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Hidden restaurants in Colorado Springs
Posted: 11.21.2012 at 6:29 PM
Jeff Womack

Jeff is the weekend meteorologist and weekday feature reporter for FOX21 News

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Local restaurants serve up one of a kind favorites.  / FOX21: Mike Duran
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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- You may know the main hotspots, but what about some of the hidden treasures? Colorado Springs is full of tucked away restaurants that not only tug at your taste buds, but also carry some interesting history.

Bon Tons, the popular brunch spot, was once home to a Shell Filling Station. In 1995 Catherine Barbo bought the cafe and has worked hard to make this gem a main stay in Old Colorado City. She is the third owner, keeping many of the original menu items such as the Two Plus Two.

"It was two eggs, two pieces of bacon...and that was on the original menu 30 something years ago," Barbo said.

The menus are unique, resembling newspapers featuring jokes. Catherine likes to serve special margaritas during the busy Sunday brunch rush. It's these special features that are crowd pleasers. Patrons come to celebrate all occasions, even divorce.

"We have some girls come in and go 'yay, my divorce settled today! Im going to have divorced eggs!' It's two eggs separated on the opposite side of the plate with green chile, hashbrowns, bacon or sausage in the middle," Barbo said.

Along with many hours of hard work, even more challenges continue to show up in this economy.

"Labor keeps going up, and then food cost keep going up. Then I have to raise the prices to match the food costs and the labor," Barbo said.

Since the early 50's Cy's has been a favorite for all generations, even after moving to their current location in the early 70's.

"People don't realize that we are here until someone brings them here," Ashlie O'Connor, a Cy's Employee, said.

The hop prides itself on maintaining its famous heritage.

"All the Elvis paints, the old-style booths. They love coming in for our car hops as well because that is very 50's-ish," O'Connor said.

A menu favorite is the Alaska Burger to commemorate the 49th state.

"Two quarter patties, a middle bun, lettuce, thousand island dressing. It's really filling," O'Connor said.

Some things which set this drive-in apart is they use locally-raised beef prepared fresh. Cooks said it not only the ingredients but the personal touch.

" You get to know people, you get to know your regulars. I have seen kids go from babies to teenagers growing up, it's really nice," cook Kenny Tofoya said.

The next stop on the tour features a taste from south of the boarder. La Carreta has been bringing this southwest flavor to southern Colorado for nearly 15 years.

"She just decided to open a restaurant using my grandmother's recipes," La Carreta Manager Christopher Sandoval said.

Customers often buy the homemade tortillas by the dozen. They have even been known to take special requests for Mexican dishes.

La Carreta is all family-run. The Sandovals put in many seven-day weeks. Their hard work and one-of-a-kind recipes have won many Readers Choice awards.

"We want to leave every one of our customers happy. Want them to leave on a full stomach. That's why when we win the awards, we really appreciate them." Sandoval said.

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