Valentine’s Day sneaks up on us every year. Amidst our busy schedules, long work days and rushing families, it’s difficult to dedicate time to our significant others. And this year, the holiday falls on a Tuesday — which doesn’t help.
However, it’s important to take the time to let your Valentine know just how much they mean to you. Maybe that means going on a weekend getaway or creating a romantic night at home. But if dining out is your style, Fort Collins sure makes it easy to impress.
No matter what you and your date are looking for — casual, upscale or sweet — there’s an option in town perfect for you. We picked 15 of our favorites to help you have an unforgettable Valentine’s Day this year!
Casual Couple
The Kitchen
Photos courtesy of The Kitchen / Davis Tilly Photography
Make a reservation on OpenTable.
The Kitchen opened its doors in Fort Collins in 2014. Ever since it’s been a charming and inviting location for artisan food and community gathering. On a casual night out with your significant other you may sip a local brew and share a plate of Octopus A La Plancha — all while reveling in the quaint, cozy atmosphere of an intimate setting.
Bisetti’s Ristorante
Make a reservation on OpenTable.
Bisetti’s has been a classic Fort Collins date night choice for 38 years. With the combination of a warm, rustic interior and authentic Tuscan food, you’ll feel like you took a trip to Italy this Valentine’s Day — without ever having to leave Old Town! Toast to another year of romance with a bottle of one of their finest wines.
Jax Fish House
Photo courtesy of Jax Fish House
If you’re fans of seafood, make reservations at Jax Fish House for Valentine’s Day. They serve some of the freshest, most sustainable seafood alongside the highest quality, farm-fresh local produce. In between delectable bites of fresh oysters and lobster, sip on a custom cocktail that is crafted to impress.
Restaurant 415
Call (970) 407-0415 for a reservation.
The 415 was born out of the Rio in 2012 and, like its predecessor, focuses on locally sourced food and creative cooking. Head chef Amelia Mouton has a background in Cajun and Swiss styles, which carries over into their healthy and indulgent menu. Rooster named 415 one of the top ten Colorado restaurants to try before you die — so it’s sure to impress!
Upscale Celebration
RARE Italian
Photos courtesy of RARE Italian / Kelli Kroneberger
Make a reservation on OpenTable.
Italian food is a classic date night option, but RARE turns the old favorite into something special. With influences from Italy and American Italian immigrants, they produce some of the best steaks and authentic cuisine in Fort Collins. Though their fare is high-end, the menu is approachable, and the staff and atmosphere are welcoming. You’ll feel right at home while being treated to an indulgent Valentine’s meal!
Cafe Vino
Photos courtesy of Cafe Vino and Britney Metzo-Smith
Call (970) 212-3399 to make a reservation.
Cafe Vino keeps their dinner menu simple, concise and indulgent, but still offers something to satisfy every craving. On Valentine’s Day, you can decide just how fancy you want to get by trying a specialty pizza or Colorado Chicken Confit — or both! The European-inspired menu and creative culinary exploits make this the perfect place to try something new while sipping a glass of wine with your special someone.
On Valentine’s Day, Cafe Vino will be offering a special four-course wine paired dinner for $149 per couple. And throughout the weekend before the big day, they’ll have festive specials for you and yours!
Sonny Lubick Steakhouse
Photos courtesy of Sonny Lubick Steakhouse
Make a reservation on OpenTable.
The Sonny Lubick Steakhouse calls their atmosphere “polished casual” like the man who inspired it. Though elegant, it maintains its local FoCo feel by offering seafood, steak and even Colorado Rack of Lamb. Pair your meal with one of their delectable wines and celebrate Valentine’s Day in comfortable, formal fashion.
Jay’s Bistro
Make a reservation on OpenTable.
Voted Best Fine Dining in Fort Collins in 2015 and 2014, Jay’s is a formal date night favorite. The food is upscale and impressive; the interior is cozy and swanky, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming to everyone. We suggestion trying the Grilled Bison Strip Steak with a glass of red wine! Or, share small tapas plates with your Valentine’s date for a more intimate experience.
Indulgent Dessert
Nuance Chocolate
Photos courtesy of Nuance Chocolate
During the week, Nuance is open until 7 p.m. so stop by early on Valentine’s Day to stock up on after-dinner treats. Or, stop by for a daytime date and split a Taster Flight in their cozy café! Their bean to bar, hand-crafted chocolate is made in small batches to ensure quality and layers of flavor. Trust us when we say that each bite will be a pleasant surprise.
The Chocolate Café
Owners Diane and Mike Del Duca are always thinking up a brand new dessert creation at The Chocolate Café. If you’re stumped on Valentine’s Day, try The Double Chocolate Bacon Stout Cheesecake! And while you’re indulging, grab a celebratory nightcap as well. They have everything from local brews and wines to House Martinis and port — the perfect dessert drink.
The Welsh Rabbit
Photos courtesy of The Welsh Rabbit
For something a little more savory after dinner, stop by The Welsh Rabbit. Their downtown Bistro is open until 9 p.m. on weeknights. You’ll find a Small Bites Menu, their always impressive Cheese Menu, a wine menu, and a beer menu filled with local brews and ciders. It’s a quaint space, perfect for making the evening last a little longer!
Festive Nightcap
Social
Photos courtesy of Social
Social has been featured on our Top 5 Places To Go For a Cocktail, our list of the best local summer cocktails, our favorite happy hours and more. Needless to say, it’s a must-try if you’re looking for a nightcap this Valentine’s Day. Their one-of-a-kind speakeasy atmosphere is fun, engaging and memorable. Once you taste a handcrafted cocktail, you’ll be hooked!
Mainline Ale House
Mainline is a casual spot ideal for a low-key nightcap. Happy hour is every night from 9 p.m. – close so you can celebrate with drink specials on tap or a delicious cocktail. Featured on our Best Summer Cocktails in Fort Collins, they’re seasonally evolving menu and year-round classics are all excellent choices on Valentine’s Day!
Ace Gillett’s Lounge
Photos courtesy of Ace Gillett’s Lounge
About fifty feet below the historic Armstrong Hotel in Downtown Fort Collins, Ace Gillett’s offers a swanky, jazz-inspired atmosphere complete with artistic cocktails and local brews. The impressive drink menu and live music will you have you dancing with your Valentine in no time!
Fort Collins Brewery Tavern
The Fort Collins Brewery Tavern has local beer, craft soda and Colorado distilled liquors so you can choose just the right drink to wrap up your evening. The bright, modern atmosphere makes it one of the best places to end Valentine’s Day on a high note!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
If we missed your favorite go-to date spot, let us know! And share your Valentine’s Day date ideas on our Facebook page or Twitter @GroupRealEstate.
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