The 10 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs
By Grace Armstrong | Updated 3 Days Ago
Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs isn’t only great for outdoor activities; it’s also becoming a popular spot for food lovers. The city’s diverse and exciting food scene invites everyone to explore its many flavors.
Here are the 10 unmissable restaurants in Colorado Springs, each offering a unique taste that promises to elevate your dining experience.
Juniper Valley Ranch
At Juniper Valley Ranch, time seems to stand still in a cozy atmosphere where laughter fills the room and the scent of home-cooked dishes like their renowned fried chicken welcomes you. This chicken, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, along with hearty sides, evokes the comforting feeling of grandma’s kitchen. The family-style service heightens the sense of belonging.
Eating here transports you to a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting, with a $25 set menu that celebrates the joy of dining together over comforting classics. Enjoying apple butter on freshly baked biscuits in this rustic and charming setting, you’re reminded of the warmth of tradition and the simple happiness found in a shared meal, far removed from the fast pace of contemporary life.
The Rabbit Hole
The Rabbit Hole invites diners to a unique dining experience inspired by Alice in Wonderland, nestled in the heart of downtown. This intriguing spot combines classic ingredients with imaginative twists, serving standout dishes like filet mignon and bison short ribs that delight the senses with their flavor and presentation. It’s a place where every meal is a discovery, blending the familiar with the extraordinary.
Adding to the charm are the whimsical cocktails named after Alice in Wonderland characters, enhancing the magical ambiance. The Rabbit Hole creates a captivating dining atmosphere with its creative menu and enchanting décor, making it a perfect escape for an evening of culinary exploration and wonder. It’s an inviting adventure into a world where food and fantasy meet.
Paravicini’s Italian Bistro
At Paravicini’s Italian Bistro, the essence of Italy is captured in every dish, thanks to Chef Franco Pisani’s dedication to authenticity and flavor. This Old Colorado City gem is a celebration of Italian cuisine, where each meal feels like a journey to Italy itself. The ambiance, warm and welcoming, complements the hearty, flavorful dishes that are a testament to Pisani’s culinary expertise and his family’s rich heritage.
Paravicini’s menu is a love letter to Italy, offering a range of dishes from the tenderloin Gorgonzola to the vibrant and spicy Italian sausage. Each plate is a work of art, carefully composed and bursting with the bold, rustic flavors Italy is known for. It’s not just a meal but an experience, one that transports diners to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany or the bustling streets of Rome.
Four by Brother Luck
Enter the world of Four by Brother Luck, where Southwestern cuisine is reimagined through the lens of celebrity chef Brother Luck. This restaurant is not just a place to eat but a destination for culinary exploration, where the dishes tell stories of the region’s rich cultural tapestry. The elk carpaccio and langoustine sopes are just the beginning of a menu that’s as diverse as it is delicious.
The ambiance at Four buzzes with energy and creativity, reflecting the adventurous spirit of its menu. Each visit is a journey, guided by Chef Luck’s vision and passion for Southwestern cuisine. This is a place where food is celebrated, where each dish is an invitation to explore the flavors and stories of the Four Corners region. Dining here is about the experience, one that promises to be memorable and inspiring.
The Margarita at Pine Creek
For nearly 50 years, The Margarita at Pine Creek has stood as a beacon for those craving comforting and satisfying meals in a beautiful natural setting. Its menu, always evolving with the seasons, invites diners to explore and enjoy new tastes and creations on every visit, celebrating the local produce and culinary expertise with dishes like smooth eggs Benedict, and fluffy frittatas.
Eating at The Margarita is more than just enjoying a meal; it’s about embracing the atmosphere, feeling part of a community, and connecting with the stunning landscape that surrounds the restaurant. Whether you’re there for a sunlit brunch or a cozy dinner under the stars, The Margarita offers a pause from the hustle and bustle of daily life, turning the act of dining into a treasured experience.
TAPAteria
Step into TAPAteria, a slice of Barcelona nestled in Old Colorado City, where every dish promises an escape to the sun-drenched streets of Spain. This haven of gluten-free gastronomy offers a communal dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Imagine yourself sipping on house-made sangria, surrounded by laughter and lively conversations, as you share plates of patatas bravas and grilled oysters, each bite a testament to the art of Spanish cuisine.
Here, dining is not just eating; it’s an exploration of flavors and a celebration of togetherness. TAPAteria invites you to forge new connections over meticulously prepared tapas that echo the vibrant spirit of Spanish markets. With every dish, from the savory to the sublime, you’re not just tasting the culinary delights of Spain; you’re immersing yourself in its heartwarming culture, right in the heart of Colorado Springs.
Shuga’s
Shuga’s transforms comfort food with a playful twist, offering unique dishes like Brazilian Spicy Shrimp Soup and Adult Juice Boxes in a cozy setting that used to be a grocery store. The restaurant’s eclectic menu and whimsical decor make it the perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a meal that’s out of the ordinary.
With its inviting atmosphere and creative dishes, Shuga’s is more than just a place to eat; it’s a community gathering spot where every meal sparks conversation and connections. Its charming ambiance, complete with origami cranes, attracts both locals and visitors, making everyone feel like they’ve discovered a hidden gem.
MacKenzie’s Chop House
MacKenzie’s Chop House is where the classic steakhouse tradition is honored and elevated. Here, the glow of soft lighting and the sizzle of prime cuts on the grill set the stage for an evening of indulgence. With every clink of martini glasses and the unveiling of the “Weekly Fresh Sheet,” MacKenzie’s invites you to partake in a dining experience that’s steeped in tradition yet refreshingly innovative.
This is where fine dining meets the warmth of hospitality, creating an atmosphere that’s both elegant and inviting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to the finer things in life, MacKenzie’s mastery of the steakhouse craft promises an experience that’s memorable for its impeccable flavors and impeccable service.
Urban Egg
Morning in Colorado Springs finds its most vibrant expression at Urban Egg, where breakfast is not just a meal but a canvas for culinary artistry. Here, the classics are reimagined with bold twists that surprise and delight, from the Denver hot chicken benedict to strawberry cheesecake pancakes. Urban Egg’s commitment to local sourcing turns each dish into a celebration of Colorado’s rich agricultural tapestry.
As the day begins, Urban Egg beckons with the promise of flavors that awaken the senses and nourish the soul. It’s a place where each bite tells a story of creativity and community, where the morning’s first light is greeted with dishes that are as colorful as they are flavorful. This is not just breakfast; it’s an ode to the joy of morning, served up with flair and passion.
PigLatin Cocina
Step into PigLatin Cocina for a vibrant twist on Latin street food, where traditional dishes like quesadillas and nachos get an exciting makeover with ingredients like kimchi and Caribbean spices. The lively setting is the perfect match for a menu full of bold and innovative flavor combinations, encouraging diners to discover something both familiar and refreshingly new.
PigLatin Cocina is all about the joy of eating, where every meal turns into a lively celebration of culinary creativity. Here, the fusion of different cultures on a single plate makes every bite an exploration and every dining experience a festive journey. It’s more than just eating out; it’s an adventure into the spirited world of Latin fusion cuisine.
Colorado Springs’ culinary landscape is as rich and diverse as the natural beauty that surrounds it. From the timeless charm of Juniper Valley Ranch to the bold innovations of PigLatin Cocina, these 10 unmissable restaurants offer a taste of the city’s gastronomic prowess.