Colorado Springs is rapidly evolving from a stunning mountain gateway into a dynamic cultural hub, and its culinary landscape is right at the forefront of this exciting renaissance. As a content creator who loves diving deep into the heart of a destination through its food, I’ve been particularly thrilled to explore the flavors defining this vibrant city. If you’re planning a trip and asking yourself what to eat Colorado Springs, prepare to be delighted by a diverse array of options that showcase local ingredients, global influences, and passionate chefs. From cozy neighborhood spots to upscale dining experiences, the Springs’ food scene offers a taste for every palate and a story behind every dish.
Beyond just finding fantastic restaurants, exploring what to eat Colorado Springs is about experiencing the city’s unique character through its flavors. Whether you’re here for the outdoor adventures, the rich history, or simply looking for a memorable meal, the local eateries provide a genuine connection to the community. The transformation is palpable, and the food scene is a key ingredient in making Colorado Springs a must-visit destination. To truly immerse yourself in the spirit of the state, considering adding diverse activities to your trip can enhance your experience. You can find inspiration on what to see in colorado state.
Here are some of the standout spots that answer the question of what to eat Colorado Springs right now:
Savory Starts: Exploring Unique Flavors for What to Eat Colorado Springs
Monse’s Taste of El Salvador
Walking into Monse’s in Old Colorado City feels less like entering a restaurant and more like arriving at a lively family gathering. With its vibrant Latin American music, casual patio, and garage door entry, it captures a welcoming, backyard-cookout energy. This family-owned treasure serves up authentic Salvadoran cuisine, including delicious arepas, tamales, and flautas.
The undisputed star here is the pupusa. These thick, handmade corn tortillas, generously stuffed with savory fillings like melty cheese, seasoned pork (chicharrón), or beans, are served piping hot. Each order comes with house-made curtido – a tangy, crunchy cabbage slaw – and spicy tomato salsa, essential accompaniments that cut through the richness of the pupusa. You also get to choose a side like sweet fried plantains, yucca fries, street corn, or Spanish rice. The prices are incredibly affordable, especially given the generous portion sizes. And a friendly heads-up: the margaritas are strong enough that you might want to arrange for a ride! You can find Monse’s at 115 S. 25th St.
Authentic Salvadoran pupusas and sides at Monse’s Taste of El Salvador, a popular choice for what to eat Colorado Springs.
Four by Brother Luck
A cornerstone of the Colorado Springs dining scene since 2017, Four by Brother Luck is where culinary artistry meets the rich heritage of the American Southwest. Led by James Beard nominee Brother Luck, known for his appearances on Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay, this restaurant crafts dishes that are both bold and refined, often showcasing local ingredients with innovative techniques.
Begin with the blue cornbread, elevated with wojapi (a berry sauce), Pueblo chile, honey, and crema – it’s a perfect representation of the restaurant’s focus. The halibut fillet is a standout main course, featuring a vibrant mango jalapeño relish, smooth mashed plantain, and a delicate coconut tuile.
Opting for the wine pairing is highly recommended; the selections are carefully chosen to accentuate specific flavors, like how the guava notes in a sauvignon blanc beautifully echo the mango in the halibut dish. And here’s a sweet insider tip: ask about the vanilla dippin’ dots on the root beer flan, and you might get a peek into the kitchen to see how they’re made – and perhaps even try making them yourself! Four by Brother Luck is located at 321 N. Tejon St.
Ephemera
Discovering Ephemera feels like stumbling upon a delightful secret. Tucked away on the second floor of Coati, beneath a greenhouse-style roof, is an experimental prix-fixe tasting menu experience unlike any other you’d expect to find inside a food hall. Ephemera offers a genuine exploration of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, with the menu changing frequently to reflect what’s freshest.
On one visit, the opening cocktail featured apricots picked just hours before from a nearby tree – a testament to their commitment to local sourcing. Expect creative pairings and surprising combinations, like cauliflower gazpacho with pumpernickel, kale, and green apple, or herb pork tenderloin served with a unique macadamia-asparagus salsa, carrot kraut, cherries, and quinoa. While the tasting menu is the signature experience, Ephemera also offers an à la carte menu and a three-treat dessert flight. Find this hidden gem at 514 S. Tejon St.
