We sat down with Executive Chef Monica Kowalski of Lebowski's Taproom in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Next time you're on the lookout for a perfect spot to kick back and relax, enjoy some of the best burgers and wings in the area, sip on a selection of fine Colorado brews, and find yourself in the unforgettable spirit of "The Big Lebowski," you know just where to go. Simply follow that cheerful trail of laughter, make your way down to the inviting taproom, and let the good times roll in a vibrant atmosphere that promises a great experience.

Lebowski's Taproom In Colorado Springs, Colorado: Meet The Chef

Tell us what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

First things first—music on. Gotta have some classic rock or a little blues rolling to wake up the soul. Then, it’s straight to coffee, because no good kitchen day starts without caffeine. I take a minute, sip, and just enjoy the calm before the storm.

Step Two: Fire Up the Kitchen - time to get moving. Flip on the grill and fryers, make sure everything’s heating up right. Then it’s a quick inventory check—did we go through more wings than expected last night? Are the burger patties prepped? Gotta make sure we’re stocked before the first ticket rolls in. Then comes the prep work—chopping, portioning, mixing sauces, and getting every station set up so we’re not scrambling later. I might even cook up something small, just to make sure everything’s tasting how it should. (And yeah, that’s just an excuse to sneak a bite.)

Step Three: Sync Up with the Crew - Once the kitchen’s set, it’s time to check in with the bar and servers. What’s the special today? Any beer pairings we wanna push? Gotta make sure everyone’s on the same page so the whole place runs smooth.

Final Step: Game Time - Last deep breath, last sip of coffee. The line is stocked, the crew’s ready, and the doors are about to open. One last taste test of our best dish—just, you know, for quality control— and then we’re rolling.

Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?

Lebowski’s has been honored to win several awards in the 18 months that we have been open. We were a Best of Springs Winner in 2024 and looking forward to the same in 2025. Our Dave Style Chicken Wings were awarded two First Place Awards at the Best of the West Wingfest in September 2024 – Fried, tossed in our Buffalo sauce, thrown on the fajita griller to get a little char, then finished in a sweet and spicy Asian sauce. The perfect combination of heat, sweet and char! We won for Best Traditional Wing and Best Sauce! Our burgers – especially the Walter – Peanut Butter and Jalapeno Jam on our traditional Lebowski Burger – have been named to many top burger lists in Colorado Springs! Our Lebowski’s Kool-Luah Coffee Liqueur has picked up three medals since it was launched in June of 2024 – a Silver Medal at the San Diego International Spirits Festival, a Silver Medal at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards, and a Gold Medal at the San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge! Entered the product into several more competitions this year – hoping for more accolades. Monica was awarded with a 2025 Woman of Influence Award by the Colorado Springs Business Journal.

Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?

If I had to pick a favorite chef, it’d be someone like Anthony Bourdain—not just for his cooking, but for his attitude toward food, culture, and life. He had this no-BS, adventurous spirit, always searching for flavors and stories that brought people together. His approach was simple: respect the craft, respect the people, and never stop learning.

For aspiring chefs, my advice would be:

Stay curious – Never think you know it all. The best chefs are always learning, tasting, and experimenting.
Master the basics – Before you get fancy, nail the fundamentals: knife skills, seasoning, and timing. A perfect grilled cheese can be just as impressive as a high-end dish if done right.
Respect the kitchen – It’s a team sport. Treat your crew well, listen, and be willing to do the dirty work.
Find your own style – Don’t just copy trends. Cook food that means something to you. Whether it’s comfort food, fusion, or high-end plating, make it yours.
Don’t be afraid to fail – Every great dish starts with trial and error. Screw up, learn, adjust, and go again.

At the end of the day, food is about bringing people together. If you keep that in mind, you’re already on the right path.

What do you typically cook at home?

