Salida, Colorado food crawl
Of course! Grab a napkin, food lovers, because we're about to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the heart of the Rockies. Salida, Colorado, isn't just a paradise for kayakers, hikers, and skiers; it's a surprisingly vibrant culinary oasis where global flavors meet high-altitude charm. Forget everything you thought you knew about mountain town dining. This is your definitive guide to eating your way through Salida, one unforgettable plate at a time.
### **Salida's Culinary Soul: A Feast Between the Peaks**
Nestled in the Upper Arkansas River Valley, with the Collegiate Peaks standing as silent, majestic sentinels, Salida has cultivated a dining scene that reflects its adventurous spirit. Here, you can find everything from wood-fired perfection in a modern greenhouse to authentic street tacos served from a humble window. This is a town where the food is as real and compelling as the landscape that surrounds it. Let's pull up a chair.
---
### **1. Stoke: The Hearth of Modern Mountain Cuisine**
**Location:** 720 US-50, Salida, CO 81201
Step into Stoke, and you immediately understand the name. This isn't just a restaurant; it's a culinary experience centered around the primal allure of fire. The air is perfumed with the scent of smoldering oak and roasting meats, a scent that promises something truly special. The space is a stunning blend of industrial chic and rustic warmth, with a sprawling patio and a greenhouse section that lets you dine under the Colorado stars, protected from the elements. It’s the kind of place that feels equally suited for a celebratory feast or a deeply satisfying post-adventure meal.
**What to Order: The Can't-Miss Creations**
* **The Stoke Burger:** Let’s be clear—this is not just a burger. This is a masterpiece. A generous patty of grass-fed beef is grilled over live fire, imbuing it with a smoky depth that is simply unreproducible on a standard grill. It’s topped with melted white cheddar, crispy applewood-smoked bacon, garlic aioli, and a tangy house-made pickle. Served on a brioche bun with a side of their legendary duck fat fries, this dish alone is worth the trip to Salida.
* **Wood-Fired Roasted Chicken:** It takes confidence to put a simple roasted chicken on a menu, and Stoke has it in spades. Half a chicken is brined and then roasted to juicy, smoky perfection. The skin is crackling-crisp, the meat impossibly tender. It’s served with creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, all elevated by the kiss of the wood fire.
* **For the Adventurous:** Don’t skip the **Roasted Bone Marrow**. Served with grilled bread, a sharp herb salad, and coarse sea salt, it’s a rich, decadent, and unforgettable starter that perfectly encapsulates Stoke's nose-to-tail, fire-driven philosophy.
**Pro-Tip:** Come hungry. Portions are generous and designed for sharing. Pair your meal with a cocktail from their excellent bar or a selection from their thoughtful, mostly Colorado-centric beer list.
---
### **2. Tacos El Tapatio: A Portal to Guadalajara**
**Location:** 136 E 2nd St, Salida, CO 81201
If you’re searching for unpretentious, soul-satisfying, authentic Mexican food, you’ve found your Mecca. Tacos El Tapatio is a no-frills, order-at-the-counter gem that delivers pure, unadulterated flavor. The vibe is bustling and casual, with the constant sizzle from the grill and the vibrant chatter creating an energetic atmosphere. The bright, folkloric decor makes you feel like you’ve been teleported to a beloved taqueria in Jalisco.
**What to Order: The Authentic Street Taco Experience**
* **Tacos al Pastor:** This is the star of the show. Thinly sliced pork is marinated in a symphony of guajillo chiles and achiote, then slow-roasted on a trompo (vertical spit). It’s sliced directly onto a soft corn tortilla and topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and a slice of pineapple that adds a burst of sweet acidity. Order at least three.
* **Carne Asada Fries:** A glorious mountain of flavor. Crispy fries are smothered in tender, grilled steak, melted cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo. It’s a messy, shareable, and utterly delicious gut-bomb that’s perfect after a long day on the river.
