503W: The Highest-Rated Restaurant in Colorado Springs, Colorado

After hearing countless glowing reviews from locals and reading a steady flood of online praise, I knew I had to experience 503W for myself. This Colorado Springs restaurant and bar, located right on West Colorado Avenue, is continually celebrated for its contemporary American menu with a creative Asian-inspired flair, all crafted with fresh, natural, and locally sourced ingredients. With so much buzz surrounding it, my expectations were high—and I’m happy to report that 503W not only met them but exceeded them in every possible way. After six visits over the past several months, I can say with confidence that this restaurant has truly earned its reputation. It is no exaggeration to say that each meal left me more impressed than the last, which makes it one of the easiest restaurants in town to recommend.

The first thing that strikes you when walking into 503W is the atmosphere. The interior leans toward an industrial vibe with its open design and urban details, but the effect is softened by warm lighting, colorful accents, and a vibrant energy that makes the space feel lively yet comfortable. If you plan on visiting Thursday through Saturday evenings, be prepared for a packed house and sometimes a short wait before seating—but trust me, it is well worth it. The crowd itself is a reflection of how beloved this place has become. What seals the experience, though, is the service. Everyone I’ve encountered, from hosts to bartenders to servers, has been genuinely kind, knowledgeable, and attentive. The staff not only keeps the service running smoothly but also happily guides newcomers through the extensive menu. It’s a place that feels like a neighborhood gem, yet carries the polish and sophistication of a big-city hotspot.

I was first introduced to 503W when two co-workers invited me to happy hour after weeks of singing its praises. Before driving over, I looked up the reviews online and was amazed at the near-universal praise. I thought to myself, “This… I need to see for myself.” We arrived just ahead of the evening rush and were seated at a cozy corner table. From the start, the drink menu caught my attention—diverse, creative, and full of flavor combinations I hadn’t seen elsewhere. I ordered the Gochujang & Honey Old Fashioned, which was a perfectly balanced cocktail that delivered both heat and smoothness in each sip. My co-workers ordered Mai Tais that were refreshingly tropical, instantly transporting us to an island state of mind. It was clear from the very beginning that cocktails here are treated with the same artistry as the food.

Over the following months, I made five more visits to 503W, each one reaffirming why it’s such a highly rated local favorite. My first dinner visit began with a showstopper—the Nitro Short Ribs. These ribs were fork-tender, rich with savory flavor, and beautifully plated atop sesame slaw and fresh vegetables. It was a dish that satisfied without even needing rice as an accompaniment. On another visit, I shared the spicy garlic edamame with my brother, and we found it nearly addictive. The third time, my sister-in-law ordered the seasonal beet salad while I chose the green chili burger, served salad-style instead of on a bun. Both plates were vibrant, flavorful, and filling, a testament to the restaurant’s ability to cater to both vegetarians and meat-lovers with equal creativity.

One of the standout dishes for me came during my third visit: the Saigon French Dip. Without exaggeration, it was one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. Packed with tender meat and bursting with flavor, it was paired with a rich ramen broth dip that was absolutely divine. Even as someone who has sampled countless dishes across many restaurants, this sandwich stood out as exceptional. On my fourth visit, I finally tried the much-talked-about Gaucho Burger with a friend. While some may find it a little on the greasy side, the flavor and quality more than made up for it. The fries—whether you choose regular or sweet potato—were crisp, seasoned perfectly, and the ideal complement to the burger. This dish solidified why so many locals insist it’s a must-order.

Weekend brunch at 503W deserves its own spotlight. During my fifth visit, I ordered the Chicken & Waffles, which quickly became one of my favorite brunch dishes in Colorado Springs. The chicken was tender and juicy, layered over crisp waffles and lightly drizzled with sriracha for just the right kick of spice. My friend chose the Lucky Belly Hash, a hearty combination of sweet potato tots, pork belly, sriracha aioli, and thick slices of sourdough bread. Both dishes were filling, flavorful, and designed for lingering over conversation on a slow weekend morning. Brunch at 503W isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience that makes you want to return again and again.

By my fifth and sixth visits, I had grown curious enough to try even more of the menu’s standout options. The Little Seoul Bowl with sriracha chicken was everything I hoped it would be—spicy, bold, and packed with flavor. My dining companion ordered the pork belly bao buns, which, while noticeably fatty, still delivered deliciously with their seasoning and texture. What became clear to me at this point was that there isn’t a weak item on the menu. Every dish feels carefully crafted and thoughtfully balanced, making it nearly impossible to make a “wrong” choice when ordering. Add in the fair and reasonable pricing for the quality and portion sizes, and it’s no wonder people keep coming back time and time again.

Dessert at 503W turned out to be just as memorable as the entrées. On my sixth visit, I ended the night with the Cookies & Cream dessert. Expecting something along the lines of an Oreo-inspired panna cotta, I was instead pleasantly surprised with a pistachio panna cotta topped with a crisp vanilla tuile. As a fan of pistachio, this twist delighted me in every bite. Combined with the consistently warm hospitality, the buzzing yet welcoming atmosphere, and the inventive cocktails, 503W cemented itself in my mind as one of the most reliable and enjoyable restaurants in the city. It’s the type of spot that you look forward to returning to because you know it will always deliver.

Helpful Tips

A few tips for first-time visitors can make the experience even better.

1. To start your meal, I highly recommend ordering the Korean Nachos—an appetizer that bursts with bold, layered flavors.

2. If you’re looking for something to share, go with the Goat Cheese Shrimp Cakes, a dish that consistently earns rave reviews for good reason.

3. Parking along West Colorado Avenue can sometimes be tricky, so plan to park a block or two beyond the main stretch to avoid frustration.

4. For those with gluten-free needs, 503W offers plenty of options, including the Sweet Korean Fries, Edamame, Food Truck Satay, Cold Thai Noodle Bowl (with rice noodles), and the Beet Salad.

   
   

With these options and everything else it offers, 503W stands as a restaurant that combines quality, creativity, and hospitality in a way few places manage to achieve.

503 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

(719) 453-0483

https://www.503w.co/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/503W.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/503wco/?hl=en