Discover the Best of Downtown Castle Rock, CO
Castle Rock, Colorado, pairs small-town charm with big adventure. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or lucky enough to call it home, these 13 restaurants and shops capture the heart (and flavor) of downtown Castle Rock.
Food and Drinks
Scileppi’s at The Old Stone Church
Set in Castle Rock’s first church, built in 1888, Scileppi’s serves authentic Italian cuisine in a one-of-a-kind setting. Stained glass windows and church-inspired menu touches like the “Taste of Heaven” dessert section add to the immaculate charm. The menu features must-try Italian favorites such as homemade lasagna and linguine with white clam sauce, plus house specialties like braised short rib ravioli.
Pegasus Restaurant
Pegasus has built a loyal crowd of regulars who stop in for anything from a gyro to a chimichanga or burger. The breakfast and lunch spot serves made-from-scratch dishes ranging from Mexican-inspired plates to classic American fare and Greek favorites.
Castleview Cafe
Castleview Cafe is a new beloved Castle Rock staple known as a brunch haven, specializing in farm-fresh breakfast burritos, savory lunchtime sandwiches and sweet treats. It’s the perfect stop for quickly served wholesome comfort food.
Union American Bistro
Whether it’s date night or a get-together with friends, Union is the go-to spot for inventive dishes alongside the classics – think Cajun deviled eggs, elote dip, Italian eggrolls, smoky barbecue ribs and coconut fried chicken. Brunch keeps the creativity coming with standout a.m. plates like sweet ciabatta French toast topped with vanilla bean crème brûlée and a savory breakfast flatbread with tomato jam.
Crowfoot Valley Coffee
Fuel up in the morning at Crowfoot Valley Coffee and come back in the evening for a beer on draft. This beloved coffee shop also brings neighbors together over rounds of trivia and comedy nights.
Glacier Homemade Ice Cream and Gelato
Colorado-based Glacier Homemade Ice Cream and Gelato has dreamed up more than 1,000 flavors. At any given time, the shop carries 80 varieties, and there’s a good chance you’ll find a new favorite every visit. Local hits include The Funky Donkey (peanut butter ice cream with Oreos and fudge) and lemon gelato.
Homegrown Tap & Dough
Homegrown Tap & Dough is a new Castle Rock spot offering Italian comfort classics with a Colorado flair. Visitors can expect to enjoy hand-tossed pizzas, quality pasta and local craft brews in a welcoming, elevated setting.
Local Shops and Attractions
The Rock
In 1859, gold prospector David Kellogg named Castle Rock’s signature landmark for its fortress-like shape. Today, locals and visitors alike hike the short but steep 1.6-mile loop. The summit delivers sweeping views of downtown and the Pikes Peak range, the very landscape that inspired “America the Beautiful.”
Festival Park
In the heart of downtown, Festival Park is a go-to gathering spot with fire pits, a splash pad, a pavilion and a creekside picnic area. Every Sunday from late May through early October, it hosts the Farmers Market, where locals load up on Colorado-grown favorites like sweet corn, peaches and fire-roasted green chiles. Year-round, the park buzzes with homegrown events – from a summer cattle drive kicking off Western Heritage Welcome Weekend to 5Ks, concerts, holiday markets, and s’mores and storytelling by the fire.
Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum
Early prospectors came to Castle Rock in search of gold but instead uncovered veins of rhyolite, which they hand-quarried to build many of the historic homes and buildings still standing downtown, including the one that houses the Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum. Step inside the former Denver & Rio Grande Railroad depot to explore the area’s history, from pioneering ranchers to the arrival of the railroad. Check out local art exhibits, join a walking tour or put one of the monthly presentations on your calendar.
Petals & Pop
Petals & Pop is a one-of-a-kind shop that specializes in vibrant, fresh-cut flowers, custom-mixed sodas and a carefully curated selection of unique, locally sourced gifts. It’s a charming, must-visit downtown shop that celebrates beautiful blooms, refreshing bubbles and spectacular finds.
The Emporium
A one-stop shopping hub in downtown Castle Rock, The Emporium brings together more than 60 local businesses under one roof. It’s a place to grab coffee, browse art and home decor, or find jewelry, gourmet treats, gifts and clothing. The wide selection of shops ranges from Woodwork for You, known for timeless, handcrafted wooden pieces, to Colorado Creative Decor, featuring everything from artist-made ornaments to custom Colorado-themed art.
The Barn Antiques & Specialty Shops
Get ready for some “Barn Therapy.” Located inside a stunning historic barn downtown, The Barn Antiques and Specialty Shops opened in 1998, inspired by the concept of an antique mall. Inside, visitors can browse scores of vintage finds nestled alongside shops offering houseplants, jewelry, stylish clothing and home decor.
Get to Know Castle Rock
Thinking about moving to Castle Rock? Learn much more about living and working in this thriving region at livability.com/co/castle-rock.