37 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs That Are a Must Try
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What are the best restaurants in Colorado Springs? As a local who lives in the city, I have the inside scoop on what’s good and what’s not worth a visit.
Not only that, but I’m a personal chef in Colorado and enjoy shopping at farmer’s markets and eating local produce.
To say that I love food, and enjoy tasting lots of different varieties of food, is an understatement.
In this guide, you will discover the best restaurants, top breweries, favorite coffee shops, and fun night-time spots.
As a personal chef I get this question a lot. If I could only pick the best restaurants in Colorado Springs, what would they be?
Whether it’s for a special occasion or casual night out, these are my top picks and must-try eats in Colorado Springs.
I hope this list of the best restaurants inspires you to enjoy all of the food and local produce that this bustling mountain city has to offer.
1. Denver Biscuit CO
I can’t pass up an opportunity to gush about one of my true favorite breakfast places in the Springs.
Denver Biscuit Co is an absolute must-visit and is soon to be your favorite, too.
It first opened as a food truck but Denver Biscuit Co now has multiple locations around Colorado.
And there’s a brick and mortar restaurant right here in downtown Colorado Springs.
Their sandwiches are so large, you will definitely need to unhinge your jaw to eat them (or use the fork and knife provided).
But if we’re talking breakfast, we must call out their unbelievable biscuits and gravy.
Their sausage gravy is rivaled only by their vegetarian mushroom gravy. And when you’ve got the word “biscuit” in the name, you KNOW they will be good.
2. Lucky Dumpling
If you love dumplings, there is simply no better place to go than Lucky Dumpling.
Chef Brother Luck (yes, that’s his real name!) fell in love with Chinese dumplings as a child.
This love turned into what he calls an “obsession.” He spent twenty years traveling through Asia and competed multiple times on Top Chef.
Over the years he’s refined his knowledge and technique in creating excellent dumplings.
His restaurant is a mix of old-and-new world styles and has a graffiti vibe. But the food is like nothing you’ve tried before and super delicious.
3. Dos Santos
Dos Santos is located in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs on N Tejon St.
They are known for their incredible elevated taco menu. These authentic and delicious tacos will blow you away!
The menu options include vegetarian tacos filled with roasted cauliflower or crimini mushrooms, seafood tacos, or a dessert choco taco.
Sip on a fresh tea or limeade, or stop by on Taco Tuesdays for the $3 taco of the day.
4. Urban Egg
This daytime eatery, Urban Egg, has multiple locations along the Front Range, but we enjoy the downtown COS location.
We love their rich and buttery hollandaise sauce and the many dishes and ingredients sourced in and inspired by Colorado.
Their sage biscuits and gravy are actually award-winning. (We love them just the same as Denver Biscuit CO — don’t make us choose between them!)
Urban Egg’s menu offers seasonal favorites, so there is always something new to try.
The menu is rolling deep in options, including many things on the lighter side, such as their really tasty avocado toast.
5. Streetcar520
This worldly pub offers a great brunch menu as well as the more standard lunch and dinner fare.
Streetcar520 has a wide variety of offerings, and can cater to vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets. All while having some stellar flavors and combinations from their modern menu.
If you have many dietary needs and want to taste a bit of something from all around the world, Streetcar520 is a great stop.
6. The Perk Downtown
The Perk Downtown describes itself as “the authentic coffee house” and we have to agree.
This two-story shop is a great place to grab a bite or a bag of loose-leaf tea, or just hang out and watch the town from the second floor windows.
I personally love the giant cinnamon rolls, which can be as big as your head!
Plus, they offer a ton of unique coffees and teas with endless possibilities on flavors and styles from a Colorado Springs staple.
7. Loyal Coffee
After a delicious breakfast at one of these brunch spots, I recommend grabbing a cup of tea or coffee before touring the city.
And one of my favorites is nestled right in the middle of downtown Colorado Springs.
Loyal Coffee is a barista-owned shop with a calming atmosphere and delicious coffee.
It’s perfect for grabbing a cup to go or propping up in a corner with a laptop to get some work done.
The vibe is relaxed, and you’ll often see the owner and his family around the shop. Carrie loves the chai tea lattes!
Pick up a cup now, and bring a bag of beans home with you to remember your vacation to Colorado.
8. Odyssey Gastropub
You’ll love the off-beat vibe and delicious fare at Odyssey Gastropub on Tejon Street.
This “gastropub” is definitely worth recommending for its affordable and delicious food and libations any day.
Their weekend brunch menu has a special place in my heart because of how straightforward and just plain delicious it is.
No frills needed when food is this good.
