Why Everyone’s Obsessed with Brunch at Shuga’s
Some places just get brunch. Shuga’s is one of those spots.
Tucked away just south of downtown Colorado Springs, it feels like the kind of place where time slows down a little. Origami cranes hang from the ceiling, the playlist always hits the right mood, and the menu? Full of surprises in the best way.
My friend and I stopped in on a sunny weekend morning for a slow, chatty brunch, and Shuga’s didn’t disappoint
First up: drinks
We had pickleball plans after brunch, so I decided to go the non-alcoholic route this morning – but don’t worry, they’ve got plenty of fun cocktails on the menu too. Because what’s brunch without a cute little fizzy moment?
I went for the Coconut Ginger Fizz, and honestly, I’d come back just for that. It’s light, bright, and tropical with a kick of ginger spice and a little creamy smoothness from the coconut.
My friend ordered the Orange Lime Spritzer, and it was delicious – super refreshing and citrusy, with just enough zing to wake you up.
What we ordered
Shuga’s French Toast
Don’t picture your standard diner version – this one’s got flair. Thick slices of french bread with crème anglaise + coated in crispy cornflakes. Served with bacon, a fried egg, and a dollop of guava-berry preserves on the side. Sweet, salty, eggy, fruity... it was all working together in this chaotic, delicious harmony. I was definitely scraping the plate.
The Lower East Side Stroll
A perfectly grilled salt bagel arrived with all the classic toppings served on the side – a setup we loved, since it let us each build our own ideal bite. The house-smoked salmon was rich + flavorful and, surprisingly, the hard-boiled egg stole the show for me – it added this creamy, velvety texture I didn’t know I needed (and I’m not usually a boiled egg person). Crisp cucumber, red onion, and briny capers rounded everything out. It was a classic combo, but the execution? Absolute chef’s kiss.
The vibe
Shuga’s has an easygoing kind of cool; the atmosphere is laid-back but thoughtful. Paper cranes hang from the ceiling, there’s eclectic art on the walls, and shelves filled with unique little objects and vintage pieces add character without feeling cluttered.
There’s also a great patio out back – simple, relaxed, and perfect for brunch on a nice day. Just a heads up: if you’re hoping to sit outside, make a reservation. It fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
Shuga’s has long been one of my favorite spots in Colorado Springs. The vibe is colorful, cozy, and just a little bit quirky, and the food always feels both creative and comforting. I hadn’t been in for brunch in a while, but this visit reminded me exactly why I love it so much.
Their Brazilian coconut shrimp soup is usually my go-to (I’ll order it even on a 90-degree day), but I was branching out this time—and I’m glad I did. The cocktails are always solid, the sandwiches are amazing, and the whole menu is packed with playful, well-executed flavor combos.
And while it’s a great brunch spot, Shuga’s is far from a one-note restaurant. They’re open for lunch and dinner too, and even stay open late for drinks.. No matter when you go, the vibe is always right.
Come here if you’re craving:
– Brunch that’s both comforting and elevated
– A killer nonalcoholic drink menu
– A weeknight dinner that feels like a treat without being too fancy
– A late-night drink that isn’t at a dive bar
Highly recommend making this your next brunch move. Or dinner move. Or late-night cocktails move. Seriously—just come here.
