We’re all for creative dates and fun activities, but there’s good reason going out to dinner is a classic date night. Sitting down, sharing a meal, pausing and talking are all great ways to connect — or reconnect — with a special someone. There’s also the full sensory experience of eating good food, savoring the flavors, relaxing over drinks and soaking in the cozy ambiance — especially at a romantic restaurant. So whether you’re going out on a first date, an anniversary dinner or something in between, we’ve got you covered with this list of romantic date night restaurants in Colorado Springs.
Many of these are People’s Choice Award winners and on our 30 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs. (And you’ll find lots more delicious options in both of those places.) But these are our tops for ambiance, organized into convenient categories loosely based on relationship status. But any of these date night restaurants cross the labels for a great meal and a great night out anytime. Just make your reservations for most of them, especially around popular dining holidays like Valentine’s Day.
3 Great Restaurants for First Dates
Shuga’s
So you want to step into your own indie rom-com meet-cute? Shuga’s is the spot. Hip, fresh, artsy, and it won’t break the bank. It’s easy to keep things casual here, or linger over a shared board and cocktails if you make a connection.
Rico’s Cafe & Wine Bar
Coffeehouse, wine bar, restaurant, Rico’s is all of the above , so you’ve got versatility along with the cozy, downtown vibes. You can catch live music, and a walk through Little Richard’s Toy Store next door can be fun and flirtatious.
Zocalo
So you’re not ready to book a getaway to Mexican beaches yet, but if the connection is right, you can drift into that “we could be in Tulum together” daydream at Zocalo. Either way, have fun sitting in those swings and savoring some delicious Mexican bites and cocteles.
4 Restaurants When You Want to Get to Know Them Better
Lumen8 Rooftop Social
Want to impress them? Head for the penthouse to the chic, loungey Lumen8. Whether you snag a patio table on the luxe couches around the modern fire pits or an indoor table along the windows, those rooftop views will set an uptown mood.
Valentine’s Day Bonus: Lumen8 has a full Love Is in the Air weekend planned, including a E’Amore-Prix Fixe Dining Experience on Feb. 14-15 and a Galentine’s Brunch on Feb. 15. You can also make it last all night with a room package at Element or Springhill Suites downstairs.
Tokki
Tucked away in Cheyenne Mountain, Tokki is fun, festive and a little bit sexy. The cocktails are superb. The Korean tapas are sharable. The tables are cozy. Live music plays on most nights, but if you really want to get adventurous together, come for karaoke.
Evergreen
The secret is out on Evergreen but if your boo isn’t in the culinary know, you’ll be a hero taking them to this tucked-away gem. Intimate without being pretentious, Evergreen offers Euro style delights across the menu.
Valentine’s Day Bonus: Evergreen will be a romantic retreat on Valentine’s Day serving an exclusive six-course, prix fixe menu that features luxe dishes including Lobster Bisque with Shrimp and Lobster Ravioli, Steak Diane and Creme Brûlée. Choose from two seatings.
Tapateria
Tapateria has the finger food and Old World charm. These Spanish tapas (with a Colorado twist) are meant to be shared, so it’s time to get a little closer. And they’re best paired with sangria or wine. Here’s to us.
Valentine’s Day Bonus: Tapateria is celebrating El Día de San Valentín with a specially curated five-course tasting menu. Make your reservations for one of the two seatings on Feb. 14.
4 Romantic Restaurants When Things Are Heating Up
The Penrose Room
Elegance is attractive, and the new Penrose Room oozes style both chic and classic. Savor the penthouse views of sparkling lights on the mountains and lake below and talk about your dreams together. Pro tip: Start in the lounge and order from the bar cart. Finish in the cozy Polo Club speakeasy. Or make it an overnight for a full getaway — they have a few rooms.
The Mona Lisa
What is it that makes fondue so romantic? Maybe it’s all that simmering heat, the slow tease of cooking it yourself or feeding each other with those long forks. Or maybe it’s just gooey cheese, molten chocolate and bottles of good wine. Find out for yourself amid the eclectic Manitou charm of The Mona Lisa.
Valentine’s Day Bonus: The Mona Lisa will celebrate the holiday Feb. 6-15, serving its prix fixe four-course fondue dinner menu. And if you think saving is sexy, book your meal from noon to 2 p.m. on Valentine’s Day for a discount.
Ephemera
Put yourself in the capable hands of Chef Ian and Chef Nora, and let them weave their creative magic of a multi-course chef’s tasting menu. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into your own little bistro, with exquisite food and an artistic edge. It’s a treat for the senses, elevated without any pretense. They don’t call it punk rock fine dining for nothing.
Valentine’s Day Bonus: Ephemera is offering Valentine’s Day five-course and Chef’s Counter seven-course dinners on Feb. 14-15. Both offer an intimate culinary journey, and reservations will fill up fast. If you work in the food and beverage industry, you can enjoy the special meals on Monday, Feb. 16, at a discount.
The Rabbit Hole
Go down the rabbit hole together into the sultry underground wonderland. With low lighting, eclectic art and an Alice in Wonderland theme, this downtown eatery can take you on a path toward fantasy.
3 Great Restaurants for an Anniversary Dinner
Grand View
There’s no better view of Garden of the Gods in the city, period. Since he Garden of the Gods Resort renovated the decor, updated the menu and opened Grand View to the public, this restaurant is a gem. Whether nestled by the wine wall in the bar, cozy at a fireside table, at a front-row window table or out on the patio, you’ll have a perfect frame for sunset to spark your special night out.
Valentine’s Day Bonus: Book a table with your sweetheart or Galentine’s crew for Valentine’s Brunch all weekend, Feb. 13-15. Yes, there are bottomless mimosas. And, of course, you can always do dinner and an overnight.
Latin Social
The owners of Ambli Kitchen + Bar (now Amore Italian Grille) dropped the new Latin Social last fall. It’s a chic, sexy addition to the downtown scene, and a new romantic hot spot where you can delight together in the eclectic Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Valentine’s Day Bonus: Latin Social is serving a six-course Valentine’s Day Tasting Menu Feb. 13-14. Enjoy the culinary journey from French Onion Oysters and New York Strip or Chicken Biriyani to Pistachio Cardamom Tres Leches Cake.
Roth’s Sea & Steak
Another new restaurant, Roth’s is top shelf in every way, making it a perfect spot for a big celebration with your significant other. Book your cozy booth facing the gorgeous sunset views, and savor the exquisite offerings of Executive Chef Ricky Biswas. Roth’s wine program was just recognized by the prestigious Star Wine List, so you enjoy the perfect pairing from their expansive list.
Valentine’s Bonus: Roth’s is serving a special prix fixe Valentine’s Dinner Feb. 13-14. It’s an intimate evening designed to be savored slowly, featuring eight courses that celebrates indulgence, seasonality and romance. Of course, curated wine pairings are available.
Looking for more Date Night ideas in Colorado Springs?
Don’t miss these articles full of creative ideas.
14 Date Night Ideas When It’s Cold in Colorado Springs
10 Romantic Dates in Colorado Springs
Great Dates in Colorado Springs for Valentine’s Day and Beyond
