Agree with all the other positive reviews of this place! Such a wonderful find. Right outside of Salida, totally unassuming roadside joint. But run by a Thai family and all the food is totally authentic and delicious. And great that they have an "American" menu for kids or anyone in your group who does not like Thai food. Makes it very family friendly. They also have a little section selling Thai clothing and groceries. read more

This is our go-to for Thai food. The Spring Rolls are great and everything we have ordered off the menu is fresh and great tasting. You cannot go wrong with the Thai Mini! read more

Tiny little place on the side of the road in Nowhere, Colorado. We'd been in town for 4 days making some turns up at Monarch and were ready for something good asian cuisine and not deep fried meal. The lady and gentlemen that greated us when we arrived were very kind and polite. Service was fast and food served within 10 minutes of ordering. No its not fancy nor romantic, but if we lived close by we'd be regulars. read more

Thai Mini Cafe - Tofu Pad Tai. Another nice find deep in the heart of tje rockies. - Thai Near Me - Poncha Springs, Colorado

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Food delicious, fast service and very friendly staff. We stopped here on our road trip and would definitely recommend this place

Have been coming here since I was a teen and it's such a great spot. Wonderful hospitality- a true slice of Thailand in Chaffee County. read more

Thai Mini Cafe - Menu - Thai Near Me - Poncha Springs, Colorado

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Great flavor at an unexpected spot. It's very unassuming, just off the freeway. The lady at the counter was really nice. Food was served quickly and flavor was on point. On the smaller side portion wise though. read more

Thai Mini Cafe - Stir fry veggies with pork - Thai Near Me - Poncha Springs, Colorado

The worst Thai food experience ever. Pad see ew was sour and extremely sweet. Pad see ew is supposed to have a little brown color but there was not even a hint of soy sauce in their version (not even look like the one posted here in Yelp). We thought fired rice would be a safe choice, even Panda Express's fired rice is eatable. However, their fried rice was super sweet. It tasted like they accidentally drop a sugar can into the rice. The owner told us Thai food is supposed to be like that. We've been to many Thai food places and my husband went to Thailand a couple times. We never had any Thai food like these. Even the rice was not Thai rice. If you like Asian food and have a baseline requirement for Asian food, DO NOT GO THERE. We left the food almost untouched, felt sorry for wasting the ingredients . read more

Have eaten here twice, second time ducked in the restroom on the way out. Had a changing station that was COVERED in mouse droppings. Was totally freaked out and will not be back. read more

It's alright. I do appreciate having Thai food available in an unexpected location. I had green curry. The sauce was nice with a little kick, but the veggies were of the previously frozen from a bag variety. I think the zucchini might have been fresh, but the veggies were over cooked and it was hard to tell. My husband's Pad Thai was pretty good. My daughter got a standard Sysco cheeseburger and fries. My son Pretty lackluster overall, but can hit the spot if you are in need serious of some Thai flavors. read more

In town visiting, wanted Thia for dinner found this place. Were little taken back by the curb appeal, but the food was so good. Very authentic Thia. read more

Wow, wow, wow!!!! If you like Thai food you will LOVE this place! They were able to accommodate our 12 person party on a Saturday night. The food was out of this world, every single one of us loved the dish they ordered. We had a few vegans in or group and they were happy to adjust the dishes on their menu to make them vegan friendly. We ordered everting from the spring rolls to pad Thai and chicken curry. Everything was made fresh right after we ordered it - no reheating here! read more

Red curry is my favorite dish here. My preference is to order it with pumpkin and chicken. It also had shredded bamboo shoots, straw mushroom, and sliced carrots. Watch out... it is spicy! I always forget to order it not so. I'm hoping my Yelp post will help me remember to next time. Few comments based on other reviews I've read... - Agreed.... atmosphere is not that great (used to be a gas station) but I did notice a few minor changes recently that helped. - Seems like they serve 2 types of spring rolls now. One of them is cooked and comes with a side of rice.... a warm dish. They also appear to have the cold version. You know, the one with rice paper, cold noodles, carrots, dipping sauce. Make sure you know what you want and order accordingly. read more

