A Local’s Guide to Colorado Springs
Food scene
I wrote this in the “before times” (pre-COVID-19)... please research and check with local establishments to ensure they are open. Thank you for supporting our local businesses!
A local neighborhood meeting spot with a focus on being social, sustainable, and deeply rooted in our community. Awesome food and an incredible assortment of canned beers and ciders (with a free koozie included in the deal). Their daily specials are amazing and they accommodate all kinds of food intolerances and preferences. My go to choices: ranchos, any of the sloppies, tacos, and the veggie wrap with bacon. The atmosphere is like nothing else…
51 paikallista suosittelee
Burrowing Owl
1791 S 8th StA local neighborhood meeting spot with a focus on being social, sustainable, and deeply rooted in our community. Awesome food and an incredible assortment of canned beers and ciders (with a free koozie included in the deal). Their daily specials are amazing and they accommodate all kinds of food intolerances and preferences. My go to choices: ranchos, any of the sloppies, tacos, and the veggie wrap with bacon. The atmosphere is like nothing else…
This is a short walk from our little AirBnB... great food, people, atmosphere, and beverages.
47 paikallista suosittelee
Good Neighbors Meeting House
505 Columbia StThis is a short walk from our little AirBnB... great food, people, atmosphere, and beverages.
I’m not actually sure how to pronounce Boonzaaijer’s, but it doesn’t stop me from loving it. It’s a Dutch bakery with everything delicious you can begin to imagine: cakes, cookies, cream puffs, meringues, stroopwafels… let’s just say that if you’re not supposed to be having European pastries, you should steer clear of this little gem.
32 paikallista suosittelee
Boonzaaijer's Dutch Bakery
610 E Fillmore StI’m not actually sure how to pronounce Boonzaaijer’s, but it doesn’t stop me from loving it. It’s a Dutch bakery with everything delicious you can begin to imagine: cakes, cookies, cream puffs, meringues, stroopwafels… let’s just say that if you’re not supposed to be having European pastries, you should steer clear of this little gem.
This is a family-owned German restaurant that’s been around for over 40 years. It’s a little kitschy, but warm and inviting at the same time. On warmer days, there’s no place I’d rather be than their Bavarian beer garden. When my family comes to visit, this is always the first place on the list for us to visit. My mom’s favorites are the salmon fillet and cashew crusted chicken; I love the jagerschnitzel, hahnchen Normandy, and rahmschnitzel; my dad’s favorite is the wienerschnitzel. Be aware that the schnitzels are HEARTY servings! They have a dessert and pastry display near the hostess stand that’s truly swoon-worthy.
66 paikallista suosittelee
Edelweiss German Restaurant
34 E Ramona AveThis is a family-owned German restaurant that’s been around for over 40 years. It’s a little kitschy, but warm and inviting at the same time. On warmer days, there’s no place I’d rather be than their Bavarian beer garden. When my family comes to visit, this is always the first place on the list for us to visit. My mom’s favorites are the salmon fillet and cashew crusted chicken; I love the jagerschnitzel, hahnchen Normandy, and rahmschnitzel; my dad’s favorite is the wienerschnitzel. Be aware that the schnitzels are HEARTY servings! They have a dessert and pastry display near the hostess stand that’s truly swoon-worthy.
Monse Hines from Chalchuapa, El Salvado, shares this amazing national dish of her home country. Everything is gluten free, there are tons of vegan and vegetarian options, and like everything on my list, I wouldn’t recommend it if it wasn’t awesome. Here’s my advice… start with one pupusa plate and see if you need more than that, especially if you get them topped with something. I find them pretty darn filling--and tasty!
29 paikallista suosittelee
Monse's Pupuseria
115 S 25th StMonse Hines from Chalchuapa, El Salvado, shares this amazing national dish of her home country. Everything is gluten free, there are tons of vegan and vegetarian options, and like everything on my list, I wouldn’t recommend it if it wasn’t awesome. Here’s my advice… start with one pupusa plate and see if you need more than that, especially if you get them topped with something. I find them pretty darn filling--and tasty!
The concept for Four is that “there are four key people who I need to work with to source amazing ingredients: hunters, gatherers, farmers, and fishermen.” - Chef Brother Luck. This is a great choice for a chef’s tasting with wine pairings (you get to choose the components of the tasting)… and incredibly well-priced for the quality you’ll receive! The menu changes quarterly based on seasonal availability. They call the cuisine “unique Southwestern style.” No matter what you call it, it’s delicious. My go to: the jalapeno poppers.
