Vertical Bistro & Tap — Restaurant in Winter Park

Pleasantly surprised with the food (service was great as expected)! We tried Vertical Bistro because I thought I saw spaghetti squash somewhere online, but I was wrong. They did have a squash risotto; however we decided to share the TUNA TARTARE || FIRECRACKER SHRIMP || BEEF TENDERLOIN MEDALLIONS (9oz). We each decided to drink one glass of red ALTA VISTA MALBEC and LAGONE SUPER TUSCAN. The wines were both acidic and tart and came fast so I’m guessing it was from an open bottle but we aren’t professionals so maybe our taste was off. Super Tuscan was less acidic and pairing them with slightly spicy food (firecracker shrimp) helped mellow out the wine and the food/drink complimented each other.

FIRECRACKER SHRIMP was slightly breaded with a nice saucy-slightly spicy glaze and sesame seeds, which we thought tasted the best when eaten with a little bit of the onions and cabbage bed it was sitting on.

TUNA TARTARE was brought out next and the server/chef did well with timing because we never had too many plates on the table nor felt like we were forgotten about. Server also did an excellent job keeping our table clean and offering new plates from dish to dish. Tuna Tartare was plated beautifully and the chips were amazing! Perfect crunch and portion. The tartare was in a dish and fell apart as soon as it was touched, which is much looser than most other restaurants I’ve had tuna tartare. I think that’s because Vertical Bistro chopped their pieces much larger than I’m used to, which is usually a diced or minced version of the plate. I preferred these larger pieces because the flavor of each ingredient was more prominent. The layers complimented the tuna well and my favorite part was putting the tuna tartare into the bubbles of the chips (once I ate a little chip corner) so that the chip held the tuna like a pita pocket.

BEEF TENDERLOIN MEDALLIONS came next along with an extra plate to share (I wished we had asked for another steak knife because we had to have one person slice all the meat). The medallions were a nice shape and size, and we weren’t asked how we wanted them cooked but they came medium, sitting on a bed of Asiago risotto and rosemary demi-glaze on top and to the side. I forgot to take a photo but it was plated beautifully! Everything was hot, even when we placed my portion on the separate plate. The risotto was cooked perfectly and I know that’s a task in itself- it looked plain but complimented the meat well without overpowering. The multi-colored carrots (6+ good sized carrots) added color to the plate and were the best softness/hardness. It was a great sweetness to add and I believe they were cumin roasted, which gave the carrot crust a great taste.

Overall we loved eating there and highly recommend it, even if it is a little more expensive. The quality is worth it. The only recommendation I would give to make it better would be to have something small from the kitchen. I love surprise and delights such as a teeny tiny chocolate medallion, tiny molten mint, tiny tart, tiny cookie or maybe special slice of bread with special butter prior to the meal. Idk.

Lastly — I did look at the BURGER on the table across the room and it looked ginormous. That table finished their meals completely so I would think vertical makes a delicious burger, too.

Photos: we already ate some but an idea of the firecracker shrimp and tuna tartare

Added photo with complete firecracker shrimp, salad and chicken sandwich— all...

Was excited to try out the vertical bistro on our vacation. As we walked in a party of four was leaving because the hostess explained, “we are only seating large parties.” My cousin and I proceeded and asked for a table for two, she then said the same thing to us. I then asked if there was a waiting list. (I mean our money is the same as everyone else’s right?) she said yes, got our number and said 30-45min wait. So we left looked around some shops for the allotted time and hadn't received a call so figuring she was busy, we went back to check.

Once we arrived back a different woman happened to be by the hostess stand she was very pleasant and got the attention of the hostess. Before coming back our way the two tried to figure out a seating arrangement. The hostess asked if we would mind sharing a table with a group of four. We accepted just really wanting a seat, and I don’t mind sharing come on! Though we did notice a few empty tables in the back so I asked the hostess what about the empty tables and she replied that they were reserved. Also keep in mind if she wouldn’t have had an attitude the entire time we would have been fine, we aren’t people who exspect to be treated like royalty, just common decency. (Note the tables had been empty since the very first time we walked into the restraunt. We could have eaten and got out of the place by then). So we were seated with some other guests which was absolutely fine. Though the host brought over some water and menues with such attitude that we decided this place wasn’t worth our time nor money. I really didn’t feel like giving the establishment my money that I’ve worked hard for.

I’ve worked the industry for years now and know what good customer service is. As a person of business I would not have my first impression to my customers be a rude hostess. First impressions mean a lot.

We instead went to the lime cantina and had amazing fish tacos with excellent service and a friendly face. The girl with the curly hair was excellent.

We didn’t want to believe the bad reviews about the service at the bistro, so we tried it our selves and wish we...

I usually don't leave a review if my family and I had a bad time but my daughter is in the food industry and she said it wasn't us. SO I usually don't do this but I just can't forget how rude our server was after we gave her a 15 dollar tip for horrible service. I wish we would have known of other places but this was our first day out in winter park and we was having a great time until we went here. As I said the service was bad the menu is small and simple. I don't like restaurants that can't even make their own French fries after waiting that long for all the food I was expecting scratch made food but the order wasn't even correct but we want going to wait another 30 for frozen fries. The absolute worst was the server grabbing the check rolling her eyes and making some kind of noise as she jerked away. Your fault you took to long, you could have made 15 for 30mins that's good money well we won't waste any more money here again. I also read on here about you over charging on cc so we will keep an eye on that. I would like to update this review a manager contacted me about my review and whole heartily apologized she also wanted to make things right.... really? People today don't apologize they just ignore but I want be be very clear there are still good people out there that Do care you have a great time when you spend money in their establishment they truly are people that belong in the service industry. This restaurant is a part of a few restaurants they own and I'll be back I trust you will be looking out for your customers and thank you again for making...