Fort Collins has undergone an epicurean renaissance in recent years, serving as the beer hub of craft beer and a pioneer in different cuisines.
The city has a reputation of hyped college town vibes and beer lover’s paradise. The culture has been present for decades and nearly every block has something unique to offer. The once warehouses and food silos have been converted to breweries and eating joints.
FoCo has become a beacon in the culinary world escalating the love of food amongst its citizens and outsiders as well.
This makes perfect sense because the town was formerly agriculture-based for over a century. Decades later, the town has metamorphosed into innovative restaurants and more. The town is bursting with creativity each day with the cuisines offered. Given the ever-evolving array of options, let us guide you to the best joints in Fort Collins.
Old Town Fort Collins Restaurants
A great landmark for the craft brewery scene and college bars, The Old Town of Fort Collins CO has now become the envy of many in the name it has made for itself in the culinary world. The beautiful town is food heaven to visiting tourists as well as locals.
The city is surrounded by lush farms and top restaurants. Fort Collins has easily become the most popular food destinations in the country. The town has so much to give, explorers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to nice restaurants. Take a stroll down Old Town Fort Collins Road and College Avenue for the best seats in town.
All types of cuisines are available from Mexican restaurants, American restaurants, Chinese restaurants, Indian restaurants, Japanese restaurants, Thai restaurants, Greek restaurants.
In Fort Collins, you can also find fancy restaurants such as the Michelin star restaurants, romantic restaurants, and other nice and cool restaurants. The restaurants are also kid-friendly and some are dog -friendly.
Whether you're craving Middle Eastern cuisines, Japanese, Vegan, Mexican, American, French, Soul food, Western Cuisine, Thai foods, Fast foods, best steaks and BBQs, best sushi, Michelin star restaurants, new restaurants name it; you will find it here.
Restaurants on Harmony Road: Take Your Pick
The restaurants along Harmony road will leave your nose filled with aroma and your stomach jumping in excitement.
Inside, you’ll often see large and small gatherings of friends, family, and new acquaintances clinking their wine goblets on the beautiful patios. A city nourishing love!
The restaurants on Harmony Road are all well thought of in terms of design, meals prepared, and drinks served.
Everything works in harmony to bring out the beauty of the interior and exterior designs. As you approach the restaurants, you will notice the neatly-positioned tables along with neatly mowed lawns and breezy patios. Their servers are always well dressed and polite to their guests, as they usher you into their new space you will be asked where you would like to sit and they will serve you your favorite meal.
Spicy Mexican Restaurants for Adventurous Tastebuds
Mexican cuisine is also represented here in Fort Collins, CO. From tenderly spiced meats, tomato-based salsas, flaming hot salsas to the almighty tortilla, Fort Collins Mexican restaurants will not disappoint you.
Start your order with a spicy margarita on the rocks. what a great feeling! No matter your preference, whether it’s on the rocks, mango flavor, strawberry, or lemon flavor you’ll always get it when and how you want it.
You’re missing out if you’ve never had a burrito or taco. Burrito and taco joints in Fort Collins are always packed with customers. The selection of guac, sauces, and salsas range from mild to ear-splitting spicy and are always available and fresh by the hour. Inca Mexican Restaurant has some of the highest reviews in the city.
Italian Restaurants: Options for Healthy Eaters
Just as the name suggests Italian restaurants offer classic Neapolitan dishes in a contemporary twist in the Old Fort Collins Town.
Italians have a way of transporting you to the Mediterranean coast without ever leaving Colorado. They are very loyal to their Italian roots and health-conscious as well. This is why you’ll always be invited with freshly made pasta, fresh semolina as well as salads and pizzas. In most of the Italian restaurants in the city, the interior decor is a marvel of the eye as it has a fresh Italian look. No passer-by will ignore an Italian restaurant.
Their meals are always accompanied by fine wine that leaves you utterly satisfied. You know Italian culture loves a happy hour; throughout, your stay, you’ll be sorted with fine cocktails as you have a good time with friends or family.
The patios of almost all Italian Restaurants will catch every passerby for sure. Some of the Italian restaurants in Fort Collins began operations as early as 1930 and they have since then passed down recipes from each generation to provide that perfect and consistent meal. They do introduce modern dishes, but tradition is big here.
Restaurants like Cafe Vino and Cacciatore at Heller's Kitchen Fort Collins themselves in offering Italian dining and meals for true Italian lovers. Their menu offer traditional but unique Italian meals.
