David and Monica Kowalski, owners of Lebowski’s Taproom at 3240 Centennial Blvd., have opened a second and much larger location at 9633 Prominent Point, bringing more of the quirky, retro fun inspired by the 1998 cult comedy “The Big Lebowski” to Colorado Springs’ east side.

Before the soft opening on May 25, we stopped by for a sneak peek. Monica Kowalski was busy wrapping up final details but paused to show us around the colorful new space.

“We’re super excited to have this larger space,” she said. “David really wanted to open May 11 because it would have been exactly 1,000 days since we opened the first taproom. But we just weren’t ready yet, and our food delivery didn’t arrive.”

The first impression is pure party-on energy. One wall near the entrance features a mural of the Front Range and Garden of the Gods alongside Jeff Bridges as “The Dude,” lounging in an Adirondack chair wearing his signature oversized sweater.

Inside, the spacious dining room pops with retro flair — bright blue upholstered booths, orange metal-legged tables and chairs, an open square bar and walls covered in memorabilia from the beloved Coen brothers’ film.

“We bought about 75% of the building,” Monica explained. “Mitch Yellen still owns the north end where the former Dad’s Donuts and the coffee shop was located.”

What excites her most about the new spot is the huge kitchen and the wood-burning pizza oven.

“We’re starting with the same menu as the original location,” she said, “but we’ll be adding more items soon, including pizza.”

One upcoming menu addition already impressed us: green chile cheese curds — soft, chewy cheese tucked inside a crispy golden crust with a spicy New Mexico chile kick. Pair them with a White Russian made using Lebowski’s house-made Kool-Luah coffee liqueur.

Current hours at Lebowski’s Taproom East are 11 a.m.-6 p.m daily. Visit lebowskistaproom.com.

From craft beer to World Cup cheer
The Brit Pub, 645 S. Sierra Madre St., will broadcast “Fox21 Live from The Brit Pub” beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and July 1. Soccer fans are encouraged to wear their favorite team jerseys, enjoy World Cup discussion with special guests, listen to live music, and grab food and drinks while taking part in the live broadcast. Details: 719-368-8707 or facebook.com/GreatBritishFoodCo.

Father’s Day fondue feast
Treat Dad to a fondue feast at The Melting Pot, 30 E. Pikes Peak Ave., during a Father’s Day promotion June 19-23. The restaurant’s four-course Classic Endless Entrée Night is available for $69 per person (minimum of two guests).

The menu includes a choice of cheese fondue, salad, endless servings of shrimp, Memphis dry-rub pork, teriyaki steak, garlic-pepper steak and herb-seasoned chicken breast, followed by a choice of chocolate fondue. The regular menu also will be available.

Details: 719-385-0300 or meltingpot.com/colorado-springs-co.