Top Ten Restaurants in Colorado Springs

Written By Michael Thompson

Colorado Springs is home to an incredible dining scene, with everything from cozy neighborhood favorites to award-winning culinary destinations.  Narrowing the list down to just ten restaurants wasn't easy, but these are the places that have consistently earned their reputation as true staples of the Springs. Whether you're a longtime local, a recent transplant, or just visiting for the weekend, you simply can't go wrong with any restaurant on this list.  

Bird Tree Cafe

If you've ever driven by Bird Tree Café on a weekend morning and wondered why the front door is overflowing, the answer is simple: it's one of the best breakfast and coffee spots in Colorado Springs. The café proudly serves locally roasted Hold Fast Coffee, delivering some of the smoothest and most flavorful cups in the city. Regulars swear by the Wack’n Bacon and Rick N Morty breakfast sandwiches, two fan favorites that have been staples of the menu since day one. The biscuits and gravy are absolutely worth the hype, while health-conscious diners will find plenty to love with fresh bowls, salads, and sandwiches. Bird Tree also serves breakfast all day, making it easy to satisfy your brunch cravings whenever they strike, P.S. their daily kolaches are the perfect grab-and-go treat. Bird Tree is owned by local restauranteur, Crystal Byrd and curated by long-time manager, Allie Johnston. Whether you're meeting friends for brunch, fueling up before a hike, or just chasing a great cup of coffee, Bird Tree Café is the kind of place that keeps people coming back week after week.

Also, check out next door, T-Byrd’s Tacos serves great street style tacos. Then venture through the safe in the back of T-Byrd’s and you will find yourself immersed in district elleven, Crystal’s 1920 style speakeasy, where high end plates and cocktails take central theme!

Guest favorites:

  • Smothered breakfast burrito

  • Wake’n Bacon breakfast sandwich

  • Southwest-style breakfast bowls

Weekly highlights:

  • Daily happy hour with food + drink specials

  • Weekend brunch drink features (mimosas, espresso cocktails)

Urban Egg

Few restaurants are as synonymous with Colorado Springs brunch as Urban Egg. Founded right here in The Springs in 2012, what started as a local breakfast concept has grown into one of Colorado's most beloved daytime eateries. Their menu is packed with standout dishes, but the Eggs Benedict selections are legendary, while the Stuffed French Toast remains one of the most indulgent and crave-worthy items in town.  If you're planning a boozy brunch, don't miss the chance to order a Maui Waui!  A tropical twist on the classic mimosa made with pineapple-infused vodka. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime regular, Urban Egg continues to prove why it has become a Colorado Springs institution.

Guest favorites:

  • Pancake flight

  • Avocado toast

  • Eggs Benedict (classic & seasonal variations)

Weekly highlights:

  • Seasonal chef-inspired brunch features

  • Weekend cocktail brunch menus

Por Favor Tacos & Tragos

Por Favor Tacos & Tragos has quickly become one of Colorado Springs' favorite spots for authentic Mexican street food and handcrafted cocktails.  Owned and operated by the Galvan family, the restaurant is built around generations of family recipes, made-from-scratch ingredients, and a genuine passion for sharing Mexican culture with the community.  Their famous birria tacos are a must-order, featuring slow-cooked beef that's rich, flavorful, and perfect for dipping into the savory consommé.  The cocktail menu is equally impressive, offering creative margaritas and craft drinks that pair beautifully with the food.  If you're lucky enough to grab a seat at the bar, ask for Edgar!  He’s additional entertainment!   If all of that wasn't enough, Por Favor's success has already led to the opening of a second Colorado Springs location in Northgate, proving that this family-owned concept has struck a chord with locals across the city.  Between the incredible food, welcoming atmosphere, and rapidly growing footprint, Por Favor has firmly established itself as one of the Springs' premier dining destinations.

