23 Fun & Unique Restaurants in Colorado Springs (Don’t Miss #7)

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Colorado Springs is a hidden gem for food lovers, offering more than just mountain views and outdoor adventures. Having visited twice and explored some of the best foodie spots, I can say this city has a dining scene that’s worth the trip. Colorado Springs combines its love for the outdoors with a creative culinary flair, offering everything from rooftop restaurants with views of Pikes Peak to cozy mountain lodges perfect for a fireside meal.

The area’s food scene serves up a unique mix of Southwestern flavors, farm-to-table ingredients, and local craft brews that reflect Colorado’s laid-back vibe. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh bison burgers, upscale comfort food, or global flavors with a Rocky Mountain twist, these 23 unique restaurants capture the best of Colorado Springs.

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend doing this classic 3-hour food tour in Colorado Springs. They bring you to iconic restaurants and food shops in downtown, where you’ll get to sample signature dishes and craft beers and cocktails. I also loved learning about the history along the way! This tour is an absolute must-do on a Colorado Springs itinerary in my opinion.

Unique Restaurants in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Are you ready to discover the beauty of Colorado? From romantic evenings under the stars to quirky hole-in-the-wall restaurants, these unique places to eat in Colorado Springs have got you covered.

1. The Rabbit Hole

• 📍 Location: Downtown Colorado Springs (Underground)
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American / Upscale Comfort Food / Craft Cocktails
• 🔥 Standout Features: Underground speakeasy vibe, creative cocktails, unique ambiance, late-night dining.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Unique date nights, cocktail lovers, speakeasy fans, late-night bites, and hidden gem seekers.

Ready to tumble down into a unique dining dimension? The Rabbit Hole invites you underground in downtown Colorado Springs for an experience that feels both mysterious and whimsical. Descend the stairs into a subterranean space known for creative New American dishes.

Their inventive craft cocktails are a highlight – try the “Cheshire Cat” or a unique “Mad Hatter Old Fashioned.” For food, consider their elevated mac & cheese with smoked gouda, or the flavorful bacon-wrapped dates. The moody, intimate atmosphere is perfect.

2. The Green Line Grill

This family-run diner is my official secret spot for smashed burgers – yes, the kind with crispy caramelized edges and gooey cheese laced perfectly in the grill marks. The Green Line Grill is all about pure Americana vibes. It feels like you’ve wandered into your favorite uncle’s retro lunch counter, but there’s a strong Colorado pride running through everything. You cannot visit without grabbing the “Oklahoma Onion Burger.” It arrives with sweet griddled onions and an absurdly soft bun.

I always appreciate their diner fries and house-made pickles too. If you’re a milkshake fan, snag one for dessert. The place is a quick hop from the Fine Arts Center if you want to walk off your meal (which you’ll probably need to). I still dream about those oniony burgers, not gonna lie.

3. Four by Brother Luck

• 📍 Location: Downtown Colorado Springs
• 💲 Price range: $60 – $120 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Four-Course Tasting Menus / Southwestern Influenced New American
• 🔥 Standout Features: Chef Brother Luck (Top Chef), four-course prix-fixe concept, Southwestern flavors, seasonal menus.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Foodie experiences, Top Chef fans, tasting menu lovers, special occasions, and Southwestern flavor seekers.

Experience culinary creativity at Four by Brother Luck. Helmed by acclaimed chef Brother Luck, this downtown spot focuses exclusively on four-course tasting menus that showcase Southwestern ingredients with modern flair. Each course shines.

Expect inventive plates. Their amazing blue cornbread with honey butter is a signature starter. A rich chestnut bisque or delicate duck breast with seasonal accompaniments also showcase their refined taste of the Southwest.

4. Burrowing Owl

Buckle up if you’re vegan or just curious about plant-based comfort food done differently. Burrowing Owl feels like a friendly treehouse pub with tons of wood, local art, and a fun staff. Their vegan green chile burritos make you question every meat version you’ve tried. Pair it with a craft cocktail made with their house-infused booze – their rosemary gin is unreal.

This spot is super relaxed, full of vintage touches and quirky knick-knacks. Don’t skip their bar games or cozy outdoor patio when the weather’s decent. Stargazers Theatre is just across the street if you want to catch live music after dinner. I love their late-night hours and cool crowd – it’s the opposite of pretentious.

