When you’re looking to paint the town red, head to the nightlife hub of Colorado Springs: downtown. From trendy bars pouring craft cocktails to pulsating dance floors in lively clubs, Colorado Springs’ downtown is a playground for those who want to party and make memories filled with food, drinks, music and friends.
Start With Dinner
The key to starting any night off right is with food. Sure, you can get finger foods and shareable plates at most bars, but if you want to have a sit-down meal to kick off your night, check out these places downtown that happen to be within walking distance to Tejon Street’s concentration of clubs and bars.
Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub
Jack Quinn’s is one of the Springs’ favorite Irish pubs with plenty of beers and bites to enjoy if you want to get your night-out started early but want to keep it casual. You’ll feel like you stepped into an authentic Irish pub. You can share small plates with friends or dig into a hearty Irish meal while you chat about plans for the night and listen to some live music.
Odyssey Gastropub
Farther up Tejon, you can find a casual bite at Odyssey Gastropub. This cozy eatery — one of our People’s Choice: Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs winners — offers a delicious menu of elevated pub fare, including gourmet burgers, sandwiches and shareable appetizers. Wash it all down with one of their craft beers or creative cocktails for the perfect start to your night out.
Streetcar520
What was once a spot to house and maintain streetcars that traversed Tejon Street from 1902 to 1932 has completely transformed into a downtown hotspot for dining, drinks and drag brunches. Dining at Streetcar520 is an immersive journey, where guests can explore flavors from around the world through a menu centered on small plates and shared dishes, creating a sense of community among diners. And that vibrant, massive art on the walls? You can read about that in our Warrior Women of Streetcar520.
For more dinner recommendations, check out some of our restaurant articles here.
Grab a Drink at These Colorado Springs Bars
Colorado Springs has a thriving craft beer scene and some of the best breweries in Colorado Springs reside in Downtown. But if beer isn’t your thing or you’re looking for a classier cocktail, then you can’t go wrong with these options:
Shame & Regret
Follow the inviting glow of the neon sign down the alley and enter this tucked-away treasure for a taste of top-shelf Scotch, whiskey and cocktails. Whether you’re indulging in upscale bites, relaxing in a leather Victorian-style booth, or simply soaking in the gothic decor, Shame & Regret offers a taste of sophistication without the taboos.
Shrunken Head Tiki Bar
The last thing you’d expect to find in landlocked Colorado is a tropical oasis, but that’s exactly what you get at Shrunken Head Tiki Bar on Tejon Street in downtown Colorado Springs. Seven days a week, those searching for tropical flair can take sanctuary in the island-inspired bar, dimly lit but decked out in palm fronds, swinging seats, string lights and other tropical tchotchkes.
Relax with craft tiki cocktails, like a classic pina colada or the refreshing Sin & Spice, served in unique, hand-crafted tiki mugs that you can opt to take home for an additional fee.
The Archives
Discover The Archives, where the spirit of Prohibition comes to life in an underground speakeasy. The Archives offers a curated selection of artfully crafted cocktails that pay homage to classic recipes with a modern twist, and the menu changes seasonally. As the night progresses, the atmosphere only gets better, making The Archives the perfect spot for late-night libations.
Bar Thirty-Three
One of the newer bars in the Springs — and one of the fancier spots for a drink — Bar Thirty-Three invites patrons into its swanky space and requires dressing up for the occasion. There is a dress code. The bar wants you to look as good as their drinks taste, so sport coats, tailored shirts, cocktail dresses and crisp jeans are recommended. Bar Thirty-Three’s beverages are craft, and the menu ranges from creative takes on classics, like the Thirty Three Old Fashion made with a hint of banana, to modern creations like the Coconut Water Yum-Yum.
If you’re staying sober and would rather avoid alcohol, check out our article on where to find the best zero-proof cocktails around town.
All Fun and Games at These Entertainment Venues
If you’re not ready for the night to end after the bar, you can keep things rolling at these entertainment venues in downtown Colorado Springs.
