Craftwood Inn

The Craftwood Inn occupies a striking 1912 Arts and Crafts building at 404 El Paso Blvd in Manitou Springs, the Victorian resort town nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak just west of Colorado Springs. The building was constructed as a copper-smithing studio and later served as a hunting lodge before its conversion to a restaurant — a history reflected in the rustic stonework, heavy timber beams, and mountain-lodge character that distinguish the interior from more conventional fine dining environments.

The kitchen has built its reputation around Colorado game meats, offering one of the most complete game menus in the state. The Colorado elk chop ($42) is the signature dish — a bone-in cut from Rocky Mountain elk raised on Colorado's high-country ranges, served with preparations that emphasize the meat's natural earthiness. Wild boar tenderloin ($38) is leaner than domestic pork and more intensely flavored, benefiting from the slow-braised or roasted preparations the kitchen favors. Bison filet ($45) rounds out the Colorado protein trio, a lean and mineral-rich cut that represents the Great Plains' most historically important protein.

The dining room occupies several interconnected spaces within the historic building — stone fireplaces, mounted trophy specimens, and mountain views through the windows create a theatrical Rockies atmosphere that is genuine rather than contrived. The restaurant draws both Colorado Springs residents celebrating special occasions and visitors who specifically seek out Colorado's game meat dining tradition. Mountain views of the Pikes Peak region add to the setting's drama, particularly during sunset dinner seatings.

The wine list emphasizes robust American reds that complement the game protein program. Reservations are recommended for dinner, particularly on weekends and during the busy summer tourist season in Manitou Springs.