Ever found yourself stuck at the airport, stomach rumbling louder than a jet engine, wondering if edible options extend beyond overpriced bags of chips? Colorado Springs Airport (COS), while not the sprawling metropolis of Denver International, holds its own when it comes to satisfying your pre-flight cravings. Don’t settle for another disappointing airport meal. This guide will navigate you through the surprisingly diverse culinary landscape of Colorado Springs Airport, ensuring you take off feeling fueled and content.
Colorado Springs Airport, nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, serves as a vital transportation hub for southern Colorado. With a steady stream of travelers passing through its gates, the airport administration understands the importance of offering a variety of dining options. Whether you’re seeking a quick caffeine fix, a hearty meal before a long journey, or a celebratory drink to kick off your vacation, COS has something to offer. Forget the preconceived notions of bland airport food. Prepare to discover the best places to eat, ensuring a satisfying and delicious pre-flight experience. This article is your roadmap to navigate the diverse food scene within COS, making your travel experience more enjoyable and less…hangry.
Quick Bites and Fast Food Delights
For those pressed for time or traveling on a budget, Colorado Springs Airport provides several familiar fast-food options. Quiznos, a classic sandwich chain, is a dependable choice for a quick and customizable meal. Offering a variety of toasted subs, salads, and soups, Quiznos provides a convenient and relatively affordable option for travelers needing a fast bite. The menu caters to different tastes, from classic Italian subs to turkey and bacon combinations.
The speed and convenience of these quick-service restaurants are undeniable advantages, particularly when you’re racing to catch a flight. The price points are generally lower compared to sit-down restaurants within the airport, making them an attractive option for families or budget-conscious travelers. Consider this option when you need a quick meal without breaking the bank.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that fast food often comes with nutritional trade-offs. While convenient, these options may not be the healthiest choices. Portion sizes can be larger, and the emphasis is often on processed ingredients. If you’re health-conscious, consider opting for a salad or a smaller sandwich and avoiding sugary drinks. A specific menu recommendation would be the black angus steak sub from Quiznos. Its a popular choice and gives a bit of flavor. The locations for these types of restaurants are usually in the main food court area, meaning they are easy to get to and quickly accessible.
Sit-Down Dining for a Relaxing Experience
For those with a bit more time to spare and a desire for a more relaxed dining experience, Colorado Springs Airport boasts a full-service restaurant. The restaurant in COS is called The Great Divide Grill. It’s a restaurant that offers a relaxed and casual dining atmosphere.
The Great Divide Grill offers pub-style food with lots of burger and grill style food to eat. The menu consists of classic American cuisine, from juicy burgers and crispy fries to hearty sandwiches and flavorful salads. The restaurant creates a comfortable setting where travelers can unwind before or after their flights.
The Great Divide Grill is located past security, but it is easy to find. They offer a more relaxed environment, where you can sit down and enjoy your food instead of scarfing it down on the way to your gate. It’s the perfect escape to relax and just eat before a flight.
While sit-down dining offers a more leisurely and potentially more flavorful experience, it’s essential to consider the higher price points and longer wait times. Be prepared to spend more than you would at a fast-food establishment. You will also have to consider the wait times to get a table, especially during peak travel hours. However, if you prioritize a more relaxed and satisfying meal, The Great Divide Grill is an excellent option at the COS airport.
Coffee Shops and Bakeries: Your Caffeine and Pastry Fix
For many travelers, a strong cup of coffee is an essential part of the pre-flight ritual. Colorado Springs Airport offers a Starbucks for travelers to get their coffee fix.
Starbucks offers the familiar comfort of reliably delicious coffee, whether you are craving a simple cup of joe or a frothy latte.
Coffee shops in airports are essential for a caffeine fix, as well as small bites such as pastries and quick breakfast options. Early morning travelers can grab a coffee and a pastry and make their way to their gate. The downside can be that they become crowded, which could increase wait times. The prices may also be a little more expensive than at locations outside the airport, but still a good value for a great cup of coffee. For a specific recommendation, maybe try the vanilla latte!
Vending Machines and Convenience Stores: Last-Minute Essentials
For the truly budget-conscious or those in a desperate hurry, vending machines and small convenience stores throughout Colorado Springs Airport offer a lifeline. These options provide quick access to snacks, drinks, and basic travel essentials. You can find a variety of chips, candy bars, sodas, and bottled water. They can also sometimes offer sandwiches and snack packs.
Vending machines and convenience stores are a budget-friendly option. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money but still want something to eat, consider a vending machine. The downside is the quality of the products and the limited selection, but these are good if you’re in a pinch. You can find these options all throughout the airport, both before and after security.
Essential Tips for Navigating the COS Food Scene
When planning your pre-flight meal at Colorado Springs Airport, keep these considerations in mind:
Budget
As mentioned earlier, the price range varies significantly. Fast food and vending machines fall into the lower end of the spectrum (one dollar sign), while sit-down restaurants command higher prices (two or three dollar signs). Factor your budget into your dining decision.
Time
Time is of the essence in an airport, especially if you’re running late. The restaurants that offer quick and reliable service are usually the fast food places. Vending machines are even faster. On the other hand, restaurants with more tables require more time. Be sure to factor that in.
Dietary Restrictions
For travelers with specific dietary needs, researching options in advance is highly recommended. Restaurants are becoming more accommodating to dietary restrictions. If you aren’t sure if there is anything that you can eat, make sure to ask the staff.
Location
Pay close attention to the location of each dining establishment within the airport. Some restaurants are located pre-security, meaning anyone can access them, even if they are not flying. Others are located post-security, meaning you’ll need to clear security to reach them. Knowing the location ahead of time will prevent unnecessary backtracking.
Hours of Operation
Airport restaurant hours can fluctuate based on flight schedules and seasonality. To avoid disappointment, it’s always best to check the Colorado Springs Airport website or contact the restaurants directly to confirm their operating hours.
Conclusion: A Satisfying Start to Your Journey
Colorado Springs Airport may not be a culinary destination in itself, but it offers a surprisingly diverse array of food choices for travelers. From quick and convenient fast-food options to more relaxed sit-down dining experiences, you can find something to satisfy your appetite and budget.
Remember to factor in time, budget, and dietary restrictions when making your dining decisions. By utilizing the information in this guide, you can navigate the COS food scene with confidence and ensure a satisfying start to your journey. So, the next time you find yourself at Colorado Springs Airport, don’t resign yourself to bland airport fare. Explore the available options, savor a delicious meal, and take off feeling fueled and ready for your adventure. And don’t forget to share your favorite spots on social media using #COSFood for other travelers to discover!
