7 best 'hidden gem' restaurants in Colorado Springs

Like diamonds in the rough, these eateries are now beginning to shine.

Whether you've heard of them or not, they've caught the attention of many with their inclusion in this year's Best of the Springs magazine.

Readers of The Gazette have spoken, and here are the selections they've chosen as the best 'hidden gem' restaurants around the city:

7. Hafa Adai Fiesta Food

Hafa Adai offers cuisine from Guam including lunch plates and island treats like guava cake and latiya, a dessert from Guam made from sponge cake, vanilla custard, and cinnamon. They just celebrated their 6th anniversary by having a drawing for six free lunches. You can find them at 109 East Pikes Peak Ave. in downtown Colorado Springs.

6. Lebowski's Taproom

Inspired by the cult classic "The Big Lebowski," this taproom combines eclectic memorabilia with signature dishes and drinks. Enjoy burgers including the "Lebowski Burger," sandwiches, salads and more at 3240 Centennial Blvd.

5. Vine & Wheel

Vine & Wheel's foundation is all about wine and cheese, but it doesn't stop there. Their menu includes fresh oysters, French onion meatballs, short rib risotto and much more. Vine & Wheel also offers wine classes at certain times during the year. Head to 616 South Tejon St., Suite C to experience this hidden gem.

4. Drip Queen Coffee

Drip Queen is a coffee and tea retailer committed to providing an exceptional coffee experience. The company was founded in 2021 by a husband-and-wife duo. You can find Drip Queen and their featured dessert cold brew at the Chapel Hills Mall, 1710 Briargate Blvd., Suite 182.

3. Mountain View Cafe & Catering

Located at 11424 Black Forest Road, Mountain View is a locally owned restaurant specializing in brunch. They offer giant pancakes, benedicts, skillets and more. Mountain View Café & Catering is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

2. Monse's Pupuseria

Experience a taste of El Salvador at Monse's Pupuseria in Old Colorado City. The national dish of El Salvador — the pupusa — is a thick griddle cake or flatbread similar to an arepa. Monse's offers many different types of pupusa fillings and plates. Head to 115 South 25th St. for this hidden gem.

1. Black Forest Bistro

Black Forest Bistro's menu changes weekly , with a Cheese Wheel Experience on Thursdays. Once a week guests can have fresh pasta tossed on a 50-pound parmesan wheel. This week there are many seafood bites like scallops, lobster, ahi tuna, mahi-mahi, salmon and more. This No. 1 hidden gem is located at 6750 Shoup Road.