It may feel like Valentine’s Day is a distant holiday, but it seems to sneak up on us each year, no matter how much preparation we attempt ahead of time! Let’s see how we can assist you in this area and help you avoid the last-minute decision making.
Thankfully, this romantic holiday falls on a Sunday this year, so you won’t be forced to rush to dinner after work in rush-hour traffic. You and your Valentine can enjoy a Valentine’s Weekend of sorts instead, maximizing your time together and avoiding the crowds if you choose to go out on Friday or Saturday night instead.
There are so many incredible restaurants in the Fort Collins area that it’s overwhelming to choose which one to take your sweetheart to for a special night out on Valentine’s Day. That’s why we hand-picked a few of our favorites so you can easily decide which one fits your fancy. And we say “a few” because the list of Northern Colorado restaurant contesters is quite long. But take a look at the lucky dozen that made the cut! On that subject, you might want to consider picking up a dozen roses to make the night all the more romantic. You can thank us later…
4th Street Chophouse
Valentine’s Day Hours: 5 – 9:30 p.m.
Location: 125 East 4th Street, Loveland
Let’s start in Loveland — and what a lovely place to start! The 4th Street Chophouse offers traditional steak and seafood cuisine in a classy atmosphere. But don’t worry! If you venture to Chophouse in somewhat casual attire, you’ll be just fine. This 1930s-style restaurant will provide just the right environment for a sophisticated and intimate experience for Valentine’s Day. Peruse their extensive drink menu and don’t miss their popular Moscow Mule!
Make your reservation at 4th Street Chophouse with OpenTable!
Ace Gillett’s
Valentine’s Day Hours: 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Location: 239 South College Avenue
Venture to this sophisticated underground cocktail lounge that serves delicious small plates and main dishes in a lively setting. Each dish is prepared using the finest local vegetables and meat, and is packed with robust flavor. Serenade your loved one with live jazz music and tasty bites at Ace Gillett’s on Valentine’s Day!
Ace Gillett’s does not currently take reservations; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bisetti’s
Valentine’s Day Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: 120 South College Avenue
Bisetti’s has been in historical Old Town for 36 years, serving quality Tuscan food since the day it opened its doors. Indulge in homemade pasta, Italian plates and fantastic wines in this warm and cozy atmosphere. Order a glass of wine and toast to another year of romance this Valentine’s Day!
Make your reservation at Bisetti’s with OpenTable!
Blue Agave Grill
Valentine’s Day Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: 201 South College Avenue
The delicious menu and sophistication of Blue Agave Grill in Old Town makes this the perfect destination for a Valentine’s Day date. Choose from their large selection of fresh and exotic steak, seafood, tacos, pasta, burgers, and of course — dessert!
Make your reservation at Blue Agave Grill by calling 970-631-8076!
Cafe Vino
Valentine’s Day Hours: 7 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Location: 1200 South College Avenue
Get cozy at Cafe Vino next to their fire pit with a craft beer or cocktail and order from their diverse European-inspired menu crafted by local chefs. Sundays are the best day of the week at Cafe Vino because of their “Sunday Wine Dinners,” and you’re in luck because Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday! In addition to their regular menu, they offer three courses with three wines for $35 per person each Sunday.
Make your reservation at Cafe Vino by calling 970-212-3399, ext. 1!
Chimney Park
Valentine’s Day Hours: 4 – 8 p.m.
Location: 406 Main Street, Windsor
Make the short trek to Windsor for an upscale Valentine’s Day dinner you won’t forget! Chimney Park has a straight-forward approach to cuisine, and its menu follows the seasons and offers only the best local ingredients. Their award-winning wine program is reason enough to visit Chimney Park. Be sure to return on a non-holiday weekend on their Wine Sundays for 25% off all bottles of wine under $200!
Make your reservation at Chimney Park with OpenTable!
Jax Fish House
Valentine’s Day Hours: 4 – 9 p.m.
Location: 123 North College Avenue
Visit this upscale seafood restaurant to experience their full menu on an average day, but on Valentine’s Day, you can expect something special. Jax is offering a three-course prix fixe menu at $50 per person and an optional wine pairing at $15 per person. You may also make a selection from their raw bar menu that will also be available that day! Jax will open early for happy hour on Valentine’s Day from 2-5 p.m.
Make your reservation at Jax Fish House with OpenTable!
Jay’s Bistro
Valentine’s Day Hours: 5 – 8 p.m.
Location: 135 West Oak Street
Jay’s Bistro has served the Fort Collins community for decades with its unique menu items, a wonderful wine list, a swanky atmosphere and nightly entertainment. They proudly support local farmers and growers, which is reflected on their menu. Voted #1 for Fine Dining in Style Magazine, it just makes sense to make Jay’s Bistro your Valentine’s Day destination this year!
