Some families in Colorado Springs have been going to the same pizza place for four generations. That says a lot in a city where restaurants come and go fast. This one has stained glass windows, a player piano that runs on quarters, and room for about 500 people across two floors.
It feels more like a trip back in time than a quick dinner out. There is also an odd twist in how you get your food: your order number shows up on mirrors around the room. Locals bring out-of-town guests here, kids beg for the game room, and longtime fans have plenty to say about recent changes.
Keep reading to learn what makes this Victorian-style landmark tick, what to expect when you go, and the practical tips that can make your visit smoother.
1. An East Platte Landmark With Room for Everyone
Few pizza joints in the Pikes Peak region can claim seating for roughly 500 people. Fargo’s Pizza Co. can, and it does so at 2910 E Platte Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909, in the United States.
The restaurant sits on the east side of town, an easy hop from downtown for most Springs residents. It is billed as a massive, historic pizzeria and salad bar, and the scale is the first thing that sets it apart.
Inside, the building is styled after the Victorian era. The space stretches across two stories, with grand dining rooms, a game room, and plenty of long tables for big gatherings.
The core of the menu is handmade pizza, paired with a self-serve salad bar. That combination has kept the place on family calendars for decades.
With more than 6,700 opinions logged online and an overall score of 4 stars, it is clearly a spot people feel strongly about. Some come for nostalgia, some for the decor, and some simply to see what all the fuss is about.
It is not a quiet corner bistro. It is a full-blown destination, and the rest of its story explains why so many locals keep it in their back pocket.
2. Decades of Family Tradition
Ask around Colorado Springs and you may find someone whose grandparents ate here. Some families say they have been coming for more than 40 years, with four generations sharing the tradition.
Others mark the time differently. One family counts 32 years of birthdays and celebrations, while another longtime fan has made a 70-mile drive a few times a year for over two decades.
That kind of loyalty is rare. Fargo’s became the place where people took relatives visiting from out of state, a way to show off something distinctly local.
Grandparents now bring grandkids to relive what they did with their own children. Even picky little eaters tend to have a blast, which is no small feat.
The restaurant also leans into this history. Management has described the old pitchers and mugs as part of the nostalgia they want to keep offering for decades to come.
For Colorado natives, the building is less a restaurant and more a piece of Springs history. It is a shared memory spread across a whole city, one slice at a time.
3. Old West Meets Victorian Grandeur
Saloon charm and family-attraction fun share the same roof here. The look blends an Old West vibe with Victorian flourishes and a heavy dose of 1970s character.
Every corner holds something to look at. The walls and rooms are packed with vintage decor and collectibles, giving the place a museum-meets-pizza-parlor personality.
Some guests love the busy, eclectic style. Others find it a bit much, so expect a space that leans maximalist rather than minimalist.
Staff members wear themed costumes, which adds to the time-travel effect. Kids especially seem to enjoy spotting the outfits behind the counter.
A fireplace also anchors part of the dining area. For many people, it ranks among the favorite features of the whole building.
The overall feel draws comparisons to Casa Bonita, the famous Denver-area themed restaurant. Fargo’s is its own thing, though, with a Western twist that fits right in at the foot of Pikes Peak.
It is the kind of setting where the decor is half the reason to show up.
4. Stained Glass Around Every Turn
Most pizza places settle for neon signs. Fargo’s went with stained glass.
Beautiful stained glass windows fill the building, and they help give the dining rooms a grand, almost formal feel. It is an unexpected touch for a spot where kids are racing to the arcade.
The glasswork pairs with the Victorian styling. Together, they make the main rooms feel like something out of another century.
For photo lovers, these windows offer plenty of interesting backdrops. Families often snap pictures at the long tables during birthday parties.
The detail also explains why many people say the atmosphere alone is worth a stop. Even folks who are lukewarm on the food tend to admit the building is pretty cool.
Not every element has aged gracefully, and more on that later. Still, the stained glass remains one of the strongest reminders of the restaurant’s ambitious original design.
Next time you grab a table, take a minute to look up and around before the pizza number appears.
5. A Player Piano That Takes Quarters
Got a quarter? That small coin unlocks one of the most beloved traditions in the building.
A coin-operated player piano sits near the long tables, and dropping in a quarter starts it up. The piano has become a signature part of the visit for regulars.
It fits neatly into the old-time theme. Some guests joke that it lets you enjoy the 1970s without the indoor smoking.
Families with kids tend to make the piano a ritual. It is a cheap thrill that turns a meal into a small event.
Big groups often get seated near it, especially at the long tables. That makes it a natural centerpiece for birthday gatherings and reunions.
Here is a practical tip: there is no change machine or ATM on site. Bring quarters from home if you plan to play the piano or the arcade.
A few coins in your pocket can go a long way toward the full Old West experience.
6. Magic Mirrors and a One-of-a-Kind Ordering System
Table service is not part of the deal, and that surprises first-timers. Instead, you order at the counter, grab a seat, and keep an eye out.
Your order number appears on mirrors placed throughout the restaurant. Locals have long called them magic mirrors, and they are a fun quirk of the place.
When your number shows up, you walk up and collect your food. Many people find it quick, and it can save money since you are not tipping a server at the table.
The system does have a learning curve. Some first-time guests have missed their number and found their food had cooled by the time they figured it out.
Management has said staff try to spot newcomers and explain the process. Still, it helps to ask at the register if anything is unclear.
Once you know the drill, the mirrors become part of the entertainment. Kids often love being the lookout for the family number.
