If you're planning a trip to Colorado Springs, you're in for a real treat. Colorado Springs is known to be one of the most beautiful places in the United States, with lots of natural landmarks to explore. The city is at the base of Pikes Peak and is known to have amazing top-rated accommodations. It's also been nicknamed Olympic City USA. You definitely won't get bored with all the cool things to do and see. But if you want to make sure you're eating good food as well, here are some of the best places to eat in Colorado Springs.
The Rabbit Hole
The Rabbit Hole is considered one of Colorado Springs's best-kept secrets. They offer upscale New American cuisine, and their ambiance is inspired by Alice in Wonderland. You actually have to travel down into the subway to find this gem. It's a great place to visit for late-night snacks and cocktails, but they do close at 11 pm so give yourself enough time to enjoy the whole experience. Also, get a kick out of their cleverly named drinks like the Queen of Hearts Bloody Mary and Cheshire Sour.
Paravicini's Italian Bistro
This one is for all the Italian food lovers! Paravicini's Italian Bistro is run by Chef Franco Pisani. He is the son of Italian immigrants and shares credit with his mother for his passion for cooking. His restaurant has been open in Colorado Springs since 2003 and now has a great following with locals. He also uses local ingredients to star in his dishes. You'll find amazing dishes like spicy Italian sausage, pasta, seafood, and chicken and veal parmesan.
Briarhurst Manor Estate
Briarhurst Manor is another place to experience a great meal in a cool environment. The restaurant is in a Tudor-style home offering amazing views of Pikes Peak as it is about five miles out of Colorado Springs in Manitou Springs. It's located near the Garden of the Gods, so if you're going to this destination, make sure to have your meal at Briarhurst Manor. It definitely will feel like a special and one-of-a-kind meal. Here, you'll experience a five-course meal and enjoy dishes like beef bourguignon or trout and delicious desserts.
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TAPAteria
As it says in the name, TAPAteria is a tapas restaurant where dishes are meant for sharing. Tapas restaurants are so fun because you can try so many different things! It's also a great way to explore new foods and flavors. At TAPAteria, you'll get a cozy environment with Barecolna vibes and enjoy delicious food and wine. Get items like patatas bravas, chorizo and figs, caprese skewers, bison carpaccio, and more. It's also important to note that they have a great patio! So, if you're looking for outdoor dining, this is a great spot. Their patio is also dog-friendly.
Shuga's
Shuga's is a cozy restaurant that has a cool history! The building actually used to be a grocery store, but now it is the famous Shuga's restaurant that is decorated with origami cranes and artwork from local artists. This is a great lunch spot where you can get cafe items like soups, sandwiches, and salads. Many people like to order their famous Cuban Mojo sandwich. It's also a great spot for brunch, where you can enjoy delicious cocktails.
Monse's Pupuseria
Pupusa's are a delectable food made with thick corn tortillas and stuffed with various fillings. Commonly, they are stuffed with beans, meat, cheese, and veggies. At Monse's, you can try a variety of pupusas, and they offer vegetarian and vegan options. The cuisine is El Salvadorian, and although pupusas are the main food attraction, they also serve tacos, nachos, and other food items. Not only do they make great food, but they also offer delicious drinks like variations of horchata. They have traditional horchata, strawberry horchata, and cinnamon pumpkin-spice horchata.
PigLatin Cocina
PigLatin Cocina is a great spot if you're looking for some Latin fusion cuisine. They offer classic Latin dishes but give them a twist. This is also a good option if you're looking to take advantage of happy hour deals. I don't know about you, but I love taking advantage of a good happy hour. Monday through Friday, during happy hour, they offer $6 margaritas, and on Tuesdays, you can get $3 tacos and tecates. Try some of their fun dishes, including tequila-braised pork and kimchi quesadillas.
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Urban Egg
Urban Egg has multiple different locations in Colorado Springs and is a great destination for breakfast food. They get inventive and give some twists to classic breakfast dishes, including bloody mary grilled cheese, bourbon bacon, and Denver hot chicken benedict. What's also cool about Urban Egg is that they partner with local Colorado purveyors to get fresh ingredients for every item on their menu.
Four by Brother Luck
Four by Brother Luck is led by celebrity Chef Brother Luck. You may know him from shows like Top Chef, Beat Bobby Flay, and Chopped. He has his own restaurant in Colorado Springs that offers Southwestern-style cuisine and seasonal dishes and drinks. Although the menu changes and rotates, they stick with cuisine that mixes Mexican, Spanish, and Native American influences. And although you can order a la carte, they do offer a four-course menu that is a great experience.
MacKenzie's Chop House
MacKenzie's Chop House is a great restaurant if you're looking for great steak and seafood. Enjoy fine dining in the historic Alamo building in downtown Colorado Springs. They are nearing their 30th anniversary to celebrate years of friendly service, delicious food, and a great atmosphere. They offer low romantic lighting, an outdoor patio if you want to eat outdoors, and a changing menu depending on what's fresh for the week. Enjoy this white tablecloth restaurant for lunch or dinner and try the famous James Bond 007 martini.
The Downtown Panino's
This is another one for the Italian lovers. This family-owned restaurant in downtown Colorado Springs is known for its amazing baked Panino sandwiches. These sandwiches are typically stuffed with cheese, meat, and veggies. Although there are preset paninos to choose from, you can build your own panino. They also have a sister restaurant that is located in Westside that serves pizza, pasta, and salad along with their famous paninis.
Bingo Burger
At Bingo Burger, you can get grass-fed beef burgers. And although they are known for their beef burgers, you can also get chicken and lamb sandwiches. What's special about Bingo Burger is the different kinds of toppings you can get. Some of these include chunky guacamole, pueblo chiles, golden tots, onion rings, and rosemary-roasted mushrooms. You can also choose what kind of bun you want. They offer potato buns, multi-grain buns, gluten-free buns, sourdough buns, brioche buns, or lettuce wrap.
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El Taco Rey
El Taco Rey is the perfect taco spot if you're looking for great tacos. Serving Colorado-style cuisine since 1976, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant has won a handful of awards, including a national award! El Taco Rey is a family business created by Eddie and Rosemary Aguilar and is now run by their children and grandchildren. They are known for their famous green chile, so no matter if you order tacos, tamales, enchiladas, or burritos, make sure to get the green chile sauce.
TILL Kitchen
TILL Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant that rotates menus with flavors that change through the season. If you're a happy hour chaser, visit TILL Kitchen between 5 pm and 6 pm for special pricing on appetizers and drinks. This is another restaurant where you can order a la carte or choose a four-course meal. If you do four courses for two people, you actually save $20.
Juniper Valley Ranch
Juniper Valley Ranch is known to be Colorado's most iconic restaurant and has been around for over 70 years. Created by sisters Evelyn and Ethel Parker, they created a set menu serving chicken fried steak with potatoes, gravy, homemade biscuits, okra casserole, and coleslaw. If you want to visit, you will need a reservation which you can make by calling.
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