VOL. 2 NO. 5 • NOVEMBER 2026
BEST OF COLORADO SPRINGS
The votes are in! Our readers have spoken, recognizing the local businesses, destinations and experiences that make Colorado Springs one of a kind. Discover this year’s Best Of winners, selected by the community and celebrated right here in SoCo Insider.
BEST OF COLORADO SPRINGS
Best Of
Arts & Community.........................2 Drinks & Cocktails..........................4 Nightlife............................................6 Food & Dining..................................8 Health, Wellness & Beauty..........12 Home & Garden..............................14 Shopping & Services......................16 Travel, Tourism & Fun....................18
2
BEST OF COLORADO SRINGS 2026
BEST OF COLORADO SPRINGS
Arts & Community
Food and/or Drink Event
Special Event Venue
Wedding Venue Multi-Winner: Hillside Gardens 1006 S. Institute St., hillsidecolorado.com
T
his oasis in our busy city probably bears a strong resemblance to the Garden of Eden, if that place also had bandstands, bars, a plant nursery and a coffee shop. If you’re not planning a garden or a wedding, you’ll still enjoy visiting Hillside Gardens for a coffee or a concert. The venue’s Summer Concert Series had performers including Roma Ransom, Nube Nueve, Spinphony and Ryan Flores in its pavilions. While listening to music, partake of beverages (adult and otherwise) from the multiple specialized bars and food from local vendors. Hillside Gardens is also winning kudos for its hospitality and perfect settings for weddings and other special events. The four acres of landscaped gardens feature stunning views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains and foothills. Accommodating up to 750 guests, Hillside Gardens has room for large-scale corporate events, celebrations and community gatherings.
Annual Event Winner: Pikes Peak Pride Fest, pikespeakpride.org Finalists: Labor Day Lift Off, Parade of Lights, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Territory Days Art Gallery Winner: Gallery 113, gallery113cos.com Finalists: Auric Gallery, True North Art Gallery, Hunter-Wolff Gallery
Imagine having a family reunion here: The grown-ups can wander the gardens with drinks in hand, while the young ones play yard games. Trees offer shade, and a covered pavilion gives protection from bad weather and access to power. The three stages are ideal for speakers or presentations, if you’re yearning to think and connect outside the four walls of corporate life. Hillside Gardens also hosts other special events, including Wine Club meetups and the Pikes Peak Oktoberfest, with polka bands and dancing, German food and a best brew contest.
Arts Festival Winner: Green Box Arts Festival, greenboxarts.org Finalists: Manitou Arts Festival, Renaissance Festival, Commonwheel Art Festival, Garden of the Gods Art Festival Food and/or Drink Event Winner: Hillside Gardens Summer Concert Series, hillsidecolorado.com Finalists: Territory Days, Taste of Pikes Peak, Pawtoberfest, Feast of St. Arnold
SOCOINSIDER.COM
Visual Artist Winner: Broken Glass Photography, @brokenglassfoto on Instagram Finalists: Bunny Bee, Karen Standridge, Romeo Uncaged Theater Company Winner: Theatreworks, entcenterforthearts.org/theatreworks Finalists: Millibo Art Theatre, Springs Ensemble Theatre, Starz Theater Company, Star Bar Players Dance Company Winner: Ormao Dance Company, ormaodance.org Finalists: Dragonfly Aerial Company, Ballet Folklorico de Barajas, Latisha Hardy Dance, All N One Dance Company Indoor Family Fun Winner: Great Wolf Lodge, greatwolf.com/colorado-springs Finalists: Aha Escape Rooms, Urban Air, Dart Wars, SoccerHaus Sports and Event Center
VOL. 2 NO. 5 • NOVEMBER 2026
Museum Winner: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, fac.coloradocollege.edu Finalists: Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum, Air Force Academy Hosmer Visitor Center, Peterson Air & Space Museum Special Event Venue Winner: Hillside Gardens & Event Center, hillsidecolorado.com Finalists: Garden of the Gods Resort, COS City Hub, Cheyenne Mountain Resort, The Pinery at the Hill Wedding Venue Winner: Hillside Gardens & Event Center, hillsidecolorado.com Finalists: Garden of the Gods Resort, The Pinery at the Hill, Flying Horse Resort & Club, Black Forest by Wedgewood Weddings
Warm Beer. Lousy Food. Poor Service.
Outdoor Family Fun Winner: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, cmzoo.org Finalists: Topgolf, Adventure Mini Golf, Overdrive Raceway, Parks Local Band Winner: SOAPDISH, soapdishband.com tonysdowntownbar.com Finalists: SofaKillers, Tejon Street Corner Thieves, Glitter Porn Music Venue Winner: The Black Sheep, blacksheeprocks.com Finalists: Ford Amphitheater, Stargazers, Lulu’s Downtown, Vultures
Awesome options including Walleye, Sloppers & Cheese Curds! HAPPY HOUR 4-7pm daily with Daily Shenanigans! Geeks who Drink Tuesdays at 8pm Karaoke every Thursday JIMMY BEARD AWARD WINNING MENU WINNERS OF 80+ BEST OF AWARDS in 25 years!!!
OVER A QUINTILLION SERVED 326 N. Tejon · tonysdowntownbar.com Minors allowed with adult til 8pm
3
4
BEST OF COLORADO SRINGS 2026
BEST OF COLORADO SPRINGS
Drinks & Cocktails
Craft Cocktail Menu
Overall Restaurant
Multi-Winner: Shuga’s 702 S. Cascade Ave., shugas.com
Local Coffee Shop Winner: The Exchange, theexchangeontejon.com Finalists: Wayfinder Coffee, Loyal Coffee, Dutch Bros, Carnelian Coffee Drive-Thru Coffee Winner: Dutch Bros, dutchbros.com/ locations/co/colorado-springs Finalists: Humble Coffee, Human Bean, Kangaroo Coffee, Starbucks
From left, Ishhod Collins, Kevin Dexter and Alex Rigby hang out on Shuga’s bar. Dexter owns the popular restaurant, and Collins and Rigby work front of house.
who they are and are encouraged to shine and curate the place based on their personal tastes and style. Shuga’s eschews the fine dining aesthetic without skimping on the art. The back patio area (which began as a post-COVID project for Dexter) features generously shaded seating, a flourishing garden and even a reservable yurt. It’s a striking oasis, particularly in a downtown area that has seen extensive urbanization. “I don’t treat Shuga’s like a business. … I treat it like a canvas. It really is an extension of me, and that’s why I like it so much. That’s why it works,” Dexter says.
