We already know Fort Collins isn’t short on outstanding local eateries for date nights, cheat days and seasonal menus, but what if you’re just looking for a quick, easy lunch on a budget? Well, we’re happy to tell you FoCo has more than a few must-visit options for that too. And some of them are even historic, neighborhood icons!
Next time you get a craving for some local fare before payday, stop by one of our top ten and you’ll soon have a new favorite spot. Enjoy!
1. Big Al’s Burgers and Dogs
140 W Mountain Ave | Facebook | Menu
Photo courtesy of Big Al’s Burgers and Dogs
A visit to Big Al’s is a bacon lover’s dream come true as their most famous burger is the 60/40 — 60 percent beef, 40 percent bacon. And at $5.39 for a single patty or $7.39 for a double, it’s one of the most budget-friendly options in Fort Collins! Alongside the menu of juicy, flavor-packed burgers, you can also get hot dogs like the Classic, the New York-inspired, the Chicago dog and more, all under $5.
2. DGT
120 W Laurel St | Facebook | Menu
Photo courtesy of DGT
This true Fort Collins eatery slings some of the best tacos, burritos and sautés in town. The meals and ingredients are made from scratch daily, including sauces and spices and all meats are roasted in-house! Their a la carte vegetarian and meat tacos ring up around $3.50 each or you can choose a loaded burrito for just $8.50. See the full menu of tacos, burritos, bowls and sides here.
3. Stuft Burger Bar
210 S College Ave | Facebook | Menu
Photo courtesy of Stuft Burger Bar and Marianne Pellin Photography
Whether you’re in Greeley, Windsor or Fort Collins, you can track down a Stuft burger — and you’d be getting one of the best burgers in the state! Try one of their monthly featured burgers which are often $10 or less. Or, you can build your own with the classics like grilled onions and bacon! Four toppings are included in your meal and we recommend trying one of the unique offerings like strawberry preserves or pita strips.
4. Music City Hot Chicken
111 W Prospect Rd | Facebook | Menu
Photo courtesy of Music City Hot Chicken
The first of its kind to showcase Nashville Style Hot Chicken in Fort Collins, this lunch, dinner and brunch spot was founded by brothers Jordan and Sam who are FoCo locals, Lambkin and CSU grads. Their killer lunch menu features chicken, tempeh, sandwiches, soups, salads and more and nearly everything is under $10. Choose your flavor and heat level and get ready for one of the best meals in the city!
5. Slyce Pizza Co.
163 W Mountain Ave | Facebook | Menu
Slyce was originally opened in Old Town in August of 2014 and is still owned and operated by the three friends who perfected the craft of making pizza in college. Since opening, they’ve become a local favorite for lunch, dinner and late-night pizza. If you’re splitting a whole pizza with a friend, your bill will likely be in under $10, but you can also get $3 and $4 individual slices!
6. Waltzing Kangaroo
1109 W Elizabeth St | Facebook | Menu
Photo courtesy of Waltzing Kangaroo
At Waltzing Kangaroo, the meat comes in a pie, the veggies come in a pie, the rolls are prepared with handmade puff pastry, and the gravy never stops pouring. What’s more, the sweets never stop satisfying our sweet tooth! And they’re all offered under $10. In fact, you can order a Pork Green Chili Pie and a Coffee-infused Chocolate Ganache Tart for dessert and still hit your budget!
7. FoCo Cafe
225 Maple St | Facebook | Menu
Photo courtesy of FoCo Cafe
Even if you’re not a Fort Collins local, chances are high you’ve heard of this neighborhood eatery. Offering a rotating menu of seasonal soups and salads, the cafe operates as a nonprofit and is entirely donation based. That means you can pay $10 or under when you’re pinching pennies or pay it forward when you can! The daily menu features delicious soups, salads, breads and desserts.
8. Big City Burrito
510 S College Ave | Facebook | Menu
The mission at this Fort Collins original is “You walk in hungry. You walk out happy. Mission accomplished.” Every build-your-own burrito, bowl, taco and nacho platter is packed with fresh, made-from-scratch fillings perfectly seasoned with BCB secret recipes. Check out the menu here and enjoy this neighborhood favorite with all items under $10!
9. The Colorado Room
642 S College Ave | Facebook | Menu
The Colorado Room is a Fort Collins icon embracing, selling and serving all things local. Owners Justin and Danny, alongside Executive Chef David, wanted to create a place to feature everything they love about our great state: local food, local beer and spirits, art, artisan goods, music, and more. You can stop by for a lunchtime slider, all under $5, then come back for an evening show!
10. Pickle Barrel
122 W Laurel St | Facebook | Menu
If you’ve been to Fort Collins and you haven’t eaten at Pickle Barrel, have you even been to Fort Collins? This local sandwich shop has a bit of a cult following, but it’s worth the hype and the visit. Soups, salads, breakfast items, signature sandwiches and build-your-own subs come at or under $10 and will definitely inspire a return visit.
Do you have a go-to?
If you have a favorite, budget-friendly lunch spot in Fort Collins, let us know in the comments below!
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