
Whether you're a regular or simply curious about the local legacy eateries and culinary traditions, here's a glimpse of 10 of the oldest restaurants in Colorado Springs. We've listed them in order of their opening dates, from youngest to the oldest, leaving it to you to figure out which one claims the title of the oldest in town. Think you know of an older one? Leave a comment for us below!
- Jose Muldoons's: A downtown favorite since 1974, Jose Muldoon's has been a cornerstone of the local dining scene. Renowned for its hearty portions of classic Mexican dishes and beloved Margaritas, Jose's has won the hearts of many. The back patio, a hidden gem, provides a delightful outdoor dining experience. One of the restaurants notable achievements came in 1999 when they crafted what was the world's largest margarita, as certified by Guinness World Records at an impressive 4,756.5 gallons.
- Fargo's Pizza: If you grew up playing sports in Colorado Springs, there's a good chance you've visited Fargo's Pizza. Since 1973, they've been serving pizza and pasta to kids, families, and the community. Fargo's offers a one-of-a-kind experience with its Victorian-style decor, Old West charm, life-sized characters, arcade, and magic mirrors that announce when your meal is ready.
- Senor Manuel: Established in 1970, is now in the hands of the fourth generation of the Hernandez family. Their commitment to homemade Mexican cuisine shines through the menu, especially with their house-made tortillas. Unfortunately, the beloved restaurant is currently closed due to a fire in July. The Hernandez family has expressed their intent to reopen on Facebook, and the community has shown strong support through a GoFundMe campaign and other local fundraisers for the restaurant and its staff. Hopefully we'll be able to enjoy their delicious food once again soon.
- Edelweiss: Founded in 1967, Edelweiss offers a dining experience that transports you to a timeless restaurant in a historic German city. The menu features a blend of traditional and modern dishes from Germany and other European countries. Run by the muti-generational Schnakenberg family, Edelweiss also boasts the largest selection of German beers in town, which can be enjoyed in their Biergarten or the Ratskeller. Interestingly, the Ratskeller was built using stone from the Cheyenne Canyon and forms of the building's foundation. Visit Thursday through Sunday evenings to enjoy traditional Bavarian music performed throughout the restaurant.
- Roman Villa's: Opened in 1959, this modest restaurant on North Nevada Avenue has been a family affair for four generations of the Biondi Family, with the women leading the way. Some of their regulars have been coming for just as many generations. However, whether its your first visit or you're a weekly patron, everyone is made to feel like a regular. Roman Villa's homemade pasta and pizza are truly delightful. Be sure to try their house-made lasagna, and of course, always order a side of meatballs!
- Luigi's: Established in 1958 by Leo Cervetti, a bricklayer from Chicago who contributed to the construction of the Air Force Academy Chapel and various buildings on the Colorado College campus, the restaurant has deep history. Luigi's retains the charm of a classic Italian eatery with its red and white checkered tablecloths and Chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling. True to its origins, everything is made by hand in-house.
- King's Chef: Since 1956, hungry diners in the Springs have been flocking to the quirky purple castle downtown. Although there were a few years when the original castle location was closed, King's Chef has maintained its status as a beloved greasy-spoon diner at both of its downtown spots. Featured on the Food Network and NBC's Today, the diner is a local favorite for its famous green chile and generous breakfast dishes like The Thing, which includes heaping portions of hand-shredded hash browns, eggs, cheese, onions, green chile, or gravy.
- Tasty Freeze: This local gem has been a staple in the Old North End neighborhood since the mid-1950s. Nestled behind the Bon Shopping Center, arriving at Tasty Freeze feels like uncovering a hidden local secret. The steady stream of bikes arriving from Middle Shooks Run Trail signals its popularity among locals. Tasty Freeze delivers all of the classics you'd expect from an old-fashioned ice cream drive-in: dipped soft serve cones, sundaes, milkshakes, banana splits, along with hamburgers and hotdogs.
- BJ's Velvet Freez: There's something special about cruising down Union Blvd and spotting the iconic vintage sign and over sized ice cream cone of BJ's Velvet Freez. Since 1954 this classic drive-in has been a beloved staple of the neighborhood. Over the years, they've expanded their patio and improved their drive-thru, making it more accessible. The menu remains faithful to its roots, offering American classics like soft serve ice cream, shakes, hamburgers, and a pork tenderloin sandwich.
- Juniper Valley Ranch: This establishment has been serving up the same cherished menu since 1951, with the only addition being Nashville Hot Chicken. Meals are served family style, featuring your choice of baked ham or fried chicken (raised right on their ranch), accompanied by mashed potatoes, okra, and homemade biscuits. Seasonal homemade pies are also offered for dessert. Located about 20 miles south of downtown Colorado Springs, the cozy adobe-style farmhouse enhances the authentic farm-to-table experience.
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