Carlos' has become the standard against which all other restaurants are measured. I have been to all manner of fancy restaurants, and nothing in my life has ever topped the food and service I experienced here. Heavenly, orgasmic, amazing. I met up with some friends very last-minute, and as such arrived very close to the time when the kitchen was shutting down. As you might expect after reading other reviews, Carlos met me in the parking lot, told me he was glad I could make it, opened the door, pulled out my chair. He was wonderful. I had the caprese salad for an appetizer. Amazing. I forget what my entree was called... a chicken dish, one of the daily specials. I had NO idea chicken could taste so exquisite. My best friend and I split the creme brulee for dessert. Artfully prepared and by far the best creme brulee I have ever consumed. Well worth the cost. I have paid more for less, and would pay more for what I experienced at Carlos'. GO.
(5)
Greg M.
So... being from Los Angeles where restaurant choices abound, I have had a hard time finding great places to dine. Heard about Carlos' Bistro and had such great ratings on yelp. Yelp reviewers.... you kind of let me down on this one. Positives: -Great service -Great wines -The scallops were outstanding. Perfectly cooked diver scallops. -The risotto was decent. Not great, but good. Negatives: -My wife got the frutti di mare (seafood pasta) and it was all swimming in a heavy marina sauce that just killed it. -we had a special salad - a lobster salad that isn't on the menu but they are known for it. Not impressed. it had pistachio brittle that was as hard as a rock. Not appetizing. -the worst part was that my wife's seafood pasta and my scallops with risotto had a bunch of fibrous vegetables with fried sweet potato slivers ON TOP. Not on the side. Really weird. If I would go back, I would probably try their grilled meats. Overall, the price was high, the service really good and the food was strange. Some good and some bad.
(2)
Andrew D.
The personal service was outstanding. Carlo's met us at the door and seated us himself. The wait staff was extremely attentive, we did not have to ask for anything. The food was out of this world. They have a huge menu, which would lead you to believe the dishes would be similar but each was distinct and perfectly prepared. We usually do not have dessert but tried the bread pudding, it is to die for. If you like bread pudding, you will melt when you eat this. It is very expensive though. It is definitely a place we will go for very special occasions only. It's nice to have that "go to" restaurant for just those occasions.
(5)
Al D.
Totally unassuming but wonderful. Owner met us in the parking lot as promised by other Yelpers. Great wine list, delicious food and attentive service. Clearly, it's been given plenty of great reviews. That's why we tried it, and it turns out: they were right!
(5)
John N.
Look: in order to get 5 stars out of me, it has to be a really special place with food that's off-the-chart good. Carlos' Bistro qualifies! Just as advertised here on Yelp, Carlos was outside, tie over shoulder, and greeted us warmly even tho (as we found out) were were kinda underdressed. The Missus (who is particular about such things) really liked the dim, but not gloomy, and quite elegant decor. After an appetizer of tasty raw oysters for me (in the 'Springs no less!) and chicken chowder for the Missus and yummy home-made bread, we got down to the meal, and what a meal! The Missus had chicken carbonara - taglitelle pasta & saute'd chicken in a delicious cream sauce and I had "fruite del mer" - all manner of seafood and fettuccine pasta. The sauce was light and delicious, the scallops, mussels, clams and calamari perfectly cooked and very tasty - even the enormous shrimp wasn't overcooked - no mean feat! Fantastic presentation and (we agree) the best meal we've had in a while. While not cheap ($25 for her main course, $30 for mine) everything was just fantastic and absolutely delicious. Given the quality of the food, the prices are very reasonable, the service top-notch, and, oh, did I mention HOW GOOD THE FOOD IS?!?? For special occasions, a date night when you REALLY want to impress her, or just when you need a damn fine meal, check out Carlos' Bistro. Carlos will no doubt be out front, tie over shoulder, to greet you and then escort you inside for a meal to remember. 5 stars and that's only because I can't give it 6. Superb.
(5)
Lori G.
Went to Carlos' Bistro while on a visit to the Springs. We went here because of all the positive reviews. We had a group of 7 for a special occasion and Carlos greeted us in the parking lot. Very personal service, I appreciated the reccomendation for one of the South American wines. It was very good and a bit less $$ than the domestics. We started off with the oysters, very fresh. I had the scallops which were very nice, the risotto may not have been the best. Another guest had the lamb chops which he raved were the best ever. The lobster salad was very tasty as well. For dessert we had the brulee and the key lime. The brulee was good but the key lime pie was really suberb.
(4)
Gwen C.
We were greeted at the door by Carlos who was very friendly and hospitable. We were a part of 6, including a 3 year old and a 5 year old. We had reservations and were seated immediately. The kid's water glasses were small brandy glasses which I thought was a real nice touch. The food was good, however I gotta make a comment to Jessica J.'s review - I don't think she gets out much if this place is the best she's ever had. Anyhow, bring a FAT wallet when you dine here, and be sure to savor the decor.
(3)
Audra S.
Delish. Came here for the boyfriend's birthday and we were very happy with the experience. It was a mid-week date and our waiter was attentive and knowledgable about the menu - not to mention he made a pretty solid cocktail. Foie gras - delish. Crab meat infused hollandaise filet - delish. Caprese salad - delish. Everything was great. And I really cannot wait until summer so we can chill on their beautiful patio with a margarita. Which I'm sure will be delish, of course.
(5)
Sibby S.
Ambiance: Rather ordinary looking, small, square, almost cylinder-block looking building from the outside, seems like an out-of-place location for a high end restaurant. Inside, the place is nicely appointed, rather small dining room, and very dimly lit. Small bar area with about five bar stools. Service: Top-notch. No complaints. Carlos himself greeted us as we walked in (he remembered me by name as I had spoke with him earlier in the day by phone to make reservations.) He checked in with our party a few times during the meal, and actually walked us out to our cars in the parking lot after dinner. Waiter was very good, knew his menu very well, and how all the items were prepared. Waiter was attentive without being intrusive. Food: Hands down the most beautifully plated presentation of any restaurant in Colorado Springs. Each plate was a work of art (and you do eat with your "eyes" first.) Each dish was wonderfully prepared. Nice thing about going in a group of three, we all got to sample each other's dinner selections. All were through the roof delicious. The best was the Shrimp Scampi. Easily the best Scampi I have ever had -- the sauce was executed brilliantly (and in land-locked Colorado Springs of all places!). I ordered one of their specials for the night, which was a schnitzel-coated pork chop, with a cranberry and apricot- based sauce, reduced with a bit of wine. Very good, but one person at our table thought it was a tad "too" sweet for his taste. The other entree ordered was another special of the night, a Rib Eye, that was finished with a light, blue cheese sauce - also delicious. We all ordered different salads (green, Greek and Caesar), and everyone enjoyed them. Thought the price for a bottle of wine was outrageously expensive (like five times over the price in a liquor store) - so everyone just ordered a glass. Overall, this is one of the best restaurants in town in terms of presentation, quality and service. So what is keeping me from giving it a 5-star rating (I actually feel it deserves a 4 1/2 star rating). For the price paid (and boy did we pay a lot - second only to the high-end restaurants at the Broadmoor) - I expect everything to be impeccable. The ambiance, while nice, does not "scream" 5-star restaurant. Place seems a bit too casual to be charging the prices it does. Though I have no problem paying for a really good meal out, at what level do you say, even though I love the food, the price does not seem in-line for what you get. If you love the steak, and pay $50, it is still just as good if you pay $70, but the point is, where do you "draw the line" to distinguish between quality and value? Would you still pay $90 for that same incredible steak? I have absolutely fallen in love with the food at Carlos', but this will be a place that I will only visit on a rare occasion, when money truly is no object.
(4)
alex D.
Simply awefull! Can't believe all the good reviews on here. Where do you people normally eat?
(1)
Clay S.
Great service, ambiance and food as well, prices a tad high but food portions very good
(5)
Lauren D.
Service is great. Menu is a bit strange and outdated. They are incredibly over-priced and the environment isn't exactly fine dining. Overall, not impressed. Update the menu and lower the prices. But kudos on the services.
(2)
Jeff W.
I was out visiting a friend for a few days, and on my last night in Colorado, we went out to a nicer restaurant than we have before. Being from California, the exterior of most all establishments in Colorado seem a bit odd due to the massive amounts of space inbetween stores, gas stations and restaurants. So it didn't strike me as anything special, but was i pleasantly wrong. The owner, Carlos is from Argentina. He is one of the most pleasant hosts/owners i have ever met. Extremely humble, very personable and remembers you by name. He's often been known to greet you outside. The menu is what's expected from any italian/mediterranean bistro, however apparently Carlos goes the extra mile, to get only the best ingredients. The lobster comes from Maine, the oysters come from the east coast as well, and he ships it all because it's just that much better. I'm sure there are more nuances to the origins of the produce, but that's all i can recall at the moment. I can personally recommend the Fruita De Mer (yes it's mer, i thought it was always mar). It was fettucini pasta with calamari (squidwards, and rings), jumbo shrimp, scallops, clams, mussells, and roasted red pepper all in a tomato based sauce. It rivals many of the great seafood restaurants at home in the SF bay area. The filet mignon was also a hit according to my friend, as were the scallops. Basically, this place seems like the type where no matter what you're in the mood for, or happen to choose for that specific meal, you will be pleasantly surprised, and on top of that, you will have an excellent wait staff supporting your evening. Carlos's Bistro get's my seal of approval!
(5)
Mimi C.
went there for dinner on a friday night, i saw all the good reviews so decided to give it a try, knowing that it will be a pricey dinner. when i saw the menu for the night, my jaw dropped, everything was over-priced at least twice of other restaurants around town. i thought to myself, wow, so not worth it, but i am gonna give it a try anyway! we ordered two pasta dishes (since a steak cost $56, enough to cover a three-course meal at another high-end restaurant). the presentation was nice, however, pasta is pasta. It does have a good taste, but it was not worth $32 for that plate. (one price worthy ingredient on my "fruit de mer pasta was the two big prawns and scallops, otherwise, the rest of the seafood looks like it came from a 5 lb bag of marisco that you can get at any grocery store for $10 bucks). the ambiance was nice. it is a good place for 'special' occasions, however, there are other restaurant around town that could match the ambiance with half the price.
(3)
Sharon M.
Pricey, yes - but perfect for a splurge! Went there after the Colorado Springs Dog Show recently - enjoyed the fabulous food, service and atmosphere without a dress code! My friend and her husband arrived first and she thought Carlos was the parking lot attendant (a cute one)!! The tuna appetizer is amazing. Two of us had the ribeye special with some sort of chile seasoning and bleu cheese butter - one of the best steaks I've ever had. Two had traditional dishes - stroganoff and wiener schnitzel - and these were both exceptional as well. Atmosphere is quiet and relaxing. Will save up for another special occasion for sure!
(5)
Jill L.
My husband and I celebrated our third anniversary last night. Over the past couple of years, my favorite restaurants for high-end dining in the C-Springs area have closed their doors: Le Petite Maison and World Plate, so we decided to try Carlos Bistro. After reading reviews, we had high expectations, but we were still pleasantly surprised. Our experience was in line with that of previous reviewers. Rarely does a restaurant manage to excel in so many categories at once: food that is properly prepared using quality ingredients, attentive staff members and an owner who are ready to make spot-on recommendations, a wide selection of thoughtful and inventive dishes, and an ambience that adds to the dining experience. I could care less about the outside of the restaurant or its unpretentious locale, as I've found during my travels that the best gems in restaurants are usually in the most unassuming places. The dinner was not inexpensive, but we weren't ordering to be frugal; foie gras appetizer, lobster salad, scallop entree, filet entree, and a bottle of wine for a total of $160 is certainly fair for the quality and preparation we experienced which is unmatched in C-Springs. I have to add that, despite a lukewarm comment made by another reviewer regarding the foie gras, I am a big fan in general and went for it anyways. I was not disappointed. Considering the reasonable price of $20 and that it is being served in Colorado and not France, it was a surprisingly excellent preparation of whole and partial lobes in a berry sauce over toast. We had an inexpensive Malbec that was recommended by Carlos, and it was very good as well. I think that was the first time I've ever seen the owner of a restaurant recommend a bottle that is not in the upper 20% price tier on the wine list and speaks well of his integrity. We will be back.
(5)
Rachel G.
My boyfriends dad and mother are regulars here so when my boyfriend and I were caught off guard and ate here in jeans and t-shirts we didnt feel too strange, its still colorado. Carlos greeted us outside when we pulled up and was extremely charming, especially to my boyfriends 96 year old grandmother. The food here is amazing and I loved how they were able to introduce ingredients that some customers might have been weary of into more familiar dishes. The presentation is fantastic and the portions are very reasonable. I got lost on their appetizer menu and would have been happy ordering my main course from a few items off the list. (oh and they have foie gras if you care to know ;) I chose the greek salad to start off, skipping the appetizer because I needed to save room. The salad was quite big but it was so good I couldnt stop eating it. As recommended by my boyfriends parents I had the scallops, they were perfect and went great with the malbec. The sweet sauce went great with the grilled veggies and the creamy rice was the best. For dessert I had a custard/whipped cream/yogurt creation (its spanish and I forgot the name of it but get it!) drizzled with berry sauce along with fresh raspberries and blueberries on the side. This was a great meal and I cant wait to come back here again without the denim...
(5)
Michael M.
The place was OK. Definitely NOT worth the ridiculous prices. Carlos was constantly hovering around the place, asking us if we needed more cheese, telling us to eat the bread, to order wine.. the waitress was reaching over us to pick up plates.. I'm sure they are trained to do that, but honestly I have worked in fine dining myself, and if there is a plate that needs to be picked up but would require me to reach over a customer I wait. Basically they were trying too hard and not really letting us enjoy our dinner. The atmosphere was good, the food was good, but it was nothing special and sure wasnt worth the ridiculous cost. The cheapest bottle of wine was $40 and that was the ONLY $40 bottle. Most were priced $60-120. If the place was cheaper and the service was a little more relaxed, I would go there again, but I have had much better dinners for much less, so I will stay away.
(3)
Bert B.
If you expect the most gracious and attentive service, recongnition by the owner (with his trade-mark tie-over-the-shoulder greeting at the door and even in the parking lot) then this is the right place. Carlos is the most delighful host ever, a true character who obviously loves his restaurant and his customers. The food is beyond exceptional...it is prepared in heaven and delivered per individual order to the kitchen where Carlos leads you to believe it was prepared by mere mortals. It is very reasonably priced considering the highest of quality. If you are seeking fine dining and even finer service, this is the only place in Colorado Springs...in fact, I can think of no place in all of Colorado that ranks up there with Carlos's Bistro. Go there...it is definitely worth it. P.S. THE BEST liver and onions I have ever tasted!
(5)
Evonne Y.
My husband and I and two great friends celebrated birthdays tonite. I can't say enough good things about it. Service, food, ambiance were terrific. Yes, its expensive, but you come away with having such a wonderful culinary experience that it is well worth the price. The special rib-eye steak with blue cheese dressing - to die for. You could almost cut the steak with a fork. Scallops were perfect. Everything from the appetizers to the entrees were out of this world! The owner is very personable and is indeed interested in making sure that you are satisfied. He visited our table several times, but not annoyingly. Great little gem in Colorado Springs.
(5)
Mysti A.
My husband and I have dined several times at Carlos's Bistro. We have NEVER been disappointed. Not only is Carlos a divine, charming host his food and wait staff are impeccable. He has the freshest seafood in Colorado Springs period. The oysters have a nice briny finish to them, the soft shell crab sandwich is crisp and complemented from the choice of sauce to the greens and that is just the lunch menu. For Dinner I would recommend being adventurous, and try the daily special even if it is something different for you I assure you will never be disappointed. Desert, the bread pudding of coarse, rich and plenty the for you and a guest to share, that is if you want too.
(5)
Mariela S.
I fell in love with this place the first time I came here. I was visiting my boyfriend in Colorado Springs and there was no doubt in our minds where we wanted to eat. This was the site of our official first date, so it brought back nice memories. Being from the SF bay area and Napa, this place rivals any place there. The service is excellent and genuine. Carlos the owner greeted us and everyone else that came in (something that never happens in Napa) and he remembered us from our previous visit in April. It was busy and we had no reservations but he found us a table quickly and it took no time to order a bottle of the Raymond Reserve Savigion Blanc and appetizers. We had a dozen oysters-fresh and cool. The lobster salad-which is by the way the best lobster salad ever. It even had fresh made Pistachio brittle, soo good. For our dinner I went with the scallops and risotto. I have yet to have better scallops anywhere, period. The risotto is nice and stringy. Freshly grilled veggies, all of it drizzled with a balsamic glaze. My bf had the fruite de mer, which was such a great serving that he had to take some back with him. I wish I could have shared the leftovers with him the next day. The food, the service and the price makes this the best place I have ever eaten, overall, hands down. The outstanding service you see here is what gives this place the winning edge. Carlos is so attentive and his staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Its difficult to find quality food and genuine service like that without leaving your wallet behind.
(5)
Kelly G.
omg this place is amazing. the food was so awesome. i'm a big fan of seafood and carlos definitely satisfied my taste for it. i had the seared scallops with mashed potatoes and veggies. they were seared in a teriyaki like sauce that went perfectly with everything. so not only was the food awesome, their service was really good to. they came by to check on us throughout our dinner and refill our drinks. very friendly and nice. even the owner greeted us as we walked in the door with handshakes too!
(5)
Lauren M.
I would give this a 4.5 if I could. My ONLY complaint is the decor, which obviously has nothing to do with the food! I just feel like it should look a bit nicer in there, considering how much is being spent. The chairs bothered me the most. HOWEVER, that being said, the food, service, and drinks were all fantastic. Carlos greeted us outside and brought us straight to our table. We started off with some wine and a martini. My husband ordered 1/2 dozen oysters and I had the insalata caprese. For dinner we ordered the lamb and the fruit de mer. The best we've ever had. Dessert was chocolate bread pudding and it was to die for! The portions were also adequate. It looked like I barely put a dent in my fruit de mer. Our server was very attentive, but not annoying. She was great. The place was completely full pretty much the entire time we were there, so I was happy I made reservations. Great place to go for a special occasion.
(4)
Stacy P.
with out a doubt, the BEST food not only COS, but all of Colorado! this is a MUST TRY place. you will not be disapointed, i promise. very fresh food, much of their seafood is flown in daily. and unique one-of-a-kind flavors. a great date place or anniversary place, i would get a babysitter for the kiddos though, not a place for them. carlos is the nicest guy! and the service is outstanding. too bad 5 stars is as high as it goes.
(5)
Katy M.
Unassuming on the outside, but walk in and the atmosphere is absolutely gorgeous. Menu has a wide variety of dishes. We loved everything we ate; the mussels and clams came in a sauce that we literally drank with our spoons and soaked our bread in. Everything was just insanely wonderful. The service was excellent and Carlos walked around the tables talking with all of the guests and sharing in the experience. It really is worth going to if you are in the area. Especially if you are at Broadmoor and want to get out for evening.
(5)
Joanne E.
Athough it was our first visit here, Carlos greeted us by name in the parking lot. He is very friendly and truly seems to care about his customers and his restaurant. The ambience was dim and although the restaurant was full during our visit, the noise level was quiet enough so we could hear each other fine. Our waitress was great, knowledgeable about the menu and efficient. She kept our drinks filled without having to ask. She also asked the manager if we could order half an Alfredo pasta dish portion, since our younger son has a small appetite. Except for the veggies it came with, he enjoyed it. Our older son, however, loved the seared scallops so much that he asked for another serving for his dessert. He had ordered the first entree with risotto, which turned out to be slightly sour, which we all did not care for. The mashed potatoes with his second entree were much better. He's lucky it was his birthday dinner! We also tried the rib eye steak with tomato and onion sauce, which was good, but we'd probably get it plain the next time. A highlight of the dinner was the Colorado lamb chops, which were very tender and not gamey. Another memorable dish was the blue crab salad, which was vey tasty and refreshing. The chocolate bread pudding was delicious, very flavorful and dense, served with an unusual but yummy chambord caramel sauce. I would have bought a jar of that to take home of they offered it! I was slightly disappointed that the restaurant did not bring a complimentary dessert for the birthday boy, which you'd expect in a high-end, expensive place like this. Overall, though, we enjoyed tasting many different flavors than what we'd experience in a typical steak house.
This restaurant is definitely a diamond in the ruff. My husband took me here for my birthday. Walking up to it I was like umm...but then walking in it was a total unexpected environment. Super fancy and great customer service. The food is good too! You know how you go to a fancy restaurant and the food is just mediocre? (Dealt with that a few times in San Diego, CA) no this place definitely lives up to the price. Highly recommended for those special occasions.
(5)
Heather H.
Five star service, food, atmosphere, staff and martinis', a little high priced but worth it! Love this place as it has a very diverse menu suitable for all pallets and food likes. Carlos will greet you in the parking lot and insure the quality of your comfort throughout your dining experience. Definitely an anniversary or special occasion destination for a great dinner, early dinner is available and reservations are a great idea.
(5)
Spencer H.
Amazing flavor and presentation. Had petite lobster salad, veal saltimbocca, bread pudding and a variety of appetizers. Foie Gras was enjoyable.
(5)
Marika F.
For the most part, the hospitality of this restaurant can't be beat. Carlos, who is Argentinian and hangs outside most nights opening the door for guests, knows how to train his staff. I visited twice within three months and on my second visit the owner and the staff remembered which table we sat at previously. They sat us there again, near the window. They remembered the wine we ordered and exactly what dishes we ordered (I had the scallops, he had steak, we shared the out-of-this-world while chocolate bread pudding). It was like a magic trick. It was like they secretly taped our previous visit and studied the footage like football players studying reels of plays. We were very pleased and felt fine shelling out the high prices for our dinner. On a third visit we didn't have reservations and were hastily seated in the lonely and empty bar area at the worst table in the section. We were put there like we had misbehaved and were told to stand in the corner while all of the good kids were having fun on the dining room side. The dining room wasn't even full. It seemed borderline discriminatory, in all honesty. It felt so awkward that we decided to leave quietly when no one was looking and before anyone poured our waters. We didn't see Carlos the owner at all that night...it was his wife (I presume, because she wasn't dressed like the servers) created that uncomfortable experience. I feel like Carlos the man himself wouldn't have done us like that. Will this experience keep us from returning? Hard to say. That bread pudding might call us again someday.
(3)
kim l.
Stunning food! Perfect service! Present owner! What a wonderful find! Now we have someplace to go for 5 star food in Colorado Springs. The Lobster salad was the best lobster I have ever experienced. The rib eye steak was crisp, hot and tender. Love everything about this place. See you soon Carlos.
(5)
Ann-Li C.
Carlos' Bistro was one of our favorites when we lived in Colorado Springs 5+ years ago. We often ordered the scallops and the filet a la oscar, with the nice crackly creme brulee to finish. Fast forward five years, and we returned to dine on our five year anniversary trip back in Colorado. Carlos recognized us, remembered our engagement story, inquired about our friends - and said that he had missed us over the years! We love the food at Carlos' but by far, it's the intimacy of feeling like this is "our place".
(5)
Mike K.
Everything was wonderful. Carlos greeted us at the door, as advertised. Go with his recommendations and you will have a great experience.
(5)
Karyn F.
My favorite restaurant in town. While pricey, we have never been disappointed by the service or meals. I highly recommend their cheesecake crepes.
(5)
Martin G.
As always, Carlos greeted me at the door. Service was again very good. I had foie gras, soup du jour, filet de Oscar, and dark chocolate bread pudding, and I got a taste of the blue crab cake and the key lime torte. All were well executed, but my favorites were the foie gras, the crabcake, the soup, and the dark chocolate bread pudding. Happy hour prices 5-530 almost made it fit within govt per diem, which makes it a steal!
(5)
Sheridan S.
Lemme start by saying "Oh. Em. Gee" I pass by Carlos' all the time and knew it had a great reputation and that it was a little on the 'spensive side which is why I have not tried it before tonight. So when my daddy asked me where we should go for dinner, I mentioned this place. He was game, so turned into the lot. First thing I notice (besides the lovely patio) was Carlos front and center greeting people as they came in. Now, let me digress a little bit. I live near this place and I have driven by here and seen him outside sweeping the entry, watering plants, greeting patrons and basically really showing a love and pride in his restaurant. That says a LOT. This is not a chain where menus are created in some corporate kitchen and ingredients are brought in from some central warehouse. This is a local place with owners who are really into what they are doing and truly seem to love what they do. Ok.. back to dinner. Service was wonderful and from the time we came in, we felt attended to and valued as a patron. Drinks were spot on, the wine recommendation was wonderful. The soup? I almost planted a kiss on Carlos' cheek for this one... lima bean soup. Yes, those little butter beans most people scoff at were incorporated into a delectable soup cooked with sherry and bacon. I smiled at the first slurp. (I don't really slurp, what do you take me for? ;) ) We also had the fried mozzarella (my dad is allergic to shellfish, so many of the appetizers were off limits to him. Had we had some Benadryl on hand? Oh, man.. Oh.. the fried mozz... fresh mozzarella, wonderfully breaded and served with a marinara and a house-made ranch-type sauce. Not sure what it was other than complete crack. So good. My dad ordered the halibut and let me tell you, they did that fish proud. My filet was perfectly cooked and I might have groaned when I took a bite. There are no witnesses to this, so I maintain my classy facade. One thing I really liked about the dinner was my vegetables. So many places, the vegetables are an afterthought. It's like the chef goes "oh, guess we ought to have some veg on the plate" and they do a complete disservice to them. Not here. My zucchini was grilled, carrots and peppers were cooked al dente and plated beautifully. (ok, the scallion garnish might be a little much, but made me smile) Overall, this restaurant is well worth the accolades it has received. Ask anyone I know - I can be a snotty wench when it comes to eating out. If I can make better at home, then going out is not worth it. I will say that I don't think I can make a steak as good as mine was and I sure can't make a soup that made me already want to order more. Is this place cheap? Hell no. Is it worth going for a special night out? Definitely. This was one of the most delightful meals I have had - even in comparison to my travels and foodgasms in cities all over the world - in a long time. Thanks to Carlos and his amazing staff for a completely wonderful dinner out with my dad.
(5)
Cristine D.
Carlos and his staff are stellar. Carlos himself offered excellent service and all the food in our party of 9 was delicious. We had an incredibly enjoyable night out. I had the lobster salad and it was on point.
(5)
Jason C.
Well...let's just say Carlos greeted us by name at the door. I've never had any restaurant owner do that before. The service was amazing. They made amazing recommendations that were perfect for what we wanted that night. I would definitely go here again. This place was perfect for a special occasion. We got the flat iron steak and the pork chop. I would get them both again. Thanks Carlos!
(5)
Michael N.
Service was exceptional. When I pulled into the parking lot Carlos greeted us and assisted our ladies into the restaurant. The selection of appetizers and entrees is WONDERFUL! I ordered wild abalone as an appetizer, it was cooked to perfection. The wine selection was solid. Our group of four really enjoyed this local restaurant when he were attending an event at The Broadmoor. The decor is conducive to a romantic evening or business meeting. Table service was attentive and prompt. One of my best dining experiences in 2014. Leave room for desert!
(5)
Kevin K.
If like to give this place a 5 because the food was excellent and the service was good buuut the price was still too high. Now, if the food was the most incredible culinary experience I ever had then I would give it a 5 but I'm rating all aspects. I concur with other posts that I shouldn't have to ask what the price is for the evening's specials. Now to the food. I ordered the lobster salad and the special filet mignon with mango sauce. The salad was great but I regretted spending $20 for it. The filet with mango was awesome and the risotto was truly incredible. My wife had the catfish bites and the filet mignon with brandy sauce. She thought the catfish was the 2nd best she's ever had, hers being the best. She really enjoyed the filet but choked a little on the chipotle white cheddar fondue as it was super hot; It even took me off guard. The service felt the same as any cafe with a server. I don't think I will return due to the price unless they are reduced but why should they, it seems like they get plenty of business.
(4)
Adam K.
Wow. Amazing. I see why it was so packed. Carlos is a true gentleman and the entire staff rocked. Food was exceptional.
(5)
Aaron M.
Love this place! One of our favorite date places. The food is amazing and we are never disappointed. Very personal service that always makes us feel really at home and a warm, relaxing atmosphere. 1000% recommend!
(5)
Kyle M.
Great food and great service! Best seafood in town and the menu has something for everyone. Carlos is the best part of the experience. He will greet you at your car and is always there to ensure your experience is flawless. The happy-hour is worth moving your dinner up a few hours early for.
(4)
Randy B.
It's a strong 4.0 star folks (not a 5 star) -- but it's the top-of-the-charts compared to anything else for miles. Certainly, it's the best offered in Old Town Colorado Springs. With wonderful Yelp ratings, it made the choice fairly easy when looking for a nice dinner spot with my friend. A friend who's beautiful. A friend who's buying. Alas, a perfect friend! We drove up to the older, square box restaurant with nice signage, but the outside is plain as Jane ever was (sorry if that's your name). Pretty easy parking. I opened my door, and was immediately greeted with a voice "Welcome". Here we go, panhandlers, I thought. Well, as it turned out, it was Carlos himself, the owner, a well-dressed man and also the master chef. This is something I've never experienced! In seconds, I found him genuine and warm. My friend and I agreed, we were made to feel very special. Inside, it's lovely. Very dark with the lighting turned way down giving it a low orange glow. The darkest of dark brown wood, an open ceiling painted black, and just a bit of sunlight coming thru the windows, it was both a surprising warm and elegant. Nice! As the sun sat behind the nearby mountain (literally across the street), it created quite a scene for those seated at the window. From my vantage seated 30 feet away, it just was a short glance...whatever, I had a menu to look at! When treated with nice weather, a small outdoor patio could be a winner. The menu has a ton of choices from pastas, seafood, and steaks -- along with some things you just don't find as common-fare. There's a little something for everyone, but the prices of food and wine might just give the unsuspecting general public a heart attack. 1. Soup du Jour, Cream of Artichoke Soup ($8) - a cup, most delicious. 2. Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras ($25) - I don't recall every having foie gras served seared and warm to my table. Well, it's creamy and tender, and unreal. I know, poor duck, but hell - this was great, and still legit in Colorado. 3. Paella ($49) - A small platter, but in no manner large, and certainly not a value. Good, but not great at this price. 4. Wine ($50+) - Two-buck Chuck nor are any other reasonable priced bottles offered. The wine list is quite extensive, certain to please any connoisseur. 5. Key Lime Pie...excellent and tart. All was great and a lovely evening for sure. The sculptures in entry way were terrific, but a few bucks need to be spent on the dining room art. Get rid of the cheaply framed posters, and add something to talk about. All the way, bring down the prices a few bucks per item, and a 5 star could be in your future.
(4)
Sean M.
Carlos is the face of the restaurant. He greets you at the door, asks your name if you are new, calls you by name if you are a regular. The attention to the food is impressive and tasty. Prices are reasonable for fine dining in Colorado Springs.
(5)
Shelly S.
We were vacationing in Colorado Springs for our first anniversary and went to Carlos' Bistro based on reviews we read. It was outstanding from start to finish. We shared a fried calamari appetizer - delicious. I had the Caesar Salad, husband had the shrimp and scallop salad to start. Both fantastic. We went with beef for the entree. I had the Filet Mignon a la Oscar. Husband had the bone-in ribeye. Both were outstanding - and we come from Kansas City where the steaks are oh so good. Dessert was the key lime tort which was perfection. Service was just the right amount of attentive. It was a wonderful evening and a dining experience we won't forget.
(5)
Jason D.
This is the second review I have left for Carlos'. I couldn't not, as it saved the date after a failed attempt to try a new place out. Myself and my date came to Carlos' for dessert and drinks after a disappointing meal at The Famous Steakhouse (actually, the food was great. The service and the atmosphere is what failed us). We have grown to adore Carlos' and knew there would be no disappointment if we went there. As usual, Carlos came out to the parking lot when we pulled up, to greet us. His usual warmth and friendliness setting the night right immediately. The atmosphere was relaxed and classy. The waiter, one we had not seen before, was top-notch. Friendly, helpful, on-target with suggestions and recommendations, and just a pleasure to interact with. The dessert was a masterpiece (as is everything they do), the tawny port overthrew my dates concept of desert wines, and perfectly matched the dessert (a recommendation from the waiter), and my rye manhatten was perfectly done. Carlos' is pricey, but you are paying for an experience, a memory, not just a meal. It is the only place in Colorado, that I have eaten at, that consistently provides that level, the level of 'experience'. I remember, and relive, the food, wine, and experiences I have had at Carlos'. It is the fact that those meals live on that allows me to justify spending the money that I do at Carlos'.
(5)
Scott L.
