WELCOME!
Today you’re in luck because you are viewing a little guide to the City of Colorado Springs, crafted by some of the people that love to live here. We love our city and hope that you will too! Hence, we've created this as a sort of an "insider's guide" to Colorado Springs.
We hope this serves as a helpful tool whether you are a visitor or resident.
Keep in mind this isn't all-inclusive; our city has too much to offer to fit it all in this booklet! We’ve created a succinct, what-you-need-to-know guide that showcases the places that really shine. There's always more to see and do!
Welcome to our city! Enjoy!
THE VENUES
TIPS: Drink water! You’re at altitude and its dry here. Ask the server or barista for recommendations. You won't be sorry you did. Keep your eyes out We have lots of cyclists, hikers, runners, and walkers. Just be mindful. Enjoy! Soak it in. Take your time and just live well! The mountains are always WEST. Makes directions easier!
DRINK & SIT
The Springs has an incredible coffee culture, thriving craft cocktail scene, and loads of craft breweries to enjoy.
Brooklyn's On Boulder
Ring the bell for the haberdashery's tailor inside the store front and the nondescript door opens to a prohibition era speakeasy. Classy, moody ambience with spirit magicians behind the bar creating cocktails with Lee Spirits hand-crafted gin. Great for: date night, imaginative drinks, classy yet somehow outlaw spirits
Stir
A comfortable, dimly lit, classy yet character- filled version of a coffee shop that sets itself apart. The menu conveniently features light food, coffee, and simple cocktails. The design aesthetic gives it a comfortable and cozy feel. Great for: Casual drinks, catching up with an old friend.
Switchback Coffee
A local favorite. Tucked back in a neighborhood, it's a coffee shop, cafe, and roastery that is a comfortable spot to hang for the day or stop in for a quick meal. Plants, light, wood floors, and lovely baristas. Great for: reading, coffee.
Story Coffee Company
Yep, it’s a tiny house coffee shop. Super charming, full of life, and in the heart of downtown. The owners' coffee story is fantastic, so be sure to ask. Locals & regulars abound, so there's always a story in the air. Great for: charismatic owners, location, living small
The Principal's Office
The coffee and cocktail stop at Ivywild, a school building built in 1916 and reimagined into a can't-miss collection of great spaces. PO will give you a coffee education, craft a delightful cocktail, and fill your belly with tasty eats for any meal. Great for: lots of seating, outdoor space, beautiful setting.
Peak Place
Some of the kindest people you'll ever meet who know great coffee, wine, beer, and food. Industrial vibes, deep love for the community, and a killer patio makes this spot a lot of fun. Off the beaten path, but well worth it. Great for: hanging out, coffee, curated wine, fun people.
The Axe & The Oak
Tobacco-steeped whiskey and fired lemon peel prove the creativity of this place. Part whiskey room, port lumber jack chalet, it'll fill your senses with tasty drinks and live music most evenings. Check the outdoor seating and lawn bowling. Great for: hand-cut ice, tobacco old fashioneds, evenings out.
Pikes Peak Lemonade Co.
A lemonade tap-room pouring hand-crafted, organic cane sugar variations of lemonade that will change your life. Stop-in to the small shop for a lemonade as you walk downtown. They also sell concentrates to make your own (cocktails anyone)! Great for: hot-days, unusual awesome lemonade combos, make-your-own lemonade.
Building 3 Coffee
Lots of light, concrete, wood, laughs, friends, and great coffee. It's in the Lincoln Center, which is a great little co-op space of businesses (recently converted from an elementary school1). Great for: enjoying a brew, morning times, light fare.
Urban Steam
Coffee, whiskey, waffles. They know what's up. Situated in a unique corner of Downtown, it's a great cafe spot. Garage door open in the summers, quirky industrial vibes, and feels like a hidden gem. Great for: waffles, coffee, hanging out.
Loyal Coffee
An elegant coffee shop owned by 6 incredible baristas. Thoughtfully designed with beautiful tile and brass, big windows, and natural light invite you in. Great coffee, a seasonal food menu, and cocktails on tap. Great for: atmosphere, award winning baristas, drinks all day.
