Fort Collins’ Old Town neighborhood is more than the city’s historic centerpiece—it’s a culinary playground where foodies can embark on a delicious adventure from sunrise to way after sundown. Whether you're craving artisanal pastries, global flavors, homey comfort food, or innovative farm-to-table fare, Old Town boasts an array of dining gems all within walkable blocks of its red-brick avenues and twinkling string lights. Here’s your enthusiastic inside scoop on where to eat and sip, from well-loved institutions to those hidden local secrets waiting to be discovered.
The Breakfast & Brunch Circuit
Few things kick off a Fort Collins day better than breakfast in Old Town. On College Avenue, you’ll find Urban Egg, a favorite for creative benedicts, locally roasted coffee, and their unbeatable "Cinna-Cakes." The vibe is sunny and modern, and the menu features locally sourced ingredients. Expect to spend about $12-18 per person.
If pastries are your morning go-to, Little Bird Bakeshop on Walnut Street is an absolute delight. Their flaky, butter-laden croissants and inventive seasonal scones are legendary. Grab a seat by the big windows and watch the Old Town bustle over a perfect latte.
Just around the corner, The Silver Grill Cafe on Walnut & Linden is a Fort Collins institution, serving their famous giant cinnamon rolls for over 80 years. This place is nostalgia on a plate—think classic American breakfasts and down-home hospitality. It’s busy on weekends, but that’s part of the charm!
Lunch Spots: From Food Trucks to Farm-Fresh Plates
Come lunch, the choices expand exponentially. For quick eats and local flavor, find your way to the food truck pod at the Oak Street Plaza or the Civic Center Park. Waffle Lab slings outrageous Belgian-style waffles with both sweet and savory toppings—try the “Big Caprese,” piled high with fresh mozz, basil, and balsamic.
On Mountain Avenue, the Choice City Butcher & Deli combines a killer sandwich menu (house-cured corned beef, roasted turkey, creative veggie options) with the city’s best selection of craft beers on tap. It’s casual, lively, and popular with locals grabbing lunch or gearing up for a beer crawl. Most sandwiches run $10-$15.
For a globally inspired lunch or dinner, stroll down Linden Street and pop into Snooze, an A.M. Eatery for playful pancakes or head a few steps north to Cafe De Bangkok for fragrant curry and pad Thai (don’t miss the mango sticky rice in summer). Both spots offer vegetarian and vegan options, and entrees generally stay under $20.
Happy Hour & Evening Vibes
Afternoons and evenings in Old Town come alive with gathering energy. Locals flock to The Welsh Rabbit Cheese Shop & Bistro on Walnut for artisan cheese boards (build your own!) and a glass from their thoughtful wine list—perfect for pre-dinner grazing.
On Linden Street, CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing anchors Old Town Square with its open-air patios and crowd-pleasing menu: house-brewed ales, hearty burgers, and their cult-favorite artichoke dip. Happy hour deals keep things affordable, especially for groups.
If you prefer sophisticated small plates, Social on College Avenue is an underground speakeasy-style bar with craft cocktails, charcuterie, and truffle popcorn. It sets the mood for a memorable night out, and their bartenders can guide you to new favorite flavors.
Dinners to Remember: From Fine Dining to Family Feasts
When dinnertime rolls around, Old Town truly struts its stuff. On Remington Street, The Regional delivers homestyle American cooking—chicken pot pies, pork chops, vegetarian plates—crafted from Colorado-grown produce. Their “Meat and Three” blue-plate special is a local rite of passage.
For a splurge or special occasion, Rare Italian on Mountain Avenue is a stunner. House-aged steaks, handmade pastas, and a robust Italian wine list make this the go-to for date nights and celebrations. Expect mains in the $25–$45 range and snag a seat overlooking Old Town’s glowing lights if you can.
Prefer something eclectic? Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar on College Avenue offers ocean-fresh seafood flown in daily (the crab legs and oysters are standouts), plus inventive cocktails and fresh ceviche. The vibe is energetic, and their happy hour oyster specials draw a loyal crowd.
Sweet Finishes and Evening Brews
Complete your Old Town culinary tour with something sweet. The iconic Walrus Ice Cream, tucked on Mountain Avenue, is a scoop of Fort Collins history—try the Cookie Dough or Colorado Cookies & Cream. Vegan and dairy-free options mean everyone can indulge.
Chocolate lovers should not miss Nuance Chocolate on Pine Street. Watch as single-origin cacao is crafted into bars and bonbons by hand. The sipping chocolate is velvety and decadent—perfect for a cozy evening treat.
And of course, being in beer country, Old Town also shines for late-night breweries and taprooms. Odell Brewing and New Belgium Brewing are just a short bike ride away, but within the heart of Old Town you’ll find boundary-pushing brews and experimental pints at Equinox Brewing and the cozy, dog-friendly patio at Prost Brewing Company.
Local Food Traditions & Flavorful Events
A visit to Old Town isn’t just about one meal—it’s about total immersion in Fort Collins’ rhythm of life. Don’t miss the Fort Collins Farmers Market (Saturdays from spring to fall on Oak Street) for fresh produce, food truck fare, and even local honey and breads.
Locals also love the city’s small annual food events: the Tour de Fat beer and bike festival (with its wild afterparties and local bites), the Food Truck Rally in nearby City Park, and the cozy wintertime Great Plates of Downtown when restaurants offer unbeatable multi-course deals.
Hidden Gems Worth Finding
While Old Town’s main drags are dotted with fantastic spots, keep your eyes open for some tucked-away treasures:
- The Emporium Kitchen and Wine Market in The Elizabeth Hotel marries a gourmet market with an open-kitchen brasserie, worth discovering for their craft cocktails and decadent desserts.
- La Piadina, a tiny eatery in the Old Firehouse Alley, serves up authentic Italian flatbread sandwiches—quick, affordable, and seriously addictive.
- If you’re into vegan fare, Tasty Harmony on Jefferson Street creates imaginative, hearty vegan comfort food in a laid-back setting.
Final Bites
Whether you’re an adventurous eater, a die-hard breakfast fan, or just soaking in the joy of good company on a bustling patio, Old Town’s dining scene offers a little of everything and a whole lot of flavor. Each visit is a chance to discover something new, but the welcoming local spirit, inventive menus, and small-town-meets-big-taste vibe will keep you coming back—and bringing friends along for the feast.