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. read more