A trip to Teller tantalizes taste buds if you know where to go. Luckily, our Best of Teller voters have clued us in.
Try CAFE LEO, which took gold for bakery, coffee and tea shop, breakfast restaurant, sandwich shop and restaurant with a view. Another multiple gold winner was 110 Reserve (bar and happy hour).
Whatever your culinary craving, Teller County has multiple venues to find satisfaction.
BAKER
GOLD: Cake Pops by Jordan
No address, Florissant, 719-368-1350, sooycakepopshop on facebook.com
Custom cake pops for any occasion hit the sweet spot. Jordan Sooy creates these delectable treats in her home in Florissant. Each order is custom handcrafted for the occasion.
SILVER: Art Candid Cakes
BRONZE: Adriana Ramirez Cakes
BAKERY
GOLD: CAFE LEO Bakery
320 W. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, 719-687-6670
Homemade baked goods are made in-house at CAFE LEO, guaranteeing freshness. Grab a triple berry pop tart, bagel or muffin to go with that morning cup of joe. The pastries can’t be beat, and the setting is mountain-high perfection.
SILVER: Gold Camp Bakery
BRONZE: Joanie’s Deli and Bakery
BAR
GOLD: 110 Reserve
110 W. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, 719-687-8830
Once again 110 Reserve takes the gold for best bar. This downtown hotspot has the coolest patio, views, fire pits, and games to enhance an evening of entertainment. Outdoor seating, live music and dog-friendliness are some of the amenities.
SILVER: Russ’ Place Sports Bar and Grill
BRONZE: Paradox Beer Company
BBQ
GOLD: Roy’s Crew BBQ
720 Browning Ave., Woodland Park, 719-323-6333, royscrewbbq.com
For the best Q in Teller County, Roy’s Crew BBQ reigns supreme. Along with the BBQ are other specialties not to be missed including fried chicken, fruit cobblers, freshly baked rolls and cornbread and fresh salads.
SILVER: The Tipsy Pig BBQ
BRONZE: Peak View BBQ
BREWERY
GOLD: Paradox Beer Company
10 Buffalo Court, Divide, 719-686-8081, paradoxbeercompany.com
Gold again for Paradox Beer Company. The website states: “Every beer that Paradox Beer Company produces is barrel-aged and bottle-conditioned.” These original beers provide one-of-a-kind flavors such as blueberry, peach, raspberry and cherry brews.
SILVER: BierWerks Brewery
BRONZE: Iron Tree
BURGER
GOLD: Russ’ Place
52 Co Rd 5, Divide, 719-687-5599, russ-place.com
All varieties of mouthwatering burgers await at Russ’ Place in Divide. Specialty burgers include Bacon Mac, Spicy Blue and Cheddar Bacon Avocado. Pair the savory burger with a tasty brew. “Just a fun place to get a really good burger,” says a review on the website. Besides the delectable burgers, Russ’ offers tons of fun including live music, comedy shows and bingo.
SILVER: Judge’s Char-Grill
BRONZE: Wayback Burgers
COFFEE AND TEA SHOP
GOLD: CAFE LEO
320 W. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, 719-687-6670
Chalk up seven years of gold for the little cafe that could in Woodland Park. CAFE LEO leads the way for treats all day. “All their drinks are super flavorful and fresh,” says a Tripadvisor review. LEO stands for “love each other” and this is the ambiance found at this local treasure.
SILVER: The Human Bean
BRONZE: Coffee Cottage
DELI
GOLD: Joanie’s Deli and Bakery
110 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, 719-686-9091, joaniesdeli.com
Once again Joanie’s Deli and Bakery takes gold in this category. Having breakfast or lunch inside or outside, Joanie’s never disappoints. It’s the perfect stop before or after a mountain hike or family day-trip. Delectable desserts, fresh sandwiches, homemade soups, and a wide variety of sides will make your taste buds sing. The website says it all: “A must stop place for some amazing food. Service is really friendly and makes you feel at home. Love it!”
