High Side Bar & Grill

Incredible vibe, numerous fantastic choices for vegetarians, and outstanding service. A live band was preparing for Saturday night entertainment just as I was leaving. The food was delightful and truly satisfying. We ordered wings and a hummus platter, both were delicious! Our server was very accommodating since there were no available spots in the nearby river walk area. We greatly appreciated their kindness.

OK. A pleasant day trip to Salida Sunday 12/28. Salida, the gathering place of the cool set, adventure seekers, fine cuisine and the inappropriately named High Side. First impression. Nice facility with a good, laid back and relaxed vibe. We arrived with a 3 lb service canine and checked on arrival with someone who may have been tending bar, being older than others I took a chance she might have some position in the business. When I got closer to the bar it occurred to me owners/managers/team leads wouldn't be dressed as casually as that...so I'd jumped to a conclusion...I suppose. Anyway she eyed me suspiciously, actually doubtfully and looking over my shoulder toward the entrance trying to work out just what kind of wool was going to be pulled over her eyes. The little creature wasn't wearing his colorful vest but was wearing his ama badge, still I got the doubting side-eye. Enough on that dear reader...you get the picture. The High Side was chosen over its competitors by glancing over the menu and looking at pictures on Yelp. A limited menu to be sure but adequate for a light Sunday Lunch. My companion ordered the fried chicken sandwich and I the basic smash burger. Absolutely everything additional incurs up charges..we limited ourselves to an order each of French Fries. Our waitress was young, pleasant and attentive. The food arrived in good time. The plates didn't look much like the pictures...and honestly it was downhill from there. The Fried Chicken fetched from the freezer and left for an extended stay in the deep fryer was actually inedible. Fried to a crisp and resistant to all but savage gnawing. One bite was one too many and the plate was returned to the server. Appetite now lost that was the end of that dining experience. Manager appear, regret expressed, anything? Sadly no. The burger was overcooked and dry...but edible and being famished it was eaten. As a matter of opinion at the price point of the burger having shredded lettuce was a surprise. OK the pictures of nicely fresh prepared French Fries on Yelp didn't prepare us for frozen fries. Our server absolutely did the best she could. At the very least owners/management are taking the easy, least challenging path in preparing food. At worst the low bar they set for themselves is laziness and a lack of actually caring. The hard surfaces in the dining area lets voices carry easily. The bar maid, the older one with the pentecostal/old maid bun was overheard making remarks about customers that didn't put her in the best light. Not good...Are we returning? Not on your life. Should you patronize the High Side? Only if you are willing to settle for less than you deserve.

Definitely another nice place located along side the Arkansas River. Get to see rafters and kayakers doing their thing.Along with atmosphere the service, staff, beverages and food is very good!Great patio area! Great stop!

We own a salsa business, Lynda Sue's Kitchen, and deliver to LaGree's in Poncha Springs and Four Seasons RV Park in Salida. High Side is our go to place when we come to Salida and never disappointed. The food comes out hot and fresh. The staff is friendly and will take great care of you. Thanks to Scottie, Kit, Keatis and Jaden.

Horrible customer service. Bartender was a new level of rude. Husband ordered. I wanted the Mahi special advertised on outside AND inside boards. A few minutes after ordering, bartender deigned to tell us that they 86'd the 'special'. OK. Please cancel order and present Bill. Husband's food came out 30 seconds later. He wouldn't eat if I couldn't. Charged for his untouched meal. We are local. They will not address the issue directly. Pathetic.

We really enjoy taking day trip to the Salida area. On this trip looking for a different place to have lunch and stumbled upon High Side. At the very moment walking in the door was not great. I wish we would have turned around and walked out to find somewhere else! The bar tender is so freaking rude and disrespectful. After reading some of the reviews she is mentioned and how she is still there is beyond me. If she is allowed to talk about customers loud enough to be heard by them shows that what ever she does is ok by management. Our waitress was so nice and was great just wish I got her name to mention. Once placing our order for food it did not take long to come to the table (red flag). I ordered a chicken sandwich with side of fries and spouse ordered a burger with side order of fries. The first thing I noticed was the chicken was still a little cool, the chicken was extremely thin and both fries and chicken are frozen. Unfortunately I think McD chicken sandwich is better. Looking at pics others have posted did not look like what I received. The burger was not much better but was eaten. I finally got the waitress and asked to have the chicken and fries taken off my bill. She told me I have to check with manager. The manager is sitting at the bar and never asked what was wrong or even came by the table to asked what could she do to make it right! The waitress brings the menu to order something else but if the manager does not care if their customers are happy why would I want to spend any more money? I'm sure if the manager of this restaurant didn't care to talk to me directly at the time they will not care about this review. So for this I hope at least helps other yelpers make better decisions on where to eat in such a fantastic small city that Does have great places to eat. But differently not here!

We were waking around the river and asked a few locals for their recommendations and this was the first place that many mentioned. There is a ton of room great levels of seating. We went with the pork fried dumplings which were delicious and then we had the smash burger which my son claims was one of the best burgers he had had. We sat on the patio over looking the river. Great spot to just come hang and people watch with great food and service!

Stopped in for lunch and was able to get seated outside. There is a nice area outside for dining while you watch the river and the rafters float by. I ordered the chicken salad sandwich with a side salad. We also had the fried mushrooms and cheese wontons for appetizers. Everything was delicious and tasty. Try some of the specialty drinks too.

I'm sorry, I know a lot of people love this place, but I was not impressed at all. $32 after tip for a ginger beer and 12 wings. The wings barely had any meat on them, and barely had any sauce. Nearly flavorless, and I left still hungry. The live music was okay, but kind of boring. The service was fine, my server was friendly and did a good job. So good service, but my food left a lot to be desired. In conclusion, I do not recommend the chicken wings.

Loved this place. Sat out on the patio watching the kayaker's on the river. Our waitress Cassie was amazing. She recommended the Cobb salad with smoked turkey and it did not disappoint.