Dining out with the entire family is always a treat, especially when it means you get a night off from cooking! And what’s better than supporting our amazing local businesses? Opt out of the chain restaurants and fast food joints this time, and enjoy one of these family-friendly restaurants in Fort Collins that make dining out with the kiddos fun for everyone!

From pizza to farm-to-table, there is something on this list for every occasion and craving.  

The top family-friendly restaurants in Fort Collins include:

  • Austin’s American Grill
  • Rainbow Restaurant
  • Big Al’s Burgers and Dogs
  • The Twisted Noodle
  • Nick’s
  • Spoons
  • Beau Jo’s Pizza
  • The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm
  • Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing
  • La Luz Mexican Grill

Continue reading to find out what makes these places so great for the entire family!

Austin’s American Grill

100 West Mountain Avenue + 2815 East Harmony Road | Facebook

Austin's American Grill

Photo courtesy of Austin’s American Grill 

Austin’s American Grill serves up the flavors of Colorado in its hearty and flavorful dishes, all of which can be enjoyed in the modern and friendly atmosphere. While adults and older children can choose from an impressive selection of inventive appetizers, soul-warming soups and filling entrées, kids ages 10 and under will find some delicious items on the kids’ menu. Make sure to save room for dessert — the decadent pies, cookies and cakes are all made fresh in house daily.

 

Rainbow Restaurant

212 W. Laurel Street | Facebook

When the warmer weather rolls around, the patio at Rainbow Restaurant is one of our favorite spots to enjoy breakfast or lunch. Of course, the inside is just as beautiful! Menu items here are made only with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and range from traditional to gluten-free and vegan. And don’t worry, there are plenty of options that the kiddos will enjoy.

 

Big Al’s Burgers and Dogs

140 West Mountain Avenue | Facebook

Big Al's Fort Collins

Photo courtesy of Big Al’s Burgers and Dogs

Big Al’s has something for burger-fiends of all ages. All of the burgers and dogs are made with fresh, high quality meat — aside from the veggie burgers of course, which are made with top notch veggies, beans and quinoa. One of the most popular options is the 60/40 burger, which boasts a patty made with 60% beef and 40% bacon for a decadent flavor. Accompany your choice with a side of perfectly crispy fries in a variety of flavors, from sour cream & onion to truffle.

 

The Twisted Noodle

1335 West Elizabeth Street | Facebook

Fresh ingredients, bold and flavorful cuisine, and a warm and inviting atmosphere can all be found at the Twisted Noodle, a family-owned Italian restaurant with locations in Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland. The menu boasts time-honored classics like spaghetti and meatballs, bolognese, and fettuccine alfredo alongside an impressive lineup of sandwiches and salads. One that the kids might enjoy is the bacon cheeseburger macaroni (if you don’t eat all of it first).

 

Nick’s

1100 South College Avenue | Facebook

Nick's Italian

Photo courtesy of Andy Ryan via Nick’s 

The whole family will love dining at Nick’s. This hot spot is nestled in the heart of town, and offers a festive atmosphere and homestyle Italian cuisine. You can enjoy fun specials (like burger night on Tuesdays and mussel madness on Thursdays), or just stick with the menu’s mainstays — including crispy calamari, bucatini carbonara, and braised lamb pappardelle.

 

Spoons

172 North College Avenue + five more locations | Facebook

Spoons Fort Collins

Photo courtesy of Spoons

This Fort Collins restaurant serves up soup, salad and sandwiches, and while that pretty much sums up the menu, the team strives to make sure you enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. The menu changes daily to reflect available ingredients and changing seasons, and kids can enjoy their choice of soup or salad for under $2. But that’s not all — on Saturdays, kids ages 12 and under get a free grilled cheese sandwich!

 

Beau Jo’s Pizza

205 North College Avenue | Facebook

Beau Jo's Fort Collins

Photo courtesy of Beau Jo’s Colorado Style Pizza 

With more than 40 years of experience whipping up delicious, Colorado-style pizzas, Beau Jo’s is the place to go for a fantastic pie and a family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant hosts specials almost every night (including trivia on Mondays), but Thursdays are family nights. Kids eat on the house with the purchase of an adult entrée, and balloon twister entertainment is provided.

 

The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm

1957 Jessup Drive | Facebook

We obviously have a soft spot in our hearts for the Farmhouse at Jessup Farm — you can find it on our Fort Collins guides to the best farm-to-table restaurants, the best seasonal menus, the best donut shops, and even the most Instagram-worthy dishes. With elevated, locally sourced fare, a daily donut special, a spacious patio with twinkle lights and even a chicken coop in the backyard, it’s also one of the most interesting and fun places to bring the family for a meal out!

 

CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing

5 Old Town Square | Facebook

CooperSmith's Pub

Photo courtesy of CooperSmith’s Pub

When you’re looking to go grab a craft brew with the kiddos in tow, CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing is your best bet. Nestled in the heart of Old Town, the pub serves up hearty American favorites including burgers, steaks, chicken strips, soft pretzels and sandwiches perfect for the kids. Of course, there are several more adventurous options for those looking to try something different.

 

La Luz Mexican Grill

200 Walnut Street | Facebook

Rumored to have the the best fish tacos in town, La Luz Mexican Grill boasts fresh Mexican cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant is celebrating 20 years of success in the area, so stop by for a quick lunch, a weekend breakfast, or a delicious dinner to see what all the fuss is about! The kids’ menu includes a variety of tasty burritos, quesadillas and tacos to keep your little one full and happy.

 

Enjoy your meal!

Where are your favorite places to grab a bite with the family? Let us know in the comments!