Manitou Springs is home to the lively Swirl Wine Bar, a venue that showcases the town’s unique charm and culinary creativity. With its vibrant atmosphere and a menu full of quality dishes, Swirl Wine Bar captures the essence of the area, maintaining its appeal year-round regardless of the tourist influx.
One of the highlights on the menu is the hummus plate ($9), featuring a creamy, house-made red pepper hummus that is paired with crunchy veggies and flatbread, providing just the right amount of sustenance to kick off your meal. Following that, you might consider the Incline Salad ($18). At first glance, it may appear pricey, but the generous serving of flank steak, bacon, blue cheese, and candied pecans justifies the cost. The coffee-rubbed steak is tender and flavor-rich, enhanced by sweet balsamic dressing and paired with fresh crusty bread.
If sandwiches are more to your liking, the Cubano ($15.50) is a must-try. This robust offering consists of layers of roasted pork, chorizo, spicy capicola ham, and house-made dill pickles, all encased in a crispy baguette. The zesty mustard complements the flavors perfectly.
For those craving something lighter, opt for the Margarita Flatbread ($12.75), which comes topped with garlic-roasted Roma tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil drizzled with pesto aioli and balsamic reduction. The crispness of the flatbread provides a satisfying base for the multitude of flavors.
Desserts, although not sampled, are said to include comforting dishes like bread pudding and pie, enticing enough to tempt any diner.
Overall, Swirl stands out not only for its quirky decor—featuring colorful umbrellas adorning the ceiling—but also for its attentive service and inviting atmosphere. The presence of a Roomba vacuum may be a little off-putting at first, but it evidently maintains cleanliness without disrupting the dining experience.
For anyone seeking a unique dining experience in Manitou Springs, Swirl Wine Bar is not to be missed.
Swirl Wine Bar
Address: 717 Manitou Ave.
Contact: 719-685-2294
Website: swirlismybar.com
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
Price Range: $6.50 to $19
Favorite Dishes: Incline Salad, Cubano Sandwich
Other Services: Gluten-free and vegan options available.