Best Places To Eat In Fort Collins, CO
I have lived in Fort Collins on and off for 12 years, in that time restaurants have come and gone and I have tried a lot of them. these are some of the ones worth trying.
Let me start off by acknowledging the fact that Colorado as a whole is known for many things: majestic mountain ranges, snowy ski resorts, an excessive amount of breweries, mile high altitude, etc etc but one thing we are certainly not known for is our food. In fact, I’ve heard many transplants complain about how much the food sucks in Colorado saying it’s bland, boring, and sad. So you probably won’t be stopping here for your gastroadtrip but while you’re visiting here are some great places to check out!
Although Moe’s isn’t specific to Fort Collins, they have locations all over the country, their menus do differ and this one in particular has a very locally owned feeling. The atmosphere is very dive bar and casual which I love. They have indoor seating for the colder months and picnic tables and cornhole out back for the 300 days of sunshine. Their meats are cooked really well, very tender with great flavor and classic bbq sides.
Go-To Order: Smoked Pork Belly Sandwich w/ Mac+Cheese and Baked Beans
2. Lamar’s donuts
By far the best donuts in town! They have stood the test of time with many other donut shops coming and going. Fort Collins has two Lamar’s locations, personally I prefer the smaller of the two off of Boardwalk. They have a great assortment and much less traffic than the one on Drake. I am a donut fanatic, expert level status and these are just good classic donuts.
Go-To Order: Old Fashioned Sour Cream or Ray’s Original Glazed or Maple Iced Lamar’s Bar - depending on my mood
3. The Crown Pub
In a town FULL of breweries I love getting a drink and hanging out at The Crown. It has that dark British pub vibe with great food and live jazz downstairs every Saturday night. This was always our go-to spot for food late at night or for a chill happy hour.
Go-To Order: Cherry Limeade Cocktail, Calamari served w/ a delicious Cajun remoulade, and Pommes Frites
4. Pizza casbah
My favorite pizza in town! Fresh, thin, huge, stone-baked slices right next to CSU in a small sort of hole in the wall spot. They describe themselves as an “Authentic New York City Style Pizzeria”. They also have wings, desserts, gyros, and sandwiches. Simple, easy, and SO GOOD!
Go-To Order: Lunch Box special of a giant slice with up to two toppings (just cheese for me) your choice of side (GARLIC KNOTS), and a drink all for $7.99 or an 18” Grand Central w/ Pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, black olives, onions
5. Cheba hut
BEST SANDWICHES EVER!!! Although Cheba Hut originated in Arizona it distinctly feels very Colorado. They have over 54 locations across 15 states. If you are unfamiliar it is a cannabis themed sandwich shop. Not only do they have great food (perfect for delivery if you can’t drive 😉🍃) but the restaurants are also a super chill place to hang out and have a drink at the bar.
Go-To Order: White Widow (Chicken, Bacon & Ranch) Pinner (8”) on Garlic Herb bread w/ Extra Ranch, Miss Vickie’s Salt & Vinegar Chips, and a Krispy Bar
5. lucile’s creole café
Delightful New Orleans style food served in a little yellow house in Old Town. A cozy, homey feel with southern comfort food is a match made in heaven. They serve breakfast and lunch but I always go for breakfast. A must try! If you go on the weekend, anticipate a bit of a wait.
Go-To Order: New Orleans Praline Waffle with homemade whipped cream and strawberries. To die for.
6. star of India
Everything you would expect from an Indian restaurant with ALL of the flavor. You seriously can’t go wrong with anything on the menu and I know this because they have an awesome lunch buffet that is super reasonably priced. It’s also a really great option if you’re new to Indian food and want to try a little bit of everything.
Go-To Order: The Lunch Buffet duh! with a side of garlic naan
