Benson's Tavern & Beer Garden

This place was deeply therapeutic experience and saved my marriage. Picture of my friend included.

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.

Awesome atmosphere and welcomed our service doggie with open armsNice shaded back porch

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.