5. Restaurant 1858

• 📍 Location: The Broadmoor / Seven Falls Area
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $90 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Colorado Cuisine / Wild Game / Trout
• 🔥 Standout Features: Located at base of Seven Falls waterfall, rustic upscale decor, Colorado ingredient focus, Broadmoor property.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Scenic dining lovers, special occasions, Broadmoor visitors, Colorado cuisine explorers, and nature enthusiasts.

Dine literally at the foot of a magnificent waterfall! Restaurant 1858 boasts an incredible location nestled at the base of Seven Falls within The Broadmoor’s property. The sound of cascading water provides a natural soundtrack to your meal.

The menu celebrates Colorado cuisine. Perfectly prepared Rocky Mountain trout, pan-seared or grilled, is a must-try. Hearty elk chili or flavorful bison burgers are also popular, highlighting regional ingredients in a rustic yet upscale setting.

6. Bird Tree Cafe

Bird Tree Cafe feels like a sunny European neighborhood corner café, but it’s tucked right off Tejon, downtown. The whole vibe is airy and welcoming, filled with lush greenery and pops of cheerful color. Their avocado toast is Instagrammable, but what really blew me away was the Turkish eggs – poached eggs in garlicky yogurt with spicy butter. Paired with a locally roasted coffee or a Rhubarb Spritz from the cocktail menu, it’s your new brunch addiction.

The café is always buzzing but never stressful. Insider tip: If you snag an outdoor table on a sunny day, you can people-watch with a perfect downtown view. Nearby, the Pikes Peak Center makes it the ultimate pre-theater stop.

7. Streetcar 520

• 📍 Location: Downtown Colorado Springs
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Gastropub / Eclectic American
• 🔥 Standout Features: Housed in historic trolley building, globally inspired pub fare, craft cocktails/beer, casual/lively vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Casual group hangs, gastropub fans, craft beer/cocktail lovers, downtown meetups, and historic building buffs.

Hop aboard for good food at Streetcar 520, in a cool historic former trolley barn downtown. This spot offers a lively gastropub atmosphere with a menu full of eclectic American dishes drawing inspiration from global flavors. They boast a solid craft beer selection.

Think creative takes on pub pretzels, like their Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese. Unique burgers, such as the “Streetcar Burger” with bacon jam, or shareable plates like Korean fried cauliflower, are also fantastic.

8. Piglatin Cocina

Latin-Caribbean fusion at its most playful and bold, Piglatin Cocina is a total flavor bomb. The space feels like a tropical roadside stop – think splashy murals, communal tables, and Caribbean beats in the air. The must-try is the Cuban Bowl, which features super succulent pork with plantains and a zippy house sauce. Add their “Piggy Style” tacos, which change frequently, and you’ll see why there’s always a line.

The full bar pours potent, colorful cocktails (the Prickly Pear Margarita is a winner). The location is perfect for an after-hike reward if you’ve worked up an appetite exploring Palmer Park nearby. Hands down, one of the most fun, upbeat dining rooms in town. I wish I could bottle their vibes.

9. Shuga’s Restaurant & Bar

• 📍 Location: Near Downtown / Ivywild School Area
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Eclectic Cafe Fare / Sandwiches / Soups / Cocktails
• 🔥 Standout Features: Quirky/cozy global decor, famous spicy shrimp soup, creative cocktails (“café cocktails”), popular local spot.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Casual dates, lunch/light dinner, soup lovers, unique cafe vibes, and flavorful cocktails.

Get cozy with global flavors at Shuga’s, a beloved local spot known for its quirky charm and incredibly tasty food. The decor is eclectic and inviting, making you feel instantly comfortable. It’s the perfect place for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

They’re famous far and wide for their Spicy Brazilian Coconut Shrimp Soup – seriously, it’s a must-try. Creative sandwiches, like “The Shuga’s Favorite” with turkey, brie, and apple, or their unique lavender martini, are also popular.

10. TAPAteria

Colorado Springs isn’t exactly famous for tapas, but TAPAteria might make you wish it were. This Old Colorado City gem is moody and intimate, perfect for date nights or a splurge-y girls’ dinner. Their Spanish-inspired menu hits hard with all things small and shareable. I always order the bacon-wrapped dates and house paella, and the sangria is dangerously easy to drink.

Their rustic exposed brick and string-lit patio give the spot a total European courtyard feel. The staff genuinely cares about your experience and will recommend a killer wine pairing. Walkable from several art galleries and the best vintage shop in Old Colorado City, so it’s a fun pre- or post-dinner stroll spot. The ambiance here puts you right into vacation mode.