Third Space
Inviting, hospitable, and warm. A place for community over a great cup of local or national coffee. Plenty of seating in a richly appointed environment with regular events including live music and film screenings. Great for: meetings, spreading out, community, music.
Agia Sophia
"Fresh coffee, ancient wisdom" Cozy vibes + a bookshop + coffee makes this place awesome. The way coffee shops used to be. A place to stop and let life just soak in. Cozy vibes with lots of dark wood. Pretty cool that proceeds go to their charity helping troubled teens. Great for: reading, being inspired, cozy.
Iron Bird Brewing
Brick, iron, and wood. The place makes some great beer and pizza. The space is well designed, staff friendly, and one of the first really awesome breweries to hit Colorado Springs. Killer patio with lots of seating. Great for: dark beer, IPA's, talking with friends, pizza.
Brewer's Republic
Choices, choices, choices. Tons of beers and they are always rotating. Well curated we might add. The space is small and cozy with standard pub-fare Plus a legit rooftop patio. Great for: beer choice, friends, good times.
The Mining Exchange
Like the 20's. In the first floor of the hotel is a huge bar with knowledgeable and kind folks. One-of-a-kind old-school chairs and sitting areas make this place feel like you're turning back time. Piano playing occurs. Boo-ya! Great for: dressing up and drinking cocktails, late night, feeling swanky.
Odyssey Gastropub
Grab a drink and some food. The wood floors, huge brick walls, and bar make the vibes awesome. An always interesting beer list and menu, these people are fun! Great for: meals, unique beers & food, laughing with friends.
The Ute & The Yeti
Beer + rock climbing- two things Colorado is known for, right here in the same place. Inside CityRock Climbing Gym, with 15 craft beers on tap and many more by the bottle. Healthy food menu & rotating beer selection. Great for: indoor recreation, adventure vibe, beer.
Rico's Cafe & Wine Bar
Expect high quality drinks, cozy atmosphere, and there's often relaxed music here at night. A great place to sit with a really delicious hot chocolate or red wine. Check out the book shop and Poor Richard's Pizza next door. Great for: friends and drinks, cozy evenings.
Field House Brewing
The first micro-brewery to open in downtown, they've got an array of tasty beers. Most especially, 3 gluten-free ones! They are always trying something new as well. Nice brew-pub atmosphere with lots of TV's. Plus you'll usually find a food truck parked nearby. Great for: Beer, gluten-free, brew-pub-vibes.
La Baguette Wine Bar
A comfortable, Parisian style, secret upstairs wine bar you have to know about to find. A hand-picked wine list, tasty desserts, and great French vibes make it a lovely late-night space to chat about the latest adventure you had. Great for: wine drinking, dessert, French vibes, sitting and talking forever.
Goat Patch Brewing
Located at Lincoln Center, this new brewery has got some rod vibes, beer, and a huge heart for adventure Unique beer selections, plus an option to get Crowler and Growler fills. Soak in the tasty brews in a huge warehouse-esque tap-room. Great for: hanging, discovering, fun beers.
Cafe Redpoint
Smoothies, smoothies, smoothies They also have some great really healthy eats as well. A neat, quirky, creative space located in Lincoln Center with fun vibes and very kind employees! Great for: Smoothies, healthy food, swings.
Cerebus Brewing
A great neighborhood brewpub in close proximity to Garden of the Gods. A well thought-out beer list, incredible food, and dog-friendly beer garden make it a fantastic spot for post-hike hangs. Great for: quality beer, delicious food, hanging with your friends and dog(s).
Humble Coffee
Awesome little drive-thru coffee stands with really kind staff and tasty coffee, tea, and lemonade. Look for the bright green stand. Consistent and rad folks. Great for: drive through, walk up, beverages, on-the-go.
EAT & LAUGH
A culinary scene that's unique, vibrant, and local We've got everything from simple gyros to fine-dining.
Rooster's House of Ramen
The noodles are sooooo good. You can't lose here. The setting is pretty unique (think concrete, graffiti, orange tables) and the food never disappoints. House-made noodles and incredible ingredients. Ask about the secret speaky-easy as well. Great for: Ramen! Lunch.
