Nestled at the foot of Garden of the Gods Park, the Kissing Camels neighborhood is much more than just upscale homes and stunning scenery. For locals and visitors alike, it’s a quietly thriving epicenter for culinary delights, offering everything from refined sit-down experiences to casual bites, cozy cafés, and old-school bakeries. If you’re a food lover searching for your next favorite meal, here’s your comprehensive guide to the best dining in and around Kissing Camels — with all the passionate detail of a foodie friend who loves to share hidden gems!
Upscale Dining: Where Elegance Meets Flavor
The Kissing Camels area may be best known for its luxury, but it also boasts several standout restaurants that elevate the dining scene.
- The Mountain View Restaurant at Garden of the Gods Resort
*Location: 3320 Mesa Rd*
Warm, inviting, and featuring panoramic views of Garden of the Gods, this is a top pick for special events or a stunning brunch with friends. The New American menu highlights local ingredients — think elk tenderloin, trout almondine, and creative vegetarian options. Their Sunday brunch is legendary, with decadent pastries and Champagne always flowing. Prices are on the higher side ($$$), befitting the views and spectacular service.
- Grand View Dining Room
*Location: 3320 Mesa Rd (inside the Resort Club)*
This iconic spot is perfect for romantic dinners or family celebrations, especially at sunset. Steaks, Colorado lamb, and a rotating menu of chef-driven seasonal plates keep it fresh. Don’t skip their wine list — it’s one of the best in town.
Casual Eats & Family Favorites
The beauty of Kissing Camels is in its laid-back approach to great food. These local hangouts offer comfort, community, and consistently delicious meals.
- Colorado Mountain Brewery
*Location: 600 S 21st St, just east of Mesa Road*
Local beer meets farm-fresh fare in a lively lodge-inspired atmosphere. Their “Colorado Bison Burger” and beer-battered fish & chips are must-tries, while the kids’ menu and welcoming vibes make this a family staple. Weekend crowds can be busy — but that’s just testament to the popularity!
- Slice420
*Location: 2501 W Colorado Ave, near 24th Street*
Beloved by locals for New York-style pizza, this unassuming spot is brimming with toppings, vegan options, and even gluten-free pies. Don’t miss their garlic knots or daily specials, and know you’re supporting a business with a big heart — proceeds help local medical organizations.
Café Culture: Coffee, Pastries, and More
There’s something undeniably appealing about a great neighborhood café, and Kissing Camels delivers for coffee lovers and those with a sweet tooth.
- SwitchBack Coffee Roasters
*Location: 330 N Institute St (just a short drive from Mesa Rd)*
These folks take their beans seriously. Try a pour-over on site, paired with flaky pastries from local bakeries. Their avocado toast and rotating seasonal muffins are practically breakfast institutions.
- Garden of the Gods Market & Cafe
*Location: 616 S Tejon St, close to the Old North End*
Worth the short drive from Kissing Camels, this upscale café and food market is adored for scratch-made breakfast burritos, Benedicts, and fresh pastry cases brimming with scones and cookies. Side market shelves overflow with gluten-free goodies and local jams.
Sweet Stops & Bakeries
For locals whose day isn’t complete without a little something sweet, these bakeries and dessert spots near Kissing Camels are not to be missed.
- La Baguette
*Location: 2417 W Colorado Ave*
This charming French bakery is practically an institution. Pop in for freshly baked baguettes, quiches, and absolutely divine fruit tarts. Their onion soup, bubbling with cheese, is the perfect chilly day treat.
- The Cupcake Doctor
*Location: 3312 Austin Bluffs Pkwy*
A bit farther northeast but worth the drive, these wildly creative cupcakes and cookies are a hit at birthdays and celebrations. Try rotating flavors like Salted Caramel or classic Red Velvet — or order a custom cake for your next big event.
Food Trucks & Local Flavor
The Kissing Camels area enjoys a lively food truck scene, with regular pop-ups at community events and around intersections like Garden of the Gods Rd & 30th St. Locals rave about:
- Go Fish Food Truck
Sushi burritos, poke bowls, and Asian-inspired tacos. Fresh, fun, and a fast favorite for a healthy lunch option.
- Chef Bob’s Lobstah Trap
Authentic East Coast lobster rolls in the heart of Colorado — buttery rolls, tender lobster, and a dash of Old Bay.
Food trucks rotate seasonally, so keep an eye on social media groups for schedules and new arrivals!
Local Traditions & Hidden Gems
The culinary culture of Kissing Camels leans heavily into community, health, and celebration of Colorado’s beautiful landscape and produce. A few other noteworthy traditions:
- Wine Wednesdays at the Club
Members and guests at the Kissing Camels Golf Club (3320 Mesa Rd) look forward to “Wine Wednesdays,” when premium pours are paired with chef-inspired small bites and live acoustic music.
- Community Farmers’ Markets
Just outside the neighborhood, locals love the Westside Farmers Market (typically held on weekends near Bancroft Park) where farm-fresh produce, artisan breads, cheeses, and homemade treats are the ultimate snacks for a picnic at Garden of the Gods.
Dining Destinations Cluster
The main food clusters for Kissing Camels locals are:
- Mesa Road & Garden of the Gods Road — for upscale dining, resort restaurants, and golf club events.
- West Colorado Avenue (between 21st-26th Streets) — the heartbeat of bakeries, pizzerias, and local cafés.
- Around 30th St and Garden of the Gods Road — rotating food trucks and fast-casual options.
Why Kissing Camels’ Food Scene Shines
The Kissing Camels neighborhood stands out not just for delicious food, but also for the sense of warmth and place that flows through every meal. Whether you’re toasting with friends at a resort, sharing a giant pizza, or grabbing coffee to fuel a hike, this corner of Colorado Springs invites you to savor life — and every bite.
So next time you’re hungry in Kissing Camels, don’t hesitate to explore, try something new, or follow your nose along Mesa Road. Adventure (and seriously good eats) await around every corner!