Creative and seasonal tacos served at Ephemera in Colorado Springs.
Sushi Row
With its moody lighting, live wood tables, exposed brick, and a dramatic firewall on the patio, Sushi Row sets a captivating scene that makes it an ideal spot for a memorable evening out. But it’s the culinary artistry – the creative sushi rolls, the melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, and the vibrant craft cocktails – that truly cements this downtown restaurant as a place you’ll want to revisit.
Start with the crispy karaage fried chicken for a delightful crunch. For rolls, the Surf & Turf is a must-try, combining spicy crab, cucumber, tempura shrimp, A5 wagyu beef, jalapeño, and a balsamic reduction for a complex flavor profile. The miso black cod, marinated for three days to deepen its flavor, is another highlight.
Don’t overlook the cocktail list, which offers playful takes on classics, like the intriguing Matcha-rita. The light and refreshing Tokyo 23, made with gin, yuzu, shiso, and sake, is particularly captivating. Sushi Row is located at 316 N. Tejon St. If you’re exploring other options for your Colorado adventure, checking out cheap flights and hotels to denver colorado might be helpful for planning your travel logistics to the region.
Fine Dining and Classic Steaks: Elevated Choices for What to Eat Colorado Springs
MacKenzie’s Chop House
A true institution since 1997, MacKenzie’s Chop House is a cornerstone of fine dining in Colorado Springs, embodying the classic steakhouse experience. Its interior, rich with dark wood paneling, features cozy leather booths and walls adorned with historic black-and-white photographs, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
While renowned for its tender filets and robust ribeyes, MacKenzie’s also surprises with an impressive selection of seafood, flown in daily to ensure freshness. Weekly specials, such as crab-stuffed mushrooms or short rib ravioli, add exciting variety. The extensive wine list is perfect for pairing with your meal or exploring at the intimate bar area for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap. And seriously, whatever you do, make sure to enjoy the ciabatta bread – trust me on this one. Find MacKenzie’s Chop House at 128 S. Tejon St.
Seared scallops plated at MacKenzie’s Chop House, a fine dining option in Colorado Springs.
Summit (at The Broadmoor)
The Broadmoor resort is synonymous with luxury, and its French-American bistro, Summit, upholds that reputation with grace and innovation. Earning four stars from Forbes‘ luxury travel guide, Summit stands out for its exquisite seasonal tasting menus, offering an unparalleled fine dining experience.
While the winter menu might focus on the luxuriousness of truffle (think truffle risotto and chocolate truffle cake), the kitchen excels at incorporating local Colorado ingredients. The crispy duck confit tostada, served with Pueblo chile mole and peach brûlée, is a testament to their creativity. Other dishes highlight regional products, like striped bass from Alamosa paired with Olathe corn, or pan-seared salmon featuring local asparagus, caviar, and a light lemon butter sauce that lets the freshness of the fish shine.
If you still have room after the mains, the matcha lavender mousse is an essential sweet conclusion. Be sure to ask your server for a recommendation from Summit’s extensive cellar, boasting over 500 international wines. Summit is located within The Broadmoor at 19 Lake Circle.
Elegant interior dining room at Summit, the French-American bistro at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.
Grand View (at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club)
True to its name, the Grand View restaurant offers breathtaking vistas of Pikes Peak and the iconic red rock formations of Garden of the Gods, making the dining experience as visually stunning as it is delicious. Located within the recently renovated Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, Grand View boasts a brand-new bar, an expansive dining room, and a modern terrace dotted with fire pits perfect for enjoying the scenery.
The revamped menu features elegant dinner entrées like seared salmon served with crab fried rice, spring peas, toasted almonds, and a rich crab butter. The seared diver scallops, accompanied by creamed corn, andouille sausage, pickled peppers, and a whole-grain mustard-butter sauce, are another highlight. The sommelier is available to guide you through the extensive wine list, or you can choose from the specialty cocktails, such as the GoG old fashioned made with Milam & Green Port Finished Rye Whiskey, amaro, and plum bitters. Grand View is located at 3320 Mesa Rd.
