You’re driving through Colorado Springs, maybe heading back from a long hike at Garden of the Gods or finishing up a meeting downtown, and the hunger hits. You don't want a fast-food burger that'll make you feel like a lead weight in twenty minutes. But you also aren't exactly in the mood for a stuffy, white-tablecloth spot where the waiter looks at your dusty boots with judgment. This is exactly where Triple Creek Kitchen and Spirits comes into play, tucked away inside the Hilton Garden Inn Colorado Springs Downtown.
It’s a weird thing, right? Hotel restaurants used to be the places you only ate at if you were too tired to leave the building. They were beige. The food was "safe." But things changed.
Triple Creek represents that shift where the "hotel restaurant" label is basically a disguise for a high-end bistro that just happens to have rooms upstairs. It’s located at 125 North Cascade Avenue. If you know the area, you know that's prime real estate. You’ve got the pulse of the city right there, but once you step inside, the vibe shifts into something way more intentional and relaxed.
The Local Influence on the Plate
Honestly, the "Farm-to-Table" phrase has been beaten to death in the culinary world. Everyone says they do it. But at Triple Creek Kitchen and Spirits, it feels less like a marketing buzzword and more like a logistical reality. Being in Colorado, you have access to some of the best beef and produce in the country, and the kitchen here leans into that heavily.
Take the breakfast, for starters. Most people skip hotel breakfast. Don't do that here. They have this Avocado Toast that isn't just a smear of green on some bread. They use local sourdough, perfectly poached eggs, and a hint of red pepper flakes that actually wake you up. It’s simple. It’s fresh. It’s exactly what you want before hitting a trail.
The lunch and dinner menus are where the "Spirits" part of the name really starts to make sense. You’ll see a lot of people sitting at the bar around 5:30 PM. They aren't just hotel guests; they’re locals who know that the bartenders here actually know how to make a proper Old Fashioned. They use Colorado-distilled spirits whenever possible. It’s a nice touch that keeps the money in the local economy and gives you a taste of the high-altitude distilling scene that’s been exploding lately.
What You Should Actually Order
If you're looking at the menu and feeling overwhelmed, just go for the Bison Burger. It's Colorado. You have to. Bison is leaner than beef, so it's easy to overcook, but the chefs at Triple Creek seem to have the timing down to a science. It stays juicy. They pair it with these crispy fries that have just the right amount of salt.
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But maybe you're not a burger person. That’s fine.
- The pan-seared salmon is a sleeper hit.
- They do a seasonal risotto that changes based on what's growing.
- The appetizers—specifically the wings—are better than they have any right to be for a kitchen this refined.
The atmosphere is "Mountain Modern." Think clean lines, lots of wood, and light that makes everyone look a little bit better than they actually do after a day of traveling. It's sophisticated without being pretentious. You can wear a blazer or you can wear a fleece. Nobody cares. That’s the beauty of Colorado Springs dining; it’s about the quality of the food, not the brand of your shoes.
Why the Location Matters More Than You Think
Being on Cascade Avenue puts you within walking distance of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. This is a huge deal for the city. If you’re visiting the museum, Triple Creek Kitchen and Spirits is the logical place to decompress afterward. You can sit down, grab a local craft beer—usually something from Bristol Brewing or another local staple—and process everything you just saw.
The restaurant also serves as a hub for the business crowd. Because it's inside the Hilton Garden Inn, the Wi-Fi is reliable and the booths are deep. You’ll see people having intense strategy sessions over Cobb salads. It works because the acoustics are designed well enough that you aren't overhearing the person next to you complain about their flight delay.
The Cocktail Program is Legit
We need to talk about the "Spirits" half of the name again. A lot of places just stock the basic brands you find at any liquor store. Triple Creek digs a little deeper.
They have a cocktail list that feels curated. It’s not twenty pages long—thankfully—but the six or seven signature drinks they offer are balanced. If you like something refreshing, they usually have a gin-based drink with cucumber or mint that hits the spot in the summer. If it’s January and there’s snow on Pikes Peak, you want their heavier, bourbon-forward pours.
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Misconceptions About Dining at Triple Creek
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking they can't eat here if they aren't staying at the hotel. That’s a total myth. In fact, the staff loves seeing local faces. There’s a certain energy that locals bring to a place that keeps it from feeling like a transient lobby.
Another misconception? That it’s overpriced. Look, it’s not a diner. You’re going to pay for the quality of the ingredients and the prime location. But compared to some of the other upscale spots in downtown Colorado Springs, Triple Creek is surprisingly competitive. You get a high-end experience without the "resort fee" feeling you get at some of the bigger landmarks in town.
The service is also worth mentioning. It’s that Western hospitality that’s getting harder to find. It’s efficient but friendly. They won't rush you out the door if you’re lingering over a second cup of coffee or finishing up a conversation.
The Nuance of the Menu
The menu isn't static. This is important. A lot of hotel-affiliated restaurants set a menu in 2018 and never look at it again. Triple Creek rotates things. They listen to feedback. If a dish isn't landing, they swap it out for something that uses what's actually in season in the Rocky Mountain region.
You’ll find that the flavor profiles lean towards "New American." This basically means they take classic comfort food and elevate it with better techniques and fresher stuff. It’s the kind of food that appeals to kids who want chicken tenders but also to foodies who want a perfectly reduced balsamic glaze on their Brussels sprouts.
Logistics and Accessibility
Parking downtown can be a nightmare, but since this is part of the hotel complex, it’s usually manageable. If you’re staying nearby, just walk. The streets are wide and the mountain views from Cascade Avenue are some of the best in the city.
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They take reservations, which I’d recommend on weekend nights. While it's a "secret" to some, the word is definitely out among the locals who work in the surrounding office buildings.
- Check the hours before you go; they do a break between lunch and dinner.
- Ask about the daily specials—the chef often experiments with whatever came in fresh that morning.
- Try the local whiskey flight if they have it on the menu when you visit.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you want the best experience at Triple Creek Kitchen and Spirits, timing is everything. For a quiet, productive lunch, hit them up around 1:30 PM after the initial rush clears out. If you’re looking for a vibrant evening, Friday nights at the bar are the way to go.
Don't be afraid to ask the bartender for a recommendation based on what you usually like. They aren't just order-takers; they know their inventory. Whether you’re a fan of a peaty Scotch or a crisp Colorado IPA, they’ll point you in the right direction.
When you finish your meal, take a walk a few blocks south. You’re right in the heart of a revitalized downtown. There are art galleries, small boutiques, and plenty of spots to grab a gelato if you somehow still have room after dessert at Triple Creek.
Ultimately, this place succeeds because it doesn't try to be something it's not. It’s a solid, reliable, high-quality kitchen that serves the community and travelers alike. It bridges the gap between the ruggedness of the mountains and the sophistication of a growing city. Whether you're there for the bison or the bourbon, you’re likely to leave planning your next visit.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Book a table via their website or a standard booking app if you're coming with a group larger than four.
- Verify the current seasonal menu online, as they update their offerings frequently to reflect local harvests.
- Park in the hotel garage or use the metered street parking on Cascade; both are generally accessible except during major downtown events.
- Coordinate your meal with a visit to the nearby Pioneers Museum or the Olympic Museum to make a full afternoon of it.