Red's Sunset Grill — Restaurant in Colorado Springs

I went to Red’s not once, but twice in a 24-hour period. Consider this my culinary confession. Dear God!!!

My daughter (former Miss Colorado Teen USA 2017 and Miss Colorado USA 2022) suggested Red’s. That is significant because she and I spent many years traveling the country to be disappointed in food options. Along the way, we expected great things only to discover the grass is seldom greener in the greatest of culinary destinations. So when she recommended Red’s, I listened.

We walked in famished after some post-knee-surgery MMA training (just go with it) and were greeted by Jesse’s warm welcome. My eyes immediately landed on the raw oysters, and my basement metaphorically flooded. I wanted to shout jubilations to my perfect daughter, only to be crushed by the news that the raw bar had closed just 20 minutes earlier. Why, Lord, why?!? Seafood is happy food, and I even suggested opening the oysters myself since I am a self-proclaimed ‘mother shucker.’

Sadly, my antics didn’t earn me any oysters, so we started with the Pimento Crab Balls, which had fresh crab flavor balanced with pimento cheese and rémoulade. Unable to pull up the QR drink menu, I simply asked for a margarita with Chambord and a salted rim. It was perfection! Timmy, our server, was adorable and attentive (ladies, he’s taken) and the food came quickly, and crated to perfection.

The true showstopper was my boyfriend’s burger. He loves spice (explaining his obsession with me), so Timmy swapped the toppings of the Bison Burger with charred jalapeño, bacon, habanero cheddar, and blackened chipotle aioli. One bite, and my 49-year-old jaded palate, so used to being overcharged and underwhelmed, was instantly reborn. The gates of food heaven opened, a Tabernacle choir swelled, and I had visions of Gabriel wielding a haloed spatula. And here’s the kicker… I don’t even like spice (which is why I’m with my boyfriend 😉).

When we left the culinary heaven of Red’s Sunset Grill, the sun was not setting in my head as light shone on thoughts of happy food. I was satisfied with my dinner but couldn’t sleep. All night, I replayed visions of oysters, and that bison burger without the spice. Everything around me looked like a rare patty crowned with pomp tucked into artisan circumstance. Thoughts of Red’s turned into obsession. By morning, I had clarity. Today I would surrender. I was going back for my oysters!!!

Armed in a sundress and visor, I returned with my best friend, hoping my food-induced mania was hidden beneath my summertime look. After confirming with the butcher that oysters were available, I skipped (in my head) to get a table. Once again, Jesse greeted us warmly.

Maddie, our server, was beautiful, attentive, and has rocking curves I could only aspire to. Red’s must have a secret hiring policy: flawless service, attractive people, and the ability to make Melissa (yes, I’m going third person now) feel like she’d stepped into a restaurant Oz. Was I in my hometown of Colorado Springs, or at the end of a Voyager Parkway rainbow, with Red’s as the pot of gold? Now I can say, “there’s no place like home,” as long as Red’s stays nestled in North Colorado Springs!

My bestie and I devoured 12 of the most wonderfully presented oysters with fresh raw horseradish, homemade cocktail sauce and tasty migonette (then immediately ordered 12 more). We also shared a med-rare Bison Burger as presented on the menu with spiced tomato chutney, bacon, dressed tender greens, goat cheese mousse, with extra-crispy scoop fries. By the end, I looked like I was on my way to a food-baby ultrasound to reveal the gender. Why did I wear a sundress when I should have worn a muumuu or burlap sack? Sucking in my stomach and looking cute was no longer an option.

Red’s Sunset Grill, you’ve ruined me in the best way. After years of travel and disappointing local dining, where I often end up happier with Chick-fil-A or Chipotle, I’ve finally found a local spot that delivers beyond expectation. Tens, tens, tens across...

We've been here a few times now and it's been hit or miss.

The Good: Bison burger (cooked perfectly, messy but very tasty, really hit the spot), Colorado Cobb salad (Not the healthiest, with pork belly and tortilla strips but huge, filling and oh so tasty, also with avocado and chimichurri grilled chicken, this salad is a meal), Brisket sandwich (my older son's favorite), kids mac and cheese (my youngest always orders it with pork belly or brisket added for an upcharge and loves it). The waiters and waitresses have been fantastic on every single visit.

The Bad: Wings. First trip, got the Old Bay wings and they came with so much seasoning that I could only eat a few of them because it was like eating a salt lick. Second trip, got the plain smoked wings, they were really good, although half the wings had feather/hair still attached. Third trip, my older son (a wing fanatic) ordered the BBQ. Out of 10 wings, there was 9 flats and only 1 drumette. I told the guy and he agreed it was strange and then graciously had them cook an additional 5 drumettes at no extra charge which we appreciated greatly. The problem, however, was that all of the wings were undercooked and watery. Fried wings should be crispy but these were not, they were flabby and wet, you took a bite and water literally dripped out. I did not want to complain again since they were nice enough to give us the extra 5 drums on the house but they were literally some of the worst wings we've ever had. However, I did inform our waiter upon leaving so he could at least let the manager and/or cook know. Hopefully they get it fixed.

The Ugly: Clam Chowder. I'm from New England and grew up on NE style clam chowder so ordered a bowl on our first visit and was extremely disappointed. It was more like potato soup than clam chowder, every spoonful was just potato chunks, there was hardly any clams in it at all.

Overall, we will definitely be back as there are some really good options and the good has definitely outweighed the bad. We love the atmosphere in the place, it is comfortable and welcoming. We will just avoid the wings and clam chowder...

I have been here twice. First time was a hit. Nashville chicken sandwich is really good and big! Still need to try a burger. Smoked wings are great with a subtle smoke flavor. Everything we had here was VERY good. Second visit wasn't bad but not as great. Pork Belly Bites were underwhelming and not seasoned evenly with some seasoned and some not so much. Reuben was a bit light in the meat department although it tasted good. We got charged for a small container of sauce to go with our wings for some reason they were both the same sauces, same size but got charged .50 for one and a 1.00 for the next. The most irritating thing was actually the amount of fries we got. I am guessing they were trying to make what was made already stretch. My daughter (who was with us last time) actually gave a look as soon as the plate landed and asked me where all her fries were. I ordered an extra side of fries and it was equally small. I never understand why restaurants ever go light on something as inexpensive as fries! Not worth irritating a customer. Prices here are on the slightly higher side compared to other bars/restaurants with similar food around the area although most of what we had is pretty good. The colorado green hot sauce is really good! It is hot though so be warned if you dont like spicy stuff. Overall I would come back again and hope the minor issues on the last trip were...