That in-between mealtime known as brunch is fun to share with family, friends, or both. The choices often combine the best of morning and noon food options. Often, there’s also the opportunity to complement your meal with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverage specials. Remember, brunch isn’t only for the weekend.
ADAM’S MOUNTAIN CAFÉ
Adam’s is popular among locals and tourists, thanks to its kitchen’s attention to detail and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. Everything is prepared from scratch and the restaurant prides itself on using locally-sourced ingredients. The award-winning huevos rancheros includes a choice of red or green chili (or both) with black beans, sliced avocado and two medium-cooked eggs. A large number of vegetarian and vegan dishes are also available. While a full bar is available, don’t overlook their signature cinnamon-orange black tea. Reservations are recommended or meet new friends at the community table. Patio dining completes the mountain experience.
26 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs • 719-685-1430 • adamsmountaincafe.com
HOURS: 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. and 5 to 8 P.M. daily. Closed Tuesdays
BON TON’S CAFÉ
Whether dining indoors or on the spacious patio, Bon Ton’s Café offers a front-row seat to historic Old Colorado City. This is only the beginning; the menu rocks everything from southwestern fare to gluten-free options. Choose from pancakes, French toast, several Benedicts, soups, salads, sandwiches, vegetarian dishes and more—much more. Consider the tamale breakfast at any time of day: two pork green chili tamales, tortilla (or toast), two eggs and home fries. Add a mimosa or sample from an array of alcoholic beverages to make your brunch complete.
2601 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs 719-634-1007 • bontonscafe.com
HOURS: 6 A.M. to 3 P.M. daily and 6:30 A.M. to 3 P.M. on Sundays
DENVER BISCUIT CO.
Biscuits at breakfast are more than a platform for gravy here. Sure, that’s available, but this is the place to venture beyond the usual. Large, fluffy, freshly-baked biscuits are filled with assorted ingredients such as catfish, pork belly, or Nashville hot chicken. The Winona pairs buttermilk fried chicken with house-made pimento cheese for a blend of crunchy and velvety textures. Most sauces and condiments are made in-house, including the pickles, jams and honey butter. Even the French toast is made with biscuits! A large selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages compliments the meal.
528 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs 719-208-4770 • denbisco.com
HOURS: 8 A.M to 2 P.M. on weekdays, and open until 3 P.M. on weekends
GARDEN OF THE GODS MARKET & CAFÉ
Brunch standards and surprises are served from open to close at this cheery eatery south of downtown. Whatever you choose, don’t overlook the appetizers! Donut holes coated with toasted cinnamon and served with house raspberry jam or deviled eggs are great starters any time of day. From bacon and eggs to banana bread French toast and house corned beef Reuben to shrimp and avocado salad, the menu has something for everyone. Options for kids include a stack of mini chocolate chip pancakes. While the café is kid-friendly, the full bar is all about the adults.
616 S. Tejon St. Colorado Springs 719-471-2799 • godsmarketandcafe.com
HOURS: 7 A.M.- 2 P.M. daily
KING’S CHEF DINER
Whichever location you visit, this classic diner dishes up mammoth platefuls, most of which include the signature, attention-grabbing Colorado green chili. Don’t be sidetracked by names like “Grump,” a mound of creamy and crispy hash browns topped with two eggs, a choice of meats, grilled onions, cheese and house-made country gravy. “Thing” trades out spuds for Texas toast and gravy for green chili. Earn a “Clean Plate Club” sticker if you finish a full-size order. This is a significant accomplishment, but for those who prefer smaller servings, those are also available. No alcohol served and both locations are cash only, however an ATM is on-site.
TWO LOCATIONS:
131 E. Bijou St. Colorado Springs HOURS: 8 A.M. to 2 P.M.-ish daily
110 E. Costilla St. Colorado Springs HOURS: 8 A.M. to 2 P.M. Wednesday through Sunday
719-636-5010 • kingschefdiner.com (both locations)
SNOOZE: AN A.M. EATERY
Get up early for Snooze, where brunch is served every day and the food is as enticing as the beverages. This is the place for Bloody Marys, such as the Thai Bloody made with ginger, wasabi, tamari, soy sauce and vodka infused with habanero and jalapeno. A number of other libations rival the extensive breakfast options. Snooze offers inspired morning fare from the burrata and prosciutto toast to the signature pancake flight consisting of pineapple upside down, blueberry Danish and sweet potato pancakes. Coffee cups are routinely refilled. Call ahead to join the waitlist.