48 paikallista suosittelee
Four by Brother Luck
321 N Tejon StThe concept for Four is that “there are four key people who I need to work with to source amazing ingredients: hunters, gatherers, farmers, and fishermen.” - Chef Brother Luck. This is a great choice for a chef’s tasting with wine pairings (you get to choose the components of the tasting)… and incredibly well-priced for the quality you’ll receive! The menu changes quarterly based on seasonal availability. They call the cuisine “unique Southwestern style.” No matter what you call it, it’s delicious. My go to: the jalapeno poppers.
This is Brother Luck’s newest addition to the C. Springs culinary scene. First, EVERYTHING is good… so no anxiety… you cannot make a bad choice. If you can, sit at the dumpling bar (right in front of you when you come in) and strike up a conversation with a neighbor or one of the staff and get their recommendations for what they love best. Everything is incredibly fresh… and if you’re lucky (get it?!), you might spot Brother Luck making dumplings.
11 paikallista suosittelee
Lucky Dumpling
26 S Wahsatch AveThis is Brother Luck’s newest addition to the C. Springs culinary scene. First, EVERYTHING is good… so no anxiety… you cannot make a bad choice. If you can, sit at the dumpling bar (right in front of you when you come in) and strike up a conversation with a neighbor or one of the staff and get their recommendations for what they love best. Everything is incredibly fresh… and if you’re lucky (get it?!), you might spot Brother Luck making dumplings.
The best meal and dining experience in Colorado Springs… and possibly the state! Carlos’ Bistro has been on Open Table’s “100 Best U.S. Restaurants” list for multiple years… and they just won it again! They’re also consistently named one of Zagat’s best restaurants in the state.
23 paikallista suosittelee
Carlos' Bistro
1025 S 21st StThe best meal and dining experience in Colorado Springs… and possibly the state! Carlos’ Bistro has been on Open Table’s “100 Best U.S. Restaurants” list for multiple years… and they just won it again! They’re also consistently named one of Zagat’s best restaurants in the state.
Our local Indian joint… but we’re so lucky because they have, by far, the best Indian and Nepalese food in Colorado Springs. It’s made fresh, so be prepared for a bit of a wait, but it is truly awesome. They have some cool gifts and finds in their shop, an eclectic bar, and a daily buffet (if that’s your jam… or in this case, naan). My favorites are their samosa chat, saag paneer, bharta makhani, and chicken korma.
23 paikallista suosittelee
Little Nepal: Indian Restaurant & Bar
1747 S 8th StOur local Indian joint… but we’re so lucky because they have, by far, the best Indian and Nepalese food in Colorado Springs. It’s made fresh, so be prepared for a bit of a wait, but it is truly awesome. They have some cool gifts and finds in their shop, an eclectic bar, and a daily buffet (if that’s your jam… or in this case, naan). My favorites are their samosa chat, saag paneer, bharta makhani, and chicken korma.
Good Drinks
I wrote this little guide in the “before times” (pre-COVID-19)... please research and check with establishments to understand how they’re currently operating. Thank you for supporting our local businesses!
This is our neighborhood’s local whiskey distillery. They do tours, have a tasting room for their 8 flagship whiskeys, and also offer a menu of cool cocktails. I think you get a credit towards buying a bottle with your tasting flight. They’ve won a bunch of fancy whiskey awards (if you’re into that kind of scene).
24 paikallista suosittelee
Distillery 291
4242 North Nevada AvenueThis is our neighborhood’s local whiskey distillery. They do tours, have a tasting room for their 8 flagship whiskeys, and also offer a menu of cool cocktails. I think you get a credit towards buying a bottle with your tasting flight. They’ve won a bunch of fancy whiskey awards (if you’re into that kind of scene).
You may have passed this spot on the way to the AirBnB. It’s an old elementary school that’s been transformed into a brewery and community space. It’s home to Bristol Brewery and Pub, the Principal’s Office (hand-crafted cocktails and food), Axe and the Oak Whiskey (whiskey and bourbon house), and Yobel Market (ethically sourced/handmade artisanal gifts). Honestly, I’ve loved every cocktail and brewski I’ve had from Ivywild, but their food never seems to wow me (please don’t tell the principal). They have free wifi for those who want to work in a cool spot while you sip on a local brew.
37 paikallista suosittelee
Axe and the Oak Whiskey House
1604 S Cascade AveYou may have passed this spot on the way to the AirBnB. It’s an old elementary school that’s been transformed into a brewery and community space. It’s home to Bristol Brewery and Pub, the Principal’s Office (hand-crafted cocktails and food), Axe and the Oak Whiskey (whiskey and bourbon house), and Yobel Market (ethically sourced/handmade artisanal gifts). Honestly, I’ve loved every cocktail and brewski I’ve had from Ivywild, but their food never seems to wow me (please don’t tell the principal). They have free wifi for those who want to work in a cool spot while you sip on a local brew.
