Part of the trick to visiting or moving to any city is to find the local restaurants. You know, those tucked away places only the locals know about and travelers stumble on by accident.
Now that the children are grown and out of the house I have tons of freedom and a lot more money to spend on eating out. But that does not mean I spend time at the more expensive or trendy chain eateries. Sure, some have great food at moderate prices and chances are you already know what is on the menu. For visitors and newbies, they are the safe places to go if you do not know your way around and you are sick of the fast food scene. But to tell the truth, I’m more comfortable at these locally owned eateries where I have come to know the owners and staff. I always gravitate back to these comfortable places for great food at affordable prices.
I have price rated these one (*) and two stars (**). One Star, and you can count on 5-10 dollars per person including a generous tip. Two Stars range from 10 to 20 dollars. You will not find any three star priced restaurants on this list. Did I say cheapskate?
All are tops in terms of price, quality of food, portions size, service and a down home atmosphere (including being kid friendly), so they are not listed in any particular order of preference.
El Taco Rey: Mexican
Price Rating: *
Downtown Colorado Springs between Weber and Tejon on Colorado Avenue.
Mom, Grandma, the kids and now the grandkids all help here. And it’s a good thing, because they pack a heck of a lunchtime crowd. Many days the line easily snakes out the door. Go early when they open or after 1pm. There is not a ton of tables, so plan to share with a stranger or two. There are also a few picnic benches outside. Parking downtown can be a pain but do not let that stop you. Park on Weber in their lot or bring a quarter or two for the meter.
My picks: Tamales or the Avocado/Pork burritos. You have to travel to Albuquerque to get tamales that rival these. Best fresh squeezed lemonade in town.
Jun: Sushi, Japanese
Price Rating: **
Two locations in the area. The first (old Jun’s) is located on the north end at Dublin and Academy. The second (new Jun’s) is found mid-town on Centennial Blvd., just west of Fillmore and I-25.
You cannot go wrong at either location, but I generally find Old Jun’s less crowded. Unless I know I will be eating with a larger party or am dining during peak time on the weekend, I never bother to make a reservation. Tepan tables are only at the Centennial location. If you need a special table, take the time to make reservations.
Every day boasts ½ price Sushi Bar items from 5-6:30pm. This is where you’ll find me there. Did I say cheap? You can spend a good bit here if you want to on their beautiful Plum wines, Sake, and full menu. It is the only place where I consistently order more than I can eat. I count on sushi for breakfast the next day.
My pick: Why Sushi of course. It’s fabulous.
Smile and be patient if you encounter a bit of a language barrier. They are experiencing the same with you!!
Rudy’s Little Hideaway: Mexican
Price Rating: *
Located on South Nevada just before the Southgate shopping center.
Open for breakfast and lunch everyday but Monday. Large menu and even larger selection of daily specials. The staff and owner are the best. An interesting side note as a testimony for Rudy’s. when the hotel changes hands a few years ago the decision was made to end the lease for the restaurant. After much complaining by very dedicated partons, the new management decided it wasn’t such a great business decision after all. They’re back and we are all sure glad they are. A mainstay for me.
My Pick: Raul’s Favorite. Huevos Rancheros. Cheese Enchiladas.
La Baguette: French
Price Rating: *
4 locations around town. My favorite and most frequented is on West Colorado Ave. between 24th and 25th street in Historic, Old Colorado City.
A quick and easy stop while shopping in Old Colorado City. They have sandwiches, pasta, Croissants and a daily soup offering. They are locally famous for their French Onion Soup that is served any time. At under $6, their soup and a large roll is more than enough for a hearty meal. Check out the selection of fresh bread and rolls. Their baguettes are superb. Deserts can’t be beat either. They make the best Napoleons in town. They open early on Saturday in the summer when the local Farmers Market is buzzing across the street. My favorite for early morning coffee and a Croissant.
My Pick: French Onion soup.
Bon Ton’s Café: American
Price Rating: *
On Colorado Ave and 26th St. in Historic, Old Colorado City.
Along with LaBaguette, they are another Westside institution. Bon Ton’s is a staple for breakfast and lunch. You will meet plenty of the locals and possibly delve into local politics. Bon Ton’s has always encouraged civic leaders and candidates to meet here with local area residents.
The menu is standard breakfast and lunch fare consisting of eggs, pancakes, cereal, fruit, and sandwiches. Despite generally being crowded, I have never waited long for seating or service. Plenty of patio tables outside to handle the crowd. Get up early and take advantage of their Early Bird specials. What a deal!
My Pick: Eggs Benedict or Corned Beef Hash and eggs.
Boriello Brothers Pizza: Italian
Price Rating: *
East Platte between Nevada and Weber, downtown. Again, parking downtown is a pain so if you do not see a spot out front, turn in the driveway because parking is allowed between the shop and the curb. It’s the only place in town you will not get a ticket for parking on the sidewalk.
It is an old fashioned Pizzeria that still has slices and a drink for a couple of bucks, and the only pizza joint I recommend in town. They offer regular, hand tossed and thin crust in a variety of sizes. A large pizza is a whopping, 18″ pie. It’s just like being home. I believe they offer Calzones and Subs as well, but to tell the truth I don’t even look. I am hopelessly In Love with their Pizza. They do a brisk business at lunch from the High School across the street but the line moves fast. Allow a good 25 minutes for take out and don’t be shy about calling ahead to place an order.
Mollica’s: Homestyle Italian & Deli
Price Rating: *
West Garden on the Gods Road just off I-25. Stop here on your way to or from hiking in the Garden of the Gods.
