Fort Collins’ varied dining scene has long been impressive, but lately it’s downright extraordinary. Here we’ve whittled it down to 13 eateries that we consider “essential.” From venerable institutions to innovative, inventive newbies, here are the spots that get our taste buds all aflutter.
Avogadro’s Number
Along with fantastic live music, this offbeat eatery near Colorado State University’s campus serves up a robust menu with lots of stellar vegetarian (and meat) offerings, including sammys, salads and pizzas. Their tempeh burgers are a must-try - did you know that their organic tempeh is even made in-house?
CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing
This Old Town landmark is Fort Collins’ oldest brewpub and a pioneer in the city’s world-famous craft brew culture. Choose from more than a dozen beers on tap, all brewed in-house, before tucking into a hearty meal. From fish and chips to chicken pot pies, Parmesan artichoke dip to Highland cottage pie, the pub fare favorites are sure to satisfy.
JAWS Sushi
The sushi tastes as good as the names are clever at this intimate Fort Collins sushi haven. You can’t go wrong with the Salmon L. Jackson Roll, Electric Sasquatch Catfish Roll or the Scallopeno roll, though it’s the spicy-sweet Buddha Roll, with tempura shrimp, cream cheese, cucumber, Sriracha and eel sauce, that we may or may not daydream about on the regular.
Little on Mountain
Try some of Fort Collins' best local flavors at this fine dining establishment at its picturesque location on Mountain Ave. Their menu is a rotating seasonal one, driven by fresh ingredients. Local farmers, ranchers, fishmongers, roasters and growers truly make little what it is, and it is simply a must try when you are looking for the best food Fort Collins has to offer.
Nick’s Italian
Hunting for authentic homestyle Italian fare and New York-style pizza? Turn to Nick’s Italian. If pasta is your pleasure, the decadent bucatini carbonara, with bacon, mint and Pecorino cheese, is killer, as is the ricotta gnocchi with meat sauce. On the pizza side, the wild mushroom with herbed goat cheese, Brussels sprouts and black truffle oil is umami heaven.
RARE Italian
Craving a taste of Italy? At RARE Italian, you can come close without the hassle of a 5,600-mile journey. Tuck into oven-baked beef and pork meatballs with crispy polenta or a thick bone-in pork chop with pomegranate glaze. The house-aged steaks are divine but even the RARE burger is tops — dry-aged house-ground burger on a potato bun with homemade mayo, arugula, tomato and red onion. Just don’t forget the truffle fries. Sit at the communal table for a chance to score some new pals.
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
Simply called The Rio by many, the original Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant (there are now several other locations around Colorado!) is located in the heart of Old Town. Start with the classic Rio Marg, which quite simply makes the world a better place. No matter your preference — rocks, frozen or fruit (mango, strawberry or manberry) — it comes with a smile. As for dinner... try the fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, tostados and nachos. All your usual Mexican food favorites are here and ready to make your tummy happy, but it’s the smoked chicken flautas that really make us swoon.
Silver Grill Cafe
Looking for a little history lesson along with a homemade cinnamon roll the size of your face? As Northern Colorado’s oldest restaurant, the Silver Grill has been serving breakfast and lunch in its current location since 1933. From benedicts to breakfast burritos, Reuben sandwiches to chicken fried steak, this always-busy diner serves up the classics and more. It is simply a Fort Collins staple!
The Emporium Kitchen + Wine Market
The buzzy Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market, located inside the vibrant Elizabeth Hotel, feels a bit European though it’s Colorado through and through. Thanks to locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients, much of the menu has been getting high praise from diners. Try the housemade kielbasa, steak tartare, bison bourguignone or elk wellington, unless you’re a vegetarian. Then you’ll want to steer toward the mushroom flatbread or the decadent Hazel Dell Mushroom soup.
The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm
For elevated — and healthy! — farm fare, look no further than The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm. From truffle parm Brussels sprouts to green chile mac & cheese, brown buttered salmon to fried chicken done right (brined and buttermilk!), the chefs here pride themselves on seasonal menus and from-scratch cooking. Plus, the name doesn't lie... The Farmhouse offers an elegant, yet casual atmosphere set in an actual 19th-Century farmhouse located in the heart of Jessup Farm Artisan Village.
Union Bar & Soda Fountain
This much-anticipated River District addition is modeled after the eateries the owners experienced during their childhoods — namely diners and soda fountains. Think comfort food classics, like Monte Cristo sammys, biscuit pot pies, cheesesteaks and more. Along with boozy milkshakes and plenty of beer offerings, the under-21 crowd will dig egg creams and phosphate sodas come March, when it’s slated to open.
Waltzing Kangaroo
For tried and true Australian fare — including from-scratch meat pies, vegetable pies and dessert pies — head to the Waltzing Kangaroo. This endearing, family-run business serves up fresh-baked, hand-held delicacies. From the classic steak and gravy to the more unique Thai green curry chicken, each pie is rife with slow-cooked, tender meat served in a handmade shortcrust and puff pastry shell. Plus where else can you score the ever-popular Australian side dish, mushy peas, in town? This place is legit. Snag an egg custard tart for dessert.
The Welsh Rabbit Cheese Shop
Is there anything better than a tasty wine and cheese pairing? Stop by The Welsh Rabbit Cheese Shop, a quintessential Fort Collins establishment where you can wine, dine, and shop too! Visit this delicious cheese shop and grab your favorites or find new ones among their artisan and farmstead offerings of cheese, charcuteries, and sundry other “cheese friendly” products. Take a few out on your adventure or even have them ship home so you can enjoy your time in Fort Collins again and again.
