The 12 Best Colorado Springs Restaurants
By Maria Rodriguez | Oct. 1, 2024
Colorado Springs isn’t trying to be Denver, and that’s its charm. It’s a city where you can hike a trail in the morning, marvel at Garden of the Gods by lunch, and still find yourself in a restaurant that doesn’t make you feel underdressed for dinner. Over the years, I’ve made it my mission to eat my way through this city, and what I’ve discovered is a dining scene that’s surprising, unpretentious, and occasionally ambitious in all the right ways. Here are 12 restaurants that stood out.
Dos Dos
1. Ephemera
Located in the heart of downtown, Ephemera is a testament to the city's burgeoning fine dining scene. This intimate restaurant offers a seasonal tasting menu that changes regularly, ensuring a fresh experience with each visit. The chef's dedication to locally sourced ingredients is evident in dishes like the Colorado lamb with heirloom carrots. The minimalist decor keeps the focus on the culinary artistry presented on each plate.
2. Till
Till Neighborhood Bistro & Bar is a restaurant with a dual personality, and I mean that in the best way. By day, it’s the Garden of the Gods Market & Cafe, a charming spot for pastries and espresso. By night, it transforms into Till, a bistro that takes its farm-to-table concept seriously. Their menu rotates with the seasons, but if the short ribs are on the list, don’t skip them—they’re tender enough to cut with a fork and paired with veggies that actually taste like they came from someone’s garden.
3. 503W
503W isn’t just a gastropub—it’s a place where you’ll find dishes as colorful as the cocktails they’re paired with. Their Korean fried chicken is crispy perfection, doused in a sweet-and-spicy glaze that’ll have you debating whether to share. The bar program is inventive but never over-the-top; think fresh herbs and unexpected flavor combos that somehow just work. It’s lively, a little loud, and exactly where you want to be on a Friday night.
4. Dos Dos
At Dos Dos, Mexican food is both familiar and surprising, with every dish rooted in fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Tacos come stuffed with thoughtfully chosen fillings, from crispy pork to roasted vegetables, while tequila cocktails elevate the experience beyond the ordinary. Committed to local and seasonal produce, the menu shifts with the calendar, so there's always something new.
5. Odyssey Gastropub
Located on North Tejon Street, Odyssey Gastropub offers a diverse menu catering to various tastes. From their hearty burgers to vegetarian-friendly options like the quinoa salad, there's something for everyone. The casual setting, complemented by a selection of craft beers, makes it a favorite hangout spot.
6. Four by Brother Luck
Four by Brother Luck takes fine dining to another level with a menu that traces celebrity chef Brother Luck’s culinary journey through four key regions: the American Southwest, Asia, France, and the South. Each course is a reflection of this personal narrative, with dishes like dry-aged duck breast and blue cornbread, artfully plated and paired with cocktails that feel just as thoughtful. This is where storytelling meets the plate.
7. Zocalo
This Mexican-fusion gem is more than just a restaurant—it’s a full sensory experience. You’ll order at a VW bus repurposed into a bar, and possibly grab a seat on one of the swings suspended from the ceiling. Zocalo’s menu is a fusion of traditional Mexican street food with modern twists, served up with cocktails that practically demand you relax and settle in.
8. Ambli Global Cuisine
Ambli is where you go when you want a passport without leaving Colorado Springs. Their Turkish Old Fashioned feels like Istanbul in a glass—fig-infused and smooth enough to convince you to order another. The menu hops around the world, from Spanish tapas to Indian curries, and the dining room manages to feel sophisticated without making you feel like you need to whisper. It’s the kind of spot you’ll want to linger, ideally with dessert and one more cocktail.
9. The Rabbit Hole
Nestled beneath downtown Colorado Springs, The Rabbit Hole offers a whimsical dining experience inspired by Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland." This subterranean spot serves inventive American fare, with dishes like the tender braised short ribs and the indulgent truffle mac and cheese standing out. The dim lighting and eclectic decor create an ambiance that's both mysterious and inviting, making it a favorite among locals seeking a unique night out.
10. The Warehouse
The Warehouse Restaurant & Gallery doesn’t just feed you; it gives you something to look at while you eat. The space doubles as an art gallery, with rotating exhibits that are worth wandering through before or after your meal. The menu leans into contemporary American with dishes like perfectly seared scallops and a steak that’ll make you question why you’ve ever eaten one anywhere else. It’s artsy without being pretentious—an impressive balancing act.
11. Sushi Row
For sushi lovers, Sushi Row is an unexpected delight in a city surrounded by mountains, not oceans. What it lacks in coastal proximity, it more than makes up for in quality. Sit by the bar for the freshest cuts of sashimi, or take it easy by the outdoor fire pit with a plate of karaage chicken and a local brew.
12. Spring Rollin’
At Spring Rollin’, the humble spring roll gets its moment in the spotlight, and it doesn’t disappoint. Diners can customize their pho or roll, choosing from a variety of broths, noodles, and proteins, all served in a laid-back, casual setting. It's a little bit of warmth and comfort after a day in the Colorado outdoors. Spring Rollin’ website.
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