* **The Ultimate Test:** Order the **Birria Tacos**. These have taken the world by storm for a reason. Tender, slow-stewed beef is stuffed into a tortilla, griddled until crispy, and served with a rich, consommé for dipping. It’s a textural and flavorful revelation.
**Pro-Tip:** Don't be shy with the salsa bar. Their homemade salsas, from the fiery roasted habanero to the tangy tomatillo verde, are the perfect finishing touch. Wash it all down with a horchata or a cold Mexican Coke.
---
### **3. Little Cambodia: A Family's Culinary Legacy**
**Location:** 1548 G St, Salida, CO 81201
Tucked away in a modest building, Little Cambodia is a testament to the power of family recipes and heartfelt cooking. The atmosphere is cozy and unassuming, filled with the incredible aromas of lemongrass, kaffir lime, and coconut milk. This is a family-run establishment where the food is prepared with a palpable love and respect for tradition. It’s a hidden gem that offers a truly transportive dining experience.
**What to Order: A Journey to Southeast Asia**
* **Khmer Curry:** This is a must-order. Unlike its Thai counterparts, Cambodian curry is often milder, more aromatic, and complex. Their version, with your choice of chicken or tofu, swims in a creamy coconut milk broth infused with lemongrass, turmeric, and galangal. Served with a baguette for dipping (a nod to Cambodia's French colonial history), it’s a unique and deeply comforting dish.
* **Amok Trei:** Considered the national dish of Cambodia, this is a steamed fish curry that is delicate, fragrant, and beautifully presented in a banana leaf cup. The fish is incredibly tender, bathed in a creamy curry paste made from kroeung (a Cambodian herb paste), coconut milk, and egg. It’s light yet bursting with flavor.
* **Pad Thai:** While you're exploring, don't overlook their classic Pad Thai. It’s a perfectly executed version—balanced between sweet, sour, and salty, with just the right amount of tamarind tang and a satisfying textural contrast from the peanuts and bean sprouts.
**Pro-Tip:** Talk to the owners! They are incredibly passionate about their food and culture and can guide you to the perfect dish for your palate.
---
### **4. Las Camelinas: Homestyle Mexican Comfort**
**Location:** 128 W 1st St, Salida, CO 81201
Just a stone's throw from the bustling downtown, Las Camelinas offers a warm, friendly, and family-oriented atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that feels like a neighborhood staple, with colorful tablecloths, friendly service, and a menu full of classic Mexican dishes that taste like they were made in someone's abuela's kitchen. It’s comfort food in its purest form.
**What to Order: The Classics, Done Right**
* **Chile Relleno:** This is a benchmark dish for any Mexican restaurant, and Las Camelinas nails it. A large, roasted poblano pepper is stuffed with a generous amount of melting cheese, lightly battered, and fried until golden. It’s served smothered in a rich, red chili sauce that has a slow-building warmth. The combination of the crispy exterior, creamy cheese, and flavorful pepper is sublime.
* **Carnitas Plate:** For those who love slow-cooked, falling-apart pork, this is your dish. The carnitas are tender and juicy on the inside with perfectly crisped edges. Served with rice, beans, guacamole, and fresh tortillas, it’s a build-your-own-taco feast that will leave you thoroughly satisfied.
* **Enchiladas Suizas:** Creamy, tangy, and delicious. Rolled corn tortillas are filled with chicken and draped in a vibrant tomatillo salsa verde and melted cheese. The flavor is bright and comforting.
**Pro-Tip:** Their margaritas are strong, classic, and perfectly balanced. They’re the ideal companion to your meal.
---
### **5. Casa Calaca: Creative Mexican Fusion with Flair**
**Location:** 413 West Rainbow Boulevard, Salida, CO 81201
Casa Calaca brings a modern, artistic, and playful twist to Mexican cuisine. The decor is vibrant and eclectic, filled with folk art and, as the name suggests, calacas (skeleton figures). The energy is lively and hip, attracting a crowd that appreciates creative cocktails and inventive dishes. This is where tradition gets a delicious, contemporary update.
