Carefree Bar and Grill

It is the third highest rated place for fish and chips in all of Colorado Springs. After having them, I can confidently report that whatever algorithm Yelp uses, is completely wrong in this instance (in many others as well, TBH, but given how their elite Yelpers are younger influencer types who often sell their status, what do you expect).In any case, I popped in and ordered the fish and chips. Funny aside, the bartender asked if I wanted fries or onion rings and she didn't really see the irony in that question, but then again she was probably distracted by all the regulars sitting around the bar.The place is actually a pretty nice neighborhood bar, with pool table, dart boards, outside seating and a nice seating area away from the bar, so there is that. One other item of note though. They only had four taps and only one with anything remotely interesting (hazy IPA), so certainly not a place to go to get a craft or local brewery offering.But back to what brought me in -the fish and chips. They arrived quickly enough and I was presented with four factory-produced "fish sticks" that looked more like chicken tenders. I will post a pick below. The relative highlight was the breading had a nice flavor. The fish was a different matter entirely. It was extremely dense and bland and brought back memories of grade school lunch fish sticks. On the other hand, the French fries were good. I like shoestring style so I decided to order another helping. The second order were just as fine but I made another mistake. I got a side of tartar sauce with them because I like the combination with ketchup. So why was that a mistake? Because they charged $.50 for a freaking large dollop (or squeeze) of tartar sauce!Let that sink in for one moment. People complain about the out of control tipping practices these days, and rightfully so, but for a restaurant to charge anything at all for a condiment is so absurdly inappropriate. While I can forgive an item like these fish sticks on a bar menu, I can't forgive a place that gouges.

Friday night 6:30, came in for the fried chicken but they were out! Server said they usually run out on Friday and Saturday nights. ‍ Instead, I ordered a really interesting take on the classic mushroom burger. When it came, they'd deep fried portobello mushroom slices and added it to the overcooked burger. Good bun. It was a pretty decent burger, I finished it. My dad had fish tacos and said they were really tasty, looked like a homemade coleslaw topped the fried fish. The bar was busy but not full, lots of regulars, quiet relaxed crowd enjoying their end of the week at their neighborhood bar.

Looks like I hit the wrong star last time. 5 stars definitely. Great food with a friendly environment.

Food is excellent and the menu is diverse for a small, family-owned & operated small business!Service is top notch with friendly, knowledgeable and attentive staff, many of whom are owner and family members. Prices are extremely family-friendly in this crazy expensive economy. Restaurant is exceptionally clean and spacious with options of high and low top tables & chairs or comfy booths. I highly recommend the fried chicken meal or bison burger. And their French fries are crisp, hot, perfectly seasoned and plentiful. Not a greasy kinda place...just solid, good food with exceptional, friendly service.

We walked in as soon as they opened and were greeted by the very attentive bartender ! She sat us, waited on us and made our very flavorful drinks! No skimping on the alcohol either! The fried chicken was cooked perfectly and super juicy ! Very excited about trying their famous chicken and they did not disappoint! This family run business has it all great food great music and great drinks!! The fish and chips were great too! The cod was solid, meaning flaky but 4 solid pieces of fish, not like some places where you take a bite and it's all air and the fish is a tiny small piece under the fried shell. Onion rings are not greasy and the onions are very tasty and sweet! Great family owned bar and grill that is definitely worth trying ! The prices are awesome too! The Sunday Bloody Mary special is only $4.00, that is freaking amazing!

Ordered to-go. Food was eh. Ordered Not-So French Dip, Fired Up Burger, and Fried Fish Sammy. Nothing special at all about any of those food items. Just average bar food. Wanted a greasy burger, but didn't feel greasy and the meat was a little dry. Fries were good though. Bartender who rang me out was nice and she worked quickly. Environment is your typical bar environment. Smelled like beer and fries in there lol

Finding this gem of a restaurant was the best! Great selection of food and the staff was very friendly! You will be happy you stopped in. Continued to have good luck.

The food is fantastic. However, the service has been horrible. If you're not in thier click, you don't get served. The last 3 times my family has been here, we haven't got out drinks after ordering them. It's very unfortunate.

Went here for the first time today to get food to go. The food is great! We got lemon pepper wings, the ABC salad (not pictured), fried mushrooms and cheese curds. Everything was great.

Service was great! Good atmosphere! Food was delicious! They have many televisions, to watch your favorite sports!