Amazing, fantastic, perfect...not much else to say. Carlos' Bistro is that rare gem which once found, you will want to return. Be it only a visit for a special occasion or more regularly. Regardless of your frequency, Carlos greets you as a welcome visitor and truly appreciates your visit. Carlos' Bistro is in a non-descript building but after he greets you in the parking lot, heartily shakes your hand and welcomes you through the front door, you're taken into what is going to be the most incredible dining experience in Colorado. From the exception quality of the menu items to the attentive, but unobtrusive service, to the vastness of the wine list. Carlos' Bistro is an experience not to be missed. We visited Carlos' Bistro with five friends very recently and loved it...again. We could find fault with nothing. We sat outside on the patio this time and the service is as good as inside the restaurant. For appetizers my wife and I chose the steak tartare and the ceviche. Simply among the best (if not the best) of both we've ever had, including those from restaurants we've visiting in Paris, Caribbean and Mexico in the past. For dinner my wife had grilled sea scallops and I had the pork chop, both were fantastic. The grilled sea scallops were flavorful and melted in your mouth. The pork chop was a generous cut, grilled to perfection and decadent. We ordered wine from the $50 bottle menu which provides many high quality choices for lovers of white or red wine. There are higher priced wines, many very recognizable and sought after names if you're inclined. We will be trying some of our favorites. The best part of the wine list? Sunday and Monday nights through the summer offer bottles of wine at 50% off. Carlos is ever present to ensure your experience is everything he expects. His expectations for you are likely higher than your own. We've dined at many places around the world and have seldom, if ever, felt more welcome than we feel at Carlos' Bistro. He and his staff make sure you enjoy your visit! There's a reason this restaurant has been voted #1 in Colorado by Zagat in 2013 and 2014. If you visit, you won't regret it, we never do.
(5)
Corinne N.
Wow what an awesome dining experience! Carlos himself came over to greet us and came by a few times during the meal to refill our bread basket, wine glass and just check in. You can tell he's truly passionate about his restaurant. All the food we ate was divine and presentation was beautiful. I started with the Caesar salad which was solid and had arguably the best Ciopinno I've ever had! It was made to order...I was able to order it without mussels. It came with fresh cut vegetables and generous portions of scallops, shrimp, calamari and mussels...the sauce was just right and I believe made with Chianti...my dining companion was equally impressed with the frog legs starter and his swordfish special.
(5)
David G.
What a gem of a find. Intimate, refreshing and the best customer service experience my wife and I have ever had. The Broadmoor has a lot to learn from Carlos.
(5)
D'Anne G.
Upon arrival in the parking lot, we were immediately greeted by Carlos, the owner of the restaurant and then by the hostess. This set the tone for the entire evening. John, our server was attentive and very polite. The food was amazing; we both had the swordfish, and dessert was incredible. We definitely plan to go back and enjoy this little gem. It's quite expensive, but we paid for an experience and that's exactly what we got. In addition, Carlos told us they would be open every day during the summer that that if you arrive for dinner at 5 pm, the entire menu is half price. This will certainly have us returning before the summer is out.
(5)
Theresa A.
Carlos and Marsha remembered our table from a yr. ago. Great new early menu. love the seafood. Bass was great!
(5)
Martin R.
Called a few days ago asked if their cevice contains "leche de tigre" a super sour and spicy sauce. Ordered it today, gentleman even explained how they make the dish. Tried a bite an hour later (got it to go) no sour, no spicy, totally bland! Shrimp on top was flavorless and boiled
(1)
Riley Y.
Wow!!! Amazing!! The fresh Colorado lamb melted in my mouth and the apps are amazing!!!! The service is outstanding and the owner makes this place, he greets you in parking lot and even buses your table. Great quality and worth every penny!!! Finally a Restruant in Colorado Springs that is amazing.
(5)
Matt B.
Fantastic food, fantastic service! As everyone mentions, Carlos is amazing. He greets people at the door or as soon as he can get to them.... He makes personal recommendations. As the owner he is out there doing everything that his servers and wait staff do... bussing tables, filling drinks etc.... I have never seen such great service.
(5)
Amanda J.
This place is incredible! Seriously. I have never had such amazing food. Best steak I have ever had and service. Carlos remembered my name the whole night! How did he do that?!?! The atmosphere was incredible. The people were. Everything was! I would STRONGLY recommend this place.
(5)
Don T.
Summary: Best restaurant in Colorado Springs for their outstanding food and personalized service. Details: Carlos (the owner) opened the door for us and was very engaging. Even though it was our first time at the restaurant, and on valentine's day too no less, he made us feel like his very best regular customers - checking in on us after every course in addition to the excellent service we received from our server. There were a few small negatives here which I will go into; however, the food and the welcoming atmosphere (each well beyond 5 stars) balance this out to 5 stars overall. The first negative is the wine prices. My wife and I don't mind spending $75-$125 for a really nice bottle of wine for special occasions (think Stag's Leap, Caymus, Silver Oak) ; however, the cabernets here start at about $120 and go up from there. Expect to pay a few more bucks here than at other restaurants (we found out that they do have a half price bottle night which would be much more reasonable.) Carlos must have sensed our sticker shock, because he referred us to some other wines in the back of the wine menu which were $50/bottle and his recommended wine (the Soverain cab) was actually very good (we ordered a second bottle). We were served bread with butter and optional sea salt, which was also very good. For our appetizer we ordered the mussels and clams. At $22, they were expensive by most standards, but they were also the best we've ever had (way better than say Carrabbas or Marigolds). Next I had the highly recommended lobster salad. I guess it is their signature dish here and I'd heard so many good things that I had to try it. It was served with a 1/2 Maine lobster tail on top of greens, nuts, etc. The lobster itself was by far the best lobster I've ever had (and I travel for a living and eat out at many of the best restaurants in the U.S.). I later found out that it was $20 (not listed on the menu). Next time I'm going to ask if I can get a double portion of lobster for $40! For our main courses my wife had the Ribeye which was very good and I ordered the Flat Iron steak. The Flat Iron was $28, which is comparably priced with other fine dinning restaurants in the area (think Joseph's / Peppertree / Famous / Marigolds); however, I'd estimate my portion was probably only 5-6 oz. I ordered my medium and it was served almost medium well, but was still very flavorful and tasty. The risotto was very good. All of the dishes had excellent presentation and taste. I regret that I didn't order seafood, because it sounds like that is more their specialty and after having the mussels and lobster I'd have to agree. All in all, this is our new favorite restaurant in Colorado Springs and we can wait to explore their menu further.
(5)
Christopher A.
Incredible food. Awesome service. Carlos is involved at every level, and is an entertaining part of the whole experience. Highly encourage you to go for the early bird menus, as the prices are WAY cheaper and the portions are negligibly smaller.
(5)
Bill W.
Agree with all the positive reviews here. We had a magnificent birthday dinner for my wife on 8/19/2014. As others have mentioned, the Lobster Salad is the best you will find anywhere. The bottomless bread is a perfect starter. We had the Sangria with our dinner....great choice. The filet is a "melt in your mouth" delight (I ordered it medium rare). The Langostinos were pronounced "delicious" by my wife. We ended up with Key Lime Pie...and it was also fitting for a first class fine dining establishment. Carlo's checked back at our table frequently, making sure everything was excellent. And it was. This is not a cheap night out; our drinks/salad/entrees came to about $185 before the tip. But for a special occasion, you will NOT find a better experience or a better value.
(5)
Kyle Myers M.
Carlos is amazing and so is his food. He comes out himself to greet you at the car. His joy for running this restaurant is very apparent and this is reflected in the food. Most of it has a Peruvian flare since Peru is where Carlos is from. Try the amazing happy hour menu is you can make it in before 530.
(5)
byl h.
One if the single best meal experiences I've had. The seafood was exceptional and very fresh. The cerviche was the best I've ever had and the lamb chops made from Colorado lamb were so flavorful it put all other lamb I've had to shame. Combine that with 1/2 price on all bottles of wine and the clear passion for his restaurant and diners, I have to rate this at the top of my dining experiences.
(5)
Grant Z.
Once again, Yelpers pointed us in the right direction. We never would have found Carlos' without seeing these reviews. We agree; this place is perfect!
(5)
Donna N.
Carlos' is amazing! My husband took me for my birthday, I had the lobster salad and blackened halibut. My husband had the nachos and blackened ribeye. Carlos met us as we arrived and everything was perfect from there. We aee fans and will be back soon! Carlos' is well deserving of all of the awards and honors that they have received.
(5)
Otto K.
Absolutely top notch restaurant in all areas.
(5)
matt b.
This place was bad ass! Carols and his wife are some cool people. I was at The Broadmoor for a few days and this place was recommended by a friend. 6 of us went out to eat that night and everything was awesome. Our conversations with Carlos was cool too. The lobster salad might have been the best salad I have ever had. Some of the people that I was with didn't like that they couldn't get a cappuccino after dinner. Carlos told us that one of his customers offered to give him a cappuccino machine but he does not want one in his place. If he had one he could have sold our table some and we probably would have got more drinks and maybe something sweet.
(4)
Cyndy H.
Carlos's is my favorite restaurant. The food is exceptional. The service is consistently the best. Carlos is a gracious host who will always walk around to each table to ensure everything is perfect. I just love the bread pudding!!
(5)
Sass S.
This is hands down my favorite fine dining experience in Colorado Springs. The owner, Carlo... Is perhaps the most genuine business owner I know of. He always greets us with a smile, and checks every table! The food is outstanding and so creative. Always well flavored and cooked to order. They have an extensive wine list... However, if you simply want a glass if Merlot they have that too! Go here, you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Peg K.
We were in town for graduation weekend and had high hopes for Carlos' Bistro. While Carlos is quite gracious, the food he serves leaves much to be desired. We started with avocado eggrolls- Chili's and other chain restaurants do a better job, the shrimp cocktail which desparately needed to be chilled, and the shrimp and scallop salad- two pieces of protein served next to very over-dressed greens were mediocre at best. For our entrees- the venison was spectacular in every way, the filet mignon was excellent as well; the three orders of veal marsala were well presented but lacked any hint of marsala wine and were served over risotto supposedly flavored with saffron but no hint of that either. Our bill indicated that we had ordered veal scallopini-I thought perhaps we had gotten the wrong dishes. When I asked our server she seemed surprised that we would be questioning anything at the highly regarded Carlos' Bistro. The best part of the meal was the 50% off bottle of wine special.
(2)
Jeffrey A.
Best meal in the Springs! Carlos greeted us when we arrived. The restaurant is quaint and romantic. My wife and I decided to try this out for the first time because of the early bird discount before 5:30, and it was unbelievable. We ordered the calamari to start off with and it was simply the most tender, lightly battered and best I have ever eaten. I ordered the special flank steak with a mango chutney , mashed potatoes with mixed vegetables and fried sweet potatoes strips. This was simply an incredible meal. Prime steak cooked to a perfect medium rare. My wife ordered the filet beef stroganoff and she loved it as well. Carlos and his staff were top notch and now I can see why this is the place to eat in COS. Even though the meal was discounted the portions were good and I would definitely pay whatever Carlos' wants to charge to eat here again. Do not wait, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Blake B.
The staff and owner are great; they are very welcoming. We had the veal and the seared scallops. Both were excellent with great presentation. My only complaint is the price being charged for bottles of wine. Their mark-up is very high. Since we enjoy good wines, we are very aware of the prices of wine. It is so discouraging to see a restaurant have a 4X mark-up! This type of mark-up puts me off and immediately causes me to question the scruples of the restaurants. Restaurants would sell more wine and have happier customers if they did not try to make such a killing on bottles of wine. Not much of an offering for wines by the glass. Very nice desserts. The service and the food saved the day.
(4)
Kate B.
INCREDIBLE. The crab Alfredo is to die for. The menu is pricey but we like to do the half price early bird special and that makes it totally affordable for us. Definitely a great place to eat!!
(5)
joannie h.
I absolutely love this restaurant. The ambience is romantic, the customer service is great, and the owner greeting us at the parking lot made our experience that much more special. I had the lobster salad and the scallop...All very delicious and worth every penny spent. We were debating between famous and Carlos' bistro and the reviews here favored Carlos over Famous. I agree!!! I think by far this is the best restaurant in the Springs.
(5)
L M.
My family (2 adults, 2 kids) took me here for my birthday, and it was outstanding. We came for the early bird menu, which is half off of the regular menu. The prices are pretty steep, but the food was excellent. We first ordered Escargot for the appetizer. It came out bubbly and full of great flavor. Our young kids are very adventurous, so they ate the escargot and loved it, dipping their bread into the leftover sauce. For salads, we enjoyed the famous Lobster salad (half a tail with fried sweet potatoes, sugared pecans, delicious greens, grapefruit) and the crab salad (good portion of lump crab meat over greens). We could tell these were fresh and tasted wonderful. Our entrees were pork chop, veal saltimbocca, Flat iron steak, and grilled scallops. Everything was excellent. We were so impressed with the pork chop because we didn't expect it to be so tender and full of flavor. Our only negative is the location. This restaurant needs to move to a better location so they can get more customers. I hope that more people will learn to love this place!
(5)
Sean R.
What an experience! The owner is a wonderful man who met us in the parking lot to welcome us in. He made wonderful wine suggestions and the food was absolutely mind blowing! A must try while in Colorado Springs
(5)
Sean M.
Hands down the best restaurant I've been to in Colorado Springs. Very expensive though.
(5)
Steve M.
Carlos' is an absolute treasure. Not to sound like a food snob, but I travel a lot and spend a lot of time in business dinners in 4 and 5 star restaurants in places like San Francisco, Boston, Paris, Amsterdam and others. Carlos' food truly is top notch and would hold up to the best food in any of these places. I took a group of people here from Southern California, and everyone was really, really impressed. I ordered the Colorado lamb chops, and they were better than any I've had anywhere else. The fish and steak that others ordered was equally top notch - you can tell Carlos uses only very fresh ingredients. The food is not over sauced or 'gooey'...just perfectly seasoned, well prepared and fresh! Also, the wine list is well thought out, and the service was wonderful. I simply cannot say enough good things about this place. When you go out to dinner in Colorado Springs, your expectations are generally lower - the food quality is just not that good there. But Carlos' will leave you surprised and very pleased. Carlos is also a great guy and really cares for his guests. Highly recommended!
(5)
Jason C.
Their food was good and the service was fantastic. The main issues I had were that the atmosphere was stuffy and the prices are quite high (e.g., $65 for a steak, which from what I can tell on based on the website & menu isn't grass fed or locally raised, which might add some value to the selection). Compared with many places I've eaten (in Colorado and California, primarily), the sides seem very uninspired, also (e.g. mixed vegetables and a starch). I might go back for a special occasion or during happy hour...
(3)
KJ K.
Carlos himself greeted us in the parking lot and continued to provide excellent customer service the entire night. The food was excellent. The lobster salad and ribeye were to die for. One of the best meals I've ever had, hands down, which says a lot because I've had the privilege of eating at a lot of very nice restaurants across the country. The outside of the restaurant is understated (to say the least), but don't judge a book by its cover. AMAZING. I wouldn't change a thing. The service was memorable.
(5)
Bullitt F.
Fantastic restaurant. My personal favorite in Colorado Springs.
(5)
heather t.
There are not many places that I visit multiple times without having a particular favorite dish on the menu. Carlos Bistro is one of those places because I can always order the special (or really anything on the menu) and know I'll be overwhelmed with the goodness of my meal. I have been here for lunch several times and it is always fresh and delicious, with the most friendly service from Carlos and his wife. Carlos truly loves his work, loves his business, loves food, and loves his customers. He matches his fantastic food with equally fantastic service. This restaurant is fabulous. Truly the best of the best in the Springs.
(5)
Rick B.
Carlos' Bistro is one of the hidden jewels in CO Springs. One visit is not enough. I have never had a meal there I did not enjoy to the fullest. Please make it by, shake Carlos' hand and immerse yourself in delicious fare.
(5)
Robert M.
I have wanted to dine at Carlos' for years (we live in Texas but frequently visit Colorado) and finally got the opportunity. We went at 6:30 on a Wednesday evening, and there were only one or two other parties in the restaurant. Our waiter, a reincarnation of John Fiedler, started reeling off the evening specials prior to asking for our drink orders, although that was his next step. I had seen online that their signature craft cocktail was the "pisco sour", so I ordered it. My wife's drink came several minutes before the pisco sour was finally prepared (by our waiter's account only Carlos himself is trusted to make it). Then Carlos came over and described the specials in considerable detail. Neither our waiter or Carlos ever mentioned the prices of any of the specials, but I figured, what the heck, we're here for a great meal, let's go for it. We shared the lobster salad and indeed, it was very good. My wife had ordered the ahi tuna special and when our waiter asked how she would like it cooked she said "Oh, chef's choice," whereupon our waiter said, "Well, he won't go beyond medium rare," and my wife said "Fine". I had the John Dory which was the substitute for the sea bass which previous reviewers have raved about. My wife's tuna arrived medium well, if not well done (no visible pink anywhere). We pointed this out to the waiter who said, "Yes, it really should have some pink in there," and walked away. We shared dessert and asked for the check. The unforgivably overcooked tuna item was $60! No offer to replace it with a properly cooked entree and it certainly wasn't comped. Then, as I was placing the credit card in the check folder, our waiter suddenly appeared and said "I forgot to charge for the wine, sorry about that, I'll be right back," seized the check, then returned with a corrected check that included our two $7 wines by the glass. Carlos' attentiveness to our table was unusual (some would say "annoying" and/or "obsequious") but would have been acceptable to us if only the restaurant had gotten the basics right. I know this is one of their slowest times of year and we could certainly understand leisurely service secondary to "efficient" staffing, but destroying an innocent piece of what must have been a marvelous piece of tuna and then not attempting to correct the error is much more difficult to understand. Hopefully this was their worst night ever and if we should ever get an opportunity to return our lofty expectations will be met, or at least approached.
(3)
Kay B.
Absolutely fantastic! Carlos provides personal attention to every table! each course is better than the one before. Great place to celebrate any occasion
(5)
Debi N.
We were in Colorado Springs entertaining guests from California, Louisiana & Ohio & Carlos' Bistro came highly recommended by a local. We weren't real sure when we pulled into the parking lot, as the place is small & somewhat lacking in the outside appearance. But, as we're often told - never judge a book by its cover! We were greeted at the door by Carlos himself. He shook each of our hands, all 11 of us, and escorted us to our table. The food was spectacular and the presentation of each dish - phenomenal! Everyone at our table was impressed with each dish we ordered! I can honestly say that the next trip to Colorado Springs will include a return trip!
(5)
John M.
A 'must visit' in Colorado Springs; fantastic experience and food!! Carlos' was recommended by the Broadmoor concierge to us as a great restaurant to try off property, and we are so glad they recommended it. Our fantastic experience began when Carlos met our car in the parking lot, welcoming us to the restaurant. The ambiance was very comfortable and every staff member we encountered was polite, professional and efficient. The menu selections were plentiful, and the wine selection surprisingly sophisticated (and 50% off on Mondays!!) We had an excellent bottle of 2011 Caymus Cab, to accompany my fantastic bone-in ribeye special (peppercorn crusted with saffron risotto) that was perfectly prepared. My wife raved about the basil-tomato soup and lobster salad she had. And our girls (5&7), loved their carbonara pasta, despite being picky eaters - it helped that Carlos came by several times to tall with them and make them feel very special. Carlos indicated that he was also the pastry chef, and we ordered several desserts, all of which were excellent. My 5-year old declared the chocolate bread pudding with caramel sauce "the best dessert ever made" and I am inclined to agree with her. We will definitely be coming back on our next trip to Colorado. I wish we lived closer...hmmm, maybe I can convince Carlos to move to Chicago. :)
(5)
Deon C.
Amazing!! Service is always great and it's nice to see the same wait staff every time we come in! Food is wonderful and there are many dishes to choose from. Carlos is high energy and a great host. He always remembers us and is very gracious (Don't see that at many places around town).
(5)
Alexander L.
I've had dinner here about 5 times since its opening a few yrs ago and can say that I'm quite familiar with this place Food & Drinks 5/5 Tremendously tasteful and executed food. Always fresh seafood and have a bomb steak. (oysters have never been a let down either). Awesome drinks. Love the Martini's Service 5/5 My older brother was a server here for a few months before heading to medical school and I heard how important service is to Carlos (the owner-no sh!t?!). Never left this place with a feeling that the service wasn't top-notch. Once a server forgot some things and got mixed up and the owner came over and comped us a bottle of nice wine. You def. won't be disappointing. Prices 3/5 Although what you get is very good the prices are RIDICULOUS. If you go with a gf/wife on a date expect to spend two benjamins ez, unless you both eat/drink like mormon chipmunks. Atmosphere 4/5 Nice but for the money its subpar. If you go expecting to spend a lot of money you want a more spacious, warm, experience. It's kind of small, a cold feeling in there with tables that have a cheap feel. Go here expecting great food/drinks good service and outrageous prices. If he priced his items 10-20% less this would be a 5 star rating no sweat.
(4)
Eli M.
My father and I went here on a whim and just loved it. The owner is a very nice man and goes out of his way to meet and greet his guests. They even helped prepare food to bring to my brother and sister-in-law who were in the hospital. Try the lobster salad, it is their specialty.
(4)
Tina S.
Delicious. Excellent service. An unexpected gem. Seafood is really good...fresh and well cooked. Altogether a lovely experience.
(5)
Shenee P.
This restaurant is, by far, the best restaurant Colorado Springs has to offer. And I know, because I've eaten at them all and I run two of them. The second you pull into the parking lot, you're treated like a celebrity. Your car and the restaurant doors are opened for you, they know your name, your table is ready. If it was raining, I'm certain an umbrella would have been in Carlos' hand. Their service is fluid as water-you don't notice when your wine has been refilled or your plate has been taken away, it just happens. Carlos entertains-talks of his wine list, his sauces, his favorites. There isn't a table in the restaurant I find unappealing (you know, every restaurant has that table that they have to squeeze in one last guest). There isn't an entree that doesn't look as good on paper as it tastes on your tongue. He has more options than any fine dining restaurant I've ever been to, and has no hesitation recommending the cheaper dish or bottle of wine which he loves more. My first anniversary was last night and our reservations at the restaurant we'd originally chosen (forgetting about Carlos, of course) called us and cancelled because they overbooked. We just showed up at Carlos' door, he greeted and seated us, and allowed us to stay well past closing to finish our crepe dessert and bottle of wine. Food, atmosphere, ambience, ownership, service, wine list, dessert options--there is no category in which Carlos doesn't take the cake.
(5)
Danny S.
Best Steak I've Ever Had You Can Cut With A Dull butter knife... It Melts It Your Mouth... Lobster Was Wonderful with Pasta Was Perfect!!! Service is 5 Star Carlos Was A Wonderful Host... We Will Be Back... Ambiance Was Far the Best. You Have To Try This Fine Restaurant...
(5)
Sheila D.
I was really anxious to go to this restaurant since all the reviews were outstanding. I have to say I was very disappointed. Carlos was a wonderful host but this is just another over rated restaurant in Colorado Springs. The menu is very extensive probably too extensive, they are trying to do too much and of the items we had were fair not great and way over priced in my opinion. The wine list does have nice items on it if you want to pay 4-5 times the wholesale cost, 3X at most is the customery markup in a restaurant. I realize business's need to make a profit but the wine list prices were ridiculous. I have been to a lot of great restaurants in and out of the country and in my opinion Carlos' Bistro is not worthy of these reviews or the price. It was a special occasion for us so we jumped in but I would not recommend this place if you want to get what you pay for. $25 for foie gras - maybe 5 dime size pieces on the plate with lots of confeit $48 for paella - rice was gummy, the muscles and clams were totally dried out, but shrimp, scallops and chorizo were good. $14 for bread pudding that was like a cement block
(3)
Bob S.
Its True Its True! Carlos really greets, seats every customer with genuine enthusiasm and personally knows many customers. We stopped in after hiking (it was a bit more dressy than we expected) and just wanted to sit at the bar to enjoy some vino and appetizers. However, just watching the incredible looking entrees pass by encouraged us to return for dinner soon. Tim the bartender was very friendly and immediately service us a couple glasses of Chard-meanwhile, Carlos explained in fine detail the 5 different sauces they could create for a bowl of mussels and clams-we picked the chardonny cream sauce, served with roasted peppers, carrots, zucchini in the sauce and a veggie chip on top with a large piece of kale-beautifully served and we thought time travel had flashed and we were in Paris. Wonderful dipping sauce, tons of mussels and clams, crispy bread, it truly was a meal for two-Carlos came by to mention half priced bottles of wine during early week. I would recommend anyone to visit Carlos, he and the place are very memorable.
(4)
Nick A.
The food here is, without a doubt, absolutely delicious. The prices are probably way over the top for the average diner; but don't let that give you too much pause. The menu is gorgeous; just reading it will make you hungry, and it is nearly impossible to narrow down a choice. Some standouts that we had were the foie gras (a surprising large portion,) the salad and lobster tail (the best salad I've had in my life, and approaching the best lobster I've ever had - in a landlocked state, no less!) The portions were all pretty big, and no one was left hungry or disappointed. That said, the menu and prices will likely give you pause at first glance. I know I had some feelings of guilt thinking about the 30 or 50 villages in Africa I could have fed for a decade with the cost of my meal or my next car payment. But if you just power through, you will really enjoy your meal. If you light your Cuban cigars with $100 dollar bills and have an army of indentured servants carry you in a litter wherever you go, then definitely go here to your hearts content. I recommend that anyone else save up and splurge for a special occasion. That's what I did, and that is where the three star rating comes from; yes, it was very good. But no, I will not likely eat there again.
(3)
Peter T.
Good meal but NOT a 29 (on Zagats' scale). Carlos is an affable and gracious host. He makes an effort to get local organic produce and wild caught (not farm raised) fish. Went on a Friday night and there were perhaps 5-6 tables occupied. The atmosphere is nothing special and generally lacks a vibe of any kind.
(4)
Dan S.
My wife and I left our four boys at the hotel to order pizza (their choice, their loss!) and ventured out for something a bit more interesting. We read reviews about Carlos' Bistro on Yelp and decided it looked like our kind of restaurant. Carlos' Bistro was EXCELLENT! Carlos greeted us personally as we entered the restaurant, and seated us. The ambience is very nice, somewhat dark. Once seated, service is quick and top-shelf - our waiter was a pro - very attentive, but not suffocating. Carlos stopped by several times to check on things, and to chat - he is a very interesting gentleman, and obviously is passionate about providing a wonderful dining experience to his patrons. We started with the Calamari, which was as light and tender as I've had. Just lightly breaded, obviously fresh, and properly prepared. My wife had the Blue Crab salad, and I had the fish of the day, a Grouper. The presentation is as nice as the food is delicious. I was pretty full, but had to try dessert. I got the creme brulee and it was definitely one of the best I've had. My wife got a bread pudding to go (may share it with the boys if they've behaved...) - she loved it - said the sauce was wonderful. We'll definitely return next time we're in Colorado Springs, and will recommend to others.
(5)
Sarah C.
Had a very good dinner here last Saturday night. Nice atmosphere, correct service, delicious food. The owner was visible--checked in with us a couple of times. Yes, it was expensive but we felt it was a good value. Fresh, quality ingredients, nicely prepared and beautifully presented.
(5)
Spiro T.
A forgettable meal. In fairness, the steaks were cooked to order and nothing was amiss with our dinner. It's just that nothing stood out that would make me want to return. They did have an excellent bottle of wine that we ordered, but I didn't feel like we got $220 worth of food/wine. Also, their chairs were very uncomfortable. Overpriced food that you could make at home for a fraction of the cost. They are missing that "special something" in their food. Here's the link to their health inspection: elpaso2.co.gegov.com/el_…
(2)
Debbie B.
Excellent, Excellent all around! The food is to die for . The service is excellent! Carlos is a very gracious host. I highly recommend this place. The bread pudding is like no other, and I order bread pudding everywhere I go. For everyone who is complaining about the prices, then go between 5:00 and 5:30 and get half off entree prices. It doesn't get better than that. My friend from Sacramento loved everything about this place, but she says she is going to buy Carlos a bow tie so he doesn't have to flip his tie over his shoulder. Go experience this place, you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Mac P.
Very limited and expensive wines by the glass. The ambiance is not equal to the very high prices and the chef burned my dessert....twice.
Carlos is a true hospitaolity person. Welcoming and warm. The food was good, but not great. Same for the service. I had not been to Carlos' for a number of years and likely will not go back for one reason: Value. The meun is not just a little overpriced it is seflfishly overpriced and treats the guest like an idiot. (Only an idiot would pay 36 bucks for pasta.) Ditto the wine list. l collect wines so i know what they sell for. His Caymus (non-select) was priced at 3 times retail. Why? It was a Friday night and the restaurant was not busy and pricing is the reason.
(3)
Alex M.
Stopped by for lunch after hiking around Manitou for the morning, didn't know what to expect, but I've heard good things about it. First thing I experienced was Carlos meeting us at our car, welcoming us in despite the fact we showed up about 20 minutes before lunch closed, but he said it wasn't a problem. Throughout the meal he would stop by, see how things were going. The menu was expensive, but I had the best gourmet sandwich I have ever had, and was enough to tempt me to come back for dinner sometime in the future to experience other items on the menu. Really cool place, friendly staff, and good food
(5)
Shane W.
Yes, its expensive. Totally worth it though. By far the best place in the Springs I've eaten at. Service is always great, the food is always amazing, and Carlos is always a character. For me the experience always begins just by calling and making a reservation when Carlos answers the phone. We'd eat here more if we could, but alas, we save it for "special occasions" based on price.
(5)
Stacy F.
I'll keep this short---Carlos' Bistro is on par with the best in the world. If you're a foodie--or if you just appreciate great service and great food--this is the place to go in Colorado Springs. What a GEM! Best lamb I've ever had. Best fried oysters. Best food period! Give them business!!!!! They kept this place open for us after closing because of shoddy cab service. I was impressed beyond words--not only do they have amazing food, but they also have amazing service. One of the best places in this planet. Try the Colorado lamb, it's the best I've EVER had. Please, PLEASE, please eat here--keep it going until I return and eat here again!
(5)
Debbie F.
Everything everyone raved about on Yelp proved true last night at Carlos Bistro. My husband and I were in Colorado Springs for my work from Denver and wanted a nice "get away" for a great dinner! First Carlos himself called me back to confirm my reservations (which are a must on a weekend night) and set the tone for the whole evening with his friendly demeanor. We were promptly seated when we arrived by Carlos (he's obviously highly involved in his restaurant and it works!) and we quickly got our drinks. Carlos then came back to the table to tell us about the specials and take our order. He seemed to show the same amount of attention with his very postive, fun personality to all of the tables in the room. He must have stopped by our table at least 4 times (and not annoyingly so) and even engaged in a hilarious conversation about the World Cup with my husband. Besides the flawless service, the food was exquisite!! I had the BEST scallops I've ever had. Cooked to perfection and HUGE, they were just scrumptious with the risotto and asparagus! My husband had one of the best steaks EVER, each tender morsel better than the last and the garlic mashed potatoes were truly to DIE FOR!!! The portions are generous too ... Then we just HAD to try dessert so I had the berries and with whiskey cream sauce - I'd eat my fruit every day if it was served this way!! Simply amazing and my husband couldn't keep tasting my dessert, even though he had his own tasty treat! It's safe to say we'd make the 45 minute/hour drive to Colorado Springs from our house just to go to Carlos Bistro again .. and even though it's a bit pricey, you're happy to support Carlos and his excellent staff for taking care of you so well!
(5)
Andrew E.
Actually, I'd give Carlos' Bistro 4.5 stars...it is VERY good indeed. I'm only giving 4 to ensure a balanced overall rating on Yelp. My wife and I had a delicious meal there last month to celebrate a special occasion. We were the youngest in the place (31/32), but that was fine with us. The atmosphere wasn't at all "older" and was very chill and just fine with us. Not swanky, not kitchy, but just right. The waiter was great and provided excellent service and recommendations. The foie gras was really good, not incredible, but really good. Both of the entrees were delicious, and the wine our server recommended complemented them both very well. Of course, Carlos greeted us when we arrived in the parking lot, and proceeded to check on us at least another two times during the evening. It's readily apparent that he really cares about this restaurant and ensuring you have a great experience. So why only 4(.5) stars? While the food was delicious, I wouldn't say it's "good enough" to justify the price range for the restaurant. There's one other place in town that I think provides similar quality food for a much better value, so that's tempering my review a bit. Now that we've been here, we'll probably steer to the other restaurant (see my other reviews) when we want to have a nice night out in a great location. You should still go to Carlos' at least once and see for yourself. It really is a hidden gem in this city.
(4)
Eli M.
My father and I went here on a whim and just loved it. The owner is a very nice man and goes out of his way to meet and greet his guests. They even helped prepare food to bring to my brother and sister-in-law who were in the hospital. Try the lobster salad, it is their specialty.
(4)
Tina S.
Delicious. Excellent service. An unexpected gem. Seafood is really good...fresh and well cooked. Altogether a lovely experience.
(5)
Shenee P.
This restaurant is, by far, the best restaurant Colorado Springs has to offer. And I know, because I've eaten at them all and I run two of them. The second you pull into the parking lot, you're treated like a celebrity. Your car and the restaurant doors are opened for you, they know your name, your table is ready. If it was raining, I'm certain an umbrella would have been in Carlos' hand. Their service is fluid as water-you don't notice when your wine has been refilled or your plate has been taken away, it just happens. Carlos entertains-talks of his wine list, his sauces, his favorites. There isn't a table in the restaurant I find unappealing (you know, every restaurant has that table that they have to squeeze in one last guest). There isn't an entree that doesn't look as good on paper as it tastes on your tongue. He has more options than any fine dining restaurant I've ever been to, and has no hesitation recommending the cheaper dish or bottle of wine which he loves more. My first anniversary was last night and our reservations at the restaurant we'd originally chosen (forgetting about Carlos, of course) called us and cancelled because they overbooked. We just showed up at Carlos' door, he greeted and seated us, and allowed us to stay well past closing to finish our crepe dessert and bottle of wine. Food, atmosphere, ambience, ownership, service, wine list, dessert options--there is no category in which Carlos doesn't take the cake.
