7 Best Nightlife in Colorado Springs, South Central Colorado

Ivywild School

Fodor's choice

Student art still lingers on the bathroom walls of this historic elementary school turned hipster haunt. On one end of the 1916 school, Bristol Brewing Company schools patrons with its microwbrews while creative libations are shaken and stirred down the hall at the Principal's Office. Trendy locals flock to the historic site with large patios and lots of charm for the tastiest cafeteria grub around, with five dining options offering pizza, barbecue, salads, and empanadas in an art-covered hallway between the two bars. Axe and the Oak Whiskey House serve up spirits distilled from local grain at this popular hangout.

Cowboys

This is a favorite hangout for country music lovers and two-steppers.

Golden Bee

Remnants of a 19th-century English pub were discovered in a warehouse in New York City in the 1950s and moved to the Broadmoor site where the original mahogany bar, wood carvings, mirrors, and tin ceilings still define the Golden Bee's charm. The old-fashioned bar features a piano player leading sing-alongs. Watch out for the bees—as part of a long-standing tradition, they flick bee stickers into the audience during the show.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Judge Baldwin's

In the Antlers Hilton Colorado Springs, a stunning wood bar and trim gives the restaurant and bar a rich pub feel. Customers come back for the custom cocktails—like the Mile High Martini with gin, lime and grapefruit juice, and simple syrup or the Metro Tea, a twist on the Long Island iced tea—and a selection of Colorado craft beers are always on tap. Lunch and dinner are also served here daily.

Loonees Comedy Corner

This club showcases live stand-up comedy Thursday to Saturday evening. Some of the performers are nationally known.

Phantom Canyon Brewing Co.

In a century-old brick building, this noted brewpub has shuffleboard and billiards in an upstairs hall. There's great pub grub, plus hop-infused desserts.

Ritz

Located downtown, the Ritz fills up at cocktail hour and has a bistro-style menu for dining. The real action is Thursday–Saturday, when there's a DJ or live music. Locals recommend arriving before 7 pm if you plan to eat.