Colorado Springs gets a good amount of tourist traffic, especially in the summer. The Colorado Springs area is home to several tourist draws like Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs downtown, The Incline, and Pikes Peak. I recommend visiting all of those places if you’re in town, but I suggest that for food, drinks, and desserts that you stay away from the tourist areas. They often have lower quality food for higher prices. Here’s a list of some of my favorite places in town where you can always find a friendly local to chat with.

Mountain Shadows- Mountain Shadows is a little restaurant in a charming house of Colorado Ave. in Old Colorado City. I go there so often, the waiters and waitresses know my name. They have a mean Country Omelet  with hashbrowns in the omelet, served with a delicious country gravy. You can also get their delicious green chili served on just about any breakfast menu. They even have a pancake option for a side instead of bread that comes with every meal. Maybe this is just exciting to me, but A PANCAKE COMES WITH EVERY MEAL! And the pancakes are award winning. I’ve never seen a better deal. They are reasonably priced, dog friendly, and have a nice sized patio with umbrellas for shade. I love sipping on their regular mimosa or their Manmosa on the patio in the late Spring, summer, and autumn. Perfect breakfast/brunch spot. They open early in the morning and close at 3 PM, so make sure to get in your brunch fix before the late afternoon hours.

Bon Ton’s- Located in Old Colorado City as well, Bon Ton’s is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. Get there early to enjoy their Early Bird Special menu which features smaller portions of food for less money. Their regular breakfast menu options range from old fashioned breakfasts to southwestern plates smothered in mild, medium, or hot green or red chili. They also have gluten free options and a lunch menu, though I would highly recommend their breakfast food. Everything I’ve had there is tantalizing. They close at 3 PM as well.Their patio is one of the best in the Springs, so I’d suggest sitting outside if you can. There’s usually a wait, but it’s worth it!

Montague’s Parlour- If you’re like me and enjoy a kitschy, grandma’s living room feel for your dining atmosphere, then Montague’s is for you. They only serve breakfast on the weekdays until 10:30 AM, but they have a coffee and tea selection that rivals even the best of chain coffee stores. The breakfast options are lighter than the last two restaurants and they offer gluten free options as well. The stuffed french toast is amazingly light and fluffy. They boast a variety of quiche as well, which you can order all day long. But when they’re out of something, they’re out. Try again later. They sell cute antique dishes and coffee cups. Also, there’s no parking in the front, but there is a small lot in the back. Take the alley on the left side of the building to the little parking lot.

Stay tuned for Where the Locals Go: Colorado Springs Lunch Edition.

Happy traveling and eating,

Maegan