Great Vegan Restaurants for Plant-based Cuisine
Vegans seeking to have some fun in Fort Collins are also catered for. In the heart of the city, you’ll be welcomed by a wide array of vegan or mostly vegan restaurants to choose from such as Rainbow Restaurant Breakfast/Lunch Fort Collins and Tasty Harmony.
You can order some nachos topped with guacamole, Mexican style jackfruit, cashew cheese, and black beans. The vegan restaurants are places worth visiting as you explore the streets of Fort Collins.
Thai Restaurants
Thai restaurants in Fort Collins, Colorado are unique and provide state of the art services to customers in a traditional but modernized way.
When you visit the restaurants you and your guests will be served traditional food including exotic regional delicacies. You’ll enjoy your dining experience within quiet environments ample for family and friends get-togethers.
Whether you want Duck Needle Soup, Raad Nha, or Roasted Duck in Red Curry, the elegant Thai restaurants will give you a Thai experience away from home.
Indian Restaurants for the Curry-obsessed
The Indian restaurants in Fort Collins aren’t just about serving food but conserving the traditional cooking practices behind the delicacies enjoyed today. The restaurants will tantalize you with an array of pan-Indian delicacies in a modern setting that takes you back in time but still connects you with the modern reality.
Chinese Restaurants with Delicious Asian Influence
Chinese restaurants are also plenty in the Fort Collins area. Surely, your guests and family will not be disappointed. The restaurants offer a variety of awesome bites such as cream cheese tempura shrimp and cucumber salads.
Chinese restaurants are also finely decorated. The Asian decor keeps changing with time to match up with the latest vibe.
When you enter Fort Collins Chinese restaurants you immediately travel to Beijing. The staff are friendly to all and usually serve you with complimentary tea to introduce you to their culture. Their main selections of meals include Sichuan Pork, Shrimp with Vermicelli and Garlic, and Chow Mein.
Do not forget the Kung Pao Chicken or the famous Yangchow Fried Rice. Whatever your choice is, all you need to do is sit, order, and enjoy.
Seafood Restaurants: Fresh Ocean Eats
Whether you’re in Old Town, City Park, Rams Village, or Harmony crossing, plenty of options exist if you’re a seafood lover. The seafood restaurants in Fort Collins will serve you gourmet seafood dishes and nice cocktails.
They provide a pretty relaxed atmosphere for their customers and happy hour menus that will keep you hooked to the vibe. Head on to Smokin Fins to enjoy fresh seafood and a variety of other dishes in a funky atmosphere. If you’re holding a party or have a guest-out event, restaurants here will serve you right.
Japanese Restaurants
Fort Collins is a Japanese food lovers wonderland. For years the Japanese restaurants have been offering delicacies such as robatayaki, tempura, soba, and the famous sashimi and sushi. You don’t have to worry about entering a mediocre restaurant for your meal.
While rare in Fort Collins, you can expect elegance and value for your money when you visit a Japanese restaurant in Fort Collins. Be sure to check out Suehiro Japanese Restaurant or Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Restaurant.
Delicious BBQ, Burgers and More: American Restaurants
If you want to taste authentic American Grill, American restaurants in Fort Collins will offer you just that. BBQ restaurants are also in plenty and highly rated. Their menus are very versatile and offer all the favorite American meals. A great option is Mo Jeaux's Bar and Grill.
From burgers, grilled steaks, smoked rib-eyes, double-fried fries, hot sauces, ranch, rotisseries, chicken, and waffles, the American restaurants in Fort Collins will leave your mouth watering. Visit any joint on Sunday afternoon with your daily and you’ll be served portions that will fill you up and have some to take home.
Steak Restaurants
Steak restaurants in Fort Collins, such as The Still Whiskey Steaks, will serve you an outstanding steak dish. Some of the dishes you can order include New Your strips, beef tartar, pork shops, bacon-wrapped shrimp, smoked duck breast among others. If you’re a steak lover, you know how good a meal of stake feels on a sunny afternoon.
Vegetarian Restaurants: Non-meat Eaters
Despite the wide range of vegan restaurants in Fort Collins, you don't have to dine out in an all-vegan joint as most restaurants provide a menu for vegans and you can surely enjoy your healthy bowl of chicken salad while your guests enjoy their favorite steak or BBQ.
