Places to Eat and Drink in Fort Collins, Colorado
When one thinks of Colorado, the thought evokes scenes of rugged mountains, skiers and snowboarders rushing down snow-covered trails, and untouched wilderness. But should you find yourself on Interstate 25 in between Cheyenne and Denver on your way to a ski resort or a camping trip in the high country, stop in Fort Collins for a meal or a drink, and you’ll discover that Colorado offers indoor as well as outdoor fun. Whether you’re looking for traditional, ethnic, or specialty food, the friendly college town that is Fort Collins can satisfy your craving, and with its plethora of microbreweries, you can quench your thirst with a multitude of choices.
After traveling due west on Harmony Rd., Prospect Rd., or Mulberry St., the main Fort Collins exits off the highway, you’ll reach the center of town near the campus of Colorado State University, and here is where you’ll find an array of unique, quality restaurants. If you’re looking for a great sandwich, visit the Pickle Barrel located at 122 W. Laurel St. across from the university campus. Here you can try one of their many sandwich creations, or build your own from an abundance of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments. There is a wide selection of breads and side items, including soups and desserts, and an equally great selection of local beers. Beers from New Belgium Brewing Company and Odell Brewing Company, two of the best microbreweries with wide selections, are offered at the Pickle Barrel. Be sure to try a 90 Shilling or 1554 by Odell if you like dark ales, or a Sunshine Wheat or Fat Tire from New Belgium if you prefer something a little lighter with your sandwich!
For a taste of far-away places, start with Sri Thai at 950 S. Taft Hill Rd. Here you’ll find a full menu of great Thai favorites from spring rolls to curries, and many noodle and rice dishes are available. A lovely yet casual setting, Sri Thai makes a great choice for a nice dinner. If you’re looking for Mexican fare, there are two places that are very different, but each is a Fort Collins institution. The Rio Grande at 143 W. Mountain Ave. in the picturesque Old Town area is a lively restaurant offering all types of Mexican food as well as the best margaritas in town. Available in original or strawberry flavors either mixed or frozen, the Rio margaritas will not disappoint even the pickiest drinkers, but beware, they’re so strong that there is a limit of three per customer! The food and festive atmosphere, along with the famous margaritas, make the Rio Grande a popular destination with good reason. For a much quicker Mexican meal, you must try Big City Burrito located at 510 S. College Ave. Don’t be fooled by its simple exterior: Big City makes the best burritos in the entire state of Colorado (try them and you’ll know this is not an exaggeration). A wide selection of fillings, toppings, salsas, and tortillas are available, so read the directions about how to order correctly and enjoy these legendary favorites!
If you are a vegetarian or are seeking a health food restaurant, Fort Collins can certainly satisfy your dietary needs. The best vegetarian restaurant in town is Rainbow Restaurant at 212 W. Laurel St. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available, and specials change daily. While the menu is full of vegetarian and vegan dishes, there are also options with meat so there is something for everyone. The breakfast menu has traditional favorites like eggs and pancakes, and for lunch and dinner there is everything from pastas to stir-fry dishes. Bottled microbrews are available, so if you only tried one beer at the Pickle Barrel down the street, now is your chance to experience another!
Combining all the best of what Fort Collins has to offer, CooperSmith’s Pub and Brewing is a local brewery and restaurant located at 5 Old Town Square in the heart of the pedestrian mall. A full array of choices is available; salads, sandwiches, English pub food, pastas, pizzas, and steaks are all on the menu. Equally varied is the choice of beers made right there on the premises! There is a large selection of ales ranging from light to dark, including Poudre Pale Ale, named for the nearby Poudre River, Highland Scottish Ale, which is a red ale, and Not Brown Ale, whose name belies that it is actually a brown ale. Stout, lager, and cider are also available. For a truly exceptional beer, get a Punjabi Pale Ale. Its full-bodied and distinctive flavor is like nothing else you’ve ever tried!
In short, Fort Collins has a multitude of great places to eat and drink when you’re in between ski trips or if you happen to be visiting someone at the university. While “the Fort” has many outdoor attractions and beautiful nearby wilderness areas as well, don’t overlook the one-of-a-kind establishments where you can get a good meal and a great drink!