(5)
Danny S.
Best Steak I've Ever Had You Can Cut With A Dull butter knife... It Melts It Your Mouth... Lobster Was Wonderful with Pasta Was Perfect!!! Service is 5 Star Carlos Was A Wonderful Host... We Will Be Back... Ambiance Was Far the Best. You Have To Try This Fine Restaurant...
(5)
Sheila D.
I was really anxious to go to this restaurant since all the reviews were outstanding. I have to say I was very disappointed. Carlos was a wonderful host but this is just another over rated restaurant in Colorado Springs. The menu is very extensive probably too extensive, they are trying to do too much and of the items we had were fair not great and way over priced in my opinion. The wine list does have nice items on it if you want to pay 4-5 times the wholesale cost, 3X at most is the customery markup in a restaurant. I realize business's need to make a profit but the wine list prices were ridiculous. I have been to a lot of great restaurants in and out of the country and in my opinion Carlos' Bistro is not worthy of these reviews or the price. It was a special occasion for us so we jumped in but I would not recommend this place if you want to get what you pay for. $25 for foie gras - maybe 5 dime size pieces on the plate with lots of confeit $48 for paella - rice was gummy, the muscles and clams were totally dried out, but shrimp, scallops and chorizo were good. $14 for bread pudding that was like a cement block
(3)
Bob S.
Its True Its True! Carlos really greets, seats every customer with genuine enthusiasm and personally knows many customers. We stopped in after hiking (it was a bit more dressy than we expected) and just wanted to sit at the bar to enjoy some vino and appetizers. However, just watching the incredible looking entrees pass by encouraged us to return for dinner soon. Tim the bartender was very friendly and immediately service us a couple glasses of Chard-meanwhile, Carlos explained in fine detail the 5 different sauces they could create for a bowl of mussels and clams-we picked the chardonny cream sauce, served with roasted peppers, carrots, zucchini in the sauce and a veggie chip on top with a large piece of kale-beautifully served and we thought time travel had flashed and we were in Paris. Wonderful dipping sauce, tons of mussels and clams, crispy bread, it truly was a meal for two-Carlos came by to mention half priced bottles of wine during early week. I would recommend anyone to visit Carlos, he and the place are very memorable.
(4)
Nick A.
The food here is, without a doubt, absolutely delicious. The prices are probably way over the top for the average diner; but don't let that give you too much pause. The menu is gorgeous; just reading it will make you hungry, and it is nearly impossible to narrow down a choice. Some standouts that we had were the foie gras (a surprising large portion,) the salad and lobster tail (the best salad I've had in my life, and approaching the best lobster I've ever had - in a landlocked state, no less!) The portions were all pretty big, and no one was left hungry or disappointed. That said, the menu and prices will likely give you pause at first glance. I know I had some feelings of guilt thinking about the 30 or 50 villages in Africa I could have fed for a decade with the cost of my meal or my next car payment. But if you just power through, you will really enjoy your meal. If you light your Cuban cigars with $100 dollar bills and have an army of indentured servants carry you in a litter wherever you go, then definitely go here to your hearts content. I recommend that anyone else save up and splurge for a special occasion. That's what I did, and that is where the three star rating comes from; yes, it was very good. But no, I will not likely eat there again.
(3)
Peter T.
Good meal but NOT a 29 (on Zagats' scale). Carlos is an affable and gracious host. He makes an effort to get local organic produce and wild caught (not farm raised) fish. Went on a Friday night and there were perhaps 5-6 tables occupied. The atmosphere is nothing special and generally lacks a vibe of any kind.
(4)
Stacy F.
I'll keep this short---Carlos' Bistro is on par with the best in the world. If you're a foodie--or if you just appreciate great service and great food--this is the place to go in Colorado Springs. What a GEM! Best lamb I've ever had. Best fried oysters. Best food period! Give them business!!!!! They kept this place open for us after closing because of shoddy cab service. I was impressed beyond words--not only do they have amazing food, but they also have amazing service. One of the best places in this planet. Try the Colorado lamb, it's the best I've EVER had. Please, PLEASE, please eat here--keep it going until I return and eat here again!
(5)
Dan S.
My wife and I left our four boys at the hotel to order pizza (their choice, their loss!) and ventured out for something a bit more interesting. We read reviews about Carlos' Bistro on Yelp and decided it looked like our kind of restaurant. Carlos' Bistro was EXCELLENT! Carlos greeted us personally as we entered the restaurant, and seated us. The ambience is very nice, somewhat dark. Once seated, service is quick and top-shelf - our waiter was a pro - very attentive, but not suffocating. Carlos stopped by several times to check on things, and to chat - he is a very interesting gentleman, and obviously is passionate about providing a wonderful dining experience to his patrons. We started with the Calamari, which was as light and tender as I've had. Just lightly breaded, obviously fresh, and properly prepared. My wife had the Blue Crab salad, and I had the fish of the day, a Grouper. The presentation is as nice as the food is delicious. I was pretty full, but had to try dessert. I got the creme brulee and it was definitely one of the best I've had. My wife got a bread pudding to go (may share it with the boys if they've behaved...) - she loved it - said the sauce was wonderful. We'll definitely return next time we're in Colorado Springs, and will recommend to others.
(5)
Sarah C.
Had a very good dinner here last Saturday night. Nice atmosphere, correct service, delicious food. The owner was visible--checked in with us a couple of times. Yes, it was expensive but we felt it was a good value. Fresh, quality ingredients, nicely prepared and beautifully presented.
(5)
Spiro T.
A forgettable meal. In fairness, the steaks were cooked to order and nothing was amiss with our dinner. It's just that nothing stood out that would make me want to return. They did have an excellent bottle of wine that we ordered, but I didn't feel like we got $220 worth of food/wine. Also, their chairs were very uncomfortable. Overpriced food that you could make at home for a fraction of the cost. They are missing that "special something" in their food. Here's the link to their health inspection: elpaso2.co.gegov.com/el_…
(2)
Debbie B.
Excellent, Excellent all around! The food is to die for . The service is excellent! Carlos is a very gracious host. I highly recommend this place. The bread pudding is like no other, and I order bread pudding everywhere I go. For everyone who is complaining about the prices, then go between 5:00 and 5:30 and get half off entree prices. It doesn't get better than that. My friend from Sacramento loved everything about this place, but she says she is going to buy Carlos a bow tie so he doesn't have to flip his tie over his shoulder. Go experience this place, you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Mac P.
Very limited and expensive wines by the glass. The ambiance is not equal to the very high prices and the chef burned my dessert....twice.
Carlos is a true hospitaolity person. Welcoming and warm. The food was good, but not great. Same for the service. I had not been to Carlos' for a number of years and likely will not go back for one reason: Value. The meun is not just a little overpriced it is seflfishly overpriced and treats the guest like an idiot. (Only an idiot would pay 36 bucks for pasta.) Ditto the wine list. l collect wines so i know what they sell for. His Caymus (non-select) was priced at 3 times retail. Why? It was a Friday night and the restaurant was not busy and pricing is the reason.
(3)
Alex M.
Stopped by for lunch after hiking around Manitou for the morning, didn't know what to expect, but I've heard good things about it. First thing I experienced was Carlos meeting us at our car, welcoming us in despite the fact we showed up about 20 minutes before lunch closed, but he said it wasn't a problem. Throughout the meal he would stop by, see how things were going. The menu was expensive, but I had the best gourmet sandwich I have ever had, and was enough to tempt me to come back for dinner sometime in the future to experience other items on the menu. Really cool place, friendly staff, and good food
(5)
Shane W.
Yes, its expensive. Totally worth it though. By far the best place in the Springs I've eaten at. Service is always great, the food is always amazing, and Carlos is always a character. For me the experience always begins just by calling and making a reservation when Carlos answers the phone. We'd eat here more if we could, but alas, we save it for "special occasions" based on price.
(5)
heather t.
There are not many places that I visit multiple times without having a particular favorite dish on the menu. Carlos Bistro is one of those places because I can always order the special (or really anything on the menu) and know I'll be overwhelmed with the goodness of my meal. I have been here for lunch several times and it is always fresh and delicious, with the most friendly service from Carlos and his wife. Carlos truly loves his work, loves his business, loves food, and loves his customers. He matches his fantastic food with equally fantastic service. This restaurant is fabulous. Truly the best of the best in the Springs.
(5)
Rick B.
Carlos' Bistro is one of the hidden jewels in CO Springs. One visit is not enough. I have never had a meal there I did not enjoy to the fullest. Please make it by, shake Carlos' hand and immerse yourself in delicious fare.
(5)
Debbie F.
Everything everyone raved about on Yelp proved true last night at Carlos Bistro. My husband and I were in Colorado Springs for my work from Denver and wanted a nice "get away" for a great dinner! First Carlos himself called me back to confirm my reservations (which are a must on a weekend night) and set the tone for the whole evening with his friendly demeanor. We were promptly seated when we arrived by Carlos (he's obviously highly involved in his restaurant and it works!) and we quickly got our drinks. Carlos then came back to the table to tell us about the specials and take our order. He seemed to show the same amount of attention with his very postive, fun personality to all of the tables in the room. He must have stopped by our table at least 4 times (and not annoyingly so) and even engaged in a hilarious conversation about the World Cup with my husband. Besides the flawless service, the food was exquisite!! I had the BEST scallops I've ever had. Cooked to perfection and HUGE, they were just scrumptious with the risotto and asparagus! My husband had one of the best steaks EVER, each tender morsel better than the last and the garlic mashed potatoes were truly to DIE FOR!!! The portions are generous too ... Then we just HAD to try dessert so I had the berries and with whiskey cream sauce - I'd eat my fruit every day if it was served this way!! Simply amazing and my husband couldn't keep tasting my dessert, even though he had his own tasty treat! It's safe to say we'd make the 45 minute/hour drive to Colorado Springs from our house just to go to Carlos Bistro again .. and even though it's a bit pricey, you're happy to support Carlos and his excellent staff for taking care of you so well!
(5)
Andrew E.
Actually, I'd give Carlos' Bistro 4.5 stars...it is VERY good indeed. I'm only giving 4 to ensure a balanced overall rating on Yelp. My wife and I had a delicious meal there last month to celebrate a special occasion. We were the youngest in the place (31/32), but that was fine with us. The atmosphere wasn't at all "older" and was very chill and just fine with us. Not swanky, not kitchy, but just right. The waiter was great and provided excellent service and recommendations. The foie gras was really good, not incredible, but really good. Both of the entrees were delicious, and the wine our server recommended complemented them both very well. Of course, Carlos greeted us when we arrived in the parking lot, and proceeded to check on us at least another two times during the evening. It's readily apparent that he really cares about this restaurant and ensuring you have a great experience. So why only 4(.5) stars? While the food was delicious, I wouldn't say it's "good enough" to justify the price range for the restaurant. There's one other place in town that I think provides similar quality food for a much better value, so that's tempering my review a bit. Now that we've been here, we'll probably steer to the other restaurant (see my other reviews) when we want to have a nice night out in a great location. You should still go to Carlos' at least once and see for yourself. It really is a hidden gem in this city.
(4)
Jessica C.
Carlos' has become the standard against which all other restaurants are measured. I have been to all manner of fancy restaurants, and nothing in my life has ever topped the food and service I experienced here. Heavenly, orgasmic, amazing. I met up with some friends very last-minute, and as such arrived very close to the time when the kitchen was shutting down. As you might expect after reading other reviews, Carlos met me in the parking lot, told me he was glad I could make it, opened the door, pulled out my chair. He was wonderful. I had the caprese salad for an appetizer. Amazing. I forget what my entree was called... a chicken dish, one of the daily specials. I had NO idea chicken could taste so exquisite. My best friend and I split the creme brulee for dessert. Artfully prepared and by far the best creme brulee I have ever consumed. Well worth the cost. I have paid more for less, and would pay more for what I experienced at Carlos'. GO.
(5)
Greg M.
So... being from Los Angeles where restaurant choices abound, I have had a hard time finding great places to dine. Heard about Carlos' Bistro and had such great ratings on yelp. Yelp reviewers.... you kind of let me down on this one. Positives: -Great service -Great wines -The scallops were outstanding. Perfectly cooked diver scallops. -The risotto was decent. Not great, but good. Negatives: -My wife got the frutti di mare (seafood pasta) and it was all swimming in a heavy marina sauce that just killed it. -we had a special salad - a lobster salad that isn't on the menu but they are known for it. Not impressed. it had pistachio brittle that was as hard as a rock. Not appetizing. -the worst part was that my wife's seafood pasta and my scallops with risotto had a bunch of fibrous vegetables with fried sweet potato slivers ON TOP. Not on the side. Really weird. If I would go back, I would probably try their grilled meats. Overall, the price was high, the service really good and the food was strange. Some good and some bad.
(2)
Andrew D.
The personal service was outstanding. Carlo's met us at the door and seated us himself. The wait staff was extremely attentive, we did not have to ask for anything. The food was out of this world. They have a huge menu, which would lead you to believe the dishes would be similar but each was distinct and perfectly prepared. We usually do not have dessert but tried the bread pudding, it is to die for. If you like bread pudding, you will melt when you eat this. It is very expensive though. It is definitely a place we will go for very special occasions only. It's nice to have that "go to" restaurant for just those occasions.
(5)
Al D.
Totally unassuming but wonderful. Owner met us in the parking lot as promised by other Yelpers. Great wine list, delicious food and attentive service. Clearly, it's been given plenty of great reviews. That's why we tried it, and it turns out: they were right!
(5)
John N.
Look: in order to get 5 stars out of me, it has to be a really special place with food that's off-the-chart good. Carlos' Bistro qualifies! Just as advertised here on Yelp, Carlos was outside, tie over shoulder, and greeted us warmly even tho (as we found out) were were kinda underdressed. The Missus (who is particular about such things) really liked the dim, but not gloomy, and quite elegant decor. After an appetizer of tasty raw oysters for me (in the 'Springs no less!) and chicken chowder for the Missus and yummy home-made bread, we got down to the meal, and what a meal! The Missus had chicken carbonara - taglitelle pasta & saute'd chicken in a delicious cream sauce and I had "fruite del mer" - all manner of seafood and fettuccine pasta. The sauce was light and delicious, the scallops, mussels, clams and calamari perfectly cooked and very tasty - even the enormous shrimp wasn't overcooked - no mean feat! Fantastic presentation and (we agree) the best meal we've had in a while. While not cheap ($25 for her main course, $30 for mine) everything was just fantastic and absolutely delicious. Given the quality of the food, the prices are very reasonable, the service top-notch, and, oh, did I mention HOW GOOD THE FOOD IS?!?? For special occasions, a date night when you REALLY want to impress her, or just when you need a damn fine meal, check out Carlos' Bistro. Carlos will no doubt be out front, tie over shoulder, to greet you and then escort you inside for a meal to remember. 5 stars and that's only because I can't give it 6. Superb.
(5)
Lori G.
Went to Carlos' Bistro while on a visit to the Springs. We went here because of all the positive reviews. We had a group of 7 for a special occasion and Carlos greeted us in the parking lot. Very personal service, I appreciated the reccomendation for one of the South American wines. It was very good and a bit less $$ than the domestics. We started off with the oysters, very fresh. I had the scallops which were very nice, the risotto may not have been the best. Another guest had the lamb chops which he raved were the best ever. The lobster salad was very tasty as well. For dessert we had the brulee and the key lime. The brulee was good but the key lime pie was really suberb.
(4)
Gwen C.
We were greeted at the door by Carlos who was very friendly and hospitable. We were a part of 6, including a 3 year old and a 5 year old. We had reservations and were seated immediately. The kid's water glasses were small brandy glasses which I thought was a real nice touch. The food was good, however I gotta make a comment to Jessica J.'s review - I don't think she gets out much if this place is the best she's ever had. Anyhow, bring a FAT wallet when you dine here, and be sure to savor the decor.
(3)
Audra S.
Delish. Came here for the boyfriend's birthday and we were very happy with the experience. It was a mid-week date and our waiter was attentive and knowledgable about the menu - not to mention he made a pretty solid cocktail. Foie gras - delish. Crab meat infused hollandaise filet - delish. Caprese salad - delish. Everything was great. And I really cannot wait until summer so we can chill on their beautiful patio with a margarita. Which I'm sure will be delish, of course.
(5)
Sibby S.
Ambiance: Rather ordinary looking, small, square, almost cylinder-block looking building from the outside, seems like an out-of-place location for a high end restaurant. Inside, the place is nicely appointed, rather small dining room, and very dimly lit. Small bar area with about five bar stools. Service: Top-notch. No complaints. Carlos himself greeted us as we walked in (he remembered me by name as I had spoke with him earlier in the day by phone to make reservations.) He checked in with our party a few times during the meal, and actually walked us out to our cars in the parking lot after dinner. Waiter was very good, knew his menu very well, and how all the items were prepared. Waiter was attentive without being intrusive. Food: Hands down the most beautifully plated presentation of any restaurant in Colorado Springs. Each plate was a work of art (and you do eat with your "eyes" first.) Each dish was wonderfully prepared. Nice thing about going in a group of three, we all got to sample each other's dinner selections. All were through the roof delicious. The best was the Shrimp Scampi. Easily the best Scampi I have ever had -- the sauce was executed brilliantly (and in land-locked Colorado Springs of all places!). I ordered one of their specials for the night, which was a schnitzel-coated pork chop, with a cranberry and apricot- based sauce, reduced with a bit of wine. Very good, but one person at our table thought it was a tad "too" sweet for his taste. The other entree ordered was another special of the night, a Rib Eye, that was finished with a light, blue cheese sauce - also delicious. We all ordered different salads (green, Greek and Caesar), and everyone enjoyed them. Thought the price for a bottle of wine was outrageously expensive (like five times over the price in a liquor store) - so everyone just ordered a glass. Overall, this is one of the best restaurants in town in terms of presentation, quality and service. So what is keeping me from giving it a 5-star rating (I actually feel it deserves a 4 1/2 star rating). For the price paid (and boy did we pay a lot - second only to the high-end restaurants at the Broadmoor) - I expect everything to be impeccable. The ambiance, while nice, does not "scream" 5-star restaurant. Place seems a bit too casual to be charging the prices it does. Though I have no problem paying for a really good meal out, at what level do you say, even though I love the food, the price does not seem in-line for what you get. If you love the steak, and pay $50, it is still just as good if you pay $70, but the point is, where do you "draw the line" to distinguish between quality and value? Would you still pay $90 for that same incredible steak? I have absolutely fallen in love with the food at Carlos', but this will be a place that I will only visit on a rare occasion, when money truly is no object.
(4)
alex D.
Simply awefull! Can't believe all the good reviews on here. Where do you people normally eat?
(1)
Clay S.
Great service, ambiance and food as well, prices a tad high but food portions very good
(5)
Lauren D.
Service is great. Menu is a bit strange and outdated. They are incredibly over-priced and the environment isn't exactly fine dining. Overall, not impressed. Update the menu and lower the prices. But kudos on the services.
(2)
Jeff W.
I was out visiting a friend for a few days, and on my last night in Colorado, we went out to a nicer restaurant than we have before. Being from California, the exterior of most all establishments in Colorado seem a bit odd due to the massive amounts of space inbetween stores, gas stations and restaurants. So it didn't strike me as anything special, but was i pleasantly wrong. The owner, Carlos is from Argentina. He is one of the most pleasant hosts/owners i have ever met. Extremely humble, very personable and remembers you by name. He's often been known to greet you outside. The menu is what's expected from any italian/mediterranean bistro, however apparently Carlos goes the extra mile, to get only the best ingredients. The lobster comes from Maine, the oysters come from the east coast as well, and he ships it all because it's just that much better. I'm sure there are more nuances to the origins of the produce, but that's all i can recall at the moment. I can personally recommend the Fruita De Mer (yes it's mer, i thought it was always mar). It was fettucini pasta with calamari (squidwards, and rings), jumbo shrimp, scallops, clams, mussells, and roasted red pepper all in a tomato based sauce. It rivals many of the great seafood restaurants at home in the SF bay area. The filet mignon was also a hit according to my friend, as were the scallops. Basically, this place seems like the type where no matter what you're in the mood for, or happen to choose for that specific meal, you will be pleasantly surprised, and on top of that, you will have an excellent wait staff supporting your evening. Carlos's Bistro get's my seal of approval!
(5)
Mimi C.
went there for dinner on a friday night, i saw all the good reviews so decided to give it a try, knowing that it will be a pricey dinner. when i saw the menu for the night, my jaw dropped, everything was over-priced at least twice of other restaurants around town. i thought to myself, wow, so not worth it, but i am gonna give it a try anyway! we ordered two pasta dishes (since a steak cost $56, enough to cover a three-course meal at another high-end restaurant). the presentation was nice, however, pasta is pasta. It does have a good taste, but it was not worth $32 for that plate. (one price worthy ingredient on my "fruit de mer pasta was the two big prawns and scallops, otherwise, the rest of the seafood looks like it came from a 5 lb bag of marisco that you can get at any grocery store for $10 bucks). the ambiance was nice. it is a good place for 'special' occasions, however, there are other restaurant around town that could match the ambiance with half the price.
(3)
Sharon M.
Pricey, yes - but perfect for a splurge! Went there after the Colorado Springs Dog Show recently - enjoyed the fabulous food, service and atmosphere without a dress code! My friend and her husband arrived first and she thought Carlos was the parking lot attendant (a cute one)!! The tuna appetizer is amazing. Two of us had the ribeye special with some sort of chile seasoning and bleu cheese butter - one of the best steaks I've ever had. Two had traditional dishes - stroganoff and wiener schnitzel - and these were both exceptional as well. Atmosphere is quiet and relaxing. Will save up for another special occasion for sure!
(5)
Jill L.
My husband and I celebrated our third anniversary last night. Over the past couple of years, my favorite restaurants for high-end dining in the C-Springs area have closed their doors: Le Petite Maison and World Plate, so we decided to try Carlos Bistro. After reading reviews, we had high expectations, but we were still pleasantly surprised. Our experience was in line with that of previous reviewers. Rarely does a restaurant manage to excel in so many categories at once: food that is properly prepared using quality ingredients, attentive staff members and an owner who are ready to make spot-on recommendations, a wide selection of thoughtful and inventive dishes, and an ambience that adds to the dining experience. I could care less about the outside of the restaurant or its unpretentious locale, as I've found during my travels that the best gems in restaurants are usually in the most unassuming places. The dinner was not inexpensive, but we weren't ordering to be frugal; foie gras appetizer, lobster salad, scallop entree, filet entree, and a bottle of wine for a total of $160 is certainly fair for the quality and preparation we experienced which is unmatched in C-Springs. I have to add that, despite a lukewarm comment made by another reviewer regarding the foie gras, I am a big fan in general and went for it anyways. I was not disappointed. Considering the reasonable price of $20 and that it is being served in Colorado and not France, it was a surprisingly excellent preparation of whole and partial lobes in a berry sauce over toast. We had an inexpensive Malbec that was recommended by Carlos, and it was very good as well. I think that was the first time I've ever seen the owner of a restaurant recommend a bottle that is not in the upper 20% price tier on the wine list and speaks well of his integrity. We will be back.
(5)
Rachel G.
My boyfriends dad and mother are regulars here so when my boyfriend and I were caught off guard and ate here in jeans and t-shirts we didnt feel too strange, its still colorado. Carlos greeted us outside when we pulled up and was extremely charming, especially to my boyfriends 96 year old grandmother. The food here is amazing and I loved how they were able to introduce ingredients that some customers might have been weary of into more familiar dishes. The presentation is fantastic and the portions are very reasonable. I got lost on their appetizer menu and would have been happy ordering my main course from a few items off the list. (oh and they have foie gras if you care to know ;) I chose the greek salad to start off, skipping the appetizer because I needed to save room. The salad was quite big but it was so good I couldnt stop eating it. As recommended by my boyfriends parents I had the scallops, they were perfect and went great with the malbec. The sweet sauce went great with the grilled veggies and the creamy rice was the best. For dessert I had a custard/whipped cream/yogurt creation (its spanish and I forgot the name of it but get it!) drizzled with berry sauce along with fresh raspberries and blueberries on the side. This was a great meal and I cant wait to come back here again without the denim...
(5)
Michael M.
The place was OK. Definitely NOT worth the ridiculous prices. Carlos was constantly hovering around the place, asking us if we needed more cheese, telling us to eat the bread, to order wine.. the waitress was reaching over us to pick up plates.. I'm sure they are trained to do that, but honestly I have worked in fine dining myself, and if there is a plate that needs to be picked up but would require me to reach over a customer I wait. Basically they were trying too hard and not really letting us enjoy our dinner. The atmosphere was good, the food was good, but it was nothing special and sure wasnt worth the ridiculous cost. The cheapest bottle of wine was $40 and that was the ONLY $40 bottle. Most were priced $60-120. If the place was cheaper and the service was a little more relaxed, I would go there again, but I have had much better dinners for much less, so I will stay away.
(3)
Bert B.
If you expect the most gracious and attentive service, recongnition by the owner (with his trade-mark tie-over-the-shoulder greeting at the door and even in the parking lot) then this is the right place. Carlos is the most delighful host ever, a true character who obviously loves his restaurant and his customers. The food is beyond exceptional...it is prepared in heaven and delivered per individual order to the kitchen where Carlos leads you to believe it was prepared by mere mortals. It is very reasonably priced considering the highest of quality. If you are seeking fine dining and even finer service, this is the only place in Colorado Springs...in fact, I can think of no place in all of Colorado that ranks up there with Carlos's Bistro. Go there...it is definitely worth it. P.S. THE BEST liver and onions I have ever tasted!
(5)
Evonne Y.
My husband and I and two great friends celebrated birthdays tonite. I can't say enough good things about it. Service, food, ambiance were terrific. Yes, its expensive, but you come away with having such a wonderful culinary experience that it is well worth the price. The special rib-eye steak with blue cheese dressing - to die for. You could almost cut the steak with a fork. Scallops were perfect. Everything from the appetizers to the entrees were out of this world! The owner is very personable and is indeed interested in making sure that you are satisfied. He visited our table several times, but not annoyingly. Great little gem in Colorado Springs.
(5)
Mysti A.
My husband and I have dined several times at Carlos's Bistro. We have NEVER been disappointed. Not only is Carlos a divine, charming host his food and wait staff are impeccable. He has the freshest seafood in Colorado Springs period. The oysters have a nice briny finish to them, the soft shell crab sandwich is crisp and complemented from the choice of sauce to the greens and that is just the lunch menu. For Dinner I would recommend being adventurous, and try the daily special even if it is something different for you I assure you will never be disappointed. Desert, the bread pudding of coarse, rich and plenty the for you and a guest to share, that is if you want too.
(5)
Mariela S.
I fell in love with this place the first time I came here. I was visiting my boyfriend in Colorado Springs and there was no doubt in our minds where we wanted to eat. This was the site of our official first date, so it brought back nice memories. Being from the SF bay area and Napa, this place rivals any place there. The service is excellent and genuine. Carlos the owner greeted us and everyone else that came in (something that never happens in Napa) and he remembered us from our previous visit in April. It was busy and we had no reservations but he found us a table quickly and it took no time to order a bottle of the Raymond Reserve Savigion Blanc and appetizers. We had a dozen oysters-fresh and cool. The lobster salad-which is by the way the best lobster salad ever. It even had fresh made Pistachio brittle, soo good. For our dinner I went with the scallops and risotto. I have yet to have better scallops anywhere, period. The risotto is nice and stringy. Freshly grilled veggies, all of it drizzled with a balsamic glaze. My bf had the fruite de mer, which was such a great serving that he had to take some back with him. I wish I could have shared the leftovers with him the next day. The food, the service and the price makes this the best place I have ever eaten, overall, hands down. The outstanding service you see here is what gives this place the winning edge. Carlos is so attentive and his staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Its difficult to find quality food and genuine service like that without leaving your wallet behind.
(5)
Kelly G.
omg this place is amazing. the food was so awesome. i'm a big fan of seafood and carlos definitely satisfied my taste for it. i had the seared scallops with mashed potatoes and veggies. they were seared in a teriyaki like sauce that went perfectly with everything. so not only was the food awesome, their service was really good to. they came by to check on us throughout our dinner and refill our drinks. very friendly and nice. even the owner greeted us as we walked in the door with handshakes too!
(5)
Lauren M.
I would give this a 4.5 if I could. My ONLY complaint is the decor, which obviously has nothing to do with the food! I just feel like it should look a bit nicer in there, considering how much is being spent. The chairs bothered me the most. HOWEVER, that being said, the food, service, and drinks were all fantastic. Carlos greeted us outside and brought us straight to our table. We started off with some wine and a martini. My husband ordered 1/2 dozen oysters and I had the insalata caprese. For dinner we ordered the lamb and the fruit de mer. The best we've ever had. Dessert was chocolate bread pudding and it was to die for! The portions were also adequate. It looked like I barely put a dent in my fruit de mer. Our server was very attentive, but not annoying. She was great. The place was completely full pretty much the entire time we were there, so I was happy I made reservations. Great place to go for a special occasion.
(4)
Stacy P.
with out a doubt, the BEST food not only COS, but all of Colorado! this is a MUST TRY place. you will not be disapointed, i promise. very fresh food, much of their seafood is flown in daily. and unique one-of-a-kind flavors. a great date place or anniversary place, i would get a babysitter for the kiddos though, not a place for them. carlos is the nicest guy! and the service is outstanding. too bad 5 stars is as high as it goes.
(5)
Ann-Li C.
Carlos' Bistro was one of our favorites when we lived in Colorado Springs 5+ years ago. We often ordered the scallops and the filet a la oscar, with the nice crackly creme brulee to finish. Fast forward five years, and we returned to dine on our five year anniversary trip back in Colorado. Carlos recognized us, remembered our engagement story, inquired about our friends - and said that he had missed us over the years! We love the food at Carlos' but by far, it's the intimacy of feeling like this is "our place".
(5)
Mike K.
Everything was wonderful. Carlos greeted us at the door, as advertised. Go with his recommendations and you will have a great experience.
(5)
Karyn F.
My favorite restaurant in town. While pricey, we have never been disappointed by the service or meals. I highly recommend their cheesecake crepes.
This restaurant is definitely a diamond in the ruff. My husband took me here for my birthday. Walking up to it I was like umm...but then walking in it was a total unexpected environment. Super fancy and great customer service. The food is good too! You know how you go to a fancy restaurant and the food is just mediocre? (Dealt with that a few times in San Diego, CA) no this place definitely lives up to the price. Highly recommended for those special occasions.
(5)
Heather H.
Five star service, food, atmosphere, staff and martinis', a little high priced but worth it! Love this place as it has a very diverse menu suitable for all pallets and food likes. Carlos will greet you in the parking lot and insure the quality of your comfort throughout your dining experience. Definitely an anniversary or special occasion destination for a great dinner, early dinner is available and reservations are a great idea.
(5)
Spencer H.
Amazing flavor and presentation. Had petite lobster salad, veal saltimbocca, bread pudding and a variety of appetizers. Foie Gras was enjoyable.
(5)
Marika F.
For the most part, the hospitality of this restaurant can't be beat. Carlos, who is Argentinian and hangs outside most nights opening the door for guests, knows how to train his staff. I visited twice within three months and on my second visit the owner and the staff remembered which table we sat at previously. They sat us there again, near the window. They remembered the wine we ordered and exactly what dishes we ordered (I had the scallops, he had steak, we shared the out-of-this-world while chocolate bread pudding). It was like a magic trick. It was like they secretly taped our previous visit and studied the footage like football players studying reels of plays. We were very pleased and felt fine shelling out the high prices for our dinner. On a third visit we didn't have reservations and were hastily seated in the lonely and empty bar area at the worst table in the section. We were put there like we had misbehaved and were told to stand in the corner while all of the good kids were having fun on the dining room side. The dining room wasn't even full. It seemed borderline discriminatory, in all honesty. It felt so awkward that we decided to leave quietly when no one was looking and before anyone poured our waters. We didn't see Carlos the owner at all that night...it was his wife (I presume, because she wasn't dressed like the servers) created that uncomfortable experience. I feel like Carlos the man himself wouldn't have done us like that. Will this experience keep us from returning? Hard to say. That bread pudding might call us again someday.
(3)
kim l.
Stunning food! Perfect service! Present owner! What a wonderful find! Now we have someplace to go for 5 star food in Colorado Springs. The Lobster salad was the best lobster I have ever experienced. The rib eye steak was crisp, hot and tender. Love everything about this place. See you soon Carlos.
(5)
Martin G.
As always, Carlos greeted me at the door. Service was again very good. I had foie gras, soup du jour, filet de Oscar, and dark chocolate bread pudding, and I got a taste of the blue crab cake and the key lime torte. All were well executed, but my favorites were the foie gras, the crabcake, the soup, and the dark chocolate bread pudding. Happy hour prices 5-530 almost made it fit within govt per diem, which makes it a steal!