Coffee Roaster Winner: Loyal Coffee, loyalcoffee.co Finalists: Switchback Coffee Roasters, Solar Roast, Wayfinder Coffee, Serrano’s Coffee Tea Room Winner: Glen Eyrie Castle Tea, gleneyrie.org/tea Finalists: British Pantry and Tea Room, Toodles Tearoom, Miramont Castle, Honey Tea & Me
Photo credit: Rhonda Van Pelt
W
hen he arrived from Miami at age 28 with $300 in his pocket, Kevin Dexter had not planned on running a restaurant in Colorado Springs. However, after 19 years at Shuga’s, including seven years as owner, that’s exactly what he is doing. “Honestly … I didn’t set out to do it. I’m only good at it because I happen to love this place,” Dexter says. Shuga’s began 25 years ago as a coffee hangout geared toward artists and musicians. Dexter credits original owner Alexius Weston for teaching him the business, including how to build a culture from the ground up. “I just really fell in love with it,” he says. “I fell in love with the community that comes in here, the style, the menu.” Collaboration is central to the restaurant’s culture, sourcing from more than 40 vendors and full of international influences from Dexter’s own travels. That culture helps explain why, in the high-turnover industry, the restaurant’s longest-tenured staffer has been here for more than 20 years. In Dexter’s words, Shuga’s has an “anti-restaurant” culture without the rigid hierarchy or forced personalities. It’s a place where people are hired for
SOCOINSIDER.COM
Craft Cocktail Menu Winner: Shuga’s, shugas.com Finalists: Principal’s Office, Atmosphere Gastropub, La Burla Bee, Archives Margarita Winner: Dos Santos, dossantostacos.com/ dos-santos-colorado-springs Finalists: Crystal Park Cantina, The Loop, José Muldoon’s, La Burla Bee Smoothie/Juice Bar Winner: Ola Juice Bar, olajuicebar.com Finalists: Smoothie King, Jamba Juice, Tropical Smoothie Café, Keva Juice Distillery Winner: Axe and the Oak Distillery, axeandtheoakdistillery.com Finalists: Distillery 291, 300 Days of Shine, Lee Spirits, 1350 Distilling
VOL. 2 NO. 5 • NOVEMBER 2026
Store for Craft Beer Winner: Coaltrain Fine Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits, coaltrainwine.com Finalists: Cheers Liquor Mart, Downtown Fine Spirits and Wine, Weber Street Liquor, Lots A Liquor Store for Spirits Winner: Cheers Liquor Mart, cheersliquormart.com Finalists: Coaltrain Fine Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits, Downtown Fine Spirits and Wine, Weber Street Liquor, Lots A Liquor Store for Wine Winner: Coaltrain Fine Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits, coaltrainwine.com Finalists: Cheers Liquor Mart, Downtown Fine Spirits and Wine, Sovereignty Wines, The Wine Seller
Tasting Room (Spirits) Winner: Axe and the Oak Whiskey House, axeandtheoakdistillery.com/whiskeyhouse Finalists: Distillery 291, Blackhat Distillery, Lee Spirits Tap Room (Beers) Winner: Cerberus, cerberusbrewingco.com Finalists: OCC Brewing, The Brass Tap, Seven’s Gate, Summa Locally Produced Beer Winner: Goat Patch Brewing, goatpatchbrewing.com Finalists: Bristol Brewing, Red Leg Brewing, Cerberus Brewing Co., Manitou Brewing Co. Brewery/Brewpub Winner: Goat Patch Brewing, goatpatchbrewing.com Finalists: Red Leg Brewing Co., Cerberus Brewing Co., Colorado Mountain Brewery, OCC Brewing
Huge THANK YOU for everyone's continued support! Half priced omelettes every morning 6am-7am Kids eat free Monday's Fresh squeezed orange juice Award winning green chili and tamales M-F 6 AM - 12:50 PM • Sat 6 AM - 1:50 PM • Sun 7 AM - 1:50 PM 900 East Filmore Street, Colorado Springs
5
6
BEST OF COLORADO SRINGS 2026
BEST OF COLORADO SPRINGS
Nightlife
Happy Hour Dive Bar
Neighborhood Bar-Downtown Sports Bar
Multi-Winner: Tony’s 326 N. Tejon St., tonysdowntownbar.com
Happy Hour Winner: Tony’s, tonysdowntownbar.com Finalists: Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Cowboy Star, Shuga’s, Cork and Cask Night Club Winner: La Burla Bee, laburlabee.com Finalists: Cowboys, Studio 32, The Mansion, ICONS
Bartender Neal Haufe and manager Leah Montgomery stand ready to serve patrons at Tony’s Bar.
the weekends. Tony, a Wisconsin native and the bar’s namesake, opened Tony’s in 1999 on North Tejon Street. After Tony sold the bar to Eel Anderson, it moved further up the street to a bigger location in 2014, all while maintaining the same red-brick interior and the tavern’s original hardwood bar. Today, Tony’s continues to be the perfect place to catch a Packers game, grab a beer and settle in for football and Midwest hospitality.
