Carlos’ Bistro

The reviews on Carlos’ Bistro were wonderful and our experience still exceeded expectations! The wine list is extensive and they even had a specific wine that we had hoped to enjoy. The service was also exceptional and I’ve never had a meal served so promptly and hot out of the kitchen. Carlos makes time for every guest to ensure personal service and top quality dishes. We’ve experienced fine dining all over the world, including the Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Carlos’ Bistro is right up there with the best of the best! Prices do reflect the exceptional quality.

The place is amazing !!! Great food and you will be hard pressed to find better service or more knowledgeable employees than here. I do a lot of traveling and eating out. This place deserves 5 star fair and square !

This was an excellent experience! I love the exquisite flavors of the food. We were a party of 4 so had the ceviche, lobster salad, lobster tails, and fried calamari as appetizers. For dinner I had the Paella, which had great flavor however the rice was sticky/​over cooked. The other dishes that were ordered were the lamb entrée which my friend said was delicious, my husband and his friend had the porterhouse steak which he said had good flavor. Great portions! And the best of all was the owners customer service. He greeted us as we walked in and even sat with us to hold a brief conversation. He and the waitress never stopped checking in to make sure we were well. Excellent service!!! Cozy environment! The best service I’ve ever received in any of my dining experiences. Overall great time spent with friends and wonderful dinner!

This is advertised as the best restaurant in Colorado Springs for fine dining…
Reference: Scale 1– 10. 1 = horrible; 10 = amazing!
Overall rating: 6
*Dress: people with shorts and t-​shirts to business casual…
1. Reservation process: OpenTable (no problems, worked as advertised) Scale = 10
2. Wait /​Greeting Upon Arrival: No wait… Carlos greeted us like he knew us. Scale = 10!
3. Restaurant design/​ambiance: Scale rating = 6
4. Menu: very cheap looking/​not what I expected. Scale rating = 3
5. Waiter/​Service: Bartender was our waiter (read below). Scale rating = 1
6. Table/​Seats: One step above cheap… Scale = 4 – 5
7. Wine Sommelier = no (I don’t think they know what this is)
8. Wine menu selection: Scale = 4
9. Special touches: none (I observed different service for others though) these are just examples at similar high end, fine dining, highly ranked restaurants I have been to in the US and Internationally that charge these same prices or less.
– name on menu’s = no
– refold napkins when you go to the restroom = no
– purse holder for women’s purse = no (note, this is rare but cool)
– free special appetizer dish from the chef = no
– visit from the chef = no
– remove wine label from bottle= not sure but guessing no
– professional to go boxes = no (Scale=1 they use cheap chinese plastic take out boxes and did not even offer a bag)
– door opening and staff greeting = yes (Scale= 10 but not for us: see below)
– special tray showing deserts or steak cuts = no
– separate desert menu and «after» dinner drink menu = no (at least they never presented one)
– IPAD with wine, spirits selections, etc = no
10. Restaurant lighting = ok (Scale = 7)
11. Parking = adequate (Scale = 7) no valet (I mention valet because #1 ranked fine dining restaurants have them)
12. Bathroom = average (Scale = 6)
I’m a defense contractor who travels through Colorado (and all over) often for work and enjoys a good dinner with my colleagues. I’ve read reviews on Unilocal,Trip Advisor, etc about this place and booked a reservation (via OpenTable and marked «1^st time») for three. We were greeted by the famous «Carlos» right when we came and he made us feel right at home. From here, it went downhill. We were seated right next to the door and close to the bar and the restaurant was not even full (nor was it the rest of the night). I then noticed that the bartender served a drink to someone at the bar and came over and immediately poured us pitcher water without asking (Pitcher water for a high end restaurant and served out of a pitcher? At least ask us if we want something else). I asked my colleagues «is the bartender really our waiter?» I noticed throughout the restaurant the other tables had normal wait staff except for us. To summarize, within 20 minutes of sitting down, we were served our appetizers and main course. Unfortunately I asked for my $ 75 bone-​in 22 oz. rib eye to be cooked medium rare and had to have it sent back because it was served to me very rare. I’m not surprised it came out rare because it was served to me while I was still eating my appetizer and it was such a large steak which takes longer to cook. When it came back out, usually a manager would ask «sir is the steak cooked properly or at least an apology?»…I received none of those. It was clear that the bartender was trying to do multiple things at once and was serving us as fast as he could like we were at the International House of Pancakes. I observed throughout our meal that the other tables were not receiving this same service, and in fact, when they got up to leave they were escorted out and practically hugged by their wait staff and very cordially greeted goodbye by opening the door. When we finished our meal, the bartender/​waiter literally brought us our checks without even asking us if we wanted desert or coffee. I asked him «are you trying to get rid of us? what is the rush?» He very nicely replied that he thought we were done and apologized. My other two colleagues had the boneless rib eye and very much enjoyed the steak but were put off by the service and overall experience. When you charge over $ 100 a plate, you expect a level of service versus going to a local diner. This restaurant is «WAY» overpriced and I am comparing that with Bern’s in Tampa, Florida, Wynn Steakhouse at Wynn Resort, the etc. I think if you are a local and they know you, this is the place for you… If you are a first time tourist or passing through, for the price, there are better choices. Lastly, when we got up, as I expected, we were the only group no one opened the door for us but they did say goodbye as we walked out. Overall, from what I observed, had we gotten a real table and a real full time waiter, I think our experience would have been much, much different. However, the quality of the food does not justify the expense… Very nice people but way over priced when comparing their pricing to other similar restaurants. This is not fine dining…

