Don’t judge a book by its cover, especially when it comes to these restaurants.

Colorado Springs is full of new restaurants with the hippest decor and dazzling Instagram feeds, however, some of the city’s best food is found in the most unlikely places.

* With COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions ever changing, we encourage you to check-in with each of the restaurants listed below for their most up-to-date information before planning your visit.

Here are Colorado Springs’ top hole-in-the-wall restaurants you’ve got to visit!

1. The Green Line Grill

You didn’t know you needed this in your life until you tasted it — that is, Chef Bobby Couch’s El Reno-style Onion ‘Fried’ Burger from The Green Line Grill. This inexpensive (yet delicious) version of the classic burger got its start in central Oklahoma during the dust bowl and its tasty glory has now spread to the Rocky Mountains. Be sure to visit this spot for an unforgettable burger and a taste of American history.

2. Alfonso’s Mexican Food

Alfonso’s serves authentic Mexican food in the truest sense of the phrase! Located on 21st street off of Highway 24, this spot doesn’t look like much on the outside — a colorful sign and some festive window paint decorate a small stucco building. However, as soon as you walk in the door, you’ll know that you’re in for a treat. Their menu has it all — Carne Asada Tostadas, Fish Tacos, Pork Smothered Tamales, and more!

3. Roman Villa

Are you looking for some delicious pizza or homemade pasta and fresh marinara sauce? Roman Villa is the place to be! This unsuspecting restaurant is a community staple, serving Colorado Springs since 1959! After you’re stuffed full, be sure to grab a jar of their house-made Italian Dressing to enjoy at home.

4. Cy’s Drive-In Grill

This westside gem will transport you right back to the year it first opened its doors — 1953. The burgers are classic diner burgers — sloppy, indulgent, and delicious. It’s the quintessential hole-in-the-wall spot, with nostalgic posters on the wall, curbside service (even before the pandemic!), and creamy milkshakes that will take you back to childhood’s hot summer days.

5. Spice Island Grill

Claudette and Glenroy Hutchinson have been providing authentic Jamaican spice to Colorado Springs since 2011. Spice Island Grill has two locations that are serving up Reggae rhythms and unique entrees (like their Curry Goat, Jerk Chicken, or Red Snapper Filet) in a tropical-inspired atmosphere that will transport you right to the beach!

Not to mention, this hole-in-the-wall was actually featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” with Guy Fieri and is a stop on our Original Colorado Springs Food Tour!

6. The Omelette Parlor

Once the home of famous American singer and actress, Ruth Etting, this historic restaurant is now best-known for their amazing omelettes! As you drive on Fillmore Street, you can’t miss this green and white house-turned-restaurant. If you’re a breakfast fan, it’s well-worth a visit as it’s been voted ‘Best Breakfast’ in Colorado Springs for more than 20 years!

7. Johnny’s Navajo Hogan

Navajo Hogan was built in 1935 as a roadhouse and gathering spot for friends and neighbors, and it’s remained that way ever since. Their menu is diverse — serving brick oven pizzas, burgers, and Mexican staples like their Chicken Avocado Burrito — and typically accompanied by some live entertainment.

8. El Taco Rey

This little hole-in-the-wall spot is nestled inconspicuously in Downtown Colorado Springs, surrounded by new apartment buildings and hip cafes. Their website says they serve “Mexican food fit for a king,” and we agree! They’re well-known for being a go-to lunch spot, bringing in a daily line of people hungry for tacos and their Avocado Pork Burrito.

9. El Poblano Mobil

El Poblano Mobil is one of the most unique establishments on this list. Grab some out-of-this-world tacos and enjoy them in a converted bus. This spot is one-of-a-kind, affordable, and serves up some of the most interesting taco options you’ll find in Colorado Springs, like cow tongue and pig stomach. We’re always up for trying something new!

10. Mother Muff’s Kitchen & Spirits

Mother Muff’s is known for having delicious food and amazing karaoke and live music. While they serve a bit of everything, they’re well-known for their amazing breakfast offerings, like the South West Breakfast Pizza, Sweet Potato Hash, or a giant Cinnamon Roll. This Old Colorado City staple is about to become your favorite local spot. 

11. Tasty Freeze

Tasty Freeze is one of Colorado Springs’ best kept secrets. Hidden in Downtown’s historic neighborhood, The Old North End, this little spot is the quintessential summertime hangout. Grab a cheap hotdog or burger and an ice cream cone, sundae, or shake.

12. Drifter’s Hamburgers

Since 2008, Drifter’s has been on a mission to rescue “the reputation of the “fast food hamburger,” and they’re succeeding. While the restaurant itself isn’t anything flashy, their ingredients are of the highest quality — locally processed beef without any added hormones or antibiotics, buns without preservatives or GMO, and freshly sliced vegetables — and you can tell in every bite!

Are you eager to go grab some amazing grub from one of these local spots? Us too! Be sure to tag us in all of your foodie photos and let us know which spot was your favorite!

Cheers! Your Rocky Mountain Food Tours Team

(So, what’s a food tour, anyway…?)

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