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    Arelita

    4.9 (40 reviews)
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    Ox tail, black beans and rice, yuca fries.
    Bev C.

    Love trying new places and even though Arelita won't be new to us anymore, we'll try it again. I went with the Saturday special: oxtail, black beans and rice, and yuca fries instead of the masa. So good and enough for 2 meals! The oxtail literally fell off the bone and it was easy to separate off the fat. The beans and rice good but next time a hot sauce would add to the flavor. A green sauce for the fries lifted up their flavor. My husband got the Arelita sandwich. He liked it but thought it lacked something. Certainly not size - it was about 12" long! The desserts looked good; next time we need to save room! No alcohol drinks but the fruit ones were so tasty! I had coconut/mango/guava. Yum! The sugar cane drink was so sweet! Service was friendly and fast on the food delivery. A tad slow to order. The sugar drink took extra time to prepare. Parking on the street. Very pretty inside.

    Beef soup special and plantains.
    Brian W.

    Get here now. Don't let the area concern you, it's a whole new world inside the doors. Decor is as adorable and the food was phenomenal. Scored the beef soup special and the Mrs did the ropa vieja, both were delicious and authentic. They even have guava and mango juices (yum!). Very friendly service and the chef came out to see what we thought. Even the food presentation was impressive, great place.

    Main menu
    Sarretta M.

    What a wonderful hidden gym! This cozy restaurant, located in a small strip center on Platte Avenue, deserves more attention! The decor and the food and the staff are all wonderful! I was greeted and seated by the friendly staff. Because I was there after normal lunchtime, I had the place to myself for a little while. After perusing the menu, I decided to try the Lechon Asado, along with two sides - arroz congris, which is rice cooked with black beans, and a vegetable salad. I also ordered one of the wonderful sounding fruit drinks. My drink came out first, looking fresh and colorful. It was sweet and rich and I saved 1/3 of it as dessert. Before my food came, the chef (owner? manager?) brought me a plate of Banana chips with 2 dipping sauces as an appetizer. It was delicious! My vegetable salad came out next and was not at all what I expected, but it was beautiful. It consisted of lettuce surrounded by tomatoes and very small sliced cucumbers, along with pickled green beans and other assorted beans as well as avocados and radishes. A wonderful combination, I enjoyed it very much. Then came my entrée and rice - again, plated beautifully! The smallish bowl of roasted pork surrounded by small pieces of cucumber (and embellished with a pearl and olive on a stick) did not look like a lot of food, but with the arroz congris in the shape of an onion dome, it was extremely filling. And both were very delicious. It was a wonderful meal and I look forward to bringing my husband here to try the food. We both love Cuban dishes!

    Cubano
    Andrew R.

    My wife and I really enjoyed the food here. We are not experts in Cuban food, so I can't state it is authentic, but it sure seems so. When you sit down, they serve you plantains with two dipping sauces, which was a great starter! I do love a good Cubano, and so I ordered one here. The bread was fantastic, unlike most Cubanos I have had in the past, so I suspect this is how the bread should be made. The sauce was a bit overdone, limiting the balance, but the sandwich was messy and yummy. My wife had the Monday special, which was ground beef, white rice with black beans, and cassava with mojo. The cassava with this mojo was to die for! It was like bacon but better. Never had cassava before; it is a root much like a potato, and I ate half of my wife's portion. We had a Guava-Mango and Coconut-Mango drink, both of which were delicious. Great service. This is a hidden jewel, but don't let the neighborhood or the exterior appearance stop you from trying the great food here.

    Ropa Vieja with Rice and Plantains

    Great service, food, and pricing! I had the Ropa Vieja with rice and plantains and it was absolutely delicious! I also had the guava cheese pastry which was delicious! The ambiance in the restaurant was very authentic and the chef and waitresses were very nice and allowed us in right when they were closing! Would 100% recommend!

    Oxtail - Rabo encendido with Cuban tamales and rice and beans
    Jose C.

    As soon as I walk into Arelita, "estoy en casa"- I am home. Growing up in Cuba, living in Miami for so long Cuban food has become a part of who I am. In Colorado, I struggled to find a place like this. I can only say one thing, Arelita reminds me of home, Amaury, the owner reminds me of family. The food is as authentic as the very food I had in my hometown of Cienfuegos, Cuba. Today, one of the many times I have come to visit, I had the yellow rice with smoked chicken and maduros. I was transported back to my house on the 3rd floor of our Cuban apartment where my mom made the exact same meal. On Saturdays, I have (more than a handful of times) had the pleasure of having the original and authentic oxtail - "rabo encendido", with Cuban tamales and rice and beans. What a delight and punch of flavor. The owner, Amaury doesn't just elevate the foods all Cubans grew up eating, he makes it with love. He enjoys coming to check on you, make sure you are satisfied with the meal, and delighted to bring you the meals he so passionately crafts. Arelita is an experience I hope people of all cultures can enjoy. While flights to Cuba are difficult and expensive in this day and age. A short drive to Arelita will transport you to the island. Latin music fills the restaurant, frames of the beauty of Cuba decorate the walls, and the Cuban hospitality is by far the best part. Could not recommend Arelita any more than I already have, deserving of all its glory and attention, and by far, the best restaurant and hospitality in all of Denver and Colorado Springs.

