I wasn't expecting this place to be so good, especially since it was literally the closest bar to our Airbnb, but we were pleasantly surprised! My husband and I stopped in earlier in the day for a couple of beers while our toddler was napping, and we really enjoyed them, so we decided to come back for dinner. We got the bacon cheeseburger and fish and chips, and both were absolutely delicious. The fries were also a huge hit; our toddler was obsessed with them. We will definitely have to stop back in before we leave Salida! read more

Love the beer selection, love the menu, great wedge salad, loved sitting outside, great servers read more

Benson's Tavern & Beer Garden - Beef Stroganoff - New American Near Me - Salida, Colorado

Amazing burger & fries. So delicious. Great outdoor covered area for chill relaxing. Friendly staff and prompt service. Good value for the quality of the food! Highly recommended (we'd stop again if passing through Salida). Easy parking too! We parked down by the Riverside park in our 21 ft van. read more

Benson's Tavern & Beer Garden - New American Near Me - Salida, Colorado

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Spot is tops. We needed a late dinner and this place was suggested to us by a local. Very divey, big patio w a stage. Shame it wasn't being utilized on a Saturday night around spring break. Friendly and accommodating staff, strong drinks, great food, reasonable prices. read more

I would have to give it no stars. I am disabled and I have a border collie that is my service animal. I purposely left my service animal outside while I checked the menu to see if I wanted to eat there while I'm traveling in Colorado. I've been hiking the trails and lady and I needed a little rest so we went to what I heard was the cheapest best burger in town. I even wanted to get a beer to relax and charge my phone while I was there but I never made it to the table because the moment I went to take my backpack off a lady came up behind me and told me that she had a reel with the emphasis on real service animal and that if my dog wasn't a real service animal that I should go to the back porch which I wouldn't be opposed to if mine wasn't a service animal. I travel on commercial airlines and trains with her. I go everywhere with her. Well, I responded that she shouldn't assume that my dog wasn't a real service animal and that set her off. She told me that she was the bartender and that I could get the f out of the restaurant if I talked to her that way. And started screaming at me that I was out of control. So I left promptly. I have sent a letter of intent to the owner of the restaurant letting him know that I will be suing both him and her personally for the incident. It shouldn't be that hard to get a burger and a beer when you're disabled. They made me give it stars. read more

Most people we talked to say you have to stop at Benson's. So we did, great service, staff and food and beverage. We had the burgers and they did not disappoint. Met some other nice patrons and had some great conversation. We are so glad we listened to the locals and other visitors. This is not some fancy restaurant but a great nostalgia place with great food and beverages. read more

Benson's Tavern is Salida's dive bar. Like most dives, it's perfectly imperfect. Cheap drinks, rowdy crowd and crammed like sardines. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. After a fulfilling pizza dinner down the street and some shopping post Thanksgiving parade, I got permission from the old ball and chain to head to Benson's. It was mighty cold outside, but that glorious Rainier sign was luring us in. We snagged the final two stools at the bar and imbibed. Drinks are cheap and they taste appropriate for what you're paying. The wife stuck with her G&T and I went the whiskey soda route. Old Grand Dad. After a few rounds, the bill was still satisfyingly cheap. Service was where it lost a star for me. Bartenders were keeping busy, but not very friendly at all. I attempted to start one and could tell he had no interest in keeping one going. And the other bartender seemed to ignore our direction. She eventually took my order and then forgot to make my drink. Not the end of the world, but c'mon take my money! There were definitely some creatures of the night making their way in and out of the bar. I love people watching and there were no shortage of characters here. It was getting loud, people were slamming shots and cheers-ing to whatever floated their inebriated boat. Would come back, just keep your expectations at the right level. read more

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This place is so good. We weren't sure about getting food at a bar but wow. They make their own corned beef here for the Reuben which is one of the best we've tried. Their club sandwich was very tasty and stacked super high/very filling. Their hand cut fries are fresh, tasty, and salted well. Their gyro has homemade tzatziki sauce that is super tasty and the fillings fresh. Literally can't complain about anything here. The bartender/waitress we've had twice now is very friendly and attentive. Ambiance is chill with some rustic decor and tvs. read more

Good food and drinks - local watering hole, love it. Will come back! Great burger / fries - surprisingly good side salad.