11. Warehouse Restaurant & Gallery

• 📍 Location: Near Downtown / Westside
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Eclectic American / Fine Casual Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: Restaurant combined with art gallery space, unique ambiance, diverse menu options, live music.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Art lovers, unique dining settings, date nights, group dinners, and enjoying food with culture.

Dine surrounded by art at The Warehouse Restaurant & Gallery. This unique spot combines a full-service restaurant featuring eclectic American cuisine with a functioning art gallery showcasing local and regional artists. The atmosphere blends culinary enjoyment with cultural appreciation.

Expect a diverse menu. Appealing appetizers like calamari fritti are a good start. Satisfying steaks, such as a New York strip, or fresh seafood like grilled salmon, are also well-prepared. They usually host live music as well.

12. Osae Sushi Ramen Bistro

If you’re craving sushi in the Springs, Osae is where you want to end up. Think sleek, modern bistro meets legit Japanese flavors. Their ramen bowls are piping hot with melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, but I still go for the sushi flights – seriously, the creative rolls look like edible art. The “Colorado Sunrise” roll is both photogenic and fresh, loaded with salmon and avocado, finished with a chili drizzle.

The vibe is polished yet unfussy, with a bustling sushi bar if you like to watch the pros work their magic. They’re close to downtown nightlife if you want to keep the evening going. Osae is a place where I never feel judged for ordering two rounds of sushi and a bowl of ramen for myself.

13. The UTE Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Downtown Colorado Springs (Inside CityROCK Climbing Gym)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Healthy American / Bowls / Cafe Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Located inside climbing gym, healthy/hearty bowls, great pretzels, kombucha/Colorado beer on tap.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Climbers refueling, healthy food fans, casual hangs, kombucha/craft beer lovers, and unique settings.

Need awesome fuel after crushing routes at CityROCK? Head to The UTE Restaurant, right inside the climbing gym! This spot serves delicious food that’s healthy and hearty. They get rave reviews for flavorful bowls.

The climber-favorite Honnold Bowl (often with rice, beans, avocado, and protein) is a must-try. The veggie-packed Peanut Buddha Bowl with an amazing dressing, or their giant soft pretzels with cheese sauce, are also fantastic. They have great Colorado beers.

14. TILL Neighborhood Bistro & Bar

TILL is farm-to-table dining that actually means it. Everything on the menu shouts Colorado, from locally raised meats to produce grown practically down the street. The scene: bright, modern, and always lively. I recommend brunch for their fluffy lemon-ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote, but dinner stars their signature bison burger with hand-cut fries.

TILL’s cocktails make the most of local spirits, and they always have a killer selection of Colorado beers on tap. Outside seating opens up to mountain views so you can sneak in that golden-hour photo. It’s sandwiched between a handful of trendy boutiques if you want to wander before or after your meal. I always leave wishing I could take their house-made pickles home.

15. Ambli Global Cuisine

• 📍 Location: University Village Colorado (UVC) / Gleneagle (North COS)
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $80 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Global Fusion / Small Plates / Tapas
• 🔥 Standout Features: Diverse global flavors (Latin/Asian/Euro), stylish modern decor, craft cocktails, focus on shared plates.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous palates, sharing plates lovers, stylish group dinners, date nights, and global flavor explorers.

Take your taste buds on a trip at Ambli Global Cuisine. This stylish spot offers a vibrant menu drawing inspiration from Latin America, Asia, Europe, and beyond, typically focused on creative small plates perfect for sharing. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Their popular Spanish octopus, grilled to perfection, is a great choice. Lamb kofta with tzatziki, or creative tuna tartare tacos, also showcase their bold combinations and beautiful presentations. Don’t miss their inventive craft cocktail list.

16. Vultures

A hybrid music venue, pub, and comedy club, Vultures completely surprised me. It’s a hidden gem with its punky, DIY edge that draws a young, creative crowd. If you want out-of-the-box bar food, their loaded tater tots and fried pickles are legendary. Grab a local craft beer or their classic “Vultures Old Fashioned” while taking in a rowdy open mic or indie band.

The mismatched furniture, kitschy wall art, and stage lighting give it a grungy, lived-in vibe. It’s right by the UCCS Downtown campus, which means you can stumble into an art gallery before grabbing a seat for the nightly entertainment. If you’re bored by typical bar scenes, Vultures will convert you.

17. The Airplane Restaurant

• 📍 Location: East Colorado Springs (Near Peterson SFB)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Casual Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: Dine inside historic KC-97 plane, cockpit access for kids, tons of aviation memorabilia, good casual food.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Aviation fans, families/kids, unique dining experiences, themed restaurant lovers, and cool photo ops.

