A Roundup of New-ish Venues in the Region, from a Tiki Bar to a Trainwreck

By Kristian DePue

We are focusing on Colorado Springs all week. Click here for a roundup of new hotspots and check back here for a list of great summer events.

Colorado Springs is poppin’ under Pikes Peak with a burgeoning food and beverage scene. The culinary culture has continued to evolve in the past decade, resulting in dining experiences that are difficult to find in other parts of the state. If you haven’t visited Colorado Springs in a while, or if you are a local who hasn’t stepped out in a minute, here are some hot spots at the foot of America’s Mountain that shouldn’t be slept on.

Shrunken Head Tiki Bar is a concept by restaurateur Joe Campana. This underground hideaway is meant to immerse you in beach culture and a bygone time. Described as a “liquid luau,” this oasis offers a variety of craft cocktails served in eclectic mugs. “We wanted a vintage, tropical escape that captures the eye,” says Audriana ‘Audi’ Crane, co-owner with Campana. “Shrunken Head is an exceptional experience — from our mugs to the rums.”
Fan Favorites: Dragon Water — a cocktail built with dragonberry rum, gold rum, lychee, passion fruit, grapefruit and rose water.
But Don’t miss: “The Tiki Daddy and Painkiller are must haves,” Crane says.
114 N. Tejon St. Suite 10

Trainwreck is a multiplex of fun, food and drinks with fire pits, televisions and virtual golf. “We’re excited to bring a unique venue to Colorado Springs that offers golf simulators, putting greens, cornhole, bocce ball, sand volleyball and more,” says manager Taylor Shelton. “Our goal is to be an exceptional entertainment experience. As big believers in working for the weekend, we’re a break from adulting.”

Favorites: Pizza, from margherita to potatoes and prosciutto, and Buzzed Bites: a sampler platter of two Trainwreck Twinkies, four wings, pretzel bites with beer cheese, and onion dip with house chips. All aboard!
Don’t miss: “The Trainwreck Twinkies are awesome — they’re shrimp and jalapeño poppers wrapped in wonton paper and served with pork green chili,” suggests Shelton. For a drink, Shelton recommends the Tequila Daisy. “It’s our take on a margarita made with delicious Tanteo jalapeño tequila for a little spice to your life.”
812 S. Sierra Madre St.

Tokki translates to “rabbit” and it’s the name of an Asian tapas bar in the Springs. “Tokki is the luckiest Zodiac – it symbolizes abundance and prosperity” says owner Peter Choe. “People who are born in the year of the rabbit have great taste.” On the southside of the Springs, this chic kitchen-and-lounge serves savory and stylish dishes paired with creative cocktails. Tokki is essentially a posh Japanese izakaya with Korean flavor. “It’s a fun, relaxed ambience with the best food around,” Choe adds.
Favorites: “Our gogi lettuce wraps since day one,” Choe says with no hesitation.
Don’t miss: Tokki’s Thai Spiced Old Fashioned — with Thai spices and basil garnish.
182 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd.

The Garden has a mission as simple as its name: to provide a place to congregate. This biergarten sits appropriately in the center of downtown offering a variety of brews, ciders and spirits – along with food trucks, musicians, movie nights and much more. “I love The Garden,” declares Katy Houston, communications specialist. “The people behind The Garden are the nicest humans, and they offer a fantastic oat milk latte. I work from ‘home’ there once a month, if not more – such cozy vibes.” The Garden is a love letter to Colorado Springs – offering local beer, distilled spirits, live music and pop-up shops featuring Pikes Peak’s prime provisions.
Favorites: “Our beers have remained our guests’ favorite items,” says Lazlo Steele, beverage director with Atlas Restaurant Group. “We focus on local craft breweries, and the top taps are consistently between FH Beerworks’ Sticky Paws and the Goat Patch Hazy IPA. Also, I really love our buffalo chicken dip. It’s simple, straightforward and entirely delightful.”
Don’t miss: Their frequent affairs and occasions. Keep up on Facebook and Instagram with @thegardencos
401 S. Nevada Ave.

Born and raised in rural Indiana, Kristian DePue works as a contributing writer. In addition to writing, he enjoys travel, watching films, and a good cocktail.

This article is in the May-June issue of our print magazine. Click here to read the full magazine online.