IV (Four)
Chef Brother Luck knows his stuff. Southwest inspired food that is really tasty as well as creative. Don't miss the happy-hour as well. A great place when you want to go for a nice(r) dinner and experience innovative food. Great for: Happy hours, food discovery, mind-blowing dining.
Good Neighbors Meeting House
Quintessential neighborhood coffee shop and a subtle modern take on the classic soda fountain. This spot is family friendly, bright and beautiful. Great breakfast and lunch menu, coffee and cocktails. Great for: fun drinks, great folks, food with the fam.
Shuga's
A staple to the Springs, it's a quirky and beloved spot. Incredible food and drinks (that you can order by the pitcher!) Set in a small house, it's cozy, loud, and feels free and unapologetic. Old movies play in the background sometimes as well. The back patio is so good. Great for: drinks with friends, dinner, late nights, good laughs.
Rabbit Hole
The name isn't kidding. Underground, Through-The-Looking-Glass themed spot that has inventive food and cocktails. A dark, unique spot that has a great happy-hour. Usually gets pretty busy by 5:30pm. Great for: Drinks with friends, dinner, late-night.
Tasty Freeze
CLASSIC. This old-school ice-cream place is truly historic. Walk-up to the window to order your soft-serve and sit on a picnic bench and enjoy your tasty treat. It's seasonal, so you got to grab it while it's here. Great for: soft-serve ice cream, hot-dogs, feeling like a kid.
Till
Refined, well-thought out, large restaurant that is farm-to-table inspired. They have incredible chefs and staff. It's a farm-industrial vibe and the view of the Rocky Mountains is lovely. Great for: nice dinner, cocktails, family time, unique food.
Bambino's Pizza
GREAT pizza. They have a build-your-own approach (gluten free too) and have some awesome options for pre-selected pizza's Popular place so it can get pretty busy, but to-go is a great option. Unique, high-quality, and AFFORDABLE. Great for: pizza, tasty but affordable.
Garden of the God's Gourmet
A nicer spot, with good vibes, and on-point service. They have a small indoor specialty market and the restaurant is sit-down. Great brunch (or any meal), and it's near some cool sights like Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Great for: nice dinner, brunch, specialty market.
Bingo Burger
Crazy good burgers and a fun atmosphere. Pueblo Chile's make their way into their patties. These people redefined Colorado burgers. Unique burger combos, or you can build your own Fries and adult milk-shakes are legit here as well. Normally a busy spot. Great for: burgers, milkshakes.
Saigon Cafe
Some great Vietnamese food. Whether lunch or breakfast, the Pho is fantastic and the staff is really kind. Highly recommend it on a blustery Colorado day when you need a warm-up. Great for: Pho, warming up, Vietnamese.
Skirted Heifer
Ask them what a skirted heifer is. Here is a small burger shop that packs a huge punch of flavors, combos, and well-crafted burgers. It gets pretty busy, but for good reason. They do things really well. Great for: burgers, frozen custard.
King's Chef Diner
A Downtown Colorado Springs breakfast staple. Eclectic, local, and one of those classic breakfast spots your grandpa would have visited weekly with his buds. Great for: Tasty breakfast, hang-over cures, local diner.
Over Easy
A favorite breakfast/lunch spot. Two really popular locations. For good reason, because they have a unique and flavorful menu with some awesome morning cocktails too. Their Gluten-free pancakes are also on-point… Great for: Breakfast, gluten free, morning cocktails.
The Warehouse
Located in a big warehouse, it's a spot for a nice cocktail & higher-end dinner. Great ingredients and chefs make the spot a unique one. A great event venue and big supporters of local art! Great for: date-night, feel in' classy.
Coquette's
Gluten-free paradise. Their new building is tons of fun, they are 100% GF, have a great bakery, and their sit-down restaurant is on-point. With a nice drink menu, friendly service, and a really tasty gluten-free menu you're set for a good time. Great for: gluten-free, bakery, breakfast.
