Shuga’s, 702 S. Cascade Ave., is a quintessential Colorado Springs eatery that is too often overlooked. 

With welcoming indoor and outdoor seating areas, plus a new yurt, Shuga’s is the perfect restaurant for any occasion: Parents coming to town? Shuga’s. First date? Shuga’s. Birthday dinner? Shuga’s.

Without an overwhelming menu, it’s easy to find something you’ll love, even if it is an elaborate cocktail.

For an appetizer, I had the salmon and bacon bruschetta; the salmon served with cream cheese, red onion and capers, and the bacon with tomato, greens and goat cheese. 

I’ve never been big on salmon, but this bruschetta was life-altering. I rate the salmon 4.5 stars and the bacon 4 stars. Each piece was $5, not breaking the bank, considering how tasty they were.

For an entrée, I had the Cuban mojo sandwich and the spicy Brazilian coconut shrimp soup — a Shuga’s classic. The Cuban hit the mark: the pork was tender and juicy, complementing the cheese, dill and mustard. The soup was sweet with a spicy kick, and my only wish was that I would’ve gotten the bowl instead of the cup. 

I rate the Cuban 4 stars: delicious but overshadowed by the smooth soup (4.9 stars) that I couldn’t get enough of. The sandwich and cup-of-soup combo was $18, making my lunch around $30.

Shuga’s, I will be back.