Brunch is served at 9am on Saturdays and Sundays. While you won’t find anything out of the ordinary on the menu, you will find some delicious options at a cool venue downtown.
They have items like corned beef hash topped with hollandaise, delectable eggs benedict, and chicken and waffles.
Come for the hollandaise, stay for the desk lamps hanging from the ceiling.
9. Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar has multiple locations around Colorado, and recently opened a location right here in Colorado Springs on Tejon Street.
It’s not always easy getting quality, fresh seafood in Colorado but Jax does a great job bringing sustainable and delicious seafood to our landlocked community.
They serve up a raw bar of fresh oysters that are flown in daily. Or sample their caviars, fish and chips, or crab cakes at lunch or dinner.
Sample their caviars, fish n’ chips, or crab cakes at lunch or dinner!
10. Leon Gessi New York Pizza
Pizza was meant to be eaten fresh out of the oven at Leon Gessi New York Pizza.
Locals have been grabbing a giant slice of New York-style pizza, a sub, or salad for lunch, from Leon Gessi for as long as I’ve lived in the city.
Leon Gessi is in central Colorado Springs on Palmer Park Boulevard, so it will take you out of the downtown area.
Food is always served on vintage-looking aluminum plates and the atmosphere is a casual one. The checkerboard tablecloths adds to the charm of this place.
And with gluten-free and vegan options, this is a quick stop for an affordable and delicious lunch
11. BJ’s Velvet Freez
Right next door to Leon Gessi is BJ’s Velvet Freez.
This retro drive-thru ice cream and burger stand has plenty of food on the menu, but I love their delicious ice cream cones!
This stand has been serving up cones, waffle bowls, sundaes, and shakes with all the fixins since the 1950s.
And I’ve been visiting BJ’s Velvet Freez since I was a kid and it brings back happy (but sticky, often chocolatey) memories.
You’ll know you’re at the right place when you see the outrageous line, especially during the spring and summer.
12. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
A hit with kids and parents alike is the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. It is a great stop while cruising Colorado Ave in Old Colorado City.
In fact, I always enjoy walking down the main street with the shops and restaurants along Colorado Ave, enjoying a caramel apple as I go.
You can browse the local art galleries and studios on the first Friday art walks each month from April through December.
Old Colorado City is a very historic and charming area. It’s a great place to take a walking tour of the many local landmarks from the city’s founding.
13. Yellow Mountain Tea House
For a unique experience that’s more fun than your typical grab-and-go coffee shop, visit the Yellow Mountain Tea House.
Located in Old Colorado City near the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, this traditional Chinese tea house has over 300 organic teas to choose from.
Buy loose teas by the ounce, or ask for the traditional tea experience!
For just $5 per person, you can enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony right at your table.
14. Four by Brother Luck
In addition to Lucky Dumpling, Chef Brother Luck also owns and operates Four by Brother Luck, a restaurant just four blocks north.
It is inspired by the hunters, fishers, farmers, and gatherers that bring the food to the table.
It’s a great fine-dining spot in the evening.
Their southwest-inspired menu rotates, so you’re sure to find something unique and special here.
15. Fat Sully’s Pizza
If you visited Denver Biscuit CO for breakfast, then you already know where to find Fat Sully’s Pizza.
When breakfast service wraps up, Fat Sully’s rolls out the dough in the same location and kitchen.
Buy these straightforward and delicious pizzas by the slice or the pie.
And if you’re more of a late-night nibbler, get a $5 slice with a beer when you dine after 9pm on weekends!
16. Rasta Pasta
At Rasta Pasta, you’ll find creative Caribbean pasta, fresh salads, and ridiculously good desserts.
Check out their full bar featuring Jamaican beer and rums. And they can also cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
Be sure to request your comfortable spice level!
Each pasta dish is made to order, but some menu items are hotter than others.
17. Oskar Blues Grill
For fabulous Cajun fare, we like Oskar Blues Grill. Founded by owner Dale, Oskar Blues’ menu takes their inspiration from the South.
The menu features lots of crawdads, shrimp, blackened chicken and burgers available.
Their crawdaddy jalapenos and fried pickles are popular appetizers.
Oskar Blues is best known for their signature Dale’s Pale Ale.
18. Cork & Cask
Located in an antique trolley warehouse, Cork & Cask is a great place to finish off a great night in the city.
If you just had a meal at Dos Santos or Fat Sully’s, you can head over to Cork & Cask without ever leaving the building.
Yep, all of these restaurants in downtown Colorado Springs are all connected.