(5)
Jason C.
Well...let's just say Carlos greeted us by name at the door. I've never had any restaurant owner do that before. The service was amazing. They made amazing recommendations that were perfect for what we wanted that night. I would definitely go here again. This place was perfect for a special occasion. We got the flat iron steak and the pork chop. I would get them both again. Thanks Carlos!
(5)
Michael N.
Service was exceptional. When I pulled into the parking lot Carlos greeted us and assisted our ladies into the restaurant. The selection of appetizers and entrees is WONDERFUL! I ordered wild abalone as an appetizer, it was cooked to perfection. The wine selection was solid. Our group of four really enjoyed this local restaurant when he were attending an event at The Broadmoor. The decor is conducive to a romantic evening or business meeting. Table service was attentive and prompt. One of my best dining experiences in 2014. Leave room for desert!
(5)
Sheridan S.
Lemme start by saying "Oh. Em. Gee" I pass by Carlos' all the time and knew it had a great reputation and that it was a little on the 'spensive side which is why I have not tried it before tonight. So when my daddy asked me where we should go for dinner, I mentioned this place. He was game, so turned into the lot. First thing I notice (besides the lovely patio) was Carlos front and center greeting people as they came in. Now, let me digress a little bit. I live near this place and I have driven by here and seen him outside sweeping the entry, watering plants, greeting patrons and basically really showing a love and pride in his restaurant. That says a LOT. This is not a chain where menus are created in some corporate kitchen and ingredients are brought in from some central warehouse. This is a local place with owners who are really into what they are doing and truly seem to love what they do. Ok.. back to dinner. Service was wonderful and from the time we came in, we felt attended to and valued as a patron. Drinks were spot on, the wine recommendation was wonderful. The soup? I almost planted a kiss on Carlos' cheek for this one... lima bean soup. Yes, those little butter beans most people scoff at were incorporated into a delectable soup cooked with sherry and bacon. I smiled at the first slurp. (I don't really slurp, what do you take me for? ;) ) We also had the fried mozzarella (my dad is allergic to shellfish, so many of the appetizers were off limits to him. Had we had some Benadryl on hand? Oh, man.. Oh.. the fried mozz... fresh mozzarella, wonderfully breaded and served with a marinara and a house-made ranch-type sauce. Not sure what it was other than complete crack. So good. My dad ordered the halibut and let me tell you, they did that fish proud. My filet was perfectly cooked and I might have groaned when I took a bite. There are no witnesses to this, so I maintain my classy facade. One thing I really liked about the dinner was my vegetables. So many places, the vegetables are an afterthought. It's like the chef goes "oh, guess we ought to have some veg on the plate" and they do a complete disservice to them. Not here. My zucchini was grilled, carrots and peppers were cooked al dente and plated beautifully. (ok, the scallion garnish might be a little much, but made me smile) Overall, this restaurant is well worth the accolades it has received. Ask anyone I know - I can be a snotty wench when it comes to eating out. If I can make better at home, then going out is not worth it. I will say that I don't think I can make a steak as good as mine was and I sure can't make a soup that made me already want to order more. Is this place cheap? Hell no. Is it worth going for a special night out? Definitely. This was one of the most delightful meals I have had - even in comparison to my travels and foodgasms in cities all over the world - in a long time. Thanks to Carlos and his amazing staff for a completely wonderful dinner out with my dad.
(5)
Cristine D.
Carlos and his staff are stellar. Carlos himself offered excellent service and all the food in our party of 9 was delicious. We had an incredibly enjoyable night out. I had the lobster salad and it was on point.
(5)
Kevin K.
If like to give this place a 5 because the food was excellent and the service was good buuut the price was still too high. Now, if the food was the most incredible culinary experience I ever had then I would give it a 5 but I'm rating all aspects. I concur with other posts that I shouldn't have to ask what the price is for the evening's specials. Now to the food. I ordered the lobster salad and the special filet mignon with mango sauce. The salad was great but I regretted spending $20 for it. The filet with mango was awesome and the risotto was truly incredible. My wife had the catfish bites and the filet mignon with brandy sauce. She thought the catfish was the 2nd best she's ever had, hers being the best. She really enjoyed the filet but choked a little on the chipotle white cheddar fondue as it was super hot; It even took me off guard. The service felt the same as any cafe with a server. I don't think I will return due to the price unless they are reduced but why should they, it seems like they get plenty of business.
(4)
Adam K.
Wow. Amazing. I see why it was so packed. Carlos is a true gentleman and the entire staff rocked. Food was exceptional.
(5)
Jason D.
This is the second review I have left for Carlos'. I couldn't not, as it saved the date after a failed attempt to try a new place out. Myself and my date came to Carlos' for dessert and drinks after a disappointing meal at The Famous Steakhouse (actually, the food was great. The service and the atmosphere is what failed us). We have grown to adore Carlos' and knew there would be no disappointment if we went there. As usual, Carlos came out to the parking lot when we pulled up, to greet us. His usual warmth and friendliness setting the night right immediately. The atmosphere was relaxed and classy. The waiter, one we had not seen before, was top-notch. Friendly, helpful, on-target with suggestions and recommendations, and just a pleasure to interact with. The dessert was a masterpiece (as is everything they do), the tawny port overthrew my dates concept of desert wines, and perfectly matched the dessert (a recommendation from the waiter), and my rye manhatten was perfectly done. Carlos' is pricey, but you are paying for an experience, a memory, not just a meal. It is the only place in Colorado, that I have eaten at, that consistently provides that level, the level of 'experience'. I remember, and relive, the food, wine, and experiences I have had at Carlos'. It is the fact that those meals live on that allows me to justify spending the money that I do at Carlos'.
(5)
Theresa A.
Carlos and Marsha remembered our table from a yr. ago. Great new early menu. love the seafood. Bass was great!
(5)
Katy M.
Unassuming on the outside, but walk in and the atmosphere is absolutely gorgeous. Menu has a wide variety of dishes. We loved everything we ate; the mussels and clams came in a sauce that we literally drank with our spoons and soaked our bread in. Everything was just insanely wonderful. The service was excellent and Carlos walked around the tables talking with all of the guests and sharing in the experience. It really is worth going to if you are in the area. Especially if you are at Broadmoor and want to get out for evening.
(5)
Joanne E.
Athough it was our first visit here, Carlos greeted us by name in the parking lot. He is very friendly and truly seems to care about his customers and his restaurant. The ambience was dim and although the restaurant was full during our visit, the noise level was quiet enough so we could hear each other fine. Our waitress was great, knowledgeable about the menu and efficient. She kept our drinks filled without having to ask. She also asked the manager if we could order half an Alfredo pasta dish portion, since our younger son has a small appetite. Except for the veggies it came with, he enjoyed it. Our older son, however, loved the seared scallops so much that he asked for another serving for his dessert. He had ordered the first entree with risotto, which turned out to be slightly sour, which we all did not care for. The mashed potatoes with his second entree were much better. He's lucky it was his birthday dinner! We also tried the rib eye steak with tomato and onion sauce, which was good, but we'd probably get it plain the next time. A highlight of the dinner was the Colorado lamb chops, which were very tender and not gamey. Another memorable dish was the blue crab salad, which was vey tasty and refreshing. The chocolate bread pudding was delicious, very flavorful and dense, served with an unusual but yummy chambord caramel sauce. I would have bought a jar of that to take home of they offered it! I was slightly disappointed that the restaurant did not bring a complimentary dessert for the birthday boy, which you'd expect in a high-end, expensive place like this. Overall, though, we enjoyed tasting many different flavors than what we'd experience in a typical steak house.
(4)
Martin R.
Called a few days ago asked if their cevice contains "leche de tigre" a super sour and spicy sauce. Ordered it today, gentleman even explained how they make the dish. Tried a bite an hour later (got it to go) no sour, no spicy, totally bland! Shrimp on top was flavorless and boiled
(1)
Riley Y.
Wow!!! Amazing!! The fresh Colorado lamb melted in my mouth and the apps are amazing!!!! The service is outstanding and the owner makes this place, he greets you in parking lot and even buses your table. Great quality and worth every penny!!! Finally a Restruant in Colorado Springs that is amazing.
(5)
Randy B.
It's a strong 4.0 star folks (not a 5 star) -- but it's the top-of-the-charts compared to anything else for miles. Certainly, it's the best offered in Old Town Colorado Springs. With wonderful Yelp ratings, it made the choice fairly easy when looking for a nice dinner spot with my friend. A friend who's beautiful. A friend who's buying. Alas, a perfect friend! We drove up to the older, square box restaurant with nice signage, but the outside is plain as Jane ever was (sorry if that's your name). Pretty easy parking. I opened my door, and was immediately greeted with a voice "Welcome". Here we go, panhandlers, I thought. Well, as it turned out, it was Carlos himself, the owner, a well-dressed man and also the master chef. This is something I've never experienced! In seconds, I found him genuine and warm. My friend and I agreed, we were made to feel very special. Inside, it's lovely. Very dark with the lighting turned way down giving it a low orange glow. The darkest of dark brown wood, an open ceiling painted black, and just a bit of sunlight coming thru the windows, it was both a surprising warm and elegant. Nice! As the sun sat behind the nearby mountain (literally across the street), it created quite a scene for those seated at the window. From my vantage seated 30 feet away, it just was a short glance...whatever, I had a menu to look at! When treated with nice weather, a small outdoor patio could be a winner. The menu has a ton of choices from pastas, seafood, and steaks -- along with some things you just don't find as common-fare. There's a little something for everyone, but the prices of food and wine might just give the unsuspecting general public a heart attack. 1. Soup du Jour, Cream of Artichoke Soup ($8) - a cup, most delicious. 2. Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras ($25) - I don't recall every having foie gras served seared and warm to my table. Well, it's creamy and tender, and unreal. I know, poor duck, but hell - this was great, and still legit in Colorado. 3. Paella ($49) - A small platter, but in no manner large, and certainly not a value. Good, but not great at this price. 4. Wine ($50+) - Two-buck Chuck nor are any other reasonable priced bottles offered. The wine list is quite extensive, certain to please any connoisseur. 5. Key Lime Pie...excellent and tart. All was great and a lovely evening for sure. The sculptures in entry way were terrific, but a few bucks need to be spent on the dining room art. Get rid of the cheaply framed posters, and add something to talk about. All the way, bring down the prices a few bucks per item, and a 5 star could be in your future.
(4)
Sean M.
Carlos is the face of the restaurant. He greets you at the door, asks your name if you are new, calls you by name if you are a regular. The attention to the food is impressive and tasty. Prices are reasonable for fine dining in Colorado Springs.
(5)
D'Anne G.
Upon arrival in the parking lot, we were immediately greeted by Carlos, the owner of the restaurant and then by the hostess. This set the tone for the entire evening. John, our server was attentive and very polite. The food was amazing; we both had the swordfish, and dessert was incredible. We definitely plan to go back and enjoy this little gem. It's quite expensive, but we paid for an experience and that's exactly what we got. In addition, Carlos told us they would be open every day during the summer that that if you arrive for dinner at 5 pm, the entire menu is half price. This will certainly have us returning before the summer is out.
(5)
Scott L.
Amazing, fantastic, perfect...not much else to say. Carlos' Bistro is that rare gem which once found, you will want to return. Be it only a visit for a special occasion or more regularly. Regardless of your frequency, Carlos greets you as a welcome visitor and truly appreciates your visit. Carlos' Bistro is in a non-descript building but after he greets you in the parking lot, heartily shakes your hand and welcomes you through the front door, you're taken into what is going to be the most incredible dining experience in Colorado. From the exception quality of the menu items to the attentive, but unobtrusive service, to the vastness of the wine list. Carlos' Bistro is an experience not to be missed. We visited Carlos' Bistro with five friends very recently and loved it...again. We could find fault with nothing. We sat outside on the patio this time and the service is as good as inside the restaurant. For appetizers my wife and I chose the steak tartare and the ceviche. Simply among the best (if not the best) of both we've ever had, including those from restaurants we've visiting in Paris, Caribbean and Mexico in the past. For dinner my wife had grilled sea scallops and I had the pork chop, both were fantastic. The grilled sea scallops were flavorful and melted in your mouth. The pork chop was a generous cut, grilled to perfection and decadent. We ordered wine from the $50 bottle menu which provides many high quality choices for lovers of white or red wine. There are higher priced wines, many very recognizable and sought after names if you're inclined. We will be trying some of our favorites. The best part of the wine list? Sunday and Monday nights through the summer offer bottles of wine at 50% off. Carlos is ever present to ensure your experience is everything he expects. His expectations for you are likely higher than your own. We've dined at many places around the world and have seldom, if ever, felt more welcome than we feel at Carlos' Bistro. He and his staff make sure you enjoy your visit! There's a reason this restaurant has been voted #1 in Colorado by Zagat in 2013 and 2014. If you visit, you won't regret it, we never do.
(5)
Corinne N.
Wow what an awesome dining experience! Carlos himself came over to greet us and came by a few times during the meal to refill our bread basket, wine glass and just check in. You can tell he's truly passionate about his restaurant. All the food we ate was divine and presentation was beautiful. I started with the Caesar salad which was solid and had arguably the best Ciopinno I've ever had! It was made to order...I was able to order it without mussels. It came with fresh cut vegetables and generous portions of scallops, shrimp, calamari and mussels...the sauce was just right and I believe made with Chianti...my dining companion was equally impressed with the frog legs starter and his swordfish special.
(5)
David G.
What a gem of a find. Intimate, refreshing and the best customer service experience my wife and I have ever had. The Broadmoor has a lot to learn from Carlos.
(5)
Don T.
Summary: Best restaurant in Colorado Springs for their outstanding food and personalized service. Details: Carlos (the owner) opened the door for us and was very engaging. Even though it was our first time at the restaurant, and on valentine's day too no less, he made us feel like his very best regular customers - checking in on us after every course in addition to the excellent service we received from our server. There were a few small negatives here which I will go into; however, the food and the welcoming atmosphere (each well beyond 5 stars) balance this out to 5 stars overall. The first negative is the wine prices. My wife and I don't mind spending $75-$125 for a really nice bottle of wine for special occasions (think Stag's Leap, Caymus, Silver Oak) ; however, the cabernets here start at about $120 and go up from there. Expect to pay a few more bucks here than at other restaurants (we found out that they do have a half price bottle night which would be much more reasonable.) Carlos must have sensed our sticker shock, because he referred us to some other wines in the back of the wine menu which were $50/bottle and his recommended wine (the Soverain cab) was actually very good (we ordered a second bottle). We were served bread with butter and optional sea salt, which was also very good. For our appetizer we ordered the mussels and clams. At $22, they were expensive by most standards, but they were also the best we've ever had (way better than say Carrabbas or Marigolds). Next I had the highly recommended lobster salad. I guess it is their signature dish here and I'd heard so many good things that I had to try it. It was served with a 1/2 Maine lobster tail on top of greens, nuts, etc. The lobster itself was by far the best lobster I've ever had (and I travel for a living and eat out at many of the best restaurants in the U.S.). I later found out that it was $20 (not listed on the menu). Next time I'm going to ask if I can get a double portion of lobster for $40! For our main courses my wife had the Ribeye which was very good and I ordered the Flat Iron steak. The Flat Iron was $28, which is comparably priced with other fine dinning restaurants in the area (think Joseph's / Peppertree / Famous / Marigolds); however, I'd estimate my portion was probably only 5-6 oz. I ordered my medium and it was served almost medium well, but was still very flavorful and tasty. The risotto was very good. All of the dishes had excellent presentation and taste. I regret that I didn't order seafood, because it sounds like that is more their specialty and after having the mussels and lobster I'd have to agree. All in all, this is our new favorite restaurant in Colorado Springs and we can wait to explore their menu further.
(5)
Christopher A.
Incredible food. Awesome service. Carlos is involved at every level, and is an entertaining part of the whole experience. Highly encourage you to go for the early bird menus, as the prices are WAY cheaper and the portions are negligibly smaller.
(5)
Shelly S.
We were vacationing in Colorado Springs for our first anniversary and went to Carlos' Bistro based on reviews we read. It was outstanding from start to finish. We shared a fried calamari appetizer - delicious. I had the Caesar Salad, husband had the shrimp and scallop salad to start. Both fantastic. We went with beef for the entree. I had the Filet Mignon a la Oscar. Husband had the bone-in ribeye. Both were outstanding - and we come from Kansas City where the steaks are oh so good. Dessert was the key lime tort which was perfection. Service was just the right amount of attentive. It was a wonderful evening and a dining experience we won't forget.
(5)
Matt B.
Fantastic food, fantastic service! As everyone mentions, Carlos is amazing. He greets people at the door or as soon as he can get to them.... He makes personal recommendations. As the owner he is out there doing everything that his servers and wait staff do... bussing tables, filling drinks etc.... I have never seen such great service.
(5)
Amanda J.
This place is incredible! Seriously. I have never had such amazing food. Best steak I have ever had and service. Carlos remembered my name the whole night! How did he do that?!?! The atmosphere was incredible. The people were. Everything was! I would STRONGLY recommend this place.
(5)
Aaron M.
Love this place! One of our favorite date places. The food is amazing and we are never disappointed. Very personal service that always makes us feel really at home and a warm, relaxing atmosphere. 1000% recommend!
(5)
Kyle M.
Great food and great service! Best seafood in town and the menu has something for everyone. Carlos is the best part of the experience. He will greet you at your car and is always there to ensure your experience is flawless. The happy-hour is worth moving your dinner up a few hours early for.
(4)
Bill W.
Agree with all the positive reviews here. We had a magnificent birthday dinner for my wife on 8/19/2014. As others have mentioned, the Lobster Salad is the best you will find anywhere. The bottomless bread is a perfect starter. We had the Sangria with our dinner....great choice. The filet is a "melt in your mouth" delight (I ordered it medium rare). The Langostinos were pronounced "delicious" by my wife. We ended up with Key Lime Pie...and it was also fitting for a first class fine dining establishment. Carlo's checked back at our table frequently, making sure everything was excellent. And it was. This is not a cheap night out; our drinks/salad/entrees came to about $185 before the tip. But for a special occasion, you will NOT find a better experience or a better value.
(5)
Kyle Myers M.
Carlos is amazing and so is his food. He comes out himself to greet you at the car. His joy for running this restaurant is very apparent and this is reflected in the food. Most of it has a Peruvian flare since Peru is where Carlos is from. Try the amazing happy hour menu is you can make it in before 530.
(5)
byl h.
One if the single best meal experiences I've had. The seafood was exceptional and very fresh. The cerviche was the best I've ever had and the lamb chops made from Colorado lamb were so flavorful it put all other lamb I've had to shame. Combine that with 1/2 price on all bottles of wine and the clear passion for his restaurant and diners, I have to rate this at the top of my dining experiences.
(5)
Grant Z.
Once again, Yelpers pointed us in the right direction. We never would have found Carlos' without seeing these reviews. We agree; this place is perfect!
(5)
Donna N.
Carlos' is amazing! My husband took me for my birthday, I had the lobster salad and blackened halibut. My husband had the nachos and blackened ribeye. Carlos met us as we arrived and everything was perfect from there. We aee fans and will be back soon! Carlos' is well deserving of all of the awards and honors that they have received.
(5)
Otto K.
Absolutely top notch restaurant in all areas.
(5)
matt b.
This place was bad ass! Carols and his wife are some cool people. I was at The Broadmoor for a few days and this place was recommended by a friend. 6 of us went out to eat that night and everything was awesome. Our conversations with Carlos was cool too. The lobster salad might have been the best salad I have ever had. Some of the people that I was with didn't like that they couldn't get a cappuccino after dinner. Carlos told us that one of his customers offered to give him a cappuccino machine but he does not want one in his place. If he had one he could have sold our table some and we probably would have got more drinks and maybe something sweet.
(4)
Cyndy H.
Carlos's is my favorite restaurant. The food is exceptional. The service is consistently the best. Carlos is a gracious host who will always walk around to each table to ensure everything is perfect. I just love the bread pudding!!
(5)
Sass S.
This is hands down my favorite fine dining experience in Colorado Springs. The owner, Carlo... Is perhaps the most genuine business owner I know of. He always greets us with a smile, and checks every table! The food is outstanding and so creative. Always well flavored and cooked to order. They have an extensive wine list... However, if you simply want a glass if Merlot they have that too! Go here, you won't be disappointed!
(5)
KJ K.
Carlos himself greeted us in the parking lot and continued to provide excellent customer service the entire night. The food was excellent. The lobster salad and ribeye were to die for. One of the best meals I've ever had, hands down, which says a lot because I've had the privilege of eating at a lot of very nice restaurants across the country. The outside of the restaurant is understated (to say the least), but don't judge a book by its cover. AMAZING. I wouldn't change a thing. The service was memorable.
(5)
Bullitt F.
Fantastic restaurant. My personal favorite in Colorado Springs.
(5)
Peg K.
We were in town for graduation weekend and had high hopes for Carlos' Bistro. While Carlos is quite gracious, the food he serves leaves much to be desired. We started with avocado eggrolls- Chili's and other chain restaurants do a better job, the shrimp cocktail which desparately needed to be chilled, and the shrimp and scallop salad- two pieces of protein served next to very over-dressed greens were mediocre at best. For our entrees- the venison was spectacular in every way, the filet mignon was excellent as well; the three orders of veal marsala were well presented but lacked any hint of marsala wine and were served over risotto supposedly flavored with saffron but no hint of that either. Our bill indicated that we had ordered veal scallopini-I thought perhaps we had gotten the wrong dishes. When I asked our server she seemed surprised that we would be questioning anything at the highly regarded Carlos' Bistro. The best part of the meal was the 50% off bottle of wine special.
(2)
Jeffrey A.
Best meal in the Springs! Carlos greeted us when we arrived. The restaurant is quaint and romantic. My wife and I decided to try this out for the first time because of the early bird discount before 5:30, and it was unbelievable. We ordered the calamari to start off with and it was simply the most tender, lightly battered and best I have ever eaten. I ordered the special flank steak with a mango chutney , mashed potatoes with mixed vegetables and fried sweet potatoes strips. This was simply an incredible meal. Prime steak cooked to a perfect medium rare. My wife ordered the filet beef stroganoff and she loved it as well. Carlos and his staff were top notch and now I can see why this is the place to eat in COS. Even though the meal was discounted the portions were good and I would definitely pay whatever Carlos' wants to charge to eat here again. Do not wait, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Blake B.
The staff and owner are great; they are very welcoming. We had the veal and the seared scallops. Both were excellent with great presentation. My only complaint is the price being charged for bottles of wine. Their mark-up is very high. Since we enjoy good wines, we are very aware of the prices of wine. It is so discouraging to see a restaurant have a 4X mark-up! This type of mark-up puts me off and immediately causes me to question the scruples of the restaurants. Restaurants would sell more wine and have happier customers if they did not try to make such a killing on bottles of wine. Not much of an offering for wines by the glass. Very nice desserts. The service and the food saved the day.
(4)
Kate B.
INCREDIBLE. The crab Alfredo is to die for. The menu is pricey but we like to do the half price early bird special and that makes it totally affordable for us. Definitely a great place to eat!!
(5)
joannie h.
I absolutely love this restaurant. The ambience is romantic, the customer service is great, and the owner greeting us at the parking lot made our experience that much more special. I had the lobster salad and the scallop...All very delicious and worth every penny spent. We were debating between famous and Carlos' bistro and the reviews here favored Carlos over Famous. I agree!!! I think by far this is the best restaurant in the Springs.
(5)
L M.
My family (2 adults, 2 kids) took me here for my birthday, and it was outstanding. We came for the early bird menu, which is half off of the regular menu. The prices are pretty steep, but the food was excellent. We first ordered Escargot for the appetizer. It came out bubbly and full of great flavor. Our young kids are very adventurous, so they ate the escargot and loved it, dipping their bread into the leftover sauce. For salads, we enjoyed the famous Lobster salad (half a tail with fried sweet potatoes, sugared pecans, delicious greens, grapefruit) and the crab salad (good portion of lump crab meat over greens). We could tell these were fresh and tasted wonderful. Our entrees were pork chop, veal saltimbocca, Flat iron steak, and grilled scallops. Everything was excellent. We were so impressed with the pork chop because we didn't expect it to be so tender and full of flavor. Our only negative is the location. This restaurant needs to move to a better location so they can get more customers. I hope that more people will learn to love this place!
(5)
Sean R.
What an experience! The owner is a wonderful man who met us in the parking lot to welcome us in. He made wonderful wine suggestions and the food was absolutely mind blowing! A must try while in Colorado Springs
(5)
Sean M.
Hands down the best restaurant I've been to in Colorado Springs. Very expensive though.
(5)
Steve M.
Carlos' is an absolute treasure. Not to sound like a food snob, but I travel a lot and spend a lot of time in business dinners in 4 and 5 star restaurants in places like San Francisco, Boston, Paris, Amsterdam and others. Carlos' food truly is top notch and would hold up to the best food in any of these places. I took a group of people here from Southern California, and everyone was really, really impressed. I ordered the Colorado lamb chops, and they were better than any I've had anywhere else. The fish and steak that others ordered was equally top notch - you can tell Carlos uses only very fresh ingredients. The food is not over sauced or 'gooey'...just perfectly seasoned, well prepared and fresh! Also, the wine list is well thought out, and the service was wonderful. I simply cannot say enough good things about this place. When you go out to dinner in Colorado Springs, your expectations are generally lower - the food quality is just not that good there. But Carlos' will leave you surprised and very pleased. Carlos is also a great guy and really cares for his guests. Highly recommended!
(5)
Jason C.
Their food was good and the service was fantastic. The main issues I had were that the atmosphere was stuffy and the prices are quite high (e.g., $65 for a steak, which from what I can tell on based on the website & menu isn't grass fed or locally raised, which might add some value to the selection). Compared with many places I've eaten (in Colorado and California, primarily), the sides seem very uninspired, also (e.g. mixed vegetables and a starch). I might go back for a special occasion or during happy hour...
(3)
Robert M.
I have wanted to dine at Carlos' for years (we live in Texas but frequently visit Colorado) and finally got the opportunity. We went at 6:30 on a Wednesday evening, and there were only one or two other parties in the restaurant. Our waiter, a reincarnation of John Fiedler, started reeling off the evening specials prior to asking for our drink orders, although that was his next step. I had seen online that their signature craft cocktail was the "pisco sour", so I ordered it. My wife's drink came several minutes before the pisco sour was finally prepared (by our waiter's account only Carlos himself is trusted to make it). Then Carlos came over and described the specials in considerable detail. Neither our waiter or Carlos ever mentioned the prices of any of the specials, but I figured, what the heck, we're here for a great meal, let's go for it. We shared the lobster salad and indeed, it was very good. My wife had ordered the ahi tuna special and when our waiter asked how she would like it cooked she said "Oh, chef's choice," whereupon our waiter said, "Well, he won't go beyond medium rare," and my wife said "Fine". I had the John Dory which was the substitute for the sea bass which previous reviewers have raved about. My wife's tuna arrived medium well, if not well done (no visible pink anywhere). We pointed this out to the waiter who said, "Yes, it really should have some pink in there," and walked away. We shared dessert and asked for the check. The unforgivably overcooked tuna item was $60! No offer to replace it with a properly cooked entree and it certainly wasn't comped. Then, as I was placing the credit card in the check folder, our waiter suddenly appeared and said "I forgot to charge for the wine, sorry about that, I'll be right back," seized the check, then returned with a corrected check that included our two $7 wines by the glass. Carlos' attentiveness to our table was unusual (some would say "annoying" and/or "obsequious") but would have been acceptable to us if only the restaurant had gotten the basics right. I know this is one of their slowest times of year and we could certainly understand leisurely service secondary to "efficient" staffing, but destroying an innocent piece of what must have been a marvelous piece of tuna and then not attempting to correct the error is much more difficult to understand. Hopefully this was their worst night ever and if we should ever get an opportunity to return our lofty expectations will be met, or at least approached.
(3)
Kay B.
Absolutely fantastic! Carlos provides personal attention to every table! each course is better than the one before. Great place to celebrate any occasion
(5)
Debi N.
We were in Colorado Springs entertaining guests from California, Louisiana & Ohio & Carlos' Bistro came highly recommended by a local. We weren't real sure when we pulled into the parking lot, as the place is small & somewhat lacking in the outside appearance. But, as we're often told - never judge a book by its cover! We were greeted at the door by Carlos himself. He shook each of our hands, all 11 of us, and escorted us to our table. The food was spectacular and the presentation of each dish - phenomenal! Everyone at our table was impressed with each dish we ordered! I can honestly say that the next trip to Colorado Springs will include a return trip!
(5)
John M.
A 'must visit' in Colorado Springs; fantastic experience and food!! Carlos' was recommended by the Broadmoor concierge to us as a great restaurant to try off property, and we are so glad they recommended it. Our fantastic experience began when Carlos met our car in the parking lot, welcoming us to the restaurant. The ambiance was very comfortable and every staff member we encountered was polite, professional and efficient. The menu selections were plentiful, and the wine selection surprisingly sophisticated (and 50% off on Mondays!!) We had an excellent bottle of 2011 Caymus Cab, to accompany my fantastic bone-in ribeye special (peppercorn crusted with saffron risotto) that was perfectly prepared. My wife raved about the basil-tomato soup and lobster salad she had. And our girls (5&7), loved their carbonara pasta, despite being picky eaters - it helped that Carlos came by several times to tall with them and make them feel very special. Carlos indicated that he was also the pastry chef, and we ordered several desserts, all of which were excellent. My 5-year old declared the chocolate bread pudding with caramel sauce "the best dessert ever made" and I am inclined to agree with her. We will definitely be coming back on our next trip to Colorado. I wish we lived closer...hmmm, maybe I can convince Carlos to move to Chicago. :)
(5)
Deon C.
Amazing!! Service is always great and it's nice to see the same wait staff every time we come in! Food is wonderful and there are many dishes to choose from. Carlos is high energy and a great host. He always remembers us and is very gracious (Don't see that at many places around town).
(5)
Alexander L.
I've had dinner here about 5 times since its opening a few yrs ago and can say that I'm quite familiar with this place Food & Drinks 5/5 Tremendously tasteful and executed food. Always fresh seafood and have a bomb steak. (oysters have never been a let down either). Awesome drinks. Love the Martini's Service 5/5 My older brother was a server here for a few months before heading to medical school and I heard how important service is to Carlos (the owner-no sh!t?!). Never left this place with a feeling that the service wasn't top-notch. Once a server forgot some things and got mixed up and the owner came over and comped us a bottle of nice wine. You def. won't be disappointing. Prices 3/5 Although what you get is very good the prices are RIDICULOUS. If you go with a gf/wife on a date expect to spend two benjamins ez, unless you both eat/drink like mormon chipmunks. Atmosphere 4/5 Nice but for the money its subpar. If you go expecting to spend a lot of money you want a more spacious, warm, experience. It's kind of small, a cold feeling in there with tables that have a cheap feel. Go here expecting great food/drinks good service and outrageous prices. If he priced his items 10-20% less this would be a 5 star rating no sweat.
(4)
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Address :1025 S 21st St
Colorado Springs, CO, 80904
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Jessica C.
Carlos' has become the standard against which all other restaurants are measured. I have been to all manner of fancy restaurants, and nothing in my life has ever topped the food and service I experienced here. Heavenly, orgasmic, amazing. I met up with some friends very last-minute, and as such arrived very close to the time when the kitchen was shutting down. As you might expect after reading other reviews, Carlos met me in the parking lot, told me he was glad I could make it, opened the door, pulled out my chair. He was wonderful. I had the caprese salad for an appetizer. Amazing. I forget what my entree was called... a chicken dish, one of the daily specials. I had NO idea chicken could taste so exquisite. My best friend and I split the creme brulee for dessert. Artfully prepared and by far the best creme brulee I have ever consumed. Well worth the cost. I have paid more for less, and would pay more for what I experienced at Carlos'. GO.
(5)Greg M.
So... being from Los Angeles where restaurant choices abound, I have had a hard time finding great places to dine. Heard about Carlos' Bistro and had such great ratings on yelp. Yelp reviewers.... you kind of let me down on this one. Positives: -Great service -Great wines -The scallops were outstanding. Perfectly cooked diver scallops. -The risotto was decent. Not great, but good. Negatives: -My wife got the frutti di mare (seafood pasta) and it was all swimming in a heavy marina sauce that just killed it. -we had a special salad - a lobster salad that isn't on the menu but they are known for it. Not impressed. it had pistachio brittle that was as hard as a rock. Not appetizing. -the worst part was that my wife's seafood pasta and my scallops with risotto had a bunch of fibrous vegetables with fried sweet potato slivers ON TOP. Not on the side. Really weird. If I would go back, I would probably try their grilled meats. Overall, the price was high, the service really good and the food was strange. Some good and some bad.
(2)Andrew D.
The personal service was outstanding. Carlo's met us at the door and seated us himself. The wait staff was extremely attentive, we did not have to ask for anything. The food was out of this world. They have a huge menu, which would lead you to believe the dishes would be similar but each was distinct and perfectly prepared. We usually do not have dessert but tried the bread pudding, it is to die for. If you like bread pudding, you will melt when you eat this. It is very expensive though. It is definitely a place we will go for very special occasions only. It's nice to have that "go to" restaurant for just those occasions.
