I held a brunch here for my friends and we loved this place! I was able to work easily with the staff to create a menu that suited some folks with dietary restrictions and provided a great experience for everyone there! The spacious dining area and ability to access so many different types of beverages was also a plus! We enjoyed our time here! I'd recommend for large groups as well as simple date nights!Dietary restrictions: Gluten free options available!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Samantha C
We were there for Valentine's Day dinner.1. Parking. The parking is not free. Given the high cost of dining here, the restaurant should validate parking.2. Restaurant entrance. Initially confused where to enter because there are no markings. When we finally found the entrance up a long entrance ramp, it entered directly next to the bathrooms then kitchen and filthy floor.3. Table and plates. This was Valentine's dinner. However, nothing about the table settings or restaurant would even suggest the occasion. The charger plates appeared very worn and not intentionally so.4. Tip suggestion. The staff brings the payment machine to your table for payment. How uncomfortable to have the waiter standing over you while you pay. And the default tips were 25%, 30%, and 35%! Who ever heard of such tips.5. Food and value. The food prices were overpriced and totally overrated for the quality of the food. We selected the five course option, which was $85 person, and didn't even include drinks. The crab soup had crab shells in it and was very watery. The lamb steak was tough and chewy, and the staff did not ask us how we wanted it done. The sea bass was dry and overcooked. The portions sizes were petite yet $85/person.Parking: Not free parking, which is ridiculous.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
Mandy Vineyard Lavender
Absolutely love this place❤️ Great customer service❤️ Awesome food and drinks!!
Lori Levy
This was our our first visit, we tried the charcuterie board which was huge with great variety, the fish cakes were beyond delicious, lamb meatballs, shrimp, wine, mixed drink and a mocktail everything was extraordinary. Very cool architecture and history. Super friendly service.The atmosphere could use some warming up, some nicer tables, large comfy chairs some warm lights on the walls maybe??? We will definitely be back. We look forward to visiting in the summer for outdoor seating.Important considerations for first timersOperates on a tab system so you must have a card to open tab and xan check out however you'd like
The only thing better than the food (which was incredibly delicious) was the service. They helped us plan the perfect meal to celebrate my daughter’s wedding. Jeff worked with my daughter and son in law to create a menu customized to their tastes. Bob and Julie, along with several other staff members were so professional and gracious during the event. They took a special day and made it perfect. I’m so grateful for their accommodating attitude and would recommend Carter Payne to anyone whether you’re celebrating a special event or just looking for a great place to eat with a unique atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stranga
Awesome restaraunt with an expertly curated wine selection, unique craft beer offerings, and a lovingly crafted menu. Set in a beautiful old church the atmosphere its great for a date night, or a large gathering. The staff are all very welcoming, friendly, and ready to please. Quickly becoming one of my favorite spots in Colorado Springs.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sanctuary Salad Seared Shrimp, Ham and Five Cheese Mac, Seared Duck Breast, Chocolate Brownie, Charcuterie Board
Sunshyne R.
We were seeking something new and stumbled across this gem on our excursion. Tucked in a beautiful church that originated in 1897 as the first African American church in Colorado Springs is The Carter Payne, bringing the same sense of community to its visitors. We were immediately greeted and staff explained how they were set up. It was brunch hour so we sat down to explore the menu. Around us, there were three bars-one for specialty cocktails, one for beer, and one for wine. Each offered unique options that I promise you can't find elsewhere. Food and most of the non-alcoholic options were at the table. We opted for a flight of mimosas, French press coffee and brunch. I had the arrachera and eggs. My husband had the monte cristo French toast plate. I subbed the tortilla with a biscuit because The Carter Payne has house made jam that I couldn't pass up. Our mimosa flight came out and it was perfection. A large bottle of champagne and a flight of four juices including grapefruit, orange, pineapple and cranberry. We started with that and out came our food. Both plates were beautifully put together-visually and flavor combinations were well thought out. The jams for the weekend were pear ginger and blueberry lemon. Both of these were absolutely bursting with flavor. The steak on the arrachera was lacking a little in the seasoning department and the biscuit was cold. The eggs were a little overcooked for me. Outside of those small things, this was an extremely positive experience. The art on the wall was awesome and the staff were incredibly kind and attentive. We will definitely be back!
