Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Fort Collins

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Fort Collins? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar - Fort Collins

4.7

4.7 (2307)

$30 and under

Seafood

Fort Collins

About the restaurant

We don't take ourselves too seriously at Jax Fish House. Two things we do take seriously? The freshness and sustainability of our seafood. You know fresh fish when you see, smell, and taste it-and thanks to modern delivery technology, we bring in that freshy-fresh seven days a week. Sustainability is a little more complicated. Not all commercial fisheries are created equal. That's why we work closely with our suppliers and science-based organizations to ensure that every single thing we serve is responsibly sourced. We consider the stocks of the species we source to prevent overfishing and we work with suppliers who harvest in ways that have minimal impacts on marine environments.

Top review

Kyle

Dined 6 days ago

Outstanding!!! Thanks for a wonderful time and one of the best dinners out in a long time!

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Popular dish

Seafood Chowder

Old Elk Distillery

4.7

4.7 (132)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Fort Collins

About the restaurant

Fort Collins is host to the Best Whiskey in America? Our Master Distiller, Greg Metze, is named Master Distiller of 2024 by Whisky Magazine. With 40+ years of experience under his belt, he does not fail to deliver the absolute best product that not only speaks for itself but is highly decorated. In 2024 alone we have 4 top tier awards from Double Golds to Double Platinums with multiple spirits in each category. Barrel aged in the heart of Fort Collins, our tasting room showcases not only the Old Elk product but also harbors some of the best mixologists and food offerings around. In house made syrups and highest quality spices make for coveted curated cocktails and mocktails. Our tasting flights go through the Old Elk branches of whiskey, vodka, gin, bourbon cream, and flavored whiskies. We can also tailor to the most sophisticated of whiskey drinkers. Our kitchen boasts unique options to pair with our spirits. From deviled egg and pickle plate appetizers to Elk burger and steak mains.

Top review

Ceciliavip

Dined 7 days ago

Great food and affordable prices. Had the elk in a blanket and an elk burger. Drinks top notch! Whisky sour with blackberry, do it! :)

Hearth Restaurant and Pub

4.6

4.6 (649)

$30 and under

Grill

Windsor

About the restaurant

Hearth, in Downtown Windsor, is a warm and inviting gastro-pub and pizzeria to share in food, drink, and fun! Our historic building, built in 1902 now renovated, reveals its classic industrial feel, exposed brick and large windows. The Wood Stone oven is the focal point of our dining room atop the second floor that offers panoramic views of Windsor Lake and the Rocky Mountains. A 16 tap beer system featuring craft beers, a wide-ranging wine list, and a craft cocktail list are offered at Hearth. Please come join us with friends or family and experience this distinctive Hearth away from home!

Top review

ScottZvip

Dined on Aug 17, 2024

Our favorite choice in Windsor CO! We always take new visitors there with us!

Palomino Mexican Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (242)

$30 and under

Mexican

Loveland

About the restaurant

Welcome to Palomino! We invite you to indulge your senses with some of the best, fresh from scratch authentic and healthy Mexican food that northern Colorado has to offer. Whether you live in Loveland, Fort Collins, Windsor, Greeley or Evans, we offer catering service when you need us to come to you and our full menu "To Go" for your convenience.

Top review

Steve

Dined on Sep 2, 2024

Raven our waitress was exceptional.. Really good standard Mexican food and very good margaritas!!

Door 222 food & drink

4.6

4.6 (960)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Loveland

About the restaurant

Door 222 Food and Drink is right in the heart of beautiful downtown Loveland. 222 serves an eclectic, chef driven seasonal menu with craft cocktails and large wine list in a comfortable unique setting.
We are open daily at 4pm, but closed on Mondays.

Reservations recommended, walk-ins accepted when seating is available.

Reservation disclaimer: We do not guarantee specific tables. We do not seat incomplete parties. There is a 15 minute grace period, if your party does not arrive within 15 minutes of your reservation, it will be canceled.