(5)Al D.
Totally unassuming but wonderful. Owner met us in the parking lot as promised by other Yelpers. Great wine list, delicious food and attentive service. Clearly, it's been given plenty of great reviews. That's why we tried it, and it turns out: they were right!
(5)John N.
Look: in order to get 5 stars out of me, it has to be a really special place with food that's off-the-chart good. Carlos' Bistro qualifies! Just as advertised here on Yelp, Carlos was outside, tie over shoulder, and greeted us warmly even tho (as we found out) were were kinda underdressed. The Missus (who is particular about such things) really liked the dim, but not gloomy, and quite elegant decor. After an appetizer of tasty raw oysters for me (in the 'Springs no less!) and chicken chowder for the Missus and yummy home-made bread, we got down to the meal, and what a meal! The Missus had chicken carbonara - taglitelle pasta & saute'd chicken in a delicious cream sauce and I had "fruite del mer" - all manner of seafood and fettuccine pasta. The sauce was light and delicious, the scallops, mussels, clams and calamari perfectly cooked and very tasty - even the enormous shrimp wasn't overcooked - no mean feat! Fantastic presentation and (we agree) the best meal we've had in a while. While not cheap ($25 for her main course, $30 for mine) everything was just fantastic and absolutely delicious. Given the quality of the food, the prices are very reasonable, the service top-notch, and, oh, did I mention HOW GOOD THE FOOD IS?!?? For special occasions, a date night when you REALLY want to impress her, or just when you need a damn fine meal, check out Carlos' Bistro. Carlos will no doubt be out front, tie over shoulder, to greet you and then escort you inside for a meal to remember. 5 stars and that's only because I can't give it 6. Superb.
(5)Lori G.
Went to Carlos' Bistro while on a visit to the Springs. We went here because of all the positive reviews. We had a group of 7 for a special occasion and Carlos greeted us in the parking lot. Very personal service, I appreciated the reccomendation for one of the South American wines. It was very good and a bit less $$ than the domestics. We started off with the oysters, very fresh. I had the scallops which were very nice, the risotto may not have been the best. Another guest had the lamb chops which he raved were the best ever. The lobster salad was very tasty as well. For dessert we had the brulee and the key lime. The brulee was good but the key lime pie was really suberb.
(4)Gwen C.
We were greeted at the door by Carlos who was very friendly and hospitable. We were a part of 6, including a 3 year old and a 5 year old. We had reservations and were seated immediately. The kid's water glasses were small brandy glasses which I thought was a real nice touch. The food was good, however I gotta make a comment to Jessica J.'s review - I don't think she gets out much if this place is the best she's ever had. Anyhow, bring a FAT wallet when you dine here, and be sure to savor the decor.
(3)Audra S.
Delish. Came here for the boyfriend's birthday and we were very happy with the experience. It was a mid-week date and our waiter was attentive and knowledgable about the menu - not to mention he made a pretty solid cocktail. Foie gras - delish. Crab meat infused hollandaise filet - delish. Caprese salad - delish. Everything was great. And I really cannot wait until summer so we can chill on their beautiful patio with a margarita. Which I'm sure will be delish, of course.
(5)Sibby S.
Ambiance: Rather ordinary looking, small, square, almost cylinder-block looking building from the outside, seems like an out-of-place location for a high end restaurant. Inside, the place is nicely appointed, rather small dining room, and very dimly lit. Small bar area with about five bar stools. Service: Top-notch. No complaints. Carlos himself greeted us as we walked in (he remembered me by name as I had spoke with him earlier in the day by phone to make reservations.) He checked in with our party a few times during the meal, and actually walked us out to our cars in the parking lot after dinner. Waiter was very good, knew his menu very well, and how all the items were prepared. Waiter was attentive without being intrusive. Food: Hands down the most beautifully plated presentation of any restaurant in Colorado Springs. Each plate was a work of art (and you do eat with your "eyes" first.) Each dish was wonderfully prepared. Nice thing about going in a group of three, we all got to sample each other's dinner selections. All were through the roof delicious. The best was the Shrimp Scampi. Easily the best Scampi I have ever had -- the sauce was executed brilliantly (and in land-locked Colorado Springs of all places!). I ordered one of their specials for the night, which was a schnitzel-coated pork chop, with a cranberry and apricot- based sauce, reduced with a bit of wine. Very good, but one person at our table thought it was a tad "too" sweet for his taste. The other entree ordered was another special of the night, a Rib Eye, that was finished with a light, blue cheese sauce - also delicious. We all ordered different salads (green, Greek and Caesar), and everyone enjoyed them. Thought the price for a bottle of wine was outrageously expensive (like five times over the price in a liquor store) - so everyone just ordered a glass. Overall, this is one of the best restaurants in town in terms of presentation, quality and service. So what is keeping me from giving it a 5-star rating (I actually feel it deserves a 4 1/2 star rating). For the price paid (and boy did we pay a lot - second only to the high-end restaurants at the Broadmoor) - I expect everything to be impeccable. The ambiance, while nice, does not "scream" 5-star restaurant. Place seems a bit too casual to be charging the prices it does. Though I have no problem paying for a really good meal out, at what level do you say, even though I love the food, the price does not seem in-line for what you get. If you love the steak, and pay $50, it is still just as good if you pay $70, but the point is, where do you "draw the line" to distinguish between quality and value? Would you still pay $90 for that same incredible steak? I have absolutely fallen in love with the food at Carlos', but this will be a place that I will only visit on a rare occasion, when money truly is no object.
(4)alex D.
Simply awefull! Can't believe all the good reviews on here. Where do you people normally eat?
(1)Clay S.
Great service, ambiance and food as well, prices a tad high but food portions very good
(5)Lauren D.
Service is great. Menu is a bit strange and outdated. They are incredibly over-priced and the environment isn't exactly fine dining. Overall, not impressed. Update the menu and lower the prices. But kudos on the services.
(2)Jeff W.
I was out visiting a friend for a few days, and on my last night in Colorado, we went out to a nicer restaurant than we have before. Being from California, the exterior of most all establishments in Colorado seem a bit odd due to the massive amounts of space inbetween stores, gas stations and restaurants. So it didn't strike me as anything special, but was i pleasantly wrong. The owner, Carlos is from Argentina. He is one of the most pleasant hosts/owners i have ever met. Extremely humble, very personable and remembers you by name. He's often been known to greet you outside. The menu is what's expected from any italian/mediterranean bistro, however apparently Carlos goes the extra mile, to get only the best ingredients. The lobster comes from Maine, the oysters come from the east coast as well, and he ships it all because it's just that much better. I'm sure there are more nuances to the origins of the produce, but that's all i can recall at the moment. I can personally recommend the Fruita De Mer (yes it's mer, i thought it was always mar). It was fettucini pasta with calamari (squidwards, and rings), jumbo shrimp, scallops, clams, mussells, and roasted red pepper all in a tomato based sauce. It rivals many of the great seafood restaurants at home in the SF bay area. The filet mignon was also a hit according to my friend, as were the scallops. Basically, this place seems like the type where no matter what you're in the mood for, or happen to choose for that specific meal, you will be pleasantly surprised, and on top of that, you will have an excellent wait staff supporting your evening. Carlos's Bistro get's my seal of approval!
(5)Mimi C.
went there for dinner on a friday night, i saw all the good reviews so decided to give it a try, knowing that it will be a pricey dinner. when i saw the menu for the night, my jaw dropped, everything was over-priced at least twice of other restaurants around town. i thought to myself, wow, so not worth it, but i am gonna give it a try anyway! we ordered two pasta dishes (since a steak cost $56, enough to cover a three-course meal at another high-end restaurant). the presentation was nice, however, pasta is pasta. It does have a good taste, but it was not worth $32 for that plate. (one price worthy ingredient on my "fruit de mer pasta was the two big prawns and scallops, otherwise, the rest of the seafood looks like it came from a 5 lb bag of marisco that you can get at any grocery store for $10 bucks). the ambiance was nice. it is a good place for 'special' occasions, however, there are other restaurant around town that could match the ambiance with half the price.
(3)Sharon M.
Pricey, yes - but perfect for a splurge! Went there after the Colorado Springs Dog Show recently - enjoyed the fabulous food, service and atmosphere without a dress code! My friend and her husband arrived first and she thought Carlos was the parking lot attendant (a cute one)!! The tuna appetizer is amazing. Two of us had the ribeye special with some sort of chile seasoning and bleu cheese butter - one of the best steaks I've ever had. Two had traditional dishes - stroganoff and wiener schnitzel - and these were both exceptional as well. Atmosphere is quiet and relaxing. Will save up for another special occasion for sure!
(5)Jill L.
My husband and I celebrated our third anniversary last night. Over the past couple of years, my favorite restaurants for high-end dining in the C-Springs area have closed their doors: Le Petite Maison and World Plate, so we decided to try Carlos Bistro. After reading reviews, we had high expectations, but we were still pleasantly surprised. Our experience was in line with that of previous reviewers. Rarely does a restaurant manage to excel in so many categories at once: food that is properly prepared using quality ingredients, attentive staff members and an owner who are ready to make spot-on recommendations, a wide selection of thoughtful and inventive dishes, and an ambience that adds to the dining experience. I could care less about the outside of the restaurant or its unpretentious locale, as I've found during my travels that the best gems in restaurants are usually in the most unassuming places. The dinner was not inexpensive, but we weren't ordering to be frugal; foie gras appetizer, lobster salad, scallop entree, filet entree, and a bottle of wine for a total of $160 is certainly fair for the quality and preparation we experienced which is unmatched in C-Springs. I have to add that, despite a lukewarm comment made by another reviewer regarding the foie gras, I am a big fan in general and went for it anyways. I was not disappointed. Considering the reasonable price of $20 and that it is being served in Colorado and not France, it was a surprisingly excellent preparation of whole and partial lobes in a berry sauce over toast. We had an inexpensive Malbec that was recommended by Carlos, and it was very good as well. I think that was the first time I've ever seen the owner of a restaurant recommend a bottle that is not in the upper 20% price tier on the wine list and speaks well of his integrity. We will be back.
(5)Rachel G.
My boyfriends dad and mother are regulars here so when my boyfriend and I were caught off guard and ate here in jeans and t-shirts we didnt feel too strange, its still colorado. Carlos greeted us outside when we pulled up and was extremely charming, especially to my boyfriends 96 year old grandmother. The food here is amazing and I loved how they were able to introduce ingredients that some customers might have been weary of into more familiar dishes. The presentation is fantastic and the portions are very reasonable. I got lost on their appetizer menu and would have been happy ordering my main course from a few items off the list. (oh and they have foie gras if you care to know ;) I chose the greek salad to start off, skipping the appetizer because I needed to save room. The salad was quite big but it was so good I couldnt stop eating it. As recommended by my boyfriends parents I had the scallops, they were perfect and went great with the malbec. The sweet sauce went great with the grilled veggies and the creamy rice was the best. For dessert I had a custard/whipped cream/yogurt creation (its spanish and I forgot the name of it but get it!) drizzled with berry sauce along with fresh raspberries and blueberries on the side. This was a great meal and I cant wait to come back here again without the denim...
(5)Michael M.
The place was OK. Definitely NOT worth the ridiculous prices. Carlos was constantly hovering around the place, asking us if we needed more cheese, telling us to eat the bread, to order wine.. the waitress was reaching over us to pick up plates.. I'm sure they are trained to do that, but honestly I have worked in fine dining myself, and if there is a plate that needs to be picked up but would require me to reach over a customer I wait. Basically they were trying too hard and not really letting us enjoy our dinner. The atmosphere was good, the food was good, but it was nothing special and sure wasnt worth the ridiculous cost. The cheapest bottle of wine was $40 and that was the ONLY $40 bottle. Most were priced $60-120. If the place was cheaper and the service was a little more relaxed, I would go there again, but I have had much better dinners for much less, so I will stay away.
(3)Bert B.
If you expect the most gracious and attentive service, recongnition by the owner (with his trade-mark tie-over-the-shoulder greeting at the door and even in the parking lot) then this is the right place. Carlos is the most delighful host ever, a true character who obviously loves his restaurant and his customers. The food is beyond exceptional...it is prepared in heaven and delivered per individual order to the kitchen where Carlos leads you to believe it was prepared by mere mortals. It is very reasonably priced considering the highest of quality. If you are seeking fine dining and even finer service, this is the only place in Colorado Springs...in fact, I can think of no place in all of Colorado that ranks up there with Carlos's Bistro. Go there...it is definitely worth it. P.S. THE BEST liver and onions I have ever tasted!
(5)Evonne Y.
My husband and I and two great friends celebrated birthdays tonite. I can't say enough good things about it. Service, food, ambiance were terrific. Yes, its expensive, but you come away with having such a wonderful culinary experience that it is well worth the price. The special rib-eye steak with blue cheese dressing - to die for. You could almost cut the steak with a fork. Scallops were perfect. Everything from the appetizers to the entrees were out of this world! The owner is very personable and is indeed interested in making sure that you are satisfied. He visited our table several times, but not annoyingly. Great little gem in Colorado Springs.
(5)Mysti A.
My husband and I have dined several times at Carlos's Bistro. We have NEVER been disappointed. Not only is Carlos a divine, charming host his food and wait staff are impeccable. He has the freshest seafood in Colorado Springs period. The oysters have a nice briny finish to them, the soft shell crab sandwich is crisp and complemented from the choice of sauce to the greens and that is just the lunch menu. For Dinner I would recommend being adventurous, and try the daily special even if it is something different for you I assure you will never be disappointed. Desert, the bread pudding of coarse, rich and plenty the for you and a guest to share, that is if you want too.
(5)Mariela S.
I fell in love with this place the first time I came here. I was visiting my boyfriend in Colorado Springs and there was no doubt in our minds where we wanted to eat. This was the site of our official first date, so it brought back nice memories. Being from the SF bay area and Napa, this place rivals any place there. The service is excellent and genuine. Carlos the owner greeted us and everyone else that came in (something that never happens in Napa) and he remembered us from our previous visit in April. It was busy and we had no reservations but he found us a table quickly and it took no time to order a bottle of the Raymond Reserve Savigion Blanc and appetizers. We had a dozen oysters-fresh and cool. The lobster salad-which is by the way the best lobster salad ever. It even had fresh made Pistachio brittle, soo good. For our dinner I went with the scallops and risotto. I have yet to have better scallops anywhere, period. The risotto is nice and stringy. Freshly grilled veggies, all of it drizzled with a balsamic glaze. My bf had the fruite de mer, which was such a great serving that he had to take some back with him. I wish I could have shared the leftovers with him the next day. The food, the service and the price makes this the best place I have ever eaten, overall, hands down. The outstanding service you see here is what gives this place the winning edge. Carlos is so attentive and his staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Its difficult to find quality food and genuine service like that without leaving your wallet behind.
(5)Kelly G.
omg this place is amazing. the food was so awesome. i'm a big fan of seafood and carlos definitely satisfied my taste for it. i had the seared scallops with mashed potatoes and veggies. they were seared in a teriyaki like sauce that went perfectly with everything. so not only was the food awesome, their service was really good to. they came by to check on us throughout our dinner and refill our drinks. very friendly and nice. even the owner greeted us as we walked in the door with handshakes too!
(5)Lauren M.
I would give this a 4.5 if I could. My ONLY complaint is the decor, which obviously has nothing to do with the food! I just feel like it should look a bit nicer in there, considering how much is being spent. The chairs bothered me the most. HOWEVER, that being said, the food, service, and drinks were all fantastic. Carlos greeted us outside and brought us straight to our table. We started off with some wine and a martini. My husband ordered 1/2 dozen oysters and I had the insalata caprese. For dinner we ordered the lamb and the fruit de mer. The best we've ever had. Dessert was chocolate bread pudding and it was to die for! The portions were also adequate. It looked like I barely put a dent in my fruit de mer. Our server was very attentive, but not annoying. She was great. The place was completely full pretty much the entire time we were there, so I was happy I made reservations. Great place to go for a special occasion.
(4)Stacy P.
with out a doubt, the BEST food not only COS, but all of Colorado! this is a MUST TRY place. you will not be disapointed, i promise. very fresh food, much of their seafood is flown in daily. and unique one-of-a-kind flavors. a great date place or anniversary place, i would get a babysitter for the kiddos though, not a place for them. carlos is the nicest guy! and the service is outstanding. too bad 5 stars is as high as it goes.
(5)Katy M.
Unassuming on the outside, but walk in and the atmosphere is absolutely gorgeous. Menu has a wide variety of dishes. We loved everything we ate; the mussels and clams came in a sauce that we literally drank with our spoons and soaked our bread in. Everything was just insanely wonderful. The service was excellent and Carlos walked around the tables talking with all of the guests and sharing in the experience. It really is worth going to if you are in the area. Especially if you are at Broadmoor and want to get out for evening.
(5)Joanne E.
Athough it was our first visit here, Carlos greeted us by name in the parking lot. He is very friendly and truly seems to care about his customers and his restaurant. The ambience was dim and although the restaurant was full during our visit, the noise level was quiet enough so we could hear each other fine. Our waitress was great, knowledgeable about the menu and efficient. She kept our drinks filled without having to ask. She also asked the manager if we could order half an Alfredo pasta dish portion, since our younger son has a small appetite. Except for the veggies it came with, he enjoyed it. Our older son, however, loved the seared scallops so much that he asked for another serving for his dessert. He had ordered the first entree with risotto, which turned out to be slightly sour, which we all did not care for. The mashed potatoes with his second entree were much better. He's lucky it was his birthday dinner! We also tried the rib eye steak with tomato and onion sauce, which was good, but we'd probably get it plain the next time. A highlight of the dinner was the Colorado lamb chops, which were very tender and not gamey. Another memorable dish was the blue crab salad, which was vey tasty and refreshing. The chocolate bread pudding was delicious, very flavorful and dense, served with an unusual but yummy chambord caramel sauce. I would have bought a jar of that to take home of they offered it! I was slightly disappointed that the restaurant did not bring a complimentary dessert for the birthday boy, which you'd expect in a high-end, expensive place like this. Overall, though, we enjoyed tasting many different flavors than what we'd experience in a typical steak house.
(4)john e.
My girlfriend and I had the absolute pleasure of dining here on Saturday May 9th. We had reservations at 8pm. Based on the reviews and the fact that we had yet to try, I now regret not being here until now. On one of our amazingly rainy evenings, Carlos (owner), without even knowing us, arrived at my car with an umbrella to ensure that Amanda stayed dry into the restaurant. Class. Almost immediately after being seated, Jennifer greeted us warmly but with a relaxation that made me feel as if I was coming back into a family. No pretense, no frills, just top notch amazing personality. From the extensive wine list for Amanda, and even some amazing N/A choices for me, we were off to an awesome start. We allowed Jennifer to guide us through the menu and answer anything readily. First we had the chicken wings and bruschetta ratatouille. Both can only be described as the best I have ever had. There is good food, and then there is this. Already overwhelmed, Carols came over to check on us and addressed us by name. A welcome change. Time for entrées. I opted for the Prime bone in ribeye atop whipped potato and Amanda went with the Filet Mignon with risotto. I can say this with zero debate that this was the best steak(s) I have ever had. The delicate cooking with the quality of the meat and loving atmosphere made for a meal that I will never forget. Every bite was better than the one before it. My girlfriend felt the same way. Desert options were very brilliantly described and we ended up with a little bit of heaven in the form of a cheesecake crepe. I could go on and on but will finish with this. Go here. You get every penny you spend and some things that you can't buy. This level of service, atmosphere, and cuisine was far beyond anything I could have anticipated. Make an evening, make some new friends, and sit back to enjoy what a true dining experience is all about. This is food in a way that has been forgotten. We will be back as soon as possible. 20 out of 10! Thank you thank you thank you!! Johnny & Amanda!
(5)Brinetta H.
This restaurant is definitely a diamond in the ruff. My husband took me here for my birthday. Walking up to it I was like umm...but then walking in it was a total unexpected environment. Super fancy and great customer service. The food is good too! You know how you go to a fancy restaurant and the food is just mediocre? (Dealt with that a few times in San Diego, CA) no this place definitely lives up to the price. Highly recommended for those special occasions.
(5)Heather H.
Five star service, food, atmosphere, staff and martinis', a little high priced but worth it! Love this place as it has a very diverse menu suitable for all pallets and food likes. Carlos will greet you in the parking lot and insure the quality of your comfort throughout your dining experience. Definitely an anniversary or special occasion destination for a great dinner, early dinner is available and reservations are a great idea.
(5)Spencer H.
Amazing flavor and presentation. Had petite lobster salad, veal saltimbocca, bread pudding and a variety of appetizers. Foie Gras was enjoyable.
(5)Marika F.
For the most part, the hospitality of this restaurant can't be beat. Carlos, who is Argentinian and hangs outside most nights opening the door for guests, knows how to train his staff. I visited twice within three months and on my second visit the owner and the staff remembered which table we sat at previously. They sat us there again, near the window. They remembered the wine we ordered and exactly what dishes we ordered (I had the scallops, he had steak, we shared the out-of-this-world while chocolate bread pudding). It was like a magic trick. It was like they secretly taped our previous visit and studied the footage like football players studying reels of plays. We were very pleased and felt fine shelling out the high prices for our dinner. On a third visit we didn't have reservations and were hastily seated in the lonely and empty bar area at the worst table in the section. We were put there like we had misbehaved and were told to stand in the corner while all of the good kids were having fun on the dining room side. The dining room wasn't even full. It seemed borderline discriminatory, in all honesty. It felt so awkward that we decided to leave quietly when no one was looking and before anyone poured our waters. We didn't see Carlos the owner at all that night...it was his wife (I presume, because she wasn't dressed like the servers) created that uncomfortable experience. I feel like Carlos the man himself wouldn't have done us like that. Will this experience keep us from returning? Hard to say. That bread pudding might call us again someday.
(3)kim l.
Stunning food! Perfect service! Present owner! What a wonderful find! Now we have someplace to go for 5 star food in Colorado Springs. The Lobster salad was the best lobster I have ever experienced. The rib eye steak was crisp, hot and tender. Love everything about this place. See you soon Carlos.
(5)Ann-Li C.
Carlos' Bistro was one of our favorites when we lived in Colorado Springs 5+ years ago. We often ordered the scallops and the filet a la oscar, with the nice crackly creme brulee to finish. Fast forward five years, and we returned to dine on our five year anniversary trip back in Colorado. Carlos recognized us, remembered our engagement story, inquired about our friends - and said that he had missed us over the years! We love the food at Carlos' but by far, it's the intimacy of feeling like this is "our place".
(5)Mike K.
Everything was wonderful. Carlos greeted us at the door, as advertised. Go with his recommendations and you will have a great experience.
(5)Karyn F.
My favorite restaurant in town. While pricey, we have never been disappointed by the service or meals. I highly recommend their cheesecake crepes.
(5)Martin G.
As always, Carlos greeted me at the door. Service was again very good. I had foie gras, soup du jour, filet de Oscar, and dark chocolate bread pudding, and I got a taste of the blue crab cake and the key lime torte. All were well executed, but my favorites were the foie gras, the crabcake, the soup, and the dark chocolate bread pudding. Happy hour prices 5-530 almost made it fit within govt per diem, which makes it a steal!
(5)Sheridan S.
Lemme start by saying "Oh. Em. Gee" I pass by Carlos' all the time and knew it had a great reputation and that it was a little on the 'spensive side which is why I have not tried it before tonight. So when my daddy asked me where we should go for dinner, I mentioned this place. He was game, so turned into the lot. First thing I notice (besides the lovely patio) was Carlos front and center greeting people as they came in. Now, let me digress a little bit. I live near this place and I have driven by here and seen him outside sweeping the entry, watering plants, greeting patrons and basically really showing a love and pride in his restaurant. That says a LOT. This is not a chain where menus are created in some corporate kitchen and ingredients are brought in from some central warehouse. This is a local place with owners who are really into what they are doing and truly seem to love what they do. Ok.. back to dinner. Service was wonderful and from the time we came in, we felt attended to and valued as a patron. Drinks were spot on, the wine recommendation was wonderful. The soup? I almost planted a kiss on Carlos' cheek for this one... lima bean soup. Yes, those little butter beans most people scoff at were incorporated into a delectable soup cooked with sherry and bacon. I smiled at the first slurp. (I don't really slurp, what do you take me for? ;) ) We also had the fried mozzarella (my dad is allergic to shellfish, so many of the appetizers were off limits to him. Had we had some Benadryl on hand? Oh, man.. Oh.. the fried mozz... fresh mozzarella, wonderfully breaded and served with a marinara and a house-made ranch-type sauce. Not sure what it was other than complete crack. So good. My dad ordered the halibut and let me tell you, they did that fish proud. My filet was perfectly cooked and I might have groaned when I took a bite. There are no witnesses to this, so I maintain my classy facade. One thing I really liked about the dinner was my vegetables. So many places, the vegetables are an afterthought. It's like the chef goes "oh, guess we ought to have some veg on the plate" and they do a complete disservice to them. Not here. My zucchini was grilled, carrots and peppers were cooked al dente and plated beautifully. (ok, the scallion garnish might be a little much, but made me smile) Overall, this restaurant is well worth the accolades it has received. Ask anyone I know - I can be a snotty wench when it comes to eating out. If I can make better at home, then going out is not worth it. I will say that I don't think I can make a steak as good as mine was and I sure can't make a soup that made me already want to order more. Is this place cheap? Hell no. Is it worth going for a special night out? Definitely. This was one of the most delightful meals I have had - even in comparison to my travels and foodgasms in cities all over the world - in a long time. Thanks to Carlos and his amazing staff for a completely wonderful dinner out with my dad.
(5)Cristine D.
Carlos and his staff are stellar. Carlos himself offered excellent service and all the food in our party of 9 was delicious. We had an incredibly enjoyable night out. I had the lobster salad and it was on point.
(5)Jason C.
Well...let's just say Carlos greeted us by name at the door. I've never had any restaurant owner do that before. The service was amazing. They made amazing recommendations that were perfect for what we wanted that night. I would definitely go here again. This place was perfect for a special occasion. We got the flat iron steak and the pork chop. I would get them both again. Thanks Carlos!
(5)Michael N.
Service was exceptional. When I pulled into the parking lot Carlos greeted us and assisted our ladies into the restaurant. The selection of appetizers and entrees is WONDERFUL! I ordered wild abalone as an appetizer, it was cooked to perfection. The wine selection was solid. Our group of four really enjoyed this local restaurant when he were attending an event at The Broadmoor. The decor is conducive to a romantic evening or business meeting. Table service was attentive and prompt. One of my best dining experiences in 2014. Leave room for desert!
(5)Kevin K.
If like to give this place a 5 because the food was excellent and the service was good buuut the price was still too high. Now, if the food was the most incredible culinary experience I ever had then I would give it a 5 but I'm rating all aspects. I concur with other posts that I shouldn't have to ask what the price is for the evening's specials. Now to the food. I ordered the lobster salad and the special filet mignon with mango sauce. The salad was great but I regretted spending $20 for it. The filet with mango was awesome and the risotto was truly incredible. My wife had the catfish bites and the filet mignon with brandy sauce. She thought the catfish was the 2nd best she's ever had, hers being the best. She really enjoyed the filet but choked a little on the chipotle white cheddar fondue as it was super hot; It even took me off guard. The service felt the same as any cafe with a server. I don't think I will return due to the price unless they are reduced but why should they, it seems like they get plenty of business.
(4)Adam K.
Wow. Amazing. I see why it was so packed. Carlos is a true gentleman and the entire staff rocked. Food was exceptional.
(5)Aaron M.
Love this place! One of our favorite date places. The food is amazing and we are never disappointed. Very personal service that always makes us feel really at home and a warm, relaxing atmosphere. 1000% recommend!
(5)Kyle M.
Great food and great service! Best seafood in town and the menu has something for everyone. Carlos is the best part of the experience. He will greet you at your car and is always there to ensure your experience is flawless. The happy-hour is worth moving your dinner up a few hours early for.
(4)Randy B.
It's a strong 4.0 star folks (not a 5 star) -- but it's the top-of-the-charts compared to anything else for miles. Certainly, it's the best offered in Old Town Colorado Springs. With wonderful Yelp ratings, it made the choice fairly easy when looking for a nice dinner spot with my friend. A friend who's beautiful. A friend who's buying. Alas, a perfect friend! We drove up to the older, square box restaurant with nice signage, but the outside is plain as Jane ever was (sorry if that's your name). Pretty easy parking. I opened my door, and was immediately greeted with a voice "Welcome". Here we go, panhandlers, I thought. Well, as it turned out, it was Carlos himself, the owner, a well-dressed man and also the master chef. This is something I've never experienced! In seconds, I found him genuine and warm. My friend and I agreed, we were made to feel very special. Inside, it's lovely. Very dark with the lighting turned way down giving it a low orange glow. The darkest of dark brown wood, an open ceiling painted black, and just a bit of sunlight coming thru the windows, it was both a surprising warm and elegant. Nice! As the sun sat behind the nearby mountain (literally across the street), it created quite a scene for those seated at the window. From my vantage seated 30 feet away, it just was a short glance...whatever, I had a menu to look at! When treated with nice weather, a small outdoor patio could be a winner. The menu has a ton of choices from pastas, seafood, and steaks -- along with some things you just don't find as common-fare. There's a little something for everyone, but the prices of food and wine might just give the unsuspecting general public a heart attack. 1. Soup du Jour, Cream of Artichoke Soup ($8) - a cup, most delicious. 2. Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras ($25) - I don't recall every having foie gras served seared and warm to my table. Well, it's creamy and tender, and unreal. I know, poor duck, but hell - this was great, and still legit in Colorado. 3. Paella ($49) - A small platter, but in no manner large, and certainly not a value. Good, but not great at this price. 4. Wine ($50+) - Two-buck Chuck nor are any other reasonable priced bottles offered. The wine list is quite extensive, certain to please any connoisseur. 5. Key Lime Pie...excellent and tart. All was great and a lovely evening for sure. The sculptures in entry way were terrific, but a few bucks need to be spent on the dining room art. Get rid of the cheaply framed posters, and add something to talk about. All the way, bring down the prices a few bucks per item, and a 5 star could be in your future.
(4)Sean M.
Carlos is the face of the restaurant. He greets you at the door, asks your name if you are new, calls you by name if you are a regular. The attention to the food is impressive and tasty. Prices are reasonable for fine dining in Colorado Springs.
(5)Shelly S.
We were vacationing in Colorado Springs for our first anniversary and went to Carlos' Bistro based on reviews we read. It was outstanding from start to finish. We shared a fried calamari appetizer - delicious. I had the Caesar Salad, husband had the shrimp and scallop salad to start. Both fantastic. We went with beef for the entree. I had the Filet Mignon a la Oscar. Husband had the bone-in ribeye. Both were outstanding - and we come from Kansas City where the steaks are oh so good. Dessert was the key lime tort which was perfection. Service was just the right amount of attentive. It was a wonderful evening and a dining experience we won't forget.
(5)Jason D.
This is the second review I have left for Carlos'. I couldn't not, as it saved the date after a failed attempt to try a new place out. Myself and my date came to Carlos' for dessert and drinks after a disappointing meal at The Famous Steakhouse (actually, the food was great. The service and the atmosphere is what failed us). We have grown to adore Carlos' and knew there would be no disappointment if we went there. As usual, Carlos came out to the parking lot when we pulled up, to greet us. His usual warmth and friendliness setting the night right immediately. The atmosphere was relaxed and classy. The waiter, one we had not seen before, was top-notch. Friendly, helpful, on-target with suggestions and recommendations, and just a pleasure to interact with. The dessert was a masterpiece (as is everything they do), the tawny port overthrew my dates concept of desert wines, and perfectly matched the dessert (a recommendation from the waiter), and my rye manhatten was perfectly done. Carlos' is pricey, but you are paying for an experience, a memory, not just a meal. It is the only place in Colorado, that I have eaten at, that consistently provides that level, the level of 'experience'. I remember, and relive, the food, wine, and experiences I have had at Carlos'. It is the fact that those meals live on that allows me to justify spending the money that I do at Carlos'.
(5)Scott L.
Amazing, fantastic, perfect...not much else to say. Carlos' Bistro is that rare gem which once found, you will want to return. Be it only a visit for a special occasion or more regularly. Regardless of your frequency, Carlos greets you as a welcome visitor and truly appreciates your visit. Carlos' Bistro is in a non-descript building but after he greets you in the parking lot, heartily shakes your hand and welcomes you through the front door, you're taken into what is going to be the most incredible dining experience in Colorado. From the exception quality of the menu items to the attentive, but unobtrusive service, to the vastness of the wine list. Carlos' Bistro is an experience not to be missed. We visited Carlos' Bistro with five friends very recently and loved it...again. We could find fault with nothing. We sat outside on the patio this time and the service is as good as inside the restaurant. For appetizers my wife and I chose the steak tartare and the ceviche. Simply among the best (if not the best) of both we've ever had, including those from restaurants we've visiting in Paris, Caribbean and Mexico in the past. For dinner my wife had grilled sea scallops and I had the pork chop, both were fantastic. The grilled sea scallops were flavorful and melted in your mouth. The pork chop was a generous cut, grilled to perfection and decadent. We ordered wine from the $50 bottle menu which provides many high quality choices for lovers of white or red wine. There are higher priced wines, many very recognizable and sought after names if you're inclined. We will be trying some of our favorites. The best part of the wine list? Sunday and Monday nights through the summer offer bottles of wine at 50% off. Carlos is ever present to ensure your experience is everything he expects. His expectations for you are likely higher than your own. We've dined at many places around the world and have seldom, if ever, felt more welcome than we feel at Carlos' Bistro. He and his staff make sure you enjoy your visit! There's a reason this restaurant has been voted #1 in Colorado by Zagat in 2013 and 2014. If you visit, you won't regret it, we never do.
