Travel | Colorado Springs Guide
How have I never thought to do this before? Eight years later and she’s really waking up. I wanted to produce a quick guide of some of my favorite shops, restaurants and experiences in Colorado Springs. For the visitors, new residents or for those living here who want to mix it up a bit. Here are some of my go-to’s. I hope they refresh and inspire your days. xx-k
RESTAURANTS
Ambli Global Cuisine - This is an experience. They’re open for lunch now which is more casual but the same great flavors. Meeting friends for drinks and apps here (lobster shooters/crispy rice tuna) or dinner for the tasting menu are some of my favorites. I’ve been here more times than I can count and it’s just so good. Owned by some incredible humans. They started in Denver and came down to COS and well, thank you!
Cowboy Star - This is in the same complex as Ambli. It’s across the way… and much more Colorado vibe. While I’ve dined in the dining room a few times, I love sitting in the bar or at the fireplace. It feels special but not too fancy. Their happy hour is good. They have the best wine glasses in town and their food has never been anything short of FAME. Enjoy.
Ola - Yum for smoothies and bowls. Feels healthy and fresh. There are now two locations. One downtown (where I usually frequent) and one off of Garden of the Gods, which feels very near my favorite Camino Massage. A match made in heaven, really.
Juniper Valley Ranch - OOOOHHH The love for this place. The menu hasn’t changed in its 7 decades and it’s so good. A family feel. Make a reservation.
White Pie- Yes. Every time. This restaurant is owned by a set of brothers who really get it. They grew up on the East Coast, trained under their uncle in Mexico, opened restaurants there, moved to Denver and pulled down to COS and I’m so thankful. They do a great job. Food is consistent and their investment in the vibe is something to be thankful for here. Their other concepts that I love equally are Dos Dos, Dos Santos and Sushi Row. I can be found at Sushi Row almost weekly for happy hour or lunch.
The Well - This place has an influx of restuarants, they rotate more often than anywhere else in COS but it’s for the sake of incubation as restaurants move from food truck into a brick and morter… more or less. That said, the long missed La’aus Taco Shop has recently opened in the Well and OMG, thanks Joe.
Stellina Pizza - You guys, if this place was open for lunch hours, I’d live there. If I still lived downtown, I’d live here. I love the vibe, the food is always phenominal and I love the location. It’s cozy and tucked away, true neighborhood vibes and I’d do a lot of things to live nearby. Or maybe have one live nearby my house. ha.
T-Byrds - It’s been whole entire years since I’ve been here, so I can’t be completely sure but I recently found myself staring at their patio thinking, I’d love to go there again. So I’m including for good measure. I can imagine friends on the patio, beers, tacos, cute place to people watch from.
Jose Muldoons - Okay, I love the back patio with chips and salsa and easy beer here.
La Baguette - It will always hold a special spot in my heart. The french onion soup is where it’s at. Simple and easy. Great for a lunchtime catch up. Both locations, Downtown and Old Colorado City, are adorable.
Vine and Wheel - Yay! Altitude finally developed a concept that feels excellent and lasting. The menu is phenom, the wine is lovely and the staff is so sweet. I love the patio and if the weather is even tempting to be good I forge it. It’s so sweet.
Del Lago - Pure adoration. Really, all of the Broadmoor food concepts have me swooning. Their approach toward sourcing is impressive, their chefs are of the best and the service is second to none. Read page 36-28 of THIS magazine to learn more of their intention and diligence.
Uva Wine Bar - I go through phases with this spot. It’s easy and cute. Fun with friends or a date.
Shugas - A true staple. When I moved away from COS in 2012, this was were my going away party was. I love it. The Shrimp soup is IT + the ramen. Cocktails are so good.
Odyssey Gastropub - Yes. Great location, good food, great vibe. Downtown.
Saigon Cafe - I would’ve overlooked this for another ten years. I’m so glad I finally went. It’s great. Noodles + lunch.
Nightingale Bread - Truly top tier. My top 3 places in COS. There is nothing like it.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Camino Massage - I love few places more than here.
Jang Skincare - I’ve experiences two facials from Sarah. I’m really enjoying them.
PureLee Med Spa - I’ve also heard that Dr. Kenya’s facials are next level.
Pediatrician, Dr. Carson - I cannot recommend her enough.
Stretch Lab - I haven’t been yet but it’s on my list.
IV Hydration - I haven’t been but I’ve been told it’s incredible.
COFFEE
Loyal Coffee - Duh. Both cafes, downtown and north. I adore. I love. I go often. I love the quinoa bowl, pasteries and a latte.
Hold Fast Coffee Co - Their food is so good. I love their sammy and honestly their veggies and hummus hit the spot often.
Switchback Hillside - I feel like I shouldn’t even share it because it’s my hideaway. It’s quiet, dreamy and during the Summer when their window is slid open there truly isn’t a better experience.
Principals Office - It feels nostalgic and it always feels cozy.
Building 3 Coffee- Their bagel sandwiches are so good. The coffee takes a while so I wouldn’t recommend going if you’re in a hurry but if you have time, it’s good. The staff is so kind, always.
ENJOY!
xx, -
