A guide to Olympic City’s incognito cocktail bars

By Kristian DePue with the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs

Photography by Allison Daniell of Stellar Propeller Studio

During Prohibition, an era in America from 1920 to 1933, illicit taverns called speakeasies were essential to throwing back some of “grandpa’s old cough medicine.” Today, speakeasies are part of the United States’ libation legacy. We haven’t needed clandestine taverns for 90 years, yet the “speak softly” concept has inspired haunts across our contemporary culture.

In addition to a handful of hidden gems in Denver (stay tuned for a rundown next month), 70 miles south, Colorado Springs hosts several of its own shrouded venues downtown. You may have to put some effort into finding them, but this gastronomic guide should provide a few hints and shortcuts.

Shame & Regret - Swanky but unpretentious – inspired by the confessional booth

With a tongue-in-cheek name, restaurateur Joe Campana, along with industry experienced Matt Baumgartner, built Shame & Regret in a back alley where a cigar bar once operated. A red neon sign hangs above a nondescript door that opens into a posh pub. “We wanted to be mysterious,” Baumgartner says. “(Many first-time) guests walk in thinking we might be a strip club or a dive – and there was a rumor we were a swingers bar.”

The interior is striking and features a lounge with elegant woodwork, classy upholstery, intentional lighting, and it’s decorated with fine artwork by local painters, Brett Andrus and Phil Lear. “The design of the bar was particularly important [to me]. I was inspired by Catholic confessionals, it’s not obvious, but the aesthetic is there,” Baumgartner adds.

Shame & Regret has a significant scotch selection and creative cocktails with comical names like Drunk Dial, Ball & Chain, and Prenup – that keep guests returning.

15 E. Bijou St. Suite C

shameandregret.com

@shameandregret

Brooklyn's on Boulder St. - Lee Spirits tasting room – veiled behind the façade of a fine, vintage haberdashery

Established in 2014 by cousins Nick and Ian Lee, Lee Spirits Co. is a small-batch distillery that crafts fine gin and artisan liqueurs made for, and inspired by, classic cocktails, while also fitting for inventive, novel recipes. Brooklyn’s on Boulder St. is Lee Spirits' tasting room that fronts as an early 20th century hat shop.

“Brooklyn's is hands-on … allowing guests to experience Lee Spirits’ artisan, award-winning products,” says Brandon Hedrick, director of sales. “At Brooklyn's, guests enjoy cocktails as they were meant to be.”

Lee Spirits continues to expand. Their products are also available in Arizona, Texas and Oklahoma so far. In February 2020, they opened a second, larger tasting room in Monument, 20 miles north of the Springs. “We’re excited to provide an additional location to share our love and passion for spirits and cocktails,” says Hedrick. “This new space also allows to better serve our markets (because of) an increase in production capacity.”

110 E Boulder St.

leespirits.com

@leespiritsco

Allusion - With a revolving pop-up concept, this cozy cantina delivers a new experience every few months

Once inside of Rooster’s House of Ramen, walk into the dining room on the left and toward the back you’ll reach a wall that contains a door with an outline that’s difficult to discern. Behind this faux dead end is an intimate space that changes its theme every few months, with new décor and a new menu. Each concept is inspired by pop culture, intending to keep things exciting and fresh – and potentially drawing an entirely new crowd of guests with each concept. “We are trying to achieve a one-of-a-kind experience. Our constants are both our commitment to exceptional hospitality and top tier phenomenal drinks,” says Jonathan J. Isaac, co-owner and head bartender.

Previous themes have included Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Star Wars and a Halloween Spookeasy. “Allusion Bar is a unique experience through our rotating themes … every couple months it's completely new,” says Isaac. “We offer Colorado Springs a great new twist on craft cocktailing.”

323 N. Tejon St.

allusionbar.com

@allusionspeakeasy

District E11even offers a great atmosphere to complement its cocktails.

District E11even - Steeped in American tradition, this back-alley watering hole offers craft cocktails and luxury spirits

District E11even’s main entrance is found in the same corridor as Shame & Regret, a half a block north. Stepping inside reveals a hall of tables and booths leading to a room with a high ceiling and walls covered in a collage of paintings and mirrors. A vintage streetlight is positioned in the center of the space, surrounded by plush chairs.

The atmosphere is coupled with well-executed cocktails and an incredible spirit selection. “District E11even brings a true speakeasy vibe to the alleys of our downtown,” says owner Crystal Byrd. “With over 120 unique whiskeys and premium craft cocktails, this hidden gem has something for everyone.”