**What to Order: The Bold and the Beautiful**
* **Duck Confit Tacos:** A signature dish that perfectly represents their fusion philosophy. Succulent, slow-cooked duck confit is paired with a sweet and spicy cherry-habanero salsa, crisp cabbage slaw, and crumbled cotija cheese. The combination of rich, gamey duck with the fruity heat of the salsa is a match made in heaven.
* **Pork Belly Al Pastor:** Another stunning twist on a classic. Rich, caramelized pork belly is prepared in the al pastor style, served with grilled pineapple and a smoky chipotle crema. It’s decadent, complex, and incredibly flavorful.
* **Queso Fundido:** This is not your standard neon-yellow cheese dip. This is a skillet of bubbling, melted Chihuahua cheese mixed with spicy chorizo and roasted poblano peppers, served with fresh tortillas for dipping. It’s a communal, shareable, and utterly addictive start to your meal.
**Pro-Tip:** Their cocktail program is exceptional. Don't miss their house-infused tequila cocktails or their spicy margarita, which is one of the best in town.
---
### **6. Sprockets: The Quintessential Salida Pub**
**Location:** 148 W 1st St, Salida, CO 81201
Sprockets is the living, beating heart of downtown Salida. Located right on the main drag, it’s a classic American pub and pizza joint with a cozy, wood-paneled interior and a fantastic patio perfect for people-watching. The vibe is unpretentious, friendly, and buzzing with energy from open to close. It’s where locals and tourists mingle over pints of craft beer and legendary pizzas.
**What to Order: Pub Grub Perfected**
* **The Sprockets Pizza:** You can't go wrong with their namesake pie. It’s a meat-lover's dream piled high with pepperoni, sausage, ham, and bacon. The crust is the perfect balance of chewy and crisp, the sauce is zesty, and the cheese is generously applied.
* **The Greek Pizza:** For something a little different, try The Greek. Topped with spinach, black olives, red onions, tomatoes, and a generous sprinkling of feta cheese, it’s a bright, tangy, and satisfying alternative.
* **The Sprockets Burger:** While the pizza is the main event, their burgers are seriously underrated. A juicy, half-pound patty grilled to order and served on a toasted bun with all the classic fixings. It’s a solid, no-nonsense, excellent burger.
**Pro-Tip:** This is one of the best spots in town to sample Colorado's incredible craft beer scene. Their tap list is always rotating and features a who's who of local breweries.
---
### **7. Robin's in Salida: A Cozy Diner with a Sweet Secret**
**Location:** 8046 US-50, Salida, CO 81201
Robin's is the kind of classic, all-American diner every town wishes it had. It’s cozy, welcoming, and filled with the comforting smell of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon. The service is fast and friendly, and the menu is a love letter to breakfast and lunch classics. But Robin's holds a delicious secret that makes it a destination in its own right.
**What to Order: Breakfast of Champions (and Pie Lovers)**
* **The Huevos Rancheros:** A massive, delicious plate that will fuel you for a full day of adventure. Two eggs any style are served on crisp corn tortillas and smothered in their hearty, homemade green chili (ask for it on the side if you're sensitive to heat). Served with home fries and beans, it's a local favorite for a reason.
* **The Reuben Sandwich:** For lunch, this is the move. Piled high with perfectly seasoned corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on grilled rye bread, it’s a flawless execution of a classic.
* **THE PIE:** This is the main event. Robin's pies are legendary. The crust is flaky and buttery, the fillings are generous and perfectly set. You can't go wrong with the classic **Apple** or the decadent **French Silk**, but if they have **Peach** or **Mixed Berry**, do not hesitate. Order a slice with your meal, or take a whole pie to go. You will not regret it.
**Pro-Tip:** It can get busy on weekend mornings, but the wait is always worth it. This is the place for a long, leisurely, carb-loaded breakfast.
