Tava House is heating up to be Woodland Park’s most anticipated opening of 2026, introducing a bold, fresh-from-the-farm approach to American cuisine with a view of Pikes Peak that’s hard to rival.
Overlooking the sunlit north face of Pikes Peak — known as “Tava” by the Ute Tribe, meaning Sun Mountain — the new two-story destination will feature a pour-your-own taproom, an elegant event space and an upstairs fine-dining steakhouse called Firebrand.
Tava House is a project designed to give Woodland Park something it has long been missing: a culinary hub, an elegant event space and a chef-driven fine dining experience all in one place.
At the helm is Master Chef Victor Matthews, a nationally recognized culinary visionary with decades of experience shaping farm-to-table culture. Chef Matthews, who is also the artisan behind Black Bear Distillery in Green Mountain Falls, has won 15 competition medals, an American Culinary Federation Chef of the Year title and multiple four- or five-star ratings. Now he’s pouring that lifetime of expertise into bringing Tava House to life in Woodland Park.
Farm-to-table isn’t just a philosophy here, it’s the foundation. “This is a core part of the DNA of Tava,” Matthews says.
His team has already secured partnerships with ranches and farms across Colorado, Wyoming and Kansas, including PBJ in Divide, Lazy YK in Riverton, Wyoming, and Ranch Foods Direct in Colorado Springs.
“The purveyors are a driving force,” he adds. “We will create Chef Tables and specials daily, not just weekly or monthly, with whatever is freshest and nicest on the market.”
For Matthews, Woodland Park wasn’t just a practical choice — it’s symbolic. “There are very few places with as good a view of the mountain,” he says. “Woodland needs a banquet facility badly, a culinary community hub badly, a great taproom with fun food. And every single person would yell out ‘steakhouse’ if I asked what kind of restaurant Woodland needs.”
Tava House promises a thoughtfully crafted menu inspired by nature’s elements — earth, air, water and fire. And interactive dining experiences, such as guest-driven Beef Showdowns and blind tastings, will debut after opening.
With its sweeping mountain views, locally sourced flavors and an all-new event and banquet space, Tava House is shaping up to be Woodland Park’s next signature destination. It is one built to nourish community, spark creativity and celebrate the land that inspires it.
Find details and follow the progress at tavahouse.com. Wedding bookings are now open.
Find more big openings and celebrations coming to Colorado Springs in 2026.