Your table will be reserved for 1 hour 30 minutes for parties of up to 2; 1 hour 45 minutes for parties of up to 4; 2 hours for parties over 6

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 7 days ago

Great place with great food and drinks. Worth a visit.

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Smokin' Fins - Fort Collins

4.5

4.5 (354)

$30 and under

Seafood

Fort Collins

About the restaurant

With a passion for food and a focus on quality, we built Smokin Fins, where Fort Collins could count on perfectly smoked meats and fresh seafood and sushi. Our modern rustic dining room reflects the community we serve and the simple presentation of our well-executed recipes. Every dish we serve is made with the best ingredients out there, and we source locally produced goods when we can. Not to mention, our cocktails are creative, and our staff is friendly, making us the total package. Please note that we reserve a large portion of our restaurant for walk ins only, please contact us directly with any questions about availability.

Top review

Kaia

Dined 2 days ago

All the food and the environment was AMAZING, will definitely come back when I’m in town!!

P.F. Chang's - Loveland

4.4

4.4 (106)

$30 and under

Chinese

Loveland

About the restaurant

We are an Asian & Chinese restaurant offering dine-in, takeout, to-go, delivery, and catering. Make a reservation online to dine in. Order Asian and Chinese food delivery, takeout, and catering online or through the P.F. Chang's mobile app. Let us cater the perfect feast for you - corporate office catering menus are also available. P.F. Chang's offers a variety of signature Asian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese food dishes including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Pad Thai, Signature Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Chang's Spicy Chicken, and Pork and Shrimp Dumplings. Order online for sushi delivery and takeout. Many gluten-free and vegetarian menu items are available. Try our seasonal cocktails and seasonal menu items.

Top review

DontLockDoors

Dined on Jun 30, 2024

Portion sizes continue to shrink, especially the chicken pieces in dishes. Service was very good. Always enjoy the Brussel sprouts.

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Experience

Lucky 8 Happy Hour (Mon - Fri, 3 - 6pm)

The Emporium: An American Brasserie

4.4

4.4 (944)

$30 and under

Contemporary French / American

Fort Collins

About the restaurant

At The Emporium, variety, quality and a warm, welcoming staff take center stage. Located in the heart of Old Town, Fort Collins on Walnut Street, The Emporium is fast becoming the spot for casual and special occasions alike.

Top review

Patricia

Dined 5 days ago

Our server was excellent. Gave us time to decide and was knowledgeable on the dishes. The atmosphere is nice, the menu is creative and the prices are reasonable for the quality of the food.

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Popular dish

SHRIMP & GRITS

Japango Fort Collins

4.4

4.4 (107)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Fort Collins

About the restaurant

Introducing a taste of modern Japan in the heart of Old Town Fort Collins! Join us in our second location featuring an intimate sushi bar, jellyfish tank, opulent private dining room and an expansive bar replete with unique cocktails, whiskey rarities and local favorites alike. Again under the helm of Master Chef Yukiji Iwasa, enjoy all your Boulder favorites or find something new to love exclusively crafted by our Fort Collins team

Top review

Robert

Dined 3 days ago

We always enjoy our meals here. Thank you so much for moving to FC!

Austin's American Grill - Old Town

4.0

4 (214)

$30 and under

American

Fort Collins

About the restaurant

Austin's American Grill is the quintessential taste of Colorado. With three great Fort Collin's locations-one in the heart of Old Town, another on Harmony Road and one in Greeley, we'll have you wondering why mom's food never tasted so good and when you can come back for more. Savory roasts and chicken cooked over an open flame in our front-of-the-house rotisserie. All-natural buffalo seasoned to perfection. Cornbread baked in iron skillets with honey butter. Signature cocktails sweetened with fresh-squeezed fruit juice. Plus, our decadent desserts are made fresh daily, giving you an excuse to stop in for a slice that reminds you of home. There's a reason Austin's is one of Northern Colorado's favorite destinations.

Top review

Ruslan

Dined 4 days ago

Everything was great but my ribs were a little bit burned. The portions are also not the big for a price but this is not a big deal

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