Casual & Local Favorites: Discovering Everyday Delights for What to Eat Colorado Springs
Shuga’s
Nestled within a historic home just south of downtown, Shuga’s exudes an effortlessly eclectic and inviting atmosphere. Its menu is a delightful global journey, pulling inspiration from various cuisines around the world. A marquee dish that perfectly embodies this is the Brazilian coconut shrimp soup – a flavorful, comforting bowl with a gentle heat, balanced by creamy coconut milk and bright, fresh herbs.
Stop by during happy hour to try the sake-ginger fried chicken, served with marinated cucumber. Shuga’s is also perfect for sharing, with a selection of small plates and bites like bruschetta topped with roasted grapes, goat cheese, and rosemary, or Mully’s Picnic charcuterie board. Pair your meal with a signature cocktail, perhaps one served in a shareable carafe. For those opting out of alcohol, Shuga’s offers a creative array of non-alcoholic sips, from refreshing lavender lemonade to a bubbly coconut ginger fizz. Shuga’s is located at 702 S. Cascade Ave. While exploring the city, remember that Colorado is known for its vibrant cultural scene, including various events in colorado throughout the year that could complement your visit.
Till Neighborhood Bistro & Bar
Stepping into Till Neighborhood Bistro transports you to a relaxed European sidewalk cafe, offering a charming escape from the everyday. This stylish eatery features rustic wood furnishings, brown leather chairs, soft lighting, and fresh flowers on every table, creating a chic yet unpretentious space that feels instantly welcoming.
The menu, though concise, prioritizes quality and features locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Visiting in late August, for example, you’ll find Palisade peaches prominently featured in several dishes. The beef short rib stroganoff is a comforting and elevated choice, topped with mushrooms sourced from the Springs’ own Microvora farm. Complement your meal with a selection from their seasonal cocktail menu, perhaps the warm and complex Fireside Date, a concoction of tequila, rum, amaro, and sherry finished with a Medjool date. Till is located at 616 S. Tejon St.
A farm-to-table dish, cocktail, and fresh flowers on a table at Till Neighborhood Bistro & Bar in Colorado Springs.
The Rabbit Hole
Sometimes, the most magical experiences are hidden in plain sight. To find The Rabbit Hole, you need to locate a seemingly ordinary red British-style phone booth on Kiowa Street and descend the stairs within. Housed in a former morgue, this Alice in Wonderland-inspired subterranean restaurant is a playful nod to classic literature combined with serious culinary creativity, offering sophisticated modern American fare.
Standout dishes include a rich, bacon-wrapped rabbit meatloaf served with a honey chipotle demi-glace, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and fresh herbs – a dish that fully embraces the theme. The truffle mac and cheese strikes a perfect balance between comforting familiarity and gourmet indulgence. Given the theme, it’s no surprise the cocktail program is wonderfully “mad.” The signature White Rabbit martini, made with vanilla vodka, coconut rum, and cream, and topped with a flaming marshmallow, is a must-try, though indulging in one too many might have you feeling just like you’re running late for a very important date. The Rabbit Hole is located at 101 N. Tejon St.
Atmosphere Gastropub
Atmosphere Gastropub offers a welcoming and unpretentious setting perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration or celebrating with friends. It strikes a balance between a laid-back neighborhood grill and a destination for elevated comfort food. You’ll find creative takes on familiar dishes, such as decadent lobster tater tots or a gourmet burger topped with smoky bacon jam.
The drink list is extensive, featuring an impressive collection of signature cocktails and a wide selection of craft beer from breweries near and far. On my last visit, I spotted drafts from acclaimed breweries like Russian River Brewing and Block 15 Brewing. Whether you’re a beer aficionado or a cocktail lover, Atmosphere Gastropub provides a relaxed setting with truly excellent food and drink. Find it at 1327 Interquest Parkway.
Golden Bee Gastropub (at The Broadmoor)
Step into The Golden Bee, and you’re not just entering a British pub; you’re stepping into a piece of history, imported directly from across the pond. The entire establishment, including its wood-paneled walls and brass fixtures, was dismantled in England in 1961 and meticulously reassembled on the grounds of The Broadmoor. The atmosphere is always lively, featuring nightly piano sing-alongs and friendly staff who might even gift you an embroidered bee patch as a souvenir. The menu focuses on hearty, stick-to-your-ribs British pub classics like perfectly battered fish and chips, rich Guinness short rib stew, and savory bangers and mash.
