Drinks were good, bartenders were nice. But the aesthetic of the place is more deserted pizza parlor than speakeasy. If they are going to claim to have a theme like "the archives", there should at least be some old books around, or wallpaper of books, or historic newspaper clippings, or more framed old photos. Actually any kind of decor at all would better than this stark boring room. As of now, you just feel like you are sitting in some old basement with a few pictures thrown on the wall as an after thought. Happy hour pricing is a good deal though. read more

The archives is super cute! I love how it is moody and elevated. Great for an intimate drink date or hanging out with your friends. And the happy hour deal is fantastic! Also a great way to try a bunch of cocktails. $5! What a steal! Our server was really nice and the drinks came out pretty quick along with our food. My only complaint is that the truffle fries were cold and limpy. They were great.... Also the truffle flavor was nonexistent. And my chicken tasted kinda fishy and the batter came off. So obviously they weren't battered correctly. But if you don't count the food, this place is pretty good! read more

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Here's a polished version of your review that keeps your voice but smooths it out a bit for flow and readability: I love speakeasies, and this one did not disappoint. The service was impeccable--they treated everyone like the top 1%, and our glasses were never empty, whether it was water or cocktails. I didn't try the food myself, but those around us raved about it, and everything that passed by looked and smelled fantastic. One thing I really appreciated was their willingness to go off-menu. Just let them know what kind of alcohol you enjoy and whether you prefer sweet or sour, and they'll whip something up for you. While not every experiment was a perfect hit, the effort and creativity were definitely there. read more

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Food? 5/5. Tastes great, hot temp, reasonable pricing. Drinks are great! Menu changes often so you rarely get the same thing twice. Great if you want some variability in your life. Great for exploring your own tastebuds! Service? 4/5. It can vary, sometimes you wait a bit for drinks, but not too long. Most of the time, you get your stuff fast, staff is friendly and the bartender seems to enjoy talking about the concoctions. Ambiance? 5/5. Intimate, dark, good spot for a first date. Chill background music. read more

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Um, hello?? This is hands down the coolest spot in all of Colorado Springs. If you don't know what you're looking for, you'll probably strut right past it -- but don't you dare. Think speakeasy vibes, think dangerously good drinks, think service that actually makes you feel like a VIP. This isn't just a bar, it's a full-on experience. Do yourself a favor and check it out -- your cooler, future self will thank you. read more

Came in for a drink and a light dinner. Shane was phenomenal! Had a French 75 and it was top tier! Super friendly, professional, and everything you could ever ask for in a bartender! The ambiance was nice and the music was good, and not too loud. Can't wait to come back and visit again soon! read more

The Archives - Menu cover - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Went for drinks on my daughter's 21st. The bartender was super nice and fun and gave my daughter a freebie for her special day, which was nice. There is a lot of potential here, but the decor was a little bland, and the music loud enough that we basically had to yell across the table to hear each other (on a Wednesday night, with 3 other parties in the room). read more

Best speak easy in Colorado Springs in my opinion. I've been to a few of them but this place is awesome. Great bartenders, cool atmosphere, and dang good drinks. The seasonal menu changes are awesome. I like that you can get food here too. It's hidden just enough to have fun finding it. Best priced drinks as well. I have been here several times and I'll definitely go back again. read more

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I spent 10 yrs of my childhood in COS and 20 yrs in L.A. for film. I come back to COS for family/holidays and wish L.A. had more places like this. The quality of drinks, service, and music combine exquisitely. Solid food and atmosphere. read more

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Came here the night before Saint Patrick's day for a drink before going to a club. They don't do reservations, but the wait was not long, and we had 6 people. Our server Maurice was absolutely amazing! He had great recommendations, gave us plenty of time to look at the menu, and kept our waters full. I ordered the gold dust off his recommendation because I wanted something sweet, and it was great. Not as sweet as I wanted but it seems they don't have many sweet cocktails but I still enjoyed the taste of honey but the gummy on the stick was not good, maybe it had been soaked in vodka because it was bitter and strong. I also ordered the pretzels appetizer, and it was underwhelming. They were like pretzel breadsticks. They were kind of hard to pull apart and not easy to share due to the size and everyone touching them to rip a piece off. The cheese sauce that came with was good, but the mustard was not, we didn't touch the mustard. We also noticed the ketchup was all natural with no corn syrup, which we used for truffle fries, and I was really happy with the ketchup choice, and the fries were delicious. A fun thing about this place was the cocktail menu! In the end you could read and write jokes! It's a fun twist to a normal menu. Also, the menu had a table of contents because they had a detailed description of each drink, which was so useful, and im sure saves the waiters time. The atmosphere was dark, which is expected for a speakeasy, but the music they played was way too loud. We were yelling at each other to talk and would lean in to hear one another. A cocktail bar is meant for people to talk. Overall, my experience was just okay, I hope they can work on the music volume for the possible next visit. read more