Kim Pollard
Hosted our company Christmas party here! Jeff & Chef Brent did a fantastic job helping us create an enjoyable menu & event. The food & drinks were absolutely top notch. The venue space worked very well (group of about 50). Would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Daniel
Have you ever wanted to please a Michelin chef, a sommelier, a brewer, and a mixologist in one spot? Well, look no further as The Carter and Payne offers the community with four passion projects under one roof. Essentially, there are three walk-up order spots for drinks where you are met with a professional who specializes in their craft. What people don't realize is that bartenders in general like to specialize. Be it wine, beer, or cocktails, you will happily be treated with a great drink. Since you are also ordering at the register, I will say this is not a traditional dining experience, so please be patient as well!They have 200 crafted artisan beers, 60+ wines without the pretentiousness and a craftbar that have wonderful spirits and even the care of amazing mocktails. Last but not least, the mouth-watering brunch and dinner menu with some of the best upscale casual food in town.All of the staff are not only passionate about their craft but the project as a whole. This is reflected in the food, drinks, and customer service. It is rare to witness the chef touching tables to make sure everything tastes perfect. I also talked to the owner, Jeff, where we discussed the project in greater detail.I ordered two entrees, a chicken marsala and the bison sausage campanelle. The wrong stock was used for my marsala, so Jeff personally came to our table to let us know exactly what happened. In his care, he didn't want my girlfriends food dying in the window just so they didn't have to remake everything. He also prefaced her peanut allergy and made us feel understood and welcomed. He wanted us to have the best dining experience possible. The level of thought and care is out of this world. Thanks, Jeff, for such a wonderful visit. We will be returning patrons.P.S. Shout-out to Ethan for being such a wonderful bartender and getting me into the cocktail scene. Cheers!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Donna Moody
Love this place, food, beer,and staff are the best. Enjoyed the vegan enchiladas so good ?
Great food and selection of drinks. Always worth the visit.
Scott Carter
We decided to try this place for an anniversary and enjoyed the overall experience. The food was unique to the location (something special, in other words) and we love a restaurant with a little local history tied to it. We would definitely recommend it for a casual night out, especially if the weather is nice enough for you to be outside at night.Service was excellent. We were greeted right away and the seating process was simple. The staff acts as a team and covers down on checking with customers and bussing, we thought that was great! The place operates on a tab system, meaning your first interaction for refreshments needs a card to start your bill. We liked the beer, wine, and cocktails stations and that each had their own staff member. We would have personally liked a few more simple non-alcoholic options, especially something in the realm of a hot drink.Food was overall a good experience. This is one of the few locations that we found that serves a steak tartare. While very delicious and presented well, we personally felt the price tag of $17 was a bit high for what was brought to the table as a "shareable" option. My wife and I had to really be careful not to gobble it all up and share. Besides the bread and other items, you and another person could each have about 1 tablespoon in terms of a bite. But, it was very delicious and done very well. As far as entrees, the menu does change and is somewhat limited. I had a bison sausage campanelle and my wife had a roasted rabbit with rice and winter veggies. The campanelle dish was very delicious and filling, also with some housemade foccacia... awesome! The rabbit dish was filling but lacked overall flavor - having been cooked with honey, ale, and tamari soy sauce it was really plain except for some coloration on the dish (we used salt and pepper to overcome this). The profitoreles were definitely a "share" item and absolutely covered in chocolate, but also very tasty.We would definitely come back and try other options as the menu changes. It's slightly expensive compared to other options (entrees average 25-30) but worth it for a unique and special experience.Parking: There is a parking lot at the restaurant in addition to streetside parking, but it's all paid parking. Plan ahead if it's a weekend or events may be in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jenna K.
I've been looking at this place for a while and finally gave it a try because of highly praised benedicts. We came specifically for brunch and weren't interested in alcohol.We liked the atmosphere and enjoyed the food which was a nice change from the usual brunch items served in other places. The omelette, the crab cake benedicts and the profiteroles were delicious. French press coffee for $8 that was supposed to be enough for 2-3 people ended up being only 1.5 cups in total, so we had to order another pot for the same price but it was good, too.What I didn't like was the attitude. We were immediately asked for a card to pay upfront while other guests haven't been. It was not hard to see because only 3 or 4 tables were occupied in the entire place. While the request itself wasn't what I would expect from the place like this, I would have been okay with that if the requirement was consistent towards all the guests. This request made me think about what's wrong with us specifically and whether this kind of attitude in general is translated to their staff by the owners or whether that particular individual made their own decision to treat us differently.Our waiter was polite but didn't know the menu very well and the entire experience felt awkward. They never offered to bring more water when we emptied the bottle. However, to be fair, they came a couple of times to check on us and asked if we need anything. Other waiters who brought us coffee and desserts were friendly.I guess we'll pay another visit regardless because the food was tasty but I would not get back if I have the same experience again. I trust that good service means that you treat all your guests equally. And I never once had been asked to put the card on file immediately. Which doesn't exactly make me feel trusted as a guest, especially when the place is nearly empty.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Eggs Benedict
Nancy D Milka
Had my mom’s 90th birthday party last night. Chef prepared special event with 10 of us and an infant. Such a great night. Everyone went out of their way to be sure it was extra special !! Thanks all!!!