7. The Pizza and Its Big Crust Debate
Nothing sparks conversation among longtime fans quite like the crust. For years, Fargo’s was known for a thin, crispy, cracker-style base with cornmeal.
Recently, the restaurant changed its dough recipe and ovens. The newer pizza is softer, chewier, and often saucier and cheesier than before.
Reactions are split. Some guests love the change and call the crust nearly perfect, with a light, airy texture that holds toppings well.
Other loyal fans miss the old style. A number of them feel the new version strays from what made the place famous.
Sizes are worth knowing too. Options have included small and giant, so ask the host for guidance on how much to order for your group.
Gluten-free crust is available, but only on 9-inch or small pizzas. Some guests with dietary needs say it comes out well.
Whichever camp you land in, the pizza is handmade and remains the heart of the menu.
8. The Famous Self-Serve Salad Bar
Pizza may share the marquee, but the salad bar is the single most talked-about feature online. It pulls in more mentions than almost anything else on site.
The bar is self-serve and offers a wide variety of choices. Many guests describe it as fresh and well maintained.
Cost runs around $10 to $11 for a trip, based on recent experiences. It is a one-bowl setup, so plan your plate carefully.
Some longtime fans note the offerings have changed since the pandemic shutdown. Others still count it as a highlight of their meal.
A small foam cup is also part of the setup for a sweet treat, and pudding has been spotted on the bar. Extra cups can be bought at the register.
On busy nights, items can run low. Asking an employee to restock is usually the way to go.
For guests who want something lighter, the salad bar gives the meal a good balance.
9. Arcade Fun for All Ages
Ready for a round of Pac-Man after dinner? The game room is a big draw for kids and nostalgic grown-ups alike.
Classic titles like Pac-Man, Galaga, and Skee-Ball sit alongside other machines. The mix gives every age something to try.
Newer games have been added recently, which longtime visitors have noticed. Some old-timers remember when the arcade sat in a back room past the beverage bar.
Not every machine works at all times. Some guests report broken or out-of-order games, so set expectations with the kids beforehand.
Management has said game room updates are part of planned renovations. That may mean improvements over time.
Remember, no change machine or ATM is on site. Bring coins or small bills you can break elsewhere before arriving.
For families, the arcade turns a pizza night into a full outing. It keeps restless little ones busy while the adults linger at the table.
10. A Magician and Party-Ready Spaces
Some evenings bring a bonus act. A magician has performed at Fargo’s, and kids tend to love watching the tricks up close.
That entertainment adds to the restaurant’s reputation as a party destination. Birthday celebrations and family gatherings are a big part of its identity.
The long tables near the player piano work well for large groups. With seating for around 500, finding room for a crowd is easier here than at most spots in town.
Groups arriving late have still found the staff accommodating. That flexibility helps when coordinating a big family schedule.
Pitchers of soda are available for parties of three or more. For smaller groups, cups with unlimited refills are typically the better deal.
Between the games, the piano, and the occasional magic show, there is plenty to keep a group busy. It is a low-effort way to host a celebration without cleaning your own kitchen afterward.
11. Honest Talk About Upkeep
Old buildings come with old-building quirks. Plenty of longtime fans have raised concerns about wear and tear in recent years.
Common points include worn carpet, taped or ripped seats, scratched tables, and restroom upkeep. The upstairs can also get warm in hot weather, with fans brought in to help.
Some guests say the exterior and signage look tired. That can make first-timers wonder what waits inside.
On the flip side, management has pointed to renovations. Plans have mentioned new air conditioning, new ovens, new flooring, and game room updates.
A health inspection closure was also mentioned online by one guest in mid-2026. It is wise to check current status and recent news before heading over.
Opinions on service vary too. Many find staff friendly and efficient, while others report slow or uneven experiences.
Going in with realistic expectations may help you enjoy the history and atmosphere for what they are.
12. Hours, Costs and Timing Your Trip
Planning ahead pays off here. Doors open at 11 AM every day of the week.
From Monday through Thursday, the restaurant closes at 8 PM. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, it stays open until 9 PM.
Costs can add up for families. Recent group meals have ranged from about $55 for two people with a large pizza, salads, and drinks to $75 or more for bigger orders.
Some guests feel prices are reasonable for portions and the overall experience. Others find them on the higher side, so it helps to budget accordingly.
Wait times come up often. Busy evenings may mean longer lines at the counter and in the kitchen.
Arriving closer to opening or on a weekday may offer a calmer visit. Late afternoon can also be quieter than peak dinner hours.
For the latest details, the official website at fargospizzacompany.com is a handy place to check before you leave.
13. A Springs Classic Worth Seeing for Yourself
Some restaurants are about the food first. Fargo’s has always been about the whole package.
Two stories of Victorian decor, stained glass, a quarter-fed player piano, and magic mirrors make it unlike any other pizza stop in Colorado Springs. Few places in the state feel this tied to local memory.
The pizza has changed, and fans are still debating it. The building shows its age, and management says updates are underway.
Yet families keep returning. Grandparents bring grandkids, and Springs natives still bring guests to show off something truly homegrown.
It works best for big groups, birthday parties, and anyone curious about a slice of local history. Bring quarters, keep an eye on the mirrors, and set your expectations with an open mind.
Front Range residents looking for a nostalgic outing close to home could do far worse. Sometimes the best plan is the one your parents made decades ago, now waiting for you to make it your own.
Share this story
