Cedar Rapids’ Mount Vernon Road welcomes Tim Palmer aka “The Salsa Guy” to his first brick-and-mortar location after 19 years at the farmer’s market where customers constantly asked when he’d open a restaurant.
With nine kids now grown and the youngest at Coe College, Tim finally made the leap in 2024, opening in the former Sweet Basil’s Pizza location at 2874 Mount Vernon Rd SE.
The mission statement stays simple: Making Hungry People Happy, and early reviews prove he’s nailing it with 4.9 stars across multiple platforms. 🍔
What sets Salsa Guy Cafe apart is the scratch-made approach to everything—from the famous salsas sold at markets for years to house-fried chips now available for the first time, plus gourmet sandwiches, burritos, and scratch tomato bisque that customers call the best they’ve ever had.
Tim works the line himself, greeting customers by name and ensuring the amazing customer service that’s become his trademark.
Conquistador Burger: The Meal You Must Conquer
The Conquistador features half pound of Angus beef and prime beef brisket served on a bed of pepper jack cheese with bacon, lettuce, tomato, spicy pickles, and hand-breaded onion rings, all finished with cherry bourbon chipotle BBQ sauce.
Tim calls it “a meal that you have to conquer” and recommends fasting beforehand with a nap scheduled afterwards.
At $18, this burger delivers restaurant-quality execution at reasonable prices considering the premium brisket-beef blend and those hand-breaded onion rings piled on top. Reddit reviewers debate whether $14 burgers are worth it, but once they try it, customers rave about the sandwiches calling them worth every penny. The cherry bourbon chipotle BBQ sauce—one of Tim’s famous creations—makes this “an unforgettable meal experience”. 🍔
Brisket Burrito: Prime Beef Perfection
The brisket burrito showcases prime beef brisket cooked to perfection with house rice blend, zesty chorizo sausage, refried beans, crispy taters, Salsa Guy burrito salsa, and chipotle ranch dressing, all wrapped and grilled to perfection.
Customers specifically seek out the Prime Brisket Burrito Bowl, calling it “sooo good!”
Available breakfast style by adding egg and option to smother in queso cheese, fresh pico de gallo, and sour cream, this burrito offers customization that makes it your own creation.
Tomato Bisque & Grilled Cheese: The Perfect Duo
This combo earns 100% positive ratings with customers declaring it “the best tomato soup and grilled cheese I have ever had in my life!”. The scratch tomato bisque gets garnished with fresh basil, tomatoes, and sour cream drizzle, while thick sourdough bread gets toasted to perfection with gooey cheese.
Reviewers call it “thick bread, toasted to perfection, thick soup with croutons and amazing flavors”, adding “I’m addicted!” Multiple Facebook reviews specifically mention the tomato bisque as a “must have when you order.” At $15.50 for the full combo, it’s comfort food perfection executed with the same care Tim puts into everything. The bisque comes vegan without the sour cream drizzle, showing thoughtful menu design. 🍅
Atmosphere
The small cafe occupies the former Sweet Basil’s Pizza space with only a few seats inside, creating a cozy and clean environment that feels both modern and comforting. Customers describe the ambiance as “airy” and welcoming despite the compact size.
The parking lot presents challenges as popularity grows, with customers parking in the adjacent lot with owner approval. Tim and his attentive staff create that personal touch where customer service amazes everyone who visits.
Hours run Tuesday-Saturday 10:30 AM-7:30 PM with Monday and Sunday closed, making it a weekday lunch and dinner destination. A second location now operates at 3925 Blairs Ferry Road NE, expanding Tim’s reach across Cedar Rapids.
Bottom Line
-
19 years of farmer’s market success before opening first brick-and-mortar location
-
Scratch-made everything including tomato bisque, salsas, and BBQ sauces
-
Prime beef brisket featured in both burgers and burritos
-
Breakfast burritos served all day plus regular burritos and bowls
-
Cherry bourbon chipotle BBQ sauce made famous at farmer’s markets
Address: 2874 Mount Vernon Road SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
📞 (319) 200-3939
🕔 Tue-Sat: 10:30 AM–7:30 PM (Closed Sunday & Monday)