Top Restaurants in Colorado Springs 2026: Where Locals Actually Eat

Colorado Springs has a serious food scene

The city's dining scene has transformed dramatically over the past decade, fueled by craft brewing, farm-to-table restaurants, and an influx of culinary talent. Here's where to eat.

Phantom Canyon Brewing Co. - For Craft Beer & Wood-Fired Pizza

The grandfather of the Colorado Springs craft beer scene, Phantom Canyon has been pouring award-winning ales and lagers in a stunning 1901 Victorian building for 30 years. The wood-fired pizzas and weekend brunch are equally excellent.

Uchenna Ethiopian Restaurant - For Something Different

Colorado Springs' premier Ethiopian restaurant, on West Colorado Avenue in Old Colorado City, where the injera-and-wat sharing platters are an event in themselves. The vegetarian combo is considered one of the best meals in the city. Reservations are recommended.

King's Chef Diner - For Green Chile Breakfast

Serving since 1956, King's Chef Diner at 131 E Bijou St downtown is a tiny counter diner famous for green chile poured over burritos, eggs and hash browns. It serves breakfast and lunch only, so go early.

Edelweiss German Restaurant - For a Classic Night Out

Open since 1967 in the old Ivywild schoolhouse on East Ramona Avenue, just south of downtown, Edelweiss serves schnitzel, bratwurst and sauerbraten, with strolling accordion music on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Airplane Restaurant - For the Kids (and Everyone Else)

On North Newport Road near the airport, The Airplane Restaurant is built around a restored Boeing KC-97 tanker. Call ahead to reserve one of the seats inside the plane itself.

Worth the drive: Cañon City, 45 minutes south

These two are not in Colorado Springs. They are our own sister venues in Cañon City, next to the Royal Gorge, and they are worth it if you are already making the trip for rafting or zip lining.

• WhiteWater Bar & Grill - Undefeated Flavors. Legendary Portions. Bold American food, craft cocktails and live music most weekends, a good way to end a day at the gorge.
• Rooftop Social - On Royal Gorge Boulevard in downtown Cañon City, cocktails on a rooftop with views across the Royal Gorge region at sunset.