Sometimes the experience is everything. Take Casa Bonita, for example. It wasn’t the food that built Denver’s big pink icon. The 51-year-old legend has always been all about its unique experience. Where else can you watch cliff divers and explore Black Bart’s cave?
Don’t get me wrong — you always want great food and drinks when you go out to eat. But the ambiance and experience can make or break the whole meal — or carry it in Casa Bonita’s historic case. Sometimes you just want something special or different.
Here are some of the most unique places to eat in Colorado Springs. You won’t find any cliff divers in the 719, but there are some things Denverites have to drive down here for.
See a Singing Cowboy Show
Since 1953, the Flying W Ranch has been hosting Chuckwagon Suppers with the high lonesome harmonies of the Flying W Wranglers. The scenic ranch rebuilt after the Waldo Canyon Fire, making the experience better than ever. It’s a Colorado Springs classic, y’all.
Eat Beside a Waterfall
Seven Falls has historically been touted as The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado. Hyperbole aside, the flowing cascades in South Cheyenne Canyon are gorgeous, and Restaurant 1858 sits right at its base. The unique restaurant blends Broadmoor standards with Gold Rush vibes. And the Colorado cuisine and craft cocktails here are superb. You do have to pay park admission to Seven Falls; here’s how to make the most of the full experience.
Get Home Cooking Without Cooking
Juniper Valley Ranch is an old-school throwback in all the best ways — and one of the oldest restaurants in Colorado Springs. The fourth-generation Dickey family has been serving their home-cooked recipes since 1951. Dinner is served family style to share, centered on fried chicken, Nashville Hot Chicken, ham or chicken fried steak and all the classic fixin’s, from biscuits and okra to homemade pies and ice cream. Driving the 20ish miles (from downtown) adds to the family farm experience.
Eat on the Rooftop
Lumen8 Rooftop Social took the Colorado Springs dining scene to new heights, literally, when it opened in 2022. The cityscape and Pikes Peak skyline views pair perfectly with an exceptional menu (one of our Best Restaurants in the Springs). Savor it all whether you’re in the chic interior or on the stylish west-facing patio.
Experience an Authentic Chinese Tea Ceremony
You don’t have to go to China for a traditional Chinese tea ceremony (and authentic dim sum). Just head to Yellow Mountain Tea House in Old Colorado City to step into another world.
Eat in a Castle
Every queen needs a castle, so Colorado Springs founder Gen. William J. Palmer built Glen Eyrie for his wife, Queen, in 1871. Today you can enjoy high tea in the castle, as well as special event dinners like the popular holiday Madrigal Dinner.
Fly an Airplane — At Least a Real Simulator
Take your pick from an F-16 Fighting Falcon or a 737 MAX jetliner. Then climb into the cockpit of an actual simulator for an extremely realistic experience. Hotel Polaris is the only hotel in North America with a flight simulator, and flying them in Sully’s Flight Simulator Room is a blast. Bonus: Every Tuesday this summer at 2-4 p.m., you can enjoy 15-minute trial F-16 flights for just $15. And as always, you can order food and drinks from the fun soda-fountain-inspired menu at Doolies.
Eat on an Airplane
You don’t need a ticket to eat as the straightforwardly-named Airplane Restaurant, and, yes, that is a fully intact Boeing KC-97 tanker built into the building. Beginning in 1953, the plane was used to refuel aircraft around the world until it was recommissioned as a restaurant in 2002. Get a table inside the plane, and pair it with a visit to the nearby National Museum of World War II Aviation.
Eat at a Stage Coach Stop
You don’t have to roll up in a stage coach to enjoy the only restaurant on Old Stage Road. Just stop by for some BBQ and beer at the Stage Stop Cantina after your outdoor fun or horseback riding at the adjacent Old Stage Riding Stables. Check the calendar for live music and karaoke — and the hours. The cantina has seasonal hours and closes during winter.
Join in the Dinner Show
It’s not just a dinner show. It’s a rocking dinner show that you’re a part of. Louie Louie’s Piano Bar downtown is all about crowd participation. It’s perfect for birthdays, bachlorette parties or just fun nights out with friends.
