Most Colorado Springs students were back in the classroom this week. Whether they welcome the change or dread returning to their desks depends on the student, but for all, the weekend is valuable again.
If you’re a parent looking for a place to celebrate the first weekend of the new school year, we’ve compiled a list of the best family-friendly restaurants in Colorado Springs. These restaurants feature a welcoming atmosphere and kid-friendly menus.
These are the best restaurants for kids in the Colorado Springs area, according to Gazette readers who voted for this year’s Best of the Springs.
Address: 5794 Palmer Park Blvd. and 5490 E. Woodmen Rd.
This restaurant specializes in American food with a classic ’50s and ’60s twist, according to its website. If your kid is going through a car phase, this is a great stop for your family—the restaurant hosts a Friday night cruise where classic car owners come by to show off.
Address: 34 E. Ramona Ave.
This German restaurant has been feeding Colorado Springs families for over 50 years, according to its website. Inside, guests are transported to a small European town, where the sounds of street musicians add atmosphere and fun to the small world. European artifacts adorn the walls, and the food matches the level of authenticity exhibited by the owners.
Reservations are required, so be sure to plan ahead.
Bobby Lashwood and his wife Christina Frasca-Lashwood have renamed downtown Panino’s; it is now called P74: The Downtown Panino’s.
Address: 1721 S. Eighth St. and 604 N. Tejon St.
This Italian restaurant offers all the classic dishes, but one stands out: The Panino. Essentially a rolled sandwich, it’s described on the website as “a gourmet creation made with the finest fresh garden vegetables (and) the highest quality meats and cheeses.” Opened in 1974 as Pizza Plus, the owners changed the name in 1991 due to the sandwich’s popularity.
Today it offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a great menu. The extensive menu with salads, pasta, pizza, starters and of course paninos offers something for everyone.
Address: 595 S. Eighth St. and 3120 N. Powers Blvd.
Famous for their free dinner rolls and cinnamon honey butter, this restaurant is a family favorite across the United States. They have a special back-to-school gift certificate offer that you can learn more about on their website.
Address: 1665 Newport Rd.
This restaurant will likely turn the whole family into kids again. You will have the opportunity to dine in a fully intact Boeing KC-97 tanker aircraft from the 1950s. The aircraft was converted from military transport to restaurant in 2002. The food at this unique dining experience is primarily American and there are many burger, salad and chicken options.
For more information visit their website.
Location: Three different locations that you can find on their website.
Red Robin is another highly acclaimed family-friendly restaurant. It may be best to save it for a weekday dinner, as the kids’ menu is 50% off on Wednesdays. Red Robin offers plenty of “bottomless” options for growing kids and teens.
Address: 2910 E. Platte Ave.
The people of Colorado Springs have spoken and Fargo’s Pizza Co. is the ultimate place for a family-friendly dining outing. Two brothers opened the restaurant in 1973 and it has been a staple in the community ever since.
In addition to pizza, there is a salad bar, pasta, sandwiches and desserts. The offering is rounded out by a playroom for children and a solid selection of draft beer and wine for adults, the website says.