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Service was a pretty darn slow. The burgers were delicious. Truffle fries were great but had too much cheese topping them. Not many fries. The entrance is clever and makes you feel like it's a secret. It is very dark inside. Nice thing though you use a QR code for the menu so you don't have to squint for dinner. read more

Fantastic place to chill and hang out, great ambiance and service. With surprisingly tasty food to counter the inevitable drinks you'll get there. Go down the alley and it's the first left that looks like a service door, it's downstairs. Have fun and eat/drink responsibly. read more

The Archives - Sticky fries - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

Another place that has a lot going for it, but a few things that knock it down a couple of stars for me. Fun atmosphere, service was good. Menu options were unique, though execution on one of the drinks didn't do it for me. My biggest issue is how LOUD it was. It was St Patty's weekend, so I'm hoping it was louder because of that, but don't know. The music was absurdly loud, so not a place to sit for a few drinks and hang out. Unless I was wanting a specific drink, I probably would not go back because of how loud it was. read more

Great Gin Mule, attentive service and quaint ambiance. Unique entrance. Cool menu/recipe book. read more

The Archives - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

I have strong opinions about douchey, pseudo speakeasies with oh so much pretension while simultaneously offering minimal consumable content for way too much money. The Archives is NOT one of these establishments. Mostly this is because they seem to know what the hell they are doing, and they are sticking to the roots of cocktail creation. The best Gimlet of my life by far. A Gimlet, for those not familiar, is just a simple classic cocktail of a gin-forward drink, enhanced by a some lime juice and simple syrup. But, this lime cordial would make angels cry. And the service was outstanding. read more

The Archives - Best Gimlet ever! And a solid Sazerac. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

This bar is a lot of fun. Great drinks, great service, and great atmosphere. Highly recommend if you're trying to just chill out and have a good time. read more

The Archives - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

1st timer; comforting atmosphere, I had THE MCCRAFTIE chicken sandwich, yummy & the bread was fresh; excellent service especially when I asked for the Garlic Aioli sauce; no charge. Chris the barkeep/tender is a true Master of Cocktails & Mocktails. Warming personality, professional and answered all of our questions; 1 of the Good Guys. I'll be Baaack! read more

Great hidden bar downtown. Visited last year and made sure to stop in again when we were in town. You enter through the back "kitchen". Bartenders are super friendly and make really strong drinks. Make sure to check it out if you're around. read more

GO TO THIS SPEAKEASY. Super dope! Such an amazing ambiance and vibe. We didn't order food but I've had it once before and it was really great. The drinks, service, and music was phenomenal. Without a doubt going back soon. read more

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This place is cool and trendy. It reminds you of like a 1920s meets 1950s bar I highly recommend it the drinks are very good like nothing you've gotten at a normal bar they are pricey but they're worth it ambience here is great and so is the service read more

This is an amazingly fun spot to bring friends too for the experience. Being under the other businesses on Tejon and out of site, it's awesome to find something as amazing and seemingly special hidden away. The Whiskey Sour was delicious and did not disappoint in the slightest, we always enjoy coming here and showing others a spot that most have never heard of. And it's always a little fun entering from the alley and having that unexpected amazing bar to walk into down the stairs. Come check it out and enjoy some amazingly crafted cocktails! read more

The Archives - Whiskey sour - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

Such a fun speakeasy spot! The classic cocktails here are absolutely fantastic and the Happy Hour deals are unbelievably good. Our server was very nice and attentive. Highly recommend. read more

The Archives - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

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What a great hidden gem, server was very through, drinks were outstanding. Every sever including the manager kept checking in on us, cool vibe, affordable.. yes, yes please, more! read more

The Archives - a guide to mixing drinks - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

This is the best kickback place.. the food and drinks were awesome. Bartender was on point.. read more

The Archives - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

Cool place. Good drinks. My best half and I want here on New Year's Eve for a couple of drinks. It was busy but the atmosphere was still calm. Great place for some classy drinks. read more

Love the atmosphere here. Such an old school vibe. Service is great. The cocktails are the best part n town. Good place for a first date, great for cocktails after dinner. read more

Unique, creative, memorable experience. Employees are talented and knowledgeable. Each drink has been thoughtfully crafted and brings out the very best of the spirit featured. Warm, cozy, intimate environment that invited you to stay awhile. read more

Fabulous craft cocktails and very knowledgeable and friendly service. We went for happy hour and loved our drinks.