    Front counter
    Eddie F.

    LEGIT Cuban food! Had the Ropa Vieja, tamales, pan con lechon, flan, and pastelitos de guava y queso. I hope this place stays around. I miss real Cuban food! Check out out!!!

    Empanadas

    This place is a must every time we come to visit my dad. Today my dad and I shared the Cubano sandwich and bistec sandwich and I can't choose a favorite because they both were equally delicious! Also tried some yummy empanadas and finished with a Cuban coffee (if you love coffee like me try it or the cortadito is amazing!) The owner/chef is so nice and greets everyone as soon as he is able to. Also met his wife who was very nice as well. They were very attentive and you can tell they truly care about the food and service they provide. Now that is something you can't find all the time. Thank you Arelitas for the great food and looking forward to our future visits.

    We finally made it to Arelita and was absolutely floored by the food and service. We shared the sample plate and everything was off the charts! The chef was so kind and we talked for a bit. Right as we were about to leave he made us a Cuban espresso (?), what a wonderful surprise!!!

    Guava milkshake

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    1 month ago

    Delicious. The good thing as amazing. The atmosphere was great too. The chef even came out to check on us. Great place

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    1 month ago

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    18 days ago

    Must try hidden gem in Colorado Springs! The food was flavorful & my husband was thrilled that they served fresh guarpo!

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    2 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    4 months ago

    Delicious food and quick, friendly service. I had the beef empanadas and my husband had the pork steak with onions, both were amazing!

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    10 months ago

    So good! Had the ropa vieja with the rice and black beans and fried plantains. It was all amazing.

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    10 months ago

    Fantastic food, nice atmosphere, and top notch service. I have nothing but good things to say about this place!

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    2 years ago

    Service was Anthony came through and was very respectful the food was amazing 10/10 recommend

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    2 years ago

    Authentic and so flavorful! Excellent Cuban food! Wonderful owner and his son who took great care of us! I can't wait to go back!

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    2 years ago

    Absolutely delicious food and good service. Try this place out, you won't be disappointed!

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    the service was fabulous! the food was amazing! this is definitely a new go to spot for date night! loved it!

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    Snarf’s Sandwiches - Mother Clucker

    Snarf’s Sandwiches

    4.5(26 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    I just went in to get my first Snarf's Italian today, and I regret not getting down there sooner!…read moreIncredible doubly delicious sandwich! I'm a second generation native of Colorado Springs, who grew up in the same neighborhood as Skiffington 's Drugstore that used to occupy this space that is now Snarf's, so I'm happy the space is reborn to be a fantastic food spot. I highly recommend Snarf's, and I will return back soon!

    Hubby and I stopped by for dinner and were glad we did. We came in a little late but the staff were…read morestill warm and welcoming. The place has a bright, colorful, casual vibe and clean. We both ordered the French Dip Sandwich with Swiss and Provolone which came out hot and fresh. The bread had a light crisp on the outside and was soft inside. The beef was tender and flavorful. The au jus was rich, savory, and warm. I even grabbed a spoon and slurped in between bites. Dipping the sandwich into that broth made every bite even better. The portion was a bit on the smaller side, but it was still filling enough for a light dinner. We shared a Zapp's Voodoo chips which we both liked. Got a chocolate chip cookie which I didn't finish because it tasted a little too processed for my liking. If you like a bit of heat, definitely try the green hot sauce by the drink station. Overall, Snarf's served up a solid French Dip-- hot, flavorful, and way better than the ones I've had at other sandwich spots. We'll definitely be back to try the other sandwiches.

    Photos
    Snarf’s Sandwiches
    Snarf’s Sandwiches - French Dip w/ Roast Beef, Swiss & Provolone Cheese

    French Dip w/ Roast Beef, Swiss & Provolone Cheese

    Snarf’s Sandwiches - Exterior

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    Exterior

    Shuga's - Spicy Brazilian Shrimp soup.

    Shuga's

    4.4(2.1k reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    Update to my review from ~8 years ago. We STILL love this place…read more My husband loves the soup and the cake! We went most recently for brunch.