7587 N. Academy Blvd. Suite 120, Colorado Springs 719-694-1360 • snoozeeatery.com
HOURS: 6:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. daily, and until 4 P.M. on weekends
EUROPEAN CAFÉ AND RESTAURANT
For a change of pace, consider European Café and Restaurant. Known for its emphasis on Eastern European fare, the menu features handmade crepes, pierogies, blintzes, imported Polish sausage and potato pancakes. The latter are served with a choice of numerous toppings including goulash and paprikash. The menu also includes borscht, Hunter’s Stew and more. If more traditional breakfast and lunch entrees are to your liking, don’t worry: omelets, burgers, sandwiches and salads are also available. The entrees, though, are classic Old World family recipes not to be missed.
1015 W. Colorado Ave. Colorado Springs 719-632-6309 europeancafeocc.com
HOURS: 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. daily. Closed Tuesdays
HOMA AT KINSHIP LANDING
Don’t be put off by this restaurant inside a hotel—neither is commonplace. Its website describes the former as “an all-day café and bar.” The menu’s emphasis is on fresh, inventive spins for breakfast and lunch, plus a host of innovative cocktails. The Acai bowl is full of nuts, seeds, granola, fruit, honey and yogurt. Hearty options include the Rambler Toast, their twist on French toast: cream and egg-soaked Japanese milk bread baked with brown butter and served with seasonal berries and cream. The hand pies should not be missed—fillings range from bacon and eggs to chicken and more.
415 S. Nevada Ave. Colorado Springs • 719-245-0046 • homacafe.com
HOURS: 7 A.M.-10 P.M. daily
MOUNTAIN SHADOWS RESTAURANT
Massive portions are the hallmarks of this homey, westside restaurant. Once a cozy residence, there are now small dining areas throughout and tables out front. Whether opting for the plate-size cinnamon roll that’s tall as your coffee mug, a fluffy biscuit with sausage gravy, or a bowl of pork green chili, know they’re all made in-house. Breakfast and “not-breakfast” are served all day. The former includes classic morning entrees, while the latter offers, among other items, burgers and a roast beef sandwich sure to meet the demands of any appetite. Mimosas, margaritas, beer and wine are available.
2223 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs 719-633-2122 • mtnshadowsrestaurant.com
HOURS: 7 A.M. to 2 P.M. daily. Closed Tuesdays
URBAN EGG: A DAYTIME EATERY
The menu is wide-ranging and the mouthwatering options make it difficult to choose. There’s the Breakfast Sandwich on sourdough with basil pesto aioli, sharp cheddar cheese, eggs cooked to order and your choice of meats such as prosciutto, locally-sourced sausage, or plant-based protein. If looking for something on the sweeter side, the Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes should do the trick: three pancakes topped with fresh strawberries, a cheesecake spread and cinnamon-infused whipped cream. Gluten-free and vegan items are available. The beverage offerings are equally enticing, from coffee cocktails to morning margaritas and the Breckfast Old Fashioned concocted with Breckenridge Bourbon, espresso, simple syrup and Kahlua.
Multiple locations in Colorado Springs
urbaneggeatery.com
HOURS: 7 A.M. to 2 P.M. daily, and until 2:30 P.M. on weekends
URBAN STEAM
This established café is off the beaten path, but well worth discovering—not just for the food, but the coffee and cocktails which are served all day! Their tagline is “Espresso, Waffles, Whiskey and Good Times.” Food-wise, there’s the traditional and the creative, among them are plenty of egg dishes along with a variety of waffles, including one made with blue corn meal, topped with carnitas, black bean salsa, two eggs and cheese. Coffee is brewed in-house, and vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free items are available. Reservations recommended for weekends and holidays.
