Up a Creek

We've been passing by this place repeatedly, always saying we wanted to try it and today was our day. We did scope out the menu online before coming and it looked promising. I in particular was attracted by the daily prime rib special. My wife, the fish dinner. The prime rib was very flavorful. It's charcoal roasted and well seasoned. It wasn't the most tender prime rib I've had but the flavor made up for it. My wife enjoyed the fish dinner, which was pleasantly a large piece of haddock, which seems rare in these parts where Cod reigns supreme. She said it was nice and flaky, huge portion, and not too "slimy" like the fish fry dinners back in Western NY. The hand cut fresh fries and coleslaw were welcomed treats as well. Overall, we enjoyed our food immensely, which can be a surprise sometimes for bars. We took a peak at the outdoor seating which looked very fun and inviting for a warmer day. We'll definitely be back. This may also be our go-to place for when guests are in town.

Up the Creek Bar and GrillTis a soft day!My wife and I frequent Up the Creek Bar and Grill because this is a first rate Vail restaurant, and offers a first rate view. Oriana is our splendid server.During our recent holiday to Ireland, the Irish would refer to a day of light rain as "Tis a soft day!" And because it is a soft day none of the 14 tables on the banks of the Gore Creek are occupied. Instead 2-4 merry hummingbirds are visiting the flowers, and my wife is delighted with the "birds."More and more it is becoming difficult to locate a Vail restaurant for lunch that does not focus on burgers, wraps, salads and soups. This is the case for the restaurant above stairs, and we decline several other hamburger joints. Up the Creek Bar and Grill is a beautiful small restaurant with walnut stained tables; there must be only 20 tables. Up the Creek Bar and Grill is an easy approach from the covered bridge; walk one block, go left twice and there are two restaurants (one above the other.) Up the Creek Bar and Grill is the lower of the two, and offers two walls of glass showcasing the Gore Creek. A mother, much over done with bracelets is entertaining her two teens, when not absorbed with her cell phone. We do wish "upscale restaurants" would block cell phones. My wife and I both choose the trout entrée; although, the trout might come as a salad. I take care to instruct the server to direct the cook not to overcook the trout. Perhaps 95% of cooks are not prepared to cook the delicate trout. Yes, the trout is overcooked. Our chardonnay is perfect, and Up the Creek Bar and Grill features a full bar service. By and large, the management, service, wine and chardonnay is acceptable. The best trout dinner is the one that I catch and prepare. The tariff is appropriate for the fare, and we continue with our "soft day in Vail."

Food was great, service was terrible. Took a waitress a while to see us, got our drink order and meal order and appetizer. A long time later we saw the waitress go by us with strangely familiar looking food as she took it all outside-then she came back in with it all-it was out meals and the appetizer. I asked about the appetizer being served with the meal-she snapped that some people hadn't shown up for work today. The food was good, especially the ribs. When done, the waitress came up and said 'boxes and the bill?' Did not ask us if we wanted dessert or anything else.Would be a much nicer place if the staff would smile and be a little happy-the only staff member we saw smile was the bartender as we were walking out the door........and my wife observed that she was not engaging the customers at all after making drinks, she'd walk to the back of the bar and not spend time with them......seems a very unhappy staff. Not sure we will go back. Just bad vibes.

My family and I went here today (Mother's Day of 2024) and I want to say we all were very impressed!! The greeting we got when walked in, our server, the other workers were so nice and very polite!! The owner of this establishment should be SO proud of today's staff!! Our server, Mike was so sweet and very on top of his serving skills!! Very Friendly, Outgoing, Smiling, and Very Helpful! Mike, well done my friend! He gets five stars just by himself!! Our food was absolutely delicious and perfect!! Thanks again Up A Creek & can't wait to come back and visit soon!!

First no one answered the phone. I thought man these guys must be busy. Instead of waiting I drove there to order. When I got there. There was 3 customers at the bar and 2 tables had customers. I ordered wings, fish dinner they didn't have it. So I ordered half ribs. The driest over cooked and horrible bbq sauce I ever tasted. Wings were little even little kids wouldn't eat them. NEVER will I go back there again

Place went down hill . Wings are hit or miss . Sign on door no staff you're going have to wait . And they mean it. Over an hour for wings and flat bread and the bill wasn't correct. Even had to wait to get check . No refills on drinks .

Great food n service...get some good live music . Last nights band was Bad JuJu and it was rockin. Really cool place to enjoy a night out with fair prices.

Fun place at times (band) Food was good, didn't care.for the Ruben but the rest was good and they have sweet tea, y'all gotta love that

Awesome Fish ... Smoking Hot both grilled & fried. Ample portions. My friends had the corned beef and cabbage for St. Pat's and had nothing but good things to say about it. Ice cold beer and a Great Selection I must say.All with a cool informal vib and a surprisingly low tab!

Got stung last time I was there decided to give it another try, got stung again. Not ever going back