SILVER: Gold Camp Bakery Cafe & Deli
BRONZE: City Market
FOOD TRUCK
GOLD: Grilled Cheese
Go to Facebook for current location
Who doesn’t love a gooey, grilled cheese sandwich? The menu changes weekly and includes gluten free and vegan options, so no one has to pass up this ultimate comfort food. A few examples of the gourmet delights are: brie, ham, apple slices and berry jam; turkey, Swiss and garlic aioli; Colorado beef, jalapeños, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole and cheddar.
SILVER: The Tipsy Pig BBQ
BRONZE: On the Hook
HAPPY HOUR
GOLD: 110 Reserve
110 W. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, 719-687-8830
This popular watering hole takes gold once again. Everything is available here for relaxation after a day at work, post-sightseeing or for any other occasion. A recent Yelp reviewer states: “A perfect place to have a good time and good snacks.”
SILVER: Russ’ Place
BRONZE: Country Lodge
ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT
GOLD: Mountain View Yogurt Plus
222 W. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, 719-686-6676, mountain-view-yogurt-plus.ueniweb.com
The website for Mountain View Yogurt Plus exclaims that it is “The best frozen yogurt, entertainment, and quick food in the mountains! We provide quality, freshness, and friendly service.” For a delightful frozen treat or a tasty meal, Mountain View is worth a visit.
SILVER: Donut Mill
BRONZE: Sonic
IRISH FOOD
GOLD: McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub
11115 US 24, Divide, 719-686-7703, mcgintyswoodovenpub.net
McGinty’s takes gold for another year. This Irish pub is described on its website as: “A touch of Ireland in Colorado. Enjoy friendly smiles, great food, and make new friends in our warm, friendly restaurant…” Offered is fresh and fabulous Irish cuisine including Guinness Meat Pie, Bubbling Spuds and McDonough’s Fish Fry (Friday and Saturday only). Pizzas, burgers, wings and sandwiches round out the menu.
SILVER: McGills
BRONZE: The District
ITALIAN DISH AT A RESTAURANT
GOLD: AJ’s Pizzeria
250 US-24, Woodland Park, 719-687-4505, enjoyajspizza.com
AJ’s wins gold status once again, marking the seventh straight year for high honors in Teller County. Popular menu items include cinnamon and garlic knots, classic and custom pies, fresh salads and subs. You will also find pastas baked to perfection with white or red sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
SILVER: Wines of Colorado
BRONZE: McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub
LUNCH SPECIAL AT A RESTAURANT
GOLD: Fusion Japan
765 Gold Hill Place South, Woodland Park, 719-687-2228, fusionjapanwp.com
Fusion Japan takes gold for lunch special for the second year in a row. For a hearty lunch at a reasonable price, the Asian cuisine here is a winner. The extensive menu includes a wide assortment of appetizers; hibachi combos; a la carte rolls; beef, vegetable, chicken, and sushi entrees; Thai curries; noodles; and tempura.
SILVER: Grandmother’s Kitchen
BRONZE: Roy’s Crew BBQ
PIZZA
GOLD: AJ’s Pizzeria
250 US-24, Woodland Park, 719-687-4505, enjoyajspizza.com
AJ’s moves up this year to gold from silver in 2023. The pizzas, baked in a stone oven, are that good! Check out the website for weekly discounts for locals, military, first responders and seniors. Try the Mountain High BBQ or White Combination pie for something different.
SILVER: Papa Murphy’s Take ’N’ Bake
BRONZE: McGinty’s Wood oven pub
RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW
GOLD: CAFE LEO
320 W. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, 719-687-6670
CAFE LEO, located in the heart of Woodland Park, has the best views in town of the surrounding mountains. Enjoying the fresh food and delicious beverages on the patio is often equal to appreciating the outstanding scenery. “You had me at the view of Pikes Peak,” says a Tripadvisor reviewer.
SILVER: 110 Reserve
BRONZE: Paradox beer company
RESTAURANT: ASIAN
GOLD: Mayflower
1212 US-24, Woodland Park, 719-687-0711, mayflowerwp.com
Mayflower advanced from silver in 2023 to gold this year. A testimonial on the website says: “Everything has just been fantastic! I would recommend this restaurant to anyone.” Wonderful food at reasonable prices with excellent service; Mayflower has it all.
