Restaurant Reivew

Kip's Grill

121 Pagosa Street
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(970) 264-3663
Five Stars
Main Photo

After receiving recommendations from our hotel and several local residents, we decided to check out Kip's Grill, one of the most popular restaurants in Pagosa Springs. Despite the praise for Kip's, I was a bit disappointed in the service, food, and pricing. Although far from the worst option in town, it pales in comparison to most other Southwestern restaurants.

  • Kip's Grill Restaurant Preview
  • Kip's Grill Restaurant Preview
  • Kip's Grill Restaurant Preview
  • Kip's Grill Restaurant Preview

Food

Kip's Grill offers a small menu of Southwestern and American entrees and appetizers. There are a few gluten-free items, although not merely enough to give the gluten-free diner many choices. Vegan and vegetarian options are even more limited.

The menu is a bit strange with both traditional American options like burgers and fries and Mexican options like chips and guacamole and Baja style tacos. In my opinion, Kip's should just stick to one cuisine as restaurants that stick to one or the other tend to create more delicious and authentic dishes. On the other hand, anyone dining with a picky party should find plenty of options to suit everyone!

The chips, salsa, and guacamole was the best part of the meal. However, it was still overpriced for such a small serving. We ran out of chips before we were halfway done with the dips.

The nachos as an appetizer were horribly dry. Definitely stick with the chips, salsa, and guacamole which are cheaper and much tastier.

The Spicy Shrimp tacos, consisting of shrimp marinated in a spicy cayenne garlic sauce and topped with salsa fresca, cabbage, and lime, were decent. I would have preferred a side of rice and beans and perhaps a few more toppings on the tacos as they were a bit too bland. Any additions to the tacos were an extra $1. Like I stated above, just way overpriced.

Another customer next to us actually complained about his ribs, the special of the day. Not sure how this restaurant received so many positive reviews: I guess in a town with limited options, it is far from the worst.

Service

Service was very slow and our waitress had a surly attitude. She seemed inconvenienced by any questions we had over the menu and did not show a hint of friendliness, which is very unusual for a tourist town. I guess they feel no need to provide service due to the restaurant's popularity.

Atmosphere

Stepping into Kip's, we were surprised by the loud pub type atmosphere. The interior resembled a bar more than a restaurant, so I guess we should have known right then and there that the food wasn't going to be spectacular.

There were no seats available inside and the setting was very loud - one of the busiest restaurants I've ever seen. We chose to sit outside and enjoy the nice early fall temperatures and quieter setting.

On a side note, I would have preferred the food to be served on a plate, rather than in a cheap basket, especially considering the prices we paid.

Restaurant Photo

Final Remarks

Overall, Kip's Grill is not the best, nor worst option in town. It is mediocre at best, with both the service and food leaving much to be desired.

Sticking to a more traditional Mexican menu would greatly improve the dining experience. Expanding the menu would be a good idea too, and perhaps adding a vegan option. If you do not mind paying more for mediocre Mexican-American food, than by all means go ahead.

Kip's Grill & Cantina Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato
Waiter