Important Stuff to Know
On-street metered spots, public and private garages and parking lots provide ample parking near shops, restaurants and cultural venues throughout Downtown Colorado Springs. Park once and enjoy walking, jump on a PikeRide electric bike (download the PikeRide app), Lime scooter (download the Uber app), or take the ZEB free Downtown Shuttle to get around.
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Download the free, GPS-based Otocast mobile app to hear commentary from the artists themselves. Hear about the Art on the Streets exhibit as well as works that are part of the city’s permanent collection of public art.
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When in Downtown Colorado Springs, you’ll immediately realize that Tejon Street is home to a myriad of independent restaurants featuring all types of cuisine; cocktail, sports and beer bars; coffee shops; galleries and fresh boutiques. You could spend hours wandering in and out of them and never get bored. But there’s more to Downtown than Tejon Street, so don’t stop there!
On Bijou Street west & east of Tejon Street:
- Novis Mortem Collective is a curiosity gallery featuring unique and unusual art, jewelry, and entomological fine art, specimens and taxidermy. 22 E. Bijou St.
- MST Goods carries sustainably minded men’s and women’s apparel, gifts, vintage home goods and furniture. 109 E. Bijou St.
- Ladyfingers Letterpress is a queer- and trans-owned-and-operated stationery, gift shop and letterpress studio. 113 E. Bijou St.
On the edges:
- Ashley’s Attic features unique, affordable and resale fashion for women. Keep an eye on their Instagram for new arrivals. 708 N. Weber St.
- Coralun Vintage is your one-stop shop for funky, fun, one-of-a kind vintage and retro-styled second-hand fashion.
328 1/2 N. Nevada Ave. - Frayla Boutique’s products give back to social causes and equity projects. This women’s clothing boutique supports companies owned by women.
18 E. Fountain Blvd. - The Living Room can help you bring life to your home with houseplants and accessories.
22 E. Rio Grande St. - Ted Blum Jewelers, located upstairs, offers a beautiful and unique selection of diamonds, vintage and estate jewelry, and turquoise. 31 N. Tejon St., #206.
Expert picks: Downtown staff favorites
This free outdoor space opened at the tail end of 2022 to celebrate the AdAmAn Club’s 100th summit of Pikes Peak on New Year’s Eve to shoot off fireworks. It remains a permanent public art and placemaking space that’s open all of the time. Check out the historic route up Pikes Peak, murals, photography and after dark “fireworks”. Look for QR codes to learn a little more about the AdAmAn Club. Alleys between Tejon St and Nevada Ave, and Pikes Peak and Colorado avenues.
There’s nothing quite like a fresh mani or pedi to make you feel like a million bucks and the Beauty Bar gives you the royal treatment. Their awesome team of highly trained — and some nationally recognized — nail artists will send you off into summer with something simple, something spectacular or even something “sportsman”. And bonus, they have a bar! Appointments recommended, but walk-ins accepted as space is available. 26 N. Tejon St.
Large selection of men’s, women’s and children’s athletic, athlesiure and recreational footwear perfect for the Colorado lifestyle. The friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you quickly get hooked up with a pair of sandals, trail runners or hiking boots to get you back out enjoying your adventure — or daily life! 19 N. Tejon St.
A cyberpunk izakaya featuring a small but mighty Japanese food menu. Try the Decon Fakey 180, a deconstructed roll with tempura shrimp, avocado and flying fish roe — a standout food item. The staff and atmosphere make Chiba comfortable to come alone, as well as a fantastic late night place to hang with a group of friends. Whether you’re a fan of cheap beer (they’ve got Rainier in cans), whiskey or unique craft cocktails, find something on their drink menu to delight, like the Razorgirl, a mix of vodka, peach, melon, raspberry and cranberry. 19 E. Kiowa St.
A boutique-style maker’s market offering a range of handmade goods from Southern Colorado. If you’re looking for something to treat yourself or a local, sustainable handmade gift to take away, find stickers, candles, cards, beauty products, clothing, art and so much more at this artisan shop. Make sure to add them to your “must see” list for your next visit to catch what’s new. 214 1/2 N. Tejon St.
Part of the Poor Richard’s complex (also featuring a toy store, book store and restaurant). Rico’s is a comfy place to sip coffee with a pastry or enjoy a glass of wine, embraced in the Springs’ OG “everybody’s welcome” vibe. Cozy corners are available if you need to knock out an hour of checking email or getting some work done and there’s a lovely patio tucked out back to enjoy Colorado Springs’ 300 days of sunshine. And evenings, they often host open mic nights and live music with no admission charge, so plan to make an event of it. 322 N. Tejon St.
