Fun fact: Every culture has its own, unique soup recipe. It is a universal dish that easily incorporates various culinary traditions, regional ingredients and spices, and unique cultural expressions. Many restaurants around Colorado Springs have delicious soup offerings. This soup guide will introduce you to a sampling of the various cultures represented here in our increasingly diverse city.
Sopa de Nuevo Mexico
Arlene’s Beans, located in Monument, has created soup that has people clamoring for a bowl. Offered in the fall and winter months, Arlene’s green chile beef stew is local fan favorite. Made with organic chuck ground beef, potatoes, New Mexican Hatch green chile, stewed tomatoes, onions, garlic, salt, black pepper and Arlene’s delicious spices, this hearty stew is sure to warm your bones. It is served with house pico de gallo and a flour or corn tortilla.
This New Mexico-inspired restaurant offers dine-in, take-out and delivery options. You may also find the green chile beef stew at Pikes Peak Brewing, as they often collaborate and order large batches to serve in their brewery. This soup is quite popular; follow Arlene’s Beans social media accounts to find out when it is ready and available.
Website: https://arlenesbeans.com/
Instagram: @ArlenesBeansCO
Facebook: @ArlenesBeans
Soupe De France
Located in Old Colorado City, La Baguette French Bistro has been voted “Best French Restaurant in Colorado Springs” four years in a row by The Gazette’s Best of the Springs. One of the dishes they are known for is their Les Soupe a L’Onion Gratinee, a classic baked onion soup with melted Swiss cheese on a French baguette crouton float. More widely known as French onion soup, this bowl of liquid warmth is delicious in every language.
The origin of French onion soup can be traced back to ancient Rome. Onions were easy to grow and were a common ingredient in soups. The modern version of French onion soup was developed in the 18th century, where it became a popular dish at Parisian markets.
La Baguette French Bistro offers dine-in, carry out and catering. Their Les Soupe a L’Onion Gratinee is available on the lunch menu along with a rotating signature soup of the day. Be sure to grab some fresh baked breads and/or pastries!
Website: https://labaguettefrenchbistro.com/
Instagram: @La_Baguette_COS
Facebook: @LaBaguetteCO
Sopa do Brazil
Shuga’s, located in downtown Colorado Springs, offers globally inspired menu items in a fun, eclectic atmosphere. One of their most beloved dishes is their spicy Brazilian coconut shrimp soup. This unique and comforting soup embodies Brazil with the flavors of shrimp, jalapeño, ginger, coconut milk, peanut, cilantro, lime and black sesame. It is offered in both cup and bowl portions. It is also included in Shuga’s Favorite Café Tray and All Together Now combination specials.
If you love found objects, upcycled ornamentation and tongue-in-cheek décor, the vibe at Shuga’s is sure to please. They offer indoor dining as well as a whimsical outdoor patio that includes a heated yurt for the cold weather months. If you’re seeking an Instagrammable dining experience, you will find it here.
Website: https://www.shugas.com/
Instagram: @ShugasRestaurant
Facebook: @ShugasBar
Sup Cua Viet Nam
One of the most well-known Vietnamese dishes is Pho. Pronounced, “fuh” this soup begins with a protein or vegetable broth and spices like star anise, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and coriander. Then, add a protein, noodles and fresh flavorful toppings such as Thai basil, lime, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, bean sprouts, as well as hoisin and sriracha sauce for additional flavor.
Saigon Café, located in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, serves traditional, scratch-made pho with all the accoutrements. They offer a beef broth and a vegetable broth base with your choice of protein or vegetables over vermicelli noodles. They use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and proudly support Ranch Foods Direct for the beef and marrow bones used in their rich beef broth.
They offer both dine-in and online ordering for take-out.
Website: https://www.saigoncafe.online/
Instagram: @SaigonCafe_COS
Facebook: @SaigonCafe
Zuppa D’Italia
Italian wedding soup is a traditional dish of Italy. Composed of humble ingredients like chicken, green vegetables like spinach, and noodles, it was a culinary staple of Italian peasants. Contrary to popular belief, Italian wedding soup is not served at weddings. The name wedding soup comes from the Italian words minestra maritata, which translate to married soup. The soup was named for the marrying together of ingredients in perfect harmony.
If you are looking to dive into a comforting bowl of Italian wedding soup, head to Old Colorado City to dine at award-winning Paravicini’s. Owned by Head Chef Franco Pisani, this Italian eatery serves up authentic Italian wedding soup on their lunch and dinner menus. Their version features chicken broth, spinach, baby meatballs and pasta.
Paravicini’s offers indoor and outdoor dining options as well as take-out. They are also able to accommodate large parties.
Website: https://www.paravicinis.com/
Facebook + Instagram: @Paravicinis
Nihon no Supu
Originated in China, ramen was introduced to Japan in 1859 when a Chinese ambassador introduced the dish to the Japanese emperor. Ramen became a Japanese dietary mainstay because it was very affordable and filling. Over the twentieth century, ramen became a cultural icon for Japan and has now gained international admiration.
Night Ramen, located in downtown Colorado Springs, opened their doors in the summer of 2024. Gaining instant popularity on the local food scene, they offer several versions of ramen. The menu features a variety of protein and vegetable-based broths with curated ingredients to highlight authentic Japanese flavors.
This hip spot is all over social media for their beautiful dishes as well as their stunning décor. They offer both indoor and outdoor dining as well as take-out.
Website: https://nightramen.com/
Instagram: @Night_Ramen_