Bar Staff Winner: ICONS, icons-co.com Finalists: Tony’s, Shuga’s, The Famous, Thrasher’s Bar Overall Bar Winner: Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, jackquinnspub.com Finalists: ICONS, Trainwreck, Thrasher’s Bar, Shuga’s
Photo credit: Rhonda Van Pelt
W
ant a place to go where everybody knows your name? Look no further than Tony’s Bar, downtown Colorado Springs’ Midwestern tavern. Perhaps the most special thing about Tony’s is the atmosphere. The friendly neighborhood bar is a place where friends and family can gather for a cheap drink, good company and even better memories. “Since 1999, Tony’s has been a place with zero pretense and 100% personality. We keep it simple and encourage awesomeness,” says owner Eel Anderson. “Old buzzing neons, fake IDs on the ceiling, old gorilla suits from the parades and a kitchen that’s always open. It’s fun; it’s local; it’s where the action is.” Tune in to a football or hockey game, shoot some pool or catch up with old friends over mugs of cold beer and comfort bar food. The spot offers beloved Midwestern classics, including Pabst Blue Ribbon, Leinenkugel’s and local Colorado craft brews. Chow down on Wisconsinstyle butter burgers, fried white-cheddar cheese curds, beer-battered walleye, Reubens on marble rye bread and scratch-made beer-cheese soup. The bar also hosts fun-filled events throughout the week, including poker Mondays, Geeks Who Drink trivia on Tuesdays, karaoke on Thursdays and local bands on
SOCOINSIDER.COM
Neighborhood Bar-Downtown Winner: Tony's, tonysdowntownbar.com Finalists: Shuga’s, Thrasher’s Bar, Wobbly Olive Neighborhood Bar-East Winner: Vultures, facebook.com/vulturescos Finalists: The Control Room, Wobbly Olive, Carefree Bar and Grill, Buzzed Crow Bistro Neighborhood Bar-North Winner: Atmosphere Gastropub, atmospheregastropub.com Finalists: Good Company, Colorado Mountain Brewery, Back East Briargate, Uva Wine Bar Neighborhood Bar-South Winner: The Hatch Cover, hatchcover.biz Finalists: The Public House, C’mon Inn, Tokki, Marigold’s Bistro
VOL. 2 NO. 5 • NOVEMBER 2026
Wine Bar Winner: Vine & Wheel, vineandwheel.com Finalists: Uva Wine Bar, Swirl Wine Bar, The Wine Seller, Latigo Winery Place for Comedy Winner: Loonees Comedy Corner, looneescc.com Finalists: Vultures, La Burla Bee, Stick Horses Place to Dance Winner: ICONS, icons-co.com Finalists: Cowboys, The Mansion, Latin Quarters Place for Live Music Winner: The Black Sheep, blacksheeprocks.com Finalists: Lulu’s Downtown, Stargazers, Thrasher’s Bar
Neighborhood Bar-West Winner: Mother Muff’s, mothermuffs.com Finalists: Thunder and Buttons, Alchemy, Nova West, Summa
Daily Happy Hour
3 - 6 pm Drink and Food specials
New Bar (since July 1, 2025) Winner: Thrasher’s Bar, facebook.com/p/ Thrashers-Bar-61572179233042 Finalists: The Sportsbook, Benny’s Dive Bar Winner: Tony’s, tonysdowntownbar.com Finalists: Thrasher’s Bar, Vultures, Benny’s, Murphy’s Tavern Sports Bar Winner: Tony’s, tonysdowntownbar.com Finalists: Benny’s, Trainwreck, Bubba’s
Monday Geeks Who Drink Trivia at 7:30pm Tuesday Run Club 5:15 pm Whiskey Wednesday: ½ priced 6pm-close. Live Music Wednesday-Saturday night & Sunday afternoon Monday - Friday: $17 Lunch Menu 11 am - 3 pm
Upscale Bar Winner: Shame & Regret, shameandregret.com Finalists: Lumen8, Allusion Speakeasy, Cork and Cask, Vine & Wheel
Best Neighborhood Restaurant-Downtown Best Irish Restaurant Best Running Club Best Overall Bar 21 S. Tejon Street • Colorado Springs • https://jackquinnspub.com
7
8
BEST OF COLORADO SRINGS 2026
BEST OF COLORADO SPRINGS
Food & Dining
Neighborhood Bar-North
Neighborhood Restaurant-North
Multi-Winner: Atmosphere Gastropub • 1327 Interquest Pkwy., atmospheregastropub.com
A
t Atmosphere Gastropub, sports bar fare meets the elegance of fine dining, creating a unique culinary experience. Chef and partner Steven Bailey says Atmosphere’s quality beer and spirits are what sets it apart. Featuring 12 rotating craft taps and 28 varieties in cans and bottles, each beer is carefully selected for its quality and flavor, and represents everything from large, well-known brands to niche microbrews. The bar’s whiskey and spirits collection features rare, high-quality brands. Atmosphere’s accomplished bartenders carefully orchestrate each cocktail to create bold and smooth flavors, such as the award-winning smoked cherry old fashioned. “You have an opportunity to get something you might not get anywhere else,” Bailey says. The bar offers whiskey and beer flights, so patrons can sample a little bit of everything. Atmosphere also offers a robust and refreshing mocktail selection. “We’re not just doing soda water
with a fruity flavor,” Bailey says. “We try to emulate craft cocktails (with our mocktails).” Formerly a chef at a restaurant in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, and at Back East Bar and Grill in Colorado Springs, Bailey opened Atmosphere Gastropub about eight years ago with partners Mike and Megan Davis. They designed the restaurant as a happy middle ground between a sports bar and fine dining, combining an elevated food and drink menu with a fun-filled bar atmosphere. “It’s upscale without being pretentious,” Bailey says. For the bar menu, Bailey puts his creative twist on classic gastropub dishes, featuring flavorful appetizers and small plates, seafood and pasta, along with gourmet burgers and sandwiches.