La'au's
Neat little island-inspired taco shop located on the college campus. With awesome, locally sourced food and a killer margarita deal, this place is a gem. The deck in the summer time is the best quiet space to munch on a burrito and chat with a friend. Great for: tacos, burritos, margaritas.
El Taco Rey
Tiny family-owned spot that has probably the best Mexican food in the town. It's exactly what you'd expect in an awesome family restaurant. Try the Horchata, and give a big smile to the service, they are the best! It's also a popular spot, so can get pretty crazy. Great for: lunch, Mexican food, horchata.
Bristol Brewing
Some of the best beer in the Springs, located in one of the coolest buildings (an old school). The menu is focused and always locally sourced, and the beer is brewed downstairs. Plus they have an awesome patio to play some corn-hole or look out over the city at dusk. Great for: beer, patio hanging, shuffleboard, pub-fare.
Bon Ton's
THE breakfast spot of Old Colorado City. A whole bunch of diner classics on the menu, really kind service, one-of-a-kind mugs, and a menu that is in the form of a newspaper. Eat outdoors in the summer, be cozy inside in the winter. Place gets BUSY, swing by early. Great for: breakfast, lunch, diner fare.
Jake & Telly's
GREEK through and through. A fun sit-down place in Old Colorado City that has some great Greek food. A local staple, and a rad deck as well. It's been there for quite a bit of time and locals love it. Great for: Greek, Mediterranean.
Sonterra
Next-door to downtown Over-Easy, the local hot-spot is awesome at creating American Southwest food. Always something interesting and different being cooked up. Great staff and feel. Definitely a fun spot for a date-night or night out with friends.Great for: unique food, date night, downtown.
La Baguette
Classic French bakery and eatery. A whole bunch of locations, they do things well. Rustic, consistent, and lovely people behind the counter. Baked goods if you just want to stop in for a croissant, and full menu as well. Great for: baguette, quick lunch, feeling French.
The Wild Goose
They pretty much set the Springs' standard for public houses. Incredible menus, kind staff, innovative drinks, and an awesome atmosphere. Community focused to the core. With wood-industrial vibes and 2 garage doors for those awesome Colorado summers. Great for: any meal, good drinks, friends, hipsters, hanging out.
The Broadmoor
LOVELY. When you're needing something truly incredible, make reservations at one of their 7(ish) restaurants. It's a classic world-famous place that is top-of-class in service and food. A higher price point, but they have wonderful service, menus, and drinks. Great for: fine dining, dressing up, date night.
Nightingale Bread
Each detail is thoughtfully crafted in this incredible bakery located in Lincoln Center. Rustic as it comes, they make their own flour from heirloom grains. Everything coming out of here is top-notch, hand-crafted quality. Whether it be their donut day or pizza lunch. They are always trying something new! Great for: bread, baked goods, lovely people.
Food Trucks
Some of the most incredible food in Colorado Springs can be found at our many food trucks. Although they are sometimes hard to locate, it's well worth the extra time. Just give them a quick Google or Facebook search. Here's a list:
- Awaken: Cambodian
- Bison Brothers: Bison burgers
- Vore: Gourmet Grilled Cheese
- El Poblano: Tacos, Latin
- Johnny G's Delicioso: Mexican Soul food
- Gray's Sloppers: Cheeseburgers + Green chile
- Smokin' J's BBQ: BBQ
- Lucy I'm Home: Cuban
- Potato Potato: Fries, Poutine
- Witty Pork Woodfired Pizza: Pizza/Sandwiches
- The Fiesta Grill: Taco's
- Munchies: Organic, vegan, grain free waffles
- Gold Star Pies: Pies
EXPLORE & SEE
300+ days of sunshine and you're at the foothills of The Rocky Mountain All we can say is* ENJOY!
Pikes Peak
That massive mountain looming in the distance? Yep, Pikes Peak You've got to visit the summit at least once. The views are INCREDIBLE and try the donuts too. You can take a train up in Manitou Springs (the Cog Railway was closed for a short bit but is supposed to be coming back very soon), or brave the roads and drive up If you drive, start early and take the whole day to soak it in. Great for: views, outdoors, true Colorado.