---
### **8. Thai Mini Café LLC: Big Flavors, Humble Surroundings**
**Location:** 11150 US Hwy 50, Salida, CO 81201
Don't let the simple, strip-mall exterior fool you. Thai Mini Café is a powerhouse of authentic, explosively flavorful Thai cuisine. The interior is small and tidy, with a focus squarely on the food. The owners are dedicated to creating dishes with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, and they are not afraid to bring the heat if you ask for it.
**What to Order: A Symphony of Spice and Herb**
* **Panang Curry:** Rich, creamy, and nutty, their Panang curry is a standout. The peanut-infused coconut milk broth is deeply flavorful, with hints of kaffir lime leaf and lemongrass. Choose your protein and your spice level (be honest!), and prepare for one of the most satisfying curries you'll find in Colorado.
* **Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao):** The name says it all—this dish is bold and unapologetic. Wide, chewy rice noodles are stir-fried with basil, vegetables, and your choice of meat in a fiery, savory sauce. It’s a dish that wakes up every single taste bud.
* **Fresh Spring Rolls:** A perfect, light start to your meal. These are not fried; they are delicate rice paper rolls stuffed with fresh shrimp, vermicelli noodles, mint, and lettuce, served with a perfectly tangy peanut dipping sauce.
**Pro-Tip:** When they ask you for your spice level on a scale of 1-5, listen carefully. A 3 here is a 5 at most other places. Proceed with caution and respect for their culinary prowess!
---
### **9. DePasquales Pizza: A New York Slice in the Rockies**
**Location:** 509 E Rainbow Blvd, Salida, CO 81201
For those craving a authentic, foldable, New York-style pizza, DePasquales is your answer. This is a no-nonsense pizza joint that focuses on doing one thing and doing it exceptionally well. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with the constant, comforting sight of pizzas being tossed and slid into a blazing-hot oven.
**What to Order: The Big Apple Experience**
* **The Cheese Slice:** The ultimate test of any pizzeria. DePasquales passes with flying colors. The crust is thin, with a slight chew and a charred, blistered underside. The sauce is bright and tangy, and the cheese is a perfect, greasy-as-it-should-be blanket of mozzarella. It’s a classic.
* **The White Pizza:** For something different, try the white pie. Without tomato sauce to hide behind, the quality of the dough, cheese, and olive oil really shines. Their version, often topped with fresh garlic and ricotta, is creamy, garlicky, and divine.
* **The Grandma Pie:** A square, thin-crust pizza baked in a sheet pan with sauce on top of the cheese. It’s a simpler, homier style that is incredibly addictive.
**Pro-Tip:** Grab a slice to eat in or take a whole pie to the park or back to your Airbnb. It’s the perfect, easy, and universally-loved meal after a day of exploring.
---
### **10. Benson's Tavern & Beer Garden: The Local's Living Room**
**Location:** 128 N F St, Salida, CO 81201
Benson's is an institution. Stepping into this historic tavern feels like stepping back in time, in the best way possible. With its dark wood, vintage bar, and cozy booths, it exudes an old-school Colorado charm. The back patio and beer garden is a hidden oasis, one of the best spots in town to enjoy a drink al fresco. This is where the locals go to unwind.
**What to Order: Elevated Tavern Fare**
* **The Bison Burger:** A true taste of the West. A lean, flavorful bison patty is grilled and served on a pretzel bun with your choice of toppings. Bison has a slightly sweeter, richer flavor than beef, and it’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice any satisfaction.
* **Fish & Chips:** A pub classic, executed perfectly at Benson's. Beer-battered cod is fried to a golden brown, resulting in a shatteringly crisp exterior that gives way to flaky, moist fish inside. Served with thick-cut fries and tartar sauce, it’s a timeless combo.
* **The Reuben (Yes, Another One!):** Salida is a town that knows its Reubens, and Benson's version is a top contender. It’s a hearty, messy, and delicious sandwich that pairs perfectly with a pint of beer.
**Pro-Tip:** The real draw here is the atmosphere and the beer. With over 20 beers on tap, mostly from Colorado breweries, it’s a fantastic place to post up, try a few new brews, and soak in the authentic Salida vibe.
