Las Animas Grill — Restaurant in Trinidad

Las Animas Grill sits in downtown, in one of the many restored buildings. I believe this one goes back to 1901 (or maybe the 1800s?). Tall ceilings and it's a fairly spacious place with bar seating. Though they advertise craft beers, I wouldn't suggest you go here for that reason. Their tap offerings are mainstream. They do offer a bit more variety with their can selection, but still nothing you can't get elsewhere in Colorado. So we settled on water. Then we proceeded to order. Mrs. RJG was craving a cheeseburger, and so was I. Needed to be cooked well-done dictates Mrs. RJG. It's amazing to us how few restaurants actually listen to that simple request. But Las Animas cooked it to perfection and it was delicious. I added green chiles to mine, which were mild, but flavorful. We had the hand cut fries, which were also excellent. Las Animas is definitely geared more toward the gastropub side of the aisle, and feels chef driven. That comes with a cost, but we felt it was worth it. A wonderful overall experience to start our Trinidad day.

The above visit, only 3.5 years ago, was packed to the rafters with patrons. On this late morning, only a handful were here - inflation no doubt wiping out the regulars and curiosity seekers. Hopefully they can weather the storm. Despite an unenthusiastic general public, the cooks were ready to please. Mrs. RJG went for the smash burger, double meat and cheese (who was this woman I was dining with anyway?). She loved it, and reminded her of Wayback Burgers that we enjoyed in Woodland Park earlier this year. I had the regular cheeseburger with green chile strips, lettuce, and pickles. It too was excellent, and in particular the pickles, something odd to call out but there it is. I also ordered a side of chile cheese fries with red and green that we both shared. I had to ask for a spoon. Good chile, though not overly distinctive, and certainly not thick enough to cover fries. The latter, regardless, was excellent.

Visits: 3/27/21; 11/14/24

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🍴 A Culinary Gem in the Heart of the Rockies** Just off the beaten path in Trinidad, Colorado, lies a hidden treasure that's redefining the culinary landscape of the Rockies: Las Amina's on 341 N. Commercial St. Run by the dynamic duo, Jesus and his wife, who brought their passion and expertise from Novato, this cozy eatery is a testament to their culinary prowess. Ambience: Nestled in historic Trinidad, Las Amina's exudes a warm, inviting aura, seamlessly blending tradition with a modern twist. The décor, a harmonious mix of rustic and contemporary, sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. Cuisine: The menu is a love letter to authentic flavors, with standout dishes that tantalize the palate. The Birria Tacos are a revelation - tender, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, they offer a symphony of tastes in each bite. The Pork Belie, a masterful creation, is succulent and cooked to perfection, melting in the mouth with a rich blend of spices. But the star of the show is undoubtedly the Elote - a classic dish elevated to new heights with its exquisite seasoning and impeccable presentation. Experience: Every aspect of Las Amina's, from the attentive service to the impeccable presentation, speaks volumes of the owners' dedication to their craft. It's a place where each dish tells a story, and the flavors linger long after the meal is over. Verdict: Las Amina's isn't just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that leaves a lasting impression. With a flair for flavor that rivals Michelin-starred establishments, it's a must-visit for food enthusiasts. In a town like Trinidad, this gem shines the brightest, offering a dining experience that's nothing short of extraordinary.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A gastronomic delight that's redefining dining in the Rockies.

#FoodCritic #TrinidadColorado #LasAminas #CulinaryAdventure...

This was a great find in Trinidad. We we're passing through, heading to Santa Fe, and needed lunch. We are a family or four, two adults and two kids under one 7 and one 9.

Boys were a bit disappointed there were no children's menu, but they perked up when our server, Troy, told them some things they could make for them. He had my 10 tear old at chicken tenders and fries, and the 7 year old selected some tacos.

My husband had the Curry rice bowl and a salmon taco, I of course, tried them and both were delicious. The Curry rice bowl, had a very subtle Curry flavor, the veggies we're appropiately crunchy, and the rice was done perfectly. The salmon taco was not fishy tasting and played well with the flavors and crunch of the slaw.

I chose a three taco plate. The veggie taco was delicious, very flavorful. The only suggestion I could make, was to add a bit more texture, slaw or something crunchy. Still yummy though. The other two taco were chicken, one was a Curry chicken taco, and it was good. The other taco had pickled onions and they overpowered all the other flavors, and we're a bit salty. But, I am not a salt fan, so it was probably just me.

We also ordered scones and coffee fo takeout. The scones we're delightful and we added our own Devonshire cream. The coffee was hot and fresh!

This is our favorite restaurant in...