Ready for takeoff into a unique dining experience? At The Airplane Restaurant, you literally eat inside a massive, historic Boeing KC-97 tanker plane! The whole restaurant is packed with fascinating aviation memorabilia. Kids can even sit in the cockpit!

Expect delicious American casual fare. People rave about the fish and chips. Juicy Buffalo burgers or their popular Philly cheesesteak are also great choices. The “Runway Nachos” are a fun shareable starter. It’s a truly memorable meal.

18. CHIBA BAR

Step inside CHIBA BAR and you’re whisked to Tokyo’s neon-lit alleys. With blacklight murals, plush booths, and an anime-lover’s playlist, it’s half izakaya, half after-hours club. Their quirky take on Japanese street food sets them apart – the octopus takoyaki and spicy pork ramen are my must-haves. Match everything with a yuzu sake bomb or a funky Japanese whisky highball (bartenders here love to show off).

Notably, they do late-night hours and attract an effortlessly cool crowd. Right next door to local tattoo shops and a retro arcade, I guarantee you’ll want to hop around the block after. I lost track of time in here because the energy is off-the-charts fun.

19. The Melting Pot

• 📍 Location: Downtown Colorado Springs
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $90+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Fondue Restaurant (Cheese, Broth, Chocolate)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Interactive fondue dining, cheese/chocolate focus, multi-course meals, romantic/group fun setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Fun group dinners, interactive dates, cheese lovers, chocolate fanatics, and celebratory meals.

Get ready to dip into deliciousness at The Melting Pot. This fondue restaurant offers a fun, interactive dining experience. The meal typically unfolds in multiple courses, starting with gooey, savory cheese fondue served with bread, veggies, and apples.

The classic cheddar cheese fondue is a popular start. For the main course, cook filet mignon, shrimp, or teriyaki sirloin in seasoned broth. The grand finale is chocolate fondue, like the “Flaming Turtle” with caramel and pecans.

20. Cerberus Brewing Company

Cerberus Brewing is my recommendation for anyone chasing a dog-friendly beer garden with wicked food to match. The place is part old-school taproom, part funky gastropub, and part play space for your pup on their sweeping patio. You can’t skip their “Bone-In Pork Chop” or the decadent nachos loaded with house-smoked meats. Their IPA and stout selection is unbeatable, and I’m nuts for the rotating seasonal brews.

The inside is rustic-industrial, and there’s always a buzz thanks to trivia nights and food truck collabs. Right off the Midland Trail, Cerberus is easy to pair with a walk, bike, or jog. This is the sort of spot where strangers actually become drinking buddies.

21. Edelweiss German Restaurant

• 📍 Location: South Colorado Springs
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional German / Bavarian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic German food, Bavarian chalet decor, beer garden (seasonal), traditional atmosphere, accordion music.
• 🎯 Perfect For: German food lovers, comfort food seekers, beer garden fans, trying schnitzel/bratwurst, and cozy dinners.

Prost! Get an authentic taste of Germany at Edelweiss German Restaurant. This long-standing spot transports you to Bavaria with its charming chalet-style decor, traditional music (sometimes live accordion!), and a menu packed with hearty German classics.

Expect generous portions. Perfectly crispy Wiener Schnitzel or Jägerschnitzel (with mushroom gravy) are must-tries. Flavorful Sauerbraten with red cabbage and spaetzle, or various Wurst platters with sauerkraut, are also fantastic. Pair with a German beer.

22. Burrowing Owl (Nightcap Edition)

I had to slip in a nightcap recommendation – Burrowing Owl’s late-night energy hits different. After 10 p.m., you’ll find the regulars (and night-shift chefs) sipping amaro and debating favorite punk bands. The dim, wood-paneled bar low-key reminds me of a pirate ship, and there’s always some kind of live local music or DJ set. Their “Owl’s Blood” cocktail (muddled berries, rosemary, house gin) is my go-to.

Try their vegan “junk food” after hours, like the spicy corn dogs or loaded fries. The place is open late almost nightly, making it the perfect last call before catching a Lyric Cinema midnight flick nearby. I always end up talking to strangers here – there’s a real sense of found family.

23. Ephemera

• 📍 Location: Downtown Colorado Springs
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $140+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / Creative Tasting Menus
• 🔥 Standout Features: Experimental/themed tasting menus, temporary/changing concepts, focus on culinary art, intimate setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous fine diners, unique foodie experiences, tasting menu explorers, special occasion splurges, and surprise seekers.

