If you want to understand the soul of Colorado Springs, you don’t go to the big-box retail centers on the north end of town; you head west to Old Colorado City (OCC). Founded in 1859 as the first capital of the Territory of Colorado, this neighborhood has transitioned from a wild-west hub of saloons and gold miners to a sophisticated district of brick-lined sidewalks, high-end galleries, and some of the best patios in the state.
While tourists often get swept up in the whirlwind of Manitou Springs just down the road, locals know that OCC is where you go for a better meal, a slower pace, and a more authentic slice of history.
Table of Contents
- Where to Eat: From Giant Cinnamon Rolls to Tapas
- Art and Culture: More Than Just Galleries
- Local Secrets for Navigating the District
- Boutique Shopping: Support Local Makers
- Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Eat: From Giant Cinnamon Rolls to Tapas
The food scene in Old Colorado City is dense. You could spend a week eating only on West Colorado Avenue and still miss a few gems.
Mountain Shadows Restaurant
If you aren’t here by 8:30 AM on a weekend, prepare to wait. But it’s worth it. My absolute favorite thing to order is the giant cinnamon roll. It’s the size of a dinner plate and smothered in icing. Pro tip: Don’t try to tackle this alone. Order one for the table to share while you wait for your Rocky Mountain Stuffed Southwest Omelet.
Pizzeria Rustica
For dinner, this is the gold standard. It’s located in a restored 1889 building and is one of the few restaurants in the region with a legitimate Vera Pizza Napoletana certification. The secret to a perfect night here is requesting a seat on the back patio—it’s tucked away from the street noise and feels like a private Italian courtyard. Order the “Salsiccia” and pair it with a bottle of Chianti.
TAPAteria
Right next door to the pizzeria is its sister restaurant, TAPAteria. This is the spot for authentic Spanish tapas. It’s 100% gluten-free (though you’d never know it) and serves the best marinated olives and Boquerones in the city. It’s intimate, loud, and perfect for a date night.
Art and Culture: More Than Just Galleries
Old Colorado City has the highest concentration of independent art galleries in Colorado Springs. It isn’t just “look but don’t touch”—it’s an active community of makers.
The First Friday Art Walk
If your visit aligns with the first Friday of the month (April through December), you’re in luck. From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the galleries open their doors, serve wine and appetizers, and local artists hang out to chat about their work. It’s the best time to see the neighborhood at its most vibrant.
Michael Garman’s Magic Town
You’ll see the entrance on Colorado Ave, and it might look like a simple gift shop. Go deeper. Magic Town is a 1/6th-scale miniature city created by the late Michael Garman. It’s gritty, incredibly detailed, and uses mirrors and lighting to create “magic” illusions of characters moving through the streets. It’s weird, wonderful, and uniquely OCC.
Local Secrets for Navigating the District
The biggest mistake visitors make is fighting for the metered parking on Colorado Avenue. The secret to avoiding the crowd and the cost is to park one block south on West Pikes Peak Avenue. There is usually plenty of free street parking, and it’s a much shorter walk than you’d think.
Also, keep an eye on Bancroft Park. During the summer, there’s a local Farmer’s Market every Saturday. While the market itself is great, the real local move is grabbing a coffee from Jives Coffee Lounge across the street and sitting in the park to watch the live bluegrass bands that often set up there.
Boutique Shopping: Support Local Makers
Skip the “I Heart Colorado” t-shirts and look for the shops that have been here for decades.
- The Simpich Showcase: Famous for their character dolls, this is a piece of local history. Even if you aren’t a collector, the craftsmanship is staggering.
- Cuchara: This is a “shoppe” for people who love to cook. It’s packed with high-end kitchen gadgets, local spices, and unique linens.
- The Squash Blossom: For high-end, authentic Native American jewelry and Western art, this is the most respected shop in the district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Colorado City the same as Downtown Colorado Springs?
No. Old Colorado City is about 2 miles west of the modern downtown. It was a separate city until it was annexed by Colorado Springs in 1917. It maintains a much more historic, “small-town” feel compared to the high-rises of downtown.
Is there free parking in Old Colorado City?
While the main stretch of Colorado Avenue has metered parking, you can find free street parking just one block north or south of the main strip (on Pikes Peak Ave or Cuervo St).
Is Old Colorado City walkable?
Extremely. The historic district spans about 10-12 blocks, all connected by wide, flat sidewalks. It’s very easy to park once and explore the entire area on foot.
Old Colorado City is best experienced when you aren’t rushed. Take the time to poke your head into the side-street shops and stay for that second glass of wine on the patio.
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