dining: readers’ PiCKs
gaZeTTe.COM/BesTOF
bartender: brandon davis JeFF KearneY
AL FRESCO
GOLD: MARCO’S PIZZA 9420 Briar Village Point, 434-3773, marcos.com
The eatery has an extensive patio area facing the Front Range and an impressive view of Pikes Peak. SILVER: AMANDA’S FONDA BRONZE: THE MARGARITA AT PINECREEK
BAKERY
GOLD: MARIGOLD CAFÉ AND BAKERY
BARTENDER
GOLD: BRANDON DAVIS, COPPERHEAD ROAD HONKEY TONK SALOON 3330 N. Academy Blvd., 659-9099, copperheadroadbar.com
Davis’ fans said: “Best bartender by far. The guy knows how to talk to people, make them smile and have a good time, and he definitely knows his drinks.” “Brandon is awesome. He is such a showman, breathes fire and spins bottles, not to mention (being) incredibly attractive.” SILVER: NATE WINDHAM, THE BLUE STAR BRONZE: FRANK FREY, NOSH
4605 Centennial Blvd., 599-4776, marigoldcoloradosprings.com
It’s not a surprise that this restaurant gets high praise for baked goods. Elaine Chavanon, who co-owns Marigold with her husband, Dominique, trained in pastries at the Culinary Institute of America and polished her skills in France. Breads, pastries and desserts are to live for. SILVER: LA BAGUETTE BRONZE: COUTURE CUPCAKES
BARBECUE
GOLD: BIRD DOG BBQ
BEER
GOLD: LAUGHING LAB Bristol Brewing Co., 1647 S. Tejon St., 633-2555, bristolbrewing.com
Locally owned, Bristol’s beer swept the category, with Laughing Lab taking top honors. “An absolute Colorado Springs classic. The epitome of Colorado craft brews.” “It is all good at Bristol, but Lab is still the one.” SILVER: BEEHIVE HONEY WHEAT BRONZE: WINTER WARLOCK
Multiple locations, birddogbbq.com
Just thinking about the beef brisket or fall-off-thebone ribs will get you salivating. Here’s what ‘cue fans said: “Great lunch specials and always great food.” “Unbelievable deals and always on time and always happy to help in any way possible.” SILVER: RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE AND BAR-B-Q BRONZE: FRONT RANGE BARBEQUE
SALAD
GOLD: SOUPER SALAD Multiple locations, soupersalad.com
Here you’ll find reasonably priced buffet selections of salad fixings, hot soups and other foods. Here’s one reader’s comment: “Not the greatest atmosphere, but the veggies and toppings are fresh, and the price is great.” SILVER: MARCO’S PIZZA BRONZE: PANERA BREAD
SANDWICH
GOLD: JIMMY JOHN’S GOURMET SANDWICHES Multiple locations, jimmyjohns.com
A chain known for being “freaky fast, freaky good” makes amazing sandwiches. Try the gluten-free number: sandwich fillings rolled in lettuce leaves. SILVER: WHICH WICH BRONZE: PANERA BREAD
SUB SHOP GOLD: SUBWAY
Multiple locations, subway.com
BREAKFAST
GOLD: THE OMELETTE PARLOR 900 E. Fillmore St., 633-7770, co-spgs-omeletteparlor.com
Breakfast as it was meant to be — fluffy eggs, thick, perfectly crisp bacon, fresh-squeezed OJ — and all in a bright, comfy, country-house atmosphere. SILVER: THE EGG & I BRONZE: KING’S CHEF DINER
14 I BEST OF THE SPRINGS I 2013 I THE GazETTE
The national chain is a consistent go-to for a sandwich made the way you want it. SILVER: WHICH WICH BRONZE: MARCO’S PIZZA