---
### **The Final Bite**
From the fiery hearth of Stoke to the humble perfection of a Tapatio taco, Salida’s culinary landscape is as diverse and dynamic as
### **Salida's Culinary Soul: A Feast Between the Peaks**
Nestled in the Upper Arkansas River Valley, with the Collegiate Peaks standing as silent, majestic sentinels, Salida has cultivated a dining scene that reflects its adventurous spirit. Here, you can find everything from wood-fired perfection in a modern greenhouse to authentic street tacos served from a humble window. This is a town where the food is as real and compelling as the landscape that surrounds it. Let's pull up a chair.
---
### **1. Stoke: The Hearth of Modern Mountain Cuisine**
**Location:** 720 US-50, Salida, CO 81201
Step into Stoke, and you immediately understand the name. This isn't just a restaurant; it's a culinary experience centered around the primal allure of fire. The air is perfumed with the scent of smoldering oak and roasting meats, a scent that promises something truly special. The space is a stunning blend of industrial chic and rustic warmth, with a sprawling patio and a greenhouse section that lets you dine under the Colorado stars, protected from the elements. It’s the kind of place that feels equally suited for a celebratory feast or a deeply satisfying post-adventure meal.
**What to Order: The Can't-Miss Creations**
* **The Stoke Burger:** Let’s be clear—this is not just a burger. This is a masterpiece. A generous patty of grass-fed beef is grilled over live fire, imbuing it with a smoky depth that is simply unreproducible on a standard grill. It’s topped with melted white cheddar, crispy applewood-smoked bacon, garlic aioli, and a tangy house-made pickle. Served on a brioche bun with a side of their legendary duck fat fries, this dish alone is worth the trip to Salida.
* **Wood-Fired Roasted Chicken:** It takes confidence to put a simple roasted chicken on a menu, and Stoke has it in spades. Half a chicken is brined and then roasted to juicy, smoky perfection. The skin is crackling-crisp, the meat impossibly tender. It’s served with creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, all elevated by the kiss of the wood fire.
* **For the Adventurous:** Don’t skip the **Roasted Bone Marrow**. Served with grilled bread, a sharp herb salad, and coarse sea salt, it’s a rich, decadent, and unforgettable starter that perfectly encapsulates Stoke's nose-to-tail, fire-driven philosophy.
**Pro-Tip:** Come hungry. Portions are generous and designed for sharing. Pair your meal with a cocktail from their excellent bar or a selection from their thoughtful, mostly Colorado-centric beer list.
---
### **2. Tacos El Tapatio: A Portal to Guadalajara**
**Location:** 136 E 2nd St, Salida, CO 81201
If you’re searching for unpretentious, soul-satisfying, authentic Mexican food, you’ve found your Mecca. Tacos El Tapatio is a no-frills, order-at-the-counter gem that delivers pure, unadulterated flavor. The vibe is bustling and casual, with the constant sizzle from the grill and the vibrant chatter creating an energetic atmosphere. The bright, folkloric decor makes you feel like you’ve been teleported to a beloved taqueria in Jalisco.
**What to Order: The Authentic Street Taco Experience**
* **Tacos al Pastor:** This is the star of the show. Thinly sliced pork is marinated in a symphony of guajillo chiles and achiote, then slow-roasted on a trompo (vertical spit). It’s sliced directly onto a soft corn tortilla and topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and a slice of pineapple that adds a burst of sweet acidity. Order at least three.
* **Carne Asada Fries:** A glorious mountain of flavor. Crispy fries are smothered in tender, grilled steak, melted cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo. It’s a messy, shareable, and utterly delicious gut-bomb that’s perfect after a long day on the river.
* **The Ultimate Test:** Order the **Birria Tacos**. These have taken the world by storm for a reason. Tender, slow-stewed beef is stuffed into a tortilla, griddled until crispy, and served with a rich, consommé for dipping. It’s a textural and flavorful revelation.