(5)Corinne N.
Wow what an awesome dining experience! Carlos himself came over to greet us and came by a few times during the meal to refill our bread basket, wine glass and just check in. You can tell he's truly passionate about his restaurant. All the food we ate was divine and presentation was beautiful. I started with the Caesar salad which was solid and had arguably the best Ciopinno I've ever had! It was made to order...I was able to order it without mussels. It came with fresh cut vegetables and generous portions of scallops, shrimp, calamari and mussels...the sauce was just right and I believe made with Chianti...my dining companion was equally impressed with the frog legs starter and his swordfish special.
(5)David G.
What a gem of a find. Intimate, refreshing and the best customer service experience my wife and I have ever had. The Broadmoor has a lot to learn from Carlos.
(5)D'Anne G.
Upon arrival in the parking lot, we were immediately greeted by Carlos, the owner of the restaurant and then by the hostess. This set the tone for the entire evening. John, our server was attentive and very polite. The food was amazing; we both had the swordfish, and dessert was incredible. We definitely plan to go back and enjoy this little gem. It's quite expensive, but we paid for an experience and that's exactly what we got. In addition, Carlos told us they would be open every day during the summer that that if you arrive for dinner at 5 pm, the entire menu is half price. This will certainly have us returning before the summer is out.
(5)Theresa A.
Carlos and Marsha remembered our table from a yr. ago. Great new early menu. love the seafood. Bass was great!
(5)Martin R.
Called a few days ago asked if their cevice contains "leche de tigre" a super sour and spicy sauce. Ordered it today, gentleman even explained how they make the dish. Tried a bite an hour later (got it to go) no sour, no spicy, totally bland! Shrimp on top was flavorless and boiled
(1)Riley Y.
Wow!!! Amazing!! The fresh Colorado lamb melted in my mouth and the apps are amazing!!!! The service is outstanding and the owner makes this place, he greets you in parking lot and even buses your table. Great quality and worth every penny!!! Finally a Restruant in Colorado Springs that is amazing.
(5)Matt B.
Fantastic food, fantastic service! As everyone mentions, Carlos is amazing. He greets people at the door or as soon as he can get to them.... He makes personal recommendations. As the owner he is out there doing everything that his servers and wait staff do... bussing tables, filling drinks etc.... I have never seen such great service.
(5)Amanda J.
This place is incredible! Seriously. I have never had such amazing food. Best steak I have ever had and service. Carlos remembered my name the whole night! How did he do that?!?! The atmosphere was incredible. The people were. Everything was! I would STRONGLY recommend this place.
(5)Don T.
Summary: Best restaurant in Colorado Springs for their outstanding food and personalized service. Details: Carlos (the owner) opened the door for us and was very engaging. Even though it was our first time at the restaurant, and on valentine's day too no less, he made us feel like his very best regular customers - checking in on us after every course in addition to the excellent service we received from our server. There were a few small negatives here which I will go into; however, the food and the welcoming atmosphere (each well beyond 5 stars) balance this out to 5 stars overall. The first negative is the wine prices. My wife and I don't mind spending $75-$125 for a really nice bottle of wine for special occasions (think Stag's Leap, Caymus, Silver Oak) ; however, the cabernets here start at about $120 and go up from there. Expect to pay a few more bucks here than at other restaurants (we found out that they do have a half price bottle night which would be much more reasonable.) Carlos must have sensed our sticker shock, because he referred us to some other wines in the back of the wine menu which were $50/bottle and his recommended wine (the Soverain cab) was actually very good (we ordered a second bottle). We were served bread with butter and optional sea salt, which was also very good. For our appetizer we ordered the mussels and clams. At $22, they were expensive by most standards, but they were also the best we've ever had (way better than say Carrabbas or Marigolds). Next I had the highly recommended lobster salad. I guess it is their signature dish here and I'd heard so many good things that I had to try it. It was served with a 1/2 Maine lobster tail on top of greens, nuts, etc. The lobster itself was by far the best lobster I've ever had (and I travel for a living and eat out at many of the best restaurants in the U.S.). I later found out that it was $20 (not listed on the menu). Next time I'm going to ask if I can get a double portion of lobster for $40! For our main courses my wife had the Ribeye which was very good and I ordered the Flat Iron steak. The Flat Iron was $28, which is comparably priced with other fine dinning restaurants in the area (think Joseph's / Peppertree / Famous / Marigolds); however, I'd estimate my portion was probably only 5-6 oz. I ordered my medium and it was served almost medium well, but was still very flavorful and tasty. The risotto was very good. All of the dishes had excellent presentation and taste. I regret that I didn't order seafood, because it sounds like that is more their specialty and after having the mussels and lobster I'd have to agree. All in all, this is our new favorite restaurant in Colorado Springs and we can wait to explore their menu further.
(5)Christopher A.
Incredible food. Awesome service. Carlos is involved at every level, and is an entertaining part of the whole experience. Highly encourage you to go for the early bird menus, as the prices are WAY cheaper and the portions are negligibly smaller.
(5)Bill W.
Agree with all the positive reviews here. We had a magnificent birthday dinner for my wife on 8/19/2014. As others have mentioned, the Lobster Salad is the best you will find anywhere. The bottomless bread is a perfect starter. We had the Sangria with our dinner....great choice. The filet is a "melt in your mouth" delight (I ordered it medium rare). The Langostinos were pronounced "delicious" by my wife. We ended up with Key Lime Pie...and it was also fitting for a first class fine dining establishment. Carlo's checked back at our table frequently, making sure everything was excellent. And it was. This is not a cheap night out; our drinks/salad/entrees came to about $185 before the tip. But for a special occasion, you will NOT find a better experience or a better value.
(5)Kyle Myers M.
Carlos is amazing and so is his food. He comes out himself to greet you at the car. His joy for running this restaurant is very apparent and this is reflected in the food. Most of it has a Peruvian flare since Peru is where Carlos is from. Try the amazing happy hour menu is you can make it in before 530.
(5)byl h.
One if the single best meal experiences I've had. The seafood was exceptional and very fresh. The cerviche was the best I've ever had and the lamb chops made from Colorado lamb were so flavorful it put all other lamb I've had to shame. Combine that with 1/2 price on all bottles of wine and the clear passion for his restaurant and diners, I have to rate this at the top of my dining experiences.
(5)Grant Z.
Once again, Yelpers pointed us in the right direction. We never would have found Carlos' without seeing these reviews. We agree; this place is perfect!
(5)Donna N.
Carlos' is amazing! My husband took me for my birthday, I had the lobster salad and blackened halibut. My husband had the nachos and blackened ribeye. Carlos met us as we arrived and everything was perfect from there. We aee fans and will be back soon! Carlos' is well deserving of all of the awards and honors that they have received.
(5)Otto K.
Absolutely top notch restaurant in all areas.
(5)matt b.
This place was bad ass! Carols and his wife are some cool people. I was at The Broadmoor for a few days and this place was recommended by a friend. 6 of us went out to eat that night and everything was awesome. Our conversations with Carlos was cool too. The lobster salad might have been the best salad I have ever had. Some of the people that I was with didn't like that they couldn't get a cappuccino after dinner. Carlos told us that one of his customers offered to give him a cappuccino machine but he does not want one in his place. If he had one he could have sold our table some and we probably would have got more drinks and maybe something sweet.
(4)Cyndy H.
Carlos's is my favorite restaurant. The food is exceptional. The service is consistently the best. Carlos is a gracious host who will always walk around to each table to ensure everything is perfect. I just love the bread pudding!!
(5)Sass S.
This is hands down my favorite fine dining experience in Colorado Springs. The owner, Carlo... Is perhaps the most genuine business owner I know of. He always greets us with a smile, and checks every table! The food is outstanding and so creative. Always well flavored and cooked to order. They have an extensive wine list... However, if you simply want a glass if Merlot they have that too! Go here, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Peg K.
We were in town for graduation weekend and had high hopes for Carlos' Bistro. While Carlos is quite gracious, the food he serves leaves much to be desired. We started with avocado eggrolls- Chili's and other chain restaurants do a better job, the shrimp cocktail which desparately needed to be chilled, and the shrimp and scallop salad- two pieces of protein served next to very over-dressed greens were mediocre at best. For our entrees- the venison was spectacular in every way, the filet mignon was excellent as well; the three orders of veal marsala were well presented but lacked any hint of marsala wine and were served over risotto supposedly flavored with saffron but no hint of that either. Our bill indicated that we had ordered veal scallopini-I thought perhaps we had gotten the wrong dishes. When I asked our server she seemed surprised that we would be questioning anything at the highly regarded Carlos' Bistro. The best part of the meal was the 50% off bottle of wine special.
(2)Jeffrey A.
Best meal in the Springs! Carlos greeted us when we arrived. The restaurant is quaint and romantic. My wife and I decided to try this out for the first time because of the early bird discount before 5:30, and it was unbelievable. We ordered the calamari to start off with and it was simply the most tender, lightly battered and best I have ever eaten. I ordered the special flank steak with a mango chutney , mashed potatoes with mixed vegetables and fried sweet potatoes strips. This was simply an incredible meal. Prime steak cooked to a perfect medium rare. My wife ordered the filet beef stroganoff and she loved it as well. Carlos and his staff were top notch and now I can see why this is the place to eat in COS. Even though the meal was discounted the portions were good and I would definitely pay whatever Carlos' wants to charge to eat here again. Do not wait, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Blake B.
The staff and owner are great; they are very welcoming. We had the veal and the seared scallops. Both were excellent with great presentation. My only complaint is the price being charged for bottles of wine. Their mark-up is very high. Since we enjoy good wines, we are very aware of the prices of wine. It is so discouraging to see a restaurant have a 4X mark-up! This type of mark-up puts me off and immediately causes me to question the scruples of the restaurants. Restaurants would sell more wine and have happier customers if they did not try to make such a killing on bottles of wine. Not much of an offering for wines by the glass. Very nice desserts. The service and the food saved the day.
(4)Kate B.
INCREDIBLE. The crab Alfredo is to die for. The menu is pricey but we like to do the half price early bird special and that makes it totally affordable for us. Definitely a great place to eat!!
(5)joannie h.
I absolutely love this restaurant. The ambience is romantic, the customer service is great, and the owner greeting us at the parking lot made our experience that much more special. I had the lobster salad and the scallop...All very delicious and worth every penny spent. We were debating between famous and Carlos' bistro and the reviews here favored Carlos over Famous. I agree!!! I think by far this is the best restaurant in the Springs.
(5)L M.
My family (2 adults, 2 kids) took me here for my birthday, and it was outstanding. We came for the early bird menu, which is half off of the regular menu. The prices are pretty steep, but the food was excellent. We first ordered Escargot for the appetizer. It came out bubbly and full of great flavor. Our young kids are very adventurous, so they ate the escargot and loved it, dipping their bread into the leftover sauce. For salads, we enjoyed the famous Lobster salad (half a tail with fried sweet potatoes, sugared pecans, delicious greens, grapefruit) and the crab salad (good portion of lump crab meat over greens). We could tell these were fresh and tasted wonderful. Our entrees were pork chop, veal saltimbocca, Flat iron steak, and grilled scallops. Everything was excellent. We were so impressed with the pork chop because we didn't expect it to be so tender and full of flavor. Our only negative is the location. This restaurant needs to move to a better location so they can get more customers. I hope that more people will learn to love this place!
(5)Sean R.
What an experience! The owner is a wonderful man who met us in the parking lot to welcome us in. He made wonderful wine suggestions and the food was absolutely mind blowing! A must try while in Colorado Springs
(5)Sean M.
Hands down the best restaurant I've been to in Colorado Springs. Very expensive though.
(5)Steve M.
Carlos' is an absolute treasure. Not to sound like a food snob, but I travel a lot and spend a lot of time in business dinners in 4 and 5 star restaurants in places like San Francisco, Boston, Paris, Amsterdam and others. Carlos' food truly is top notch and would hold up to the best food in any of these places. I took a group of people here from Southern California, and everyone was really, really impressed. I ordered the Colorado lamb chops, and they were better than any I've had anywhere else. The fish and steak that others ordered was equally top notch - you can tell Carlos uses only very fresh ingredients. The food is not over sauced or 'gooey'...just perfectly seasoned, well prepared and fresh! Also, the wine list is well thought out, and the service was wonderful. I simply cannot say enough good things about this place. When you go out to dinner in Colorado Springs, your expectations are generally lower - the food quality is just not that good there. But Carlos' will leave you surprised and very pleased. Carlos is also a great guy and really cares for his guests. Highly recommended!
(5)Jason C.
Their food was good and the service was fantastic. The main issues I had were that the atmosphere was stuffy and the prices are quite high (e.g., $65 for a steak, which from what I can tell on based on the website & menu isn't grass fed or locally raised, which might add some value to the selection). Compared with many places I've eaten (in Colorado and California, primarily), the sides seem very uninspired, also (e.g. mixed vegetables and a starch). I might go back for a special occasion or during happy hour...
(3)KJ K.
Carlos himself greeted us in the parking lot and continued to provide excellent customer service the entire night. The food was excellent. The lobster salad and ribeye were to die for. One of the best meals I've ever had, hands down, which says a lot because I've had the privilege of eating at a lot of very nice restaurants across the country. The outside of the restaurant is understated (to say the least), but don't judge a book by its cover. AMAZING. I wouldn't change a thing. The service was memorable.
(5)Bullitt F.
Fantastic restaurant. My personal favorite in Colorado Springs.
(5)heather t.
There are not many places that I visit multiple times without having a particular favorite dish on the menu. Carlos Bistro is one of those places because I can always order the special (or really anything on the menu) and know I'll be overwhelmed with the goodness of my meal. I have been here for lunch several times and it is always fresh and delicious, with the most friendly service from Carlos and his wife. Carlos truly loves his work, loves his business, loves food, and loves his customers. He matches his fantastic food with equally fantastic service. This restaurant is fabulous. Truly the best of the best in the Springs.
(5)Rick B.
Carlos' Bistro is one of the hidden jewels in CO Springs. One visit is not enough. I have never had a meal there I did not enjoy to the fullest. Please make it by, shake Carlos' hand and immerse yourself in delicious fare.
(5)Robert M.
I have wanted to dine at Carlos' for years (we live in Texas but frequently visit Colorado) and finally got the opportunity. We went at 6:30 on a Wednesday evening, and there were only one or two other parties in the restaurant. Our waiter, a reincarnation of John Fiedler, started reeling off the evening specials prior to asking for our drink orders, although that was his next step. I had seen online that their signature craft cocktail was the "pisco sour", so I ordered it. My wife's drink came several minutes before the pisco sour was finally prepared (by our waiter's account only Carlos himself is trusted to make it). Then Carlos came over and described the specials in considerable detail. Neither our waiter or Carlos ever mentioned the prices of any of the specials, but I figured, what the heck, we're here for a great meal, let's go for it. We shared the lobster salad and indeed, it was very good. My wife had ordered the ahi tuna special and when our waiter asked how she would like it cooked she said "Oh, chef's choice," whereupon our waiter said, "Well, he won't go beyond medium rare," and my wife said "Fine". I had the John Dory which was the substitute for the sea bass which previous reviewers have raved about. My wife's tuna arrived medium well, if not well done (no visible pink anywhere). We pointed this out to the waiter who said, "Yes, it really should have some pink in there," and walked away. We shared dessert and asked for the check. The unforgivably overcooked tuna item was $60! No offer to replace it with a properly cooked entree and it certainly wasn't comped. Then, as I was placing the credit card in the check folder, our waiter suddenly appeared and said "I forgot to charge for the wine, sorry about that, I'll be right back," seized the check, then returned with a corrected check that included our two $7 wines by the glass. Carlos' attentiveness to our table was unusual (some would say "annoying" and/or "obsequious") but would have been acceptable to us if only the restaurant had gotten the basics right. I know this is one of their slowest times of year and we could certainly understand leisurely service secondary to "efficient" staffing, but destroying an innocent piece of what must have been a marvelous piece of tuna and then not attempting to correct the error is much more difficult to understand. Hopefully this was their worst night ever and if we should ever get an opportunity to return our lofty expectations will be met, or at least approached.
(3)Kay B.
Absolutely fantastic! Carlos provides personal attention to every table! each course is better than the one before. Great place to celebrate any occasion
(5)Debi N.
We were in Colorado Springs entertaining guests from California, Louisiana & Ohio & Carlos' Bistro came highly recommended by a local. We weren't real sure when we pulled into the parking lot, as the place is small & somewhat lacking in the outside appearance. But, as we're often told - never judge a book by its cover! We were greeted at the door by Carlos himself. He shook each of our hands, all 11 of us, and escorted us to our table. The food was spectacular and the presentation of each dish - phenomenal! Everyone at our table was impressed with each dish we ordered! I can honestly say that the next trip to Colorado Springs will include a return trip!
(5)John M.
A 'must visit' in Colorado Springs; fantastic experience and food!! Carlos' was recommended by the Broadmoor concierge to us as a great restaurant to try off property, and we are so glad they recommended it. Our fantastic experience began when Carlos met our car in the parking lot, welcoming us to the restaurant. The ambiance was very comfortable and every staff member we encountered was polite, professional and efficient. The menu selections were plentiful, and the wine selection surprisingly sophisticated (and 50% off on Mondays!!) We had an excellent bottle of 2011 Caymus Cab, to accompany my fantastic bone-in ribeye special (peppercorn crusted with saffron risotto) that was perfectly prepared. My wife raved about the basil-tomato soup and lobster salad she had. And our girls (5&7), loved their carbonara pasta, despite being picky eaters - it helped that Carlos came by several times to tall with them and make them feel very special. Carlos indicated that he was also the pastry chef, and we ordered several desserts, all of which were excellent. My 5-year old declared the chocolate bread pudding with caramel sauce "the best dessert ever made" and I am inclined to agree with her. We will definitely be coming back on our next trip to Colorado. I wish we lived closer...hmmm, maybe I can convince Carlos to move to Chicago. :)
(5)Deon C.
Amazing!! Service is always great and it's nice to see the same wait staff every time we come in! Food is wonderful and there are many dishes to choose from. Carlos is high energy and a great host. He always remembers us and is very gracious (Don't see that at many places around town).
(5)Alexander L.
I've had dinner here about 5 times since its opening a few yrs ago and can say that I'm quite familiar with this place Food & Drinks 5/5 Tremendously tasteful and executed food. Always fresh seafood and have a bomb steak. (oysters have never been a let down either). Awesome drinks. Love the Martini's Service 5/5 My older brother was a server here for a few months before heading to medical school and I heard how important service is to Carlos (the owner-no sh!t?!). Never left this place with a feeling that the service wasn't top-notch. Once a server forgot some things and got mixed up and the owner came over and comped us a bottle of nice wine. You def. won't be disappointing. Prices 3/5 Although what you get is very good the prices are RIDICULOUS. If you go with a gf/wife on a date expect to spend two benjamins ez, unless you both eat/drink like mormon chipmunks. Atmosphere 4/5 Nice but for the money its subpar. If you go expecting to spend a lot of money you want a more spacious, warm, experience. It's kind of small, a cold feeling in there with tables that have a cheap feel. Go here expecting great food/drinks good service and outrageous prices. If he priced his items 10-20% less this would be a 5 star rating no sweat.
(4)Eli M.
My father and I went here on a whim and just loved it. The owner is a very nice man and goes out of his way to meet and greet his guests. They even helped prepare food to bring to my brother and sister-in-law who were in the hospital. Try the lobster salad, it is their specialty.
(4)Tina S.
Delicious. Excellent service. An unexpected gem. Seafood is really good...fresh and well cooked. Altogether a lovely experience.
(5)Shenee P.
This restaurant is, by far, the best restaurant Colorado Springs has to offer. And I know, because I've eaten at them all and I run two of them. The second you pull into the parking lot, you're treated like a celebrity. Your car and the restaurant doors are opened for you, they know your name, your table is ready. If it was raining, I'm certain an umbrella would have been in Carlos' hand. Their service is fluid as water-you don't notice when your wine has been refilled or your plate has been taken away, it just happens. Carlos entertains-talks of his wine list, his sauces, his favorites. There isn't a table in the restaurant I find unappealing (you know, every restaurant has that table that they have to squeeze in one last guest). There isn't an entree that doesn't look as good on paper as it tastes on your tongue. He has more options than any fine dining restaurant I've ever been to, and has no hesitation recommending the cheaper dish or bottle of wine which he loves more. My first anniversary was last night and our reservations at the restaurant we'd originally chosen (forgetting about Carlos, of course) called us and cancelled because they overbooked. We just showed up at Carlos' door, he greeted and seated us, and allowed us to stay well past closing to finish our crepe dessert and bottle of wine. Food, atmosphere, ambience, ownership, service, wine list, dessert options--there is no category in which Carlos doesn't take the cake.
(5)Danny S.
Best Steak I've Ever Had You Can Cut With A Dull butter knife... It Melts It Your Mouth... Lobster Was Wonderful with Pasta Was Perfect!!! Service is 5 Star Carlos Was A Wonderful Host... We Will Be Back... Ambiance Was Far the Best. You Have To Try This Fine Restaurant...
(5)Sheila D.
I was really anxious to go to this restaurant since all the reviews were outstanding. I have to say I was very disappointed. Carlos was a wonderful host but this is just another over rated restaurant in Colorado Springs. The menu is very extensive probably too extensive, they are trying to do too much and of the items we had were fair not great and way over priced in my opinion. The wine list does have nice items on it if you want to pay 4-5 times the wholesale cost, 3X at most is the customery markup in a restaurant. I realize business's need to make a profit but the wine list prices were ridiculous. I have been to a lot of great restaurants in and out of the country and in my opinion Carlos' Bistro is not worthy of these reviews or the price. It was a special occasion for us so we jumped in but I would not recommend this place if you want to get what you pay for. $25 for foie gras - maybe 5 dime size pieces on the plate with lots of confeit $48 for paella - rice was gummy, the muscles and clams were totally dried out, but shrimp, scallops and chorizo were good. $14 for bread pudding that was like a cement block
(3)Bob S.
Its True Its True! Carlos really greets, seats every customer with genuine enthusiasm and personally knows many customers. We stopped in after hiking (it was a bit more dressy than we expected) and just wanted to sit at the bar to enjoy some vino and appetizers. However, just watching the incredible looking entrees pass by encouraged us to return for dinner soon. Tim the bartender was very friendly and immediately service us a couple glasses of Chard-meanwhile, Carlos explained in fine detail the 5 different sauces they could create for a bowl of mussels and clams-we picked the chardonny cream sauce, served with roasted peppers, carrots, zucchini in the sauce and a veggie chip on top with a large piece of kale-beautifully served and we thought time travel had flashed and we were in Paris. Wonderful dipping sauce, tons of mussels and clams, crispy bread, it truly was a meal for two-Carlos came by to mention half priced bottles of wine during early week. I would recommend anyone to visit Carlos, he and the place are very memorable.
(4)Nick A.
The food here is, without a doubt, absolutely delicious. The prices are probably way over the top for the average diner; but don't let that give you too much pause. The menu is gorgeous; just reading it will make you hungry, and it is nearly impossible to narrow down a choice. Some standouts that we had were the foie gras (a surprising large portion,) the salad and lobster tail (the best salad I've had in my life, and approaching the best lobster I've ever had - in a landlocked state, no less!) The portions were all pretty big, and no one was left hungry or disappointed. That said, the menu and prices will likely give you pause at first glance. I know I had some feelings of guilt thinking about the 30 or 50 villages in Africa I could have fed for a decade with the cost of my meal or my next car payment. But if you just power through, you will really enjoy your meal. If you light your Cuban cigars with $100 dollar bills and have an army of indentured servants carry you in a litter wherever you go, then definitely go here to your hearts content. I recommend that anyone else save up and splurge for a special occasion. That's what I did, and that is where the three star rating comes from; yes, it was very good. But no, I will not likely eat there again.
(3)Peter T.
Good meal but NOT a 29 (on Zagats' scale). Carlos is an affable and gracious host. He makes an effort to get local organic produce and wild caught (not farm raised) fish. Went on a Friday night and there were perhaps 5-6 tables occupied. The atmosphere is nothing special and generally lacks a vibe of any kind.
(4)Dan S.
My wife and I left our four boys at the hotel to order pizza (their choice, their loss!) and ventured out for something a bit more interesting. We read reviews about Carlos' Bistro on Yelp and decided it looked like our kind of restaurant. Carlos' Bistro was EXCELLENT! Carlos greeted us personally as we entered the restaurant, and seated us. The ambience is very nice, somewhat dark. Once seated, service is quick and top-shelf - our waiter was a pro - very attentive, but not suffocating. Carlos stopped by several times to check on things, and to chat - he is a very interesting gentleman, and obviously is passionate about providing a wonderful dining experience to his patrons. We started with the Calamari, which was as light and tender as I've had. Just lightly breaded, obviously fresh, and properly prepared. My wife had the Blue Crab salad, and I had the fish of the day, a Grouper. The presentation is as nice as the food is delicious. I was pretty full, but had to try dessert. I got the creme brulee and it was definitely one of the best I've had. My wife got a bread pudding to go (may share it with the boys if they've behaved...) - she loved it - said the sauce was wonderful. We'll definitely return next time we're in Colorado Springs, and will recommend to others.
(5)Sarah C.
Had a very good dinner here last Saturday night. Nice atmosphere, correct service, delicious food. The owner was visible--checked in with us a couple of times. Yes, it was expensive but we felt it was a good value. Fresh, quality ingredients, nicely prepared and beautifully presented.
(5)Spiro T.
A forgettable meal. In fairness, the steaks were cooked to order and nothing was amiss with our dinner. It's just that nothing stood out that would make me want to return. They did have an excellent bottle of wine that we ordered, but I didn't feel like we got $220 worth of food/wine. Also, their chairs were very uncomfortable. Overpriced food that you could make at home for a fraction of the cost. They are missing that "special something" in their food. Here's the link to their health inspection: elpaso2.co.gegov.com/el_…
(2)Debbie B.
Excellent, Excellent all around! The food is to die for . The service is excellent! Carlos is a very gracious host. I highly recommend this place. The bread pudding is like no other, and I order bread pudding everywhere I go. For everyone who is complaining about the prices, then go between 5:00 and 5:30 and get half off entree prices. It doesn't get better than that. My friend from Sacramento loved everything about this place, but she says she is going to buy Carlos a bow tie so he doesn't have to flip his tie over his shoulder. Go experience this place, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Mac P.
Very limited and expensive wines by the glass. The ambiance is not equal to the very high prices and the chef burned my dessert....twice.
(2)Elody and Miles M.
My wife and I had dinner at Carlos' Bistro last week. I can honestly say that the service we received might have been THE BEST SERVICE I'VE EVER RECEIVED in my life. I don't splurge on fine dining often but I have eaten at some very nice (and expensive) restaurants around the country, the world. The owner greeted us right away and made sure we were comfortable throughout our meal. The waiter, whose name I wish I could remember, was phenomenal. The guy rattled off the list of specials without missing a beat, answered all of our questions and was extremely attentive as well. The food was fantastic and the portions were huge! Their crème brûlée is by far the best we've had from any Colorado restaurant. The only mark against them is that their prices are a bit steep, in my opinion.
(4)Tom D.
Carlos is a true hospitaolity person. Welcoming and warm. The food was good, but not great. Same for the service. I had not been to Carlos' for a number of years and likely will not go back for one reason: Value. The meun is not just a little overpriced it is seflfishly overpriced and treats the guest like an idiot. (Only an idiot would pay 36 bucks for pasta.) Ditto the wine list. l collect wines so i know what they sell for. His Caymus (non-select) was priced at 3 times retail. Why? It was a Friday night and the restaurant was not busy and pricing is the reason.
(3)Alex M.
Stopped by for lunch after hiking around Manitou for the morning, didn't know what to expect, but I've heard good things about it. First thing I experienced was Carlos meeting us at our car, welcoming us in despite the fact we showed up about 20 minutes before lunch closed, but he said it wasn't a problem. Throughout the meal he would stop by, see how things were going. The menu was expensive, but I had the best gourmet sandwich I have ever had, and was enough to tempt me to come back for dinner sometime in the future to experience other items on the menu. Really cool place, friendly staff, and good food
(5)Shane W.
Yes, its expensive. Totally worth it though. By far the best place in the Springs I've eaten at. Service is always great, the food is always amazing, and Carlos is always a character. For me the experience always begins just by calling and making a reservation when Carlos answers the phone. We'd eat here more if we could, but alas, we save it for "special occasions" based on price.
(5)Stacy F.
I'll keep this short---Carlos' Bistro is on par with the best in the world. If you're a foodie--or if you just appreciate great service and great food--this is the place to go in Colorado Springs. What a GEM! Best lamb I've ever had. Best fried oysters. Best food period! Give them business!!!!! They kept this place open for us after closing because of shoddy cab service. I was impressed beyond words--not only do they have amazing food, but they also have amazing service. One of the best places in this planet. Try the Colorado lamb, it's the best I've EVER had. Please, PLEASE, please eat here--keep it going until I return and eat here again!
(5)Debbie F.
Everything everyone raved about on Yelp proved true last night at Carlos Bistro. My husband and I were in Colorado Springs for my work from Denver and wanted a nice "get away" for a great dinner! First Carlos himself called me back to confirm my reservations (which are a must on a weekend night) and set the tone for the whole evening with his friendly demeanor. We were promptly seated when we arrived by Carlos (he's obviously highly involved in his restaurant and it works!) and we quickly got our drinks. Carlos then came back to the table to tell us about the specials and take our order. He seemed to show the same amount of attention with his very postive, fun personality to all of the tables in the room. He must have stopped by our table at least 4 times (and not annoyingly so) and even engaged in a hilarious conversation about the World Cup with my husband. Besides the flawless service, the food was exquisite!! I had the BEST scallops I've ever had. Cooked to perfection and HUGE, they were just scrumptious with the risotto and asparagus! My husband had one of the best steaks EVER, each tender morsel better than the last and the garlic mashed potatoes were truly to DIE FOR!!! The portions are generous too ... Then we just HAD to try dessert so I had the berries and with whiskey cream sauce - I'd eat my fruit every day if it was served this way!! Simply amazing and my husband couldn't keep tasting my dessert, even though he had his own tasty treat! It's safe to say we'd make the 45 minute/hour drive to Colorado Springs from our house just to go to Carlos Bistro again .. and even though it's a bit pricey, you're happy to support Carlos and his excellent staff for taking care of you so well!
(5)Andrew E.
Actually, I'd give Carlos' Bistro 4.5 stars...it is VERY good indeed. I'm only giving 4 to ensure a balanced overall rating on Yelp. My wife and I had a delicious meal there last month to celebrate a special occasion. We were the youngest in the place (31/32), but that was fine with us. The atmosphere wasn't at all "older" and was very chill and just fine with us. Not swanky, not kitchy, but just right. The waiter was great and provided excellent service and recommendations. The foie gras was really good, not incredible, but really good. Both of the entrees were delicious, and the wine our server recommended complemented them both very well. Of course, Carlos greeted us when we arrived in the parking lot, and proceeded to check on us at least another two times during the evening. It's readily apparent that he really cares about this restaurant and ensuring you have a great experience. So why only 4(.5) stars? While the food was delicious, I wouldn't say it's "good enough" to justify the price range for the restaurant. There's one other place in town that I think provides similar quality food for a much better value, so that's tempering my review a bit. Now that we've been here, we'll probably steer to the other restaurant (see my other reviews) when we want to have a nice night out in a great location. You should still go to Carlos' at least once and see for yourself. It really is a hidden gem in this city.
(4)Eli M.
My father and I went here on a whim and just loved it. The owner is a very nice man and goes out of his way to meet and greet his guests. They even helped prepare food to bring to my brother and sister-in-law who were in the hospital. Try the lobster salad, it is their specialty.
(4)Tina S.
Delicious. Excellent service. An unexpected gem. Seafood is really good...fresh and well cooked. Altogether a lovely experience.
(5)Shenee P.
This restaurant is, by far, the best restaurant Colorado Springs has to offer. And I know, because I've eaten at them all and I run two of them. The second you pull into the parking lot, you're treated like a celebrity. Your car and the restaurant doors are opened for you, they know your name, your table is ready. If it was raining, I'm certain an umbrella would have been in Carlos' hand. Their service is fluid as water-you don't notice when your wine has been refilled or your plate has been taken away, it just happens. Carlos entertains-talks of his wine list, his sauces, his favorites. There isn't a table in the restaurant I find unappealing (you know, every restaurant has that table that they have to squeeze in one last guest). There isn't an entree that doesn't look as good on paper as it tastes on your tongue. He has more options than any fine dining restaurant I've ever been to, and has no hesitation recommending the cheaper dish or bottle of wine which he loves more. My first anniversary was last night and our reservations at the restaurant we'd originally chosen (forgetting about Carlos, of course) called us and cancelled because they overbooked. We just showed up at Carlos' door, he greeted and seated us, and allowed us to stay well past closing to finish our crepe dessert and bottle of wine. Food, atmosphere, ambience, ownership, service, wine list, dessert options--there is no category in which Carlos doesn't take the cake.