Guest favorites:

  • Birria tacos

  • Carne asada tacos

  • Loaded nachos & queso

Weekly highlights:

  • Margarita specials in the evenings

  • Rotating taco features inspired by seasonal ingredients

Slice 420

Don't let the name fool you, while Slice 420 proudly embraces cannabis culture in its branding, there isn't any THC or CBD in the food. The "420" is actually a nod to a deeply personal mission that inspired owners Christian and Stefany Patriarca to move their family from Florida to Colorado so their daughter Sofia could access alternative treatments for epilepsy and cerebral palsy.  Since opening their first location in Old Colorado City in 2017, the Patriarcas have built one of the most beloved restaurant brands in Colorado Springs, growing to three locations while staying true to their motto: "Pizza is the Platform; Change is the Mission."  The mission may be inspiring, but let's talk about the pizza, because it is seriously some of the best in the city.  Christian, a lifelong New York pizza maker, brings authentic East Coast techniques, premium ingredients, and an obsession with quality to every pie.  The result is the kind of pizza that consistently lands at the top of local "best pizza" lists and has developed a cult-like following across the Springs.  Beyond the restaurant itself, Christian has become something of a local celebrity thanks to his infectious personality and energetic social media presence.  Whether he's showing off fresh pies, sharing updates about the business, supporting local causes, or simply making people laugh, his passion for pizza and community shines through.  Slice 420 isn't just a great place to grab a slice, it's a Colorado Springs success story built on faith, family, purpose, and really, really good pizza.

Guest favorites:

  • Pepperoni NY-style slice

  • Chicken bacon ranch pizza

  • “Mountain Man” specialty slice

Weekly highlights:

  • Lunch slice deals

  • Game-day pizza specials

Chuckwagon

If there is one restaurant in Colorado Springs that has mastered the art of making people willingly stand in line for hours, it's The Chuckwagon.  On most weekends, you'll find the line wrapped around the building long before the doors open, and somehow everyone waiting seems perfectly happy about it.  That's because owners Jared and Deidre Hammond know exactly what they're doing!  Born and raised in Houston, Texas, the Hammonds brought authentic Central Texas barbecue traditions to Colorado Springs, smoking their meats fresh daily over post oak wood and refusing to cut corners.  Their mission is simple: serve the highest-quality Texas barbecue possible using handcrafted rubs, sauces, and sides made from scratch.  The results speak for themselves.  Even self-proclaimed barbecue snobs from Texas regularly rave that Chuckwagon serves some of the best barbecue they've ever had, and considering the source, that says a lot!  The restaurant's popularity has exploded so quickly that a major expansion is already underway, adding approximately 2,400 square feet of additional space, more indoor seating, expanded outdoor areas, a stage for live music, additional carving stations, and plans for a liquor license to help accommodate the crowds.  Whether you're there for the brisket, Texas Twinkies, ribs, or whatever special they happen to be smoking that day, one thing is certain: arrive early.  At Chuckwagon, selling out isn't an exception… it's practically part of the business model!

Guest favorites:

  • Smoked brisket

  • Texas Twinkies

  • Rotating smoked meats & sides

Weekly highlights:

  • Limited smoke-day schedule (often sell-out style service)

  • Rotating BBQ batches based on availability

Shuga’s

For more than two decades, Shuga's has been one of the most unique and beloved restaurants in Colorado Springs.  Housed inside a historic former grocery store on the edge of downtown, Shuga's has built a loyal following by doing things its own way.  Over the years, the restaurant has expanded far beyond its original footprint, transforming the backyard into one of the city's most charming outdoor dining spaces.  When the weather cooperates, the patio becomes one of the best places in town to enjoy a meal, and the iconic teepee that was originally erected during the COVID era has become a permanent fixture that locals have come to love.  While nearly everything on the menu is worth ordering, the Brazilian Coconut Shrimp Soup has been the undisputed star of the show for decades, drawing devoted fans from across the city.  The Cuban Mojo sandwich is another must-try, packed with flavor and perfectly executed every time.  Looking for something unexpected?  Their ramen bowl is surprisingly excellent and has developed a following of its own.  Honestly, every sandwich on the menu slaps, which is one of the reasons Shuga's has remained a Colorado Springs institution for so long.  Whether you're stopping in for lunch, dinner, cocktails, or a leisurely afternoon on the patio, Shuga's continues to prove that some places become local legends for a reason.

