Colorado Craft Tejon Street Social
Having transformed the former longtime home of The Ritz Grill, Colorado Craft Tejon Street Social conscientiously boasts a variety of locally produced liquors and beers, and aims to support local farmers and purveyors. Brunch, lunch and dinner menus vary, but standouts include the hot chicken sandwich, craft poutine and beef stew.
15 S. Tejon St., coloradocraftsocial.com
Monse’s Taste of El Salvador
Authentic best describes Monse’s. Tucked away in the OCC building that once housed Motif Jazz Club, it specializes in El Salvadoran pupusas: thick corn envelopes filled with meat, cheese and/or vegetables. All of the pupusas are gluten-free, and you’ll find an assortment of vegetarian and vegan options. Try the green chile and cheese!
115 S. 25th St., facebook.com/monsespupuseria
Pig Latin Cocina
The food truck favorite has gone brick and mortar, and the new stationary location provides a full bar, innovative menu and taco specials every Tuesday and Thursday. Don’t miss the elote (Mexican grilled corn) and chicharron (fried pork belly), sides that stand out as some of the best on the menu, and don’t leave without ordering the pork belly arepa. Pork rules the lineup, but you’ll find fish and vegetarian options too.
2825 Dublin Blvd., facebook.com/piglatincocina
Grinder Sandwich Co.
Located near Peterson Air Force Base, Grinder is worth the trip east if you’re looking for a hearty, comforting sandwich. The meats are made by the owners and nestled between breads from local bakery The Sourdough Boulangerie. Both the meat loaf and pastrami taste as good as they look, and don’t forget potato salad on the side. Double up with a drink next door at the new Dueces Wild Brewery.
656 Peterson Rd., grindersandwiches.com
Brewers Republic
The cult following rejoices! After a short closure, Brewers Republic is back in the hands of its-and Cerberus Brewing-original owners and reopened with its original charm. Cerberus chef Mark Lefebvre has revamped the food menu. And while Cerberus beers will be on tap, the goal is to stay true to its origins with an array of craft beers-and, of course, the delicious pizzas.
112 N. Nevada Ave., facebook.com/brewersrepublic
Bad Juju Juice Bar
The artistically eclectic Old Colorado City spot offers fresh-squeezed juices, acai bowls, vegetarian and vegan sandwiches and burgers, and other salads and snacks. My favorite? The toppings bar where you can load up your acai bowl with as many nuts and goji berries as you want.
1502 W. Colorado Ave., badjujubar.com
Up Next
Watch for these buzz-worthy restaurant openings this spring.
The Bench
Get ready for a sports bar in the New South End, sister restaurant to the Odyssey Gastropub.
311 N. Tejon St.
The Wobbly Olive
The east-side icon moves a second location into OCC with chef Supansa Banker at the helm. Oh, this is going to be good!
2611 W. Colorado Ave., wobblyolive.com
New Breweries
Read “New Breweries in Colorado Springs” for the latest brewpubs opening their doors and taps.