This place is the BESSSST! Owned by a couple of super sweet ladies, who make some bomb diggity Thai food... yes, it's good enough that I used the words "bomb diggity" without overwhelming self-judgement. It's a simple cafe, adorned with a little souvenir area in the back, and pictures of Thailand on the walls. Bathrooms are clean and even have a changing table. The live plants and free smells are cherries on the cake. Now, on to the food... you can order off the American menu, and it will be fine (the burger is good... basically sloppy joe style, and the fries were really fresh). But, you're truly missing out if you don't order the Thai food. Their spring rolls are refreshingly savory with a great zest, they are served warm with a delicious peanut sauce that is lighter in texture than elsewhere, but definitely not in flavor. You get 4 spring rolls for $10, which is a good value for the size of the rolls. The Pad Thai is also great-- and I loved the extra seasoning they brought me to make it spicier. We also had some of their more authentic fare (we ordered what we saw them eating)-- chu chee. This is not on their menu, but it's basically fish in a red curry sauce. OMG it was amazing. Literally the best Thai dish I have ever had. It was spicy though, and since it's not listed on the menu, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it unless you are an adventurous eater (I'm also not sure about availability, since it's not on the menu). This spot has not become our staple rest/food stop whenever we pass through Poncha Springs. It's also symbolically a great representation of why America is so rad-- middle of nowhere, literally like 2 restaurants in town, and probably very few people of diverse ethnic heritage, and yet you can feast on amazing Thai cuisine? Food truly does bring us together. read more

Stopped by randomly after seeing their huge sign out front. Somewhat limited menu with about 10 offerings. A few people coming in for takeout and another couple eating but relatively quiet. Ordered pad Thai and a spring roll both were VERY good. In Colorado I never find good Thai food - boy is this a gem. Only reason not 5 stars - inside is clean but looks like a cafeteria, needs a more cozy feel. read more

Thai Mini Cafe - Pad Thai - Thai Near Me - Poncha Springs, Colorado

Unassuming and delicious. I can't believe I got such great Thai food kind of out in the middle of nowhere. The menus a little limited but what they have is delicious. Highly recommend. read more

From the outside and location you would never expect this authentic Thai gem in the middle of rural Colorado. It's delicious, fast, friendly, inexpensive and a do not miss. We ordered Pad Kee Mow (Drunken Noodles) and a Thai iced tea. Split both and are leaving within 20 minutes with happy and full bellies! Definitely worth a stop if traveling this way. read more

Thai Mini Cafe - Where 285 and 50 meet in Poncha Springs - Thai Near Me - Poncha Springs, Colorado

Hole-in-the-wall Thai place located in the middle of nowhere! I would have known that this place existed if my friend hadn't tried it out on her last trip going through Salida. I was honestly pretty skeptical when I walked in, but the friendly service changed my mindset. The people here are very nice and greet you with smiles - unusual for a lot of the places located in these remote small towns. I ordered the pad thai. When it came out, it was completely not what I expected, your typical orange-colored noodles. It was very home-styled with a light brown sauce and to be frank, unappealing, look to it. But it tastes much better than it looks. Compared to all the Thai places I've dined at before, this place doesn't compare. But it is probably the best Thai food you're going to get if you live in this area or is passing through. My only complaint - they need to wash their wash clothes more often. It had a foul wet-towel smell after they'd wiped down a table for us. read more

Delicious fresh Thai food. Have driven by this place for years and never stopped in until today. My husband had the red curry which had pumpkin in it, he was delighted! The Thai tea is not too sweet and my Tom Ka Gai soup was absolutely delicious with tofu and tasty spices but not too hot. Perfect! read more

Thai Mini Cafe - Lots of delicious vegetarian and vegan options here. I had the Tom Kai Gai w Tofu. Yummy! - Thai Near Me - Poncha Springs, Colorado

You would never think that this road side hole-in-the-wall would have anything but dry turkey sandwiches and greasy fries. How wrong you would be! Having had great Thai food in Philadelphia, I am not naive to what Thai food should taste like. I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that this was the best Tom Yum I have ever had. The rest looked pretty good, too. It was Thai home style cooking, with the kind of attention to dishes that can only be provided by small family run restaurants or extremely well run and expensive operations. This one was not diner-cheap, but it was inexpensive. Part of the reason for it's low cost was the fact that the decor had nothing to offer. It's dominant decorative motif was formica and the plates were mostly disposable. I suspect there is a fair bit of takeout that happens here. There was little traffic at noon, though we were in the off season. If you happen to find yourself in this empty corner of the world and have a hankering for a taste of big city culinary refinement, this is your go-to restaurant. Close your eyes and imagine plush red carpets, fine china, and statues of elephants and Buddha's on the wall and that last star will slide into place before you know it. read more

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Unfortunately the food here was below average. The three stars are because it actually is run by a Thai woman, she was sweet, and I wouldn't want to ruin her business. But all of our food was bland and came in small portions, and was barely warm. It was also very pricey for the amount of food we received. Our teen boys were snacking again by the time we got back to our lodge. I realize there probably aren't a lot of ethnic food options in this area, but the food was way below par for any Thai food we've ever had. I had the Pad See Ew which usually has a smoky, dark oyster sauce and Asian greens. This one had some kind of thin, light vinegar sauce with broccoli and carrots. The Red Curry was marginal, as was the Pad Thai. I also had the Green Tea Ice cream because I'm a sucker for that. But it was icy and flavorless. Unfortunately, we won't return. read more

