In the Art Deco building of downtown Colorado Springs is a new haven for local food and products: the Pikes Peak Market. Inside, exposed brick and soft lighting creates an intimate atmosphere to talk with a variety of vendors, sit down for lunch or browse artwork from local artists. With a new bar serving local brews and spirits opening in early 2018, the Pikes Peak Market will add entertainment and drinks to the existing great food.
The concept of housing many independent merchants under one roof is nothing new. Seattle’s Pike Place Market has operated since 1903; Cleveland’s West Side Market since 1912. But the trend has been spreading nationally in recent decades, now including Colorado Springs.
Here’s a preview of some of the vendors and purveyors at the Pikes Peak Market:
Azteca Gourmet
Tamale aficionado Lorena Jakubczak creates savory dishes—with vegan and vegetarian options—from her native Oaxaca, with the hope of expanding the idea of Mexican food in Colorado Springs. Her Southern Mexico roots show in the likes of green chili pork tamales wrapped in banana leaves and served with bright jicama salad. Enjoy them at the market, or take and heat them at home.
aztecagourmet.com
BonBon Bombardier
St. Louis transplants Sean Price and Jenny Bazzetta create innovative candies, using local ingredients when available. Their apple cider chews are sweet and crisp, with white miso for a savory twist.
facebook.com/BonbonBombardier
Cocoprana
Promoting health and wellness, these purveyors offer coconut superfoods and products, all vegan.
facebook.com/cocopranaco
The Pickle Lady
Friendly Chris Reeves sells a variety of pickles and jams for those who love preserves and fermented foods.
facebook.com/pickleladyco
Crown Cakes
These savory and sweet baked goods, such as tarts and mini Bundt cakes, make a lovely mid-afternoon snack. Gluten-free options are available.
facebook.com/Crown-Cakes-631462700338920
The Cheese People
Highlighting the best of Wisconsin cheese, the Cheese People offer a variety of hard, soft and semisoft cheeses to satisfy all palates. Try the apple wood smoked cheddar, or if you love raw milk, taste Pleasant Ridge Reserve.
thecheesepeople.com
Cos’bucha
Rich Lemesany loves kombucha and offers creative brews for drinking at the market or taking home. On his current rotation, the sweet and delicate pineapple ginger will sooth your tongue. Or for the more experimental, try his pear cardamom.
facebook.com/CoSBucha
Soul Water Coffee
What’s a local market without good coffee? Soul Water provides the caffeine kick here, serving local roasts from the likes of Switchback and Building Three roasters. Plan to linger or grab a cup on the run to your next meeting.
soulwatercoffee.com
Watch for More
More vendors are in the works for the Pikes Peak Market, including some as early at January 2018. Future offerings include the Colorado Crepe Company for sweet and savory crepes, Argentine food, pre-packed meals for singles or couples, produce, dairy products and locally raised grass-fed beef available frozen or in charcuterie.
More Info
The Pikes Peak Market is open year-round, Thursday-Sunday from 10-5 p.m., at 9 S. Weber St., at the corner of Pikes Peak Avenue and South Weber Street.
pikespeakmarket.org