At this upscale whiskey bar, you’ll find a huge array of whiskies and scotches from:
- Scotland
- America
- Ireland
- Japan
- India
- France
- Taiwan
- Canada
- Colorado
Cleanse your palette with some snacks and sweets or a charcuterie board.
19. Frozen Gold
Just next door to Fat Sully’s & Dos Santos is a fabulous ice cream shop called Frozen Gold.
But this is not your ordinary soft serve ice cream. The surprise is inside!
At Frozen Gold they fill the cones with a softcore of something delicious, like fudge, caramel, or cereal milk.
It’s the perfect after-dinner dessert on a hot summer day!
20. Mountain Shadows Restaurant
In the nearby suburb of Old Colorado City is the Mountain Shadows Restaurant.
Mountain Shadows has been a staple in the community since I lived here as a kid.
You will find huge portions of southwest-inspired diner classics, including chili rellenos and chili smothered burritos.
The restaurants has a friendly atmosphere and an incredible selection of pies, cakes, and treats made daily.
This totally cute diner will make you want to stay for a refill on that mimosa.
21. First Watch
You won’t need to fork over a million dollars for their million dollar bacon…
But at First Watch in either of their two COS locations, you are sure to find something to raise a fork for!
With everything from power bowls to frittatas to a juice bar and lemon ricotta pancakes, your whole family is sure to find something to love.
Carrie and I enjoy their seasonal dishes, and we look forward to the fall harvest pancakes every year!
22. Garden of the Gods Market and Cafe
As you are planning a day of adventure, a great place to fuel up is the Garden of the Gods Market and Cafe.
Just a 5-minute drive from the Garden of the Gods itself near Manitou Springs, this daytime eatery is open from 7am-3pm daily.
And the attached market stays open til 6pm.
You can grab some mountain man hash for breakfast and pick up some provisions to carry with you on the trail later!
We suggest their selection of local pickles, sodas, sauces, and fresh-made pastries.
23. Dutch Bros Coffee
As a local, I consider Dutch Bros Coffee a must-try coffee shop while in Colorado!
Stop into one of 9 locations around Colorado Springs to get the caffeinated creation you need to tackle any COS adventure.
Drive through or walk up, and try something out of the ordinary. Not a coffee fan?
No problem: their teas and lemonades are great too!
It may help to check out the menu online before you get to the counter, and be sure to explore all that the secret menu has to offer.
24. La Baguette
If you are planning to visit Colorado Springs around lunch time, I recommend stopping into La Baguette for a delicious bite.
There are two locations, one in Old Colorado City and one in downtown Colorado Springs near the courthouse.
This quaint French bakery also serves lunch in their cafe and an upstairs wine bar after 6 pm Thursdays through Sundays.
They are best known for their cups of French onion soup — which are truly delicious! I typically buy a baguette to go too.
25. L&L BBQ
With such a strong military presence in Colorado Springs, it’s not surprising that many service members have been stationed in Hawaii or spent time there during their careers.
Because of this, many residents now have a taste for island food here in The Springs.
Since I lived in Hawaii after high school I often miss the authentic food. Which is why I recommend the authentic flavors at L&L Barbecue.
Their food is all served to-go and is very affordable and delicious. Plus, it’s not too expensive and you get a lot for the price.
26. PigLatin Cocina
The Springs is a budding food truck hot spot, and for day two of your COS adventure, check one out for your lunch spot!
Download the WTF Where’s the Foodtruck? app on iOS or Android to find these food truck favorites and more around Colorado Springs.
PigLatin Cocina serves Caribbean and Latin food at their food truck.
Not only that, they have a brick-and-mortar location on Dublin Boulevard in north central COS.
My fave is the PigLatin plate, piled high with pork, rice, beans, and served with platano maduro.
Another option is their nachos which are served on plantain chips.
And if you happen to visit the storefront, you will be just a few blocks away from Hashtag Colorado Life headquarters!
27. Go Fish Food Truck
At Go Fish food truck, you can grab hot and ready fish or shrimp tacos with a Cajun twist, or southern favorites like shrimp po’ boys.
They recently added beignets to their menu, and these New Orleans-style donuts are light, fluffy, and covered in powdered sugar.
Their truck is not open every day, so check their schedule on their website or the app to find them!
28. Lucy I’m Home Food Truck
With a name inspired by the classic show I Love Lucy, Lucy I’m Home takes all their culinary inspiration straight from Ricky.
Their Cubano is fantastic, and their empanadas are filled with beef picadillo or mango chicken, and make great leftovers.
You will find the stall on N. Circle Drive in east Colorado Springs.
