Colorado Springs is nestled at the base of the nation's most spectacular mountain, Pikes Peak. This rugged frontier environment naturally lends itself to a local cuisine dominated by hearty dishes and an abundance of smooth, hand-crafted brews. Food and drink is not just nourishment€"meals are an event here, something to be savored. Of course, one should not overlook the city's history as a genteel resort community€"this refined sensibility appears on many menus of sophisticated restaurants across town. Dining in Colorado Springs is a singular experience. In addition to a high standard of excellence in preparation and presentation, diners at nearly every restaurant in the area are treated to a view unlike any other€"that of the snow-topped Rocky Mountains.

West

Along Highway 24, stretching through Manitou Springs and to the base of Pikes Peak, are a number of upscale restaurants with fine dishes to tempt every palate. The most popular establishments are on the Broadmoor Hotel property, including the Golden Bee, an authentic English pub which serves beers by the yard and hosts nightly sing-alongs. Restaurants of a historical character housed in landmark buildings abound, like Briarhurst Manor, Cliff House, Craftwood Inn, La Petite Maison and the Stagecoach Inn. With perennial appearances on readers' choice lists, the Steaksmith is also a favorite, thanks to an environment perfectly balanced between elegant and comfortable. The district also holds several specialty eateries, including the Colorado City Creamery, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and Tajine Alami, a Moroccan-themed restaurant.

Central/Downtown

The heart of Colorado Springs is a dining hotbed, with a liberal mix of simple and fancy decors and old-fashioned and modern tastes. Historical Colorado Springs is on display at Fargo's Pizza Company, housed in a restored Victorian home, and at Giuseppe's, a renovated railroad depot. MacKenzie's Chop House is another upscale option, with a menu of choice beef cuts and a selection of more than 30 specialty martinis. Art buffs will appreciate El Tesoro and the Warehouse, eateries with a modern aesthetic, which combine dining with art viewing. If casual is more your style, check out Zeb's for laid-back barbecue, or Jose Muldoon's and Nemeth's El Tejon for great southwestern plates. Great food can also be found at the Ritz Grill and Phantom Canyon Brewing Company, two restaurants that draw brew connoisseurs from across the country.

Dining diversity abounds in the area, but great taste is the thread that runs throughout. Whether you desire the finest dining experience or just a quick bite with friends, the town has a number of establishments from which to choose. As if these were not enough, you will also find numerous bars, breweries and pubs to tempt your tastebuds. The clean, crisp mountain air is sure to make you work up a healthy appetite€"get out there and sample all the sights, smells and tastes of the city's culinary community!

North

The northern neighborhoods of Colorado Springs hold a wonderful blend of traditional local tastes and a variety of world cuisine. If you crave the old-fashioned goodness of steak and potatoes, the County Line Smokehouse or the Country Buffet serve up huge portions of country favorites in a comfortable, casual environment. Flavors are a bit more continental at the Marigold Cafe & Bakery, a French-themed eatery that has cultivated a devoted following in the community during more than 20 years in business. Spicy Caribbean fare can be found at Isla Bonita, and India Garden is the city's exotic Indian hot spot. If pasta is your preference, try Antonio's or Carrabba's Italian Grill, both of which give conventional Italian a modern twist.

South

Southern Colorado Springs does not have an abundance of restaurants, but those it has are of superior quality. The most casual is probably Luigi's, a family-owned Italian restaurant with a menu full of homemade standards. For German fare, try another ethnic enclave called Edelweiss. For a full-course meal in the most sophisticated of atmospheres, make a reservation at Winery Fine Dining. The price is rich, but so is the food, and the experience is well worth it!