At home, I like to keep it simple but solid—good food, minimal fuss. It depends on my mood, but I tend to lean toward comfort food with a little extra flair. Breakfast – If I’ve got time, I’ll do something like crispy hash browns, eggs over easy, and some kind of smoky bacon or chorizo. If I’m in a rush? A breakfast burrito loaded with eggs, cheese, and hot sauce always hits. Lunch – I’m a sucker for a killer sandwich—maybe a smash burger with caramelized onions and a homemade sauce, or a grilled cheese with some sharp cheddar and a little hot honey for that sweet-heat kick. Dinner – This is where I mix it up. Some nights it’s homemade tacos, other nights it’s a solid pasta—maybe a creamy carbonara or a spicy arrabbiata. If I’m feeling lazy? A cast-iron steak with garlic butter and roasted potatoes is always a win. Wildcard – If I’ve got people over, I love to fire up the grill. Burgers, ribs, or even a whole chicken— it’s all fair game. And if I’m feeling real indulgent, I’ll throw together some homemade mac & cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping.

What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?

Right now, I’m really into the “elevated comfort food” trend—taking classic, nostalgic dishes and giving them a little gourmet twist. This is what we try to do at Lebowski’s Taproom every day. From Bison Burgers with spicy aioli, to Meat Loaf Sliders with Kickin’ Ketchup, to our always perfect Buffalo Chicken or Chicken Caesar Salad wraps, we are always mixing it up and creating new flavors at Lebowski’s Taproom to fit the current food trends. We don’t do a ton of it at Lebowski’s, but I also love how fermented foods are making a comeback—kimchi, miso, pickled everything. Adds so much depth to dishes. And I gotta shout out global street food flavors—stuff like Filipino sisig, Middle Eastern shawarma, or Japanese sandos making their way into everyday menus. People are getting more adventurous, and I’m all for it.

What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?

One of the strangest (but surprisingly amazing) food combos I’ve ever tried is what inspired our Walter Burger at Lebowski’s Taproom - peanut butter and jalapeno jam on a burger. At first, I was skeptical—PB on a burger?!—but something about the creaminess of the PB and sweet/spicy combination of the jalapeno jam just works. Add bacon for an even further elevated experience!

Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do have story to tell?

We have had the opportunity to cook our burgers and wings for a few local celebrities including the Mayor of Colorado Springs – all of which loved our food and atmosphere at Lebowski’s Taproom. If I ever got the chance to cook for a celebrity, I’d make sure it was something memorable—nothing too fancy, just damn good food done right. If we’re talking dream scenarios, I’d love to cook for someone like Jeff Bridges (because, come on, The Dude), Anthony Bourdain if he were still with us, or even a rock star like Dave Grohl—that guy loves BBQ, and I’d be all about firing up some slow-smoked brisket on a burger for him.

Tell our readers why they should visit Lebowski’s Taproom?

Easy—because it’s more than just a restaurant and bar, it’s a vibe! Killer Drinks – Whether you’re craving a perfectly poured craft beer, a smooth White Russian, or a creative cocktail, we’ve got something that’ll hit just right. Damn Good Food – We’re talking elevated bar eats—juicy burgers, crispy wings, and some unexpected twists on classic comfort food. If you leave hungry, that’s on you. Laid- Back Atmosphere – Inspired by The Big Lebowski, the place has a chill, come-as-you-are feel.

No pretentious vibes—just good people, good music, and a good time. Live Events – From Bingo to trivia nights (maybe even some Lebowski-themed ones) to comedy and Cooking Classes, there’s always something happening at Lebowski’s Taproom. Great People – Whether you’re rolling in with friends or just looking for a cool spot to unwind, the crew at Lebowski’s Taproom makes everyone feel welcome. Basically, if you’re into great drinks, amazing food, and a relaxed, no-BS atmosphere, this is your spot.

What cocktail or beverage do you enjoy most?

At Lebowski’s Taproom, it’s gotta be a White Russian/Caucasian man — classic, smooth, and totally on- brand utilizing our own Lebowski’s Kool-Luah Coffee liqueur. The class OG is a mix of vodka, Lebowski’s Kool-Luah Coffee Liqueur, and cream – always a hit after a long day. Plus, it’s basically dessert in a glass! We have 54 different versions (and always adding!) of a White Russian/Caucasian using every liquor combination you can imagine – tequila, bourbon, whiskey, limoncello, absinthe, crème de menthe – you name it and we have tried it!

If I’m feeling something lighter, a solid craft beer is the way to go—maybe a Colorado based hazy IPA or a smooth stout, depending on the vibe. And if I want a cocktail with a little more kick, a smoky old fashioned with mezcal instead of bourbon always does the trick.