There’s something about the Arkansas Valley that feels homey and comfortable. It could be that the U-shaped landscape cradles you, or that Buena Vista and Salida sweet-talk you with their small-town friendliness, but you just want to hunker down and stay awhile. So it’s little surprise that this same charm permeates one of the area’s newer establishments, the Eddyline Restaurant and Brewery.

Perched along the west bank of the Arkansas River in a new Buena Vista mixed-use development, the Eddyline could have come off as manufactured and chainlike. Instead, this pizza joint oozes authenticity as fleece-clad locals pull up to the large bar and area families populate the pizza-oven-warmed dining room.

5280 December 2009
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The menu only serves to enhance the casual vibe: A variety of pizzas, pastas, and grilled steaks sit next to the brewery’s five homemade suds. The wood-fired pies—especially the tomato del sol (olive oil, garlic, mozzarella, feta, capers, green chiles, and sun-dried tomatoes) and the wild mushroom (marinara, Parmesan, mozzarella, shiitake, cremini, portobello, and basil)—are must-orders, as is the Class 4 burger packed with spicy New Mexico green chiles. The Midland Trail Pale Ale or the Pedal, Paddle, Pull IPA offer ways to douse the chile-induced flames.

Long after the last slice of pie has disappeared and the friendly server has cleared your plate, you’ll realize that you just don’t have any place better to be. Why not kick back, order another beer (maybe the Honey Wheat this time), and stay for a while. 926 S. Main St., Buena Vista, 719-966-6000, www.eddylinepub.com

This article was originally published in 5280 December 2009.
Lindsey B. King
Lindsey B. King
Lindsey B. King was the magazine’s editor from 2021 to 2024. She is currently a Denver-based writer and editor.