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7 best ‘hidden gem’ restaurants in Colorado Springs

Whether you’ve heard of them or not, these seven Colorado Springs eateries have caught the attention of many local foodies thanks to their inclusion in this year’s Best of the Springs magazine.

The restaurants listed below are the best ‘hidden gem’ restaurants around the city, according to Gazette readers who voted in this year’s Best of the Springs.


7. Hafa Adai Fiesta Food

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Hafa Adai offers cuisine from Guam including lunch plates and island treats like guava cake and latiya, a dessert from Guam made from sponge cake, vanilla custard, and cinnamon. They just celebrated their 6th anniversary by having a drawing for six free lunches. You can find them at 109 East Pikes Peak Ave. in downtown Colorado Springs.


6. Lebowski’s Taproom

The Lebowski Burger is served with add-ons of bacon and cheese with a side of fries at Lebowski's Taproom in Colorado Springs, Colo. on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. (Gabi Broekema)
The Lebowski Burger is served with add-ons of bacon and cheese with a side of fries at Lebowski’s Taproom in Colorado Springs, Colo. on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. (Gabi Broekema)

Inspired by the cult classic “The Big Lebowski,” this taproom combines eclectic memorabilia with signature dishes and drinks. Enjoy burgers including the “Lebowski Burger,” sandwiches, salads and more at 3240 Centennial Blvd.


5. Vine & Wheel

Vine and Wheel Restaurant (Located at: 616 S. Tejon) “Caprese Bruschetta” Wednesday May 24, 2023. Photo by Jeff Kearney. (Jeff Kearney)
Vine and Wheel Restaurant (Located at: 616 S. Tejon) “Caprese Bruschetta” Wednesday May 24, 2023. Photo by Jeff Kearney. (Jeff Kearney)

Vine & Wheel’s foundation is all about wine and cheese, but it doesn’t stop there. Their menu includes fresh oysters, French onion meatballs, short rib risotto and much more. Vine & Wheel also offers wine classes at certain times during the year. Head to 616 South Tejon St., Suite C to experience this hidden gem.


4. Drip Queen Coffee

Drip Queen Coffee (dripqueencoffee.com)
Drip Queen Coffee (dripqueencoffee.com)

Drip Queen is a coffee and tea retailer committed to providing an exceptional coffee experience. The company was founded in 2021 by a husband-and-wife duo. You can find Drip Queen and their featured dessert cold brew at the Chapel Hills Mall, 1710 Briargate Blvd., Suite 182.


3. Mountain View Cafe & Catering

Located at 11424 Black Forest Road, Mountain View is a locally owned restaurant specializing in brunch. They offer giant pancakes, benedicts, skillets and more. Mountain View Café & Catering is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.


2. Monse’s Pupuseria

Monse Hines of Monse's Pupusarea is serving the national dish of El Salvador - pupusas in Colorado Springs starting January 12. The restaurant will also be serving other El Salvadoran dishes. (Photo by Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE)
Monse Hines of Monse’s Pupusarea is serving the national dish of El Salvador – pupusas in Colorado Springs starting January 12. The restaurant will also be serving other El Salvadoran dishes. (Photo by Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette). (DOUGAL BROWNLIE)

Experience a taste of El Salvador at Monse’s Pupuseria in Old Colorado City. The national dish of El Salvador — the pupusa — is a thick griddle cake or flatbread similar to an arepa. Monse’s offers many different types of pupusa fillings and plates. Head to 115 South 25th St. for this hidden gem.

Mahi-mahi and bulgogi beef bowl with a maple bacon Old Fashioned at Black Forest Bistro. (Jeff Kearney, Special to The Gazette)
Mahi-mahi and bulgogi beef bowl with a maple bacon Old Fashioned at Black Forest Bistro. (Jeff Kearney, Special to The Gazette)

Black Forest Bistro’s menu changes weekly, with a Cheese Wheel Experience on Thursdays. Once a week guests can have fresh pasta tossed on a 50-pound parmesan wheel. This week there are many seafood bites like scallops, lobster, ahi tuna, mahi-mahi, salmon and more. This No. 1 hidden gem is located at 6750 Shoup Road.



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