(5)Danny S.
Best Steak I've Ever Had You Can Cut With A Dull butter knife... It Melts It Your Mouth... Lobster Was Wonderful with Pasta Was Perfect!!! Service is 5 Star Carlos Was A Wonderful Host... We Will Be Back... Ambiance Was Far the Best. You Have To Try This Fine Restaurant...
(5)Sheila D.
I was really anxious to go to this restaurant since all the reviews were outstanding. I have to say I was very disappointed. Carlos was a wonderful host but this is just another over rated restaurant in Colorado Springs. The menu is very extensive probably too extensive, they are trying to do too much and of the items we had were fair not great and way over priced in my opinion. The wine list does have nice items on it if you want to pay 4-5 times the wholesale cost, 3X at most is the customery markup in a restaurant. I realize business's need to make a profit but the wine list prices were ridiculous. I have been to a lot of great restaurants in and out of the country and in my opinion Carlos' Bistro is not worthy of these reviews or the price. It was a special occasion for us so we jumped in but I would not recommend this place if you want to get what you pay for. $25 for foie gras - maybe 5 dime size pieces on the plate with lots of confeit $48 for paella - rice was gummy, the muscles and clams were totally dried out, but shrimp, scallops and chorizo were good. $14 for bread pudding that was like a cement block
(3)Bob S.
Its True Its True! Carlos really greets, seats every customer with genuine enthusiasm and personally knows many customers. We stopped in after hiking (it was a bit more dressy than we expected) and just wanted to sit at the bar to enjoy some vino and appetizers. However, just watching the incredible looking entrees pass by encouraged us to return for dinner soon. Tim the bartender was very friendly and immediately service us a couple glasses of Chard-meanwhile, Carlos explained in fine detail the 5 different sauces they could create for a bowl of mussels and clams-we picked the chardonny cream sauce, served with roasted peppers, carrots, zucchini in the sauce and a veggie chip on top with a large piece of kale-beautifully served and we thought time travel had flashed and we were in Paris. Wonderful dipping sauce, tons of mussels and clams, crispy bread, it truly was a meal for two-Carlos came by to mention half priced bottles of wine during early week. I would recommend anyone to visit Carlos, he and the place are very memorable.
(4)Nick A.
The food here is, without a doubt, absolutely delicious. The prices are probably way over the top for the average diner; but don't let that give you too much pause. The menu is gorgeous; just reading it will make you hungry, and it is nearly impossible to narrow down a choice. Some standouts that we had were the foie gras (a surprising large portion,) the salad and lobster tail (the best salad I've had in my life, and approaching the best lobster I've ever had - in a landlocked state, no less!) The portions were all pretty big, and no one was left hungry or disappointed. That said, the menu and prices will likely give you pause at first glance. I know I had some feelings of guilt thinking about the 30 or 50 villages in Africa I could have fed for a decade with the cost of my meal or my next car payment. But if you just power through, you will really enjoy your meal. If you light your Cuban cigars with $100 dollar bills and have an army of indentured servants carry you in a litter wherever you go, then definitely go here to your hearts content. I recommend that anyone else save up and splurge for a special occasion. That's what I did, and that is where the three star rating comes from; yes, it was very good. But no, I will not likely eat there again.
(3)Peter T.
Good meal but NOT a 29 (on Zagats' scale). Carlos is an affable and gracious host. He makes an effort to get local organic produce and wild caught (not farm raised) fish. Went on a Friday night and there were perhaps 5-6 tables occupied. The atmosphere is nothing special and generally lacks a vibe of any kind.
(4)Stacy F.
I'll keep this short---Carlos' Bistro is on par with the best in the world. If you're a foodie--or if you just appreciate great service and great food--this is the place to go in Colorado Springs. What a GEM! Best lamb I've ever had. Best fried oysters. Best food period! Give them business!!!!! They kept this place open for us after closing because of shoddy cab service. I was impressed beyond words--not only do they have amazing food, but they also have amazing service. One of the best places in this planet. Try the Colorado lamb, it's the best I've EVER had. Please, PLEASE, please eat here--keep it going until I return and eat here again!
(5)Dan S.
My wife and I left our four boys at the hotel to order pizza (their choice, their loss!) and ventured out for something a bit more interesting. We read reviews about Carlos' Bistro on Yelp and decided it looked like our kind of restaurant. Carlos' Bistro was EXCELLENT! Carlos greeted us personally as we entered the restaurant, and seated us. The ambience is very nice, somewhat dark. Once seated, service is quick and top-shelf - our waiter was a pro - very attentive, but not suffocating. Carlos stopped by several times to check on things, and to chat - he is a very interesting gentleman, and obviously is passionate about providing a wonderful dining experience to his patrons. We started with the Calamari, which was as light and tender as I've had. Just lightly breaded, obviously fresh, and properly prepared. My wife had the Blue Crab salad, and I had the fish of the day, a Grouper. The presentation is as nice as the food is delicious. I was pretty full, but had to try dessert. I got the creme brulee and it was definitely one of the best I've had. My wife got a bread pudding to go (may share it with the boys if they've behaved...) - she loved it - said the sauce was wonderful. We'll definitely return next time we're in Colorado Springs, and will recommend to others.
(5)Sarah C.
Had a very good dinner here last Saturday night. Nice atmosphere, correct service, delicious food. The owner was visible--checked in with us a couple of times. Yes, it was expensive but we felt it was a good value. Fresh, quality ingredients, nicely prepared and beautifully presented.
(5)Spiro T.
A forgettable meal. In fairness, the steaks were cooked to order and nothing was amiss with our dinner. It's just that nothing stood out that would make me want to return. They did have an excellent bottle of wine that we ordered, but I didn't feel like we got $220 worth of food/wine. Also, their chairs were very uncomfortable. Overpriced food that you could make at home for a fraction of the cost. They are missing that "special something" in their food. Here's the link to their health inspection: elpaso2.co.gegov.com/el_…
(2)Debbie B.
Excellent, Excellent all around! The food is to die for . The service is excellent! Carlos is a very gracious host. I highly recommend this place. The bread pudding is like no other, and I order bread pudding everywhere I go. For everyone who is complaining about the prices, then go between 5:00 and 5:30 and get half off entree prices. It doesn't get better than that. My friend from Sacramento loved everything about this place, but she says she is going to buy Carlos a bow tie so he doesn't have to flip his tie over his shoulder. Go experience this place, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Mac P.
Very limited and expensive wines by the glass. The ambiance is not equal to the very high prices and the chef burned my dessert....twice.
(2)Elody and Miles M.
My wife and I had dinner at Carlos' Bistro last week. I can honestly say that the service we received might have been THE BEST SERVICE I'VE EVER RECEIVED in my life. I don't splurge on fine dining often but I have eaten at some very nice (and expensive) restaurants around the country, the world. The owner greeted us right away and made sure we were comfortable throughout our meal. The waiter, whose name I wish I could remember, was phenomenal. The guy rattled off the list of specials without missing a beat, answered all of our questions and was extremely attentive as well. The food was fantastic and the portions were huge! Their crème brûlée is by far the best we've had from any Colorado restaurant. The only mark against them is that their prices are a bit steep, in my opinion.
(4)Tom D.
Carlos is a true hospitaolity person. Welcoming and warm. The food was good, but not great. Same for the service. I had not been to Carlos' for a number of years and likely will not go back for one reason: Value. The meun is not just a little overpriced it is seflfishly overpriced and treats the guest like an idiot. (Only an idiot would pay 36 bucks for pasta.) Ditto the wine list. l collect wines so i know what they sell for. His Caymus (non-select) was priced at 3 times retail. Why? It was a Friday night and the restaurant was not busy and pricing is the reason.
(3)Alex M.
Stopped by for lunch after hiking around Manitou for the morning, didn't know what to expect, but I've heard good things about it. First thing I experienced was Carlos meeting us at our car, welcoming us in despite the fact we showed up about 20 minutes before lunch closed, but he said it wasn't a problem. Throughout the meal he would stop by, see how things were going. The menu was expensive, but I had the best gourmet sandwich I have ever had, and was enough to tempt me to come back for dinner sometime in the future to experience other items on the menu. Really cool place, friendly staff, and good food
(5)Shane W.
Yes, its expensive. Totally worth it though. By far the best place in the Springs I've eaten at. Service is always great, the food is always amazing, and Carlos is always a character. For me the experience always begins just by calling and making a reservation when Carlos answers the phone. We'd eat here more if we could, but alas, we save it for "special occasions" based on price.
(5)heather t.
There are not many places that I visit multiple times without having a particular favorite dish on the menu. Carlos Bistro is one of those places because I can always order the special (or really anything on the menu) and know I'll be overwhelmed with the goodness of my meal. I have been here for lunch several times and it is always fresh and delicious, with the most friendly service from Carlos and his wife. Carlos truly loves his work, loves his business, loves food, and loves his customers. He matches his fantastic food with equally fantastic service. This restaurant is fabulous. Truly the best of the best in the Springs.
(5)Rick B.
Carlos' Bistro is one of the hidden jewels in CO Springs. One visit is not enough. I have never had a meal there I did not enjoy to the fullest. Please make it by, shake Carlos' hand and immerse yourself in delicious fare.
(5)Debbie F.
Everything everyone raved about on Yelp proved true last night at Carlos Bistro. My husband and I were in Colorado Springs for my work from Denver and wanted a nice "get away" for a great dinner! First Carlos himself called me back to confirm my reservations (which are a must on a weekend night) and set the tone for the whole evening with his friendly demeanor. We were promptly seated when we arrived by Carlos (he's obviously highly involved in his restaurant and it works!) and we quickly got our drinks. Carlos then came back to the table to tell us about the specials and take our order. He seemed to show the same amount of attention with his very postive, fun personality to all of the tables in the room. He must have stopped by our table at least 4 times (and not annoyingly so) and even engaged in a hilarious conversation about the World Cup with my husband. Besides the flawless service, the food was exquisite!! I had the BEST scallops I've ever had. Cooked to perfection and HUGE, they were just scrumptious with the risotto and asparagus! My husband had one of the best steaks EVER, each tender morsel better than the last and the garlic mashed potatoes were truly to DIE FOR!!! The portions are generous too ... Then we just HAD to try dessert so I had the berries and with whiskey cream sauce - I'd eat my fruit every day if it was served this way!! Simply amazing and my husband couldn't keep tasting my dessert, even though he had his own tasty treat! It's safe to say we'd make the 45 minute/hour drive to Colorado Springs from our house just to go to Carlos Bistro again .. and even though it's a bit pricey, you're happy to support Carlos and his excellent staff for taking care of you so well!
(5)Andrew E.
Actually, I'd give Carlos' Bistro 4.5 stars...it is VERY good indeed. I'm only giving 4 to ensure a balanced overall rating on Yelp. My wife and I had a delicious meal there last month to celebrate a special occasion. We were the youngest in the place (31/32), but that was fine with us. The atmosphere wasn't at all "older" and was very chill and just fine with us. Not swanky, not kitchy, but just right. The waiter was great and provided excellent service and recommendations. The foie gras was really good, not incredible, but really good. Both of the entrees were delicious, and the wine our server recommended complemented them both very well. Of course, Carlos greeted us when we arrived in the parking lot, and proceeded to check on us at least another two times during the evening. It's readily apparent that he really cares about this restaurant and ensuring you have a great experience. So why only 4(.5) stars? While the food was delicious, I wouldn't say it's "good enough" to justify the price range for the restaurant. There's one other place in town that I think provides similar quality food for a much better value, so that's tempering my review a bit. Now that we've been here, we'll probably steer to the other restaurant (see my other reviews) when we want to have a nice night out in a great location. You should still go to Carlos' at least once and see for yourself. It really is a hidden gem in this city.
(4)Jessica C.
Carlos' has become the standard against which all other restaurants are measured. I have been to all manner of fancy restaurants, and nothing in my life has ever topped the food and service I experienced here. Heavenly, orgasmic, amazing. I met up with some friends very last-minute, and as such arrived very close to the time when the kitchen was shutting down. As you might expect after reading other reviews, Carlos met me in the parking lot, told me he was glad I could make it, opened the door, pulled out my chair. He was wonderful. I had the caprese salad for an appetizer. Amazing. I forget what my entree was called... a chicken dish, one of the daily specials. I had NO idea chicken could taste so exquisite. My best friend and I split the creme brulee for dessert. Artfully prepared and by far the best creme brulee I have ever consumed. Well worth the cost. I have paid more for less, and would pay more for what I experienced at Carlos'. GO.
(5)Greg M.
So... being from Los Angeles where restaurant choices abound, I have had a hard time finding great places to dine. Heard about Carlos' Bistro and had such great ratings on yelp. Yelp reviewers.... you kind of let me down on this one. Positives: -Great service -Great wines -The scallops were outstanding. Perfectly cooked diver scallops. -The risotto was decent. Not great, but good. Negatives: -My wife got the frutti di mare (seafood pasta) and it was all swimming in a heavy marina sauce that just killed it. -we had a special salad - a lobster salad that isn't on the menu but they are known for it. Not impressed. it had pistachio brittle that was as hard as a rock. Not appetizing. -the worst part was that my wife's seafood pasta and my scallops with risotto had a bunch of fibrous vegetables with fried sweet potato slivers ON TOP. Not on the side. Really weird. If I would go back, I would probably try their grilled meats. Overall, the price was high, the service really good and the food was strange. Some good and some bad.
(2)Andrew D.
The personal service was outstanding. Carlo's met us at the door and seated us himself. The wait staff was extremely attentive, we did not have to ask for anything. The food was out of this world. They have a huge menu, which would lead you to believe the dishes would be similar but each was distinct and perfectly prepared. We usually do not have dessert but tried the bread pudding, it is to die for. If you like bread pudding, you will melt when you eat this. It is very expensive though. It is definitely a place we will go for very special occasions only. It's nice to have that "go to" restaurant for just those occasions.
(5)Al D.
Totally unassuming but wonderful. Owner met us in the parking lot as promised by other Yelpers. Great wine list, delicious food and attentive service. Clearly, it's been given plenty of great reviews. That's why we tried it, and it turns out: they were right!
(5)John N.
Look: in order to get 5 stars out of me, it has to be a really special place with food that's off-the-chart good. Carlos' Bistro qualifies! Just as advertised here on Yelp, Carlos was outside, tie over shoulder, and greeted us warmly even tho (as we found out) were were kinda underdressed. The Missus (who is particular about such things) really liked the dim, but not gloomy, and quite elegant decor. After an appetizer of tasty raw oysters for me (in the 'Springs no less!) and chicken chowder for the Missus and yummy home-made bread, we got down to the meal, and what a meal! The Missus had chicken carbonara - taglitelle pasta & saute'd chicken in a delicious cream sauce and I had "fruite del mer" - all manner of seafood and fettuccine pasta. The sauce was light and delicious, the scallops, mussels, clams and calamari perfectly cooked and very tasty - even the enormous shrimp wasn't overcooked - no mean feat! Fantastic presentation and (we agree) the best meal we've had in a while. While not cheap ($25 for her main course, $30 for mine) everything was just fantastic and absolutely delicious. Given the quality of the food, the prices are very reasonable, the service top-notch, and, oh, did I mention HOW GOOD THE FOOD IS?!?? For special occasions, a date night when you REALLY want to impress her, or just when you need a damn fine meal, check out Carlos' Bistro. Carlos will no doubt be out front, tie over shoulder, to greet you and then escort you inside for a meal to remember. 5 stars and that's only because I can't give it 6. Superb.
(5)Lori G.
Went to Carlos' Bistro while on a visit to the Springs. We went here because of all the positive reviews. We had a group of 7 for a special occasion and Carlos greeted us in the parking lot. Very personal service, I appreciated the reccomendation for one of the South American wines. It was very good and a bit less $$ than the domestics. We started off with the oysters, very fresh. I had the scallops which were very nice, the risotto may not have been the best. Another guest had the lamb chops which he raved were the best ever. The lobster salad was very tasty as well. For dessert we had the brulee and the key lime. The brulee was good but the key lime pie was really suberb.
(4)Gwen C.
We were greeted at the door by Carlos who was very friendly and hospitable. We were a part of 6, including a 3 year old and a 5 year old. We had reservations and were seated immediately. The kid's water glasses were small brandy glasses which I thought was a real nice touch. The food was good, however I gotta make a comment to Jessica J.'s review - I don't think she gets out much if this place is the best she's ever had. Anyhow, bring a FAT wallet when you dine here, and be sure to savor the decor.
(3)Audra S.
Delish. Came here for the boyfriend's birthday and we were very happy with the experience. It was a mid-week date and our waiter was attentive and knowledgable about the menu - not to mention he made a pretty solid cocktail. Foie gras - delish. Crab meat infused hollandaise filet - delish. Caprese salad - delish. Everything was great. And I really cannot wait until summer so we can chill on their beautiful patio with a margarita. Which I'm sure will be delish, of course.
(5)Sibby S.
Ambiance: Rather ordinary looking, small, square, almost cylinder-block looking building from the outside, seems like an out-of-place location for a high end restaurant. Inside, the place is nicely appointed, rather small dining room, and very dimly lit. Small bar area with about five bar stools. Service: Top-notch. No complaints. Carlos himself greeted us as we walked in (he remembered me by name as I had spoke with him earlier in the day by phone to make reservations.) He checked in with our party a few times during the meal, and actually walked us out to our cars in the parking lot after dinner. Waiter was very good, knew his menu very well, and how all the items were prepared. Waiter was attentive without being intrusive. Food: Hands down the most beautifully plated presentation of any restaurant in Colorado Springs. Each plate was a work of art (and you do eat with your "eyes" first.) Each dish was wonderfully prepared. Nice thing about going in a group of three, we all got to sample each other's dinner selections. All were through the roof delicious. The best was the Shrimp Scampi. Easily the best Scampi I have ever had -- the sauce was executed brilliantly (and in land-locked Colorado Springs of all places!). I ordered one of their specials for the night, which was a schnitzel-coated pork chop, with a cranberry and apricot- based sauce, reduced with a bit of wine. Very good, but one person at our table thought it was a tad "too" sweet for his taste. The other entree ordered was another special of the night, a Rib Eye, that was finished with a light, blue cheese sauce - also delicious. We all ordered different salads (green, Greek and Caesar), and everyone enjoyed them. Thought the price for a bottle of wine was outrageously expensive (like five times over the price in a liquor store) - so everyone just ordered a glass. Overall, this is one of the best restaurants in town in terms of presentation, quality and service. So what is keeping me from giving it a 5-star rating (I actually feel it deserves a 4 1/2 star rating). For the price paid (and boy did we pay a lot - second only to the high-end restaurants at the Broadmoor) - I expect everything to be impeccable. The ambiance, while nice, does not "scream" 5-star restaurant. Place seems a bit too casual to be charging the prices it does. Though I have no problem paying for a really good meal out, at what level do you say, even though I love the food, the price does not seem in-line for what you get. If you love the steak, and pay $50, it is still just as good if you pay $70, but the point is, where do you "draw the line" to distinguish between quality and value? Would you still pay $90 for that same incredible steak? I have absolutely fallen in love with the food at Carlos', but this will be a place that I will only visit on a rare occasion, when money truly is no object.
(4)alex D.
Simply awefull! Can't believe all the good reviews on here. Where do you people normally eat?
(1)Clay S.
Great service, ambiance and food as well, prices a tad high but food portions very good
(5)Lauren D.
Service is great. Menu is a bit strange and outdated. They are incredibly over-priced and the environment isn't exactly fine dining. Overall, not impressed. Update the menu and lower the prices. But kudos on the services.
(2)Jeff W.
I was out visiting a friend for a few days, and on my last night in Colorado, we went out to a nicer restaurant than we have before. Being from California, the exterior of most all establishments in Colorado seem a bit odd due to the massive amounts of space inbetween stores, gas stations and restaurants. So it didn't strike me as anything special, but was i pleasantly wrong. The owner, Carlos is from Argentina. He is one of the most pleasant hosts/owners i have ever met. Extremely humble, very personable and remembers you by name. He's often been known to greet you outside. The menu is what's expected from any italian/mediterranean bistro, however apparently Carlos goes the extra mile, to get only the best ingredients. The lobster comes from Maine, the oysters come from the east coast as well, and he ships it all because it's just that much better. I'm sure there are more nuances to the origins of the produce, but that's all i can recall at the moment. I can personally recommend the Fruita De Mer (yes it's mer, i thought it was always mar). It was fettucini pasta with calamari (squidwards, and rings), jumbo shrimp, scallops, clams, mussells, and roasted red pepper all in a tomato based sauce. It rivals many of the great seafood restaurants at home in the SF bay area. The filet mignon was also a hit according to my friend, as were the scallops. Basically, this place seems like the type where no matter what you're in the mood for, or happen to choose for that specific meal, you will be pleasantly surprised, and on top of that, you will have an excellent wait staff supporting your evening. Carlos's Bistro get's my seal of approval!
(5)Mimi C.
went there for dinner on a friday night, i saw all the good reviews so decided to give it a try, knowing that it will be a pricey dinner. when i saw the menu for the night, my jaw dropped, everything was over-priced at least twice of other restaurants around town. i thought to myself, wow, so not worth it, but i am gonna give it a try anyway! we ordered two pasta dishes (since a steak cost $56, enough to cover a three-course meal at another high-end restaurant). the presentation was nice, however, pasta is pasta. It does have a good taste, but it was not worth $32 for that plate. (one price worthy ingredient on my "fruit de mer pasta was the two big prawns and scallops, otherwise, the rest of the seafood looks like it came from a 5 lb bag of marisco that you can get at any grocery store for $10 bucks). the ambiance was nice. it is a good place for 'special' occasions, however, there are other restaurant around town that could match the ambiance with half the price.
(3)Sharon M.
Pricey, yes - but perfect for a splurge! Went there after the Colorado Springs Dog Show recently - enjoyed the fabulous food, service and atmosphere without a dress code! My friend and her husband arrived first and she thought Carlos was the parking lot attendant (a cute one)!! The tuna appetizer is amazing. Two of us had the ribeye special with some sort of chile seasoning and bleu cheese butter - one of the best steaks I've ever had. Two had traditional dishes - stroganoff and wiener schnitzel - and these were both exceptional as well. Atmosphere is quiet and relaxing. Will save up for another special occasion for sure!
(5)Jill L.
My husband and I celebrated our third anniversary last night. Over the past couple of years, my favorite restaurants for high-end dining in the C-Springs area have closed their doors: Le Petite Maison and World Plate, so we decided to try Carlos Bistro. After reading reviews, we had high expectations, but we were still pleasantly surprised. Our experience was in line with that of previous reviewers. Rarely does a restaurant manage to excel in so many categories at once: food that is properly prepared using quality ingredients, attentive staff members and an owner who are ready to make spot-on recommendations, a wide selection of thoughtful and inventive dishes, and an ambience that adds to the dining experience. I could care less about the outside of the restaurant or its unpretentious locale, as I've found during my travels that the best gems in restaurants are usually in the most unassuming places. The dinner was not inexpensive, but we weren't ordering to be frugal; foie gras appetizer, lobster salad, scallop entree, filet entree, and a bottle of wine for a total of $160 is certainly fair for the quality and preparation we experienced which is unmatched in C-Springs. I have to add that, despite a lukewarm comment made by another reviewer regarding the foie gras, I am a big fan in general and went for it anyways. I was not disappointed. Considering the reasonable price of $20 and that it is being served in Colorado and not France, it was a surprisingly excellent preparation of whole and partial lobes in a berry sauce over toast. We had an inexpensive Malbec that was recommended by Carlos, and it was very good as well. I think that was the first time I've ever seen the owner of a restaurant recommend a bottle that is not in the upper 20% price tier on the wine list and speaks well of his integrity. We will be back.
(5)Rachel G.
My boyfriends dad and mother are regulars here so when my boyfriend and I were caught off guard and ate here in jeans and t-shirts we didnt feel too strange, its still colorado. Carlos greeted us outside when we pulled up and was extremely charming, especially to my boyfriends 96 year old grandmother. The food here is amazing and I loved how they were able to introduce ingredients that some customers might have been weary of into more familiar dishes. The presentation is fantastic and the portions are very reasonable. I got lost on their appetizer menu and would have been happy ordering my main course from a few items off the list. (oh and they have foie gras if you care to know ;) I chose the greek salad to start off, skipping the appetizer because I needed to save room. The salad was quite big but it was so good I couldnt stop eating it. As recommended by my boyfriends parents I had the scallops, they were perfect and went great with the malbec. The sweet sauce went great with the grilled veggies and the creamy rice was the best. For dessert I had a custard/whipped cream/yogurt creation (its spanish and I forgot the name of it but get it!) drizzled with berry sauce along with fresh raspberries and blueberries on the side. This was a great meal and I cant wait to come back here again without the denim...
(5)Michael M.
The place was OK. Definitely NOT worth the ridiculous prices. Carlos was constantly hovering around the place, asking us if we needed more cheese, telling us to eat the bread, to order wine.. the waitress was reaching over us to pick up plates.. I'm sure they are trained to do that, but honestly I have worked in fine dining myself, and if there is a plate that needs to be picked up but would require me to reach over a customer I wait. Basically they were trying too hard and not really letting us enjoy our dinner. The atmosphere was good, the food was good, but it was nothing special and sure wasnt worth the ridiculous cost. The cheapest bottle of wine was $40 and that was the ONLY $40 bottle. Most were priced $60-120. If the place was cheaper and the service was a little more relaxed, I would go there again, but I have had much better dinners for much less, so I will stay away.
(3)Bert B.
If you expect the most gracious and attentive service, recongnition by the owner (with his trade-mark tie-over-the-shoulder greeting at the door and even in the parking lot) then this is the right place. Carlos is the most delighful host ever, a true character who obviously loves his restaurant and his customers. The food is beyond exceptional...it is prepared in heaven and delivered per individual order to the kitchen where Carlos leads you to believe it was prepared by mere mortals. It is very reasonably priced considering the highest of quality. If you are seeking fine dining and even finer service, this is the only place in Colorado Springs...in fact, I can think of no place in all of Colorado that ranks up there with Carlos's Bistro. Go there...it is definitely worth it. P.S. THE BEST liver and onions I have ever tasted!
(5)Evonne Y.
My husband and I and two great friends celebrated birthdays tonite. I can't say enough good things about it. Service, food, ambiance were terrific. Yes, its expensive, but you come away with having such a wonderful culinary experience that it is well worth the price. The special rib-eye steak with blue cheese dressing - to die for. You could almost cut the steak with a fork. Scallops were perfect. Everything from the appetizers to the entrees were out of this world! The owner is very personable and is indeed interested in making sure that you are satisfied. He visited our table several times, but not annoyingly. Great little gem in Colorado Springs.
(5)Mysti A.
My husband and I have dined several times at Carlos's Bistro. We have NEVER been disappointed. Not only is Carlos a divine, charming host his food and wait staff are impeccable. He has the freshest seafood in Colorado Springs period. The oysters have a nice briny finish to them, the soft shell crab sandwich is crisp and complemented from the choice of sauce to the greens and that is just the lunch menu. For Dinner I would recommend being adventurous, and try the daily special even if it is something different for you I assure you will never be disappointed. Desert, the bread pudding of coarse, rich and plenty the for you and a guest to share, that is if you want too.
(5)Mariela S.
I fell in love with this place the first time I came here. I was visiting my boyfriend in Colorado Springs and there was no doubt in our minds where we wanted to eat. This was the site of our official first date, so it brought back nice memories. Being from the SF bay area and Napa, this place rivals any place there. The service is excellent and genuine. Carlos the owner greeted us and everyone else that came in (something that never happens in Napa) and he remembered us from our previous visit in April. It was busy and we had no reservations but he found us a table quickly and it took no time to order a bottle of the Raymond Reserve Savigion Blanc and appetizers. We had a dozen oysters-fresh and cool. The lobster salad-which is by the way the best lobster salad ever. It even had fresh made Pistachio brittle, soo good. For our dinner I went with the scallops and risotto. I have yet to have better scallops anywhere, period. The risotto is nice and stringy. Freshly grilled veggies, all of it drizzled with a balsamic glaze. My bf had the fruite de mer, which was such a great serving that he had to take some back with him. I wish I could have shared the leftovers with him the next day. The food, the service and the price makes this the best place I have ever eaten, overall, hands down. The outstanding service you see here is what gives this place the winning edge. Carlos is so attentive and his staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Its difficult to find quality food and genuine service like that without leaving your wallet behind.
(5)Kelly G.
omg this place is amazing. the food was so awesome. i'm a big fan of seafood and carlos definitely satisfied my taste for it. i had the seared scallops with mashed potatoes and veggies. they were seared in a teriyaki like sauce that went perfectly with everything. so not only was the food awesome, their service was really good to. they came by to check on us throughout our dinner and refill our drinks. very friendly and nice. even the owner greeted us as we walked in the door with handshakes too!
(5)Lauren M.
I would give this a 4.5 if I could. My ONLY complaint is the decor, which obviously has nothing to do with the food! I just feel like it should look a bit nicer in there, considering how much is being spent. The chairs bothered me the most. HOWEVER, that being said, the food, service, and drinks were all fantastic. Carlos greeted us outside and brought us straight to our table. We started off with some wine and a martini. My husband ordered 1/2 dozen oysters and I had the insalata caprese. For dinner we ordered the lamb and the fruit de mer. The best we've ever had. Dessert was chocolate bread pudding and it was to die for! The portions were also adequate. It looked like I barely put a dent in my fruit de mer. Our server was very attentive, but not annoying. She was great. The place was completely full pretty much the entire time we were there, so I was happy I made reservations. Great place to go for a special occasion.
(4)Stacy P.
with out a doubt, the BEST food not only COS, but all of Colorado! this is a MUST TRY place. you will not be disapointed, i promise. very fresh food, much of their seafood is flown in daily. and unique one-of-a-kind flavors. a great date place or anniversary place, i would get a babysitter for the kiddos though, not a place for them. carlos is the nicest guy! and the service is outstanding. too bad 5 stars is as high as it goes.
(5)Ann-Li C.
Carlos' Bistro was one of our favorites when we lived in Colorado Springs 5+ years ago. We often ordered the scallops and the filet a la oscar, with the nice crackly creme brulee to finish. Fast forward five years, and we returned to dine on our five year anniversary trip back in Colorado. Carlos recognized us, remembered our engagement story, inquired about our friends - and said that he had missed us over the years! We love the food at Carlos' but by far, it's the intimacy of feeling like this is "our place".
(5)Mike K.
Everything was wonderful. Carlos greeted us at the door, as advertised. Go with his recommendations and you will have a great experience.
(5)Karyn F.
My favorite restaurant in town. While pricey, we have never been disappointed by the service or meals. I highly recommend their cheesecake crepes.
(5)john e.
My girlfriend and I had the absolute pleasure of dining here on Saturday May 9th. We had reservations at 8pm. Based on the reviews and the fact that we had yet to try, I now regret not being here until now. On one of our amazingly rainy evenings, Carlos (owner), without even knowing us, arrived at my car with an umbrella to ensure that Amanda stayed dry into the restaurant. Class. Almost immediately after being seated, Jennifer greeted us warmly but with a relaxation that made me feel as if I was coming back into a family. No pretense, no frills, just top notch amazing personality. From the extensive wine list for Amanda, and even some amazing N/A choices for me, we were off to an awesome start. We allowed Jennifer to guide us through the menu and answer anything readily. First we had the chicken wings and bruschetta ratatouille. Both can only be described as the best I have ever had. There is good food, and then there is this. Already overwhelmed, Carols came over to check on us and addressed us by name. A welcome change. Time for entrées. I opted for the Prime bone in ribeye atop whipped potato and Amanda went with the Filet Mignon with risotto. I can say this with zero debate that this was the best steak(s) I have ever had. The delicate cooking with the quality of the meat and loving atmosphere made for a meal that I will never forget. Every bite was better than the one before it. My girlfriend felt the same way. Desert options were very brilliantly described and we ended up with a little bit of heaven in the form of a cheesecake crepe. I could go on and on but will finish with this. Go here. You get every penny you spend and some things that you can't buy. This level of service, atmosphere, and cuisine was far beyond anything I could have anticipated. Make an evening, make some new friends, and sit back to enjoy what a true dining experience is all about. This is food in a way that has been forgotten. We will be back as soon as possible. 20 out of 10! Thank you thank you thank you!! Johnny & Amanda!
(5)Brinetta H.
This restaurant is definitely a diamond in the ruff. My husband took me here for my birthday. Walking up to it I was like umm...but then walking in it was a total unexpected environment. Super fancy and great customer service. The food is good too! You know how you go to a fancy restaurant and the food is just mediocre? (Dealt with that a few times in San Diego, CA) no this place definitely lives up to the price. Highly recommended for those special occasions.
(5)Heather H.
