In a shocking turn of events, a historic neighborhood in Colorado Springs has been dubbed one of the best spots for night owls in the United States.

A publication called MixBook recently published the results of a survey that involved reaching out to 3,000 “self-proclaimed night owls” spread around the country, working to track down the best spots nationwide for after-dark entertainment and activities. It’s no shocker that Downtown Las Vegas, New Orleans’ French Quarter, and Manhattan’s SoHo ended up among the top five picks on the list of 150 different places, but not far behind – ranking 7th – was a comparably quaint neighborhood in Colorado Springs – Old Colorado City.

Found on the city’s west side – between central downtown and the Pikes Peak foothills – the publication described Old Colorado City as offering a “relaxed evening vibe, where local pubs and casual dining spots serve craft beers and feature live local music” with an emphasis on “community and simplicity” and a “historic backdrop.”

Now, don’t get me wrong – I’m all for promoting local spots and as a long-time resident of Colorado Springs, I love the Old Colorado City area. I was literally down there last night watching the Avalanche get beat like a drum by the Dallas Stars. And regardless of the time of day or the season, it’s perhaps my favorite part of the city – always a bit more relaxed and accompanied by a mountain view, home to a farmers’ market on summer Saturdays and an art walk on the first Friday of every month. That said, the neighborhood definitely seems a bit out-of-place on a ‘nightlife for night owls’ list that mostly features the likes of major metropolitans known for their near-24-hour action – but the reason it’s a bit out-of-place is the same reason that Old Colorado City is so special.

When it comes to nightlife for night owls in Old Colorado City – or O.C.C., the dive bar-style spots are where the personality of the nieghborhood is revealed. After all, the ‘historic’ aspect of this part of town harkens back to a ‘Wild West’ era that is said to have involved secret tunnels, saloons, gambling halls, and brothels.

Typically, the late night ‘live music’ found in this part of town is a hodge-podge of karaoke songs ringing out at Thunder and Buttons. And the late-night eats are found at a spot called Mother Muff’s, which has a full menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options served up until closing – I go with the deep-friend Monte Cristo. The late-night entertainment of O.C.C. is powered by Nova West video game arcade (and yes, they’ve got skeeball), as well as The Fifty Niner, self-described as a “secret speakeasy with a game store flair.”

And Fifty Niner isn’t the only O.C.C. speakeasy either – there’s a wine bar tucked away somewhere upstairs, too – but I’ll make you do your own research to find that one – you’ve got all the clues you need.

Then there’s TAPAteria and Sopra offering fancier bites. And Front Range BBQ, which was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

And for those who aren’t night owls, there’s the O.C.C. brunch scene, with Mountain Shadows, Bon Ton’s Cafe, and the aforementioned Muff’s offering up all of the classics.

Is Old Colorado City one of the ‘best nightlife spots’ in the country? I’m not sure about that – at least not for those looking for clubs, food trucks, night markets, and a raging party. But it is one of the best parts of Colorado Springs – close enough to the trail for a post-hike beer at O.C.C. Brewing and close enough to downtown to provide a quick escape from the weekend hustle and bustle that ensues a mile or so east. Old Colorado City is undoubtedly a part of town where the charm of Colorado Springs shines through.

Also included on the ‘best spots for night owls’ list by MixBook was Denver’s LoDo district, ranking 39th, and Boulder’s Pearl Street, ranking 76th.

Is there another Colorado ‘nightlife’ scene that should have been featured? Let us know in the comments.

Find the full list of ‘top spots’ around the country from MixBook here.