4 Best Restaurants in South Central Colorado, Colorado

This local favorite draws visitors to mismatched tables with drawings by regional artists hovering on the walls above. The food has an organic bent, with many vegetarian options. Vegan Mexican green chile smothers the famous huevos rancheros, and seasonal French toast specialties attract breakfast enthusiasts until late afternoon, while spicy Asian bowls and rustic Italian lasagna bring in the dinner crowd.

The coffee is full-bodied at this coffeehouse and café where all profits go to local charities. Amish baked goods reign on the menu with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

With stunning views of Cheyenne Lake and the main hotel, this "restaurant of the lake" features an open kitchen and cozy lounge. Smaller portions allow guests to try a variety of authentic Italian dishes from antipasti and wood-fired pizzas to lasagna and house-made sausage. Ask your server or the house sommelier which of the restaurant's 150 selections of wine to pair with each course.

Piles of sweet and savory baked goods, from salted caramel cronuts to homemade strawberry pop-tarts, some still warm from the oven, cover the coffee bar at this quaint brunch spot downtown. Colorful and vintage-inspired wallpaper and decor create a cozy second-floor dining room that's packed on weekends, but rooftop tables with views of the Collegiate Peaks offer the best spot in the house. Open-face sandwiches, breakfast nachos, and eggs Benedict with dill hollandaise are crowd-pleasers. Dinner is served Thursday through Saturday, and lunch can be found downstairs, where Sweetie's (same owners) offers more than 60 sandwiches made with the same breads and fresh ingredients.