**Pro-Tip:** Don't be shy with the salsa bar. Their homemade salsas, from the fiery roasted habanero to the tangy tomatillo verde, are the perfect finishing touch. Wash it all down with a horchata or a cold Mexican Coke.
---
### **3. Little Cambodia: A Family's Culinary Legacy**
**Location:** 1548 G St, Salida, CO 81201
Tucked away in a modest building, Little Cambodia is a testament to the power of family recipes and heartfelt cooking. The atmosphere is cozy and unassuming, filled with the incredible aromas of lemongrass, kaffir lime, and coconut milk. This is a family-run establishment where the food is prepared with a palpable love and respect for tradition. It’s a hidden gem that offers a truly transportive dining experience.
**What to Order: A Journey to Southeast Asia**
* **Khmer Curry:** This is a must-order. Unlike its Thai counterparts, Cambodian curry is often milder, more aromatic, and complex. Their version, with your choice of chicken or tofu, swims in a creamy coconut milk broth infused with lemongrass, turmeric, and galangal. Served with a baguette for dipping (a nod to Cambodia's French colonial history), it’s a unique and deeply comforting dish.
* **Amok Trei:** Considered the national dish of Cambodia, this is a steamed fish curry that is delicate, fragrant, and beautifully presented in a banana leaf cup. The fish is incredibly tender, bathed in a creamy curry paste made from kroeung (a Cambodian herb paste), coconut milk, and egg. It’s light yet bursting with flavor.
* **Pad Thai:** While you're exploring, don't overlook their classic Pad Thai. It’s a perfectly executed version—balanced between sweet, sour, and salty, with just the right amount of tamarind tang and a satisfying textural contrast from the peanuts and bean sprouts.
**Pro-Tip:** Talk to the owners! They are incredibly passionate about their food and culture and can guide you to the perfect dish for your palate.
---
### **4. Las Camelinas: Homestyle Mexican Comfort**
**Location:** 128 W 1st St, Salida, CO 81201
Just a stone's throw from the bustling downtown, Las Camelinas offers a warm, friendly, and family-oriented atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that feels like a neighborhood staple, with colorful tablecloths, friendly service, and a menu full of classic Mexican dishes that taste like they were made in someone's abuela's kitchen. It’s comfort food in its purest form.
**What to Order: The Classics, Done Right**
* **Chile Relleno:** This is a benchmark dish for any Mexican restaurant, and Las Camelinas nails it. A large, roasted poblano pepper is stuffed with a generous amount of melting cheese, lightly battered, and fried until golden. It’s served smothered in a rich, red chili sauce that has a slow-building warmth. The combination of the crispy exterior, creamy cheese, and flavorful pepper is sublime.
* **Carnitas Plate:** For those who love slow-cooked, falling-apart pork, this is your dish. The carnitas are tender and juicy on the inside with perfectly crisped edges. Served with rice, beans, guacamole, and fresh tortillas, it’s a build-your-own-taco feast that will leave you thoroughly satisfied.
* **Enchiladas Suizas:** Creamy, tangy, and delicious. Rolled corn tortillas are filled with chicken and draped in a vibrant tomatillo salsa verde and melted cheese. The flavor is bright and comforting.
**Pro-Tip:** Their margaritas are strong, classic, and perfectly balanced. They’re the ideal companion to your meal.
---
### **5. Casa Calaca: Creative Mexican Fusion with Flair**
**Location:** 413 West Rainbow Boulevard, Salida, CO 81201
Casa Calaca brings a modern, artistic, and playful twist to Mexican cuisine. The decor is vibrant and eclectic, filled with folk art and, as the name suggests, calacas (skeleton figures). The energy is lively and hip, attracting a crowd that appreciates creative cocktails and inventive dishes. This is where tradition gets a delicious, contemporary update.
**What to Order: The Bold and the Beautiful**
* **Duck Confit Tacos:** A signature dish that perfectly represents their fusion philosophy. Succulent, slow-cooked duck confit is paired with a sweet and spicy cherry-habanero salsa, crisp cabbage slaw, and crumbled cotija cheese. The combination of rich, gamey duck with the fruity heat of the salsa is a match made in heaven.
