2023 was a good year for new restaurants in Colorado Springs — which means 2023 was a good year for foodies. The local dining scene keeps on growing at what sometimes feels like a turbo-charged pace. With so many new restaurants and bars opening regularly, it can be hard to keep up, but it’s a delicious venture to try. Here are 25 buzzworthy new restaurants and bars in Colorado Springs that opened in 2023. Plus, we’ve got a few exciting spots to look forward to in 2024. How many have you already checked off of your list?
New Restaurants in Downtown Colorado Springs
Dos Dos
The downtown corner of Tejon and Kiowa got caliente to start the year when the Dos Santos and White Pie owners put their spin on burritos. A year in, the second Dos has updated its menu, and we’re still loving the cocktails at that walk-up bar. Read more about it in Dos Dos Opens Downtown.
Sushi Row
The Wallenta family was busy — the restaurateurs behind Dos Santos, White Pie and Dos Dos. Sushi Row made a big splash when it opened in the spring. Was Sushi Row Worth the Hype? We say yes.
The Studio
Chef Brother Luck continues to innovate. When he unexpectedly closed Lucky Dumpling in early 2023 (moment of silence), he quickly transitioned the downtown space into a three-concept evolution. Upstairs has become his experiential laboratory for intimate chef dinners and creative dining events. And the building’s evolution continues. …
chefbrotherluck.com/the-studio
Eleven18
You might know Chef Beto Reyes’ exceptional culinary skills from Milagro’s Cocina Mexicana. Partnering with Brother Luck, Reyes just opened Eleven18 during the holidays in the former Folklore space. (Yes, it opened and closed in 2023.) This elevated Mexican concept is going to be exciting.
Wobbly Olive Downtown
In the network of new restaurant evolution, Sean Fitzergerald and Chef Mark Henry teamed up to bring the Wobbly Olive downtown. Long a favorite on the east-side Powers Corridor, the Wobbly Olive Downtown is in Henry’s former Kelley’s Speedie Shop, which both opened and closed in 2023.
Inefable
Another exciting new restaurant featuring elevated Latin cuisine is Chef Fernando Trancoso’s Inefable. After closing his beloved food truck Tepex, Trancoso opened this new brick-and-mortar in the upstairs space of the new Avenue 19 food hall.
Toastique
Things got fresher downtown in January 2023 when Toastique brought its fresh juices, smoothies, acai bowls and creative toasts to Tejon Street.
Roots Cafe
As the weather warmed in the spring, Root Cafe brought the aloha to downtown with authentic Hawaiian cuisine, including Kalua pork and Spam musubi. It’s a bright next chapter for the small building that housed the iconic former El Taco Rey for decades.
Provision Bread & Bakery
Summer brought a bountiful baked good harvest when Provision opened downtown. The bakery co-owned by Brandon DelGrosso of Switchback Coffee Roasters is a must-go for lovers of fresh, whole grain breads and pastries.
Avenue 19
The Springs’ latest food hall opened its doors in fall 2023, bringing a fresh mix of kitchens and cocktails to Tejon Streets club zone. Most notably, it’s the home of previously mentioned Inefable.
Chile Colorado
Chile Colorado delivered a new spot for Mexican comfort food, especially pork green chile. The new homestyle Mexican restaurant is located across the street from the El Paso County Courthouse.
New Downtown Bars in Colorado Springs
The Tipperary Cocktail Parlor
If you want to debate where to find the best craft cocktails in Colorado Springs, The Tipperary immediately entered the conversation when it opened in March. That’s no surprise to those familiar with Sean Fitzgerald’s other concepts, Wobbly Olive and Allusion Speakeasy. The new downtown bar was a shared concept with Chef Brother Luck’s Folklore Irish Pub. Sadly, Luck shuttered Folklore in late 2023. Fortunately, we can still raise a glass at the corner cocktail parlor.
Bloom Ultra Lounge
The swanky and subterranean Bloom Ultra Lounge brought stylish cocktails, small bites and sexy vibes to the space across the hall from Shunken Head Tiki Bar. It’s just right for girl’s night out.
Indvstry Video Bar
Jae Cho, owner of Dozo Sushi, opened Indvstry in August, converting the former Gold Room into an upscale cocktail bar, dance club for late night grooves.
Colorful Colorado at the Garden
Call this one the most fun new bar of the summer. Colorful Colorado reimagined the former Garden patio bar with over the top colors, flavors and ambiance. The patio bar is now closed for the season, but keep an eye out for its return next year after a renovation to make the space functional year-round.
New Restaurants in North Colorado Springs
My Neighbor Felix
The Promenade Shops at Briargate got an excellent new restaurant when My Neighbor Felix moved in from Denver. The wide blend of regional Mexican cuisines is impressive. So are the cocktails and open-air layout. Consider us fans.
FO4R North
Things are booming up north. Interquest is dominated by chains, but eating local got a boost this summer when FO4R North opened its four-in-one concept. Longboard Tacos features coastal Mexican fare with California vibes. Pause Ultra Lounge is the chic izakaya serving sushi. The Manhattan Room serves tapas and cocktails with live music. And Cansano Italian Steakhouse serves the pastas and cuts of beef in the style of the Abruzzo region and Central Italy.
New Westside Restaurants and Taprooms
Happy Hour Donuts
Mmm, doughnuts. Mmmmmmm, boozy doughnuts. Social media followers watched the full DIY construction process as owners Gabby and Ryan Main converted their home-based business into a brick-and-mortar shop in Rockrimmon. If you haven’t already, you’ve got to try these gourmet doughnuts.
Lewbowski’s Taproom
The Dude abides on the Westside thanks to this new theme bar on the Mesa. The fun, well executed homage to the cult classic film The Big Lebowski will make you smile. Of course, there’s an entire menu section devoted to various takes on the Dude’s favorite cocktail, the White Russian.
Voodoo Brewing Company
Garden of the Gods Road got a festive new taproom when Voodoo Brewing opened this summer. The locally owned franchise features 24 taps and pub fare.
coloradosprings.voodoobrewery.com
Gold Star Bakery
Dessert lovers rejoiced when the much-loved food truck Gold Star Pies evolved into a full brick-and-mortar bakery in Ivywild School. Yes, you need these pies.
Ola Juice Bar
The local fresh juice spot by the Atlas Restaurant Group (Piglatin, COATI, Colorful Colorado) opened a second location on Garden of the Gods Road during the holidays. The expanded menu adds heartier toasts and bowls along with the exceptional smoothies and juices.
3 New Restaurants We’re Looking Forward to in 2024
Bar Thirty Three
The swanky new cocktail bar below Indvstry Video Bar is set to open for a big New Year’s Eve celebration in partnership with the Mining Exchange Hotel. When food reporter Matthew Schniper says it’s going to bring an unexpected level of sophistication to the local scene, you know it’s going to be good.
Luchal’s
The Southern soulful seafood spot is already a favorite for its food truck and outpost in COATI. The new brick-and-mortar location in Fountain has been pushed into 2024, most likely early spring.
The Blue Star
Local restaurateur Joe Coleman teased a possible reboot of the Blue Star, once ahead of its time for creative upscale dining in Colorado Springs. Could that happen in 2024? Fingers crossed.
