Colorado Springs boasts restaurants of all kinds, ranging from traditional German food to hipster cafes. The one thing all of these have in common is that they are less expensive than you would think. Whether you’re a Colorado Springs local or a visitor, you’ll be surprised by these excellent finds.
A Creative Commons Image: Hummus, feta, and olives. Stu_spivack/Flickr
Caspian Café
Cafe, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, $$$
A Creative Commons Image: Pulled Pork | Phil Denton/Flickr
Caspian Café will transport you to the heart of the Mediterranean. Our recommendation is to order several of their starter plates and share. The hummus, baba ghanouj, tzatziki, and falafel are made in house, and they also have some creative dishes like feta crisps and Mediterranean pizza. Stop by for happy hour for great prices on martinis and discounted appetizers.
Bird Dog BBQ is a straight-up, large portion barbecue joint that will not fail to please. Choose from pulled pork, brisket, turkey, sausage (hot link or Polish), ribs, or chicken, add a few classic sides, and you’ll be full for a day or two. If you’re really hungry order the Doghouse, an open-faced sandwich with your choice of meat, topped with both sausages, and smothered in beans and cheese. Address and Phone Number: 4153 Centennial Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (719) 268-6945
Carlos' Bistro
Bistro, Restaurant, American, Seafood, European, Fast Food, $$$
Dinner at Edelweiss | Courtesy of Dieter Schnakenberg
Carlos’ Bistro has an old-school charm and a menu that will please everyone. While Carlos’ Bistro is certainly a great spot for a romantic dinner, it’s really good for any type of special occasion. The chef at Carlos’ offers many classic fine-dining menu items like caviar and Filet Mignon, but there are several signature dishes on the menu as well, like Paella that will surprise and delight. The cocktails are wonderful as well, so try a Vail Old Fashioned, or for dessert, the Creamsicle Cocktail.
What’s better on a cool night in Colorado Springs than hearty German food at Edelweiss? Not much, it seems, especially if you pair your meal with one of the German beers on tap. Edelweiss’ signature dishes include Wiener schnitzel, Hungarian Goulash, and Bratwurst. The beer choices are all from Germany, and you can order a flight so that you aren’t limited to one.
Sushi from Kohnami Sushi combines simple, traditional Japanese with the flair and creativity Americans love in their sushi rolls. Kohmani is great spot for dinner (order several rolls and share), but they also have an unbeatable lunch special. What Kohmani lacks in ambience and decor, it makes up for with fresh fish and original rolls. Address and Phone Number: 7673 N Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (719) 599-8689
Paravicini’s Italian Bistro serves classic Italian dishes that you cannot make at home. Order the prosciutto wrapped cod or the Rigatoni Carmella, and you’ll know what we’re talking about. Though you might be tempted to order your own meal, consider the family service if you’re dining with six or more. Paravicini’s is a great spot for the family, and the desserts are phenomenal as well, so try to save room.
Attention, steak lovers: Pepper Tree is a must if you live in or are visiting Colorado Springs. Pepper Tree is a steakhouse through and through, but that doesn’t mean they’re shy about being creative. Four of their signature dishes (you should order one) are prepared table side, and if you aren’t a steak lover, there are many seafood options, like wild salmon and lobster tail.
The Blue Star may be the trendiest restaurant in Colorado Springs; it’s part American bar and grill and part tapas lounge. Our tip is to enjoy a cocktail and a few tapas in the lounge, and then mosey on over to the restaurant for an entree. The tapas are definitely American inspired with a twist, like the Corner Post Pork Belly, which comes simmering over crispy sushi rice.
Looks like it's closedHours or services may be impacted due to Covid-19
Try Uchenna’s for a change of pace in the Colorado Springs area. Cuisine-wise, Uchenna’s Ethiopian Restaurant is a bit of an outsider, but it fits right in as one of the best restaurants around. Uchenna’s offers two menus, one Ethiopian and one Mediterranean, and we encourage you to try the Ethiopian. The meat is marinated with twelve Ethiopian spices and is served with classic Ethiopian dishes like Misser Wat (a spicy lentil soup).
Bar, Restaurant, French, American, Vegetarian, $$$
Shuga’s is a hangout for college kids, but don’t let that scare you away from this eclectic restaurant and bar. Shuga’s is a great place to stop for a snack and a drink or lunch, and the sandwiches at Shuga’s are original and creative, ranging from smoked salmon pitas to French-Canadian paninis.
