Pikes Peak Region, “Our picks”

Our family first came to the Pikes Peak region in 1914 and promptly bought two very rustic summer cabins in Green Mountain Falls. The one restaurant’s menu in 1914, “you eat what we got”, is now a 100s of restaurants… some even have raw fish on the menu. Things have certainly changed since 1914.

We have provided a list of places where we eat from special experiences to just good food. 

THE PANTRY: The most popular breakfast spot in the Pikes Peak Region.
Green Mountain Falls: 1-minute drive, or walk… Why? the food! and in the summer, you eat outside under a canopy of trees with a gurgling stream running next to your table. Spring, Fall and Winter you will eat in the simple, diner style dining room. Everything is great but we always have their homemade cinnamon raisin toast with our breakfast. It’s always busy so get there early if you can. They do not take reservations.

THE IRON TREE: Unique menu by a Culinary Arts graduate chef…makes his own bacon.
Florissant: 32-minute drive… A scenic drive there and after breakfast you may want to visit the dinosaur fossil beds.

BROADMOOR HOTEL SUNDAY BRUNCH: One of the most famous hotels in the United States
Colorado Springs: 20-minute drive… Very pricey, but you will not find a more elaborate brunch anywhere. Reservations recommended

JOANIES DELICATESSEN & BAKERY: Made to order deli sandwiches, salads, & specialty desserts
Woodland Park: 13-minute drive… mid-town on highway 24

WINES OF COLORADO: Features outside dining alongside a mountain stream
Cascade: 6-minute drive… Located just off Hwy. 24 at the entrance to Pikes Peak Hwy. Colorado wine is marginal but the food is excellent, great hamburgers and lovely outdoor seating by the stream..

Breakfast and dinner restaurants that we also recommend for Lunch

SERANOS: Mexican cuisine
Woodland Park: 13-minute… Drive Standard Mexican menu a little above average for this type of restaurant. Prices reasonable, full bar so you can have your Corona and Margaritta

CRYSTAL PARK CANTINA: One of our three favorite restaurants in the region.
Manitou Springs: 15-minute drive… Pueblo-influenced dining room offering a unique regional Mexican cuisine that is the best we have had in our extensive travels in Mexico from Baha to the the southernmost border. The saffron rice and enchiladas with a very unique Alfredo sauce are a “must- try” as well as the jalapeno poppers. Combine dinner with shopping for art and Indian jewelry on the main street in Manitou Springs. If you have kids check out the unique “Penny Arcade”

FUSION JAPAN: Our favorite restaurant in Woodland Park.
Woodland Park: 15-minute drive… Broad selection of all things Asian…tempura to Thai to noodles to sushi.

LA CAVA: One of our top three restaurants
Colorado Springs: 15-minute drive… Of the two exceptional Mexican cuisine restaurants we most often recommend, La Cava is our favorite. The cuisine from the husband-and-wife chefs is not your typical bean, rice and enchiladas but regional dishes borrowed from high end restaurants in Mexico City, Acapulco and other areas. Service is personal and the unique stone and timber interior offers an upscale, quiet, personal dining experience. Reservations recommended

PEAK VIEW SMOKE & TAP HOUSE: Our favorite for BBQ restaurant. Great view of Pikes Peak
Woodland Park: 10-minute drive… We always order the ribs.

Fat BBQ Shack: Award-winning BBQ in a “hole-in-the-wall” road-side café.
Lake George: 25-minute drive…Beautiful drive west on Hwy 24 from Woodland Park.

MUCKY DUCK: Diverse menu from steaks to seafood.
Green Mountain Falls: 1-minute drive or walk… Mountain atmosphere with log interior and fireplace. Moderately priced menu with choices that you find at a high-end restaurant…Prime Rib, lamb, seafood, onion soup, even escargot.

BLUE MOOSE BAR & GRILL: Laid-back bar with outside dining overlooking the lake.
Green Mountain Falls: 1-minute drive… Really good pizza, wings, nachos, Caesar Salad

AJs STONE OVEN AMERICAN PIZZERIA: Just good pizza and only 5 minutes from Trout Creek
Woodland Park: 12-minute drive

MOUNTAINAINARA CUCINA ITALIANA: Owner/chef is Italian and that’s all we need to say
Woodland Park: 12-minute drive… Reservations suggested

BROADMOOR HOTEL RESTEAURANTS: Five Star Resort
Colorado Springs: 22-minute drive… Four fine dining restaurants to choose from. The highest end is the Penrose Room where you will have the ultimate dining experience. Our favorite the Summit Room on a Sunday night. Pricy but worth it. $100 a person minimum plus drinks.

MACKENZI’S CHOP HOUSE: classic, white table cloths, wonderful steaks, dry martinis
Colorado Springs: 18-minute drive… We had to have a steak house in our critics’ choice and this is it by a large margin.

SHOPPING

GIFTS AND SOUVENIRES

OLD TOWN COLORADO
Typical of urban renewal areas, it is made up of repurposed small buildings offering everything from clothing to art. There are casual places to eat and it’s worth a stroll for those who like to explore. You might find a gem, literally.

MANITOU SPRINGS
Love this place. It was first occupied by the Ute Indians eventually becoming a place people went for the healing waters and hot springs. The healing waters and hot springs remain, along with dozens of cafes, and shops offering art, silver smiths, and Indian artifacts. Our favorite is the 86-year-old Penny Arcade.

Red Rocks Trading Post
A nice stop when you visit the Red Rocks which is on on our must-see list… great place to shop for unique Red Rocks souvenirs, apparel, and historical memorabilia.

NECCESSITIES

SAFEWAY: Online ordering and delivery available
Woodland Park: 9-minute drive

CITY MARKET: Close to Trout Creek, Online ordering and delivery available
Woodland Park: 15-minute drive… Smaller than Safeway but we find it has everything we need from a grocery store. Has a deli but no bakery.

NATURAL FOODS: A scaled-down “Whole Foods” market
Woodland Park: 9-minute drive

WALGREENS: Same general area as Safeway
Woodland Park: 12-minute drive

WALMART:
Woodland Park: 11-minute drive…Full supermarket and good source for fishing bait and tackle