Top 15 Restaurants in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, often known as Little London, is a picturesque city that makes an ideal setting for a getaway or a day trip around town. We return to the city over and over because of its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife. But there’s a great downtown here, too, with lots of awesome restaurants!
Some of the better Colorado Springs restaurants include traditional German, Greek, and Italian cuisines as well as hipster cafes and super healthy food. And most restaurants in Colorado Spring have one thing in common: they are far less pricey than you might expect.
Visitors might not expect an exciting culinary scene in the city, but they will be pleasantly surprised. Colorado Springs restaurants are extremely affordable, especially considering how gourmet they can be.
We know you’re here for our food, so you’ve come to the right place. Restaurants in Colorado Springs are world-class, and the food scene is superb.
Check out these must-visit restaurants next time you’re in Colorado Springs for a short or long-term vacation!
15. Four by Brother Luck
321 N Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 | American, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free Cuisines | $9 – $38 | Tuesday to Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Top chef is one of Bravo’s best-known television shows and years ago, Brother Luck became a breakout star and a finalist on Top Chef. Around this period, the owner established two fantastic restaurants and was named “Best Local Chef” by the Gazette.
This restaurant is located on the northern side of Colorado Springs. It offers a relaxed setting where you can enjoy sophisticated Colorado and Southwestern cuisine.
Ultimately, the food at Brother Luck is inspired by the hunter, fisher, farmer, and gatherer that provide the food we eat. So it’s extremely nature-oriented!
You can also try out the early bird specials during lunch, including a fantastic burger with bacon jam and a tasty Ute tribe blue cornbread. This is one of our favorite combinations!
In the evening, Brother Luck is a great place for fine dining. You’re sure to find something unique and special on their Southwest-inspired menu, which rotates regularly.
The four-course gourmet menu is the best way to get the full Brother Luck experience if you’re searching for exceptional food. You can choose several combinations in their four-course menu, and you can also accompany your meal with different sparkling wines and cocktails. The duck breast and grilled octopus are meals you must try. Seriously – melt in your mouth! The Phoenix tequila is also a treat.
This restaurant is a must-visit if you want to experience top meals in Colorado Springs! It’s our favorite Colorado Springs restaurant for an intimate and formal date night.
14. Carlos Bistro
1025 S 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 | Seafood, American, Japanese Cuisines | $40 – $400 | Wednesday to Saturday 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Carlos Bistro, at 21st Street and Bott, is the brainchild of Chef-Proprietor Carlos Echeandia. The location of this Colorado Springs restaurant makes it ideal for large groups to gather. It’s a really fine dining restaurant with a gorgeous patio!
Carlo’s Bistro has the best fine dining experience in the Springs. In spite of the restaurant’s location in a small corner of the city, critics consider it to be one of the city’s finest.
Award-winning cuisine and an unforgettable experience await you at Carlo’s Bistro, Colorado’s #1 restaurant by Zagat.
At Carlos Bistro, seafood-inspired meals are the specialty. It’s worth noting that part of the menu changes daily. Carlos is highly concerned about presenting only the best food to his customers, so his entrees are determined by what fresh seafood is available.
When you enter Carlos’ Bistro, proprietors Carlos and Marcia will greet you, and you’ll be whisked away to an elegant eating experience. Enjoy classic bistro fare with inventive gourmet touches in a warm and sophisticated setting.
Chef Carlos infuses every meal with an international flair to impress his clients, bringing his unique, lively Peruvian cooking approach to the table. Since 2013, Carlos Bistro has been well-known as the best restaurant in Colorado, and it continues to amaze locals and tourists alike.
Carlos’ Bistro has an old-school elegance and an upscale menu. While Carlos’ Bistro is ideal for a romantic evening, it’s also a terrific choice for any other type of celebration. We highly recommend this bistro for a full-on dining experience if you want an upscale night out. Get a seat on the patio if possible – it’s so cute!
At Carlos’, the chef serves up classics like caviar and filet mignon, as well as some original dishes like paella that are sure to amaze. We recommend trying their Creamsicle Cocktail or Vail Old Fashioned for dessert.
13. Joseph’s Fine Dining
American, Vegetarian, International Cuisines | $20 – $40
The menu of Joseph’s Fine Dining is incredible. Joseph’s Fine Dining opened specifically for no unnecessary gimmicks, just delicious food prepared by a master chef. Located in an 1890 two-story structure on Colorado Springs’ west side, this New American eatery serves delicious seafood, steaks, and inventive takes on classic fare. Sea bass or escargot from Chile would be excellent choices.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and have a fine dining night out. With various local and international cuisines available, you will never run out of options here – the menu is definitely on the larger side!
