Upscale (fine, fancy, swanky) restaurants list (Denver, Colorado Springs: real estate, work, houses)

[RockyMtMom]

As someone new to the area, I'm having a hard time discovering restaurants other than the various chain ones everywhere or small mom and pop places.
We know about the Broadmoor, but what are the other nice restaurants here in the Springs? I'm thinking along the lines of The Fort, Red Lion Inn, Greenbriar Inn, Flagstaff House, the old Brittany Hill (all in Boulder/ Denver where I grew up.) Somewhere to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, take your prom date too, etc.
Can anyone point me to a list where these are already posted or would people like to make suggestions?
Thanks!

[Amery523]

Mona Lisa Fondue in Manitou Springs. You can do the traditional 4 course (stomach exploding) dinner or just downstairs to their "Wine cellar" and get just cheese fondue and chocolate fondue, wines, and call it a night!

[proudmommy]

Last week I tried a place called "Plate World Cuisine." It is located up in the Briargate area. I thought the food was absolutely delicious and the ambiance wonderful. However, everything is a la carte" and the portions on the small side." But if you are looking for somewhere special and "upscale" than this restaurant should fit the bill. They also have a "bar" menu with less expensive items for more casual dining. Overall, a very nice place to eat and great food. I had a scallop and kobi beef dish and it was fantastic. I believe they have a website where you can check out their menu also.

[Mike from back east]

Had a great meal there. Hawaiian decor, no TV's except the one at the bar. Long drink list.

Wife had a Gumbo appetizer and Scallops of Love entree. I had a Crab Napoleon appetizer and Bouillabase entree. When eating the mussels in the soup, I swear I could taste the ocean. We split a Key Lime Tart for dessert. We had a total of 3 glasses of wine.

Fabulous meal, we will go back. Not cheap. Meal with tax was $116 plus tip. Without wine, $87. Their prix fixe meal is $36/pp, whereas the prix fixe meal in the Penrose Room at the Broadmoor is $62/pp.

Location is just off Powers Blvd. Turn WEST (towards the city) onto SOUTH Carefree and it's immediately on your right. Ironically, there's a Village Inn on the corner, one of my LEAST favorite places.

See: http://www.palapassurfside.com/index.html

[greatmuta]

Here's some upscale dining places in the area:

Brairhurst Manor- Manitou Springs & Colorado Springs - The Briarhurst Manor Restaurant, Manitou Springs - Wedding

Walter's Bistro- Walter's Bistro Restaurant for Fine Dining in Colorado Springs

The Melting Pot- The Melting Pot, Fondue, Fine Wines, Cheese Fondue, Chocolate Fondue, Fondue Parties, Girls Night Out, Dip, Chocolate, Cheese

Craftwood Inn- Craftwood Inn Restaurant for Fine Dining in Manitou near Colorado Springs

Swiss Chalet- Swiss Chalet Restaurant for Dining in Woodland Park near Colorado Springs

Mackenzie's Chop House- MacKenzie's Chop House Restaurant for Fine Dining in Colorado Springs

Sunbird Restaurant- The Sunbird Restaurant in Colorado Springs, CO

[COflower]

Swiss Chalet rocks my socks.

Peppertree (haven't been there in a while)

The Villa in Palmer Lake used to be really good but apparently they've had a few problems lately.

Sunbird has the best Sunday brunch outside the Cheyenne Mtn. Resort I rank them about the same.

Dang, now I am wanting eggs benedict, plate of veggies, cheese and fruit and a mimosa or bloody mary!

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

Not cheap. Meal with tax was $116 plus tip. Without wine, $87. Their prix fixe meal is $36/pp, whereas the prix fixe meal in the Penrose Room at the Broadmoor is $62/pp.

I could live for a month on that

[RockyMtMom]

Thanks for all the great replies. We'll have to work our way slowly through all of those. Let's see, going out to a nice dinner once or twice a year, we might make it through them all in the next 8 years or so!

[tfox]

I stopped a little place in downtown Colorado Springs called Bistro de Pinto. Small, intimate place, maybe five tables total. It's the perfect example of small place owned and run by a chef. It was in the $20-$30 per person range, but well worth it: the food was fresh and creative, service and experience delightful.

[gregabob]

Last year,after looking at houses for a day with a real estate agent, we asked for a recomendation for a good place for dinner. He directed us to the 'Famous'-wow what a great meal! Awesome steaks, and with wine it was about $125 for 2.