When you’re in search of the most reliable information about any subject, it’s best to go straight to the source for a professional opinion. Dining out is no exception. When it comes to finding delicious local eats, who better to recommend their favorite, tried and true restaurants, dishes and drinks than those who are handling the cooking? So we checked in with three executive chefs operating successful kitchens across Colorado Springs — all of them on our 30 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs.
The chefs came through with valuable, insider insights, restaurant recommendations and tips on some of their favorite food in Colorado Springs. This is where the chefs eat and where the pros spend their precious free time to satisfy their cravings.
James Africano, The Warehouse
“I’m a creature of habit, and I go where I want to know it’s going to be good,” says Chef James Africano. “I only get so many nights off a week, so I usually stick to the same spots to ensure wherever I go I’m happy and satisfied.”
Africano has a nostalgic affinity for MacKenzie’s Chop House and has spent many a Sunday evening with his wife there enjoying the familiar “Cheers-like” atmosphere. He says the staff is great, and his go-to is a simple but reliable steak and baked potato.
For late-night grub Africano heads to The Point for a wildly affordable $7.95 Saturday night burger basket, or he hits up Bar K on Fridays for “noodle bowls and amazing dumplings with black vinegar and soy sauce.” He also recommends quality cocktails and sushi rolls downtown at Chiba Bar.
To grab a solid slice of pizza, he heads to Pies & Grinders (with three locations in Monument, Black Forest and on Powers Boulevard). Abby’s Irish Pub is another of Africano’s north-side favorites. “They have the best fish and chips in the city right now,” he says.
Most nights of the week, you can enjoy Africano’s own Colorado cuisine at The Warehouse. You can also read more about him in our article James Africano Has the Right Recipe at The Warehouse.
Ian Dedrickson, Ephemera
Since Chef Ian Dedrickson says his life and schedule largely revolve around downtown and adjacent areas, he frequents Tejon Street staples: Zocalo, Chiba Bar, Azada Mexican Grill, Taste of Jerusalem and Odyssey Gastropub. Or he heads into Old Colorado City to visit 503W and Paravicini’s Italian Bistro.
“The Archives is always awesome for a well constructed drink,” Dedrickson says when talking cocktails, and he relies on Chef Mario Vasquez upstairs at Colorado Craft for great late-night food to go. “District Eleven is top-notch,” he adds. “Shame & Regret will never let you down, and I’m always ready to crush a Frose and Angelini [pizza] from White Pie.”
Some of his favorite post-shift food in Colorado Springs include tacos at Huevones food truck, an Unagi Bowl at Chiba Bar, sandwiches with a side of Brazilian Coconut Shrimp Soup at Shuga’s or a carnitas burrito at SunRoast Coffee. “Stellina’s potato and rosemary pizza is a sleeper I don’t hear enough people talking about,” he adds.
Dedrickson also has shoutouts for two new downtown restaurants — maybe its newest — and hints at more on the way. “I’m very excited to see spots like Inefable in the new Avenue 19 food hall and the new downtown Wobbly Olive,” says Dedrickson. “There are several others in the works trying to get some exciting and creative food in downtown Colorado Springs.”
You can read more about Ephemera and watch a video tour of favorite spots by Dedrickson and his wife, local artist Jasmine Dillavou, in our Discovering Downtown Colorado Springs.
Steven Bailey, Atmosphere Gastropub
When Chef Steven Bailey gets to step away from his north-side kitchen, he heads to Milagro’s Cocina Mexicana for the El Jefe margarita and “fantastic” Costillas de Puerco (tamarind glazed ribs). And he says he appreciates the ever-evolving menu at Black Forest Bistro along with their Bacon Maple Old Fashioned.
“I’m not sure why White Pie’s name isn’t brought up more when discussing the best pizza in the Springs,” Bailey says, while also applauding their seasonally rotating Frose. Downtown is also the spot to satisfy Bailey’s sweet tooth at Shuga’s. “The almond butter cake at Shuga’s is my favorite dessert in town,” he says. “And I love the quirky, eclectic vibes.” He also savors the “outstanding” Penn Station cocktail.
We asked Bailey for hidden gems, and he had a pair to recommend. “Lanna Thai has the best Thai food,” he says. You’ll find it in Briargate at Union and Research Parkway. “And Lee’s Sandwiches [at Powers and Barnes] has fresh baked bread, croissants and a banh mi and coffee that are sorely underappreciated.”
Bailey also doesn’t skimp on mobile restaurant recommendations and applauds the uptick in quality food trucks popping up and throwing down. “The Flighty Fowl has amazing, creative dishes,” he says. “Tacos El Gringon needs to be celebrated more as their food is always wonderful with more than generous portions.”
You can celebrate Bailey’s elevated and varied fare at Atmosphere Gastropub.
Looking for Those Food Trucks?
You can find a full roundup of quality food trucks in our articles Where to Find Food Trucks in Colorado Springs and 7 New Food Trucks to Check Out Now.
