Idaho Springs is a community built out of the Gold Rush. It is located directly west of Denver, making it an excellent location to visit for those who want to be near the city, yet prefer the ambiance of a less urban Colorado vacation destination. It is named after a hot mineral spring that you can visit at the Indian Springs Resort lodge, where visitors can often be found dipping into the warm waters. Several of the town’s mines are open for guest tours as well, so during your stay you can get a glimpse into what life was like for the miners, and even try your hand at panning for gold.
During your stay in Idaho Springs, you are going to need to eat. In the historic section of the town, you can find several fine dining options. One of these is Mangia!, an excellent Italian restaurant located directly in the historic sector.
Fine Dining and Historic Building Combine
Mangia! classifies itself as “Casual Italian.” It is a local favorite for people who enjoy tasty Italian dishes without the stuffiness and formality of the more formal restaurants in Denver. The open patio and often open door to the restaurant welcomes guests who are enjoying Idaho Springs, Colorado travel and want to relish in the scent of garlic and the taste of marinara sauce when they dine.
When you dine at Mangia!, you will enjoy the sounds of local artists throughout your meal, often including jazz and blues performers on piano or acoustic guitar. The addition of live entertainment helps add to the relaxing feel of the restaurant, which is the owners’ goal.
The food, of course, is the main reason why you would come to Mangia! From the appetizers to the desserts, you will find these to be excellent. Many locals rave about the homemade soups and signature salads, and the main dishes feature the flavors of Sicily. Consider ordering a delicious pizza or sampling the eggplant parmesan during your dining experience. They also have a full bar with an extensive wine list and martinis.
If you have special dining needs, Mangia! is able to help. They make everything to order, so they can easily substitute various ingredients to accommodate your needs.
If you are visiting Mangia! during the warmer months of the year, consider asking to dine on the patio. They have both a front patio facing Miner Street, where you can people watch while you eat, and a back patio where you can enjoy views of the mountains. Both are equipped with heaters if the temperatures dip.
If You Go
Mangia! is located on the corner of 15th and Miner street at 1446 Miner Street in the city’s historic district. It is open daily for lunch and dinner, with breakfast hours on Sundays only during which the restaurant offers a $9.95 breakfast buffet. Every day from 4 until 6 is Happy Hour.
Reservations are not required, but if you want to call ahead to see if there is any wait, you can do so by calling 303-567-4371. To learn more about the restaurant, visit www.mangiamia.com.
Nicole Harms has been writing professionally since 2006, specializing in travel and finance writing, with work having been published on USA Today, the New York Stock Exchange and Hotels.com in addition to here on Go Colorado!