5 Best New Restaurants in Colorado Springs that Locals Swear By

Colorado Springs has quietly grown into a destination for more than just outdoor adventure.

A wave of newer restaurants is bringing chef‑driven cooking, thoughtful sourcing, and a modern atmosphere to a city once dominated by very casual spots and chains. These five highlight the city’s evolving tastes.

1. Four by Brother Luck

Four by Brother Luck is a chef‑owned restaurant that celebrates the “four corners” influences of the region: Spanish, Native American, Mexican, and Western American.

The space feels polished yet relaxed, with an open kitchen and an emphasis on hospitality.

The menu often offers a choose‑your‑own four‑course format, with options ranging from game meats and slow‑cooked pork to beautifully composed vegetarian dishes.

Sauces and accompaniments are carefully layered, and the plating feels fine‑dining without the pretense.

2. The Carter Payne (Multiple Concepts Under One Roof)

The Carter Payne is a repurposed historic church that now houses multiple food and drink concepts under one roof.

It’s more of a collective than a single restaurant, but together they’ve helped redefine what dining out in Colorado Springs can look like.

Depending on when you visit, you might find chef‑driven small plates, inventive bar food, or globally inspired dishes, all paired with craft cocktails and local beers.

The shared space, communal seating, and rotating offerings make it ideal for groups and repeat visits.

3. Streetcar 520

Streetcar 520 offers globally inspired comfort food in a stylish, urban-feeling space downtown. Exposed brick, warm lighting, and a lively bar make it feel like the kind of neighborhood hub you’d expect in a bigger city.

The menu pulls ideas from all over: bao buns, mac and cheese with twists, creative grain bowls, sandwiches, and seasonal entrees.

It’s the kind of place where everyone at the table can find something—from hearty burgers to lighter, veggie‑driven plates. Cocktails and local beers round it out nicely.

4. Ephemera

Ephemera is a small, chef‑driven restaurant inside a market-style setting that focuses on a seasonal, constantly evolving tasting menu.

The name is a hint: dishes appear for a short time, then disappear as ingredients change.

Expect artful plating, unexpected flavor pairings, and a progression of courses that might include crudo, carefully cooked meats, and delicate desserts.

Wine pairings and cocktails are thoughtfully aligned with the menu, making it a destination for food lovers looking for something more adventurous.

5. White Pie

White Pie brings a bit of big‑city pizzeria energy to Colorado Springs, with Neapolitan‑style pies, fun appetizers, and a welcoming, family‑friendly feel. It’s casual, but the attention to the dough and toppings shows serious intent. Pizzas feature puffy, charred crusts, high‑quality cheeses, and toppings that range from simple margherita to more creative combinations with house‑made sausage, spicy honey, or seasonal vegetables. Salads, meatballs, and a few pasta options make it easy to round out the meal.