SILVER: Fusion Japan
BRONZE: Fortune Dragon
BREAKFAST
GOLD: CAFE LEO
320 W. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, 719-687-6670
CAFE LEO gets another gold! The baked goods are homemade in-house and always morning-fresh. The creative and varied menu includes Belgian waffles, brioche French Toast, omelets and biscuits and gravy. Breakfast burritos and sandwiches, and fresh pastries will please any breakfast lover. So, take a seat outside on the patio and enjoy the mountain high.
SILVER: Grandmother’s Kitchen
BRONZE: Hungry Bear
RESTAURANT: DINER
GOLD: Wines of Colorado
8045 US-24, Cascade, 719-684-0900, winesofcolorado.com
From casual to fine dining, Wines of Colorado has it all including both indoor and outdoor creekside seating. This is the perfect place to drop in for a delicious meal any day of the week, where every dish on the menu is a tasty delight. Get a charcuterie board to accompany a glass of Colorado-made wine. Finish up on a delectable dessert. Reviewers are quick to share what they love about this Colorado treasure: “Very cool spot next to a creek. Made for a great date night.”
SILVER: Judge’s Char-Grill
BRONZE: Grandmother’s Kitchen
RESTAURANT: FINE DINING
GOLD: Wines of Colorado
8045 US-24, Cascade, 719-684-0900, winesofcolorado.com
Wines of Colorado wins a second gold in 2024. Dining here is a true Colorado experience and 5-star testimonials on the website give an apt description: “The Trout and Buffalo Lasagna are likely some of the best food in Colorado Springs.” “This place does not disappoint! The atmosphere is classy and inviting without being stuffy, pretentious, or over-priced. The food is great, and so is the staff.”
SILVER: Mucky Duck
BRONZE: The Creek
RESTAURANT IN A CASINO
GOLD: Maggie’s at Colorado Grande Casino
300 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, 719-689-3977, cogrande.com
Repeat gold winner, Maggie’s, serves full menu items all day long in Cripple Creek. Maggie’s covers the desires of any appetite. “Neat little place with great service. Quick and delicious,” says a reviewer on Yelp. Another adds: “Overall, a nice place to grab some food and pricing within the normal ranges for todays restaurants…The staff was very friendly throughout the service, and [I] would be glad to make another visit.”
SILVER: Baja Billy’s Restaurant & Cantina
BRONZE: Dynamite Dick’s Dining Emporium
RESTAURANT: MEXICAN
GOLD: Fiesta Mexicana
420 W Midland Ave, Woodland Park, 719-687-3551, fiestamexrest.com
Fiesta Mexicana takes gold once again. The restaurant ranks as the top Mexican restaurant in the area and for good reason. From authentic margaritas to the true Mexican cuisine that is the specialty of the house, all is fresh and delicious. The bright decor is colorful and homey. Website testimonials focus on the quality and tastiness of the food and the top-notch entertainment, the “awesome happy hour”, and the generous helpings.
SILVER: Serrano’s
BRONZE: Casa Grande
RESTAURANT: STEAK
GOLD: The Creek
317 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, 719-689-9595, the-creek.com
Family friendly, The Creek offers upscale ambiance with an early 1900s feel in a refurbished venue. The impressive wine list, microbrew beers and unique co*cktails are a prelude to a menu of delicious American favorites. Juicy steaks, grilled pork chops, elk chili and mac & cheese with roasted green chilis are just a few of the tantalizing offerings. The kids will be pleased with plates designed just for picky appetites.
SILVER: Judge’s Char-Grill
SANDWICH SHOP
GOLD: CAFE LEO
320 W. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, 719-687-6670
Another gold for this outstanding cafe. The sandwiches are top notch. The Lox sandwich is made with smoked salmon, pickled red onion, capers, cream cheese and baby greens. How about a simple Caprese sandwich made with mozzarella, tomato, fresh basil, olive oil and balsamic reduction? Another popular offering is The Spicy Avo with sriracha cream cheese, crispy bacon, avocado, romaine with a drizzle of honey.
SILVER: Joanie’s Deli and Bakery
BRONZE: Red Diamond Gastro Pub