This gem is a bit of a journey north, but worth a little adventure. Back in the 1870s, Colorado received it’s unofficial slogan of “300 days of Sunshine.” This local distillery uses local local Rocky Mountain products and methods that predate prohibition. They have a fun little distillery, tasting room and shop. The apple pie is my personal favorite.
14 paikallista suosittelee
3 Hundred Days Distilling
279 Beacon Lite RoadThis gem is a bit of a journey north, but worth a little adventure. Back in the 1870s, Colorado received it’s unofficial slogan of “300 days of Sunshine.” This local distillery uses local local Rocky Mountain products and methods that predate prohibition. They have a fun little distillery, tasting room and shop. The apple pie is my personal favorite.
A traditional 19th century British Pub on the Broadmoor’s property. They have nightly piano sing-alongs, classic pub food, and yards of ales from an extension collection of English and Irish drafts. The bartenders have a little tradition: they pass out little bumble bee stickers to their patrons. The pub was actually transported here panel by panel from the UK!
83 paikallista suosittelee
The Golden Bee
1 Lake AveA traditional 19th century British Pub on the Broadmoor’s property. They have nightly piano sing-alongs, classic pub food, and yards of ales from an extension collection of English and Irish drafts. The bartenders have a little tradition: they pass out little bumble bee stickers to their patrons. The pub was actually transported here panel by panel from the UK!
Sightseeing
Comprising 1,300 acres of sandstone formations, this park offers a visitor center & hiking trails. The park is free and you can drive the loop and hop in/out of your car as you go.
1169 paikallista suosittelee
Garden of the Gods Club and Resort
3320 Mesa RdComprising 1,300 acres of sandstone formations, this park offers a visitor center & hiking trails. The park is free and you can drive the loop and hop in/out of your car as you go.
Known as “America’s Mountain,” Pikes Peak is like nothing else! (It’s the mountain that inspired the song, “America the Beautiful.” This is one of the few Colorado 14ers (14,115 feet to be exact) that’s accessible to people all of ages and abilities. The drive is 19 miles of mountain terrain with frequent pull-offs for you to take photos and enjoy the views. You might even spot Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep or yellow-bellied marmots! Take some pictures from the top (bring warm layers… it is normally about 40 degrees colder at the summit than at my house) and get a hot donut from the Summit House. Before you head up, call 719-385-7325 to check on weather and road conditions.
681 paikallista suosittelee
Pikes Peak Summit House
Known as “America’s Mountain,” Pikes Peak is like nothing else! (It’s the mountain that inspired the song, “America the Beautiful.” This is one of the few Colorado 14ers (14,115 feet to be exact) that’s accessible to people all of ages and abilities. The drive is 19 miles of mountain terrain with frequent pull-offs for you to take photos and enjoy the views. You might even spot Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep or yellow-bellied marmots! Take some pictures from the top (bring warm layers… it is normally about 40 degrees colder at the summit than at my house) and get a hot donut from the Summit House. Before you head up, call 719-385-7325 to check on weather and road conditions.
Cave of the Winds is a cave in the Pikes Peak region of Colorado. It is located just west of Colorado Springs on U.S. Highway 24, near the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. Tours of the complex of caves are given daily.
464 paikallista suosittelee
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
100 Cave of the Winds RdCave of the Winds is a cave in the Pikes Peak region of Colorado. It is located just west of Colorado Springs on U.S. Highway 24, near the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. Tours of the complex of caves are given daily.
Manitou Springs, Colorado is a quaint mountain town just six miles west of downtown Colorado Springs. The Historic Downtown Manitou Springs is an artist’s enclave featuring time-honored art galleries, street performers, creek-side restaurants and boutique stores. You can also bring your own bottles to fill with fresh water from the local springs.
649 paikallista suosittelee
Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs, Colorado is a quaint mountain town just six miles west of downtown Colorado Springs. The Historic Downtown Manitou Springs is an artist’s enclave featuring time-honored art galleries, street performers, creek-side restaurants and boutique stores. You can also bring your own bottles to fill with fresh water from the local springs.
Old Colorado City is the perfect blend of small town charm, historic character, and all the good times and excitement visitors have come to expect from a top Colorado destination. Fine galleries, specialty shops, eclectic boutiques, award-winning restaurants, charming local art galleries and other services offer hours of entertainment. During the evening, enjoy live music and performances from some of the pubs and restaurants as well as some of the country’s best local beer, wine, and spirits.
388 paikallista suosittelee
Old Colorado City
Old Colorado City is the perfect blend of small town charm, historic character, and all the good times and excitement visitors have come to expect from a top Colorado destination. Fine galleries, specialty shops, eclectic boutiques, award-winning restaurants, charming local art galleries and other services offer hours of entertainment. During the evening, enjoy live music and performances from some of the pubs and restaurants as well as some of the country’s best local beer, wine, and spirits.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a zoological park located southwest of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Cheyenne Mountain in the United States. At an elevation of 6,714 feet above sea level it is the highest zoo in America. The zoo covers 140 acres, 40 of which are in use.