Bakery Winner: Boonzaaijer’s Dutch Bakery, dutchpastry.com Finalists: Marigold’s, Sourdough Boulangerie, Nightingale Bread
British Winner: The Golden Bee, broadmoor.com/dine/ golden-bee Finalists: The Brit Pub, Codswallop, British Pantry and Tea Room, The Chippy
Barbecue Winner: Front Range Barbeque, frbbq.com Finalists: The Chuckwagon 719, Rudy’s Country Store and BBQ, Bird Dog BBQ, Mission BBQ
Brunch Winner: Urban Egg, urbanegg.com Finalists: Shuga’s, The Broadmoor, Snooze, 503W
Breakfast Winner: Omelette Parlor, omeletteparlorcs.com Finalists: Urban Egg, King’s Chef Diner, Denver Biscuit Co., Wade’s Café
Burger Winner: Skirted Heifer, skirtedheifer.com Finalists: Green Line Grill, Bingo Burger, Felipe’s 109
SOCOINSIDER.COM
VOL. 2 NO. 5 • NOVEMBER 2026
Cajun Winner: The Juicy Seafood, thejuicyseafoodcs.com Finalists: Springs Orleans, Perriteaux’s Cajun Restaurant, Bourbon Brothers, Luchals
Diner Winner: King’s Chef Diner, kingschefdiner.com Finalists: Gunther Toody’s, Wade’s Café, Rosie’s Diner, Boulder Street Diner
Caribbean Winner: Rasta Pasta, realrastapasta.com Finalists: Spice Island Grill, Ricky’s Island Grill, Jamaican Flavor, High Grade Foods
Dog-Friendly Restaurant Winner: Lazy Dog, lazydogrestaurants.com Finalists: Cerberus, Pub Dog Colorado, Omelette Parlor
Caterer Winner: Picnic Basket Catering Co., picnicbasketcatering.com Finalists: Front Range Barbeque, Luchals, Flippin Hibachi Catering Cheap Eats Winner: La Casita, lacasitamexigrill.com Finalists: Tony’s, Drifters, Felipe’s 109 Chef Winner: Brother Luck, chefbrotherluck.com Finalists: Franco Pisani, Steven Bailey, Atmosphere Gastropub, Nora Dillion, Ephemera
Donuts Winner: Amy’s Donuts, amysdonuts.com Finalists: Mochi Thai’m Donuts, Hurts Donut Co., Krispy Kreme Fine Dining Winner: The Famous Steak House, thefamoussteakhouse.net Finalists: The Penrose Room at The Broadmoor, Prime 25, Ephemera, Roth’s Sea and Steak Food Truck Winner: The Chuckwagon 719, chuckwagon719.com Finalists: Chef Bob’s Lobstah Trap, Porkbutt BBQ, Tepex
Chinese Winner: Coal Mine Dragon, coalminedragoncs.com Finalists: Shangri-La, China Village, Wok In Wok Out Chocolatier/Confections Winner: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, rmcf.com Finalists: Patsy’s Candies, Cacao Chemistry Chocolatier and Patisserie, See’s Candies Cooking Class Winner: The French Kitchen, tfkcc.com Finalists: Brother Luck, Chef Franco Pisani, Gather Food Studio, Cook With Me Natalie Dessert Menu Winner: Marigold Café and Bakery, marigoldcoloradosprings.com Finalists: Edelweiss, The French Kitchen, The Melting Pot, Roth’s Sea and Steak
Huge THANK YOU for everyone's continued support! Home of the famous "double dipped wings" Poker Monday/Wednesday Open mic night Tuesday Karaoke Thursday Bands Friday/DJ Saturday 11 AM to Midnight Every Day 900 East Filmore Street • Colorado Springs
9
10
BEST OF COLORADO SRINGS 2026
French Winner: La Baguette French Bistro, labaguettefrenchbistro.com Finalists: Marigold’s, The French Kitchen, Paris Crepes, La Tartine Frozen Treat Winner: BJ’s Velvet Freez, velvetfreez.com Finalists: Josh & John’s, Tasty Freeze, Frozen Gold German Winner: Edelweiss German Restaurant, edelweissrest.com Finalists: Uwe’s German Restaurant, Schnitzel Fritz, BeanerSchnitzel, Evergreen Gluten-Free Friendly Winner: Monse’s Pupuseria, monsespupuseria.com
Finalists: Tapateria, Porkbutt BBQ, Luchals Green Chile Winner: Omelette Parlor, omeletteparlorcs.com Finalists: King’s Chef Diner, Western Omelette, Salsa Latina, Felipe’s 109 Happy Hour Menu Winner: Cowboy Star, cowboystarcs.com Finalists: Shuga’s, Odyssey Gastropub, Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar, Fujiyama Indian Winner: Little Nepal, lnepal.com Finalists: Mirch Masala, Urban Tandoor, Shri Ganesh, Everest Nepal Irish Winner: Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, jackquinnspub.com Finalists: Abby’s Irish Pub, Alchemy, Dublin House Sports Bar and Grill Italian Winner: Paravicini’s Italian Bistro, paravicinis.com
Finalists: Red Gravy, Mollica’s Italian Market and Deli, Roman Villa, Ristorante Di Sopra
Japanese/Sushi Winner: Ai Sushi & Grill, aisushiandgrill.com Finalists: Dozo Sushi, Fujiyama, Sushi Row Korean Winner: Seoul Korean BBQ, seoulbbqco.com Finalists: Tong Tong, Bonchon, Korean Garden, San Chang Late-Night Dining Winner: The Rabbit Hole, rabbitholedinner.com Finalists: Shuga’s, Chiba Bar, La Burla Bee Latin American Winner: Monse’s Pupuseria, monsespupuseria.com
