El Segundo Vail — Restaurant in Vail

Let me start by saying that the food was delicious, our wait staff was accommodating and friendly (server knew the menu, made recommendations, bussers made sure our waters were never empty, food arrived promptly, etc) but I'm giving this restaurant 3 stars because the manager did not know accurate laws regarding ID verification for alcohol purchases.

Ok, ok, you get it, I'm upset that I didn't get to drink a cocktail with dinner... No big deal. Fair enough. However I believe I was treated unfairly because there was a "sting going on Vail" (basically cops watching to ensure everyone is ID'd properly, and $$$$$ fines if a restaurant is caught not checking ID).

The scene: my partner and I sit down for dinner and order cocktails. The waitress asks for our IDs. I comply, however since I just successfully tested for my Class B CDL, I had 1) my previous voided hard copy of my ID and 2) my current, unexpired, undamaged, paper ID that I received from the Colorado DMV. The waitress calls over her manager to check my paper ID (no problem, wait staff are generally trained to call managers with paper IDs). The manager takes a quick look at my IDs and says he "absolutely cannot accept this" - I say ok, why not? We then discuss my voided hard IDs and my valid paper ID, and he says "I've been working in the industry for a long time and I've never seen this. I can't accept this." Manager leaves, waitress returns and apologizes, saying they had gotten a call about an ID'ing sting in Vail, so they were being extra cautious.

Ok then. Some background details: every single person who has gotten a Colorado ID since 2016 (when they changed to the REALID license cards) has gone through this process: apply in person at the DMV for your license, get a paper copy (with a specific laminate backing, actually not THAT easy to fake) and wait for your hard copy to arrive in the mail 10-30 days after your visit. The DMV voids your previous ID on your visit because it is illegal to have two valid IDs simultaneously. There were obviously questions about the temporary paper IDs. On April 21st, 2016 the CO Department of Revenue sent out a bulletin clarifying the proper procedure for verifying paper IDs:

"Therefore, in order to be compliant with Regulation 47-912, 1 C.C.R. 203-2, for those people who have recently obtained a new driver's license, both the new grayscale temporary photo driver's license and the voided driver's license must be presented if requested for age verification" (information easily found on Google)

I'm not saying that restaurants or bars should be lax on IDing guests, particularly if there are questions about a paper ID. However, in my case, I had all the documents I needed to prove my age - both my temporary ID and my previous voided ID, and if the manager had checked, the Date of Birth, the Address, and my picture matched on both IDs. For the Manager to "never have seen this before" is absolutely absurd.

So if anyone has actually made it through the longest review ever, I hope you take away these notes: Always have your valid ID anytime you want to buy a drink. And be prepared for restaurants like El Segundo to deny your order even if you have the proper identification, because yes, indeed, a restaurant CAN refuse to serve you. I hope this review encourages management to review their alcohol policies to ensure guests with proper identification are allowed to...

Absolutely traumatizing experience for my whole family. The system to reserve a patio table was absolutely dysfunctional and disorganized. We arrived with a reservation, and were well aware of the “first come, first serve” policy for the patio. Upon arrival we discovered a table for 8 (which would perfectly seat our party) on the patio. When we asked to sit there, to our dismay the staff stated that the table was not available, but we witnessed 3 people, without a reservation or assistance from a staff member walk right up to the table and sit down. Not once in the 10 minutes we stayed in this restaurant did any staff member make an effort to remove the party. They offered as an alternative to sit inside in a small, cramped table that was not acceptable nor comfortably able to fit our whole party. When we asked about how to reserve a patio spot (because at this point we we were all incredibly confused and disappointed) the manager stated it was a “first come, first serve” situation, but also stated the “waiting list” began first thing in the morning, which was not expressed on their website, in their emails, or via phone call. When we expressed our confusion and anger about being excluded from the waiting list, the manager proceeded to say in an obnoxious, arrogant, and frustrated tone, that this information was readily available (which it was not) plus including that he has had this conversation 20 times already just today. We were then asked to leave the restaurant, but not after being told by the manager that our attitude was not appreciated and we were being “Very classy.”, for simply expressing our annoyance about the entire situation. Our experience at this restaurant was greatly disappointing and did not live up to the the rave reviews...

I was so excited to try this restaurant. I had been told that the food and drinks were outstanding, delicious, etc by our concierge at the Four Seasons. I called El Segundo to make a reservation but they no longer had reservations available for a party of four. I inquired about just showing up at 6:30 and putting our name on the waitlist and was told with confidence that we would be seated within an hour even without a reservation. When my husband and my two children and I showed up at 6:45 the hostess more or less laughed at my husband and I because we didn’t have a reservation and told us that we wouldn’t be seated before 9:45 that night. (If you’re not catching my drift she was extremely rude). More or less we were treated like 3rd class citizens. I bit my tounge and was polite and just asked if she would kindly take my number and text me if anything opened up. After an eye roll and a sigh she agreed to take my info. Meanwhile, my family and I walked around Vail village and stumbled upon Los Amigos. We were greeted with kindness and eye contact. We were told that it would be a 15-30 minute wait and then encouraged to grab a drink and enjoy ourselves while we waited for our table. We were seated within 10 minutes. Ironically, while we were at Los Amigos, I received a text from El Segundo that our table was ready. I received this text at 7:30. Don’t forget I was told by the hostess that without a reservation I wouldn’t get a table before 9:45 and I had to persuade her to take down my contact info. When I received their text we were already enjoying a delicious appetizer from Los Amigos. So glad we ended up there. Friendly, sincere staff and the taco salad was delicious. I’m sure that the food at El Segundo is fantastic..but Los Amigos...