D11 uniquely offers an exclusive membership to whiskey lockers with access to their Dean’s List – a collection of rare whiskey bottles that range in price, up to $5,000. Yearly locker subscriptions grant you invites to several events as well. “Our mission is to offer a unique but unpretentious experience to everyone who walks through the (alleyway) door or vault,” adds Byrd. “We want the public to feel comfortable asking questions, taste whiskeys, and have an unforgettable experience.” Open seven days a week, D11’s food fare comes from the street-facing venues on Tejon St. MOOD Tapas Bar is served Tuesday through Saturday while Bird Tree Café’s shareables are offered on Sundays and Mondays.

218 N. Tejon St.

districtelleven.com

@districtelleven

The Archives - Underground liquors and libations served with both care and flare

“The Archives is hospitality and entertainment in a laid-back lounge,” says Shayne Baldwin, head bartender. “We’re a place to feel comfortable and combat pretentiousness – patrons are warmly welcomed into the world of craft cocktails and spirits.”

The main entrance can be found in the alley adjacent to Colorado Craft Social, but you can also enter from within Colorado Craft during business hours. Through either entryway, descend the stairs to find a spacious, moody room serving meticulously crafted libations, a unique collection of spirits, and late-night bar bites. Founded by fun, seasoned barkeeps, the evolving menu includes both classic and modern concoctions.

“We’re trying to be at the forefront of Springs’ scene,” adds Baldwin. “Our passion is to push the envelope and elevate our city. No matter what night, you’ll always get the highest quality mixed drinks and hospitality.”

15 S. Tejon St.

thearchivescos.com

@thearchivescos

Chiba Bar - A cyberpunk izakaya serving donburi and science fiction under a Kanji marquee

Take a step back to an ‘80s vision of the future, as if dropped into the urban world of Blade Runner or Akira behind an inconspicuous door. Chiba is filled with muted televisions running segments of Japanese anime, retro sci-fi, and classic Shōwa Gojira. A large mural of a feminine android hangs on the east wall.

For provisions, the bar includes a notable variety of Japanese spirits distilled by Suntory, Nikka, Yamazaki and Hibiki. The most popular drinks are the Lychee Buck, Carthusian Sazerac, Molly Millions, and spirit-forward Neuromancer. Chiba’s winning food items are donburi (Japanese rice bowls) – with choices of tuna, unagi (eel), salmon, and tempura tofu.

“There are izakayas in Colorado, and very good ones in Denver, but not with the atmosphere Chiba provides,” says owner, Michael Carsten. “We’ve created something very unique and special.”

19 E. Kiowa St.

@chibabarcos

The Rabbit Hole - An underground fantasy affair adapted for hospitality and culinary art

Where North Tejon and East Kiowa meet, you’ll find a bright neon and “Christmas” entrance to an apparent but non-existent subway system. Into The Rabbit Hole, you’ll discover one of Colorado Springs’ most popular restaurants, thematically based upon Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

In this hip, subterranean space, you’ll find a full bar and dinner menu of American dishes with foundations in classic French culinary preparations. “We have an incredible menu from rabbit to duck to buffalo, while still offering delicious fried cauliflower for the herbivores,” says bartender Erika Mullett. “We want our guests to have a memorable evening of fun and unique experiences with fabulous service, something they’ll want to relive!”

101 N Tejon St.

rabbitholedinner.com

@therabbithole719

Shuga’s decor and cocktails keep patrons returning for more.

Shuga’s - Cocktails, coffee, soups and sandwiches served with global influence in an eclectic house

This cozy café is known for its consistent quality and artsy charm, with a flock of paper cranes dangling from the ceiling, vintage thrift-shop décor, and a candle-lit ambience. Shuga’s Cuban sandwich, the Cuban mojo, is a favorite of patrons, along with the almond butter cake, and their Brazilian soup made of shrimp, coconut milk, jalapeño, peanut, ginger, and lime. They provide a variety of craft cocktails, but a couple offerings that get a lot of buzz is the beet down, built with beet-infused vodka, lemon, and ginger – and the Lavender Blossom, built with gin, lime, and of course, lavender.

“The crew of Shuga's hyper-creative individuals works tirelessly to curate a perfect storm of a mindfully conceived, curated atmosphere … no detail is by default, from the eclectic menu to the retro décor,” says Kevin Dexter, general manager. “We’ve been a local fixture for 19 years, always cultivating new ways to capture the interest of people who want to surround themselves with art, cultural diversity, music, and great food and drink.”

702 S. Cascade Ave.

shugas.com

@shugasbar