They serve different lunch and dinner dishes, but the quality is always top-notch. You’ll find gourmet soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. If you visit for dinner, we recommend any of their specialties, such as the famous Pepper Steak Flambe!
12. Penrose Room
International, French, American Cuisines | $82 – $210
The Penrose Room at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs is the city’s most luxurious restaurant. The Penrose Room, named after the hotel’s eminent founder, Spencer Penrose, is one of the Broadmoor’s several restaurants, yet it stands out in many ways.
The cuisine is contemporary European, with delicacies like caviar, venison, and rack of lamb available to serve. You can rely on a sommelier to help you select the right wine to accompany your dinner. Take a peek at the dessert menu, renowned across Colorado Springs – pretty much all of the dessert options are delicious.
Wearing shorts is not permitted, so dress appropriately for a fine dining experience. It speaks to why the Penrose Room is the only AAA Five Diamond-rated restaurant in Colorado and is the only place to go in Colorado Springs for a top-notch fine dining experience.
Comfort meals and European classics like amuse-bouche and cheese plates are available (not included in the five courses). Thanks to the expert pairing of wines with each course, you will be well-fed without feeling stuffed.
The restaurant offers multiple courses of meals of your choice. You can make your course by choosing from their various appetizers, entrees, Fromage, and desserts. Numerous wines and cocktails options are available to include in your meal course.
When planning your travel home, remember that you will be having five full glasses of champagne and a glass of bubbly if you choose the full multi-course option. It’s definitely a night when you’ll want to Uber!
The Broadmoor Hotel houses the fine dining establishments Ristorante Del Lago, Summit, and La Taverne, in addition to the Penrose Room. You can have an outstanding Springs experience visiting this high-class restaurant or any of the others! If you’re looking for a really fine dining experience then this is one of the best restaurants in Colorado Springs to check out.
11. Mackenzie’s Chop House
128 S Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 | American, Steakhouse, Vegetarian, Local Cuisines | $25 – $99
Mackenzie’s Chop House initially opened its doors in Colorado Springs in 1997 and has since become a local favorite. You can find this locally owned steakhouse at the bottom of the historical Alamo Building on North Tejon.
The Chop House is famous for lunch meetings, banquets, and pre-theater dinners. The warm, personal ambiance comprises three private rooms surrounded by spacious dining rooms and a beautiful bar and lounge. From 10 to 50 persons can be accommodated in their luxuriously fitted private rooms.
With small meals in the lounge and a beautiful basement heated terrace, it offers Colorado Springs’ most excellent premium happy hour. A wide variety of cheap appetizers and martinis, as well as wines by the glass, wells, and draft beers, are available.
Mackenzie’s complete bar and wine selection have an award-winning martini selection, including over 40 variations and a cutting-edge wine range. The 8-table outside dining area includes a fire pit to enjoy the Colorado sunshine and pleasant evenings.
This restaurant offers a typical evening of fine steak, martinis, fresh seafood, and wine. Mackenzie’s is a great place to spend some time because of the friendly staff and the relaxed yet refined ambiance.
The sea bass and the filet mignon, prepared to perfection by Mackenzie’s talented chefs, are two of the menu’s highlights. Mackenzie’s Chop House is the place to drive if you’re in the mood for some world-class steak.
10. The Rabbit Hole
American, Bar, Vegetarian Cuisines | $31 – $50 | 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm daily
Whether planning a dreamy evening for two or a birthday bash, The Rabbit Hole in downtown Colorado Springs is the ideal venue.
The rabbit is the show’s star at this high-end New American Restaurant, which also offers a few vegetarian and vegan alternatives in an eclectically-styled atmosphere.
The restaurant’s menu features many options, including a few inventive dishes made with fish, poultry, beef, and vegetarian ingredients. The staff is courteous, and the restaurant offers a fascinating, speakeasy-like ambiance. The food comes out quickly, and the low price includes alcoholic beverages.
If you’re looking for a dining involvement like no other, look further than this Independent and Gazette newspaper award-winning establishment. A reservation is necessary to experience the full range of Rabbit Hole’s offerings.
The restaurant offers shareable nibbles, dinner dishes, and desserts.
You can try their meat and cheese and veggie nosh boards as snacks. For dinner, the rabbit meatloaf and bison short rib is a treat you should not miss. An excellent alternative to the carrot cake is the crème Brulee, a splendid dessert.
We recommend starting with the Bloody Mary of the Queen of Hearts (which comes with a beer). Start with a vegetable (or not) Nosh board, then continue to the Bacon-Wrapped Rabbit Meatloaf (or the fillet and shrimp fries if eating rabbit feels strange). Also, don’t forget the carrot cake for dessert.