Finalists: Pig Latin, Monse’s, Tepex Local/Regional Chain Winner: Urban Egg, urbanegg.com Finalists: Cheba Hut, La Casita, Fast Fit Foods Lunch Winner: Poor Richard’s, poorrichardsdowntown.com Finalists: Shuga’s, The Chuckwagon 719, Salad or Bust, Fujiyama Mediterranean/Middle Eastern Winner: Heart of Jerusalem, heartofjerusalemcafe.com Finalists: Jake & Telly’s, Purple Onion, Taste of Jerusalem, Caspian Café Mexican Winner: Crystal Park Cantina, crystalparkcantina.com Finalists: Vaqueros, El Rey Del Taco 2, Señor Manuel’s Natural Food Store Winner: Sprouts, sprouts.com Finalists: Mountain Mama Natural Foods, Natural Grocers, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s Neighborhood Restaurant-Downtown Winner: Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, jackquinnspub.com Finalists: Poor Richard’s, Shuga’s, Stellina’s, Fujiyama
SOCOINSIDER.COM
VOL. 2 NO. 5 • NOVEMBER 2026
Neighborhood Restaurant-East Winner: Wooglin’s Deli, wooglinsdeli.com Finalists: Slice 420, Wobbly Olive, Carefree Bar and Grill, Hops N Drops [the local one has closed]
Sandwich Winner: Cheba Hut, chebahut.com Finalists: Colonel Mustard’s Sandwich Emporium, Capriotti’s, Snarf’s
Neighborhood Restaurant-North Winner: Atmosphere Gastropub, atmospheregastropub.com Finalists: Lazy Dog, Colorado Mountain Brewery, The Public House at The Alexander, Arlene’s Beans
Seafood Winner: Bonny & Read, bonnyandreadseafood.com Finalists: Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar, The Juicy Seafood, Bonefish Grill, Rusty Crab Daddy’s
Neighborhood Restaurant-South
Steak Winner: MacKenzie’s Chop House, mackenzieschophouse.com Finalists: Texas Roadhouse, The Famous, Prime 25, Cowboy Star
Winner: Colorado Mountain Brewery, cmbrew.com
Finalists: The Public House, Felipe’s 109, Tokki Neighborhood Restaurant-West Winner: Front Range Barbeque, frbbq.com Finalists: 503W, Monse’s Pupuseria, OCC Brewing
Finalists: Egg Lush, Latin Social, Mausam Indian Flavors
Tacos Winner: Monica’s Taco Shop, monicastacoshop.com Finalists: Dos Santos, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Zocalo, Felipe’s 109
Overall Restaurant Winner: Shuga’s, shugas.com Finalists: The Rabbit Hole, Atmosphere Gastropub, Ephemera
Thai Winner: Thai Basil, thaibasilcos.com Finalists: Wild Ginger, Elephant Thai, Thai Mint, Chaang Thai
Patio Winner: Patty Jewett Bar & Grill, pjbarandgrill.com Finalists: The Margarita at Pine Creek, Shuga’s, Colorado Mountain Brewery, The Public House
Vegetarian/Vegan Winner: Adam’s Mountain Café, adamsmountain.com Finalists: Burrowing Owl, Santana’s Vegan Grill, Salad or Bust, Tossed
Rooftop Dining Winner: Lumen8, lumen8cos.com Finalists: ViewHouse, Denver Biscuit Co., Ryze Skyline Lounge
Vietnamese Winner: Pho-Nomenal, phonomenalrestaurant.com Finalists: Pho Lu’u, Saigon Tapioca, Viet’s
Pizza Winner: Leon Gessi, leongessipizza.com Finalists: Pizzeria Rustica, Fat Sully’s, White Pie
Wings Winner: O’Furry’s, ofurryscs.com Finalists: Wingstop, Buffalo Wild Wings, Golden Flame Hot Wings
New Restaurant (since July 1, 2025) Winner: The Chuckwagon 719, chuckwagon719.com
Restaurant for Tourists Winner: Garden of the Gods Café, godsmarketandcafe.com Finalists: Fargo’s, Colorado Mountain Brewery, Shuga’s, OCC Brewing
11
12
BEST OF COLORADO SRINGS 2026
BEST OF COLORADO SPRINGS
Health, Wellness & Beauty
Day Spa Winner: SunWater Spa 514 El Paso Blvd., Manitou Springs, sunwaterspa.com
T
he idea for this iconic spa took shape in 2010, when co-founders Kat Tudor and Don Goede visited Rishikesh, India, a town known for the sacred waters of the Ganges. They recognized similarities to Manitou and realized that Manitou’s springs could anchor a similar wellness destination. The spa ties SunWater to Manitou’s past. In the early 1900s, the town’s mineral springs made it a destination for travelers seeking rest and healing. Eleven years after opening its doors, SunWater has become part of that tradition, drawing both locals and visitors. SunWater’s visionaries opened the spa across from Manitou Springs’ Memorial Park in summer 2015. The three-level, 6,000-square-foot building was built from stone and stucco to match the town’s historic character, but with modern touches including solar panels and radiant floor heating. As part of an agreement with
the city, the owners drilled a new well at 7 Minute Spring and plugged an old leaking one. Two underground cisterns store the water and deliver it to SunWater. The 13 outdoor cedar tubs, on three levels, are filled with Manitou’s naturally carbonated mineral water, heated to 99-104 degrees. Soakers can look out on the surrounding mountains while feeling their cares melt away. Each tub has a name. Mary’s Mountain & Sauna is one of the most coveted, and is separated on the third level with a two-person sauna included. The spa also offers massages, facials, body wraps and other skin-care treatments, along with a sauna, a cold plunge and an indoor saline pool. Daily yoga classes round out the wellness offerings.
