International Food in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is hub for unique experiences, from outdoor adventures to a thriving arts and culture scene. Located only 1.5 hours south of Denver and a day’s drive from Salt Lake City, Phoenix, and Tulsa, the city offers over 230 arts-related businesses in the state-certified downtown creative district, more than 30 museums and annual festivals that celebrate the region’s diversity. But how did Colorado Springs become such a multicultural community?
Five military installations, two air force bases, and more than 10 colleges and universities bring diverse demographics to the region, including over 36,000 new Hispanic residents to El Paso County and 2,000 new Black residents to Colorado Springs over the past decade. Small Business Advisory Council, COS Open for Biz, and the Pikes Peak Small Business Center assist small business owners and local entrepreneurs in opening every kind of business in Colorado Springs.
Entrepreneur Felipe Velasquez, owner of Felipe’s 109, a Colorado Springs restaurant known for its taco burgers, is the perfect example of an entrepreneur in Colorado Springs taking his business to the next level — growing from two workers (his wife and sister) to twelve employees. Velasquez started running his food truck in 2020 and then moved to expand his business to a brick-and-mortar location at 3008 S. Academy Blvd.
From Filipino adobo to Jamaican jerk chicken, international food in Colorado Springs offers a smorgasbord of delicious options and more than a taste of the world’s cultures. Here are just a few of the popular eateries that make the city a thriving hub to try out a delicious cuisine or even start your own business.
International Dining Hot Spots
The Lucky Dumpling – Globally-inspired and personally influenced, The Lucky Dumpling is Chef Brother Luck’s second restaurant in Colorado Springs after the opening of Four by Brother Luck in 2018. Chef Luck, a James Beard “Best Chef” semi-finalist and popular contender on Bravo’s “Top Chef,” opened The Lucky Dumpling after traveling to Asia and honing his recipe for his childhood favorite food — dumplings.
Streetcar520 – If you’re looking for a unique space with an internationally inspired menu, Streetcar520 boasts both. Located within a building on Tejon Street that held street cars in the early 20th century, the restaurant is a gathering place for friends to share mouthwatering dishes like kimchi fries, falafel, and tenderloin kabobs.
Dos Santos Tacos – Owned by two brothers, Dos Santos Tacos is the result of exceptional culinary talent influenced by the cultures of New York and Mexico. Since 2015 the restaurant has served up award-winning margaritas and local favorites like a salsa flight and Tulum-style shrimp ceviche.
The Great British Food Company – Sports fans unite at The Great British Food Company — a British pub-style restaurant serving traditional fare like fish and chips and an English breakfast complete with the essential black pudding.
Ambli Global – Evoke a sense of wanderlust with an international dish from Ambli Global like yellowtail tostadas, chicken tikka masala, or machi paka. The restaurant offers mouthwateringly delicious food with a glowing ambiance.
Food Halls Serve Up a Variety for All
Sharing a delicious dish can inspire collaboration and innovation, propelling communities to new heights. In Colorado Springs, several food halls are doing just that.
The Well – In March 2022, a building that once housed an auto repair shop and bus depot was transformed into an Art Deco inspired food hall with indoor and outdoor community building spaces called The Well. Four kitchens are currently tenants. Kumbala offers authentic Mexican fare with a specialty in barbacoa and reinterpreted pozole made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Dun Sun is a family-owned, fast-casual street eats concept serving a contemporary spin on Asian fusion. Beside The Well is the Philanthropic Collective — a workspace that draws together the region’s brightest minds in philanthropy.
Tejon Eatery – Those looking for delicious cuisines matched only by a high level of entertainment should try Tejon Eatery. The 28,000 square-foot superstructure opened in 2021 and includes two cocktail bars, 16 large TVs, live entertainment, full-service VIP rooms, and nine restaurants ranging from dumplings to tacos. On the second floor, the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum displays of some of the most legendary bikes in the world, with an outside balcony perfect for socializing over drinks.
COATI – Dubbed a “culinary incubator” by the organizers at Atlas Restaurant Group, COATI offers culinary dishes from several fixed vendors along with rotating menu of guest chefs. While the soulful seafood and Korean-inspired street eats are sure to invite foodies, COATI is much more than a grub hub — with an eclectic mix of on-site murals, live performances, and a complete calendar of events including community yoga. Reserve space for your next business or social event at the 13,000 square-foot venue and then connect next door to the Pikes Peak Brewing Lager House, complete with the fabulous Star Bar and rooftop patio.
Colorado Springs takes two things seriously — food and business collaboration. Are you looking for a place to grow your business or professional career? Learn more about the culture and dining options in Colorado Springs or contact us if you’re interested in joining our diverse community.