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Castle Rock is nestled between Denver and Colorado Springs in the I-25 corridor of Colorado. Once a small town, it’s small no more. With shopping centers, restaurants, breweries, and other ventures moving into the surrounding area, Castle Rock is bustling with life, food, and flair. You’ll find something for everyone, especially if making a day trip to the area to explore The Rock, visit The Promenade, or walk along Perry Street to see the small shops that dot the way.
Crave Real Burgers
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Courtesy of Crave Real Burgers
If you are looking for one of the best burgers (and unique ones at that), Crave is THE spot to go. The Castle Rock location is the company’s first location. You can order a traditional burger, but why would you when there's the Fatty Melt (a burger wedged between two grilled cheese sandwiches) and the Campfire (a buffalo patty with raspberry BBQ sauce). You’re sure to walk away from here so stuffed you may not even get out of the booth. Crave’s not just known for its burgers but its shakes, too. Save room—you’re going to need it when visiting.
Maddie's Biergarten
Maddie’s Biergarten was one of the first beer gardens to pop up south of Denver. Live music, incredible dishes (including a German take on bangers and mash and steak kartoffel), and plenty of beer on tap to get your belly full and laughter flowing, you’ll get your fill and more at Maddie’s. Especially on nights when live bands play in the garden. You’ll also find more traditional bar offerings, such as tacos, burgers, and pretzels.
Manna Restaurant
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Courtesy of Manna Restaurant
Manna Restaurant is located in Castle Rock Adventist Hospital but it's not a cafeteria-like you’re likely used to seeing. By working with the hospital, Manna wants to help bring healthy food to people visiting, stopping in to check things out, or to the hospital staff putting their lives on the line for sick patients. The restaurant also has a large garden, with plots that actually provide the food served to your table. The pizza is amazing, as are the burgers, particularly the fatted calf.
Damascus Grill
Damascus Grill is a low-key Mediterranean spot that has been serving Colorado for decades. The owner missed his hometown food from Syria and sought to create its flavor for restaurant-goers. Using family recipes learned from the owner's mother, Damascus Grill opened to much fanfare. With some of the best hummus in the state, freshly baked pita bread daily, and savory Syrian sausage to nosh on, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better Mediterranean place for dinner. From the chicken and rice plate to shawarma, kebabs, and more, you’ll leave feeling like you ate a homecooked meal.
Vista Vino Modern Grill
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Courtesy of Vista Vino Modern Grill
Vista Vino Modern Grill is a Tuscan restaurant featuring homemade pasta, imported seafood, and perfect pairing wines. With options like lobster ravioli and Tuscan spring rolls, Vista Vino's offerings are different from your usual Italian fare. Make sure to save room for dessert and pair it with a Butterscotch Froth as a nightcap. We recommend making reservations as Vista Vino can get quite busy, especially over the weekends.
Parry's Pizzeria & Taphouse
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Courtesy of Parry's Pizzeria & Taphouse
Parry’s Pizzeria & Taphouse is a local favorite with some of the best wings in Castle Rock, not to mention the NY-style pizza. With a lunch special for just $5, including two slices and a soda, it’s hard NOT to stop a Parry’s for a slice when you’re jonesing for one. With dynamic beers and Colorado favorites on tap ready to fill your glass, Parry’s Pizza comes close to capturing that greasy, foldable NY slice you’ve been craving. If you’re not in a pizza mood, consider a BBQ chicken calzone or a Philly cheesesteak.
Union: An American Bistro
With American-inspired dishes, fresh ingredients from around town, you’ll find more a fresh twist on American cuisine at Union Bistro. There are plenty of weekly specials to choose from and a happy hour that’ll keep you going on date night. From their signature double bone-in pork chop—served with mashed potatoes, apple chutney, and cider mustard glaze—to beef tenderloin and shrimp scampi, your taste buds will thank you for stopping in.
Siena at the Couryard
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Courtesy of Siena at the Courtyard
Siena at the Courtyard is a casual Italian-American eatery where you’ll find fresh and seasonal menu items, brick-oven pizza, pasta, and more. You’ll even be able to choose from an extensive wine menu to pair with your meal. Siena hosts date nights, special events, holiday parties, and any special event you can think of. The Siena Ranch Burger, Siena Dip, and Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese are some of our personal favorites.
Rockyard Brewing Company
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Courtesy of Rockyard Brewing Company
For more than 20 years, the Rockyard has brought local taps and craft brews to town along with a menu that’ll leave you wanting more. With appetizers like jalapeño stuffed pretzels or a chicken, ham, blue cheese, buffalo sauce, and Italian cheese you’re going to stuff yourself every time you step inside. If you like things spicy, and we mean really spicy, try the ghost mac and cheese with chicken.