A long-standing gathering place for the small, enduring liberal and libertarian-leaning activists in conservative Colorado Springs, Poor Richard’s Restaurant offers healthy food served in strapping portions.
The clientele ranges from students and professors from nearby Colorado College to cyclists, climbers, artists and people who seem genuinely interested in the giant bulletin board’s fliers advertising reiki massage, drum circles, independent films and music workshops.
The restaurant’s name refers both to the book of aphorisms collected by independent-minded patriot Benjamin Franklin and to its owner, entrepreneur and former Colorado Springs Mayor Richard Skorman.
Skorman also owns the neighboring businesses – a well-stocked toy store, an upscale coffee/chocolate/wine bar called Rico’s, and the bookstore that started the Poor Richard’s enclave.
Poor Richard’s menu is writ large on the wall, where staffers note the daily soup, and more portably on paper menus. Pizza dominates the menu as well as perfuming the air. It’s good pizza, and a lot of customers order entire pies ($12.95 and up) to go.
The thin crust (white, wheat or spelt) is made in the kitchen here, and infused with herbs that play well with toppings that range from conventional (black olives, Canadian bacon, pepperoni) to atypical (avocado slices, grilled red onions, steamed broccoli, jalapeños).
One slice ($3) is enormous, nearly covering the plate it’s served upon. The popular Meal Deal ($8.95) – an above-average house salad of mixed greens and a three-topping slice; or two three-topping slices – includes a soft drink.
For a robust appetizer or a light dinner, try the cheesy focaccia ($5). Like the pizza, it’s crisp at the edges, chewy within. Add a topping for 50 cents. We tried the buttery roasted garlic, which the kitchen uses with a heavy hand. Focaccia slices come with soup.
The substantial sandwiches come with red, white and yellow corn tortilla chips. The turkey-avocado sandwich ($7.95) arrives with a toothpick anchoring two fat halves that each pack a generous layer of avocado slabs, finely sliced white meat, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and onion.
Dinner specials include a popular veggie-tofu stir-fry ($6.95) incorporating broccoli, shredded carrots, grilled onions, mushrooms and spinach, dressed with a Thai-influenced peanut sauce or a Japanese tamari-ginger sauce.
Besides the conventional soft drinks, there’s herbal tea (iced or hot), chai, juice, microbrew beers or wine from the adjacent Rico’s ($2.50 and up per glass).
Lone diners are as welcome here as families and couples. The staff is tolerant of readers lingering over coffee and a book, and there’s a play area in back for small children.
Staff writer Claire Martin can be reached at 303-954-1477 or at cmartin@denverpost.com.
Poor Richard’s Restaurant
Healthy American | 324 1/2 N. Tejon St., Colorado Springs; 719-632-7721; | $3.50 to $12.95 | 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Front burner: Imaginative menu, good people-watching.
Back burner: Crowded on weekends, closes early.