Fantastic atmosphere, get the truffle fries. The bartender was amazing, I highly recommend ordering "make me something off menu". I wish I could remember her name but she is a gorgeous ginger. She made the most interesting flavored Old Fashioned I have ever had. read more

Fantastic bar located in the heart of downtown Colordao Springs. As a fan of classic cocktails, I was psyched to find a place that had the Red Hook as a regular item on the menu. And the version that they delivered here was solid. I moved on to Business as Usual - Fernet, Rye Whiskey, Honey, Orange & Aromatic Bitters. I love Fernet shots, so this was another winner for me. But my favorite for the evening was the Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique - Mezcal, Coffee Liqueur, Bitter Sweet Vermouth, Chocolate Bitters. I loved the reference to Tarantino's Kill Bill and the drink definitely packs a punch. Service is professional and friendly, and I would love to come back here soon. read more

The Archives - Five Pojnt Palm Exploding Heart Technique - mezcal, coffee liqueur, vermouth and chocolate bitters. Potent and delish! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

What a cool spot! I love a good speakeasy and this one did not disappoint. Nice atmosphere and one of the most unique drink menus I've ever encountered. They literally use a book that has a list of the drinks AND their recipes. It's such a funky idea. You can even buy them. We had: - old fashion - Negroni - sazerac - swan song - champs eleysees - bramble All we're wonderful and beautiful. Love that you can order from Colorado craft while sipping delicious cocktails! read more

Spectacular speakeasy that hits all the marks. Delicious cocktails with fresh ingredients. The bartender is personable, attentive, and seamlessly moved between clients. Music was set to a tasteful volume. Not too loud, but loud enough to where clients felt as if they were partitioned. Clean glasses, clean bathrooms, organized bar. The Archives labors with love in every mix. I highly recommend and I will be sure to stop in every time I'm in town. read more

Love this place, been he's Romany times and happy it's back to pre Covid rules and you can go in the the back door . Been here with just 2 people and a huge group both times great service. Axe and oak old fashions are the the best here! read more

Been waiting to try out this speakeasy for a while now and encourage any local or visitor to pay it a visit. Facing Colorado Craft Brewery, walk around the right corner of the building and you'll see a white painting and arrow on the brick wall. It might seem a bit suspicious walking down a dimly lit alleyway but it's safe. If you come to an unassuming door by some dumpsters you're in the right spot. Walk down the stairs and settle into a dimly lit bar. All cocktails are $10 and you can work your way through the book. Tired of no late night food in Colorado Springs? Their kitchen is open until 1:30am! They have food options from the upstairs Colorado Craft. The blackberry brandy smash was worth trying and the beverages are quality. Light and flavorful, it was a great summer drink and wonderful change from the vodka sodas you'll find at the rest of the bars on Tejon. Perfect place to enjoy good cocktails and conversation with friends. Pay this place a visit and enjoy. read more

The Archives - Millionaire - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Was threatened to be killed after expressing our dislike for the bar when we left, while we were in the alley, not even in the bar. Two people waited 15 min with no service. 10 tip helped 2 minutes after they were sat. Worst hospitality experience ever read more

Service was average. One waiter was extremely rude when asked a simple question. Save your money and go somewhere else

I always enjoy my time at The Archives. During my last visit, they customized a spirit-free cocktail that had all the feeling of a full-spirit craft cocktail. It made my experience extra special. read more

We came here in February with a group (pre-COVID times) and they were able to accommodate our party and kept the cocktails coming! We enjoyed the nibbles and really enjoyed the speakeasy feel off the alley. Such a fun place and it was great that they were able to make our big party work too! read more

Awesome place! We stopped in for a beverage after dinner and we were not disappointed! We had the bonded vieux carre and the cimarron! Both great cocktails, I would recommend both. The ambiance was very low key. Good music playing and candlelight all over the place. Definitely worth, stopping in if you're in the Colorado Springs area. read more

Speakeasy entrance locations usually have the charm of mystery and intrigue...nope not here. You walk inside a restaurant and in the middle of a bright active restaurant there's a set of stairs leading down. Ok so maybe a cool location was hard to come by?? I can get past that. We walked down into a very bland decor that could have been any late night fast food joint, I could get past that too. We walked towards the bar as it was very empty and the bartender quickly approached us and immediately told us to stand back at the stairs that 'there is a Wait To Be Seated sign'. Wow rude and didn't even welcome us or say Hi. He explained the menu of drinks and we then sat at the bar. The White Stripes at Volume 12 was not impressive either, couldn't even hold a conversation & music from 2003 did not set the scene. One other couple was at the bar. That was 6pm. More people arrive sit at the bar and tables 30 minutes go by. People from the tables are walking up ordering drinks & food on the side. Still no service, no water, nothing. He takes everyone else's order at the bar and when he FINALLY remembers we're sitting there he's not friendly just rude. Ok so maybe he's having a bad day we gave him every benefit of the doubt we could muster. 20 more minutes and he still hasn't started our drinks at all! He then fills someone else's order and walks away taking a personal phone call. We arrived ready to spend money and enjoy the night & left 45 min later pissed with zero service from a dark hair & beard disgruntled bartender. We left for rudeness, being ignored, a shitty attitude and not professional. It's a want-to-be speakeasy. We've been to SF, NYE & LA speakeasies and this one needs to get way better service and set the tone better. Would never recommend. read more