I never miss an opportunity to stop for a huge bowl or pasta or sandwich. Mollica’s is the only sit down Italian restaurant I will bother eat at. It’s just like what Grandma served. Portions are huge so consider the half portions.
Pick from sandwiches and/or pasta. A variety of different pastas are offered with your choice of sauce. Check out the deli and their cooler filled with homemade ravioli, lasagna and sauces. Perfect to take home after a hard day’s work. They make the only decent Cannolis in town. I’ve been known to stop for a few of these for dessert. Mollica’s also caters for parties and other special events.
My Pick: Cannolis and then the Linguini with Alfredo sauce.
La Casita Patio Cafe: Mexican
Price Rating: *
4 locations around town so there’s no place you will be in Colorado Springs where you won’t able to eat here.
Dubbed “the Pink Palace” by long time locals, they have an amazing selection of both A La Carte items and combination plates. Fast, super cheap and satisfying with a nice assortment of Mexican beers. They open at 6am, and have a good breakfast menu. It’s fun, colorful atmosphere with patio tables.
My Pick: The Enchilada plate (made with red corn tortillas).
Little Bangkok: Thai
Price Rating: * to **
Downtown on Pikes Peak between Tejon and Nevada Ave. A bit hard to find. Take the alley next to Josh and John’s Ice Cream Parlor and you can’t miss it in the corner.
Another lunchtime favorite. They cater to the Downtown, white collar crowd but I’ve never had to wait for a seat. Dinner does not cost much more than lunch, so go anytime. Many, many selections. Great service. Dependable food.
My Pick: Garlic Shrimp. Succulent shrimp encrusted with garlic. Be sure to bring breath mints.
Poor Richard’s Restaurant: Vegetarian
Downtown on N. Tejon between Platte and Boulder. Poor Richard’s is a co-operatively owned restaurant.
You will find an eclectic group of people from local college students to lawyers and the blue collar crowd. A long-time favorite for all age groups. The fare is mostly vegetarian. The food is great. The atmosphere is funky, friendly and wholesome. Feel free to pick a book, ;ocal p[aper or magazine of one of the many shelves. Relax for a meal or a cup of herbal tea.
My pick: Spinach Lasagna.
Wooglin’s Deli: American
Downtown just south of Cache la Poudre on North Tejon.
Design a custom sandwich from a wide array of breads, meats, cheeses , veggies and condiments. The sandwiches are huge. Soups, salads and hefty appetizers are also offered. Nice assortment of coffee, specialty coffee drinks and herbal teas. Caters to the local Colorado College crowd, but like Poor Richard’s you will find an eclectic, wide age group here.
My pick: Turkey, Dill Havarti and Avocado on Sourdough bread
Sheldon Luncheonette: American
Price Rating: *
2 locations, one on the near Westside at 8th street and Highway 24 just behind La Casita, and one north of Fillmore near North Nevada and the Dog Track.
This is one of a handful of true luncheonettes left in town. And it is no wonder. Standard luncheonette menu with meatloaf, roast beef, fried chicken, chicken fried steak and burgers. They still offer a Blue Plate special. Try the pastrami or corned beef. Its tops.
My Pick: The Ruben.
Dutch Kitchen: American
Price Rating: *
Located in historic Manitou Springs on Manitou Ave at the west end of town.
They have limited hours in the winter so call ahead to check. They are generally open for lunch and then again for dinner.
Small and very locally owned. Everyone knows Buck and her family (as well as her nieces, nephews, cousins and her sister). Pies are made fresh early each morning as well as all their other offerings. Consistently good food. An amazing array of whole pies or by the slice.
My Pick: Roast Beef, soup (any) and pie. Any pie or all the pies. Too many pies, so little time.
Donut Mill: Breakfast & Donuts
Price Rating: *
Located in Woodland Park. It is worth the trip up Ute Pass to eat here. And it’s right on the way to Cripple Creek and the Ski areas.
The best biscuits and gravy, and breakfast burritos in the state. It’s the only breakfast items they offer. Portions are huge so check out the half orders. Most of the business is take out but there are a few tables. If spicy food isn’t for you, stick with the mind blowing array of humongous, homemade donuts. Unbelievably cheap!
Hungary Bear: American
Price Rating: *
Located in Woodland Park. Again, this one is worth the trip. The best kept secret from tourists is that they will put you on the waiting list if you call. They do not take reservations per se, so do not ask for one. Call ahead as you come out of the mountain pass at Cascade.
Be prepared to wait most of the time even if you are on the waiting list. Breakfast and lunch 7 days a week. Portions are monster size. Take a good look at the specials. And take the time to talk to the owner. He is a honey. You will find him flitting around helping his staff and talking to customers.
My pick: Corned beef hash and eggs. Roast Beef au Jus sandwich with mashed potatoes and vegetable.
Uve’s: German
Price Rating: * to **
On Iowa St. between Pikes Peak and Bijou St., just east of Downtown.
The best authentic German food in town. Plan on spending time here whether you go for lunch or dinner. Food is freshly prepared and cooked to order so it takes time. A wonderful dinning experience. Reservations are highly suggested. The staff here cannot be beat. It is a friendly, somewhat loud, hustle and bustle atmosphere.
My pick: Huge, steamy bowl of Stroganoff soup served with never ending baskets of soft, warm German Rye bread.
Take a break from the trend or the fast food doldrums and enjoy some of the best food at our wonderful, and locally owned establishments. Did I say cheap?
© Rosa Salpietro, 2006
