In this weekly feature, we’re celebrating the best of Colorado Springs’ food and drink scene ー as determined by voters in the 2025 Best of the Springs (thebestofthesprings.com). We’ll throw in our own recommendation, too. 

Up this week: Chinese.

Gold: Coal Mine Dragon 

It’s the old reliable on the Springs’ west side, with two locations that try to keep up with the phones that seemingly ring off the hook. Everybody’s favorites are here, from egg drop and hot and sour soups, to sesame and General Tso’s chicken, to lo mein noodles and fried rice. 1720 W. Uintah St., 1779 S. 8th St.  

Silver: Shangri-La

Shangri-La has the city’s east and north sides covered with lunch specials and carry-out classics that keep people coming back for more. The menu ventures beyond those familiar classics. The Chow Fun noodles stand out. And it’s not everywhere you find Peking duck. 8850 N. Union Blvd., 6165 Barnes Road 

Bronze: Wok In Wok Out 

You don’t have to walk in and walk out ー it’s a cozy, vibrant place to sit and enjoy. The menu features the Chinese-American specialty called Happy Family, a stir fry of meat and veggies mixed in a savory sauce. Thai standards also fill the menu, including Pad Thai and curries. 4737 N. Carefree Circle

Our recommendation: Overseas 101

We’ve tried several spots over the years ー enjoying Best of the Springs’ voters’ picks ー but we’ve recently landed on this hidden gem as a go-to. The chicken is just how we like it, crispy and not overly greasy, and the veggie lo mein similarly packs flavor. And it’s hard to beat these portions for the price. 5166 N. Academy Blvd.