Descending the staircase into this quaint and imaginative restaurant is part of the fun of dining at The Rabbit Hole; it’s an experience unto itself. Don’t miss out on this luxury eating experience at this hidden eatery.
9. Uchenna Ethiopian Restaurant
2501 W Colorado Ave # 105, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 | Ethiopian, Vegetarian, Mediterranean Cuisines | $10 – $32 | Tuesday to Friday 11:30 am – 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Every time you eat at the restaurant, greetings from smiling faces and the comforting aroma of seasonings stimulate your senses and remind you of home will be part of the experience.
In the beginning, Maya, the mother of the restaurant’s owner, would serve food to her family and even people she met on the street. It wasn’t until the family received a lot of positive feedback and gentle prodding that they decided to take the first step in promoting their regional cuisine.
As a result, Uchenna was born, a nutritious, organic, and gluten-free food company inspired by Ethiopian, Israeli, and Mediterranean customs and history.
Stop by Uchenna’s if you’re in Colorado Springs and looking for something different. Uchenna’s Ethiopian Restaurant is an excellent addition to the neighborhood as an outlier in terms of cuisine.
You won’t go wrong with any food you order as everything is tasty in the restaurant. Well-seasoned and presented attractively, it is guaranteed that each food they serve will have you coming back to the restaurant in your future Colorado Springs trips.
We highly recommend trying the Ethiopian menu at Uchenna’s, which has two menu selections: one is Ethiopian, and the other is Mediterranean. A dozen Ethiopian spices marinate the meat, then serve with traditional Ethiopian dishes such as Misser Wat (a spicy lentil soup).
You can see exciting art and memorabilia on the restaurant’s walls as you eat. This incredible find in Old Colorado City is a delight!
8. Shuga’s Restaurant
Soup, Vegetarian, American Cuisines | $9 – $13 | Monday to Friday 11:00 am – 12:00 am, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
When you come to Cascade Avenue, you’ll come across Shuga’s Restaurant on the right-hand side of the street. The eatery serves a wide range of wines and cocktails seven days a week with a diversified cafe-style menu of snacks and entrees.
Shuga’s is a college hangout, but that shouldn’t deter you from visiting this unique restaurant and bar. For a quick bite or lunch, Shuga’s offers a variety of sandwiches ranging from a smoked salmon pita to a French-Canadian panini. The drinks at Shuga’s are top-notch, too.
Cocktails, coffee, soups, and sandwiches are all served in a 1910 grocery store converted into a cozy cafe. Known for its consistently high standards and unique aesthetic, Shuga’s serves a refined menu amid a swarm of paper cranes, thrift store decor, and candlelight.
The spicy Brazilian coconut shrimp dish is a must-order at this restaurant. Everything about it is delightful.
Snack boards are one of the restaurant’s specialties. There’s a pre-made panel with various cuts of meat, cheeses, and appetizers, and you can make your snack board or select the jalapeno macaroni and cheese! They also have a unique Shuga trail mix for kids’ snack boards and other options.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the food is delicious. You will witness excellent service from the waiters at this restaurant. As you eat, you can watch the bartenders mix your drink which is a lot of fun.
There are salads and rolls for those who prefer a more substantial meal. Shuga’s restaurant has something for everyone, from a small lunch to a full dinner.
7. Peppertree Restaurant
American, Steakhouse, International, Contemporary Cuisines | $35 – $65
Since 1983, the Pepper Tree restaurant in Colorado Springs has been a local favorite for exquisite dining. In addition to steak and seafood, the Pepper Tree is known for its upscale setting, excellent service, and stunning city views.
Its distinctive Mango Chutney Pepper Steak and other dishes like Chateaubriand and Steak Diane are prepared or completed at the tableside. Business casual attire is needed; hats, ripped denim/shirts, costumes, muscle tees, sweatpants/pajamas, and flip-flops are some restrictions.
Few restaurants in the world can compete with The Peppertree’s level of excellence in terms of food, ambiance, and service.
The Peppertree has been named one of Open Table’s “100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America” for 2017 and offers a unique dining experience with several dishes created directly at your table.
A tuxedo-clad group of waiters noted for their excellent service cooks several dishes, including the legendary Pepper Steak, tableside.
You can also celebrate any occasion at the restaurant. Catering to every event, from weddings and parties to birthdays and anniversaries, ensures a unique dining experience for everyone. Its dining area can accommodate private groups of up to 75 people.