Chiropractor Winner: Thrive Health Systems, thrivehealthsystems.com Finalists: Carefree Chiropractic, Warner Chiropractic, Lowenstein Chiropractic
Place for Eyewear Winner: ABBA Eye Care, abbaeyecare.com Finalists: Archdale Eyecare, Rockrimmon Vision
Dental Practice Winner: Springs Dentistry, springsdentistry.com Finalists: The Downtown Dentist, Comfort Dental North Powers, Deer Creek Dental Doctor (M.D./D.O.) Winner: Dr. Rachael Degurse, pearlprimary.care Finalists: Dr. Lisa Jenks, Laurel A. Verant D.O., Dr. Susan Heffley
Health Club/Gym Winner: VASA Fitness, vasafitness.com Finalists: YMCA, VillaSport Athletic Club, Planet Fitness Yoga Studio/Classes Winner: Cambio Yoga, cambioyoga.com Finalists: Root Center for Yoga and Sacred Studies, Hot On Yoga, Praxis Yoga In-Home Care Provider Winner: The Independence Center, theindependencecenter.org Finalists: Gentle Shepherd Home Care, Advanced Health Care, Interim HealthCare
SOCOINSIDER.COM
Child Day Care Winner: Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool, littlesunshine.com/coloradosprings-colorado-preschools Finalists: Primrose, KinderCare, Colorado Kid Care, Early Connections Retirement & Assisted Living Facility Winner: MacKenzie Place, leisurecare.com/ our-communities/mackenzie-place-coloradosprings Finalists: Palisades, Sunny Vista, Amada Senior Care Medical Spa Winner: Timeless Aesthetics LLC, timelessaestheticsllc.com Finalists: Pearl Skin & Body Rejuvenation, MedSpa by Beauty Bar, Genesis Med Spa, A Total New You Salon and Medical Spa
VOL. 2 NO. 5 • NOVEMBER 2026
Barbershop Winner: Floyd’s, floydsbarbershop.com Finalists: Lincoln St. Barbers, Legends Barbershop, Sunday Barber Co. Hair Salon Winner: Hotsy Totsy Salon, hotsytotsysalon.com Finalists: Veda Salon and Spa, Beauty Bar Salon & Spa, Salon Bella Day Spa Winner: SunWater Spa, sunwaterspa.com Finalists: Timeless Aesthetics LLC, Veda Salon and Spa, Beauty Bar, Genesis Med Spa Nail Salon Winner: Beauty Bar Salon & Spa, beautybar-inc.com Finalists: Veda Salon and Spa, The Nails Studio, Helen’s Nails
Doctor (M.D./D.O.)
DR. RACHAEL DEGURSE ONE PHYSICIAN. TWO WAYS TO EXPERIENCE BETTER CARE
Direct Primary Care
Medical Spa
Personal, Physician-Led Care
Aesthetics - HRT - Skincare
pearlprimary.care
pearlskinbody.com
13
14
BEST OF COLORADO SRINGS 2026
BEST OF COLORADO SPRINGS
Home & Garden
Garden Supply/Nursery
Store for Houseplants
Multi-Winner: Rick’s Garden Center
P
lan to spend a lot of time at this Westside institution that’s been around since 1948. First, walk in and take a good sniff. Breathe in the scents of potting soil and plants. Pick up a seed packet and shake it; hear that sound? It’s the sound of possibilities for next year’s garden. Need a hoe or a hose? You’ll find them here. Need a tiny ceramic pot or a humongous one? Ditto. How about an apron or protective sleeves? Yep, Rick’s has them. In search of a bush, shrub or hedge? They’re all here. Browse the houseplant area for the one that’s just right for your home or a gift. Wander down the hill and explore the landscape décor, visualizing a sculpture or bench in your backyard. Check out the greenhouse and roam among the rows, breathing in the scents of life. Have a question about how to protect your plants from deer or prepare your garden for colder weather? The “Ricksters” are helpful, knowledgeable and caring; or you can sign up for a class, read the blog or fill out a form online.
If your exploring time is limited (so sad!), the website features an extensive page to shop the plant selection. It can be filtered by plant categories (such as trees, shade trees or ornamental trees), Stephen Winchell waters sunlight and water late-blooming rosebushes. requirements, wildlife attraction, plant hardiness zone, grow rates, flower color and many other options. If your time is really limited, you can arrange for curbside pickup. Rick’s truly has it all and can help gardeners, no matter how experienced, grow the gardens of their dreams.
Deck Builder Winner: Decks R Us, facebook.com/ DecksRUsIncCO Finalists: Oak Leaf Construction, Stewart Design Remodel Build, Bigfoot Decks and More
Garden Supply/Nursery Winner: Rick’s Garden Center, ricksgarden.com Finalists: Phelan Gardens, Summerland Gardens, Harding Nursery
Electrical Contractor Winner: WireNut, thewirenut.com Finalists: TEK Electric, American Electrician, Gaddie Electric, Eagle Eye Electric
HVAC Company Winner: Affordable Plumbing & Heat, affordableplumbingandheat.com Finalists: HVAC Solutions, Gene’s Heating and Air, Air Tech
Flooring Company Winner: Floor Craft, floorcraft.us Finalists: Bob’s Flooring, Osuna Hardwoods, Mollica’s Hardwoods, O’Brien’s Carpet One
Interior Design and Décor Winner: Turk Interiors, turkinteriors.com Finalists: 719 Staging & Design, Interiorz Group, Urban Design District, Senger Design
Photo credit: Rhonda Van Pelt
1827 W. Uintah St., ricksgarden.com
SOCOINSIDER.COM
VOL. 2 NO. 5 • NOVEMBER 2026
Kitchens and Bathrooms Winner: Oak Leaf Construction, oakleafcos.com Finalists: Turk Interiors, Stewart Remodel Design Build, Plush Kitchens, Steven Breitner
Store for Houseplants Winner: Rick’s Garden Center, ricksgarden.com Finalists: Phelan Gardens, The Living Room, Summerland Gardens
Painting Contractor Winner: Greg Unseth Painting and Stucco, gregunsethpainting.com Finalists: AMC Painting, CCH, J-Pro
Used Furniture Winner: Platte Furniture, plattefurniture.com Finalists: ReStore, American Classics Marketplace, Goodwill, The ARC
Remodeling Contractors Winner: Winds of Change, woccinc.com Finalists: CCH, Stewart Remodel Design Build, Alpine Contracting, Pure Renovations
Windows and Doors Winner: Window World, windowworldsocolorado.com Finalists: Greg Unseth Painting and Stucco, Alpine Installation (Roofing, Stucco, Windows and Doors), Tri-Lakes Garage Doors, Oak Leaf Construction
