Looking for great local bars/restaurants and gluten free places (Mead: cost, bill)

[PokerMunkee]

There is an Italian restaurant west of I25 near GOTG, next to a golf put-put place. It looks pretty big. I can't remember the name right now. Is it any good? Been wanting to try it since moving here 2.5 years ago.

OP: I spent several years in Grand Rapids after graduating from Ferris State (wife is grad of GVSU), loved that place. We both miss it, just too bad it's in Michigan! Haha! We love it out here in Colorado.

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by PokerMunkee

There is an Italian restaurant west of I25 near GOTG, next to a golf put-put place. It looks pretty big. I can't remember the name right now. Is it any good? Been wanting to try it since moving here 2.5 years ago.

OP: I spent several years in Grand Rapids after graduating from Ferris State (wife is grad of GVSU), loved that place. We both miss it, just too bad it's in Michigan! Haha! We love it out here in Colorado.

I think you're referring to Zio's, which is accessed via Woodmen Rd. Good food, decent-sized portions, but IMO the wines are pricey.

[PokerMunkee]

Yes, Zio's! Thanks. I definitely need to try it. Looks like it's a chain in several states.

Zio's Italian

[RJT]

For gluten free:

I'm sure you already know about the big chains that have GF options, like Outback and PF Chang. I know not everyone likes chains, but they have their place.

Coquette Creperie in Manitou has great GF crepes.

Boriello Brother Pizza does an okay GF pizza.

Check out Outside the Breadbox, a local GF bakery.

[Maynerd]

Originally Posted by kristie73

I just tried Rocco's. I thought very good. I can't believe we haven't tried it before. .....We will come back.

I'm glad you liked it. It's always nice to get positive feedback like this afetr making a recommendation.

I will always, always, always prefer a local, Mom-and-Pop restaurant to any chain. And, I get worried as Olive Gardens and Carraba's and such grow like weeds around town. The line you saw outside Rocco's tells me I'm not alone.

[mrbrpaul]

PokerMunkee, Grand Rapids is an awesome city, and if West Michigan had mountains I probably wouldn't be here right now. That and some jobs would be nice!

RJT, thanks for the gluten free suggestions, we have been meaning to spend some more time in Manitou, maybe we will check out Coquette Creperie! As for pizza, we love Extreme Pizza on Academy. There is one closer to us (we live near Fort Carson) but that one doesn't do GF pizza.

[otowi]

Have any of you been to that new I Top It frozen yogurt place by the Tinseltown? It's kinda neat. I saw a review for it on Tak Landrock's food blog and then mom and I went there the other day. I'd go again.

[rainbunnyblue]

For Gluten Free (GF), try Coquette Creperie & Outside the Breadbox as someone else mentioned. There was another GF bakery in town which it is my understanding has since been incorporated into Coquette Creperie. If that is correct, they should have GF breads, pastries & pizza crusts. I need to call up there and ask or just visit

Much of the food at Bird Dog Barbecue is GF, and they are great about helping you navigate the menu. Love their BBQ!

There is a Thai place off Powers near Carefree called Arharn Thai. They have a ton of GF food, and everything is well marked. Love their food, too. "Super Thai Hot" is the hottest in town.

Extreme Pizza on Academy north of Woodman has the best GF pizza in town, IMO, and they are great about serving GF on disposable plates, in a box instead of on a pizza pan, etc.

The Olive Branch on Tejon has several GF dishes, and is a nice place for lunch or brunch on Sundays.

Most of the King Soopers grocery stores (which are Kroger back east) have large GF sections and frozen sections. I think the one at Academy & Austin Bluffs probably has the largest selection, but all of them are good. There are GF bakeries in Denver, including Udi's, whose bread is sold at King Soopers. It really is the best GF sandwich bread I've had; it doesn't need to be toasted. Rudi's also makes a great GF bread and can be found at King Soopers as well. Vitamin Cottage/Natural Grocers, Whole Food, Sunflower Market & Mountain Mamas all have GF sections, as well.

There is a local casual chain called Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill which is mostly GF. Everything is labelled & the employees are very knowledgeable. Chipotle, another local chain has several GF options.

Trinity Brewery off of Garden of the Gods Road has GF ciders & several GF menu selections. I don't know of any local brewery which makes GF beer, but that doesn't mean there isn't one. I'd ask & if you don't find one, ask for bottled. Many of the restaurants around here have one or more GF bottled beers.

Good Luck. There are many hidden gems in Colorado Springs, restaurant-wise. It just takes a bit of time and patience finding them

[Mike from back east]

Great Harvest Bread, two locations, has Gluten Free breads two days a week.

[lalahartma]

Also, Tapateria on W Colorado in Old Colorado City is quite tasty and has lots of GF options.