The Fritz
113 East Sackett St., Salida, CO
(719)539-0364
By Ann Marie Swan
The Fritz opened in a space that’s seen a number of eateries come and go. Yet, the Fritz, a hot spot for locals and visitors alike, seems to have broken the curse of restaurants past with real success. Most of the time, the restaurant is busy enough.
The street-side wall of glass invites sunlight into this handsome, historic space with a wood floor, gold and espresso-colored tin ceiling and exposed brick wall holding up local art. Patrons in the back of the restaurant can see through to Riverside Park’s treetops. Comfy, lounge patio furniture and tables fill the spacious outdoor area, a welcoming spot to sip cool drinks and watch the comings and goings at the park.
The Fritz has satisfying selections of beers and wines, but my preferred drink is the Ginger Chili-Infused Mint Julep. Apparently, the bourbon in this drink is infused in-house. Same for the Ginger Lemon Infused Moscow Mule, another good choice. On a recent late afternoon, I sipped my Ginger Chili Infused Mint Julep as the rain tapped above on the patio awning, and all was right in my world.
Most of the Fritz’s food is very good with sandwiches and salads for lunch, and big and small plates for dinner.
I like the variety of small plates. The Beet, Pear and Gorgonzola Salad is my first choice, with aioli and proprietary ingredients uniting the flavors. The Coconut Green Curry Shrimp is mild with a contrasting, lingering charge. The Steak with Horseradish, Dijon Cream has a sauce that’s just right – tangy and smooth. This small plate resembles the big daddy, big plate Steak Fritz, a well-received dish.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Gorgonzola and Walnut is fun to order when hosting out-of-town guests just to hear them ask, “What?”
The small plate special on our night at the restaurant was Asparagus, Hollandaise and Prosciutto. The prosciutto provided enough salt so additional salt on the asparagus wasn’t necessary. I did, however, order another Ginger Chili Infused Mint Julep to quench my thirst.
The Mac and Cheese, Bacon, Parm, Provolone small plate is a popular choice, I’m told. But in my unofficial, unscientific taste-testing with kids, it was too cheesy, too gooey and too creamy. Yes, even kids have a cheese, goo, cream limit.
White Truffle Oil Fries, Truffle Aioli Dip is a worthwhile choice, and the Braised Pork, Carmelized Onions, Thyme Aioli, Grilled Bread is divine.
Slices of Granny Smith apples and herb aioli counterbalance the Chicken and Brie Sandwich.
Lastly, the Burger of the Day is excellent, even for a recovering vegetarian. When I occasionally crave meat, I head to the Fritz. And, just a warning, don’t get between me and that burger. The warm bun is a nice, comforting touch.
Service at the Fritz ranges from very attentive to not so much. A bartender asked my dinner companion if he’d like another drink but did not look in my direction. If he had done so, he would have noticed that I had finished my mint julep, thoroughly enjoyed it and may have ordered another. I was, after all, walking home that night. I wondered whether I was invisible.
If you’re a Salida local, you’re sure to know someone at the Fritz. If you’re not, it’s fairly easy to meet one.
I had lunch at The Fritz yesterday and it was wonderful. I had an amazing sandwich, it was chicken, brie, apple slices, aioli and greens. I loved it. The waitress was excellent too.