Some restaurants offer truffle parmesan, Brussel sprouts, chili mac and cheese, brown buttered salmon, and chicken roast in buttermilk well brined.
They rear their chicken in the backyard, thus guaranteeing GMO-free food. With some of the best chefs, the vegetarian restaurants in Fort Collins have all the yummy flavors you can think of. Go for the classics and once in a while ask for the chef's special.
Greek Restaurants
You’d think that finding a Greek restaurant in Fort Collins would be a futile task. Well, the truth is, Fort Collins is home to some of the best Greek restaurants serving a variety of options to choose from.
Their foods are locally sourced and freshly prepared so that each bite you take offers you the value of your money. Visit Café Athens to enjoy the Greek experience.
Sushi Restaurants: Raw or Cooked
Sushi restaurants in Fort Collins, like JAWS Sushi, are something to admire. They have excellent bar service with some even allowing you to chat with the friendly chefs as you watch them perform their amazing art of cooking.
For sushi lovers, a nice treat once in a while isn’t a bad idea. When Fort Collins, seduce your taste buds with the freshest and expert made sushi.
French Restaurants
A plain croissant or a baguette with butter and jam and tea is something every french food lover would like for breakfast when visiting a new place. Fort Collins provides you with a French experience through its many restaurants serving French cuisine.
Whether you want a Cheese omelet with a side of potatoes or mozzarella, or you want to build your own menu, French restaurants in Fort Collins have got you covered. Head on to La Crêperie & French Bakery of Fort Collins and enjoy the best breakfast in town.
BBQ restaurants: Famous Backyard Eats
A good barbecue away from home always comes in handy especially if you’re missing the barbecue dinner you had a weekend or two ago in your backyard. When in Fort Collins, whether visiting or a resident, the barbecue restaurants will not leave you disappointed.
Restaurants such as Jojo's Colorado BBQ and Sandwiches specialize in things like tasty ribs, BBQ beef briskets, smoked chicken, and of course the Southern-style pulled pork sandwiches. Don’t miss out on a treat to one of Fort Collin’s barbecue restaurant and enjoy the wide variety of barbecue dishes at your disposal.
Soul Food Restaurants
Despite the struggling nature of black-owned restaurants, soul food restaurants in Fort Collins only reflect success.
The restaurants are always full of delicious southern favorites such as fried pork chops, spicy soups and even oxtails for the adventurous eaters. To have a full experience, order a side of collard greens or a plate of sweet potato casserole to supplement your main dish.
Visit restaurants such as Lucile's and The Lost Cajun, among others, to enjoy a plate of soul food and a complete classic southern experience.
New Restaurants
New restaurants crop up in Fort Collins each day with the latest addition to the pool being the Dutch Bros Coffee, Modern Market Eatery, and Rove.
The new restaurants have also come with a new style. With the introduction of new restaurants each day, it’s evident that the Fort Collins restaurant industry is growing.
Michelin Star Restaurants
Michelin star restaurants are indeed the hallmark of excellent dining. These restaurants serve fancy and most palatable dishes.
Sometimes, the restaurants may be deemed expensive. But wouldn't you want to dine in a restaurant where your food is freshly served with the best chefs in town? Well, it’s not a bad idea to spend a few bucks and treat yourself not only to good food but signature delicacies. However, there are not currently any Michelin Start restaurants in Fort Collins.
Nice Restaurants for Every Occasion
Fort Collins houses some nice restaurants that will give you the experience you deserve.
Avogadro is definitely a crowd favorite. You are served up live music band by its terrace and inside. The menu is from breakfast all the way to hangover meals. Try out their cheesy omelets that are served up with the freshest ingredients. Their buttermilk biscuit that is served up with Cajun is also a must-try. They have an in-house mixologist who serves the best Bloody Mary.
Don’t forget the best breakfast joint. Rainbow Breakfast is a nice to kick start your day at. Their breakfast spread is served early and fresh. It’s a nice restaurant because they have friendly servers and highly effective customer service. The restaurant offers a variety of breakfast options from English breakfast, traditional, afternoon teas, gluten-free dishes, and vegetarian options.
Further, 415 Restaurant is a nice place known for its American cuisine with a southern twist. The hearty meals like pot pie, mac and cheese, grits, chicken roast, and fresh bread to go with every meal. Their cocktails are also a bomb.
