Address: 250 Jefferson Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 825‑5558
Website: unionbarsodafountain.com
Menu: Full brunch-to-dinner menus available on site
Yelp Rating: ~3.5–4.5★ from ~380 reviews
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Fri: 11 AM–close
- Sat–Sun: 10 AM–close
Union Bar & Soda Fountain: Retro Soda Fountain Meets Foco
Fort Collins is no stranger to quirky-concept eateries, but Union Bar & Soda Fountain—affectionately known as UNION—manages to stand out. Combining a mid-century modern aesthetic with an all-day menu and full-service bar, it revives the classic American diner and soda counter through a locally rooted lens.
Whether you’re brunching with friends, sipping a phosphate soda, or posting up on the patio with your pup, Union offers a versatile, family-friendly atmosphere that feels as timeless as it is trendy.
Table of Contents
Atmosphere: Diner Vibes, Design Forward
Designed by VFLA Architects, Union’s interior marries vaulted ceilings, geometric accents, and chrome-bar nostalgia into one spacious, airy destination. It feels playful and polished at once—with indoor booths, a generous bar, and ample patio seating for Fort Collins’ sunny days.
The diner-meets-modern approach makes it a hit with multigenerational groups, locals entertaining out-of-towners, and Instagram-savvy brunch crowds.
Menu Standouts: Comfort Food, Boozy Shakes & Vegan Surprises
From nostalgic bites to updated classics, Union’s menu is intentionally eclectic. It’s built for flexibility: comfort-food staples for hearty eaters, vegan-forward options for plant-based diners, and whimsical soda-fountain fare for the nostalgic at heart.
Based on our research, locals love the following:
- Fried Chicken & Biscuit Pot Pie
Perfectly crisp and served in generous portions. Classic comfort fare. - Monte Cristo
Savory-sweet indulgence, consistently cited in brunch reviews. - Mac & Cheese
Highly polarizing—either adored or not. Best ordered with toppings. - Tofu Banh Mi, Tofu Scramble, Cauliflower Steak
Highlights for vegan diners, praised on HappyCow - Boozy Milkshakes, Egg Creams, & Phosphate Sodas
Soda fountain drinks with a cocktail twist. Try the “booze shakes” or stick to classics for a throwback feel. - Burgers, Breakfast Burrito, & Loaded Fries
Reliable, crowd-pleasing comfort choices across brunch and dinner menus.
Full details at unionbarsodafountain.com
Operational Notes & Dining Details
- Reservations: None accepted—first-come, first-served
- Pet-Friendly Patio: Yes, dogs welcome outdoors (Yelp Q&A)
- Design: Built with a nod to Fort Collins’ railroad heritage, featuring modern architecture and a sense of playful nostalgia
- Dining Flow: Service is casual but attentive; menu spans morning to late night with no formal meal “cutoffs”
Customer Sentiment
Praise Highlights:
“The drinks are fantastic… fresh herbs, fresh fruit, smoked drinks. Top-notch place.”
— Tripadvisor
“The outdoor area is so nice and the wait time is never bad.”
— Yelp
Critiques:
- Some dishes, like mac & cheese, receive mixed feedback
- Booze shakes can be seen as pricey for portion (~$9–11)
- Menu consistency varies—ambiance tends to outshine certain entrées
Review Spectrum:
Most diners praise the space, brunch cocktails, and drink creativity, while food quality can be hit or miss depending on the dish or day.
Audience & Accessibility
- Demographics: Families, millennials, vegans, cocktail drinkers, brunch enthusiasts, architecture buffs
- Inclusivity: Dog‑friendly patio, wheelchair accessible, vibrant and casual for all age groups
- Vibe: More modern than nostalgic, but intentionally both
Community Role & Cultural Fit
- Celebrated in multiple Fort Collins restaurant lists (Uncover Colorado, Downtown Fort Collins)
- Functions as both a hangout spot and casual celebration venue, especially for weekend brunches
- Vegan-friendly positioning expands its draw beyond diner nostalgia to modern dietary awareness
Competitive Positioning
Union isn’t trying to outshine Fort Collins’ fine dining scene—it’s forging a lane of its own. By combining cocktail bar edge, comfort-food accessibility, and design-forward space, it competes more with The Regional, Urban Egg, or Lucile’s than with white-tablecloth spots.
Its boozy shakes and soda bar also make it one of the more distinctive post-brunch drink stops in town.
✅ Summary
Union Bar & Soda Fountain blends mid-century style with all-day comfort food, served in one of Old Town’s most playful and polished spaces. While menu consistency can vary, its charm lies in flexibility—grab a vegan brunch, order a whiskey float, or let the kids devour burgers and shakes on the patio.
With no reservations needed and a dog-friendly vibe, it invites walk-in spontaneity, lingering conversations, and nostalgic indulgence with a modern twist.
About the Author
Written by David Lanketh, Northern Colorado restaurant writer and editor at Colorado Food Reviews.
About Colorado Food Reviews
Colorado Food Reviews publishes in-depth restaurant coverage with a focus on editorial transparency and local voices.
Our Editorial Policy
All profiles are compiled from direct research and verified sources. We do not accept payment for coverage. View our editorial policy.
Submit a Spot
Have a local eatery you think deserves the spotlight? Submit a Spot and let’s dig in.
