Balanced Rock Cafe

Casual Dining in Garden of the Gods

If you’re looking for the perfect place to stop and enjoy a bite to eat in the world-famous Garden of the Gods, you need to pay a visit to the Balanced Rock Cafe. As the only restaurant allowed to operate in the scenic park, Balanced Rock strives to offer visitors a variety of options for dining after a day in the Garden. They know you won’t want to go far when that post-hike hunger hits!

What’s on the Menu at Balanced Rock Cafe?

We love the menu at Balanced Rock because it’s packed with hearty handhelds like burgers, wraps and fries, all with portions designed to satisfy your appetite and refuel your body for more Colorado fun.

Bison Burgers

If there’s one thing this locally owned cafe is know for, it’s the bison burgers. Lean and flavorful and cooked to perfection, you can enjoy the classic cheeseburger or live like a local with the Southwest burger — with green chili salsa, of course.

Lunch Wraps

The wraps at Balanced Rock Cafe are just as delicious as the burgers. Try the standout chicken balsamic wrap and its tangy feta cheese or the crispy chicken wrap with honey mustard.

Kids’ Meals

Kid-sized portions of familiar favorites include chicken tenders, hot dogs and mac and cheese.

Snacks and Sides

If all you need is a quick snack, you can find chicken tenders, chili fries and baskets of house chips to give you a boost.

Dietary Restrictions at Balanced Rock Cafe

The Balanced Rock Cafe can make accommodations for some allergies, like offering gluten-free bread. They also provide vegetarian and vegan options/substitutions for some menu items.

Beer and Wine at Balanced Rock

In addition to being able to enjoy a meal in the Garden of the Gods, you can also enjoy Colorado wines and beers, many from brewers right here in the Pikes Peak region. We can promise you there is nothing better than enjoying a cold beer on the shady patio after you’ve been wandering around the formations all day. It’s one of the most beautiful spots to relax in the Garden of the Gods. The options may change, but guest taps have included Red Leg Brewing and Bristol Brewing.

• IPAs
• Lager
• Amber
• Scottish ale
• Wheat
• And more!

Hot Drinks and Cool Eats

Balanced Rock Cafe is also home to Kissing Camels Coffee, a coffee bar and ice cream spot that serves hot and cold Teavana® and Frappuccino® handcrafted beverages. The ice cream is made by Colorado City Creamery, a local shop located just up the road in Old Colorado City. It’s as delicious as you would hope, with great options for classic flavors and a few of their special recipes. Stop in for a pre-hike hot coffee, a winter walk hot cocoa or a family ice cream treat after exploring the Garden of the Gods.

Relax in the Great Outdoors!

While the cafe has plenty of indoor seating, the patio is really where you’ll want to be. It’s filled with flowers, plants and trees and offers a lot of shade for relaxing and recovering when you’re getting ready for another adventure in the Pikes Peak region. Guests can enjoy their food and drinks at tables scattered throughout the space — there are quite a few quiet spaces, even in the peak of summer. If you’re not into hiking, it’s also a good place to park yourself while the family explores the Garden.