Colorado Springs is a city in Colorado at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains. Sitting at an elevation of 6,035ft, Colorado Springs lies near glacier-carved Pikes Peak, a landmark in Pike National Forest. The city is a burgeoning and up-and-coming haven for foodies. What are the best places to eat in Colorado Springs?
The city has everything you can wish for. From some hipster cafes to traditional food, Colorado Springs is a mountain town offering an assortment of restaurants.
Yes, Colorado Springs has been overshadowed by the culinary scene of Denver, but in the past few years, the city has seen a rise in popularity.
Over the past years, the culinary industry has steadily grown to more than 100 food and drink establishments. Most of the dining establishments are locally-owned restaurants. But the sky is the limit for this mountain city.
Some of the best food dishes you can try include oysters, Colorado poutine, bison Bolognese, rabbit green chile, and more.
What is Colorado Springs known for?
Colorado Springs is famous for the Rocky Mountains and Garden of the Gods. The latter is a massive National Natural Landmark with huge biodiversity. Locals rarely need to travel far to find what they need in terms of ingredients.
The Arkansas River runs through the city, making it a nice option for outdoor seating and spectacular views.
As we said before, the mountain spot has been overshadowed by Denver. But according to US News and World Report in 2018, Colorado Springs was the second-best place to live in Colorado. Denver was third on that list.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best places to eat in Colorado Springs.
Best Restaurants
Lake Terrace Dining Room
Located at the Broadmoor resort, Lake Terrace Dining Room is an elegant restaurant praised by locals and tourists for its Sunday brunch.
This fine dining eatery has an upscale ambiance and a lot of food choices. We said the Sunday brunch is a cannot-miss experience. It is a 5-star experience that will satisfy your taste buds.
Among the favorites, you have to try the decadent and fresh prime ribs, seared salmon, and every classic American breakfast dish.
Carlos Bistro
Carlos Bistro is famous for its fresh seafood dishes. The family-owned restaurant is a great option if you want a fine dining establishment.
Perfect when you are in the mood for a romantic dining experience, the upscale eatery serves tantalizing food. And they have an extensive wine list.
You can start your dinner with the fancy and irresistible lobster bruschetta and then show love to your taste buds by ordering the tender Colorado lamb. If you leave room for dessert, we recommend trying the crème Brulee, one with delicious berries.
The Melting Pot
Located in downtown Colorado Springs, this best restaurant is famous for its homemade fondue creations.
It is a great pick for tourists who want family-friendly best restaurants in Colorado Springs. They have a fun ambiance and romantic feel.
Many consider it one of the better options for a birthday celebration.
What to eat? Well, among the many great food options, we recommend the classic alpine, a fragrant and rich fondue with unlimited dippers like bread, celery, carrots, and broccoli.
Uchenna
If you want a taste of Ethiopia in Old Town Plaza in Colorado Springs, this is the place to go. Uchenna is the best restaurant to go to when you want a unique experience.
It is a casual eatery, but guests can try the rich flavors of Ethiopia and its ancient culinary culture. They also serve some authentic Israeli dishes and healthy Mediterranean dishes.
You have to order the Injera, it is an explosion of flavors with a fine texture. Most importantly, it is gluten-free.
Ambli Global Cuisine
Ambli is all about adventure through a culinary experience. The menu of this Colorado Springs restaurant changes every month from one region to another. One month you are in Thailand, the next one you are in Mexico, and then you go to the Middle East.
It is an eatery with a contemporary setting. Since every month the men changes, we cannot recommend something. But every dish is amazing.
Cowboy Star
One way to define Colorado cuisine is by saying it is a menu full of great cuts of meat and wild game. Cowboy Star is all about that.
They combine Wild West influence with an elevated atmosphere, resulting in an inviting steakhouse. Besides meat, they have some classic cocktails and a beautiful wine list.
It is one of the best restaurants in the Rocky Mountains. Bonus tip: check their happy hour for specialty bites, beer, and cocktail options.
Dozo Sushi and Bar
It is a relatively new Colorado Springs restaurant. Dozo Sushi and Bar became famous because of its fresh sushi. They serve sashimi, nigiri, and many rolls that you can find on the men.
