You’ve probably had that classic Colorado Springs moment. You walk out of the grocery store — or dry cleaners or doctor’s office or Walmart — and you’re stopped in your tracks by snow-capped Pikes Peak striking an especially jaw-dropping pose on the horizon. It’s a perk of living in this scenic city. The inspiring vistas are all over town, including when we go out to eat.
There are a lot of restaurants with beautiful settings all around town, but there are some that level up the ambiance with an especially cinematic backdrop. It’s a given that the food has to be good, but the views can make for an exceptional dining experience. So where are these scenic treasures? Here are our Top 10 picks for best restaurants with a view in Colorado Springs.
10. The Peppertree
Most scenic restaurants in the Springs capture views of Pikes Peak and other local mountain-scapes. Instead, the Peppertree offers city skyline scenery from its perch overlooking downtown. Renovations last year have refreshed this fine dining classic known for its tableside preparations.
9. Colorado Mountain Brewery, Interquest
The local brewpub has two locations, but its north-side outpost at Interquest offers excellent views of Pikes Peak and the Air Force Academy. Snag a scenic seat on the patio for a mountain-themed burger and flight of CMB flagship beers.
8. Ristorante Del Lago
Is it Cheyenne Lake or Lake Como? The serenity of the Broadmoor’s historic hotel building reflecting on the water will remind you exactly where you are. The scenery and cuisine pair perfectly to sweep you into the resort’s elegance. We’re fans anytime, but don’t miss the Colorado Appreciation Menu.
7. The Steakhouse at Flying Horse
The closer you are to Pikes Peak the better the view? Not necessarily. The higher elevations of the north side’s Palmer Divide put you in prime sight lines of American’s Mountain. Case in point, the Steakhouse at Flying Horse. With a rustic villa ambiance, the Steakhouse offers elegant fine dining and sweeping views of Pikes Peak towering over the manicured golf course.
6. Restaurant 1858
Seven Falls is a beautiful place, so is the entire South Cheyenne Canyon. As a historic tourist attraction, it has been called the “Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado,” and it has had controlled access since the 1880s. Now owned by the Broadmoor, the resort has given the area its five-star treatment, including Restaurant 1858. Soak up the leather and oak vibes inside or score a table on the patio and dine to the waterfall roar echoing off the surrounding granite canyon walls. Seven Falls and 1858 are closed during the winter, but here’s how to explore the entire experience from March through December.
5. Pamela’s
The flagship restaurant at the new Hotel Polaris brings an excellent contemporary American fine dining option to the Northgate area — along with sweeping views of the U.S. Air Force Academy and Front Range. It’s stylish and savory, and we can’t wait to see the wide patio open when warm weather arrives. Read more about it in Previewing the New Restaurants of Hotel Polaris.
4. Mountain View Restaurant
Located at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort, Mountain View is home to gorgeous, sweeping views of its lake, golf course and nearby Cheyenne Mountain. The aptly named restaurant often serves special meals like holiday brunch, but it’s usually only open for breakfast — which pairs it perfectly with an overnight stay at the resort.
3. Lumen8 Rooftop Social
This is the spot for chic vibes and urban rooftop views. From the penthouse above the Element and SpringHill Suites hotels, you take in prime scenery of the downtown skyline, Pikes Peak and the full Front Range. Choose your scenery from floor-to-ceiling windows or cushy patio fire pits, and savor a delicious menu of elevated entrees and craft cocktails.
2. The Aviator
The Aviator takes those gorgeous views at the Hotel Polaris literally to the top level. The ninth-floor bar blends sophisticated celestial vibes with wide-sky scenery. It’s more bar than full restaurant, but there’s an impressive menu of shared plates to match the aeronautically themed cocktails. Best seats in the house? Beside the wraparound fireplace in cold weather or in the hanging birdcage chairs on the patio when its warm.
1. Grand View
You get a closeup overlook of Garden of the Gods and a front-row view of Pikes Peak perfectly aligned behind it. And don’t forget the manicured lawn and reflecting pool in the foreground. There’s no better view in the city, period. And, yes, the exceptional food and drinks are on par with the scenery — some of the best in town. For years, this gem was only open to resort guests and club members. Now it’s open to the public. Enjoy it all inside through the full wall of glass or outside on the serene patio.
