If I had to pick where to eat my last supper, it would have to be at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. With 19 restaurants, cafes and lounges on the Colorado property, I’d be able to keep my dining options open and wander from restaurant to restaurant like a never-ending progressive dinner. Colorado Springs dining at Broadmoor restaurants offers something for everyone, from vegan options to housemade charcuterie, fresh baked artisan breads, some of the best barbecue in the Colorado Rockies and hand crafted truffles. Let the feasting begin!
Broadmoor’s Ristorante Del Lago
Designed by restaurant architect Adam D. Tihany, Ristorante Del Lago, located on the ground level of Broadmoor West, reminds me of dining on Italy’s Lake Como. The open air restaurant and bar with its exposed wood beams, terra cotta tile and indoor/outdoor fireplace creates a welcoming atmosphere to break bread with friends and family. To drink up the flavors of Italy start with Sanguinello Campari, Limoncello and blood orange cocktail for $11.75. Check the website for current pricing and menu items.
Broadmoor’s Summit
Located adjacent to Broadmoor Hall, Summit restaurant feels like a cocktail party followed with dinner at your best friend’s house. Inspired by Colorado Springs Pike’s Peak, architect Adam D. Tihany blended wood, glass, metal, leather and fabric to give this American brasserie a contemporary feel.
Start your meal with a glass of Summit Sangria featuring Absolut pear vodka, Belle de Brillet liqueur, honey syrup and pomegranate juice with Mendoza Malbec $11.75 followed with a Wagyu beef burger from Eagle’s Nest Ranch, Colorado topped with Maytag blue cheese, radicchio, apple slaw and Summit fries on the side.
La Taverne at Broadmoor
Located in the Broadmoor main lobby, La Taverne has had a foothold at this Colorado Springs resort since 1939. La Taverne is a restaurant for classic cocktails (I’m looking at you Zombie!) steak lovers and carnivores of all types – they have seafood, too. I ordered the Colorado rack of lamb and was rewarded with my local selection. Our group of four began the meal with the shellfish platter of Maine lobster, shrimp, oysters and smoked mussels. Carb-lovers take note, our party couldn’t keep our hands out of the bread basket. La Taverne also features an ever-changing pie of the day.
Johann Willar, Broadmoor head baker extraordinaire, is a third generation baker from northern France. Willar creates beautiful breads, brioche and buns that are lovingly hand crafted for the entire Broadmoor campus in his bakery.
Another unsung hero is Broadmoor Chocolatier Ana Musia. Musia works magic with her wide array of chocolates – from Felchin – the work horse of the chocolates, to the creamy milk chocolate Valrhona Bahibe. When asked to name her favorite creation, Musia was hesitant to single one out, “I touch a lot of the desserts at The Broadmoor.”
For me, I couldn’t decide between the chocolate crunch bar served at Summit or the peanut butter truffles available for purchase at Espresso News.
Play at The Broadmoor
A six lane bowling alley and game room might keep kids and adults happy in foul weather, but I’ll opt for horseback riding in Pikes Peak national forest anytime. Play restaurant, located in Broadmoor West, will bowl you over with Southwest vegetarian chili, Hawaiian flatbread or burgers and dogs.
I didn’t have a chance to dine at Penrose Room, the only five star, five diamond restaurant in all of Colorado, the English pub Golden Bee or the recently opened Natural Epicurean. As I said, Colorado Springs dining options offer an endless progressive dinner opportunity at Broadmoor restaurants. This isn’t my last supper at The Broadmoor…I’ll be back!
Insider Tip
If barbecue is your preferred method of cooking you simply must attend Barbecue University with Grill Master Steven Raichlen. This three day interactive grilling course at The Broadmoor will have you re-kindling your connection with your inner caveman in Colorado Springs.
If You Go:
The Broadmoor (855) 634-7711
1 Lake Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906
Article and photos by Food & Wine Writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of The Broadmoor for restaurant review purposes. All opinions are my own.