Cascades - Sidewinder

We arrived to our reservation about 10 minutes early and were seated right away, without any issue. However, upon sitting, the staff informed us that most of the drinks wouldn't be available due to distributor issues. No problem, we chose from what was available and moved along. (The table next to us had more trouble ordering drinks; no triple sec, out of multiple bourbons and whiskey options, wine, etc. We ordered a really nice cheese plate that came out promptly but that's where our pleasant was derailed.... Our server was spending 10-15 minutes chatting with other tables and didn't return to check in or take our meal order for over 45 minutes. Then it took another 45 minutes for our food to come out. We finally just got it packed to go because at 2+hrs we were over it and wanted to get home. The food was okay but probably below what I'd expect for the prices if I wasn't on vacation. Overall, what was supposed to be a special 40th birthday meal for my husband wasn't. If it had been a non celebratory meal would I have been less critical? Maybe. Would I go back? Probably not.

Our server has 6 tables seated at one time. So you can only imaging how bad the service was. In addition, a quarter of the way through the meal my wife choked on steak and I had to perform the Heinrich maneuver on her and none of the staff was anywhere to be seen. When I told the manager Albert what happened he didn't seem overly concerned and still charmed me full price for my meal. Oh, he did comp the “cold” mashed potatoes. I will not be back!

So many things to say Let's start with a $10 dollar entry fee just to park in their parking lot. Made a reservation for the dining room and was seated at a high top in the bar. Manged to get a regular table, but still in the bar nothing was apparently available in the dining room. Energetic does not begin to describe the constant noise. It was jet airplane loud. Ordered a very dry martini got a lot of vermouth. Ordered medium rare steak it was well past medium and not very good. Oh, and the salads were delicious. There are many good choices in Estes Park. Pick some where other than Cascades.

The cocktails and food quality were excellent! The staff was awesome. We had hoped to eat outside but the tables are outdoor fireplaces so limited table space for a comfortable dinner experience and inside was more of a sports bar meets supper house loud. The hotel and grounds were lovely to walk and take pictures. The basement restrooms area has some great interpretive history of the hotel.

The staff was wonderful. We had Serg and a lovely woman that checked to see how everything was. The food was perfect and delicious. The portions were just too large for us. When we return, and we will!, we'll probably just share an entree. Also, the port from the duoro valley was superb!