This spot is right on the water with amazing views. The commercial finishes are very unique, clean and well designed. The staff was friendly and accommodating. We had the fish tacos and sweet potato fries. Both were delicious. I would highly recommend coming here and enjoying the views and the food.
Overview
The Boathouse Cantina in Salida, Colorado, is the kind of place that makes you feel instantly at home the moment you step through the door. Nestled in a prime spot at 228 N F St, Salida, CO 81201, it’s a restaurant that blends the charm of a local diner with the laid-back vibe of a riverside cantina. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this cozy spot is perfect for grabbing a bite after a day of outdoor adventure or simply unwinding with friends and family.
One of the standout features of Boathouse Cantina is its location. Overlooking the Arkansas River, diners can enjoy beautiful views while savoring delicious dishes. The patio area is particularly popular when the weather is nice, offering a perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal. It’s not just the scenery that draws you in, though-the menu offers a fantastic mix of flavors that cater to a variety of tastes. From hearty breakfasts to flavorful lunch and dinner options, there’s something for everyone.
Start your day with the Boathouse’s famous breakfast burritos or try the classic pancakes. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, the breakfast burritos, filled with scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, and fresh veggies, offer a satisfying start to your day. Pair that with a hot cup of coffee and you’re set for an enjoyable morning.
For lunch or dinner, the Boathouse Cantina offers a range of dishes that perfectly reflect the laid-back atmosphere of the place. Whether you're in the mood for a juicy burger, a fresh taco, or a mouthwatering sandwich, you won’t be disappointed. Their tacos are a real highlight, especially the ones packed with grilled fish or pulled pork. The flavors are bold and the portions generous, making it a favorite for anyone looking to enjoy a fulfilling, yet casual meal.
What really sets Boathouse Cantina apart is the way they infuse local ingredients into their dishes. Many of their meals feature produce from nearby farms, giving the food a fresh, authentic taste that you can't find at just any restaurant. They are also committed to providing options for a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone can find something they love.
The staff at Boathouse Cantina is another reason to keep coming back. Friendly and welcoming, they make sure you feel right at home as soon as you walk in. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite at the bar or enjoying a long lunch with friends, the service is always top-notch, and they’re more than happy to recommend dishes if you’re unsure of what to try.
Over the years, Boathouse Cantina has built a loyal following, and it's easy to see why. Regular customers rave about the consistency of the food and the relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can relax and enjoy great food without feeling rushed, making it a perfect spot for families, groups, or even a quiet solo meal.
And let’s not forget about the drink menu. With a variety of craft beers, cocktails, and even a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, Boathouse Cantina has something to satisfy all preferences. Whether you're in the mood for a cold beer on a hot day or something a little more adventurous, like one of their signature margaritas, the drink menu is just as diverse and inviting as the food.
For anyone visiting Salida, CO, a stop at Boathouse Cantina is a must. Not only is it a great spot for a meal, but it also offers a unique experience thanks to its perfect mix of food, location, and hospitality. If you’re looking for a place that offers great food, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere, look no further than Boathouse Cantina.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Fireplace ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great wine list ✓ Serves local specialty ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Late-night food ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Historic ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowedPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 3175 reviews
Great views of the river, staff was super welcoming and happy. We had Izzy as our server, she was awesome. We started with the Brussel Sprouts, SUPER delicious!! We also ordered the El Pastor Tacos and the Shrimp Tacos, both so tasty! El Pastor was spicy, but so yummy. Got a kick out of the menu, fun read on drink names. Many great options. Thank you Salida for another great visit, awesome foods and drinks.
We arrived in Salida one beautiful evening without any reservations and quickly found the town buzzing with energy — a live band was playing in the park, people were out enjoying the weather, and the whole place had such a fun, small-town vibe. The Boathouse seemed to be the spot to eat, so we put our name on the list and waited about 45 minutes to an hour. Luckily, the wait was easy — we were entertained watching kayakers and people floating down the river right next to the restaurant. When we were finally seated, we got a fantastic table right by the water. Our server was attentive and friendly despite how busy it was. The drinks were great, and our meals were delicious — totally worth the wait! The weather couldn’t have been better, and the whole atmosphere made for a really memorable dinner. The only downside was that a few people down by the river were smoking, and the smoke drifted up toward the dining area. Not the restaurant’s fault since it’s public space, but it did take away from the experience a bit. It might be nice if there were a small sign kindly asking people not to smoke near diners. Overall, though, this is a cool spot with great food, a fun vibe, and unbeatable views of the river. Definitely recommend sitting outside if you can!
We took the suggestion of the hotel owner and gave the Boathouse a try. A great neighborhood bar and restaurant right on the river in Salida. Very friendly staff, reasonably priced and well prepared food, in a comfortable setting. Bar seats, pub height tables, and regular tables. Lots of TVs with several different sports playing. We had a shrimp bowl and a chipotle chicken bowl. Both very good, very fresh, and very large.
The food was great and so was the beer. I had the fish tacos and the cold IPA. The Cold IPA is really good (I had tried it previously in cans but always prefer draft). My son really liked his pretzel bites. I think they should have more options for gear, especially since they have cool artwork for their cans but none of it is on shirts.
Another fantastic suggestion by the Amigo Motor Motel recommendations page in each room. Not only did this spot have delicious eats, but we sat against the side where you can view the river which was just as much of a treat for us. Our server was awesome, recommended great food to try (nachos are awesome if you want to try guac, queso and salsa) and I also got the egg roll rancheros which were excellent. We asked him what the best things to do in the area are and he mentioned checking out Charlotte Hot Springs and Botanical Garden, which we did and what a treat it was! Unfortunately, we weren’t able to enjoy golden hour on the sand dunes due to the rainstorm but the pictures he shared were awesome. Great spot and cool gift shop attached, make sure you stop in there for goodies!
Great experience! The salmon salad is awesome with the gingery sesame and teriyaki. My husband had the burger and said it was good. Staff are friendly and helpful.