You wouldn't expect to have a fantastic, authentic Thai dish on the corner of hwy 50 & 285 but that's what you'll get if you stop at the Thai Mini Cafe. I love Thai food and I boringly pick Pad Thai as my meal at any Thai restaurant I eat at for the first time. I have to say this is probably the best Pad Thai I've ever had. So good I ate all that was on my plate and nearly licked the plate to boot (not so ladylike). There is also standard American fare, my husband had a burger and deemed it good. The place itself is very modest as is the owner, who made the experience all the more wonderful. She'll take your order, cook it up & deliver it to your table with a smile. It's like having the best kind of mom taking care of you, not in your grill but making sure you're well taken care of. read more

Thai Mini Cafe - Thai Near Me - Poncha Springs, Colorado

Food was mediocre. Place smelled like cleaning supplies. But the ice cream was horrible. It was gritty and freezer burned. Just keep driving and eat in Salida or Buena Vista. read more

Super grateful to have an authentic Thai restaurant in the Ark Valley! Dine in or call for pickup. Lots of delicious dishes and vegetarian options too. My favorites are the Tom Kha soup, spicy pad Thai, and Pad Kee Mow (drunken noodles) read more

I've eaten here 3 times now I think. I don't do reviews much but wanted to give this place a shout out as I think Salida/Poncha is very lucky to have a good Thai place based on the small size of the town. I always worry that restaurants I like may go out of business--especially now in the era of covid 19. This place is run by a Thai lady and a man who seems like he may be a family member. The food comes out pretty quick and hot and tastes great with all the typical Thai flavors. The veggies in the green curry are cut nicely and cooked right to be tender but still firm. I like the spice level but maybe you could ask to make it less spicy if that's what you want. The place looks kind of run down, but to me that gives it real mom and pop charm. It's spacious and light and clean but simple and down to earth in a prideful Thai way. It's a little pricier than what I'm used to in Houston, but I think that's par for the course in a small mountain town. It was getting close to 20 bucks for green curry with chicken and a soda after tax and tip--but the quality is definitely worth it if your craving well done Thai food in a generous portion size. read more

Thai Mini Cafe - Green curry with chicken - Thai Near Me - Poncha Springs, Colorado

As an avid snowboarder at Monarch, I've must have passed this place dozens of times, never stopping in, and always making some comment about how-next time, we'd stop in. I love Thai food, don't get me wrong, it's just seeing a Thai restaurant in the middle of small town Colorado is a bit out of place. This weekend though, we decided to forgo Amica's or The Fritz in order to actually experience this place, partly on the chance that it might be the best thai food ever, and mainly because after 4 years, it was about time... On the positives, the service was amazing, nice, and attentive, and you get free hot tea when you walk in, which after a day in the snow is quite welcomed. However, the thai food was as predicted of a small mountain town, average. I had two other people with me, and nothing jumped out at us as amazing. As much as I would love to say this was the best Thai food I have ever eaten and that you should fly out from wherever you are, in order to experience it, I can't. I can say that it is the best Thai food in town though, and that you will be treated as a guest as soon as you enter read more

Thai Mini Cafe - Thai Near Me - Poncha Springs, Colorado

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Looks modest from the road, super cute inside (I posted a Yelp pic). Lots of menu choices- healthy Asian, regular American food, deserts with ice cream... All of it homemade. An absolute find! Great service, food, and value. Highly recommended. Will be back on our next Salida/ Wolf Creek venture. read more

Thai Mini Cafe - Bamboo wrap :) - Thai Near Me - Poncha Springs, Colorado

This place is definitely NOT authentic! We ordered spring rolls and it came out super Hot. Spring rolls are supposed to be served cold and made with fresh herbs. It looks like they pre-rolled the spring rolls and then warm them up before serving it! We also ordered pad Thai and it tasted horrible! The noodles were over cooked along with all the other ingredients in it! It had a mushy and unpleasant texture. I will never eat here again! read more

Authentic and delicious! Try everything on the menu, the unique flavors will excite and entertain. Meal portions are large, reckoned dinner or leftovers! read more

Kind of an eye sore from the highway but the food is amazing! Authentic Thai food. The service is great. We loved all of our dishes! They even offer "American" food for the wussy's we cant expand their food palette. You should definitely stop if passing by. I wish we lived closer. Can use a little bit of clean up/remodel but oh well. read more

Hometown feel. Good food. Exceptional service, so much so that the lady asked if I wanted some more when my plate was about finished. She said there was a little more left in the pot. I doubt this is too customary, as I did order a special dish not listed on the menu. Curry was a good choice. read more