Pepper Tree is a must-stop for steak enthusiasts if you’re in or visiting restaurants in Colorado Springs. There is no doubt that Pepper Tree is a steakhouse, but this does not imply that they are afraid to experiment.
If you’re not an admirer of steak, there are plenty of seafood choices at the restaurants, like wild salmon and lobster tait.
6. Paravicini’s Italian Bistro
Vegetarian, Italian Cuisines | $10 – $25 |
The informal Italian eatery is housed in a historic 1895 building in Colorado Springs, bringing a slice of “little Italy” to the city. Lasagna, veal marsala, and Tutto di Mare are just some of the famous Italian dishes on the menu at Chef Franco’s. This is definitely one of our favorite restaurants in Colorado Springs for Italian food!
The eatery uses only premium ingredients to prepare its award-winning menu offerings. The family has been making sauces and developing recipes for them for many generations.
Classic Italian dishes are available at Paravicini’s Italian Bistro. It’s hard to go wrong with the prosciutto-wrapped cod or the Rigatoni Carmella. Or really, any pasta dish on the menu!
If you’re eating with six or more people, choose the family service instead of ordering your meal. It’s so much fun! The food at Paravicini’s is fantastic, and the sweets are even better, so make sure you save room for them.
Franco Pisani has developed the local Italian place where Sinatra would have approved the giant platters of Veal Parmesan and Chicken Piccata served at his establishment. The sister restaurant Sopra, which features more delicate flavors and higher-quality ingredients, has evolved into Franco’s proving ground upstairs. These dishes and the Gorgonzola Polenta with Mushrooms make the rest of the menu worthwhile.
We recommend tasting their chicken Carsoni, tortellini carbonara, and Pomodoro dish. These dishes, in combination with their wine list, will never disappoint.
This restaurant is the perfect place if you are traveling to Colorado Springs restaurants and love Italian dishes. The excellent service and fun atmosphere will urge you to return to the restaurant. Their extensive delicious food and wine list make this award-winning restaurant a worthy stop!
5. Kohnami Sushi
Kapanese, Sushi, Asian Cuisines | $11 – $30
Japanese-style simplicity meets American-style flair and ingenuity in Kohnami Sushi’s sushi rolls. Lunch at Kohnami is one of the best deals in town; order a few rolls and split them between your friends.
Kohnami Sushi in Colorado Springs is a top choice for diners to serve fresh, hand-rolled sushi. Kohnami’s special rice is available with various Japanese toppings and sauces.
There’s a standard Japanese meal, but the rotating specialties and the lunch special are head and shoulders above everything else in the neighborhood. Even though it lacks glitz and glamor, this neighborhood hangout is a favorite among locals.
The staff is friendly and helpful; however, food processing takes a long time. While waiting for your meal, you can enjoy a drink or a bowl of soup. The food at this hidden gem is superb and worth the wait. Its food presentation is flawless!
Kohnami is a small family-owned and operated restaurant that serves authentic Japanese cuisine. Inside and on the patio, there are only five tables, so get there early! Sushi rolls of all kinds, as well as a few Korean specialties, are available.
Try the Cotton Club roll, which contains three types of fish in a creamy avocado sauce and avocado on the inside, and is topped with cucumbers and carrots for a unique take on sushi.
The J Pop burrito (a sushi roll made with fried rice wrapped in a burrito wrapper) and the Korean sushi platter (spicy salmon roll, kimchi, and vegetables topped with Korean vinaigrette)are two popular choices.
This place is an excellent choice if you are in the mood for delicious sushi and Asian cuisine!
4. Edelweiss German Restaurant
34 E Ramona Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905 | German, European, Central European Cuisines | $8 – $25 | Sunday to Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Born and raised in Germany’s Heidelberg region, The Edelweiss family has included Helga Schnakenberg since 1969. The menu she’s put together in this restaurant is an invite to travel to Germany and sample everything that country has to offer.
The distinctive ambiance and delectable continental and German cuisine will make you eager to come time and time again. Intricately furnished indoor dining rooms and authentic German and Alpine antiques fill the walls. You can also coil up in front of one of the three roaring fires on a cold winter night!
It’s easy to enjoy a meal in the great outdoors of Colorado Springs here because of the patio’s abundance of trees and colorful umbrellas. In the Biergarten, a hot dinner is available alongside a refreshing German beer. We especially love this experience in the fall and winter!
Strolling musicians perform every evening from Thursday through Sunday. that can carry you to another place and time. This is one of the Colorado Springs restaurants that really offers the full experience.
When hosting a private dinner or special event, Edelweiss is the ideal location. The freshly renovated Ratskeller, with its stone walls and snug benches, is suitable for large parties.
