Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Riverside Dining Destination in Salida, CO
Since 2007, we have been proud to serve the Salida community with a commitment to sustainable practices and exceptional dining experiences. Our philosophy centers on using locally sourced, organic ingredients and eco-friendly materials while supporting environmental conservation and local charities. Every dish is crafted with hormone-free meats, organic produce, and seafood from certified sustainable fisheries. Our dedication to quality extends to our partnerships with organizations like Salida Mountain Trails and Central Colorado Conservancy. With over 30 years of experience in Salida, owners Ray and Penny Kitson lead a passionate team that values community, sustainability, and culinary excellence.We continuously innovate to reduce our environmental footprint while delivering flavorful Baja Mexican and American cuisine. Our riverside location offers a unique dining atmosphere where guests can enjoy fresh, house-made meals paired with local craft beers. From our scratch-made recipes to our zero-waste initiatives, we strive to create a dining experience that nourishes both people and the planet. Our team takes pride in maintaining high standards of service and hospitality, ensuring every visit reflects our deep connection to Salida's natural beauty and vibrant culture.
Services
Riverside Dining
Catering Services
Eco-Friendly Catering
Local Beer Selection
Event Venues
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We use 98% scratch-made recipes with sustainable ingredients
- Our menu features hormone-free Colorado meats and organic produce
- We maintain 100% post-consumer recyclable packaging
- Our owners have 30+ years of local business experience
- We partner with regional conservation organizations
Associations and certifications
- Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch
What people say
Best food in Salida
Friendly staff
Amazing river views
Sustainable practices
Great beer selection
Services
Riverside Dining
Enjoy seasonal outdoor dining on our riverfront deck overlooking the Arkansas River. Open daily from 11am with extended evening hours Friday-Saturday. The space accommodates up to 40 guests with climate-controlled seating options.
Catering Services
Our catering team delivers fiesta-style Mexican cuisine to your events. Available September 15th through May 15th, we provide full-service catering with customizable menus and venue options for groups up to 65 guests.
Eco-Friendly Catering
We offer environmentally conscious catering using 100% recyclable materials and sustainable ingredients. Our menus feature hormone-free meats, organic produce, and MSC-certified seafood with zero single-use plastics.
Local Beer Selection
Discover 23+ local draft beers including Salida Brewing Company's selections. We offer six-packs to-go and specialty cocktails featuring regional brews in our riverside bar area with river views.
Event Venues
Host events at our two venues: Pizza Rio Rooftop Patio (66 capacity) and Boathouse Cantina River Patio (65 capacity). Both spaces feature climate control systems and are available seasonally with flexible pricing options.
People
Ray Kitson
Co-Owner
With over 30 years in Salida, Ray Kitson co-owns Boathouse Cantina with Penny Kitson. Their combined business experience spans multiple ventures, with Boathouse Cantina representing their most cherished achievement since 2007.
Penny Kitson
Co-Owner
Penny Kitson co-founded Boathouse Cantina with Ray Kitson in 2007. As lifelong Salida residents, they've built a restaurant that reflects their commitment to community values, sustainable practices, and exceptional dining experiences.
Questions
What type of cuisine does Boathouse Cantina serve?
We specialize in Baja Mexican and American cuisine with scratch-made dishes featuring hormone-free meats, organic produce, and sustainable seafood.
Do you offer catering services?
Yes, our catering services are available September 15th through May 15th for events up to 65 guests with customizable menus and venue options.
What are your operating hours?
We're open daily from 11am-8pm Sunday-Thursday and 11am-9pm Friday-Saturday with seasonal outdoor dining availability.
Are your practices environmentally friendly?
Yes, we use 100% post-consumer recyclable materials, source sustainable ingredients, and maintain zero single-use plastics in our operations.
Can I book private events?
We offer two seasonal venues: Pizza Rio Rooftop Patio and Boathouse Cantina River Patio, both available September 15th through May 15th for private gatherings.
Do you serve local beers?
We feature 23+ local draft beers including Salida Brewing Company's selections with six-packs available for purchase.