Address: 133 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 631‑8482
Website: philippefrenchbistro.com
Reservations: philippefrenchbistro.com
Yelp Rating: 4.0 ★
TripAdvisor Rating: 17 reviews, praised for brunch and ambiance
Hours:
- Wed–Sun: Brunch/Lunch 10:30 AM–2 PM; Dinner 4:30–9 PM
- Closed: Mon–Tue
Philippe French Bistro & Bakery: A Local Guide : French Dining in Foco
Tucked into a charming stretch of Old Town, Philippe French Bistro & Bakery offers Fort Collins a refined yet approachable take on traditional French cuisine. Whether you’re savoring croissants over brunch or indulging in a prix fixe dinner paired with Burgundy, this family-run spot has cultivated a loyal following for its cozy charm and polished service.
With regional French influences and a culinary program that honors both local produce and Parisian staples, Philippe brings something truly unique to Northern Colorado’s dining landscape.
Table of Contents
Atmosphere: A Cozy Corner of France on College Avenue
Inside, Philippe’s ambiance reflects the classic bistro mood: exposed brick, soft lighting, and a small retail bakery area brimming with fresh pastries. Diners describe it as “warm and inviting,” with an intimate feel that suits couples, small groups, and brunch-goers alike.
It’s a stylish but unpretentious space—think sidewalk cafés in Lyon meets local hospitality. Street parking and Old Town walkability make it easily accessible, while the modest dining room size encourages reservations, especially for weekend meals or prix fixe specials.
What to Order at Philippe French Bistro
Philippe’s menu evolves with the seasons but consistently centers on French staples—from eggs Benedict at brunch to regional entrées and rich house-made desserts at dinner.
Based on our research, locals love the following:
- Eggs Benedict
A brunch favorite known for its balanced hollandaise and elevated execution.
TripAdvisor reviews call it “delightfully classic.” - Prix Fixe Wednesday 3-Course Menu
For $50, diners enjoy a starter, main, and dessert—rotating weekly. Menus here. - Friday Plat du Chef
A chef-selected entrée special, ideal for return guests seeking variety and creative specials. - Bakery Selections
French breads, buttery croissants, and delicate fruit tarts—available to-go or as part of your meal.
The full menu—including brunch, dinner, desserts, and wine—is accessible via the official website.
Menu & Beverage Program
The culinary approach at Philippe combines local Colorado ingredients with French preparation styles. It’s not overly experimental—rather, it’s rooted in comforting, flavorful, elegant food.
- Brunch/Lunch: Croissants, eggs Benedict, tartines, quiche
- Dinner: Rotating entrées based on seasonal ingredients
- Specials:
- Wednesday Prix Fixe
- Thursday Half-Price Wine Bottles
- Friday Chef’s Plat du Jour
Beverage Program:
- Curated French wine list
- House cocktails and digestifs
- Likely espresso drinks and French sodas available for brunch
Dietary accommodations are not explicitly listed, but staff can guide substitutions. No kids’ menu is specified, though brunch tends to be flexible for families.
Pricing:
- Prix Fixe: $50 (Wed only)
- Dinner Entrées: Estimated $20–35
- Pastries & Sides: Prices vary; available at the front counter or included with meals
Operational Details & Events
Philippe French Bistro operates Wednesday through Sunday and remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Reservations are accepted online and encouraged for evenings.
Events & Community Engagement:
- Great Plates of Downtown participant
- Private Events: Available upon request
- Locally sourced ingredients featured in seasonal menus
- Retail bakery component offers pastries and baked goods for takeout
While exact date of establishment is unlisted, Philippe has built steady visibility among downtown diners and online reviewers since its debut.
Customer Feedback Highlights
Diners across Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Downtown Fort Collins reports consistently cite Philippe’s ambiance and hospitality.
“Wonderful experience—excellent service and great wine pairing advice.”
“Charming atmosphere, attentive staff, and delicious Eggs Benedict.”
“The Friday special was inventive and beautifully presented.”
Minor feedback includes occasional limited parking near peak brunch hours and slightly higher entrée pricing—both expected in central Old Town.
Who It’s For
Philippe French Bistro draws:
- Couples seeking romantic brunch or dinner
- Foodies craving authentic French techniques
- Downtown workers in need of an elegant midday option
- Pastry lovers eager for fresh croissants and baguettes
- Wine enthusiasts looking for French pairings without pretense
Accessibility: The space is likely wheelchair-accessible with standard downtown parking and close proximity to local transit.
Competitive Positioning in Fort Collins
Philippe distinguishes itself as the city’s premier French bistro-bakery hybrid. While Fort Collins has a strong brunch scene and Italian/Mediterranean fare, few establishments emphasize classic French cooking, bakery artistry, and rotating wine-paired menus under one roof.
It fits comfortably among boutique eateries like Café Vino or Little, but leans more classic and less trendy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philippe good for brunch?
Yes, it’s one of the city’s top picks for elevated brunch with French flair.
Do they serve pastries?
Yes—croissants, baguettes, and other French baked goods are available at the front.
Do they offer wine?
Absolutely. The French wine list is a highlight, especially on half-price wine Thursdays.
Do they host private events?
Yes. The venue can be booked for small gatherings via their website.
Is there a kids’ menu?
Not listed, but the brunch and bakery selections offer flexible options for younger diners.
Conclusion: A Refined French Gem in the Heart of Old Town
Philippe French Bistro & Bakery stands out in Fort Collins for its focus on authentic French cuisine, fresh pastries, curated wine offerings, and warm hospitality. Ideal for brunch dates, weekday prix fixe dinners, or cozy evening wine pairings, it’s a thoughtful addition to the city’s diverse dining map. Whether you’re craving Eggs Benedict or a slice of Paris with your Chardonnay, Philippe delivers with quiet elegance.
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.
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We follow strict EEAT-aligned practices—no assumptions, no paid placements, and no AI-generated filler. Learn more in our Editorial Policy.
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