Brakeman's Smashed Burger Bar — Restaurant in Colorado Springs

Choo choo. What happens when a rumbling 90-car freight train collides with a herd of Japanese cattle? It just so happens to conjure up one of the Springs’ finest smash patties. I’m talking about Brakeman’s Smashed Burger Bar.

Brakeman’s is one of the city’s most train-forward restaurants, and not just because of its adjacency to the tracks.

I first hit this hussy under the biting breezes of a January night. Then, as if by great northern magnets, I was pulled right back the next day to ensure the juice-dazzling spatter-sizzling splendor wasn’t a fluke of hunger.

Night one caught me feeling lux, so I hunkered down on the Mountaineer burger and got to work. Mmm! Led by a skewered pepperoncini as bright as a train lamp, this rig took me to my happy place. A heavy-handed pickled onion sprinkle rolled up with smoky jalapeño on melty white ched and a freight load of arugula. Oh and what’s that up there? That’s a hefty dollop of garlic aioli—on both buns. Now throw that heap on two meat-candied smash patties that had more fringe game than John Wayne. This thing ate. Dribbles garnishing my quivering chin, I thought, “By God, I gotta belly up and go for the triple.” So 21 hours later I was eagerly awaiting their “classic smash’d” 3-stack, which promised fine sheets of wagyu, melty American, onion, pickles and the delightfully mustard-positive house sauce. I was ready to investigate the essentials of this absolute institution of a patty. As I disappeared into its barbacoan wonder, Jess remarked: “We probably look like a couple of Chowderhounds.” But we gobbled on. I patiently savored the last piece of heavenly cud and, in time with my final gulp, the whoosh of a train rolling by tied a neat bow on the evening. Brother, does this place cut the mustard.

My only complaints were the strange jaundiced effect of yellow lighting and fries that lost their skins—and their integrity—somewhere in the kitchen.

On the whole, I’d liken this pair of grease beasts to the 1.9 million pound Union Pacific Big Boy: They’ve pulled their weight on many a cold, dark night and, by my appraisal, shine as some of the finest in their class. Go on, climb aboard one of the region’s strongest burgers. My best to...

The concept here is awesome. Implementing the igloo dining is fantastic. The menu options are nice as well. However, we were incredibly disappointed by the food.

We tried an array of things to get a feel for this place (and the sister restaurants). The burgers were a huge disappointment. Our group got one bison and one mushroom. The bison burger was by far the least favorable one I've ever had. There was a very small amount of onions just on the center of it and 2 tiny pieces of lettuce (I requested no tomato). I didn't even feel my half was worth finishing. I personally did not try the mushroom burger, but my grandmother felt like it was "just okay." So glad we didn't pay extra for their waygu as I'm sure that would have been equally disappointing. We also got short rib nachos, wings, chili fries, and a pepperoni pizza. We were absolutely astounded by the presentation of the nachos. The taste was as equally appalling. Dry, salty, and not much going on. I actually sent them back and they took them off our ticket. That was the first time I've ever sent anything back for a refund while dining out. The wings were mediocre. We had high expectations as lots of people have raved about the burgers and food in general.

There were some good things from our experience which is why I'm giving 3 stars instead of 1 or 2. The service we received was incredible - both from the hostess and our waitress. The atmosphere and being able to safely dine out in the igloo setting was great! Especially for my 3yo who often can't sit still and my high-risk grandmother. We all LOVED the chili fries. Their unique fries really make an impact and the chili was pretty good too. The pizza was also great. Though I wish their ranch portions were larger lol. I got 4 sides for us to share, but the tiny dishes were barely half full. I didn't want to be the person to say "oh can I have 4 MORE ranches" 😂.

There's lots of opportunity here and hopefully they'll find ways to make a few improvements. We'll probably not try the other 2 restaurants any time soon due to the disappointment at this one. I'll definitely stick to Cy's, Greenline, or skirted heifer for burgers...

This went from being my family's favorite place to being a place we'll never go back to. Apparently the establishment has come under new ownership and the the business model has destroyed the essence of what made this place so great.

None (and I repeat NONE) of our usual, favorite dishes were on the menu any longer! (And they are all different dishes!) Chile Relleno Burger, Pizzas, Boneless Wings, adult milkshake options ALL GONE!!!

The menu now has a handful of boring items that frankly I can get at any place in Colorado Springs, including fast food establishments. Not only is the menu paired down to dishes you don't want (and mind you, it wasn't huge before... In fact, it was about perfect) the prices are absolutely astronomical! I stopped there with two other people from my family after the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo parade and I dropped $100! For three people.. FOR LUNCH!

I am also not taking business clients there any longer (my office is right downtown near them). It used to be convenient and unique for people visiting the Pikes Peak region and staying nearby. Now that uniqueness has been destroyed. I do not have a business expense account that allows for $300 client lunches at the drop of a hat for hamburgers and two hours of our time.

Now, the bright spot, the staff: I am not sure how much longer these young professionals will be there, but they are great and consistent. They make the best out of being short-staffed and not being able to be creative with their cooking skills. If the establishment does not rethink their strategy and do a 180° quickly, I unfortunately won't expect to see them in six months. It's a shame too. Good location, interesting scenery, a hidden gem for a lot of people to discover, great and talented staff oh, and free parking.... All to be negated by below mediocre food choices now for obscene prices.

Draw your own conclusions of course but I used to absolutely love going there and showing off the restaurant and their offerings. So much potential but ultimately another great eatery bordering on the brink of collapse for absolutely no (good) reason. I hope it gets turned around and back on track (pun...