Thai Mini Cafe - Panang curry, brown rice - Thai Near Me - Poncha Springs, Colorado

When I arrived there were 3 other people here finishing their meal. I placed my order and about 10 minutes later a group of 8 arrived, followed by a group of 4 then another two groups of 2. I understand a small business becoming overwhelmed and remained patient. 20 minutes after I arrived, after watching the larger groups get their food, I asked if my order was almost ready. I couldn't understand the exchange between the staff members, but I understood the gist: my order was never made. I don't understand how, if I was the only one person here not finishing a meal they could lose my order? Side note for germaphobes: while I was waiting at the counter to check on my order I witnessed the cashier reposition rice on a plate with her bare hand right after handling money. I had the pad thai. The food was good, but portion size and lack of sides available (you can only purchase springrolls, etc in family size orders) does not make it worth over $13. read more

Hidden Thai gem in the mountains of Colorado! Don't let the exterior fool you (though it seems the best Thai places are in less fancy buildings). This spot has delicious authentic Thai and friendly service. The best Tom Yum soup I've ever had, got it with shrimp for my meal and I didn't leave one sip. Flavorful fresh and not to be missed. read more

Thai Mini Cafe - Thai Near Me - Poncha Springs, Colorado

This is an unusual location for a great Thai place. Spouse and I stopped here for lunch. Outside the place has a worn look and needs some minor repairs. Inside it is the same. There was some standing water on the floor near the soda machine on your way to the restroom. The place was mostly very clean. Just a few spots that needed cleaning typical of an after lunch rush. Wait staff seemed to be the owner and they wore masks and gloves. Ordered the steamed veggie roll appetizer which didn't come out until well after my main entree. My main entree was steamed veggies and white rice. They were very good with a good variety and cooked to just being barely steamed. A very little bit of white rice was served with the veggies and I wanted to ask for more but just as I was getting out of rice, the appetizer arrived which had steamed rice with it and that worked out really well. Spouse ordered the Shrimp Pad Thai and it was served hot. Shrimp was good consistency and flavor. Noodles were tender and veggies were fresh and steamed but still firm. A good dining experience. Prices were quite high compared to our home town. We kept in mind this was middle of nowhere. Two entrees and an appetizer set us back $54 dollars (ice water only to drink and a tip). This is a "maybe" on returning to this restaurant. The food was good - prices were high. They do offer outdoor seating. read more

Loved this place! My husband and I are on a road trip and because we're vegan, we usually get stuck eating sandwiches or something boring, but we randomly stopped at this place and we're so glad we did! I got pad Thai with tofu, he got the green curry with tofu and we got 2 egg rolls and it was all amazing!! Definitely try if you're passing through. read more

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We're driving in from Texas and have had a lot of "hole in the wall" thai restaurants, we were very amazed on how fast and amazing the food was here. A sweet old little man served my family of four. The serving sizes are HUGE! I'd recommend this place and will be back! read more

Were greeted with warm tea as we sat down. Service absolutely exceptional and the egg rolls and tom yum soup are incredible. Take a chance on this lil spot, you won't regret it! read more

I'm so confused why this place has good reviews. The food was very mediocre at best and way over priced. I've had plenty of good Thai food in various cities and this certainly wasn't it. Also, while the staff may have been "wearing" their masks they didn't actually have them covering their nose or mouth (which entirely defeats the purpose). Thai iced tea was fine (although I'm pretty sure they all come as a pre-made mix so I'm not sure that's worth commenting on). Overall, such a disappointment. I ended up barely eating my food and going somewhere else for a better dinner. read more

Not worth it. Get to Buena Vista or Salida for better dining options. Service was fast. That's the best I can say. read more

Thai Mini Cafe - $12 for "spring rolls" that were cooked and slathered in a sauce mostly filled with rice noodles. It was a disappointment to say the least. - Thai Near Me - Poncha Springs, Colorado

Firstly, the owners were very nice. Secondly, the food; husband got the special of the day which was orange chicken . The chicken was so over fried, it was hard pellets. Totally inedible. I had the green curry chicken was was ok. Not blow your mind but ok. Heat level was spot on but for some folks, it may be too hot. Also tried the wontons which were also over fried and hard as rocks. Prices were high in my opinion for the portion sizes - $48 and we threw away the orange chicken and 4 wontons. We won't be back next time we come to Salida. Seems like other folks have had a better experience than we did. read more

Go here. Authentic, delicious, tasted fresh, great portion. Suuuper kind and hospitable staff. Stopped by on our way west (#SchmidtTAT) great little find on our trip. Wish it was closer to where I live! read more