Roofing Company Winner: Cheyenne Mountain Roofing, cheyennemtnroofing.com Finalists: Triton Roofing, Reliable Roofing, RIZE Roofing, Holladay Brothers
15
16
BEST OF COLORADO SRINGS 2026
BEST OF COLORADO SPRINGS
Shopping & Services
Store for Fashion Accessories
Clothing Boutique
Women’s Store Multi-Winner: Terra Verde 208 North Tejon St., terraverdestyle.com
“
W
inning the Best of Business is exciting for us as a small business,” says Leah Riehl. “This kind of recognition makes us feel good, recognizes our loyal customers and brings in new business, too.” The recognition comes weeks after the boutique reopened from a renovation. Riehl and co-owner Carrie Hibbard closed the store for almost two weeks in late August to repaint, refresh the flooring and add a wall on the north side. The change trims the sales floor from about 6,000 square feet to 3,800, the store's original footprint. “We scaled back to the original footprint and are curating a unique collection of women’s clothing and accessories, which is what are clientele has said they want,” notes Riehl. “Come by and help us celebrate our 34th year in business during November.” Terra Verde carries contemporary women’s apparel from labels such as Free People and Prince Peter along with shoes, handbags, hats and jewelry. The owners are adding brands with an eye toward attainable pricing and
Adult Store Winner: Fascinations, fascinations.net Finalists: Hustler Hollywood, Kill Your Culture, Romantix, Seductions Auto & Truck (New) Winner: Phil Long Dealerships, phillong.com Finalists: Heuberger Subaru, Larry H. Miller Toyota, Perkins, Faricy Automotive
are partnering with local jewelry artists. The store also stocks home décor, candles, bath and body products and other gift items. Riehl and Hibbard managed the store for years before buying it in 2020. They see the update as part of keeping a long-running business current as downtown changes. The area’s residential population has nearly doubled in recent years, according to the Downtown Partnership, bringing in younger shoppers the owners want to reach without losing longtime regulars.
Auto & Truck (Used) Winner: Springs Automotive, springsautomotivegroup.com Finalists: CarMax, Perkins, Mike Maroone, Street Smart Auto Brokers Auto Repair Shop Winner: Honest Accurate Auto Service, honestaccurateauto.com Finalists: Christian Brothers Automotive, Aspen Auto Clinic, Al De Mark Auto Service
SOCOINSIDER.COM
Motorcycle/Motorsports Dealer Winner: Pikes Peak Harley-Davidson, pikespeakhd.com Finalists: Indian Motorcycle Dealership, Apex Sports, Rocky Mountain ATV Shopping Plaza/Mall Winner: The Promenade Shops at Briargate, thepromenadeshopsatbriargate.com Finalists: University Village, First and Main Town Center, Chapel Hills Mall, Cheyenne Mountain Shopping Center Bookstore Winner: Poor Richard’s, poorrichardsdowntown.com Finalists: Hooked on Books, Westside Stories, Basecamp Books and Adventure, Rainy Day Anime Comics Shop Winner: KaPow Comics & Coffee, kapowcomicsandcoffee.com Finalists: Escape Velocity Comics & Graphic Novels, Muse Comics, Rainy Day Anime, CK Comics Florist Winner: Platte Floral, platteflorist.com Finalists: Sweetwater Flower Market, Springs in Bloom, Skyway Creations, Dawn’s Creations Grocery Store Winner: King Soopers, kingsoopers.com Finalists: Trader Joe’s, Bread and Butter, Urban Grocer, Subway Antique Store Winner: American Classics Marketplace, americanclassicsmarketplace.com Finalists: Platte Furniture, Sweet William Antique Mall, Antique Marketplace
VOL. 2 NO. 5 • NOVEMBER 2026
Jewelry Store Winner: Revolution Jewelry Works, revolutionjewelryworks.com Finalists: Terra Verde, Luisa Graff, Johannes Hunter Eclectic Shop Winner: Eclectic Co. Downtown, shopeclecticco.com Finalists: Leechpit, Oddball Store Music and More, EZPawn Thrift Store Winner: Arc Thrift Stores, arcthrift.com Finalists: Goodwill, New Horizons Thrift Stores, Sisters’ Thrift & Boutique, Salvation Army Thrift Store Store for Fashion Accessories Winner: Terra Verde, terraverdestyle.com Finalists: Eclectic Co. Downtown, Mountain Standard Goods, Mackenzie & West Clothing Boutique Winner: Terra Verde, terraverdestyle.com Finalists: Eclectic Co., Urbane Collective, Mountain Standard Goods, Ashley’s Attic Men’s Store Winner: Rutledge’s, rutledges.com Finalists: The Men’s Xchange, Cavender’s Western Outfitter, The Drip Spot Women’s Store Winner: Terra Verde, terraverdestyle.com Finalists: Eve’s Revolution, Urbane Collective, Sparkles & Lace Boutique Bike Shop Winner: Old Town Bike Shop, oldtownbikeshop.com Finalists: Ted’s Bicycles, Criterium Bicycles, Ascent Cycling, Pedal Station
17
18
BEST OF COLORADO SRINGS 2026
Outdoor Outfitter Winner: Mountain Chalet, mtnchalet.com Finalists: REI, Scheels, Sierra Trading Post, Bass Pro Shops
Place to Buy Skis/Snowboards Winner: The Ski Shop, theskishopinc.com Finalists: Mountain Chalet, Christy Sports, REI, Colorado Ski and Golf Store for Music Winner: What’s Left Records, whatsleftrec.com Finalists: Leechpit, Entertainmart, Earth Pig, Oddball Store Music and More Tattoo Shop Winner: West Side Tattoo, westsidetattoo.net Finalists: El Dorado, Ink Inertia, Fallen Heroes, Tattoo Zoo Piercing Shop Winner: The Hive, thehivepiercing.square.site Finalists: Freaky’s, Holey Grail Tattooing & Body Piercing, Work of Heart, Certified Piercing Studio
