Located inside The Trailhead outdoor gear shop, this soup, salad, sandwich, and pasta counter is good for a healthy, quick bite on the road or before hitting Buena Vista’s water park. There’s local beer and wines as well as build-your-own natural froyo bowls for dessert.

This tiny beer bar in an 1880s jailhouse is a must-stop if visiting Buena Vista by night. A pair of beer industry veterans curate the tap list, and the space is full of lantern-lit nooks for long, pint-fueled conversations.

With its sprawling patio and communal tables, this bowl and burger joint offers a lively atmosphere for a group of friends or family. The menu is easy to navigate for dietary restrictions, and lawn games provide hours of distraction.

Though Deerhammer’s spirits can be found at many of the bars in this region, a trip to the distillery is worth it on B.V.’s Main Street. Drinkers can taste the award-winning single malt whiskey or Dutch style gin while grabbing a bite from the Buena Viking food truck.

At the brand new Wesley & Rose in the just-built Surf Hotel, drinkers can enjoy a pretty lobby bar and diners can order from the bistro menu. The French digs are matched by charcuterie, steak, and pasta plates.

A big beer selection, lively patio, and nightly fish specials make this spot sort of like Salida’s seafood shack — only less breezy beach town and more cozy mountain tavern.

This is the spot to start an evening in Salida with cheese, charcuterie, and wines by the glass. The sweet setting (see floral wallpaper, couches, acoustic sets) is a new addition to town by the owners of neighboring Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop.

Antipasta salads, white pizzas, and root beer floats are among the offerings at this easy diner with an outdoor patio. It’s right of F Street for optimal people watching.

New to Salida is this Telluride and Ridgway favorite with creative taco combinations like Korean short rib, chorizo and tots, and tempura scallop po’ boy. A dinner special comes with any two tacos, cheesy tots, and pork belly-braised beans.

Looking for the after party in Salida? It’s probably here, with live music performances and mixed drinks made with house spirits.

This newer downtown Salida store is a hand-picked gift shop with local artists, vintage records, and quality coffee drinks. The bright community table is a good place to sit and plan the day ahead.