My Daughter, Best Friend and I attended the Manitou Wine Fest recently. We decided to end our fabulous weekend with a dining experience, not a restaurant. We were NOT disappointed from the moment our feet crossed the threshold of Carlo ‘s Bistro. The inside of Carlo’s Bistro is cozy and warm with just the right noise level to where you can have a nice conversation while enjoying your meal. We had the pleasure of having Jennifer serve us. Jennifer is phenomenal on her knowledge of the menu, the Chef’s preparation and attention to detail. From the Dirty Martinis, shrimp cocktail, lobster salad, lobster fradiablo, filet Oscar to the bread pudding to go, this was an amazing and enjoyable experience. Thank you Carlo and Team for an experience we will never forget. The Capricorn Girls

Carlos’ is expensive. It is small. It is not in the best part of town.
But it is, without a doubt, the best restaurant in Colorado Springs.
Not someplace you would likely go every day, but fantastic for a special occasion. The food is always stellar (fantastic steaks and seafood), the service is the best and it is just a great place to spend an evening with that special someone. I can’t say enough good things about it. And even though it is expensive, it is a fantastic value. Even if you only go there one time — it will be worth it.

Absolutely, astonishingly good food. Has to be the best restaurant in Colorado Springs. The owner Carlos is an amazing and interesting guy and you can see the passion he has for the food.
I can’t think of anything I’ve had that I haven’t LOVED. Steak, fish, salads, pork, it’s ALL delicious. The service is outstanding as well. It’s just a great experience overall.
It’s not inexpensive, but it’s absolutley worth it. It’s one of those food experiences that you will continue thinking about long after you’ve left.

Ambience, service and food were all excellent. My only complaint was that it was overpriced in my opinion. Check the menu prices before you go and make sure you are willing to spend the money. If that’s of no concern, you will like this place.

The only thing we regret about our recent dinner at Carlo’s Bistro is that we waited for so long before we gave it a try. Everything from the greeting to the service to the dessert was exceptional.
From now on it will be our first stop when we visit Colorado Springs!