    It's not often that I can say every item I order is great but at Shuga's everything really is…read moregreat. Shuga's Favorite Cafe Tray is an order that could satisfy one's entire meal but is best when shared as a starter or if you are looking for a light meal. The Mediterranean selection with the hummus and tapenade is amazing with the coconut shrimp soup being a must try with its creamy and spiciness. Though I love the almond butter cake the most to add a little dessert to the meal. The Madame of the Pletzl is one of the best breakfast sandwiches I've ever had. The bagel is perfectly salted and has a wonderful crunch the sandwich needs. The egg melts into the sandwich, mixing with everything it needs to. The ham is fried up to crisp it up a bit but the ham seems to be lacking flavor wise compared to everything else in the sandwich. The Cuban Mojo Sandwich also is an amazing sandwich. The pork shoulder is crisped up nicely and works so well with everything else. The winter soup was a tomato soup with some grilled cheese croutons and it is the best tomato soup I've ever had. The tomato soup isn't puréed, there are noticeable definitions in the tomatoes in the soup. The soup isn't too acidic which is the usual issue in tomato soups. The croutons really amplify this dish on to another level and I just wish there were more in my soup. I can't wait to come back here and my biggest issue will to try and order new things.

    Photos
    Shuga's - Old typewriter in the bathroom - two unisex bathrooms

    Old typewriter in the bathroom - two unisex bathrooms

    Shuga's - Lamb lollipops - OMG these were incredible (must get!)

    Lamb lollipops - OMG these were incredible (must get!)

    Shuga's - Pink

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    Pink

    Bunzy's & Booze - The Philly Bunzy. Delicious!

    Bunzy's & Booze

    4.7(150 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Oh wow, Fritz, the mellow and kind Aussie Shepherd met me at the door, followed me to my friend's…read morenew table. Nicole, the owner, was already giving him the 411 about everything we wanted to know about the building, her vision and Fritz. She welcomed me in like we were old friends. Big menu of pizza choices, all from scratch, but we were there for the Bunzies! Specifically, a Mushroom-Swiss Bunzy! Ground beef, onions, sauteed mushrooms and Swiss; simply but mouthwatering! It was too hot when Nicole brought them to us, so we finished off our Green Chili Fries, while we waited a few minutes. My Bunzie! No doubt the dough was homemade fresh! My Bunzie burger had lots of flavorful beef, not too much Swiss but perfect onion offering. I thoroughly enjoyed my piping hot and delicious Bunzie! I am looking forward to our next visit to see Fritz, Nicole, and have another Bunzy!

    There is nothing not to LOVE about Bunzy's! Where to start!? We went early on a Friday for some…read morelunch before heading over to the Olympic Training Center for a tour (only a block away and also worth a visit). We were greeted by Nichole who we assume is at least one of the owners. Since we had the place pretty much to ourselves at 11:15am, we got her full attention. She took a genuine interest in us, was amazing to our 7.5yo son, and gave us the low-down on the history of the 'Bunzy'. There's a lot of family history in what they make, and many of the recipes have been passed down from Nichole's grandma. The second one to greet us was Fritz. Fritz is an adorable old dog. He swung my for a quick hello, then back to his spot. We ordered three Bunzys - I tried the Philly, my kiddo had the cheeseburger, and the wife had the smothered veggie something-or-other... All three were terrific! There's a full bar, live music and such from a small stage in the corner, and an authentic feel that is difficult to pull of well - but they do! This may well be my new long term favorite eatery in the Springs! A must try for a decently priced lunch, dinner, or evening of fun!

    Photos
    Bunzy's & Booze - Pepperoni Pizza.. add sautéed mushrooms (and they have the flavor!) .  Delicious!

    Pepperoni Pizza.. add sautéed mushrooms (and they have the flavor!) . Delicious!

    Bunzy's & Booze - The bar!

    The bar!

    Bunzy's & Booze - Family seating. Open Mic on Fridays.

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    Family seating. Open Mic on Fridays.

    Capriotti's Sandwich Shop - My sad pastrami sandwich. More like a coleslaw sandwich.

    Capriotti's Sandwich Shop

    3.1(57 reviews)
    2.9 mi

    We ordered right from the counter. No onions on her Italian…read moreand they put onions galore on it anyway! I ordered the Reuben and it barely had any meat in it mostly sauerkraut and bread pretty sad state of affairs for sandwiches at this place and expensive on top of it will not be returning ever!

    I wrote a review about this store on FB around Nov-Dec 2025. I said that I wouldn't eat here again…read morebecause I got salmonella poising from their food a few years ago (I think Feb 2023). The reason I know this was because while I was in the hospital, the county Health Department told me that another person was poisoned at this same restaurant. I was contacted by Customer Relations on December 5th 2025 due to my posting. They seemed concerned about what happened. After our talk, she said she would send me some coupons to try the food again. I waited and waited. No coupons. On January 28th, I sent an email asking what happened to my coupons. Never head back from them again. Seems like the customer service rep just wants to ignore people who were put in the hospital to suffer and lied about helping with coupons to give them another try. I guess they really don't care about the public. I didn't sue them in 2023 after suffering in the hospital for 3 days, but maybe I should have. Just another company who doesn't care about the customer.

    Photos
    Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
    Capriotti's Sandwich Shop - Plastic from my sandwich.

    Plastic from my sandwich.

    Capriotti's Sandwich Shop - CAP'S Chopped salad with extra meat.

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    CAP'S Chopped salad with extra meat.

    Arelita - juicebars - Updated May 2026

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