Part coffee shop, bar, gathering space and food hall featuring four varying cuisines by different vendors, The Well has a vast indoor space. Evenings and weekends often feature live music & DJs. Their large, outdoor garden is the perfect place to watch what’s going on up and down the vibrant streets of Downtown and get a view of that big peak. 315 E. Pikes Peak Ave.
Hidden in plain sight
When looking for that truly out-of-the-way bar, check out one of the speakeasies, underground or alleyway bars Downtown has tucked away.
Eclectic bar with whimsical, rotating themes and expertly crafted cocktails. Past themes have included Star Wars, Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, Stranger Things and more. Reservations recommended. Enter through Kelley’s Spiedie Shop.
323 N. Tejon St.
This alleyway bar was founded to restore the traditional art of tending bar. With a focus on history, they prepare classic and modern classic cocktails. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, but we lean toward the Negroni. Their menu/recipe book is also available to purchase for $10 if you want to try your hand at their classic and seasonal cocktails at home!
15 S. Tejon St.
Underground bar featuring gourmet bites, floral themed cocktails and live DJ sets. New in 2023, they’re known for their cocktails, fondue, dessert and dancing. 114 N. Tejon St. #20
A whisky/ey themed speakeasy specializing in American whiskey, plus a broad selection of Irish, Japanese and Scotch totaling over 200 bottles. Enter through the vault in Mood Tapas Bar or the back alley under the large flood lamp. 218 N. Tejon St.
Once the City morgue, The Rabbit Hole is Downtown’s longest-standing underground bar. Visit them for upscale New American cuisine and cocktails surrounded by the “Gothic charm” of local artists Phil Lear and Douglas Rouse. Enter down the stairs of the “subway stop” on Kiowa Street. Reservations are strongly recommended. 101 N. Tejon St.
Sultry, Gothic inspired alley cocktail lounge serving sophisticated, whiskey-forward beverages without pretension. Over 230 types of American whiskey and Scotch whisky. Feeling brave? Ask for a shot of Malort and get your picture on the Wall of Shame. 15 E. Bijou St. Suite C
Colorado Springs’ first and only tiki-themed cocktail bar, featuring exotic libations in an underground oasis. Fun glassware and strong tropical drinks are front-and-center at this Hawaiian-inspired joint. Check out the swing seating and Lite-Brite tables for something truly unique. 114 N. Tejon St. Suite 10
Downtown restaurants as seen on TV
23 S. Tejon St
Owner and chef Eric Brenner took home the win on Guy’s Grocery Games in 2016 (before he came to Colorado Springs) preparing dishes such as French toast without bread (he substituted a frozen English muffin) and a steak dinner prepared with only canned goods. In the final round, Brenner turned to his hometown favorite, grilled cheese and tomato bisque.
Red Gravy is open for lunch, dinner and drinks, has a Sunday Supper Club and is the home to Blue at Red Gravy, an intimate live music venue. Tip: the menu features Tomato Bisque, Chef’s winning dish from Grocery Games.
321 N. Tejon St.
Brother Luck, chef and owner of IV by Brother Luck and Folklore (co-owned by Sean Fitzgerald of Allusion Speakeasy) is nationally known for his appearances on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay in 2016, a Chopped finalist, and a Top Chef contestant in seasons 15 and 16.
In 2022, he also published his memoir No Lucks Given: Life’s Hard But There Is Hope.
The menu at Four is seasonally updated and features redefined Southwestern-style dishes, creative cocktails and craft beer. Order off the menu or join them for a four-course experience.
131 E. Bijou St. & 110 E. Costilla St. (castle location)
Featured on TV shows including Outrageous Foods, Al Roker’s Diner Destinations and Best Thing I Ever Ate, King Chef is known for its massive plates of hand-shredded potatoes piled high with other breakfast ingredients. “The Thing” and “The Grump” regularly get accolades as do owner Gary’s homemade Green Chile and Country Gravy. You can often find Olympians and other elite athletes carb- and calorie-loading here.
Just because you’re not competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check out their hearty menu when in Downtown.
Whether you’ve got an hour, a weekend or a lifetime, step into the adventures that Downtown Colorado Springs offers. We can’t wait to host you and show off the unique experiences our local, independent retailers, restaurants, bars and breweries, coffee shops, galleries, hotels and businesses provide. And when you find something you love, please share it on social media and tag Downtown Colorado Springs on Facebook and @downtown_cs on Instagram!