Date night is always an exciting idea until you have to decide where to go! With so many restaurant options in Fort Collins — many of them offering a fun atmosphere on top of delicious food — it can be hard to narrow down the list. Especially if you’re a creature of habit and have a hard time getting away from the usual standby.
Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We gathered a list of the best date night spots in Fort Collins and organized them in order from the most casual down to a few reserved for special occasions. Get outside the box for your next night out and pick one of our favorites!
The Crown Pub
From the outside, The Crown Pub may look like just another Old Town bar. Inside, you’ll get some of the best pub food in town, and on a night where there is live music, it’ll make for a fun and memorable casual date night. The extensive menu has everything from classic burgers, to Gumbo and King’s Curry.
WHY IT MADE OUR LIST: Are you the perfect laid back pair with competitive spirits? After comforting pub food you can challenge your significant other to a game of pool!
The Rio Grande
Photos courtesy of The Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
Rumored to have the best patio in Fort Collins, the Rio also serves our favorite margaritas in town! There are now seven Rio’s around Colorado, but our Fort Collins Rio Grande was the very first. Their atmosphere, food and drinks have been tried and tested — and we always love a Fort Collins classic.
WHY IT MADE OUR LIST: Margaritas, Mexican food and patios go together like peanut butter and jelly — or like you and your date! It’s the perfect place to get to know one another in a casual, fun atmosphere.
The Chocolate Cafe
The Chocolate Cafe is the perfect place for a casual date night experience, followed by award winning dessert options! We recommend trying their Chicken Pot Pie or their Three Cheese Mac and Cheese for those serious about comfort food. Naturally, it’s important to end the night at The Chocolate Cafe with chocolate! (especially since it was voted to have the best desserts by the readers of the Fort Collins Coloradoan!)
WHY IT MADE OUR LIST: You’ll be able to end an amazing dinner with great conversation, a Toffee Chocolate Brownie and a glass of Sandeman 10 Year Tawny Port! And you’ll regret nothing.
Restaurant 415
Photos courtesy of Restaurant 415
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.
WHY IT MADE OUR LIST: 415 is perfect for a first date! It’s reasonably priced and comfortable while maintaining class. Also, Rooster named 415 one of the top ten Colorado restaurants to try before you die – so it’s sure to impress!
Canino’s Italian Restaurant
The owner of Canino’s Italian grew up in Canino’s pizzeria in Denver, surrounded by Italian style cooking until he opened his own Fort Collins restaurant over 40 years ago. His space has a historic and familial atmosphere, inviting everyone to share in any one of their classic and creative Italian dishes from their extensive menu.
WHY IT MADE OUR LIST: Canino’s is historic in Fort Collins and their italian cuisine is authentic! The environment is perfect for a romantic night out and we’re especially fond of the rooftop patio on warm summer nights.
Bisetti’s Ristorante
Photos courtesy of Bisetti’s Ristorante
Italian food is always a great date night option, especially if the authenticity of the food would make any Italian proud. Bisetti’s has been serving classic Italian fare in downtown Fort Collins since 1979. Family owned the entire time, the Bisettis have been able to hone their menu, keeping it concise and top quality. In fact, their Fettuccine Sausage Bolognese is a must try, as any variation of the classic dish from Bologna is one Italian chefs takes enormous pride in.
WHY IT MADE OUR LIST: Great pasta paired with delicious italian wine is a recipe for any successful date night, and this place has been a Fort Collins best for the last 37 years.
Blue Agave Grill
Blue Agave is a contemporary Southwestern grill serving delicious, from scratch foods and tequilas infused in house. With 13 different Margaritas and house made sangria, there are plenty of cocktail options to celebrate your night out. Their menu has plentiful seafood options as well as classic, but creative burgers and Southwestern tacos. Start your evening with their made to order guacamole!
WHY IT MADE OUR LIST: Blue Agave doesn’t just offer dinner; they offer an experience. Their fun and casual atmosphere — complete with a patio fire pit — will give you an unforgettable date every time.
Fish
Photos courtesy of Fish
Fish has been serving fresh seafood and winning awards in Fort Collins since 2001. With multiple 5 star reviews and four years of Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence (and now our top 11 date restaurant list!), it’s easy to see, before ever getting to the restaurant, you’ll be in for an awesome meal and a special night.
WHY IT MADE OUR LIST: Fish serves impressive food, but what we love most is their food/drink collaboration within the community. Fish hosts a variety of events with other Fort Collins businesses, which provides an extremely unique date night opportunity!
Cafe Vino
Cafe Vino keeps their dinner menu simple, concise and indulgent, but still offers something to satisfy every craving — from specialty pizzas to a Rabbit Confit tapas plate. Their space is classy, but comfortable and casual. Unwind with a specialty cocktail, share a plate of Bacon Wrapped Dates and enjoy each other’s company!
WHY IT MADE OUR LIST: Their European inspired menu and creative culinary exploits make this the perfect place to try new tastes and sip amazing wine with your special someone. Additionally, they host special wine tasting events that are inexpensive and will provide an unforgettable learning experience!
Jax Fish House + Oyster Bar
Photo courtesy of Jax Fish House Fort Collins
The first restaurant in Colorado to be certified by the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch, the number one concern at Jax Fish House is sustainability, especially in their fish sourcing. This ensures they always have the freshest and most delicious fish possible from healthy waters.
WHY IT MADE OUR LIST: Besides the fact that Jax serves some of the best seafood in town, the atmosphere is fancy, yet comfortable for any date night experience. Have a mid-week date planned? They also have Wine Wednesday, which is comfortable on your wallet.
The Kitchen
The Kitchen celebrated their two year anniversary this summer — so why not celebrate yours in their Old Town bistro? They serve up upscale comfort food in an atmosphere that promotes community, friendliness and conversation. You’ll come for the food and stay for the crafted cocktails, local beer and atmosphere.
WHY IT MADE OUR LIST: The Kitchen was named after the room in every house where everyone wants to be — where conversations are had and memories are made. It’s the perfect place to get to know your date and the perfect setting for an unforgettable night.
Jay’s Bistro
Photos courtesy of Jay’s Bistro / Marcus Edwards
Jay’s serves entrees and tapas, so you can dive headfirst into one of their delicious meals or sample a few tastes with smaller plates with your date. Whichever option you choose, you’re guaranteed decadent food and a unique experience. In 2015, Jay’s won OpenTable Diners’ Choice Awards, so treat your date and yourself to one of the best dinner spots in town!
WHY IT MADE OUR LIST: Tapas are always a great date night mainstay. Sharing small plates promotes conversation and fun, and they’re perfect for anyone who experiences entree commitment issues! And you can’t go wrong with any of Jay’s plates — they’re the best tapas in town!
What’s your go-to date night restaurant?
If we skipped your best date night spot, tell us about it in the comments below or on Facebook.
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