From the outside looking in, Colorado College Student Government Association (CCSGA) can seem like an imperceptible force you’re only reminded of upon an email from Madam President Sophia Murphy ‘27 herself. This conviction is what led me to join CCSGA in the first place. Now that I am a junior class representative and my Tuesday and Thursday evenings are booked, I can officially confirm: it’s real.
All jokes aside, fellow students are putting in more time, effort and thought into your college experience than you might realize. I speak to you now — specifically you underclassmen — to make sure you’re aware of one of the most meaningful achievements of the 2025-26 CCSGA cohort: the addition of eight Gold Card Plus Partners. This means you have a total of twelve hubs for enjoying a filling meal, an exciting beverage or simply each other’s precious company.
Despite the initial excitement, this outstanding feat made real by last year’s Civic Outreach committee seems to be going unnoticed. The 2026-27 Civic Outreach committee made it their Block 2 mission to assess the feelings of our beloved partners. Much to our dismay, our partners seemed underwhelmed by the student turnout. Most devastating of all, a few businesses even claimed that the CC students who do come by are unaware of the partnership. This tells us that you all did not receive sufficient advertising for our wonderful — and extremely unique — Gold Card Plus program. So without further ado, here is a reminder of who our 12 phenomenal partners are.
Evergreen Pasta, 830 N Tejon St., Suite 110
Evergreen is a cozy cove across the street from Ed Robson Arena. This restaurant offers a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes accompanied by a relaxing ambiance. And best of all, it couldn’t be closer to campus. Enjoy luxury dining on the meal plan’s dime.
Rasta Pasta, 405 N Tejon St.
Just a quick walk downtown, Rasta Pasta offers a variety of Jamaican-Italian fusion pasta bowls. Unique flavors and generous portions mean you’re bound to have leftovers. As a Texan who struggles to find sufficiently spicy food in Colorado Springs, I couldn’t recommend this place more.
Everest Nepal, 28 E Bijou St.
Everest Nepal’s vast menu offers yummy Nepalese food and covers a wide range of vegetarian, vegan and halal dishes. If you’re tired of Rastall’s grilled halal chicken and want some different food for your palate, this is the place for you.
Kochi Boba, 27 E Platte Ave.
Who doesn’t love a customizable beverage? Kochi Boba offers so many drink options, but the fun doesn’t end there. This Vietnamese-inspired cafe offers snacks as well. Kochi Boba has expressed much excitement and gratitude for being a Gold Card Plus partner and it’s about time we returned their enthusiasm.
Mediterranean Cafe, 118 E Kiowa St.
Serving Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Greek food with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, Mediterranean Cafe is known for sizable portions at a reasonable cost. If you weren’t yet aware, the Mediterranean diet was recently regarded as one of the healthiest ways you can eat.
Monse’s Pupuseria, Old Colorado City: 115 S. 25th St. | Downtown: 20 E. Colorado Ave.
Monse’s Pupuseria serves Salvadorian food and covers a wide range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Even more exciting, they have two locations. Rumor has it you guys have been giving them good business, so make sure to drop by and enjoy a pupusa.
Odyssey Gastropub, 311 N. Tejon St.
Already recognized as a fan favorite, Odyssey Gastropub is the perfect place to get your fix of wings, delicious handhelds or green chili mac and cheese. Odyssey is less than a mile from CC’s campus, so it would be wild not to give this place a try before you graduate.
Gaia Masala & Burger, 12 S. Tejon St.
Gaia Masala & Burger is a fusion restaurant that blends Indian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours with traditional American fast food. The variety and flavor in their offerings are a treat like no other, a gem within the Colorado Springs area.
Nacho Matrix, 2727 N. Cascade Ave. #111
Nacho Matrix puts their own spin on nachos with a variety of unique nacho bowls. If you’re not feeling nachos, you can always go with some classic street eats. Nacho Matrix is a longtime Gold Card Plus Partner that is always deserving of some love.
The Best Coffee and Lounge, 401 N. Tejon St.
The aptly named Best Coffee and Lounge is a great place to get some studying done. The venue is bright, clean and welcoming, serving everything from a chocolate banana latte to avocado toast.
WHealthy Unlimited, 21 E. Bijou St.
This twofold establishment seems to just be a stimulating juice bar, but once the sliding wooden doors open, a whole gym is housed in the back. Whether it be to study, work out or fuel up, WHealthy Unlimited is the place for you. Bonus points for a witty name.
Safeway, 2210 N. Wahsatch Ave.
Last but not least, the Safeway on N. Wahsatch is a GCP partner. If you’re feeling like cheffing up by yourself, that is.
A reminder: all Gold Card Plus partnerships are a product of student requests. This list is made by you, for you. CC is located just blocks from downtown Colorado Springs, but our interactions with the local community are few and far between. What better way to get connected than through a good meal?
It is a privilege to have so many local and family-owned restaurants partnered with us through our own specialized program, one you will not take lightly when forcefully removed from the regular meal plan. Make the most of your underclassmen experience and let these restaurants serve as venues to make new friends, deepen bonds and expand your eating horizons.