Risa Kunau
Food is always yummy. Love the options. Tasty bites. Refreshing bevvies. Great service. Farm to table, seasonal menu items, unique creations.
I held a brunch here for my friends and we loved this place! I was able to work easily with the staff to create a menu that suited some folks with dietary restrictions and provided a great experience for everyone there! The spacious dining area and ability to access so many different types of beverages was also a plus! We enjoyed our time here! I'd recommend for large groups as well as simple date nights!Dietary restrictions: Gluten free options available!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were there for Valentine's Day dinner.1. Parking. The parking is not free. Given the high cost of dining here, the restaurant should validate parking.2. Restaurant entrance. Initially confused where to enter because there are no markings. When we finally found the entrance up a long entrance ramp, it entered directly next to the bathrooms then kitchen and filthy floor.3. Table and plates. This was Valentine's dinner. However, nothing about the table settings or restaurant would even suggest the occasion. The charger plates appeared very worn and not intentionally so.4. Tip suggestion. The staff brings the payment machine to your table for payment. How uncomfortable to have the waiter standing over you while you pay. And the default tips were 25%, 30%, and 35%! Who ever heard of such tips.5. Food and value. The food prices were overpriced and totally overrated for the quality of the food. We selected the five course option, which was $85 person, and didn't even include drinks. The crab soup had crab shells in it and was very watery. The lamb steak was tough and chewy, and the staff did not ask us how we wanted it done. The sea bass was dry and overcooked. The portions sizes were petite yet $85/person.Parking: Not free parking, which is ridiculous.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
Absolutely love this place❤️ Great customer service❤️ Awesome food and drinks!!
This was our our first visit, we tried the charcuterie board which was huge with great variety, the fish cakes were beyond delicious, lamb meatballs, shrimp, wine, mixed drink and a mocktail everything was extraordinary. Very cool architecture and history. Super friendly service.The atmosphere could use some warming up, some nicer tables, large comfy chairs some warm lights on the walls maybe??? We will definitely be back. We look forward to visiting in the summer for outdoor seating.Important considerations for first timersOperates on a tab system so you must have a card to open tab and xan check out however you'd like
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coconut Serrano Cornbread, Charcuterie Board
The only thing better than the food (which was incredibly delicious) was the service. They helped us plan the perfect meal to celebrate my daughter’s wedding. Jeff worked with my daughter and son in law to create a menu customized to their tastes. Bob and Julie, along with several other staff members were so professional and gracious during the event. They took a special day and made it perfect. I’m so grateful for their accommodating attitude and would recommend Carter Payne to anyone whether you’re celebrating a special event or just looking for a great place to eat with a unique atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Awesome restaraunt with an expertly curated wine selection, unique craft beer offerings, and a lovingly crafted menu. Set in a beautiful old church the atmosphere its great for a date night, or a large gathering. The staff are all very welcoming, friendly, and ready to please. Quickly becoming one of my favorite spots in Colorado Springs.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sanctuary Salad Seared Shrimp, Ham and Five Cheese Mac, Seared Duck Breast, Chocolate Brownie, Charcuterie Board
We were seeking something new and stumbled across this gem on our excursion. Tucked in a beautiful church that originated in 1897 as the first African American church in Colorado Springs is The Carter Payne, bringing the same sense of community to its visitors. We were immediately greeted and staff explained how they were set up. It was brunch hour so we sat down to explore the menu. Around us, there were three bars-one for specialty cocktails, one for beer, and one for wine. Each offered unique options that I promise you can't find elsewhere. Food and most of the non-alcoholic options were at the table. We opted for a flight of mimosas, French press coffee and brunch. I had the arrachera and eggs. My husband had the monte cristo French toast plate. I subbed the tortilla with a biscuit because The Carter Payne has house made jam that I couldn't pass up. Our mimosa flight came out and it was perfection. A large bottle of champagne and a flight of four juices including grapefruit, orange, pineapple and cranberry. We started with that and out came our food. Both plates were beautifully put together-visually and flavor combinations were well thought out. The jams for the weekend were pear ginger and blueberry lemon. Both of these were absolutely bursting with flavor. The steak on the arrachera was lacking a little in the seasoning department and the biscuit was cold. The eggs were a little overcooked for me. Outside of those small things, this was an extremely positive experience. The art on the wall was awesome and the staff were incredibly kind and attentive. We will definitely be back!