29. Gold Camp Brewing Company
The Gold Camp Brewing Company is a fun place to play some bar games, enjoy live music, and pick up a growler of local beers on tap.
It was named after the nearby Gold Camp Road which is said to be haunted and can be fun to explore with your group.
After a fun hike at Seven Bridges Trail you can hit up the Gold Camp Brewing Company to relax with a cold beer.
30. FH Beerworks Downtown
The FH Beerworks Downtown also comes highly recommended b y locals like myself.
Visit the tap house on Tejon Street for a fun and friendly craft brewery.
Their beer lineup includes 14 beers on tap, a variety of gluten-free options, and housemade rootbeer.
Feel free to bring food in, or grab food from a food truck outside!
31. The Airplane Restaurant
If you’re an aviation buff, you’ll love dining inside a Boeing KC-97 tanker at The Airplane Restaurant.
The KC-97 tanker began its career in the 1950s as one of the largest propeller-driven aircraft ever made. It even served other aircraft with mid-air fuel deliveries.
In 2002, this aircraft was retired from active duty and started a new career as a restaurant.
The “crew” thanks you for flying with them for your dinner.
Feel free to walk around, sit in the cockpit of the plane, and learn how the tanker fueled up planes before or after your dinner.
32. Restaurant 1858
Situated at the banks of the Seven Falls, Restaurant 1858 is operated by the Broadmoor.
This unique dining experience is definitely a fancy way to finish a visit to Colorado Springs.
You get incredible views of Seven Falls, the only waterfall in Colorado to earn a place on National Geographic’s list of International Waterfalls.
You can also enjoy cuisine that reflects the rich diversity of immigrants who sought their fortunes during the gold rush.
A ticket to the Seven Falls is required to access Restaurant 1858, and we recommend dining al fresco on the patio beside the falls!
33. Kohnami Sushi
We feel a little guilty sharing our favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant…
But Kohnami Sushi on N. Union Boulevard is so fantastic, we can’t keep it all to ourselves!
This very small sushi place seats just a few people, but the owner and chef is well-trained and so good at what he does.
The fish is fresh and the sushi rolls and sashimi are all incredible. Just promise us that you’ll help keep our secret.
34. The Melting Pot
The Melting Pot is all about fondue. From melted cheese to delicious broths, this family-friendly restaurant is a must-visit.
Or make it a date night on Thursdays thanks to their Romance Awareness specials.
In addition to their homemade fondue creations they also whip up housemade dressings and mouth-watering chocolate desserts.
Not to mention you will find gluten-free and vegetarian options for everyone in your group.
35. Larkburger
If you’re seeking the best gourmet burger you’ve ever tasted, check out Larkburger.
Since opening in 2006 this fast-casual restaurant has been a Colorado favorite.
The modern aesthetic of the restaurant is accentuated by their “recycle and reuse” policy.
All of their utensils, trays, and packaging is reusable or compostable. And all of the ingredients are locally sourced and super fresh.
Not only do they serve the most mouthwatering burger around, but we also love their tuna burger.
We can’t recommend them more as one of the best places to eat in Colorado Springs.
36. Panino’s Restaurant
Panino’s Downtown has been a locally owned and operated Italian restaurant in Colorado for the past 40 years.
Since opening in 1974 they have been known for their world-famous Panino sandwich and oven-baked pizzas.
This group-friendly and kid-friendly place has something for everyone. Happy hour is a local staple and is available from 4pm-7pm Monday through Friday.
If you’re enjoying a night out on Tejon Street I highly recommend stopping at Panino’s for a bite to eat.
They are open Monday thru Sunday, 11am-8pm.
If you’re hanging out on Tejon Street in downtown Colorado Springs, you will find a wealth of great restaurant options.
If you don’t love what you see on the menu in one place, it’s easy to find exactly what will satisfy your cravings.
Or you’ve got a big crowd in tow and everyone wants something different, it’s super easy to accommodate a large crew and grab a little something from everywhere.
37. Carlo’s Bistro
If you’re looking for the most delicious fine dining experience in the Springs, you have to check out Carlo’s Bistro.
While tucked away in a small corner of the city, this upscale dining experience is well-known among restaurant critics.
Voted the #1 restaurant in Colorado by Zagat, Carlo’s Bistro offers an unforgettable experience with award-winning cuisine.
Once you step inside you’ll actually be greeted by the owners Carlos and Marcia. In fact, every day the wonders personally decide what to cook and serve based on the freshest ingredients.
That’s all for the best restaurants in Colorado Springs. I hope you found some awesome ideas to add to your itinerary.