Guest favorites:

  • Coconut curry soup

  • Spicy shrimp sandwich

  • Signature craft cocktails

Weekly highlights:

  • Daily Happy Hour

  • Seasonal cocktail features

The Rabbit Hole

Not many restaurants can claim they’re built inside a piece of local history, but The Rabbit Hole in downtown Colorado Springs certainly can. Tucked beneath street level in what was once the city’s historic morgue, the restaurant has transformed an unexpected space into one of the most unique and atmospheric dining experiences in the entire city.  From the moment you descend into its Alice in Wonderland inspired interior, everything shifts: the lighting, the energy, and the experience itself feel completely removed from the world above.  Because of its popularity, reservations are strongly recommended, with tables often booking out well in advance, and even walking in for happy hour can be a challenge on busy nights.

Behind the concept is Joe Campana, one of the most influential and widely respected restaurateurs in Colorado Springs.  Campana’s impact on the local hospitality scene goes far beyond a single restaurant.  He has built an entire ecosystem of downtown concepts while maintaining a strong commitment to growing talent from within.  Over time, many of his longtime employees have moved into leadership roles and, in several cases, have become partners across his expanding group of restaurants, a reflection of his belief in mentorship, opportunity, and shared success.  That approach has earned him a reputation not just as a business owner, but as a genuine force for building up the local service industry.

Today, Campana’s downtown restaurant portfolio includes The Rabbit Hole, Bonny & Read Seafood, SuperNova Barcade, STIR Coffee & Cocktails, Cork & Cask, Shame & Regret, Shrunken Head Tiki, Crooked Cue, Nova West, and Liquid Courage Karaoke. Each concept brings its own personality to the downtown scene, but all are tied together by a consistent focus on creativity, hospitality, and experience driven dining.  Still, it’s The Rabbit Hole that stands as the flagship, the concept that helped redefine what downtown Colorado Springs dining could be and set the tone for everything that has followed.

Guest favorites:

  • Elk and bison entrées (seasonal features)

  • Creative pasta dishes

  • Truffle fries & shared starters

Weekly highlights:

  • Seasonal menu rotations

  • Chef-driven feature dishes

Summit at The Broadmoor

At The Broadmoor, dining has always been treated as an extension of its legendary hospitality, and The Summit is one of the most refined expressions of that philosophy. Set within one of Colorado Springs’ most iconic luxury resorts, The Broadmoor has earned a place in American hospitality history as one of the most consistently awarded properties in the country, holding long-standing recognition from both AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star programs.  Within that legacy, The Summit brings a contemporary edge, offering an elevated dining experience that blends modern technique with the timeless polish the resort is known for.

The menu at The Summit is intentionally curated to highlight the best of The Broadmoor’s culinary standards, with seasonal ingredients, precise execution, and a strong emphasis on presentation. Guests can expect a rotating selection of premium dishes ranging from expertly prepared seafood and steaks to refined seasonal creations that showcase both creativity and restraint.  The beverage program matches that same level of care, with thoughtfully selected wines and craft cocktails designed to complement the menu and enhance the overall experience.

For those looking to explore more of the resort’s culinary landscape, The Summit is just one part of a broader collection of standout dining destinations at The Broadmoor, including Ristorante del Lago, La Taverne, Golden Bee, The Grille, and Restaurant 1858, each offering its own distinct interpretation of luxury dining within one of Colorado Springs’ most historic and celebrated resorts.

