Restaurants & Food

5198 N Nevada Ave

⭐ Lloyd's pick — a polished chop-house in University Village with an excellent Happy Hour that regulars plan their week around. Dry-aged steaks, a proper butcher shop next door, and some of the best craft cocktails on the north side of town.

702 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

⭐ Lloyd's pick — a bohemian downtown spot known for the Brazilian coconut shrimp soup, an excellent brunch, and a patio strung with lights that every local has at least one good story about.

1025 S 21st St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

A small, chef-owned Italian and French-influenced bistro on the west side that locals save for anniversaries and big birthdays — hand-rolled pastas, a deep wine list, and service that remembers you the next time.

733 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

An unabashedly romantic, long-dinner Swiss fondue spot on Manitou Avenue — four courses of cheese, salad, meat-and-broth, and chocolate that turn into a 2+ hour affair in the best possible way.

26 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

A vegetarian-friendly Manitou Springs mainstay with global comfort food, long weekend brunches, and a patio right on Fountain Creek — the spot locals send visitors for a first meal in town.

110 E Costilla St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

A tiny purple castle of a diner serving the green chile that most Colorado Springs locals would fight you over. Breakfast-all-day, cash preferred, line out the door.

31 N Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

A downtown classic with dark wood, white tablecloths, and a live piano bar — dry-aged steaks, a proper martini list, and the kind of room where every table looks like it's celebrating something.