* **Pork Belly Al Pastor:** Another stunning twist on a classic. Rich, caramelized pork belly is prepared in the al pastor style, served with grilled pineapple and a smoky chipotle crema. It’s decadent, complex, and incredibly flavorful.
* **Queso Fundido:** This is not your standard neon-yellow cheese dip. This is a skillet of bubbling, melted Chihuahua cheese mixed with spicy chorizo and roasted poblano peppers, served with fresh tortillas for dipping. It’s a communal, shareable, and utterly addictive start to your meal.
**Pro-Tip:** Their cocktail program is exceptional. Don't miss their house-infused tequila cocktails or their spicy margarita, which is one of the best in town.
---
### **6. Sprockets: The Quintessential Salida Pub**
**Location:** 148 W 1st St, Salida, CO 81201
Sprockets is the living, beating heart of downtown Salida. Located right on the main drag, it’s a classic American pub and pizza joint with a cozy, wood-paneled interior and a fantastic patio perfect for people-watching. The vibe is unpretentious, friendly, and buzzing with energy from open to close. It’s where locals and tourists mingle over pints of craft beer and legendary pizzas.
**What to Order: Pub Grub Perfected**
* **The Sprockets Pizza:** You can't go wrong with their namesake pie. It’s a meat-lover's dream piled high with pepperoni, sausage, ham, and bacon. The crust is the perfect balance of chewy and crisp, the sauce is zesty, and the cheese is generously applied.
* **The Greek Pizza:** For something a little different, try The Greek. Topped with spinach, black olives, red onions, tomatoes, and a generous sprinkling of feta cheese, it’s a bright, tangy, and satisfying alternative.
* **The Sprockets Burger:** While the pizza is the main event, their burgers are seriously underrated. A juicy, half-pound patty grilled to order and served on a toasted bun with all the classic fixings. It’s a solid, no-nonsense, excellent burger.
**Pro-Tip:** This is one of the best spots in town to sample Colorado's incredible craft beer scene. Their tap list is always rotating and features a who's who of local breweries.
---
### **7. Robin's in Salida: A Cozy Diner with a Sweet Secret**
**Location:** 8046 US-50, Salida, CO 81201
Robin's is the kind of classic, all-American diner every town wishes it had. It’s cozy, welcoming, and filled with the comforting smell of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon. The service is fast and friendly, and the menu is a love letter to breakfast and lunch classics. But Robin's holds a delicious secret that makes it a destination in its own right.
**What to Order: Breakfast of Champions (and Pie Lovers)**
* **The Huevos Rancheros:** A massive, delicious plate that will fuel you for a full day of adventure. Two eggs any style are served on crisp corn tortillas and smothered in their hearty, homemade green chili (ask for it on the side if you're sensitive to heat). Served with home fries and beans, it's a local favorite for a reason.
* **The Reuben Sandwich:** For lunch, this is the move. Piled high with perfectly seasoned corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on grilled rye bread, it’s a flawless execution of a classic.
* **THE PIE:** This is the main event. Robin's pies are legendary. The crust is flaky and buttery, the fillings are generous and perfectly set. You can't go wrong with the classic **Apple** or the decadent **French Silk**, but if they have **Peach** or **Mixed Berry**, do not hesitate. Order a slice with your meal, or take a whole pie to go. You will not regret it.
**Pro-Tip:** It can get busy on weekend mornings, but the wait is always worth it. This is the place for a long, leisurely, carb-loaded breakfast.
---
### **8. Thai Mini Café LLC: Big Flavors, Humble Surroundings**
**Location:** 11150 US Hwy 50, Salida, CO 81201
Don't let the simple, strip-mall exterior fool you. Thai Mini Café is a powerhouse of authentic, explosively flavorful Thai cuisine. The interior is small and tidy, with a focus squarely on the food. The owners are dedicated to creating dishes with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, and they are not afraid to bring the heat if you ask for it.