Loved this place!! The band was Rodney Rice and they were so much fun!! The beer garden is very cool and the whole place has an inviting old schoo read more

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Awesome atmosphere and welcomed our service doggie with open arms Nice shaded back porch read more

Skiing on a super senior Monarch pass from SoFlo found this locals bar. Dan and Spencer helped make this experience my go to spot. Know for their burger ( 5star) the pork green chile stew is amazing. Unassuming this local spot should not be missed. read more

Cute little place to grab a beer or some grub. Sit outside or inside. I opted to belly up at the bar. The environment feels like a dive bar which is my favorite type of bar. Their beer and liquor selection is extremely limited. Several alcohols/beers I asked for weren't in the bar or they just ran out. Lots of local beers on tap. Service was friendly. Location is front and center. read more

Benson's Tavern & Beer Garden - the bar - New American Near Me - Salida, Colorado

I am surprised that they call themselves a beer garden because a beer garden they are not. Number one there was no garden, and number two they did not have a big selection of beer. Being in Colorado, a state known by beer connoisseurs around the world, I was disappointed that they did not offer local craft beers. They did have a couple of IPAs and sours. I went for the Guinness. Because of Covid, and the time of year, when I visited, the city of Salida rolled up the carpets around 9 pm. I do appreciate that Benson's stayed open because after hiking all day, my wife and I did want to stop by a place for a drink. If you are looking for a late night place where all the servers hang out once the bars close, this is your place. read more

Benson's Tavern & Beer Garden - Da Bar. - New American Near Me - Salida, Colorado

Little dive bar. Bartender was nice but the $14 fish and chips was chewy and burnt. Way not worth it read more

Benson's Tavern & Beer Garden - Overdone and chewy fish - New American Near Me - Salida, Colorado

A really nice and friendly local bar. A small but respectable selection of local beers. A super friendly staff an d quick service. The entire street has basically been shut down so a nice amount of outdoor seating. I really enjoy my experience. I saw a Wolski's sticker which made me extremely happy. Milwaukee! It's a small world or something. read more

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Bensons has become my local bar. Here's why: great food, great variety and awesome bar staff. The atmosphere inside of the bar is warm and cheery. It's rarely a dull night inside. There are several TVs to watch the game (the only bar in Salida that plays all of the avalanche games) and they usually bump some light tunes. There are several tables and three big booths in three of the corners. The exterior patio is large and there is a stage for live music and performances. There is also a trailer outside that serves as a bar in the summer time. The food here is definitely above average; especially for bar food. The chicken wings are great. Their daily specials are pretty creative and keep things interesting. Their green chili is absolutely fantastic. Here's a pro tip, order a chicken quesadilla to go along with it and dip it in! Great crowd. Wonderful regulars. Awesome bar staff. read more

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The Philly is out of this world. I also got pork green chili n. Had to pinch myself to see if I was still in CO - it was chunky and flavorful and the pork green chili I'm use to before coming to CO where it's runny like soup. Not bensons! I dunked by Philly bread in it and ate it up! Absolutely outstanding and the bartender was super duper nice! read more

After a big day of hiking, we arrived late into Salida, and were looking for a place that was open. Benson's fit the bill. Just FYI, this is the place where the locals hang out which makes it super fun, and a nice way to meet people. They do serve food, so if you are hungry, stop by. read more

Benson's Tavern & Beer Garden - New American Near Me - Salida, Colorado

Great customer service here, but more than that FUN FUN FUN. Visiting Salida, CO for one week the locals are fantastic. This tavern and bar is centrally located and the food is delicious too. Super find. read more

Amazing staff and great food! Chill divey vibe. If I could give more than 5 stars I would give it 6!

Coors on tap. That's why we went. Decent. Could have been/should have been colder. 'Nuff said.