Hosted our company Christmas party here! Jeff & Chef Brent did a fantastic job helping us create an enjoyable menu & event. The food & drinks were absolutely top notch. The venue space worked very well (group of about 50). Would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Have you ever wanted to please a Michelin chef, a sommelier, a brewer, and a mixologist in one spot? Well, look no further as The Carter and Payne offers the community with four passion projects under one roof. Essentially, there are three walk-up order spots for drinks where you are met with a professional who specializes in their craft. What people don't realize is that bartenders in general like to specialize. Be it wine, beer, or cocktails, you will happily be treated with a great drink. Since you are also ordering at the register, I will say this is not a traditional dining experience, so please be patient as well!They have 200 crafted artisan beers, 60+ wines without the pretentiousness and a craftbar that have wonderful spirits and even the care of amazing mocktails. Last but not least, the mouth-watering brunch and dinner menu with some of the best upscale casual food in town.All of the staff are not only passionate about their craft but the project as a whole. This is reflected in the food, drinks, and customer service. It is rare to witness the chef touching tables to make sure everything tastes perfect. I also talked to the owner, Jeff, where we discussed the project in greater detail.I ordered two entrees, a chicken marsala and the bison sausage campanelle. The wrong stock was used for my marsala, so Jeff personally came to our table to let us know exactly what happened. In his care, he didn't want my girlfriends food dying in the window just so they didn't have to remake everything. He also prefaced her peanut allergy and made us feel understood and welcomed. He wanted us to have the best dining experience possible. The level of thought and care is out of this world. Thanks, Jeff, for such a wonderful visit. We will be returning patrons.P.S. Shout-out to Ethan for being such a wonderful bartender and getting me into the cocktail scene. Cheers!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place, food, beer,and staff are the best. Enjoyed the vegan enchiladas so good ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great food and selection of drinks. Always worth the visit.
We decided to try this place for an anniversary and enjoyed the overall experience. The food was unique to the location (something special, in other words) and we love a restaurant with a little local history tied to it. We would definitely recommend it for a casual night out, especially if the weather is nice enough for you to be outside at night.Service was excellent. We were greeted right away and the seating process was simple. The staff acts as a team and covers down on checking with customers and bussing, we thought that was great! The place operates on a tab system, meaning your first interaction for refreshments needs a card to start your bill. We liked the beer, wine, and cocktails stations and that each had their own staff member. We would have personally liked a few more simple non-alcoholic options, especially something in the realm of a hot drink.Food was overall a good experience. This is one of the few locations that we found that serves a steak tartare. While very delicious and presented well, we personally felt the price tag of $17 was a bit high for what was brought to the table as a "shareable" option. My wife and I had to really be careful not to gobble it all up and share. Besides the bread and other items, you and another person could each have about 1 tablespoon in terms of a bite. But, it was very delicious and done very well. As far as entrees, the menu does change and is somewhat limited. I had a bison sausage campanelle and my wife had a roasted rabbit with rice and winter veggies. The campanelle dish was very delicious and filling, also with some housemade foccacia... awesome! The rabbit dish was filling but lacked overall flavor - having been cooked with honey, ale, and tamari soy sauce it was really plain except for some coloration on the dish (we used salt and pepper to overcome this). The profitoreles were definitely a "share" item and absolutely covered in chocolate, but also very tasty.We would definitely come back and try other options as the menu changes. It's slightly expensive compared to other options (entrees average 25-30) but worth it for a unique and special experience.Parking: There is a parking lot at the restaurant in addition to streetside parking, but it's all paid parking. Plan ahead if it's a weekend or events may be in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
I've been looking at this place for a while and finally gave it a try because of highly praised benedicts. We came specifically for brunch and weren't interested in alcohol.We liked the atmosphere and enjoyed the food which was a nice change from the usual brunch items served in other places. The omelette, the crab cake benedicts and the profiteroles were delicious. French press coffee for $8 that was supposed to be enough for 2-3 people ended up being only 1.5 cups in total, so we had to order another pot for the same price but it was good, too.What I didn't like was the attitude. We were immediately asked for a card to pay upfront while other guests haven't been. It was not hard to see because only 3 or 4 tables were occupied in the entire place. While the request itself wasn't what I would expect from the place like this, I would have been okay with that if the requirement was consistent towards all the guests. This request made me think about what's wrong with us specifically and whether this kind of attitude in general is translated to their staff by the owners or whether that particular individual made their own decision to treat us differently.Our waiter was polite but didn't know the menu very well and the entire experience felt awkward. They never offered to bring more water when we emptied the bottle. However, to be fair, they came a couple of times to check on us and asked if we need anything. Other waiters who brought us coffee and desserts were friendly.I guess we'll pay another visit regardless because the food was tasty but I would not get back if I have the same experience again. I trust that good service means that you treat all your guests equally. And I never once had been asked to put the card on file immediately. Which doesn't exactly make me feel trusted as a guest, especially when the place is nearly empty.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Eggs Benedict
Had my mom’s 90th birthday party last night. Chef prepared special event with 10 of us and an infant. Such a great night. Everyone went out of their way to be sure it was extra special !! Thanks all!!!
Food is always yummy. Love the options. Tasty bites. Refreshing bevvies. Great service. Farm to table, seasonal menu items, unique creations.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5