569 paikallista suosittelee
Cheyenne Mountainin eläintarha
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo RdThe Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a zoological park located southwest of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Cheyenne Mountain in the United States. At an elevation of 6,714 feet above sea level it is the highest zoo in America. The zoo covers 140 acres, 40 of which are in use.
Take the North Gate exit from I-25 and head west towards the mountains. The gate guards will ask for an active driver’s license or military ID card and do a search of your vehicle… no marijuana products or CBD allowed. Let them know you’re interested in visiting the visitor’s center and doing a little driving tour. Check out the massive B-52 on display, the cadet chapel, scenic overviews, visitors’ center, and gift shop.
166 paikallista suosittelee
United States Air Force Academy
Take the North Gate exit from I-25 and head west towards the mountains. The gate guards will ask for an active driver’s license or military ID card and do a search of your vehicle… no marijuana products or CBD allowed. Let them know you’re interested in visiting the visitor’s center and doing a little driving tour. Check out the massive B-52 on display, the cadet chapel, scenic overviews, visitors’ center, and gift shop.
Nonprofit sanctuary for wolves & wild canines offering guided tours & conservation programs. There are rumors that they might be closing… please confirm that they’re open before you make the trip!
149 paikallista suosittelee
Colorado Wolf ja Wildlife Center
4729 Twin Rocks RdNonprofit sanctuary for wolves & wild canines offering guided tours & conservation programs. There are rumors that they might be closing… please confirm that they’re open before you make the trip!
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Training Centers are two campuses created by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee as training facilities for its Olympic and Paralympic athletes. One of them is in Colorado Springs!
239 paikallista suosittelee
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center
1 Olympic PlazaThe United States Olympic & Paralympic Training Centers are two campuses created by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee as training facilities for its Olympic and Paralympic athletes. One of them is in Colorado Springs!
Museum with a large collection of restored aircraft & artifacts from World War II.
39 paikallista suosittelee
National Museum of World War II Aviation
775 Aviation WayMuseum with a large collection of restored aircraft & artifacts from World War II.
Located in Manitou Springs and owned and operated by the Manitou Springs Historical Society. Tours of an 1895 chateau with an eclectic architectural mix, plus historical artifacts & a tea room.
63 paikallista suosittelee
Miramontin linnamuseo
9 Capitol Hill AveLocated in Manitou Springs and owned and operated by the Manitou Springs Historical Society. Tours of an 1895 chateau with an eclectic architectural mix, plus historical artifacts & a tea room.
Relaxing
Need a soak? Check out SunWater Spa. They have a full list of spa services, but the best deal is a two-hour soaking pass. It gives you access to seven public tubs on outdoor decks, chlorinated hot and cool plunge, sauna, the meditation stream, and indoor garden saline pool (when there’s not a class or therapy happening). The outdoor tubs are heated to above 99 degrees. Their soaking tubs are filled with mineral water from the famous Seven Minute Spring; the same water that flows from Manitou’s karst aquifer. Please bring a towel, sandals, lock, reusable water bottle, and swimsuit. (You already have a beach towel, lock and reusable water bottle in the cottage!) They sell and rent these items, too.
71 paikallista suosittelee
SunWater Spa
514 El Paso BlvdNeed a soak? Check out SunWater Spa. They have a full list of spa services, but the best deal is a two-hour soaking pass. It gives you access to seven public tubs on outdoor decks, chlorinated hot and cool plunge, sauna, the meditation stream, and indoor garden saline pool (when there’s not a class or therapy happening). The outdoor tubs are heated to above 99 degrees. Their soaking tubs are filled with mineral water from the famous Seven Minute Spring; the same water that flows from Manitou’s karst aquifer. Please bring a towel, sandals, lock, reusable water bottle, and swimsuit. (You already have a beach towel, lock and reusable water bottle in the cottage!) They sell and rent these items, too.
This is a great local yoga studio that’s not too far from the cottage. I’ve been to some of the other studios in town and this is my favorite (cambio is a close second). They have everything you need to get started with yoga or if you’ve already got an established practice. They have a great little retail boutique space and rental equipment. They also have a cool float studio right next door (I haven’t been… yet).
Hot Asana Yoga Studio
1020 East Jefferson StreetThis is a great local yoga studio that’s not too far from the cottage. I’ve been to some of the other studios in town and this is my favorite (cambio is a close second). They have everything you need to get started with yoga or if you’ve already got an established practice. They have a great little retail boutique space and rental equipment. They also have a cool float studio right next door (I haven’t been… yet).