I made a request for a high chair weeks prior, and lastly, made mention several times during our conversation earlier in the day with Mary that I was with a baby. At some point the restaurant should have mentioned they did not provide high chairs. Instead of apologizing for the misunderstanding, Mary without regard for me and my family (seven year old son, brother-in-law and sister-in-law) and other patrons asked us in a disdainful manner “what do you want?” My husband said “Nothing, but we have to leave because there’s no way we can eat without a high chair, and feel misled.” Mary’s response — “we would love for you to leave.”

My husband was clearly annoyed, but did not lower himself to Mary’s level. As US Marine Veteran who works very hard to bring his family to Telluride every year and treats everyone with respect, he was really disappointed in treatment he received. He was also embarrassed for the host who was apologizing for the inconvenience despite Mary’s cold stare and agitated demeanor. There was no reason for Mary to speak to us like this, especially since this was her error (and what appears to be a failed “cash grab”). We were happy to leave and not give that dining establishment a penny of our money. In summary, this is a restaurant presenting itself as “high end,” but the manger has doesn’t have the class or emotional...

★★☆☆☆ | The National Telluride – If This Is the Best, I Fear for the Rest

We were told this was the place to dine in Telluride, so naturally, we made our way there with high hopes and empty stomachs. But if this is the pinnacle of Telluride’s culinary scene, the town might just be on the brink of a gastronomic apocalypse. Let’s start with the ambiance—or rather, the lack thereof. The noise level was deafening, to the point where having a conversation felt like an extreme sport. A little buzz is charming; a full-blown shouting match just to chat with the person across from you? Not so much. Add to that the cramped tables, a single perpetually occupied restroom, and an atmosphere that felt more claustrophobic than cozy, and the evening was already off to a rocky start.

Then came the food—the second major letdown of the night. We expected high prices (it is Telluride, after all), but when you're paying a premium, you’d at least hope for portions that don’t require a post-dinner snack. The salmon was fine—just fine—but it was portioned for someone with the appetite of a sparrow. The real heartbreak, however, was the house-made pasta. I was thrilled to order the cacio e pepe, expecting silky, expertly crafted strands of perfection. What I got instead was an overworked, underwhelming disaster—so tough and sticky it clung to my teeth like an overenthusiastic ex. I’m all for al dente, but this was a whole new (and unpleasant) interpretation of the concept.

When I finally surrendered and sent it back (something I almost never do), I opted for the half-roasted chicken instead. It took ages to arrive, and while it was decent, it wasn’t remotely worth the wait.

At the end of the night, I couldn’t help but hope—pray, even—that this isn’t actually the best Telluride has to offer. Surely, somewhere nestled between these breathtaking mountains, a restaurant exists that won’t leave you hungry, disappointed, and contemplating where it...

I was hesistant to write a public review of this resturant as I wanted to talk to the owners privately and let them know so they could rectify the siituation. However, I have not have been able to find a point of contact. So, I decided to use this platform to make them aware of how we were recently treated while attempting to have a drink at the bar. Five friends and I were visiting our friend who lives in Telluride, she was excited to share the resturant with us, as her and her husband had just dined there. She mentioned that it had recently changed hands and because of her positive dining experience ...she thought we would love to have a drink at the bar. The six of us arrived last Friday February 9, 2024 @ 530 to have a drink at the bar ...we were greeted by the hostess that evening with "there is no room at the inn for you"..which we were fine with the bar being crowded on a friday night...we then asked if we could purchase a gift certificate for a friend of ours in town...this was met with "you want to do that now?"..we explained that we came down earlier in the afternoon but the resturant did not open until 430..to which she replied "well you should have come then"...honestly after the rude welcome and attitude we decided to take our business elsewhere....as I said at the beginning of this review ...my friend said she had had such a positive dining experience but after how we were treated ...she will not be coming back, nor will she recommend this resturant to others. And Furthermore, we were planing to buy a $200 giftcard for someone who lives in town. I believe the owners would like to know how their guests were treated when they arriveand I would hope they improve on their "greetings when patrons come through the door"....after all you only have one chance to make a first...