This place has been around for a while. It has solid bar food, with perhaps the best fish and chips in town. If you want a drink a d some food, but don't want to deal with the throng of gapers, visit here! read more

This dirty dive bar is not a family friendly place. Do not take your kids here. Our table and seats were sticky and smelled like a old dish towel. All the silverware and cups had smudges and spots on them and you can tell they do a half-ass job cleaning. We walked in on a whim after driving for 5hours and everything else around for food was closed. We were all desperate and hungry and regretted it. There were people at the bar yelling obscenities and had no self awareness of the others around them (including kids). The food is greasy and guaranteed not the best you can get in the area. We sat after our meal for about 30min and got ignored and had to ask for our check. The people are rough, the whole experience was rough. We will never come here again when we pass though. read more

Food was a creative splash of deliciousness. The service was good however we ran out of water and needed a couple of things but were never checked on until the food came. The restaurant itself was clean and decorated in an eclectic but stylish way. Overall, we enjoyed our visit and will keep it on the list of places to return to. read more

Holy sheet these blue cheese fries!!! Oh my god one of the best things I've had in a long time. Both sweet potato and reg fries smothered in blue cheese. Genius. And the outdoor patio is so freaking cute. Clearly I recommend this place highly. read more

Benson's Tavern & Beer Garden - Blue cheese fries - New American Near Me - Salida, Colorado

Really fun dive bar good pub food, burger big enough to split. Fun atmosphere, friendly folk

Great local place with good food and beer. Had a gyro and it was great. Wife had a club sandwich. Very nice. Everyone says they have best fish and chips in town. Will try that next time. read more

Benson's Tavern & Beer Garden - The bar with locals. - New American Near Me - Salida, Colorado

Great live music and good bar food. Nice selection of taps. I like this place a lot. Sit outside if you can.

Yesss cheap drinks and good crowds! We stayed here for a while on a Saturday night. I bought two shots and two drinks for like $20 which feels like a steal compared to Denver ha ha... we sat outside and loved life. My friend fell off her stool and made a CALAMITY of noise yet somehow no one noticed and I have not stopped laughing since!!!! Thank you Benson for this memory I will cherish for the rest of my life read more

Such friendly staff , good beers and food! You have to try this place. We always go here first when visiting Salida!!!

Great food, friendly staff! We sat outside on the deck/patio. Only complaint was not enough menus available! Water available at your leisure and the beers on tap we got were local! read more

I was excited to give a local establishment some business. Unfortunately, they double charged my Visa for the bill. Ok, mistakes happen, but when I called the card company and contested the charge, Benson's sends their " justification" it references that the charges are corrrect, charged 1 minute apart for $106.41 each time, THEN says the cardholder had been there before , with "proof"of a bogus charge from 1970. I was 11 years old then. Bottom line: it was fixed , Benson's was unable to steal the money, but they are unethical in their business practices. BE VERY CAREFUL USING A CREDIT CARD HERE ! There are many more ethical establishments located within feet of them on either side. good luck. read more

After reading the good reviews I was excited to try this place out. However, I was disappointed in my experience. Our food took an hour and a half to come out. Every thirty minutes or so we were told that they were training a new cook. Other tables got their orders taken before us when we were there first. Once our order finally came out my tacos had a toothpick buried in the meat. The rest of the food was fine and our waiter was nice. Waiting so long for simple food spoiled our night. read more

The atmosphere, the people the DRINKS. They make a mean margarita and Bloody Mary! Came here on a Saturday afternoon and they weren't too busy. Dani is amazing and makes you feel like you're right at home! read more

Friendly and cool vibe in Benson's. Full bar, good menu, and really cool people. The burger looks terrific foodies! I've only ordered a Bloody Mary. Yum! The beer on tap is ALLL Colorado and the selection is quite good! Funky, quaint and groovy place to hang out. read more

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Good cold draft beer. Pork Sammy... Nice outdoor seating area. If you are in Salida, give them a try. Good job! read more

Benson's Tavern & Beer Garden - Pulled pork Sammy.. - New American Near Me - Salida, Colorado

Benson's is a great bar with decent food. Staff and patrons are a good group. Felt at home right away.

The best part of this beer garden is the staff! The fish and chips were awesome! They are open as late as anyone else in town.

Great service, good food, generous drinks plus lovely beer garden/eating area: make this your stop!