For larger parties, their east wing can accommodate up to 130 people if you visit for any reason, whether a holiday gathering or any other event; you can rest assured that your time within the place will be memorable.
Wiener schnitzel, Hungarian Goulash, and Bratwurst are among of Edelweiss’ most popular meals that we recommend. You can also mix your meal with fine German beer. Nothing beats Edelweiss’s hearty German fare on a chilly night in Colorado Springs!
3. Bird Dog BBQ
American, Barbecue Cuisines | $5 – $10 | 11:00 am – 9:00 pm daily
One of the best barbecue joints around Colorado Springs is Bird Dog BBQ, known for its generous servings of meat. You can fill yourself up for at least a few days with pulled pork, brisket, turkey, sausages, ribs, chicken, and a few traditional sides.
Order the Doghouse if you’re hungry; it’s a wide sandwich with your pick of meat, sausages, beans, and cheese.
Since 2007, this eatery has been named the best BBQ joint in Colorado Springs. Additionally, in 2019, 2020, and 2021, it was chosen as the Springs’ Best Caterer.
The award-winning restaurant is known for its unique cooking methods, house-made gluten-free sauces, facilities, and even the name. You can easily have a gourmet BBQ experience like no other in this establishment!
Bird Dog is known for its oak-smoked meats. Oak’s moderate flavor has the complete cooking while preserving the meat’s flavor.
One of the restaurant’s unique selling points is its selection of gluten-free BBQ sauces. In the same way as any other BBQ joint, they provide mild, medium, and extra-hot sauces.
Bird Dog has original, one-of-a-kind sauces, such as its Wasabi-Q sauce. Without adding a drop of water, they prepare all their sauces from scratch daily.
The counter-style service sets this establishment apart from the competition. Before placing your order, you can try a little bit of the food – all you have to do is ask the staff!
When you go to this Colorado Springs restaurant, don’t forget to try the brisket with mac & cheese. It’s an absolute delight for everyone that visits!
This is one of our favorite restaurants in Colorado Springs for comfort eats and quick counter-service.
2. Caspian Cafe
Mediterranean, Greek, Middle Eastern, Persian Cuisines | $15 – $25
Caspian Cafe serves a range of cuisine near Ronald Reagan Highway in Colorado Springs. The restaurant’s chef has been in the food service sector for over twenty years, so the food is definitely yummy.
Caspian Café brings Mediterranean cuisine to the table. Dishes include everything from French to Greek. Classics like steak Nicoise and gyros to Middle Eastern favorites like falafel and shish taouk are available. The establishment provides separate full bar service and a dining area for banquets.
Caspian Cafe is a terrific family-friendly restaurant that doesn’t forget about your children. It provides a separate children’s menu with a range of kid-friendly dishes.
The Middle Eastern kabob platter is a must-try while you’re in the area. Lunch and supper options are available in varying amounts, so don’t miss out on this delectable dish.
The cafe will transport you to the Mediterranean. We recommend ordering many starter dishes and splitting them among everyone. All the hummus, tzatziki, falafel, and baba ghanouj are made in-house. There are excellent deals on martinis and appetizers at happy hour, so come by!
Caspian Café is one of the top restaurants in Colorado Springs for savoring Mediterranean dishes at affordable prices!
1. Lake Terrace Dining Room
American, Vegetarian, International Cuisines | $15 – $85
Looking for incredibly gorgeous breakfast restaurants in Colorado Springs? You’ll discover this stunning restaurant on the mezzanine floor of Broadmoor Main. Cheyenne Lake is just a few steps away from the dining area, where you can enjoy the scenery while eating.
This breakfast-and-brunch-only restaurant is noted for its exceptional meals. A casual outfit code is in effect, and walk-ins only are permitted, though we recommend making a reservation.
Guests love the European-style baked goods, and many come just for the Rocky Mountain Breakfast and Broadmoor Hot Thins. Be sure to drink enough Mind & Body juice as well.
There’s something for everyone on the a la carte menu, from conventional European breakfasts to creative takes on Eggs Benedict to hearty griddle options and Southwestern favorites. Molded ice and live pianist music accompany the menu’s 150 tantalizing options.
Lake Terrace is perfect to start your day in Colorado Springs. You can taste a world-class buffet in the establishment and high-quality service. The atmosphere is top-notch, and the surrounding view of the lake is simply stunning. This Colorado Springs restaurant is worth a visit!
Colorado Springs has restaurants of all sorts that can satisfy the cravings of everyone. From casual to upscale restaurants, you can have a blast with the food served in each establishment.