Not to mention, their seductive mix of tempura battered vegetables and teriyakis. The food is great, but their stunning presentation is what draws visitors in. You can post any dish on Instagram and get like hundreds of likes.
Lucky Dumpling
If dumplings are your go-to meal, then you are in luck. Lucky Dumpling is the best place to try them in Colorado Springs.
Chef Brother Luck fell in love with Chinese dumplings as a child, and that love turned into an obsession and a restaurant. After traveling through Asia for 20 years, he came back to Colorado Springs with refined knowledge and technique.
And you reap the benefits of that journey.
Dos Santos
Located in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, Dos Santos is famous for its elevated taco menu. They serve authentic and delicious tacos that will satisfy your palate.
Their menu contains vegetarian tacos and meat-based tacos. You should also order a fresh tea or limeade.
If you want to eat on a budget, stop by on Taco Tuesday.
Urban Egg
Urban Egg is a daytime eatery with multiple locations along the Front Range. Their downtown Colorado Springs location might be the best.
They offer seasonal favorites, so there is always something new to try in there. We recommend trying their buttery hollandaise sauce. And their sage biscuits are award-winning.
Marigold Cafe and Bakery
Marigold Cafe and Bakery was inspired by Europe’s bistros. It is a French restaurant with a menu featuring fresh seafood, pasta, and many gluten-free options.
You can say they have the options for the best lunch in the city. From pastries to seasonal dishes, Marigold has everything.
We recommend trying their rotisserie chicken with a side of mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables. Cooked to perfection, the chicken is tender and flavorful.
Penrose Room
Located inside the Broadmoor Hotel, Penrose Room is a sophisticated restaurant. Guests can enjoy the spectacular view of the city.
With an upscale ambiance and a range of unique dishes, the fancy restaurant will satisfy every wish and need. Fair warning: there is a dress code and guests have to follow it.
As for the great food you have to try, their scallops have superior flavors. Beet carpaccio is another signature dish.
Ephemera
Located on the second floor of the hottest nightclub/food hall in the city, Ephemera brings an urban dining experience.
Their tasting menu with or without wine pairings features some of the best arranged dishes. For example, you can find squid ink pasta, cucumber asparagus soup, forbidden rice, rose ice cream, and more.
But you have to try the raw oysters, they are the star of the show.
Four by Brother Luck
We mentioned this guy when we talked about Lucky Dumpling. Well, Four is another restaurant of the celebrity chef. Lucky Dumpling is an Asian fusion joint, while Four is an upscale restaurant inspired by the Four Corners region of the Southwest.
All of the dishes are Instagram-worthy.
Streetcar520
We cannot talk about the best places to eat in Colorado Springs without mentioning this pub. They have a great brunch menu, but also standard dishes for lunch and dinner.
They also cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Their modern menu will bring you a dish from all over the world.
The Perk Downtown
This Colorado Springs restaurant describes itself as an authentic coffee house. It is a two-story shop where you can grab a bit or drink a cup of coffee.
When you are there, be sure to try their giant cinnamon rolls. They are as big as you can imagine. And with many unique coffee options, you can be sure to find a flavor you love.
Loyal Coffee
This is the best place to grab a delicious breakfast and a cup of tea or coffee. Loyal Coffee is the place to go before touring the city.
In the middle of downtown Colorado Springs, it is a barista-owned shop with a calming atmosphere. You can also bring a bag of beans home with you for a memorable experience.
Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar
Jax Fish House brings the sea to the Springs. They have a perfectly executed seafood and oyster bar that provides a wide range of shellfish.
You can find varieties from both coasts that will make sure to satisfy your needs and wishes. Visit the eatery on Saturday or Sunday for a great Southern flare brunch.
Mountain Shadows Restaurant
It is only fitting that we finish off our list with a Mountain restaurant, right? The local favorite in Old Colorado City is a community staple and one of the most popular restaurants.
They serve generous portions of southwest diner classics. Try any of their green chilli dishes and you will be delighted. It packs just the right amount of heat and loads of flavors.
Hi, I’m a clinical psychologist and inclined towards best buying practices for home and kitchen things. Critical towards choosing the best product and honest with my feedback. I’m a seasoned writer having more than 4 years of experience in multiple niches as well.
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