Trainwreck
This massive indoor-outdoor venue near Weidner Field is not only home to a stadium-sized TV screen for watching games, but it has a variety of games and events you can join in. Play arcade games, catch live music and practice your golf swing on the virtual golf simulators inside — or warm up by the fire, compete in cornhole and challenge your friends to a volleyball game outside. Think of Trainwreck as a playground for adults in the Springs, complete with cocktails, mocktails, brews and bites.
Follow Trainwreck’s social to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s happening at the downtown entertainment-plex.
Oskar Blues Bar & Grill
This brewpub offers not only a fantastic selection of craft beers but also plenty of games to keep you entertained all night long. Head downstairs to find pool tables and a few classic arcade games and more, perfect for a fun night out with friends. Or take a look at Oskar Blues’ event calendar and plan your visit around a comedy night or live music.
COATI
COATI is more than just the Springs’ most eclectic food hall. It’s a vibrant hub of creativity and culinary delight. Step inside to discover not just one, but two distinct bars ready to serve up craft cocktails and seven diverse restaurant concepts, including Luchals Soulful Seafood, Haole Hawaiian Grindz and the punk-rock fine-dining Ephemera.
But COATI isn’t just about food and drinks. It’s a sanctuary for arts and entertainment where you can admire local artists, dance to silent discos, compete in trivia and catch live performances.
Supernova Bar
Step into this retro-inspired barcade and you’ll be greeted by an atmosphere that perfectly balances old-school video game charm with modern flair. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just looking to unwind with a drink in hand, Supernova is a fun place for kicking back.
Sip on wine, beer, classic cocktails or imaginative beverages like the Sucker Punch. Try your hand at Ms. Pac-Man, Asteroids, Street Fighter II or pinball. Or, grab a table with your friends, clink a couple of cold ones and enjoy some arcade bites, Nova favorites or galactic sandwiches.
Dance the Night Away at These Colorado Springs Nightclubs
Keep your night going well into the early hours of the morning at one of these nightclubs in Colorado Springs.
The Mansion
This vibrant venue, with its dangling disco balls and dazzling light displays, sets the stage for an electrifying night out. A long-time favorite nightclub, the Mansion offers luxurious VIP bottle service and live DJs spinning the hottest tracks. Whether you’re looking to dance until the early morning hours or just enjoy a few drinks with friends, The Mansion has you covered.
Cowboys
At Cowboys, the spirit of the Wild West meets the excitement of the Springs’ nightlife scene. Kick up your heels on the largest dance floor in downtown, belt your heart out to karaoke or saddle up and take a ride on the mechanical bull. Cowboys has three levels of fun to choose from and is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until 2 a.m.
La Burla Bee
With dazzling performances, sultry burlesque shows, live music, karaoke, comedy, open mics and more, La Burla Bee has something happening nightly. The seductive LGBTQ-friendly spot is a go-to destination for bachelorette parties, girls night out, boys night out, date nights or just an eventful night out. Grab a craft cocktail, catch a show and keep the night going in the Beehive Nightclub every Friday and Saturday until 2 a.m.
Get Home Responsibly
A night on the town is only complete with a safe ride home. Bring along a DD, hop on a shuttle, call a cab or split a rideshare service. Whatever method you choose, do not drink and drive. Here are a few options for a sober ride.
Taxis/Rideshare
- Uber and Lyft
Download the apps on your smartphone. - zTrip
Download the app at ztrip.com or call 855-699-8747. - Pikes Peak Cab
Call 719-888-9000 to book a cab. - Rocky Mountain Ride (brew tours)
Book a brewery tour myrockymountainride.com for a guided and safely driven tour of favorite breweries.
Public Transportation
- Mountain Metro Transit
Mountain Metro Transit provides public transportation with bus service throughout Colorado Springs, including Manitou Springs and Security-Widefield.
mmtransit.com or 718-385-RIDE (7433) - The Zeb
The Zeb is a free downtown shuttle that runs along Tejon Street between Cache La Poudre and Rio Grande streets with stops near Colorado College, Weidner Field and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. Check schedules for specific hours.
coloradosprings.gov