Make your reservation at Jay’s Bistro with OpenTable!
The Kitchen
Valentine’s Day Hours: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 5 – 9 p.m.
Location: 100 North College Avenue
The Kitchen is well-known all over Colorado as a spectacular farm-to-table community-based bistro. This location in Old Town is offering a special prix fixe menu in addition to their a la carte menu on Valentine’s Day! Relax in their modern urban space for a romantic evening with quality food and drinks.
Make your reservation at The Kitchen with OpenTable!
The Melting Pot
Valentine’s Day Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: 334 East Mountain Avenue
Every night at The Melting Pot feels like a special occasion, especially on Valentine’s Day weekend, as they are providing the special packages listed below instead of their usual menu. You’ll feel like royalty during your entire experience at The Melting Pot, and you’re sure to leave with lots of leftovers!
For the “Season of Valentine’s”, which runs from February 11-15, guests must pre-choose one of these packages. No other menu will be available. Kids pricing and vegetarian selections available.
Package One: “Cupid’s Combo” — $125 per couple (not including tax or %20 gratuity)
Four-course dinner including choice of Wisconsin trio, Boston Lager Aged Cheddar, or bacon and brie swiss. Choice of gourmet caesar salad, bacon-topped house salad, or caprese. Cupid’s combo entree includes one lobster tail, garlic and wine filet mignon, Old Bay shrimp, herb-crusted chicken, teriyaki sirloin and gourmet raviolis served with their house-made sauces and fresh vegetables. Choice of dark and Bailey’s Irish cream chocolate, bananas foster, or the flaming turtle. Extras include their “Touch of Romance” package (rose petals and floating, heart-shaped candles).
Package Two: “Lover’s Delight” — $175 per couple (not including tax or a %20 gratuity)
Five-course dinner beginning with crab claw and shrimp cocktail served with their angry cocktail sauce. Choice of Wisconsin trio, Boston Lager Aged Cheddar, or bacon and brie swiss. Lover’s Delight Entree includes two lobster tails, garlic and wine filet mignon, Old Bay shrimp, herb chicken, seasoned choice angus sirloin, and wild mushroom sacchetti. Choice of dark and Bailey’s Irish cream chocolate, bananas foster or the flaming turtle.
*$75 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit will be taken when the reservation is booked. Extras: in addition to the fifth course and twin tails entree, guests will receive premium dippers for cheese fondue, enhanced dippers for chocolate fondue, a bouquet of three red roses in a vase and a bottle of select wine to share.
Package Three: “Romeo and Juliet” — $250 per couple (not including tax or %20 gratuity)
Same wonderful five-course dinner described above!
*$150 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit will be taken when the reservation is booked. Extras: Select seating in times available in our intimate Lover’s Lane booths, keepsake photo card with a $10 return certificate, small teddy bear & box of chocolates, a bouquet of 1/2 dozen Roses in a vase and a bottle of chilled Freixenet Sparkling Wine.
Make your reservation at The Melting Pot!
Rodizio Grill
Valentine’s Day Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: 200 Jefferson Street
Become immersed with your Valentine in an authentic Brazilian dining experience at America’s first Brazilian steakhouse. And on Valentine’s Day, they’re turning up the heat with their “Together Forever” and “Romeo and Juliet” packages…
Rodizio Grill’s “Together Forever” package includes two special Full Rodizio Dinners including lamb and prime rib with one dessert to share. Extras include an intimate table in Lover’s Lane, one select bottle of wine or sparkling wine and one red rose for $110 per couple.
Rodizio Grill’s “Romeo and Juliet” package includes two special Full Rodizio Dinners including lamb and prime rib with two desserts. Extras include an intimate table in Lover’s Lane, any one bottle of wine or sparkling wine from their list up to $80, and an elegant two-rose arrangement in a small bud vase and a sprinkling of rose petals to adorn the table.
Make your reservation at Rodizio Grill!
Social
Valentine’s Day Hours: 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Location: 1 Old Town Square #7
We’ve talked about this underground cocktail bar before, but it’s worth mentioning again, especially in this context! Social is an industrial speakeasy located in Old Town Square that offers specialty cocktails, charcuterie and a substantial absinthe selection. The modern and industrial decor makes this a casual yet classy Valentine’s Day getaway! Social specializes in drinks, so make this a post-dinner stop, or nibble on their small plates or charcuterie.
Social does not accept reservations.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Make this your best date yet by venturing to one of these Northern Colorado restaurants!
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: 4th Street Chophouse, Santa Fe Travelers, Late Night Fort Collins, Bisetti’s, Cafe Vino, A Dash of Sanity, Chimney Park, Jax Fish House, Jay’s Bistro, The Kitchen, Menuism, Rodizio Grill,
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