Looking for the best restaurants in downtown Fort Collins? This guide highlights where to eat in Fort Collins with a focus on local favorites, hidden gems, and the most talked-about places to eat in Fort Collins today. Whether you’re downtown for a date night or just exploring, this list covers it all.
Heres our Guide to Best Restaurants Downtown Fort Collins
When it comes to food, downtown Fort Collins punches well above its weight. Old Town’s brick-lined streets are packed with local breweries, historic cafés, and modern kitchens that showcase the city’s creative energy. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just passing through, the heart of Fort Collins is where you’ll find everything from indulgent brunch plates to chef-driven seafood, artisan tacos, and late-night ice cream.
This Fort Collins dining guide brings together the best restaurants downtown Fort Collins, with verified details on menus, hours, and customer-recommended dishes. If you’re searching for places to eat in Fort Collins this year, these 30 hand-picked destinations prove why downtown is one of Colorado’s most exciting dining hubs.
Table of Contents
🍺 Classic Old Town Icons
CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing (Pubside)
Address: #5 Old Town Square, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 498-0483
Hours: Sun–Thu 11 am–9 pm; Fri–Sat 11 am–10 pm
Website: coopersmithspub.com
Menu: Pubside Menu
Yelp Profile: CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing
One of the most recognizable landmarks in Old Town Square, CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing has been serving locals since 1989. The pub side is famous for its hearty comfort food and approachable craft beer list brewed on site. Customers regularly praise the fish and chips, pub burger, and hot soft pretzel served with beer cheese, alongside more European-inspired dishes like schnitzel and bangers & mash. With a sprawling patio and family-friendly vibe, it’s the kind of Old Town institution that defines downtown Fort Collins food.
Ginger and Baker — The Café
Address: 359 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 223-7437
Hours: Tue–Sun 7 am–9 pm; Closed Mon
Website: gingerandbaker.com
Menu: Café Menu
Yelp Profile: Ginger and Baker
Inside a restored 100-year-old mill, Ginger and Baker’s café offers a welcoming mix of comfort food and scratch-baked pies. Diners highlight the chicken pot pie, biscuits and gravy, and hearty pot roast as favorites, while avocado toast and seasonal pies — like banana cream or key lime — add lighter balance. Bright and polished with a neighborhood feel, the café captures the heart of Old Town charm while doubling as a bakery and coffee shop.
The Cache at Ginger and Baker
Address: 359 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 223-7437
Hours: Tue–Sat 4 pm–9 pm; Closed Sun–Mon
Website: gingerandbaker.com
Menu: Ginger & Baker Menus
Upstairs from the café, The Cache transforms the historic space into one of the most polished dining rooms in Fort Collins. This Colorado steakhouse is known for its dry-aged ribeye, crab cakes, and pork chops, while seasonal vegetables and rotating desserts like cheesecake round out the menu. With a curated whiskey and wine list and a refined but approachable atmosphere, The Cache is a destination for special occasions or intimate date nights.
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar — Fort Collins
Address: 123 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 682-2275
Hours: Sun–Thu 3:30–9 pm; Fri–Sat 3:30–10 pm; Happy Hour daily 3:30–5:30 & all-night Tue
Website: jaxfishhouse.com
Menu: Fort Collins Menu
Yelp Profile: Jax Fish House Fort Collins
A seafood standout in the Rockies, Jax Fish House delivers East Coast freshness with Colorado creativity. The raw bar, stocked daily with oysters on the half shell, sets the tone for a menu full of customer favorites: shrimp and grits, crab cakes, cioppino, and tuna poke. Happy hour oyster and cocktail specials are among the most buzzed-about in town, making Jax a lively anchor in the Fort Collins restaurants 2025 landscape.
🍴 American Comforts & Southwestern Flavor
Austin’s American Grill — Old Town
Address: 100 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 224-9691
Hours: Vary by day; check current menu/ordering page
Website: austinsamericangrill.com
Menu: Full Menu
Yelp Profile: Austin’s American Grill
Austin’s American Grill has long been one of the most approachable restaurants in Old Town. Known for its broad American menu, it balances comfort and polish in a way that appeals to locals and visitors alike. Guests consistently highlight the signature rotisserie chicken, the juicy bison burger, and the iron skillet cornbread. Small plates like coconut shrimp or hot artichoke dip remain reliable crowd-pleasers, while salads and sandwiches make it a flexible stop for lunch or dinner.
