
Boathouse Cantina
Casual Mexican fare and margaritas in a scenic riverfront setting, perfect for enjoying the Arkansas River views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Boathouse Cantina

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Casual Mexican fare and margaritas in a scenic riverfront setting, perfect for enjoying the Arkansas River views.
Arrive Early for Riverside Tables
Secure prime riverside seating, especially on weekends, by arriving early due to high demand.
Try Unique Menu Items
Explore creative dishes like jalapeno poppers or smash burgers and pair them with recommended drinks.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican, American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Riverside Dining with Stunning Views
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Arkansas River from this casual, vibrant restaurant. Perfect for people-watching and soaking in the scenery.

Mouthwatering Mexican Fare & Cocktails
Savor delicious dishes like carnita tacos, Baja fish tacos, and green chili mussels, complemented by creative cocktails.

Craft Beer Selection
Delight in an excellent array of craft beers on tap, featuring local brown ales and other unique brews.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early for Riverside Tables
Secure prime riverside seating, especially on weekends, by arriving early due to high demand.
Try Unique Menu Items
Explore creative dishes like jalapeno poppers or smash burgers and pair them with recommended drinks.
Patio Time Limits
Be aware of potential time limits on patio tables with water views during busy weekends.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early for Riverside Tables
Secure prime riverside seating, especially on weekends, by arriving early due to high demand.
Try Unique Menu Items
Explore creative dishes like jalapeno poppers or smash burgers and pair them with recommended drinks.
Patio Time Limits
Be aware of potential time limits on patio tables with water views during busy weekends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Boathouse Cantina offers a fantastic riverside location and a lively atmosphere that many patrons adore. While the views and service often receive high praise, some diners have noted inconsistency in food quality, particularly with burgers and chicken dishes. The vibrant ambiance and riverfront seating make it a popular spot despite occasional culinary critiques.
"A great stop while wandering around Salida. We already ate at the Biker and Bakery, but the sun was hot and it was time for a bevvy. We were happily surprised to not wait for a table around noon on a Saturday. We sat on the patio, thankful to be in the shade and have views of the Arkansas river. Really good people watching with the sidewalk right outside and park next door. Our server was nice and service was quick. Saw lots of people ordering the tacos and they looked really good. I was happy to see Colorado Cider Co on the menu and ordered the Glider Cider. Ya girl was thirsty so I also got a Diet Coke and she was CRISP. I would definitely like to come back whenever we’re in Salida again and try out their food."
Hannah Sinclair
"Loved this restaurant! It offers a casual, welcoming vibe and the staff is super friendly! The bowls were so scrumptious and the service was so impeccable that I’m headed back here the next time I’m in Salida!! Be aware that some weekends they have a time limit on the patio tables with the water view but they told us 90 minutes which was very accommodating!"
Lori Dreiling
"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."
Preston Broadfoot
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure prime riverside tables. Summer months offer beautiful views with open windows.
Yes, they have a patio with excellent river views, though there might be time limits on tables during peak times.
Popular choices include Baja fish tacos, carnita tacos, green chili mussels, cheese curds, and The Cantina Club sandwich.
Yes, they welcome dogs, particularly on their outdoor seating areas.
Yes, they have a great selection of craft beers on tap, including local Colorado brews.
Reservations are generally not mentioned; it's recommended to arrive early, particularly for riverside seating.
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15 Best Restaurants in Salida, CO (Top Eats!)
Boathouse Cantina is an American restaurant that constantly improves its menus, activities, and policies to give customers excellent value for money spent and make them understand that their enjoyment and pleasure come first in this restaurant. The restaurant opened in 2007 to serve the people of Salida who want to enjoy locally made meals created using the best ingredients found in Salida city itself. Boathouse Cantina is one of the top restaurants in Salida, CO. It emphasizes using natural ingredients to make its meals.
Local Attractions – Cabins on the Ranch
