Now that we’ve been here for the better part of a year, we’ve reached a routine that comes easily to people who move a lot. As with Augusta, we’re trying to be more adventurous when going out to eat. We are really good at falling into a rut and frequenting the same restaurants. Here are some of our new favorite restaurants in Colorado Springs.
Breakfast and Brunch
King’s Chef
You want gut-busting portions of amazingly delicious food? Check out King’s Chef in downtown. If you’re a first-timer, order a quarter portion. And ask to have your breakfast smothered in green chili. If you finish your meal, you’ll get a Clean Plate Club sticker.
Bon Ton Cafe
Bon Ton is easily Mac’s favorite breakfast place. You’ll find it in Old Colorado City. The breakfast service is fact, and portions are huge. We recommend the breakfast burrito with green chili and fried potatoes or the biscuits and gravy.
Urban Egg (formerly Over Easy)
Over Easy has the best breakfast tacos in Colorado Springs (in my humble opinion). If you’re a breakfast carb lover, try the Colorado Blueberry Streusel pancakes. Honestly, I liked every meal I ate there, and I don’t know anyone who had a bad experience.
Mountain Shadows Restaurant
Order a cinnamon roll that is the size of your head. It also comes with a dollop of butter that will make you forget any problems you have. We love to sit outside when the weather is nice.
Lunch and Dinner
Old Chicago
This is an Italian-American / pizza place. Mac loves their pasta nachos (pieces of pasta fried then covered in cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and pepperoncini). We get their pizzas as take-out way too often, and we order the Chicago style crust. If you’re a purist, this is not a true Chicago-style deep dish pizza. But it’s still tasty.
The Loop
A Mexican mainstay in Manitou Springs. Their food is great, and they have an amazing jalapeño white queso (this from the person who doesn’t like jalapeños). And their mixed drinks are on point.
Panino’s
Another mainstay here that specializes in Italian-American food and panini. Their original location is over by Colorado College, and they finally opened a second location on the “new” side of town. Opt for the signature panino, the love child of a pressed panini and a stromboli. They also have a great selection of pasta.
Fargo’s
Fargo’s holds a special place in my heart. It’s a pizza place that’s themed like a Old West saloon, complete with costumed staff. We used to have our end-of-season pizza parties here when I was a kid. Fargo’s is very family-friendly, and it’s not any kind of fancy. You’ll see a 1970s style salad bar, and you have to order your drinks (even non-alcoholic) at the bar. Split a few pizzas with the family for an easy meal.
Thunder and Buttons
We found ourselves at Thunder and Buttons the first time after a particularly sad football weekend. And we drowned our sorrows in delicious bar food. It is a sports bar, but they have much better than a lot of sports bar. Be sure to try the Pikes Peak nachos made with a scrumptious elk chili.
The Broadmoor
This resort is the ultimate in luxury in the Springs (and on the eastern side of the Front Ridge). Any of the restaurants are amazing. Penrose Room is a five star restaurant. Lake Terrace has an amazing brunch, even if it’s $50 a person. Or settle in for a cozy evening at a reconstructed English pub in the Golden Bee. The food options are a bit pricey, but it’s definitely worth splurging at least once.
What are your favorite restaurants in Colorado Springs?