Guest favorites:

  • Filet mignon

  • Colorado lamb

  • Seasonal seafood entrées

Weekly highlights:

  • Seasonal prix fixe offerings

  • Holiday and special resort menus

Four by Brother Luck

In a city that’s quickly earning national attention for its food scene, Four by Brother Luck stands out as one of the most personal and creatively driven dining experiences in Colorado Springs.  Helmed by Chef Brother Luck, the restaurant reflects not only his technical skill and storytelling approach to cuisine, but also his deeper mission of building a more compassionate and sustainable hospitality industry.  Beyond the kitchen, Brother Luck has become one of the most recognizable local culinary figures in the country, first gaining national attention as a finalist on Bravo’s Top Chef Season 15 (2017–2018), where he represented Colorado on one of the show’s most competitive seasons.

Since then, his influence has extended far beyond television.  As an author of No Lucks Given, Brother Luck shares his personal journey through adversity, resilience, and self-discovery, offering insight into both the realities of the restaurant industry and the importance of mental health awareness.  That advocacy has become a defining part of his leadership style, he is widely respected not only for his culinary mentorship, but also for his efforts to support mental health resources for service industry professionals, helping foster a healthier and more sustainable restaurant culture in Colorado Springs and beyond.

His impact has also played a role in elevating the city’s culinary reputation, as Colorado Springs continues to gain national recognition alongside Colorado’s growing presence in the Michelin Guide landscape.  While many chefs contribute to that momentum, Brother Luck’s combination of visibility, mentorship, and advocacy has made him one of the most influential voices in the region’s food scene.

At Four by Brother Luck, the best way to experience his creativity is through the curated multi-course tasting menu, where each dish tells a story inspired by his life, travels, and culinary philosophy.  Every course is intentionally designed to surprise, challenge, and connect with guests in a way that goes far beyond a traditional dining experience.  Don’t think of this as just a meal, it’s a guided journey through the mind of one of Colorado Springs’ most distinctive chefs.

Guest favorites:

  • Seasonal tasting menu (signature experience)

  • Duck & lamb entrées

  • Wine pairing experience

Weekly highlights:

  • Rotating seasonal tasting menus

  • Special chef collaboration dinners

Evergreen Restaurant

Tucked into a warm and inviting space that feels equal parts neighborhood café and elevated dining destination, Evergreen has quickly become one of Colorado Springs’ most charming culinary spots under its new leadership.  At the center of its recent evolution is Crystal Kiernan, the new owner-operator, whose vision and energy have helped shape Evergreen into a refreshed local favorite.  Originally from Colorado Springs, Crystal brings a refined hospitality perspective shaped by years spent working as a private chef in Scottsdale, where she developed a deep appreciation for high-end, guest-focused dining experiences.  Since returning home and taking the reins at Evergreen, she has blended that elevated approach with a welcoming, community-first atmosphere that perfectly fits the Springs.

The result is a restaurant that feels both polished and personal.  Evergreen’s food program leans into thoughtful, seasonally inspired dishes that highlight fresh ingredients and approachable creativity, all served in a space that is as beautiful as it is comfortable. Customers will also notice a significantly upgraded menu following the departure of Vagabond Chef Noah Siebenaller, with Crystal’s direction ushering in a more refined, cohesive culinary identity that better reflects the restaurant’s evolving vision.

One of Evergreen’s most talked-about indulgences is their signature “mouse cakes,” delicate, beautifully crafted desserts that have quickly developed a cult following. These treats sell out almost daily, a testament to both their quality and the demand they’ve created.

Much of Evergreen’s renewed momentum can be traced back to Crystal’s leadership.  Her attention to detail, passion for hospitality, and ability to bring out the best in her team have elevated the restaurant into one of the city’s most exceptional dining experiences. Evergreen today feels like a reflection of her vision, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in genuine hospitality, making it a standout in Colorado Springs’ ever-growing food scene.

Guest favorites:

  • Chicken Shawarma

  • Pierogi

  • Crushed Meatball Ragu

Weekly highlights:

  • Daily mouse cake offerings

Michael Thompson