Complementing the food is an impressive selection of international beers and ales, famously served in signature half-yard and yard-long glasses. The Golden Bee holds a unique place in history as reportedly the location where former President George W. Bush had his last alcoholic drink before quitting. He later returned to sign a bottle of wine, which is now displayed in The Broadmoor’s lobby. The Golden Bee is located at 1 Lake Ave. Exploring different parts of Colorado offers diverse experiences. For those interested in the music scene, finding a colorado music festival could be a great addition to your travel plans.
Classic British pub fare like fish and chips and chicken skewers served at the Golden Bee Gastropub in Colorado Springs.
Blk Mgk
Located inside the beautifully renovated Mining Exchange Hotel, Blk Mgk is a stylish full-service coffee bar and restaurant that quickly made a name for itself since opening. They brew locally roasted beans from Hold Fast Coffee Co., crafting both classic coffee drinks and creative, unique concoctions like the banana s’more latte, made with espresso, graham cracker milk, banana syrup, dark chocolate, and topped with a toasted marshmallow.
Beyond coffee, Blk Mgk offers an elevated menu for breakfast and lunch. Try the sourdough toast topped with English pea hummus, asparagus, quinoa, hot honey, and arugula for a savory and fresh option. If you have a sweet tooth, the toasted brioche smothered in whipped ricotta, coffee cream, and cocoa is pure indulgence. Blk Mgk is a perfect spot for a delicious start to your day or a satisfying midday meal. Find them at 8 S. Nevada Ave. Colorado Springs serves as a fantastic base camp for exploring the entire state. If winter sports are on your mind, researching ski trip packages colorado could be a great next step in planning your adventure.
Elevated breakfast and lunch sandwiches served at Blk Mgk coffee bar and restaurant in Colorado Springs.
Red Leg Brewing Company
When asking what to eat Colorado Springs in a casual, outdoor setting, Red Leg Brewing Company often comes to mind. Located near Garden of the Gods, this popular brewery is a hub for some of the city’s best food trucks, offering a dynamic and changing culinary landscape.
Pair one of Red Leg’s local IPAs or amber lagers with an overflowing lobster roll from Chef Bob’s Lobstah Trap, or perhaps a bourbon-glazed portobello burger from PH Burger Bunker. Got a sweet craving? Grab an oatmeal pastry stout to complement a snickerdoodle from Sasquatch Cookies. The expansive patio is partially dog-friendly, making it a great spot to bring your furry friend. In the summer, local musicians often play, and impromptu games of cornhole are common year-round, creating a lively community atmosphere. Red Leg Brewing Company is located at 2323 Garden of the Gods Rd.
The Warehouse
Steeped in Colorado history, The Warehouse restaurant is run by a husband-and-wife duo out of a building that once served as storage for both miners and wealthy guests of The Broadmoor. It’s also a significant part of Chef James Africano’s personal history, as he worked there for years before eventually returning to purchase it.
The Warehouse offers a dining experience that is both sophisticated and approachable, focusing on a creative interpretation of Rocky Mountain cuisine. Notable dishes include the wild boar and Pueblo green chile stew, elk strip loin, and bison ribeye – highlighting the unique flavors of the region. Be sure to check out the adjoining art gallery after your meal, adding another layer to this historic and creative establishment. The Warehouse is located at 25 W. Cimarron St.
Rocky Mountain cuisine featuring a lamb shank dish at The Warehouse restaurant in Colorado Springs.
Conclusion
From hidden underground speakeasies and historic British pubs to modern bistros focused on local ingredients and vibrant food truck gatherings, the dining scene in Colorado Springs is as diverse and dynamic as its breathtaking natural surroundings. Exploring what to eat Colorado Springs is an adventure in itself, revealing stories of culinary passion, local history, and a community dedicated to creating memorable experiences through food. So, come hungry and ready to explore the unique flavors waiting for you in this evolving city – your taste buds will undoubtedly thank you for it!