Vape Shop Winner: Chief Vapor, chiefvapor.com Finalists: Myxed Up Creations, Vapor Source, J-Vapes, Pamir’s Smoke Shop Doggie Day Care Winner: Lucky Dog Daycare and Boarding, bealuckydog.com Finalists: Dogtopia, Woodland Play & Stay, CityVet Pet Grooming Winner: House of Hounds Grooming, facebook.com/HouseofHoundsGrooming Finalists: Happy Hounds Pet Grooming, The Furologist Pet Grooming, Republic of Paws Pet Food Store Winner: Bon Pet Supply, bonpetsupply.com Finalists: Pet Supplies Plus, Pet Pantry & Dog Wash, Republic of Paws Veterinary Clinic Winner: Bijou Animal Hospital, bijouanimalhospital.com Finalists: Westside Animal Hospital, Pikes Peak Veterinary Clinic, High Country Veterinary Hospital
Nominations Open Until Nov. 23, 2026
Celebrating Southern Colorado’s Soaring Young Professionals The Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest honors 40 exceptional professionals under 40 who are making an impact, driving innovation and shaping our region’s future. Submit Your 2027 40 Under 40 Nomination Today at socodigest.com! Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor
SOCOINSIDER.COM
BEST OF COLORADO SPRINGS
VOL. 2 NO. 5 • NOVEMBER 2026
Travel, Tourism & Fun
Garden Supply/Nursery
Store for Houseplants
Multi-Winner: Visit Colorado Springs 515 S. Cascade Ave., visitcos.com
W
ith more than 55 regional attractions and a huge variety of experiences to promote, Visit COS staffers have their hands full. It takes a paid staff of 18, several parttimers and nearly 40 volunteers to inspire visitors from near and far to explore places like Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and the Air Force Academy, places that are loved nationally (if not globally). They also support and promote unique events including Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, Labor Day Lift Off and Rocky Mountain State Games. Visit COS partners with all sorts of businesses and organizations to market their activities. Incorporated as a private nonprofit in 1980, Visit COS is funded through partnership fees, sponsorships and a portion of the Lodgers and Auto Rental Tax that the City of Colorado Springs collects and administers. If a couple is looking for the perfect place for an outdoorsy honeymoon, Visit COS has ideas. If a large, scattered family is planning a reunion, Visit COS can recommend locations and itineraries. If an organization is seeking a location for a convention, Visit COS can suggest the appropriate lodging, meeting rooms and
Family-Friendly Hotel Winner: The Academy Hotel, theacademyhotel.com Finalists: Quality Inn & Suites Garden of the Gods, Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hotel/Resort Winner: The Broadmoor, broadmoor.com Finalists: Garden of the Gods Resort, Mining Exchange, Hotel Polaris, The Antlers
fun things to do in the off-hours. The staffers are pros at what they do but, more importantly, they love this region. They’ve been to these events and locations, and they’re dedicated to supporting everyone who welcomes visitors. After more than 16 years leading Visit COS, President and CEO Doug Price has retired. Sean Dixon, who led Visit Topeka in Kansas for six years, has taken the reins of this organization that is so vital to the area’s economy.
Local B&B Winner: Old Town Guesthouse, oldtown-guesthouse.com Finalists: Holden House 1902 B&B, St. Mary’s Inn B&B, Spurs and Lace B&B, Outrider Hotel Casino Winner: Chamonix Casino Hotel, chamonixco.com Finalists: Bronco Billy’s, Century Casino, Double Eagle Hotel & Casino, Golden Nugget Casino & Hotel
19
20
BEST OF COLORADO SRINGS 2026
Outdoor Recreation Winner: Pikes Peak Cog Railway, cograilway.com Finalists: Adventures Out West, Shooks Run, Manitou Jeep LLC
Escape Room Winner: 21 Keys Escape Rooms, 21keysescapes.com Finalists: Escaped in Time, CodeBusters Escape Rooms, Locked In Escapes
Park Winner: Garden of the Gods, coloradosprings.gov/gog Finalists: Monument Valley Park, America the Beautiful Park, Memorial Park, Palmer Lake
Laser Tag Winner: Battlefield Colorado, battlefieldcolorado.com Finalists: Family Sports Center, Wolf Pack Laser Sports, Epic Entertainment, American Paintball Coliseum
Tourist Attraction Winner: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, cmzoo.org Finalists: Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, Pikes Peak Cog Railway, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum, Flying W Ranch Tourism Board/Organization Winner: Visit Colorado Springs, visitcos.com Finalists: Visit Manitou Springs, Pikes Peak Area Attractions, City of Cripple Creek, Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs Sporting Event Winner: Colorado College hockey, cctigers.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey Finalists: Switchbacks, Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Air Force hockey Sports Organization Winner: U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, usopc.org Finalists: Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Colorado Springs Sports Corp., AFA Football Arcade Winner: Manitou Springs Penny Arcade, manitouspringsarcade.com Finalists: Supernova, The Control Room, Dave & Buster’s, Soft Landing Arcade
Pickleball Court Winner: Monument Valley Park, coloradosprings.gov/parks/page/monumentvalley-park Finalists: Briargate YMCA, Peak Pickleball, Banning Lewis Ranch Pickleball Courts, Colorado Springs Sport and Social (Pickleball) Golf Course Winner: Patty Jewett Golf Course, coloradosprings.gov/pattyjewett Finalists: The Broadmoor Resort, World Golf Sand Creek, King’s Deer Golf Club Place for Thrill-Seekers Winner: Manitou Incline, manitouspringsco.gov/585/Manitou-Incline Finalists: Seven Falls, Overdrive Raceway, iFLY, Academy Riding Stables Running Club Winner: Jack Quinn’s Running Club, jackquinnsrunners.com Finalists: Colorado Running Co. Running Club, Red Leg Brewing Cooldown Running, Fossil Brewing Running Club, Attack Pack
THANKS FOR VOTING and keeping us
AWESOME!!! tonysdowntownbar.com
soapdishband.com
2026
NOV 19-DEC 13
TICKETS AT ENTARTS.ORG