Nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, with its sprawling military bases, hiking trails, and old-school Western flavor, Colorado Springs has always been a little different from Denver—slower in pace, more fiercely independent, and proud of it.
The Springs’ dining scene celebrates this mix, with everything from wood-fired steakhouses and family diners to global fusion inspired by transplants and travelers.
Locals are loyal, and regulars at their favorite tables form tight-knit micro-communities all over town.
The Margarita at Pine Creek
The Margarita is a beloved escape from the bustle—a quirky, almost-rural destination hidden among ponderosa pines on the northwest outskirts of the city.
Inside, the ambiance is homey-chic, with rotating art shows, fireplace glow, and sprawling patios for perfect evenings.
Menus change daily and seasonally; think French-influenced dishes with Colorado ingredients, ranging from duck confit to wild-caught salmon to flourless chocolate tortes.
For locals, it’s the rare special occasion spot worth returning to again and again—for the food, the wine, the music, and the always-gracious servers.
King’s Chef Diner
The jaw-dropping purple castle downtown is impossible to miss—and so is the breakfast.
King’s Chef Diner is irreverent, retro, and always packed with families, hipsters, and first-timers alike, gulping down mounds of hash browns smothered in decadent homemade green chile.
Breakfast burritos, thick-sliced bacon, spicy burgers, and “The Thing” (a literal pile built for the hungriest) set the tone.
It’s a place where regulars bring their own mugs and out-of-towners snap photos for social media—because in the Springs, everyone feels like family at the King’s Chef.
Uchenna Ethiopian Restaurant
Uchenna is a revelation for Colorado Springs—Ethiopian food that goes far beyond injera and lentils, served in an atmosphere that feels almost spiritual.
Owner and chef Maya Haile welcomes every diner like an old friend, customizes spice levels, and always brings an extra dash of hospitality.
The doro wat (spicy chicken stew) is legendary, and the platters of slow-cooked vegetables and tender lamb draw diners from all over the region. It’s not just the food—Uchenna is celebrated in the Springs because it’s an invitation to experience comfort, generosity, and flavor in every sense.
Marigold Cafe & Bakery
Locals swear by Marigold, where European bistro fare meets cozy, family-friendly Colorado style.
Inside, cases are packed with tarts, cakes, and towering slices of chocolate mousse cake—but the real stars are savory: wild mushroom ravioli, roast chicken, or steak frites made with locally sourced beef.
Lunches and brunches here are full of laughter, warm sunlight, and perfectly brewed coffee; regulars know Marigold is the kind of place where you order dessert first, just in case the case runs out.
The Rabbit Hole
The Rabbit Hole is an underworld, literally and figuratively—a late-night downtown bistro accessed via a neon-lit staircase, themed after Alice in Wonderland.
Food is whimsical but never gimmicky: duck wings in blackberry sauce, bison short rib atop mashed parsnips, spicy seafood linguine, and a drink menu that runs from experimental cocktails to absinthe.
Locals head here for a sense of the surreal, the romantic, or an unexpected midnight plate of truffled fries.
It’s a spot for secret-keepers, date-nighters, and regulars who love their Springs city a little strange.
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