1) 3.14 Sweet and Savory Pi Bar
A meal of nothing but pie? Am I in heaven? Close—the 3.14 Sweet and Savory Pi Bar. Whether you’re a rabid pie enthusiast or not, check out this unique restaurant a couple of miles north of Garden of the Gods. It looks pretty unassuming from the street—it’s located in a strip mall—but you’ll find some unique and delicious items on the menu.
At the Pi Bar, you can choose one of the savory pot pies for your main course. I’ve tried the Rosemary’s Baby (chicken and veggies in a white wine rosemary sauce—yummy). The Guinness Sakes (hearty Irish stew) also sounds good. For dessert, maybe a slice of Wicked Bacon Bourbon Pecan or Amaretto Toasted Almond Cherry. Call ahead to find out which pies will be available when you arrive (not all pies are offered every day).
They also serve tapas, salads, and sandwiches.
5152 Centennial Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
719-314-6172
2) Adam’s Mountain Café
Located on the eastern edge of Manitou Springs, Adam’s Mountain Café specializes in satisfying, delicious meals made from organic, unprocessed ingredients. They use locally sourced products whenever possible, and they offer a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan choices.
Love breakfast? Indulge in the Orange Almond French toast. (Personally, I’m drooling over the Royal Street Shrimp ’n Grits.) For lunch or dinner, the menu includes Senegalese Vegetables (snow peas, carrots, potatoes, currants, and more tossed in the restaurant’s own peanut sauce) and Smoked Salmon Enchiladas.
If you plan to stop by Adam’s Mountain Café, it’s best to make reservations—this place gets very busy.
26 Manitou Ave.
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
719-685-1430
3) Crystal Park Cantina
In the mood for Mexican? Take a short drive off Manitou Springs’ main drag to the Crystal Park Cantina. (But you won’t be driving after your meal if you partake of the restaurant’s infamous “Walk Home” margarita. Of course, they offer other drink options.)
Whether you’re looking for some familiar Mexican fare or something a little different, you’ll find it on the menu. Consider the Sweet Potato Nachos—sweet potato fries tossed with chorizo, onions, cheese, and a red pepper sauce. Or the Navajo Taco on house-made fry bread. Or an Avocado Pork Burrito with slow-roasted pulled pork and guacamole.
When the weather’s nice, enjoy your meal on the patio. You might even spot a couple of deer wandering by.
178 Crystal Park Road
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
719-685-5999
4) The Pantry
If you don’t mind driving a few minutes up Highway 24, you’ll be rewarded with amazing food at The Pantry, located in the quaint mountain town of Green Mountain Falls. Locals know this place for its legendary breakfast offerings. It closes at 2:30 p.m. every afternoon, so make sure you arrive in plenty of time—it can get pretty busy.
You might call The Pantry a carb-lover’s paradise. Take the Cinnamon Roll French Toast, always a favorite. (The restaurant makes all its bread in-house, including a delicious cinnamon raisin.) For more protein-packed fare, go for the Huevos Rancheros or chicken fried steak and eggs. In the summertime, The Pantry also opens in the evenings to serve dinner in a romantic setting next to the creek.
Before you head back to Colorado Springs, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the peaceful Gazebo Lake.
thepantryingreenmtnfallsco.com/
6980 Lake Street
Green Mountain Falls, CO 80819
719-684-9018
Ready to eat yet? Head to one of these popular (and delicious) restaurants near Garden of the Gods—and tell them gardenofthegodscolorado.com sent you!
Need more options? Read about 4 great Colorado Springs BBQ restaurants near Garden of the Gods, or how about 5 great Mexican food restaurants near Garden of the Gods?
