Address: 259 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 449‑4797
Yelp Rating: Not independently listed (mentions appear within Armstrong Hotel reviews)
Boutique Brunch, Armstrong Hotel Style
In the heart of Old Town Fort Collins, tucked inside the historic Armstrong Hotel, lies a quietly elegant café where locals and hotel guests alike come to unwind. Ace Café, located on the hotel’s lobby level, delivers a brunch-meets-cocktail-bar experience with unexpected style.
It’s not your typical hotel coffee counter. With weekend brunches, shaded outdoor seating, and handcrafted drinks, this is one of Fort Collins’ best-kept brunch secrets—particularly for those looking for a space that feels refined without being pretentious.
Blending polished design with an approachable café menu, Ace Café has found its niche among Fort Collins’ daytime dining options—especially for those who appreciate good lighting, quality cocktails, and a tree-shaded patio to match.
Setting the Scene: Stylish but Unfussy
Ace Café operates as the upstairs counterpart to the more nightlife-oriented Ace Gillett’s downstairs. During the day, the space transitions into a bright, laid-back setting with bistro tables, comfortable seating nooks, and seasonal patio access beneath leafy trees.
The ambiance has been described as “casual-meets-elegant”—ideal for a relaxed brunch, midday cocktail, or a quiet afternoon meet-up. It’s cozy without feeling cramped, and chic without crossing into over-designed territory. Reviews praise the “wonderful” patio, updated with stylish new furniture that makes outdoor seating as desirable as the sunlit interior.
What to Order at Ace Café
The menu at Ace Café focuses on comfort with a twist—elevated staples served with charm. While the offerings are tight, they’ve gained a loyal following among hotel guests and Fort Collins locals alike.
Based on our research, locals love the following:
Dynamite Tots A signature snack of the café—crispy, golden, and ideal for sharing with a cocktail or beer.
The Armstrong Burger A classic house burger served with your choice of tots or a light salad and pickle.
Mentioned frequently in brunch promos and happy hour specials. FoCo Omelet A brunch-time favorite named after its hometown roots, filled with fresh ingredients and often paired with coffee or a mimosa.
The Wafnut! Yes, it’s a waffle-donut hybrid. This playful, sweet creation is a crowd favorite and gives the brunch menu a distinctive signature item.
Pairings: Guests often pair their dishes with a handmade Bloody Mary or go for the bottomless mimosa deal available during brunch hours.
Menu & Beverage Program
Ace Café operates with distinct daytime rhythms. It serves brunch Friday through Sunday (9 AM–2 PM), and on Fridays and Saturdays continues into shared plates and cocktails in the evening until 9 PM. The menu is limited but curated, offering everything from light bites to heartier plates that pair well with their drink list.
Brunch Dishes: ~$10–15 Shared Plates & Burgers: ~$12–18 Cocktails: Signature drinks like the Ruby So New add seasonal creativity Wines, bubbly, local craft beer also available
There’s no formal kids’ menu, but family-friendly options like grilled cheese and soup are easy go-tos for younger diners. Dietary accommodations (like vegan or gluten-free) aren’t specifically called out on menus, so those with restrictions may want to inquire in advance.
Operating Hours & Dining Format
Friday & Saturday Brunch: 9 AM–2 PM Afternoon
Happy Hour: 2–5 PM
Shared Plates: 5–9 PM
Sunday Brunch only: 9 AM–2 PM
Ace Café follows a first-come, first-served seating format. Indoor seats are available in the Armstrong lobby itself, and the patio adds shaded, breezy space during warmer months. Wait times are generally short, thanks to the café’s relaxed pace and steady but not overwhelming popularity.
Service & Experience
Unlike high-traffic brunch spots that get loud and crowded, Ace Café keeps things low-key. Reviews and customer anecdotes describe the service as friendly and warm, with just enough formality to match the setting. There’s no rush—this is a place to linger over a second coffee or ease into the afternoon with a mimosa.
Customer Impressions
Though it doesn’t have its own Yelp listing, mentions of Ace Café show up regularly in Armstrong Hotel reviews and on TripAdvisor. Guest feedback consistently emphasizes:
“Great spot to relax with a drink on the patio.” “Charming little café in the hotel lobby.” “Wafnut and tots were unexpectedly amazing.” “Cozy, elegant without being fussy.”
There are few, if any, criticisms recorded for the café itself. The only mixed feedback comes in broader hotel reviews where the café is mentioned as a surprising find—often a pleasant one.
Events, Community, and Local Presence
Ace Café complements the Armstrong’s longstanding connection to Fort Collins. It leans into the downtown vibe by offering seasonal patio dining, occasional burger + beer promos, and consistent brunch service that aligns with community rhythms.
While it doesn’t host its own events, its association with Ace Gillett’s means it benefits from the hotel’s larger programming—especially in summer and holiday seasons.
Who It’s For
Ace Café appeals to:
Armstrong Hotel guests Downtown professionals meeting for coffee or lunch Locals seeking low-key brunch with good cocktails Couples or small groups looking for a quiet, stylish weekend meal Café-first diners who care as much about ambiance as food
With accessible lobby entry and likely pet-friendly patio seating, it offers flexibility without sacrificing design or quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ace Café open to the public or just hotel guests?
It’s open to the public—anyone can walk in through the Armstrong lobby and grab a table or patio seat.
Do I need a reservation?
No. Seating is first-come, first-served. It’s typically not crowded, especially before 11 AM.
Can I bring my dog?
While not explicitly stated, the tree-shaded patio suggests it’s likely pet-friendly, similar to other Fort Collins outdoor cafes.
Is there a full menu?
Menus are focused on brunch and shared plates, with updated PDFs available via the hotel website under “Ace Café Menu.”
Is it good for groups?
Yes—for small groups. Tables accommodate pairs and foursomes easily, but the space isn’t designed for large parties.
Conclusion: Fort Collins’ Polished Brunch Nook
If you’re strolling through Old Town Fort Collins and want a calm, refined place to sip a mimosa or dig into elevated comfort food, Ace Café delivers. It may not be the loudest or most bustling brunch spot in town, but that’s precisely the appeal. With its boutique café vibe, quality cocktails, and proximity to the Armstrong’s hospitality, it’s quietly carving out a niche as one of Fort Collins’ most charming daytime cafés.
Perfect for locals and visitors alike, this is the kind of place you almost don’t want to tell everyone about—but probably will.
About the Author
Written by David Lanketh, an editor at Colorado Food Reviews who curates culinary guides based on verified public consensus across thousands of online reviews.
About Colorado Food Reviews
Colorado Food Reviews is a regional editorial guide spotlighting the most noteworthy food experiences across the Front Range. We aggregate insights from thousands of diners and publish researched, trust-based restaurant reviews.
Submit a Spot
Know a place we should review next? Submit a Spot to help us uncover Colorado’s hidden dining gems.