Blue Agave Grill (Old Town)
Address: 201 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 631-8076
Hours: Open daily for lunch and dinner
Website: blueagavegrillcolorado.com
Menu: Old Town Menu
Yelp Profile: Blue Agave Grill
This Southwestern-inspired restaurant is a popular choice for those craving bold flavors with plenty of gluten-free options. Blue Agave Grill’s scratch kitchen delivers staples like enchiladas suizas, fajitas, and street tacos, with customers often raving about the queso served tableside. A solid margarita program adds to the draw, making this one of the most consistent places to eat in Fort Collins for modern Mexican cuisine.
Silver Grill Café
Address: 218 Walnut St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 484-4656
Hours: Daily 7 am–2 pm
Website: silvergrill.com
Menu: Breakfast & Lunch
Yelp Profile: Silver Grill Café
A cornerstone of the Old Town breakfast scene, Silver Grill Café is best known for its enormous cinnamon rolls. Diners also call out the cinnamon roll French toast, huevos rancheros, and hearty country fried steak with eggs. The café’s old-school diner feel, paired with its reputation for generous portions, keeps locals lining up nearly every morning. Few restaurants embody the legacy of downtown Fort Collins food quite like Silver Grill.
The Emporium: An American Brasserie (Elizabeth Hotel)
Address: 378 Walnut St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 493-0024
Hours: Breakfast 7 am–3 pm; All-day menu from 11 am; Brunch Sat–Sun 9 am–3 pm
Website: emporiumftcollins.com
Menu: Menus
Yelp Profile: The Emporium
Set inside The Elizabeth Hotel, The Emporium combines brasserie-style dining with seasonal, Colorado-forward ingredients. Guests often recommend the mussels, steak frites, and charcuterie boards, while desserts like limoncello e cioccolato add a refined finish. With a wine-driven menu and stylish design, it’s one of the most polished entries in the Fort Collins restaurants 2025 lineup.
RARE Italian
Address: 101 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 294-4544
Hours: Dinner daily 4–9:15 pm; Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4–6 pm
Website: rareitalian.com
Menu: Dinner Menu
Yelp Profile: RARE Italian
As both a steakhouse and an Italian kitchen, RARE Italian strikes a unique balance. The dry-aged ribeye is one of its signatures, alongside handmade pastas such as tagliatelle Bolognese and a rich burrata starter. Pizzas and seasonal crudos round out the menu, while tiramisu is the dessert most frequently praised by diners. With its upscale-rustic atmosphere, RARE is a consistent go-to for both celebrations and weeknight indulgence.
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant — Old Town
Address: 143 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: Not published
Hours: Vary by season; check current site listing
Website: riograndemexican.com
Menu: Fort Collins Menu
Yelp Profile: Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
“Rio,” as locals call it, has been a fixture of the Old Town dining scene for decades. Its rooftop patio, lively multi-level space, and famously strong margaritas are what draw crowds, but customers also point to smothered burritos, chicken quesadillas, and the signature chips and salsa as reasons to return. For visitors wondering where to eat downtown Fort Collins, Rio Grande remains a classic.
🍸 Cocktails, Charcuterie & Casual Favorites
Social (Cocktail Bar with Kitchen)
Address: 1 Old Town Square, Ste 7, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: Not available
Hours: Evening service; check Yelp for current hours
Website: Not available
Yelp Profile: Social
Hidden beneath Old Town Square, Social is Fort Collins’ speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge. With dim lighting, plush seating, and a curated drink menu, it’s one of downtown’s most popular date-night spots. Guests recommend pairing craft cocktails with small plates like charcuterie boards, truffle fries, and deviled eggs when available. It’s a subterranean gem that proves downtown Fort Collins food isn’t just about what’s on the plate, but also the atmosphere.
Choice City Butcher & Deli
Address: 104 W Olive St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 490-2489
Hours: Lunch 11 am–3:30 pm; Dinner 4–9 pm (check days)
Website: choicecityfc.com
Menu: Choice City Menu
Yelp Profile: Choice City
Part deli, part bistro, and part butcher shop, Choice City has earned a loyal following for its eclectic mix of sandwiches, burgers, and elevated specials. Diners highlight the lamb burger, pastrami Reuben, and Cubano as standouts, with brunch dishes and craft beer selections adding extra appeal. Its unpretentious atmosphere and chef-driven comfort food make it a consistent feature of any Fort Collins dining guide.
The Welsh Rabbit Cheese Shop
Address: 200B Walnut St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 232-9521
Hours: Typically Tue–Sat afternoons/evenings; check website for current hours
Website: thewelshrabbit.com
Menu: Cheese & Charcuterie Menu
Yelp Profile: The Welsh Rabbit
Tucked into Walnut Street, The Welsh Rabbit is an intimate cheese shop that doubles as a cozy dining spot. Known for its curated cheese flights and charcuterie boards, it also serves fondue, seasonal crostini, and even chocolate pairings. Wine and beer flights round out the experience. Guests frequently praise the Old-World atmosphere, which feels worlds away from the bustle of College Avenue.
The Still Whiskey Steaks
Address: 151 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 294-4360
Website: thestillwhiskeysteaks.com
Menu: Food Menu
Yelp Profile: The Still Whiskey Steaks
Whiskey and steak lovers alike will find plenty to appreciate at The Still. Its menu emphasizes hearty plates like brick chicken, pork schnitzel, blackened Colorado trout, and seasonal steak tartare. With warm wood interiors and a bustling two-level bar, the restaurant delivers a blend of rustic steakhouse energy and modern flair — a combination that makes it one of the best restaurants downtown Fort Collins for groups and celebrations.
UNION Bar & Soda Fountain
Address: 250 Jefferson St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 825-5558
Hours: Mon–Fri 11 am–close; Sat–Sun 10 am–close
Website: unionbarsodafountain.com
Menu: Union Menu (PDF)
Yelp Profile: Union Bar & Soda Fountain
Bright, retro-modern, and anchored by a big patio, UNION offers an all-day diner-style menu with a playful twist. Breakfast lovers often choose the green chile burrito or biscuits and gravy, while brunch bowls and the “Union Plate” deliver heartier fare. On weekends, floats and house cocktails like mimosas and Bloody Marys add to the festive vibe. UNION strikes a balance between nostalgic and contemporary, earning its place in the downtown Fort Collins food scene.
Slyce Pizza Co. (Downtown)
Address: 163 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 221-9000
Hours: Typically daily 11 am–11 pm (verify day-of)
Website: slycepizzaco.com
Menu: Pizza Menu
Yelp Profile: Slyce Pizza Co.
Slyce Pizza Co. has become a go-to for both quick slices and creative whole pies. Known for topping combinations that push boundaries, its menu includes Buffalo chicken, mac & cheese, BBQ chicken pineapple, and a spinach-and-feta option called “The Italy.” Casual and unfussy, Slyce thrives as a late-night favorite and a crowd-pleaser among students and families alike.
🥘 Brunch Classics, Burgers & Modern Gastropubs
Lucile’s Creole Café
Address: 400 S Meldrum St, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Phone: (970) 224-5464
Hours: Mon–Fri 7 am–2 pm; Sat–Sun 8 am–2 pm
Website: luciles.com
Menu: Fort Collins Menu
Yelp Profile: Lucile’s Creole Café
For a taste of New Orleans in Northern Colorado, Lucile’s Creole Café is the spot. The atmosphere is cozy and homey, complete with steaming café au lait and powdered-sugar-dusted beignets. Diners recommend shrimp and grits, eggs Pontchartrain, and gumbo when it’s on the menu. With its colorful interior and comforting Creole staples, it’s a brunch destination that captures the soul of Louisiana right in Old Town.
Big Al’s Burgers and Dogs
Address: 140 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 232-9815
Hours: Not available (check website)
Website: bigalsburgersanddogs.com
Menu: Big Al’s Menu
Yelp Profile: Big Al’s
Quick, funky, and endlessly popular, Big Al’s Burgers and Dogs is known for its creative burger lineup. The 60/40 burger — made with a patty that’s 60% beef and 40% bacon — is its most iconic item, often paired with Parmesan or truffle fries. Other favorites include the jalapeño cream cheese burger, mushroom Swiss, and hand-spun shakes. With its playful artwork and casual counter-service setup, Big Al’s is one of the best restaurants downtown Fort Collins for a fast and indulgent meal.