Five star service, food, atmosphere, staff and martinis', a little high priced but worth it! Love this place as it has a very diverse menu suitable for all pallets and food likes. Carlos will greet you in the parking lot and insure the quality of your comfort throughout your dining experience. Definitely an anniversary or special occasion destination for a great dinner, early dinner is available and reservations are a great idea.
(5)Spencer H.
Amazing flavor and presentation. Had petite lobster salad, veal saltimbocca, bread pudding and a variety of appetizers. Foie Gras was enjoyable.
(5)Marika F.
For the most part, the hospitality of this restaurant can't be beat. Carlos, who is Argentinian and hangs outside most nights opening the door for guests, knows how to train his staff. I visited twice within three months and on my second visit the owner and the staff remembered which table we sat at previously. They sat us there again, near the window. They remembered the wine we ordered and exactly what dishes we ordered (I had the scallops, he had steak, we shared the out-of-this-world while chocolate bread pudding). It was like a magic trick. It was like they secretly taped our previous visit and studied the footage like football players studying reels of plays. We were very pleased and felt fine shelling out the high prices for our dinner. On a third visit we didn't have reservations and were hastily seated in the lonely and empty bar area at the worst table in the section. We were put there like we had misbehaved and were told to stand in the corner while all of the good kids were having fun on the dining room side. The dining room wasn't even full. It seemed borderline discriminatory, in all honesty. It felt so awkward that we decided to leave quietly when no one was looking and before anyone poured our waters. We didn't see Carlos the owner at all that night...it was his wife (I presume, because she wasn't dressed like the servers) created that uncomfortable experience. I feel like Carlos the man himself wouldn't have done us like that. Will this experience keep us from returning? Hard to say. That bread pudding might call us again someday.
(3)kim l.
Stunning food! Perfect service! Present owner! What a wonderful find! Now we have someplace to go for 5 star food in Colorado Springs. The Lobster salad was the best lobster I have ever experienced. The rib eye steak was crisp, hot and tender. Love everything about this place. See you soon Carlos.
(5)Martin G.
As always, Carlos greeted me at the door. Service was again very good. I had foie gras, soup du jour, filet de Oscar, and dark chocolate bread pudding, and I got a taste of the blue crab cake and the key lime torte. All were well executed, but my favorites were the foie gras, the crabcake, the soup, and the dark chocolate bread pudding. Happy hour prices 5-530 almost made it fit within govt per diem, which makes it a steal!
(5)Jason C.
Well...let's just say Carlos greeted us by name at the door. I've never had any restaurant owner do that before. The service was amazing. They made amazing recommendations that were perfect for what we wanted that night. I would definitely go here again. This place was perfect for a special occasion. We got the flat iron steak and the pork chop. I would get them both again. Thanks Carlos!
(5)Michael N.
Service was exceptional. When I pulled into the parking lot Carlos greeted us and assisted our ladies into the restaurant. The selection of appetizers and entrees is WONDERFUL! I ordered wild abalone as an appetizer, it was cooked to perfection. The wine selection was solid. Our group of four really enjoyed this local restaurant when he were attending an event at The Broadmoor. The decor is conducive to a romantic evening or business meeting. Table service was attentive and prompt. One of my best dining experiences in 2014. Leave room for desert!
(5)Sheridan S.
Lemme start by saying "Oh. Em. Gee" I pass by Carlos' all the time and knew it had a great reputation and that it was a little on the 'spensive side which is why I have not tried it before tonight. So when my daddy asked me where we should go for dinner, I mentioned this place. He was game, so turned into the lot. First thing I notice (besides the lovely patio) was Carlos front and center greeting people as they came in. Now, let me digress a little bit. I live near this place and I have driven by here and seen him outside sweeping the entry, watering plants, greeting patrons and basically really showing a love and pride in his restaurant. That says a LOT. This is not a chain where menus are created in some corporate kitchen and ingredients are brought in from some central warehouse. This is a local place with owners who are really into what they are doing and truly seem to love what they do. Ok.. back to dinner. Service was wonderful and from the time we came in, we felt attended to and valued as a patron. Drinks were spot on, the wine recommendation was wonderful. The soup? I almost planted a kiss on Carlos' cheek for this one... lima bean soup. Yes, those little butter beans most people scoff at were incorporated into a delectable soup cooked with sherry and bacon. I smiled at the first slurp. (I don't really slurp, what do you take me for? ;) ) We also had the fried mozzarella (my dad is allergic to shellfish, so many of the appetizers were off limits to him. Had we had some Benadryl on hand? Oh, man.. Oh.. the fried mozz... fresh mozzarella, wonderfully breaded and served with a marinara and a house-made ranch-type sauce. Not sure what it was other than complete crack. So good. My dad ordered the halibut and let me tell you, they did that fish proud. My filet was perfectly cooked and I might have groaned when I took a bite. There are no witnesses to this, so I maintain my classy facade. One thing I really liked about the dinner was my vegetables. So many places, the vegetables are an afterthought. It's like the chef goes "oh, guess we ought to have some veg on the plate" and they do a complete disservice to them. Not here. My zucchini was grilled, carrots and peppers were cooked al dente and plated beautifully. (ok, the scallion garnish might be a little much, but made me smile) Overall, this restaurant is well worth the accolades it has received. Ask anyone I know - I can be a snotty wench when it comes to eating out. If I can make better at home, then going out is not worth it. I will say that I don't think I can make a steak as good as mine was and I sure can't make a soup that made me already want to order more. Is this place cheap? Hell no. Is it worth going for a special night out? Definitely. This was one of the most delightful meals I have had - even in comparison to my travels and foodgasms in cities all over the world - in a long time. Thanks to Carlos and his amazing staff for a completely wonderful dinner out with my dad.
(5)Cristine D.
Carlos and his staff are stellar. Carlos himself offered excellent service and all the food in our party of 9 was delicious. We had an incredibly enjoyable night out. I had the lobster salad and it was on point.
(5)Kevin K.
If like to give this place a 5 because the food was excellent and the service was good buuut the price was still too high. Now, if the food was the most incredible culinary experience I ever had then I would give it a 5 but I'm rating all aspects. I concur with other posts that I shouldn't have to ask what the price is for the evening's specials. Now to the food. I ordered the lobster salad and the special filet mignon with mango sauce. The salad was great but I regretted spending $20 for it. The filet with mango was awesome and the risotto was truly incredible. My wife had the catfish bites and the filet mignon with brandy sauce. She thought the catfish was the 2nd best she's ever had, hers being the best. She really enjoyed the filet but choked a little on the chipotle white cheddar fondue as it was super hot; It even took me off guard. The service felt the same as any cafe with a server. I don't think I will return due to the price unless they are reduced but why should they, it seems like they get plenty of business.
(4)Adam K.
Wow. Amazing. I see why it was so packed. Carlos is a true gentleman and the entire staff rocked. Food was exceptional.
(5)Jason D.
This is the second review I have left for Carlos'. I couldn't not, as it saved the date after a failed attempt to try a new place out. Myself and my date came to Carlos' for dessert and drinks after a disappointing meal at The Famous Steakhouse (actually, the food was great. The service and the atmosphere is what failed us). We have grown to adore Carlos' and knew there would be no disappointment if we went there. As usual, Carlos came out to the parking lot when we pulled up, to greet us. His usual warmth and friendliness setting the night right immediately. The atmosphere was relaxed and classy. The waiter, one we had not seen before, was top-notch. Friendly, helpful, on-target with suggestions and recommendations, and just a pleasure to interact with. The dessert was a masterpiece (as is everything they do), the tawny port overthrew my dates concept of desert wines, and perfectly matched the dessert (a recommendation from the waiter), and my rye manhatten was perfectly done. Carlos' is pricey, but you are paying for an experience, a memory, not just a meal. It is the only place in Colorado, that I have eaten at, that consistently provides that level, the level of 'experience'. I remember, and relive, the food, wine, and experiences I have had at Carlos'. It is the fact that those meals live on that allows me to justify spending the money that I do at Carlos'.
(5)Theresa A.
Carlos and Marsha remembered our table from a yr. ago. Great new early menu. love the seafood. Bass was great!
(5)Katy M.
Unassuming on the outside, but walk in and the atmosphere is absolutely gorgeous. Menu has a wide variety of dishes. We loved everything we ate; the mussels and clams came in a sauce that we literally drank with our spoons and soaked our bread in. Everything was just insanely wonderful. The service was excellent and Carlos walked around the tables talking with all of the guests and sharing in the experience. It really is worth going to if you are in the area. Especially if you are at Broadmoor and want to get out for evening.
(5)Joanne E.
Athough it was our first visit here, Carlos greeted us by name in the parking lot. He is very friendly and truly seems to care about his customers and his restaurant. The ambience was dim and although the restaurant was full during our visit, the noise level was quiet enough so we could hear each other fine. Our waitress was great, knowledgeable about the menu and efficient. She kept our drinks filled without having to ask. She also asked the manager if we could order half an Alfredo pasta dish portion, since our younger son has a small appetite. Except for the veggies it came with, he enjoyed it. Our older son, however, loved the seared scallops so much that he asked for another serving for his dessert. He had ordered the first entree with risotto, which turned out to be slightly sour, which we all did not care for. The mashed potatoes with his second entree were much better. He's lucky it was his birthday dinner! We also tried the rib eye steak with tomato and onion sauce, which was good, but we'd probably get it plain the next time. A highlight of the dinner was the Colorado lamb chops, which were very tender and not gamey. Another memorable dish was the blue crab salad, which was vey tasty and refreshing. The chocolate bread pudding was delicious, very flavorful and dense, served with an unusual but yummy chambord caramel sauce. I would have bought a jar of that to take home of they offered it! I was slightly disappointed that the restaurant did not bring a complimentary dessert for the birthday boy, which you'd expect in a high-end, expensive place like this. Overall, though, we enjoyed tasting many different flavors than what we'd experience in a typical steak house.
(4)Martin R.
Called a few days ago asked if their cevice contains "leche de tigre" a super sour and spicy sauce. Ordered it today, gentleman even explained how they make the dish. Tried a bite an hour later (got it to go) no sour, no spicy, totally bland! Shrimp on top was flavorless and boiled
(1)Riley Y.
Wow!!! Amazing!! The fresh Colorado lamb melted in my mouth and the apps are amazing!!!! The service is outstanding and the owner makes this place, he greets you in parking lot and even buses your table. Great quality and worth every penny!!! Finally a Restruant in Colorado Springs that is amazing.
(5)Randy B.
It's a strong 4.0 star folks (not a 5 star) -- but it's the top-of-the-charts compared to anything else for miles. Certainly, it's the best offered in Old Town Colorado Springs. With wonderful Yelp ratings, it made the choice fairly easy when looking for a nice dinner spot with my friend. A friend who's beautiful. A friend who's buying. Alas, a perfect friend! We drove up to the older, square box restaurant with nice signage, but the outside is plain as Jane ever was (sorry if that's your name). Pretty easy parking. I opened my door, and was immediately greeted with a voice "Welcome". Here we go, panhandlers, I thought. Well, as it turned out, it was Carlos himself, the owner, a well-dressed man and also the master chef. This is something I've never experienced! In seconds, I found him genuine and warm. My friend and I agreed, we were made to feel very special. Inside, it's lovely. Very dark with the lighting turned way down giving it a low orange glow. The darkest of dark brown wood, an open ceiling painted black, and just a bit of sunlight coming thru the windows, it was both a surprising warm and elegant. Nice! As the sun sat behind the nearby mountain (literally across the street), it created quite a scene for those seated at the window. From my vantage seated 30 feet away, it just was a short glance...whatever, I had a menu to look at! When treated with nice weather, a small outdoor patio could be a winner. The menu has a ton of choices from pastas, seafood, and steaks -- along with some things you just don't find as common-fare. There's a little something for everyone, but the prices of food and wine might just give the unsuspecting general public a heart attack. 1. Soup du Jour, Cream of Artichoke Soup ($8) - a cup, most delicious. 2. Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras ($25) - I don't recall every having foie gras served seared and warm to my table. Well, it's creamy and tender, and unreal. I know, poor duck, but hell - this was great, and still legit in Colorado. 3. Paella ($49) - A small platter, but in no manner large, and certainly not a value. Good, but not great at this price. 4. Wine ($50+) - Two-buck Chuck nor are any other reasonable priced bottles offered. The wine list is quite extensive, certain to please any connoisseur. 5. Key Lime Pie...excellent and tart. All was great and a lovely evening for sure. The sculptures in entry way were terrific, but a few bucks need to be spent on the dining room art. Get rid of the cheaply framed posters, and add something to talk about. All the way, bring down the prices a few bucks per item, and a 5 star could be in your future.
(4)Sean M.
Carlos is the face of the restaurant. He greets you at the door, asks your name if you are new, calls you by name if you are a regular. The attention to the food is impressive and tasty. Prices are reasonable for fine dining in Colorado Springs.
(5)D'Anne G.
Upon arrival in the parking lot, we were immediately greeted by Carlos, the owner of the restaurant and then by the hostess. This set the tone for the entire evening. John, our server was attentive and very polite. The food was amazing; we both had the swordfish, and dessert was incredible. We definitely plan to go back and enjoy this little gem. It's quite expensive, but we paid for an experience and that's exactly what we got. In addition, Carlos told us they would be open every day during the summer that that if you arrive for dinner at 5 pm, the entire menu is half price. This will certainly have us returning before the summer is out.
(5)Scott L.
Amazing, fantastic, perfect...not much else to say. Carlos' Bistro is that rare gem which once found, you will want to return. Be it only a visit for a special occasion or more regularly. Regardless of your frequency, Carlos greets you as a welcome visitor and truly appreciates your visit. Carlos' Bistro is in a non-descript building but after he greets you in the parking lot, heartily shakes your hand and welcomes you through the front door, you're taken into what is going to be the most incredible dining experience in Colorado. From the exception quality of the menu items to the attentive, but unobtrusive service, to the vastness of the wine list. Carlos' Bistro is an experience not to be missed. We visited Carlos' Bistro with five friends very recently and loved it...again. We could find fault with nothing. We sat outside on the patio this time and the service is as good as inside the restaurant. For appetizers my wife and I chose the steak tartare and the ceviche. Simply among the best (if not the best) of both we've ever had, including those from restaurants we've visiting in Paris, Caribbean and Mexico in the past. For dinner my wife had grilled sea scallops and I had the pork chop, both were fantastic. The grilled sea scallops were flavorful and melted in your mouth. The pork chop was a generous cut, grilled to perfection and decadent. We ordered wine from the $50 bottle menu which provides many high quality choices for lovers of white or red wine. There are higher priced wines, many very recognizable and sought after names if you're inclined. We will be trying some of our favorites. The best part of the wine list? Sunday and Monday nights through the summer offer bottles of wine at 50% off. Carlos is ever present to ensure your experience is everything he expects. His expectations for you are likely higher than your own. We've dined at many places around the world and have seldom, if ever, felt more welcome than we feel at Carlos' Bistro. He and his staff make sure you enjoy your visit! There's a reason this restaurant has been voted #1 in Colorado by Zagat in 2013 and 2014. If you visit, you won't regret it, we never do.
(5)Corinne N.
Wow what an awesome dining experience! Carlos himself came over to greet us and came by a few times during the meal to refill our bread basket, wine glass and just check in. You can tell he's truly passionate about his restaurant. All the food we ate was divine and presentation was beautiful. I started with the Caesar salad which was solid and had arguably the best Ciopinno I've ever had! It was made to order...I was able to order it without mussels. It came with fresh cut vegetables and generous portions of scallops, shrimp, calamari and mussels...the sauce was just right and I believe made with Chianti...my dining companion was equally impressed with the frog legs starter and his swordfish special.
(5)David G.
What a gem of a find. Intimate, refreshing and the best customer service experience my wife and I have ever had. The Broadmoor has a lot to learn from Carlos.
(5)Don T.
Summary: Best restaurant in Colorado Springs for their outstanding food and personalized service. Details: Carlos (the owner) opened the door for us and was very engaging. Even though it was our first time at the restaurant, and on valentine's day too no less, he made us feel like his very best regular customers - checking in on us after every course in addition to the excellent service we received from our server. There were a few small negatives here which I will go into; however, the food and the welcoming atmosphere (each well beyond 5 stars) balance this out to 5 stars overall. The first negative is the wine prices. My wife and I don't mind spending $75-$125 for a really nice bottle of wine for special occasions (think Stag's Leap, Caymus, Silver Oak) ; however, the cabernets here start at about $120 and go up from there. Expect to pay a few more bucks here than at other restaurants (we found out that they do have a half price bottle night which would be much more reasonable.) Carlos must have sensed our sticker shock, because he referred us to some other wines in the back of the wine menu which were $50/bottle and his recommended wine (the Soverain cab) was actually very good (we ordered a second bottle). We were served bread with butter and optional sea salt, which was also very good. For our appetizer we ordered the mussels and clams. At $22, they were expensive by most standards, but they were also the best we've ever had (way better than say Carrabbas or Marigolds). Next I had the highly recommended lobster salad. I guess it is their signature dish here and I'd heard so many good things that I had to try it. It was served with a 1/2 Maine lobster tail on top of greens, nuts, etc. The lobster itself was by far the best lobster I've ever had (and I travel for a living and eat out at many of the best restaurants in the U.S.). I later found out that it was $20 (not listed on the menu). Next time I'm going to ask if I can get a double portion of lobster for $40! For our main courses my wife had the Ribeye which was very good and I ordered the Flat Iron steak. The Flat Iron was $28, which is comparably priced with other fine dinning restaurants in the area (think Joseph's / Peppertree / Famous / Marigolds); however, I'd estimate my portion was probably only 5-6 oz. I ordered my medium and it was served almost medium well, but was still very flavorful and tasty. The risotto was very good. All of the dishes had excellent presentation and taste. I regret that I didn't order seafood, because it sounds like that is more their specialty and after having the mussels and lobster I'd have to agree. All in all, this is our new favorite restaurant in Colorado Springs and we can wait to explore their menu further.
(5)Christopher A.
Incredible food. Awesome service. Carlos is involved at every level, and is an entertaining part of the whole experience. Highly encourage you to go for the early bird menus, as the prices are WAY cheaper and the portions are negligibly smaller.
(5)Shelly S.
We were vacationing in Colorado Springs for our first anniversary and went to Carlos' Bistro based on reviews we read. It was outstanding from start to finish. We shared a fried calamari appetizer - delicious. I had the Caesar Salad, husband had the shrimp and scallop salad to start. Both fantastic. We went with beef for the entree. I had the Filet Mignon a la Oscar. Husband had the bone-in ribeye. Both were outstanding - and we come from Kansas City where the steaks are oh so good. Dessert was the key lime tort which was perfection. Service was just the right amount of attentive. It was a wonderful evening and a dining experience we won't forget.
(5)Matt B.
Fantastic food, fantastic service! As everyone mentions, Carlos is amazing. He greets people at the door or as soon as he can get to them.... He makes personal recommendations. As the owner he is out there doing everything that his servers and wait staff do... bussing tables, filling drinks etc.... I have never seen such great service.
(5)Amanda J.
This place is incredible! Seriously. I have never had such amazing food. Best steak I have ever had and service. Carlos remembered my name the whole night! How did he do that?!?! The atmosphere was incredible. The people were. Everything was! I would STRONGLY recommend this place.
(5)Aaron M.
Love this place! One of our favorite date places. The food is amazing and we are never disappointed. Very personal service that always makes us feel really at home and a warm, relaxing atmosphere. 1000% recommend!
(5)Kyle M.
Great food and great service! Best seafood in town and the menu has something for everyone. Carlos is the best part of the experience. He will greet you at your car and is always there to ensure your experience is flawless. The happy-hour is worth moving your dinner up a few hours early for.
(4)Bill W.
Agree with all the positive reviews here. We had a magnificent birthday dinner for my wife on 8/19/2014. As others have mentioned, the Lobster Salad is the best you will find anywhere. The bottomless bread is a perfect starter. We had the Sangria with our dinner....great choice. The filet is a "melt in your mouth" delight (I ordered it medium rare). The Langostinos were pronounced "delicious" by my wife. We ended up with Key Lime Pie...and it was also fitting for a first class fine dining establishment. Carlo's checked back at our table frequently, making sure everything was excellent. And it was. This is not a cheap night out; our drinks/salad/entrees came to about $185 before the tip. But for a special occasion, you will NOT find a better experience or a better value.
(5)Kyle Myers M.
Carlos is amazing and so is his food. He comes out himself to greet you at the car. His joy for running this restaurant is very apparent and this is reflected in the food. Most of it has a Peruvian flare since Peru is where Carlos is from. Try the amazing happy hour menu is you can make it in before 530.
(5)byl h.
One if the single best meal experiences I've had. The seafood was exceptional and very fresh. The cerviche was the best I've ever had and the lamb chops made from Colorado lamb were so flavorful it put all other lamb I've had to shame. Combine that with 1/2 price on all bottles of wine and the clear passion for his restaurant and diners, I have to rate this at the top of my dining experiences.
(5)Grant Z.
Once again, Yelpers pointed us in the right direction. We never would have found Carlos' without seeing these reviews. We agree; this place is perfect!
(5)Donna N.
Carlos' is amazing! My husband took me for my birthday, I had the lobster salad and blackened halibut. My husband had the nachos and blackened ribeye. Carlos met us as we arrived and everything was perfect from there. We aee fans and will be back soon! Carlos' is well deserving of all of the awards and honors that they have received.
(5)Otto K.
Absolutely top notch restaurant in all areas.
(5)matt b.
This place was bad ass! Carols and his wife are some cool people. I was at The Broadmoor for a few days and this place was recommended by a friend. 6 of us went out to eat that night and everything was awesome. Our conversations with Carlos was cool too. The lobster salad might have been the best salad I have ever had. Some of the people that I was with didn't like that they couldn't get a cappuccino after dinner. Carlos told us that one of his customers offered to give him a cappuccino machine but he does not want one in his place. If he had one he could have sold our table some and we probably would have got more drinks and maybe something sweet.
(4)Cyndy H.
Carlos's is my favorite restaurant. The food is exceptional. The service is consistently the best. Carlos is a gracious host who will always walk around to each table to ensure everything is perfect. I just love the bread pudding!!
(5)Sass S.
This is hands down my favorite fine dining experience in Colorado Springs. The owner, Carlo... Is perhaps the most genuine business owner I know of. He always greets us with a smile, and checks every table! The food is outstanding and so creative. Always well flavored and cooked to order. They have an extensive wine list... However, if you simply want a glass if Merlot they have that too! Go here, you won't be disappointed!
(5)KJ K.
Carlos himself greeted us in the parking lot and continued to provide excellent customer service the entire night. The food was excellent. The lobster salad and ribeye were to die for. One of the best meals I've ever had, hands down, which says a lot because I've had the privilege of eating at a lot of very nice restaurants across the country. The outside of the restaurant is understated (to say the least), but don't judge a book by its cover. AMAZING. I wouldn't change a thing. The service was memorable.
(5)Bullitt F.
Fantastic restaurant. My personal favorite in Colorado Springs.
(5)Peg K.
We were in town for graduation weekend and had high hopes for Carlos' Bistro. While Carlos is quite gracious, the food he serves leaves much to be desired. We started with avocado eggrolls- Chili's and other chain restaurants do a better job, the shrimp cocktail which desparately needed to be chilled, and the shrimp and scallop salad- two pieces of protein served next to very over-dressed greens were mediocre at best. For our entrees- the venison was spectacular in every way, the filet mignon was excellent as well; the three orders of veal marsala were well presented but lacked any hint of marsala wine and were served over risotto supposedly flavored with saffron but no hint of that either. Our bill indicated that we had ordered veal scallopini-I thought perhaps we had gotten the wrong dishes. When I asked our server she seemed surprised that we would be questioning anything at the highly regarded Carlos' Bistro. The best part of the meal was the 50% off bottle of wine special.
(2)Jeffrey A.
Best meal in the Springs! Carlos greeted us when we arrived. The restaurant is quaint and romantic. My wife and I decided to try this out for the first time because of the early bird discount before 5:30, and it was unbelievable. We ordered the calamari to start off with and it was simply the most tender, lightly battered and best I have ever eaten. I ordered the special flank steak with a mango chutney , mashed potatoes with mixed vegetables and fried sweet potatoes strips. This was simply an incredible meal. Prime steak cooked to a perfect medium rare. My wife ordered the filet beef stroganoff and she loved it as well. Carlos and his staff were top notch and now I can see why this is the place to eat in COS. Even though the meal was discounted the portions were good and I would definitely pay whatever Carlos' wants to charge to eat here again. Do not wait, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Blake B.
The staff and owner are great; they are very welcoming. We had the veal and the seared scallops. Both were excellent with great presentation. My only complaint is the price being charged for bottles of wine. Their mark-up is very high. Since we enjoy good wines, we are very aware of the prices of wine. It is so discouraging to see a restaurant have a 4X mark-up! This type of mark-up puts me off and immediately causes me to question the scruples of the restaurants. Restaurants would sell more wine and have happier customers if they did not try to make such a killing on bottles of wine. Not much of an offering for wines by the glass. Very nice desserts. The service and the food saved the day.
(4)Kate B.
INCREDIBLE. The crab Alfredo is to die for. The menu is pricey but we like to do the half price early bird special and that makes it totally affordable for us. Definitely a great place to eat!!
(5)joannie h.
I absolutely love this restaurant. The ambience is romantic, the customer service is great, and the owner greeting us at the parking lot made our experience that much more special. I had the lobster salad and the scallop...All very delicious and worth every penny spent. We were debating between famous and Carlos' bistro and the reviews here favored Carlos over Famous. I agree!!! I think by far this is the best restaurant in the Springs.
(5)L M.
My family (2 adults, 2 kids) took me here for my birthday, and it was outstanding. We came for the early bird menu, which is half off of the regular menu. The prices are pretty steep, but the food was excellent. We first ordered Escargot for the appetizer. It came out bubbly and full of great flavor. Our young kids are very adventurous, so they ate the escargot and loved it, dipping their bread into the leftover sauce. For salads, we enjoyed the famous Lobster salad (half a tail with fried sweet potatoes, sugared pecans, delicious greens, grapefruit) and the crab salad (good portion of lump crab meat over greens). We could tell these were fresh and tasted wonderful. Our entrees were pork chop, veal saltimbocca, Flat iron steak, and grilled scallops. Everything was excellent. We were so impressed with the pork chop because we didn't expect it to be so tender and full of flavor. Our only negative is the location. This restaurant needs to move to a better location so they can get more customers. I hope that more people will learn to love this place!
(5)Sean R.
What an experience! The owner is a wonderful man who met us in the parking lot to welcome us in. He made wonderful wine suggestions and the food was absolutely mind blowing! A must try while in Colorado Springs
(5)Sean M.
Hands down the best restaurant I've been to in Colorado Springs. Very expensive though.
(5)Steve M.
Carlos' is an absolute treasure. Not to sound like a food snob, but I travel a lot and spend a lot of time in business dinners in 4 and 5 star restaurants in places like San Francisco, Boston, Paris, Amsterdam and others. Carlos' food truly is top notch and would hold up to the best food in any of these places. I took a group of people here from Southern California, and everyone was really, really impressed. I ordered the Colorado lamb chops, and they were better than any I've had anywhere else. The fish and steak that others ordered was equally top notch - you can tell Carlos uses only very fresh ingredients. The food is not over sauced or 'gooey'...just perfectly seasoned, well prepared and fresh! Also, the wine list is well thought out, and the service was wonderful. I simply cannot say enough good things about this place. When you go out to dinner in Colorado Springs, your expectations are generally lower - the food quality is just not that good there. But Carlos' will leave you surprised and very pleased. Carlos is also a great guy and really cares for his guests. Highly recommended!
(5)Jason C.
Their food was good and the service was fantastic. The main issues I had were that the atmosphere was stuffy and the prices are quite high (e.g., $65 for a steak, which from what I can tell on based on the website & menu isn't grass fed or locally raised, which might add some value to the selection). Compared with many places I've eaten (in Colorado and California, primarily), the sides seem very uninspired, also (e.g. mixed vegetables and a starch). I might go back for a special occasion or during happy hour...
(3)Robert M.
I have wanted to dine at Carlos' for years (we live in Texas but frequently visit Colorado) and finally got the opportunity. We went at 6:30 on a Wednesday evening, and there were only one or two other parties in the restaurant. Our waiter, a reincarnation of John Fiedler, started reeling off the evening specials prior to asking for our drink orders, although that was his next step. I had seen online that their signature craft cocktail was the "pisco sour", so I ordered it. My wife's drink came several minutes before the pisco sour was finally prepared (by our waiter's account only Carlos himself is trusted to make it). Then Carlos came over and described the specials in considerable detail. Neither our waiter or Carlos ever mentioned the prices of any of the specials, but I figured, what the heck, we're here for a great meal, let's go for it. We shared the lobster salad and indeed, it was very good. My wife had ordered the ahi tuna special and when our waiter asked how she would like it cooked she said "Oh, chef's choice," whereupon our waiter said, "Well, he won't go beyond medium rare," and my wife said "Fine". I had the John Dory which was the substitute for the sea bass which previous reviewers have raved about. My wife's tuna arrived medium well, if not well done (no visible pink anywhere). We pointed this out to the waiter who said, "Yes, it really should have some pink in there," and walked away. We shared dessert and asked for the check. The unforgivably overcooked tuna item was $60! No offer to replace it with a properly cooked entree and it certainly wasn't comped. Then, as I was placing the credit card in the check folder, our waiter suddenly appeared and said "I forgot to charge for the wine, sorry about that, I'll be right back," seized the check, then returned with a corrected check that included our two $7 wines by the glass. Carlos' attentiveness to our table was unusual (some would say "annoying" and/or "obsequious") but would have been acceptable to us if only the restaurant had gotten the basics right. I know this is one of their slowest times of year and we could certainly understand leisurely service secondary to "efficient" staffing, but destroying an innocent piece of what must have been a marvelous piece of tuna and then not attempting to correct the error is much more difficult to understand. Hopefully this was their worst night ever and if we should ever get an opportunity to return our lofty expectations will be met, or at least approached.
(3)Kay B.
Absolutely fantastic! Carlos provides personal attention to every table! each course is better than the one before. Great place to celebrate any occasion
(5)Debi N.
We were in Colorado Springs entertaining guests from California, Louisiana & Ohio & Carlos' Bistro came highly recommended by a local. We weren't real sure when we pulled into the parking lot, as the place is small & somewhat lacking in the outside appearance. But, as we're often told - never judge a book by its cover! We were greeted at the door by Carlos himself. He shook each of our hands, all 11 of us, and escorted us to our table. The food was spectacular and the presentation of each dish - phenomenal! Everyone at our table was impressed with each dish we ordered! I can honestly say that the next trip to Colorado Springs will include a return trip!
(5)John M.
A 'must visit' in Colorado Springs; fantastic experience and food!! Carlos' was recommended by the Broadmoor concierge to us as a great restaurant to try off property, and we are so glad they recommended it. Our fantastic experience began when Carlos met our car in the parking lot, welcoming us to the restaurant. The ambiance was very comfortable and every staff member we encountered was polite, professional and efficient. The menu selections were plentiful, and the wine selection surprisingly sophisticated (and 50% off on Mondays!!) We had an excellent bottle of 2011 Caymus Cab, to accompany my fantastic bone-in ribeye special (peppercorn crusted with saffron risotto) that was perfectly prepared. My wife raved about the basil-tomato soup and lobster salad she had. And our girls (5&7), loved their carbonara pasta, despite being picky eaters - it helped that Carlos came by several times to tall with them and make them feel very special. Carlos indicated that he was also the pastry chef, and we ordered several desserts, all of which were excellent. My 5-year old declared the chocolate bread pudding with caramel sauce "the best dessert ever made" and I am inclined to agree with her. We will definitely be coming back on our next trip to Colorado. I wish we lived closer...hmmm, maybe I can convince Carlos to move to Chicago. :)
(5)Deon C.
Amazing!! Service is always great and it's nice to see the same wait staff every time we come in! Food is wonderful and there are many dishes to choose from. Carlos is high energy and a great host. He always remembers us and is very gracious (Don't see that at many places around town).
(5)Alexander L.
I've had dinner here about 5 times since its opening a few yrs ago and can say that I'm quite familiar with this place Food & Drinks 5/5 Tremendously tasteful and executed food. Always fresh seafood and have a bomb steak. (oysters have never been a let down either). Awesome drinks. Love the Martini's Service 5/5 My older brother was a server here for a few months before heading to medical school and I heard how important service is to Carlos (the owner-no sh!t?!). Never left this place with a feeling that the service wasn't top-notch. Once a server forgot some things and got mixed up and the owner came over and comped us a bottle of nice wine. You def. won't be disappointing. Prices 3/5 Although what you get is very good the prices are RIDICULOUS. If you go with a gf/wife on a date expect to spend two benjamins ez, unless you both eat/drink like mormon chipmunks. Atmosphere 4/5 Nice but for the money its subpar. If you go expecting to spend a lot of money you want a more spacious, warm, experience. It's kind of small, a cold feeling in there with tables that have a cheap feel. Go here expecting great food/drinks good service and outrageous prices. If he priced his items 10-20% less this would be a 5 star rating no sweat.
(4)