Experience fine dining with an edge at Ephemera downtown. Living up to its name, this spot keeps things fresh, offering multi-course tasting menus and an à la carte menu. Think “punk rock fine dining” – creative, conversational, and constantly evolving.

The menu changes daily. Expect innovative dishes like a unique cheddar and pear soup. A showstopper dessert involving rosemary ice cream and unexpected textures, or perfectly cooked local game bird preparations, highlight their creativity. Ephemera delivers a dynamic adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unique Restaurants in Colorado Springs

Searching for more information to help you decide where to eat in Colorado Springs? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Colorado Springs’s best restaurants.

What food is Colorado Springs known for?

Colorado Springs boasts a diverse culinary scene, but it’s particularly famous for its game meats like elk, bison, and venison. Additionally, the region has a strong affinity for farm-to-table dishes, given its proximity to local farms. Green chili, a spicy and flavorful stew, is also a staple in many local eateries. For those seeking unique restaurants in Colorado Springs, you’ll find a blend of traditional American fare with innovative twists, reflecting the city’s evolving gastronomic landscape.

Is Colorado Springs a foodie city?

Absolutely! Colorado Springs has rapidly emerged as a hotspot for food enthusiasts. With a mix of traditional eateries, innovative new establishments, and a growing number of international cuisines, it’s a top place to stay in Colorado that caters to a wide range of palates. From unique festivals to farmer’s markets, there’s always something happening in the culinary world here.

What are 3 popular foods in Colorado?

Here are three of the most popular foods in CO:

1. Green Chili: A spicy stew made with pork and green chilies, often served smothered over burritos or as a standalone dish.
2. Rocky Mountain Oysters: A dish that’s not for the faint-hearted, these are deep-fried bull testicles, often served with a side of dipping sauce.
3. Palisade Peaches: Grown in the town of Palisade, these juicy peaches are a summer favorite and are often incorporated into desserts, salads, and salsas.

Where can I find the best fine-dining restaurants in Colorado Springs?

For those with a taste for luxury, Colorado Springs offers a range of upscale dining options. Establishments like The Airplane Restaurant, Ephemera, and Ambli Global Cuisine offer exquisite menus, impeccable service, and unique ambiance. These spots are perfect for special occasions or when you’re looking to treat yourself to some of the best food in Colorado Springs, CO.

Are there any themed restaurants in Colorado Springs, Colorado?

Yes, Colorado Springs is home to several themed restaurants that offer a unique dining experience. The Airplane Restaurant, for instance, allows guests to dine inside a genuine Boeing KC-97 tanker. For those interested in a blend of art and food, Warehouse Restaurant & Gallery showcases local art while serving delectable dishes.

What are some affordable yet unique places in Colorado Springs to eat?

Budget doesn’t mean boring in Colorado Springs! For affordable yet distinctive dining experiences, spots like Shuga’s and Streetcar 520 are highly recommended. These establishments offer a mix of delicious food, vibrant atmospheres, and reasonable prices, which makes them popular choices among locals and tourists alike.

What food is Colorado known for?

Colorado has a variety of foods and dishes that reflect its rich cultural heritage and its natural resources. Some of the foods and dishes Colorado is famous for include:

1. Green Chili (or Chile Verde): A spicy stew made with pork and green chilies, often served smothered on burritos or as a standalone dish with tortillas.
2. Rocky Mountain Oysters: Despite the name, these are not seafood. They are deep-fried bull testicles and are a novelty dish at many local events and restaurants.
3. Colorado Lamb: The state boasts high-quality, flavorful lamb that’s often grass-fed in mountain pastures.
4. Palisade Peaches: Grown in the town of Palisade, these peaches are juicy, sweet, and are a summertime favorite.
5. Bison: Bison burgers and steaks are popular in Colorado, reflecting the state’s frontier heritage.
6. Trout: Especially rainbow trout, which is fresh from Colorado’s many rivers and streams.
7. Craft Beer: Colorado, especially the city of Fort Collins, is the “Napa Valley of Beer” due to its high concentration of craft breweries.
8. Elk and Venison: Game meats that reflect the state’s mountainous terrain and hunting culture.
9. Olathe Sweet Corn: Another prized produce item, known for its sweetness.
10. Pueblo Green Chilies: Grown in Pueblo, these chilies have an annual festival and are a staple in many Colorado dishes.