Romantic Restaurants: Date Night
Fort Collins can be considered a city of love considering the number of romantic eateries that it harbors. Whether you’re in town for a romantic diner or maybe it’s your honeymoon trip, the romantic restaurants in the area will offer you the experience you desire.
You can head on to Chimney Park, one of the most distinguished romantic eateries in the area. The restaurant is owned by the famous apprentice chef Thomas Keller who prepares a four-course wine dinner pairing on a nightly basis.
Kid-friendly Restaurants
Have you ever wanted to go to a restaurant to revive cherished childhood experiences- namely diners and soda fountains? Kid-friendly restaurants offer comfort food that you so much loved as a child. This can range from pot pies, cheesesteaks, milkshakes, fries, and definitely sodas. Some boozy milkshakes for the adults and some beers will also keep you entertained as you watch your kids play. Take the family out Beau Jo's Fort Collins for a kid-friendly atmosphere and thick-crust pizzas.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants: Treat Your Pets!
A good experience on a sunny day is to sit on a breezy patio and observe other people on the road. What is even better is to relax with your dog in the restaurant as you enjoy the good breeze and meal. Unfortunately, most restaurants don’t accept dogs on their premises.
However, there are some dog-friendly restaurants in Fort Collins where your dog is always welcome. For instance, 415 Restaurant is known for its American cuisine with a southern twist and your dog is always welcome to enjoy the moment with.
The hearty meals like pot pie, mac and cheese, grits, chicken roast, and fresh bread to go with every meal. Their cocktails are also a bomb.
It would surprise you to know that 415 Restaurant has a puppy of the day? They recognize puppies that visit the restaurants and even feature them in their page, with the consent of the owner of course. Is that cool or what? So dog-friendly!
Cool and Fun Restaurants
Fort Collins is great for the night revelers who enjoy a drink or two. The Mayor of Old Town is located in Old Town where you will be offered some of the best craft beer in town. Do not say we did not hook you up.
Old Town Fort Collins is home to lots of other cool and fun restaurants with a great vibe of its own. As you wander around the unique area, you can see why Old Town claims that Disney's Main Street USA was modeled after this area of Fort Collins.
What Are Must-Try Restaurants In Fort Collins?
Most restaurants in Fort Collins CO are known to offer the best dining experience and a must-try for any visitor.
They take the concept of farm to table to a whole new level. The Kitchen changes its menu often, but you will not miss out on its staples such as soups, salads, rib-eye, steak, sirloin, fresh farm produce in season from the various rocky mountains of the City.
Fort Collins is a hub of modern style bistros and Fox and Crow is one of them. It is located in a new building and in a space almost double the size of the regular bistro bar and restaurant. The famous spot sells cheese and meats like crazy, can you imagine they have a monthly cheese club. It will surely cost you a buck to join the cool club of cheese lovers.
Some of the best Australian meals are served in Fort Collins. After a night of partying, you need to get a good breakfast in order to kick start your day. A great runny egg on your burger anyone? Waltzing Kangaroo serves up some of the best meat pies you will ever have, perfectly spiced and portioned to cure any hangover. Try Guinness steak and mushroom pie; and for sure, you'll look forward to your second visit to Fort Collins.
How Many Restaurants Are In Fort Collins?
The Fort Collins restaurant scene has been growing over the past three years. Today, Fort Collins is home to 620 restaurants.
Searching for the best of Fort Collins restaurants ends up being an enjoyable activity when visiting the city. Some new restaurants have added a wide range of American eateries with a variety of all-day booze restaurants, indoor and outdoor food courts, as well as delivery services. Every corner you make in Fort Collins, there will always be a place to dine. From high-end dining, family-friendly dining to outdoor and corridor dining, Fort Collins is indeed a place worth visiting.
Fun fact: did you know that Fort Collins produces almost ten percent of the United States Craft Beer? Visit Anheuser Busch to learn how Budweiser is made from Fort Collins.
The culinary scene has really changed over the years, and Fort Collins has really caught up to this vibe. Its rich Agricultural history has played a big role in this. Fort Collins attracts guests as far as different continents who come to explore and dine.
No one wants a boring meal...Sometimes a familiar comforting food is all you need to satisfy your cravings and put a smile back on your face. Come down to Fort Collins for your next vacation and enjoy what the city has to offer. Evidently, you'll be filled with happiness and satisfaction when driving back home from a visit to Fort Collins CO.