The Incline
Feeling like you want to push your limits? This is a massive stairway with crazy good views at the top. It's not for the faint of heart, and if you're not in shape then don't even think about this. Popular spot, so the earlier you go the better. Worth the pain, those views! Great for: hike, working out, outdoors.
Garden of the Gods
Pride and joy of Colorado Springs. Massive red rocks spiking up all over. You can drive here and
experience a visitor’s center, hike around on the trails, or just drive straight through. Awesome place to see wildlife too. Popular spot, so keep in mind the crowds. Great for: wildlife, hikes, views.Downtown Colorado Springs
A ton to experience and see. Take a day and walk through all the avenues and streets. So many unique restaurants, boutiques, stores, and even a Pioneer Museum. All while the Rocky Mountains smile at you from the West. It's pretty epic. Two spots to definitely check out are: Josh & Johns Ice Cream and Ladyfingers Letterpress. Great for: day trip, adventure, experience.
US Olympic Training Center
A unique and awe-inspiring place where the US Olympians train. The facility is top-notch. They give tours of the center, and they are well worth it. Experience a bit of what the athletes go through to compete at the highest world level. Great for: inspiration, discovery, half-day trip.
Cheyenne Mountain Canyon
The canyon is home to the Seven Falls, Helen Hunt Falls, and some awesome hiking. Drive carefully up N Cheyenne Canon Rd but take in some incredible views. Pull off the road at the parking spots for hiking, picnics, or just sit and soak it all.Great for: hiking, picnic, outdoors, adventure.
America The Beautiful Park
A massive park with a fantastic playground for the kiddos. There are side-walk trails all over if you care to go on a little walk. The views are great and the park is calm. A huge fountain and year-round festivals make this an interesting spot. Great for: playgrounds, park days, picnics.
Will Rogers Shrine of The Sun
Dedicated to Will Rogers by Spencer Penrose, the tower is a super-unique spot to Colorado Springs. The bell tolls every 15 minutes and if you make the drive up there, the views are incredible. The architecture is also neat with a castle-esque feel. Great for: day trip, views, discovery.
Palmer Park
A really cool wilderness park in the middle of a city neighborhood. Free to visit, it's a perfect place if you're looking for simple hikes, a picnic, a quick bike ride, or great Colorado views and nature. Great for: easy hikes, parks, picnic, nature.
Lower Gold Camp Road Drive
The views on this drive are spectacular, but drive carefully and slowly. Hikes are plentiful and nature is everywhere. Once it turns to dirt you can continue driving and eventually end up at Cheyenne Canyon Road (mentioned above).Great for: drives, nature, adventure.
Memorial Park
Smack dab in the middle of the city, this park is HUGE. With a skatepark, ice-center, pool, sports field, open space, tennis courts, and Prospect Lake. The park sits higher up in elevation too so the views are awesome. Catch the hot-air balloon fest if you're brave! Great for: parks, adventure, lazy day, lake.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Beautiful nature and a very popular spot for local walkers. The red rocks and mountain views are AMAZING. Great place to go on a nature hike, mountain bike, and soak in some incredible open space. Keep an eye on the maps for some of the best local nature hikes. Great for: hikes, nature, open space
Old Colorado City
Charming historical town that is well worth a day of eating and stopping into shops. Tons of great history here with a whole host of shopping, little restaurants, and coffee shops. Turn back time and enjoy strolling through streets of brick buildings. Great for: food, discovering, history.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
America's only mountain zoo that's open 365 days a year. With a whole array of animals and sights while being in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. It's awesome (and it's on the way to Will Rogers Shrine). Definitely worth a visit with the fam. Great for: animals, nature, cruising, family.
THERE YOU HAVE IT!
Huge thanks to the team of incredibly generous and hard-working folks that help make this list of amazing places come alive! This list of places to drink, eat, and enjoy was made a reality by:
Red Rock Church – specifically Jeremy Worley – Creative Direction Design, Project Lead @theworley, jeremy®theworley.co, mrworley.com; Jeremy Reeves – Copywriter, Community Relations; Alex Lewis –Contributor; Adam Morley – Contributor; @MY_COSprings – Contributor
If you’re looking for more places to dine or experience check out: