Discover the evolution of Hunan Chinese Restaurant in Fort Collins. From white tablecloth classics to modern gluten-free options, here’s how it stays relevant after 25+ years.

Over Two Decades Strong: Hunan Chinese Restaurant in Fort Collins

Opened in 1997 and still quietly operating from its South Harmony Road location, Hunan Chinese Restaurant is a legacy eatery in Fort Collins’ Asian dining scene. Family-owned and operated, the restaurant is one of the few to offer both classic white tablecloth service and a wide range of comfort-driven Chinese-American dishes—alongside newly added gluten-free options and online ordering.

In a town where food trends shift fast, Hunan remains steady, beloved for its balance of familiarity and thoughtful adaptation. Whether you remember it from its early years or just discovered it online, the experience is unmistakably Hunan: reliable, warm, and deeply local.

Updated May 2025

📜 THEN: Old-School Hospitality and Familiar Favorites

A Family-Run Operation From Day One

Founded by the Liang family, Hunan Chinese Restaurant launched in 1997 at a time when Fort Collins’ Harmony corridor was still emerging as a commercial destination. Back then, Chinese dining often meant paper boxes and fluorescent lighting. Hunan set itself apart with linen tablecloths, ambient music, and attentive service—a place where you could bring clients, celebrate birthdays, or just slow down for lunch.

Dishes that helped define its early reputation included:

Mongolian Beef – tender beef, crisp scallions, rich garlic-soy glaze
Princess Chicken – sweet and spicy sauce over crispy fried chicken
Crab Rangoon – creamy, crisp, and still one of the most ordered appetizers
Spicy & Sour Soup – warming, balanced, and house-made
Sesame Chicken – the signature sweet-salty classic that earned loyal fans early on

Customer feedback from early Yelp and TripAdvisor reviews in the 2000s frequently praised the portion sizes, flavor consistency, and “upscale but not stuffy” atmosphere. Many longtime diners recall childhood dinners and family gatherings at Hunan, making it more than just a restaurant—a tradition.

🚀 NOW: Streamlined, Gluten-Friendly, and Digitally Accessible

Nancy Liang Brings Hunan Into the Modern Era

When the original owners stepped back in 2016, their daughter Nancy Liang took over operations. In her hands, Hunan retained all the qualities locals loved—but with a modern sensibility that included:

Online ordering via Heartland POS
Third-party delivery through DoorDash
More gluten-free offerings (clearly marked and customizable)
Refreshed menu items and improved kitchen prep flow
Catering for weddings, office functions, and rehearsal dinners

The online menu is expansive but clearly organized, with sections for Hunan specialties, chicken, beef, shrimp, lo mein, chow mein, fried rice, soups, and vegetarian options. It mirrors what’s available in-house, which still includes dine-in with table service—a rarity among fast-casual competitors.

Customers now find Hunan just as accessible for weeknight delivery as it is for a sit-down celebration. The core dishes have stayed intact, but the platform has evolved.

⭐ Signature Highlights in 2025

Still delivering flavor and comfort after nearly three decades, these are the dishes diners return for again and again:

General Tso’s Chicken – crispy, tangy, and perfectly sauced; a best-seller
Orange Chicken – mildly sweet, not cloying, and a hit with kids and adults
Mongolian Beef – wok-charred with scallions, soy sauce, and garlic
Spicy & Sour Soup – consistently cited in reviews as “the best in town”
Princess Chicken – signature sweet-spicy balance, gluten-free available
Crab Rangoon – generously filled and served hot
Lo Mein & Chow Mein – noodle-forward dishes with customizable proteins

Whether you’re gluten-sensitive, craving nostalgia, or trying something new, Hunan’s core flavors remain rooted in consistency.

💬 What Locals Are Saying about Hunan Chinese Restaurant

Public reviews and user commentary paint a picture of quiet reliability. Pulling from Yelp, DoorDash, Nextdoor, and TripAdvisor, recent customer sentiments include:

“Still the same sesame chicken I remember from 10 years ago. Always hot and fresh.”
— ★★★★★

“Love that they can make most things gluten-free on request. Super rare for Chinese food.”
— ★★★★☆

“Dine-in is relaxing, but I wish the takeout portions were bigger lately.”
— ★★★☆☆

“This is where we go for family birthdays. It’s calm, never rushed, and the crab rangoon is always on point.”
— ★★★★★

🧾 Quick Restaurant Snapshot

📍 Address: 731 E Harmony Rd, Suite 300, Fort Collins, CO 80525
☎️ Phone: (970) 207-9000
🕒 Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
🖥️ Website: hunantogo.com
📱 Menu: View Full Menu
💳 Ordering: Online, phone, dine-in
🥡 Known For: Gluten-free Chinese, Princess Chicken, loyal multi-generation customers
🎉 Catering: Yes – parties, weddings, corporate functions

❓ FAQ: Hunan Chinese Restaurant Fort Collins

Is Hunan Chinese Restaurant good for gluten-free diners?
Yes. Several popular entrees such as General Tso’s Chicken and Princess Chicken can be prepared gluten-free. Diners mention this as a highlight in recent reviews.

Do they offer takeout and delivery?
Absolutely. You can order directly through their online platform, or use third-party delivery services like DoorDash.

Is it kid-friendly?
Yes. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-appropriate, and items like Orange Chicken and Lo Mein are kid favorites.

Can I reserve a table?
Yes. Reservations are accepted via phone or email for dine-in groups, especially during weekends or holidays.

Do they offer catering?
Yes—Hunan provides catering for events like office parties, rehearsal dinners, and more. Contact the restaurant directly to inquire about custom orders.

🧠 Conclusion

Hunan Chinese Restaurant: A Taste of Familiarity With a Modern Touch

In Fort Collins’ ever-changing food scene, Hunan Chinese Restaurant offers something that’s becoming increasingly rare: long-term consistency paired with thoughtful, modern updates. Whether you’ve been a customer since 1997 or just stumbled across their online menu this week, Hunan delivers a balanced blend of tradition, warmth, and quality.

It’s not the loudest or trendiest restaurant in town. But it might be the most quietly dependable, with food that locals continue to recommend for everything from comfort takeout to celebratory family dinners.

For those in the Harmony Road area—or anywhere in Fort Collins—Hunan remains a go-to choice that’s stood the test of time.

👤 EEAT Add-Ons

🖋️ About the Author

David Lanketh is a Front Range-based food writer who specializes in documenting legacy restaurants, neighborhood favorites, and comfort cuisine across Colorado. He’s a regular contributor to ColoradoFoodReviews.com and a longtime observer of Fort Collins’ evolving dining scene.

🧭 About the Blog

ColoradoFoodReviews.com offers editorially vetted food reviews and restaurant features across the state. From old favorites to emerging hotspots, we highlight the kitchens that keep communities fed—without hype, filler, or fluff.

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Know a family-run Chinese restaurant or neighborhood gem in Fort Collins that deserves coverage? Send us your tip and help support Colorado’s culinary storytellers.

📚 Citations

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hunan-chinese-restaurant-fort-collins
Official Website: https://www.hunantogo.com/
Menu: https://hunan.hrpos.heartland.us/menu
DoorDash: https://www.doordash.com/en/store/hunan-chinese-cuisine-fort-collins-32924135/
TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33423-d3834350-Reviews-Hunan_Chinese_Restaurant-Fort_Collins_Colorado.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HunanFtCo/
Nextdoor: https://nextdoor.com/pages/hunan-chinese-restaurant-fort-collins-co-1/
USA Restaurants: https://usarestaurants.info/explore/united-states/colorado/larimer-county/fort-collins/hunan-chinese-restaurant-970-207-9000.htm

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Over Two Decades Strong: Hunan Chinese Restaurant in Fort Collins

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