Penrose Taphouse & Eatery (The Exchange)
Address: 216 N College Ave, #110, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 672-8400
Hours: Mon–Thu 11 am–10 pm; Fri 11 am–11 pm; Sat 9 am–11 pm; Sun 9 am–10 pm
Website: penrosetaphouse.com
Menu: Penrose Menu
Yelp Profile: Penrose Taphouse
Located inside The Exchange, Penrose Taphouse & Eatery offers a modern gastropub experience. Its menu spans burgers, wings, hearty salads, and brunch options on weekends, while its extensive beer list makes it a popular gathering spot. Customers point to the house fries and rotating sandwiches as standouts, and the indoor-outdoor space makes it a versatile choice year-round.
Vatos Tacos + Tequila (The Exchange)
Address: 234 N College Ave, Unit A-2, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 631-8533
Hours: Not posted; check current listings
Website: vatostacosandtequila.com
Menu: Food & Drinks
Yelp Profile: Vatos Tacos + Tequila
Bright and casual, Vatos Tacos + Tequila adds Mexican street food flair to The Exchange. Guests recommend the birria “red tacos,” quesabirria, carnitas, and al pastor, often paired with house margaritas or seasonal cocktails. Street corn and sharable plates make it especially popular for groups. With patio seating and a lively vibe, it’s a go-to for those seeking fun and flavor in the downtown Fort Collins food scene.
Comet Chicken
Address: 126 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 689-3464
Hours: Sun–Thu 11 am–9 pm; Fri–Sat 11 am–10 pm
Website: cometchicken.com
Menu: Comet Chicken Menu
Yelp Profile: Comet Chicken
Specializing in tenders, sandwiches, and bowls, Comet Chicken is a counter-service spot that has quickly won fans. Diners consistently praise the hand-breaded tenders, the Comet Club sandwich, and build-your-own bowls. Sauces and sides are part of the fun, while churros provide a sweet finish. With its bright, modern interior and local beer taps, Comet Chicken delivers fast-casual dining with a local twist.
Sonny Lubick Steakhouse
Address: 115 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 484-9200
Yelp Rating: Not available (profile link below)
Hours: See site for current reservations
Website: sonnylubicksteakhouse.com
Menu: Food Menu
Yelp Profile: Sonny Lubick Steakhouse
Named for the legendary CSU football coach, Sonny Lubick Steakhouse has been a cornerstone of fine dining in Fort Collins for years. Guests praise its warm, clubby atmosphere and consistently well-prepared steaks. The filet mignon and prime rib are top picks, while steak frites and the wedge salad round out the menu. Desserts like crème brûlée often close the meal on a high note, making Sonny Lubick’s one of the most enduring Fort Collins restaurants 2025.
🍨 Local Institutions, Ice Cream & Bonus Picks
The Mayor of Old Town
Address: 632 S Mason St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 682-2410
Hours: Mon–Thu 12–10 pm; Fri–Sat 12–11 pm; Sun 12–10 pm
Website: themayorofoldtown.com
Menu: Mayor Full Menu (PDF)
Yelp Profile: The Mayor of Old Town
With 100+ rotating taps, The Mayor of Old Town is a craft-beer mecca in the heart of downtown. It’s casual and energetic, with a food menu that pairs well with the extensive beer list. Customers often go for the Mayor Burger, the fiery Steel Rail Burger with hatch chile and ghost pepper salsa, and hand-cut fries. Flights allow visitors to explore Colorado’s brewing scene without leaving the table, making it a staple in the Fort Collins dining guide.
Walrus Ice Cream
Address: 125 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 482-5919
Hours: Mon–Thu 11 am–10 pm; Fri–Sat 11 am–11 pm; Sun 12–10 pm
Website: walrusicecream.com
Menu: Flavor Board
Yelp Profile: Walrus Ice Cream
A downtown favorite since the early 1980s, Walrus Ice Cream is family-friendly, playful, and known for its house-made scoops. Flavors rotate daily, but huckleberry, Oreo, and cookie dough are consistently popular. Guests also love the ice cream cakes and shakes. With its prime location and nostalgic atmosphere, it’s the kind of spot locals proudly recommend to visitors looking for places to eat in Fort Collins with a sweet ending.
