Sharing the space of a former movie theater with one of the best climbing gyms in the Centennial State, the Ute & Yeti is a unique Colorado Springs dining establishment that blends an innovative and eclectic menu with a laid-back vibe and a craft beer selection that’s hard to beat.

Recently dubbed one of the “10 coolest places in America to drink craft beer” by Men’s Journal, patrons of this hot spot will find more than 80 beers on the menu any given day, including 70+ can options and 14 rotating taps. According to Matthew Barritt, the Operations Manager at the Ute & Yeti, the bar rotates through roughly 200 draft beer options each year.

CityRock City Rock Breanna Sneeringer
Ashley Bennett tackles a route on the overhung arch at CityRock, the climbing gym that shares the same building as the Ute & Yeti. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer.

As impressive as the craft beer line-up is the extensive food menu.

“The main focus is balance. We try to cater to every palate and every dietary preference,” said Barritt. “The silver thread is being fresh, healthy, and made to order.”

A look inside of the Ute & Yeti. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee
A look inside of the Ute & Yeti. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee

Popular items from the kitchen include a spicy ramen bowl, the mediterranean flatbread, wild mushroom ravioli, and tacos stuffed with green chili chicken. A number of vegan, ketogenic, and allergen-sensitive options are available. See the full menu here.

The Honnald Bowl Spencer McKee
The Honnald Bowl featuring turmeric quinoa, spiced black beans, chopped spinach, jalapeño corn relish, salsa verde, and an optional protein is a popular dish at the Ute & Yeti. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee

Celebrating its 5-year anniversary in January 2020, the Ute & Yeti has embraced a number of special events and deals, including live music offerings, Saturday night trivia, and a “mug club,” which rewards regulars for downing beers. The restaurant has also branched into facilitating private events, with a dining room that provides the perfect setting for a range of special occasions, including birthday parties and corporate team-building excursions.

Ute and Yeti Photo Credit: Spencer McKee
A “Mug Club” mug is filled by operations manager Matthew Barritt at the Ute & Yeti. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee

It’s also worth mentioning that patrons of this hotspot don’t have to be members of the attached climbing gym, CityRock, to dine. According to Barritt, roughly half of the diners at the Ute & Yeti aren’t in the climbing community, with a number of those served consisting of families with younger children.

Those interested in this spot’s close ties with the climbing community are able to test their skills on the rock wall – but only before they sit down to sip beer (remember, safety first). Taking over the space of a former movie theater 10 years ago, CityRock has a wide variety of sport climbing and bouldering routes that make it the perfect place to give the sport of rock climbing a try. Find out more about visiting CityRock here.

A downtown Colorado Springs dining staple that offers healthy food that anyone can enjoy and a craft beer list to match, the innovation and atmosphere of the Ute & Yeti can’t be missed.

Editor’s Note: Safety is a top priority at the Ute & Yeti. Patrons are not allowed to enter the attached climbing gym after consuming alcoholic beverages.

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