**What to Order: A Symphony of Spice and Herb**
* **Panang Curry:** Rich, creamy, and nutty, their Panang curry is a standout. The peanut-infused coconut milk broth is deeply flavorful, with hints of kaffir lime leaf and lemongrass. Choose your protein and your spice level (be honest!), and prepare for one of the most satisfying curries you'll find in Colorado.
* **Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao):** The name says it all—this dish is bold and unapologetic. Wide, chewy rice noodles are stir-fried with basil, vegetables, and your choice of meat in a fiery, savory sauce. It’s a dish that wakes up every single taste bud.
* **Fresh Spring Rolls:** A perfect, light start to your meal. These are not fried; they are delicate rice paper rolls stuffed with fresh shrimp, vermicelli noodles, mint, and lettuce, served with a perfectly tangy peanut dipping sauce.
**Pro-Tip:** When they ask you for your spice level on a scale of 1-5, listen carefully. A 3 here is a 5 at most other places. Proceed with caution and respect for their culinary prowess!
---
### **9. DePasquales Pizza: A New York Slice in the Rockies**
**Location:** 509 E Rainbow Blvd, Salida, CO 81201
For those craving a authentic, foldable, New York-style pizza, DePasquales is your answer. This is a no-nonsense pizza joint that focuses on doing one thing and doing it exceptionally well. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with the constant, comforting sight of pizzas being tossed and slid into a blazing-hot oven.
**What to Order: The Big Apple Experience**
* **The Cheese Slice:** The ultimate test of any pizzeria. DePasquales passes with flying colors. The crust is thin, with a slight chew and a charred, blistered underside. The sauce is bright and tangy, and the cheese is a perfect, greasy-as-it-should-be blanket of mozzarella. It’s a classic.
* **The White Pizza:** For something different, try the white pie. Without tomato sauce to hide behind, the quality of the dough, cheese, and olive oil really shines. Their version, often topped with fresh garlic and ricotta, is creamy, garlicky, and divine.
* **The Grandma Pie:** A square, thin-crust pizza baked in a sheet pan with sauce on top of the cheese. It’s a simpler, homier style that is incredibly addictive.
**Pro-Tip:** Grab a slice to eat in or take a whole pie to the park or back to your Airbnb. It’s the perfect, easy, and universally-loved meal after a day of exploring.
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### **10. Benson's Tavern & Beer Garden: The Local's Living Room**
**Location:** 128 N F St, Salida, CO 81201
Benson's is an institution. Stepping into this historic tavern feels like stepping back in time, in the best way possible. With its dark wood, vintage bar, and cozy booths, it exudes an old-school Colorado charm. The back patio and beer garden is a hidden oasis, one of the best spots in town to enjoy a drink al fresco. This is where the locals go to unwind.
**What to Order: Elevated Tavern Fare**
* **The Bison Burger:** A true taste of the West. A lean, flavorful bison patty is grilled and served on a pretzel bun with your choice of toppings. Bison has a slightly sweeter, richer flavor than beef, and it’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice any satisfaction.
* **Fish & Chips:** A pub classic, executed perfectly at Benson's. Beer-battered cod is fried to a golden brown, resulting in a shatteringly crisp exterior that gives way to flaky, moist fish inside. Served with thick-cut fries and tartar sauce, it’s a timeless combo.
* **The Reuben (Yes, Another One!):** Salida is a town that knows its Reubens, and Benson's version is a top contender. It’s a hearty, messy, and delicious sandwich that pairs perfectly with a pint of beer.
**Pro-Tip:** The real draw here is the atmosphere and the beer. With over 20 beers on tap, mostly from Colorado breweries, it’s a fantastic place to post up, try a few new brews, and soak in the authentic Salida vibe.
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### **The Final Bite**
From the fiery hearth of Stoke to the humble perfection of a Tapatio taco, Salida’s culinary landscape is as diverse and dynamic as
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