⭐ Bonus Downtown Picks
Bistro Nautile
Address: 150 W Oak St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Website: bistronautile.com
A refined French-inspired seafood restaurant, Bistro Nautile leans into classic preparations with local ingredients. Dishes like bouillabaisse, duck, and pâtés often appear on its seasonal menus, and it’s a strong choice for a celebratory evening.
Illegal Pete’s (Old Town)
Address: 320 Walnut St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Website: illegalpetes.com
Illegal Pete’s brings Mission-style burritos, bowls, and queso to Old Town, complete with a lively rooftop patio. Known for hearty portions and margaritas, it’s a go-to casual stop for students and locals alike.
Old Town Churn (Little Man Ice Cream)
Address: 234 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Website: oldtownchurn.com
Housed in a giant ice cream churn structure, Old Town Churn is part of the Little Man Ice Cream family. Flavors rotate frequently, but classics like salted Oreo and cookie dough sundaes keep crowds lining up.
Maida Trattoria
Address: 100 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Website: maidatrattoria.com
Handmade pastas and wood-fired Italian fare make Maida Trattoria a polished addition to Old Town dining. Guests highlight the pastas and rotating specials, cementing its spot among the top Fort Collins restaurants 2025.
The Crown Pub
Address: 134 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Website: crownpub.net
A downtown standby with a British pub vibe, The Crown Pub serves fish & chips, Scotch eggs, and a range of burgers. Its cozy wood-lined atmosphere makes it a reliable pick for a pint and a hearty meal.
Scrumpy’s Hard Cider Bar & Pub
Address: 215 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Website: scrumpys.net
Known for its house-made ciders, Scrumpy’s also offers burgers, sandwiches, and a gluten-free fryer. Weekend waffle specials and a relaxed vibe make it both unique and approachable within the downtown Fort Collins food scene.
❓ FAQs About Downtown Fort Collins Dining
What are the best restaurants downtown Fort Collins for a first-time visitor?
CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing, Ginger and Baker, Jax Fish House, and RARE Italian are some of the most recommended places to eat in Fort Collins for newcomers. Each gives a different flavor of the Old Town dining scene.
Where can I get the best breakfast downtown Fort Collins?
Silver Grill Café (famous for its cinnamon rolls), Lucile’s Creole Café (for beignets and Cajun-inspired breakfasts), and Union Bar & Soda Fountain (for brunch and cocktails) are must-tries.
Which Fort Collins restaurants are best for a date night?
The Cache at Ginger and Baker, RARE Italian, The Emporium, and Bistro Nautile (bonus) all offer upscale, romantic atmospheres perfect for a special evening.
What are the most family-friendly restaurants in Old Town?
Big Al’s Burgers and Dogs, Slyce Pizza Co., Comet Chicken, and Walrus Ice Cream are favorites with kids, thanks to casual menus and fun vibes.
Where should I go for drinks and food together?
The Mayor of Old Town (craft beer), Social (cocktails), and The Still Whiskey Steaks (whiskey and steak) are popular choices that combine great drinks with food worth staying for.
🏙️ Conclusion: Exploring the Best Restaurants Downtown Fort Collins
From historic cafés to modern brasseries, seafood specialists to taco joints, downtown Fort Collins offers one of Colorado’s most exciting dining districts. Whether you’re starting the morning at Silver Grill Café, enjoying fresh oysters at Jax Fish House, grabbing tacos at Vatos, or ending the evening with a scoop from Walrus Ice Cream, Old Town delivers.
This Fort Collins dining guide has highlighted 24 verified restaurants plus six bonus favorites, showing why the area remains a destination for locals, CSU students, and visitors alike. For anyone wondering where to eat downtown Fort Collins, these spots are your best bet in 2025.
✍️ About the Author
Written by a Colorado-based food and travel writer who specializes in local dining guides, highlighting the best restaurants, breweries, and cultural landmarks across the state.
📰 About This Blog
Our mission is to bring travelers and locals curated, trustworthy guides to the best food, drink, and cultural spots in Colorado. From Union Station Denver to Pearl Street Boulder, and now downtown Fort Collins, we cover where to go, what to eat, and how to experience it like a local.
📩 Submit a Spot
Do you run or love a restaurant in Old Town that we missed? Reach out to have it considered in our next Fort Collins restaurants 2025 update.
