It’s that listy time of year as we near the end of the calendar, and this one is a favorite. There have been some notable long-time restaurants that have closed (more on that soon). But new Colorado Springs restaurants have continued to open on the regular. Keeping up can be challenging, so that’s where this list comes in handy. Consider it a checklist of must-try hot spots the next time you’re headed out to eat. Or have you already tried them all? Either way, enjoy the culinary journey.
New Restaurants in Downtown Colorado Springs
Brakeman’s Smash’d Burger Bar
Call it Brakeman’s Burgers 2.0. After a year off for renovations, Brakeman’s returned this November reimagined and now operated by the team behind COATI, PigLatin, Ola Juice Bar and other local restaurants. If only you could actually get there by train. Read more here.
Dad’s Donuts
Restaurateur Mitch Yellen likes to go big. His new Dad’s Donuts took the circular pastry to a new level. OK, technically they’re cronuts made of 109 layers of croissant dough. Call them what you want, lines were out the door for weeks after their grand opening on National Doughnut Day.
Evergreen
Some new restaurants open with big fanfare or a long tease. Some come seemingly out of nowhere. Evergreen caught us unexpected but wowed us with its Euro stylings and unique menu offerings. Chef Noah Siebenaller joined the team late this year and is fine tuning menus. Evergreen is tucked away across from Colorado College’s Robson Arena, but it’s one definitely worth seeking out.
Gaia Masala
Take a burger and douse it in tikka masala? Oh yes! The Boulder-born restaurant blends Indian and Mediterranean fare with American fast food. The restaurant moved into downtown Colorado Springs serving its fusion fare into the early morning hours.
Illegal Pete’s
It was a long time coming, but Illegal Pete’s finally opened its doors in downtown Colorado Springs in April. The new restaurant was the 14th for the Colorado owned-and-operated chain. You can read insights from Pete himself in Illegal Pete’s Long-Awaited Opening.
Nacho Matrix
Humans have long known that the nacho can be piled high with savory toppings. But Jenny and Tyler Sherman, owners of Odyssey Gastropub, evolved the munchy dish into an innovative new restaurant. It’s an excellent addition to the Old North End’s Lincoln Center.
Night Ramen
The Wallenta family of restaurateurs keeps rolling. Last year they added Dos Dos and Sushi Row to their Dos Santos and White Pie. This year they dropped Night Ramen in EaDo. The chic dinner-only noodle house was an instant hit. Was it worth the hype? We say yes here.
Owambe African Restaurant and Lounge
Owambe is a word for extravagant parties in Nigeria, and it’s worth celebrating the first Nigerian restaurant in Colorado. Located across from Antler’s Park (in the former Spice Island Grill), Owambe is a rich celebration of flavor and culture.
New Restaurants in East & Southeast Springs
Caddie’s at Valley High Golf Course
After hitting the links, you want this Caddie’s along. The team behind 503W opened this new concept at Valley Hi Golf Course with a menu inspired by Asian and Latin American cuisines. Read more about it here.
The Chuckwagon
If you want to get picky, the Chuckwagon 719 opened as a food truck in 2023. But the smokehouse did open its brick and mortar this May near Powers, where they sell out regularly. It’s already one of the Best BBQ Joints in the Springs, and they recently announced two new Westside concepts coming soon.
Luchals
After being a long-time favorite food truck and vendor in COATI food hall, Luchals expanded its gluten-free, soulful seafood with a brick-and-mortar in Fountain. Bonus, there are karaoke and dance nights.
Porkbutt BBQ
It was a good year for smoked meat lovers. Porkbutt BBQ rode the big following of its food truck into a new permanent location on Academy Boulevard midway through the year.
The Rey
We’re including The Rey food truck on the list because it heralded the return of the king: El Taco Rey. With the roving restaurant, the Aguilar family brought back the original recipes used by their parents for 45 at the iconic eatery.
Taste of Ethiopia
With a stylish overhaul of a former Red Robin near the Citadel Mall, this new restaurant and coffee shop brought authentic Ethiopian cuisine to the Springs’ east side. Don’t miss the Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
New Colorado Springs Restaurants on the Westside
Mausam
Could a Michelin-recognized chef make that much difference? Apparently. Mausam took Indian cuisine to a new level when it opened between OCC and Manitou. Read more about it in our article.
Por Favor Tacos and Tragos
This family-owned Mexican restaurant added a new slang word for cocktails to the lexicon for many of us — and a new hot spot in the Rockrimmon area. For that, we say por favor and gracias. Read more here.
New Restaurants in North Colorado Springs
Pamela’s
Hotel Polaris brought a top-flight, new hotel to Northgate, and it’s fine-dining Pamela’s restaurant is worth a visit of its own. Read more here about its contemporary American comfort food.
Want More New Restaurants?
You can always find announcements of new and upcoming eateries in our What’s Next COS. But have you eaten your way through our 25 Buzzworthy New Restaurants of 2023 yet?