One of the best experiences we have had. The service was outstanding, the food was amazing! Carlos is hands on! Stephanie was right on point. I couldn’t say enough about this romantic little nook!
The paella was superb with generous seafood and chorizo. I am a paella connosour and this was one of the best. Carlos went twenty extra miles and made us two sunny side up eggs to cut into the left overs (portion was enormous!) for breakfast in the morning.
Steak tartar was excellent. Scallops seared flawlessly. Foie gras was amazing.
Staff was outstanding. Carlos introduced us to the menu and specials within minutes of sitting down. The menu is extensive and deep in special items that will satisfy all.

read my reviews, i normally complain. Carlos is awesome, so is the food! the wine list is very impressive, the service is amazing. i’ve never had a better dining experience. me and my girlfriend will be returning again and again!

This place is a MUST if you are in The Springs! I read the reviews on Unilocal and knew we had to give it a shot. My brother told me he had eaten here several times when I asked him about it and they had nothing but great things to say. Carlos greeted us by name when we arrived and he made a very special night even more special. He checked on us frequently and made sure everything was perfect. Our server took great care of us from start to finish and the food was amazing. We were shocked at how extensive the menu was for such a quaint restaurant. I’ve worked in very high end restaurants of this caliber years ago so I totally appreciate an
A+ dining experience and this did not disappoint believe me! They check all the boxes without a doubt and Carlos will be right there to make sure your evening is perfection. My fiancé said she has never had an experience like the one we had last Thursday night and all I can say is… Mission Accomplished! Thanks Carlos!

We were extremely fortunate to find this amazing restaurant in Unilocal reviews while celebrating our wedding anniversary in Colorado Springs. Absolutely the best cioppino from anywhere ever before. Chef Carlos is a charming host who is rightfully proud of his dream menu. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked mouthwateringly good. Great gluten free bread with my lobster salad. All the fish served was tenderly cooked to perfection. Melt in your mouth goodness. The servers are congenital & extremely attentive & helpful.
Don’t miss this place!

This place is a treat in all ways. As I opened my car door in the parking lot, there was Carlos appearing as if by magic. It really is a delight to patronize a place that acts like they sincerely want your business. But then it just gets better. I had the veal saltimbocca, a dish that can be pretty ordinary in the wrong hands. But prepared by an artist it truly does dance in your mouth. Carlos’ Bistro does it right. Expensive? You betcha. Bring the open ended credit card. But it’s worth breaking open the piggy bank for this kind of treat every once in a while.

The hubby and I really enjoyed our experience here. We started off with the fried frog legs– a favorite since I was a child! We also had the beef tartar which I had never had before and it was delicious! I had the sea scallops, which was wonderful and the sauce was so creamy. Stan ended up getting the lamb chops and he said they were cooked to perfection. Service was wonderful, food was fantastic. We will sure to be back!

Not the first time here nor will be or last. By far the best dinner restaurant in Colorado Springs. Never once have I eaten here and been disappointed. Stakes, seafood, fresh vegetables home made desserts really all around best dinning experience you could ask for. If you never been it is a must and a special menu at five with smaller portions but very worth it. We always have to get two desserts because there’s so delicious. Carols is a very inviting knows most reservations by name. Greets you outside very friendly

The food here is amazing, but what really makes this place is the owner, Carlos.
Carlos truly cares for his business and his guests. You can tell he takes pride in everything he does. The service is always great and the food is carefully prepared and delicious. They have something for everyone here.

I’ve passed by this restaurant for more than 5 years going to my house. Boy, have I missed out!
I can already tell you, this will be my favorite destination for both excellent cuisine and beautiful ambiance. Carlos greeted every table to make them feel welcomed. He even had reading glasses for his guests who happened to forget their glasses. Beyond the attention to detail, the food was A+! The Lobster salad was exceptional. The best lobster I’ve ever had… truly! My entrée, scallop pasta, was OOH Soo Yummy. The presentation was something to behold as well. I now know why he’s been in business for over 11 years and has a Zagat rating. Thanks Carlos for the warm hospitality. I look forward to being a regular.

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 entrée with risotto, which turned out to be slightly sour, which we all did not care for. The mashed potatoes with his second entrée 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.

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.