There are many great food and drink options in Salida, but a few favorites include Moonlight Pizza and Brewpub for delicious pizza and a great family atmosphere, the Boathouse Cantina for casual riverside dining, and Currents Restaurant for great seafood options. Brown Dog Coffee Company is a great local option for a pick-me-up, while Here’s the Scoop is the perfect afternoon ice cream stop. For the craft beer enthusiast, Soulcraft Brewing is worth a visit.
Colorado Roadtrip: Where to Drink in Salida
Boathouse Cantina: With stunning views of all the action on the Arkansas River, the Boathouse Cantina has the feel of a Rhode Island marina café instead of a ski town grill. However, these great views make this place incredibly busy so get there early to get the riverside tables, especially on weekends. The bar serves up a variety of Colorado craft beers and house-made sangrias, perfect sips while watching the river flow.
Shortlist: Eight Restaurants In Salida That Locals Love!
We’re not surprised that Boathouse is one of the most popular restaurants in Salida. With exceptional food and an enviable location right on the riverbank, Boathouse keeps tourists and Salida residents coming back time and time again. Stepping inside, you’ll find a spacious dining area with various knick-knacks that adorn the walls – all of which just give off a warm, welcoming vibe.
Help Us Build Our New Trail, Chicken Dinner, This Saturday (Dec 10)!
The Boathouse Cantina and River’s Edge Bar & Restaurant have created a voluntary one-percent donation program (from all of their sales) to benefit Salida Mountain Trails’ trail construction efforts. This has allowed SMT to contract professional trail building services that would not otherwise be possible!. Show your thanks by stopping by the boathouse for a beer/bite after your ride!
Fun Salida Activities to Do With Your Dog
Boathouse Cantina, at 228 North F Street, is another wonderful dog-friendly option. Located riverfront, you’ll be able to watch rafters and kayakers as they make their way down the Arkansas. Their menu features an amazing assortment of tacos, salads, and burgers as well as local wines, beers, and specialty cocktails.
Salida Colorado with Kids
The Boathouse, a fun restaurant located right on the shore of the Arkansas river with a mix of American and Mexican fare. It was pretty good and the views couldn’t be beat!. We were able to request a riverside table and only had to wait a few extra minutes and I definitely think it’s worth the wait.
Best Dinner Restaurants in Salida
Boathouse is a Salida classic and rarely missed by frequent visitors to the area. It is epically located right on the Arkansas with tons of tables with excellent river views, year round. The menu is large and filled with comfort food and Mexican options so it appeals to even the pickiest of eaters.
Exploring Historic Salida CO
Boathouse Cantina: After reading about this popular restaurant, featuring Mexican cuisine, on the river in the Manhattan Hotel, I went for dinner on my first night in town. I had pork tacos and a great margarita on the outdoor patio in front. They also have a terrace overlooking the river.
Your Neighborhood Guide to Downtown Salida
There’s no better way to unwind than listening to a rippling river, margarita in hand. Situated on the Arkansas River, this family-owned establishment is a town staple, offering burgers, burritos, and tacos galore, all freshly made from sustainably sourced, organic ingredients.
Family Travel Guide to Salida
For lunch or dinner and a show, request a table on the patio at the Boathouse Cantina. Located on the Arkansas River within sight of the Salida Whitewater Park, diners can watch as water vessels of all shapes and sizes make their way over the rapids.
Best Places to Eat in Salida Colorado
For locations downtown and on the river, I highly recommend eating at the Boathouse . The Boathouse is located at the end of F street right on the River. You can sit along the window in view of the mountains and hear the River flowing by.
Salida, CO recommendations
Laid back atmosphere right on the river, can usually grab a patio seat right over the water if it's not too crowded. Food and beer is decent as well and it's fun to watch the kayakers run the river shoots right under the bridge.
Restaurants Archives
Enjoy our famous fish tacos, a 20-beer tap selection, the best margaritas in town and six flat-screen HDTVs!. Visit our website to view the full menu and current specials!
Our Guide to the Perfect Weekend Getaway in Buena Vista and Salida
Boathouse – Enjoy views of the rushing river and the passing kayaks and rafters while munching down on some American classics or Baja Mexican food!
What’s Happening for New Year’s Eve in Chaffee County? - by Taylor Sumners
In Salida, multiple music genres (R&B, Soul, Hip Hop and Rap) will perform at the Boathouse Cantina located at 228 N.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit