We are holding on tight to summer with a grouping of tasty local eats and drinks to savor bold and refreshing flavors all over Colorado Springs. During these warm, long days we’ve discovered some new hot spots, leaned on some old reliables and found some under-the-radar restaurants and bars that prioritize local sourcing and pump out handcrafted goodness. They’re perfect for savoring now, but don’t worry, these local restaurants, bars and a bakery will be there for you when the seasons change.
Provision Bread
Brighten up your breakfast with a selection of seasonal confections from the new downtown bakery Provision Bread. Start your mornings off on the right foot with traditional and almond croissants, savory veggie and fruity pastries or a loaf of their not-too-sweet and delightfully dark double chocolate bread. Now is the time to take advantage of peak produce and try the peaches and cream Danish or cheesy dill and purple bunching onion loaf (with herbs from the local New Roots Farm and Front Livestock Company). Plus, don’t forget their gourmet sandwiches for lunch, all made with hyper-local ingredients.
“Provision is deeply rooted in the local food supply chain,” says Brandon Delgrosso, Provision Bread co-owner, who you might recognize as the owner of Switchback Coffee Roasters. “We believe you should know your farmer and where your food comes from.”
Felipe’s 109
Southeast Colorado Springs is home to a fast-casual, hidden gem with the family-owned and operated burger joint Felipe’s 109. This no-frills spot brings New Mexican flavors front and center, and whether you’re team rojo or verde when it comes to your chili, they sling the best of both. Pick your preference or go Christmas-style red and green to add it as a topping on their tacos, burgers, nachos or fresh-cut fries. We can’t resist the Sombrero Burger made with a smashed patty, melted cheese, a fried egg, green chili salsa, lettuce, tomato and sour cream served on a toasted bun.
“Felipe’s 109 is where you can find burgers for the mind, tacos for the heart and chili for the soul,” says Felipe Velasquez, Felipe’s 109 owner. “It’s not Tex-Mex; we’re New Mex!”
Colorful Colorado at The Garden
If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy destination with vibrant decor, bright cocktails and community snacks, Colorful Colorado at The Garden is downtown’s newest happening hangout. We like to watch the sunset while sipping on picturesque Watermelon Sugar High cocktails in between bites of loaded blue corn tortilla chips from the sky-high, sharable nacho pile. Sit on the swing chairs while the sun’s still out. Stay and play to see the neon signs, fire pits and overall vibes shift into a hip, clubby ambiance as nighttime rolls in. Read more about this one at Colorful Colorado at the Garden Opens Fun New Patio Bar.
colorfulcos.com
Ranch Foods Direct & El Chapin Food Truck
Kill two birds with one stone for eating now and later. Make a shopping pit stop at Ranch Foods Direct to browse a plethora of high quality, local food items. Then pop out back to enjoy street tacos and authentic Mexican food at resident food truck El Chapin. If you’re not in the mood for something South of the Border, try Americana eats on for size with El Chapin’s sister set up El Chapin handmade burgers and shakes. The best part? Both source all their proteins directly from the meat market inside Ranch Foods Direct, using celebrated local producer Callicrate Meat.
Anju & Rival Bar: COATI
Beat the heat with the Cold Noodle Bowl at Anju Korean Eats inside COATI. It is owner and chef Andres Velez’s self-proclaimed favorite menu item, and we wholeheartedly agree with his recommendation to add the spicy pork for a filling, refreshing dish. For more noods, go for the Japchae which Velez calls “a comfort staple.” Or get zesty with their popular fried wings. Insider hack: Order the wings with all the sauces on the side and tossed in “the seasoning,” a proprietary blend of Korean spices.
Cool down by walking just a few feet to Rival Bar and forgo making any tough decisions by asking for a “bartender’s choice” cocktail or mocktail.
coatiuprise.com
The Fifty-Niner
The Fifty-Niner, a moody speakeasy snuggled behind Dice Guys game shop in Old Colorado City, is slinging an impressive list of cocktails, mocktails and tasty bites amid its fantastical, slightly spooky decor. We highly suggest treating yourself to a slice of the raspberry donut cheesecake while enjoying some old-fashioned fun with friends courtesy of their extensive library of 200-plus board games. What’s with the name? The motif is a nod to OCC history and its prospectors who came to Colorado in 1859 searching for gold.
Manitou Brewing Company
Going to Manitou always feels like a staycation to us, and this convenient, local getaway often leads directly to tried-and-true Manitou Brewing Co. On a recent visit we relished the saucy mango habanero chicken wings and truffle fries and washed it all down with the newly tapped Cold IPA. You can also never go wrong with one of their aptly named Incline Burgers.
“I wanted to make a cold IPA to give the hop lover something to enjoy while hanging out on the patio,” says Shaun Smith, head brewer at Manitou Brewing Company. “The hybrid of a crushable lager grain bill with the flavors of a hazy IPA makes it the perfect beer for the hophead to stay cool. Pair it with our spicy mango habanero wings and A-Frame Amber Jalapeno White Queso and it’s sure to keep everyone in summertime chill mode.”
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