Spice up your everyday meal with an interactive dining experience, from murder mysteries to chef’s tasting menus and underground speakeasies to all-you-can-eat crab legs. Extending from Fort Collins to Greeley, we’ve compiled a list of exciting things to see, taste and do at the dinner table.
Consider booking one of these unique dining experiences in Northern Colorado, whether you’re looking for a unique date night activity or you just want to step outside of your culinary comfort zone.
Chimney Park | Chef’s Tasting Menu
Photo Courtesy of Chimney Park
Chimney Park isn’t just a locally recognized restaurant; it’s been ranked in Colorado’s top 10 restaurants on OpenTable and is a Distinguished Restaurant of North America award-winning eatery. Located in a historic building in downtown Windsor, Chimney Park features a locally sourced menu that changes with the seasons and, sometimes, with the day. Sample creations from owner and chef Jason Shaeffer with the five-course chef’s tasting menu or a premium wine pairing. Participation from the entire table is recommended for a truly incredible, communal dining experience!
FoCo Café | Pay-What-You-Can
225 Maple Street, Fort Collins
FoCo Café is a truly unique spot our community loves to support. Not only do they use as many locally and sustainably grown ingredients, but they’re also the first non-profit restaurant in Fort Collins. Instead of a cash register on the counter, you’ll find a donation box where you’re encouraged to pay what you can. Those who can give a bit more are encouraged to pay it forward, and those with less can pay whatever they’re able to — or in the form of volunteering in exchange for a delicious meal. So, when you dine at FoCo Café, not only will you be getting a delicious meal, you’re also supporting the community and the land we call home.
Cafe Vino | Sunday Wine Dinners
1200 South College Avenue, Fort Collins
Photo Courtesy of Cafe Vino
The European-inspired Cafe Vino never disappoints — whether it’s time for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or dessert. And on the last Sunday of the month, this tapas and wine bar serves their special Sunday Wine Dinner, which includes three courses and three wines for $39 per person. This experience allows you to taste inventive and creative dishes from their chefs, perfectly paired with wines from around the world. Keep an eye on the Cafe Vino Facebook page for the newest Sunday Wine Dinner menu and make your reservation (at 970-212-3399 ext. 1) before seats fill up!
The Mishawaka | River Views at Iconic Music Venue
13714 Poudre Canyon Road, Bellvue
Although it is famous as an outdoor amphitheater, The Mish also offers a year-round restaurant with a patio overlooking the Cache la Poudre. Just like the music venue, the restaurant offers mountain air, sunshine and the rushing river — all alongside mouthwatering burgers and Odell beers on tap.
Ace Gillett’s Lounge | Underground Lounge With Live Music
239 South College Avenue, Fort Collins
Photo Courtesy of Ace Gillett’s Lounge
Since its inception in 2010, Ace Gillett’s has been a popular destination for its inventive cocktails and lively music scene. The lounge recently underwent an extensive remodel and refresh to its beverage and culinary programs, “showcasing a more sophisticated vibe, while simultaneously paying homage to yesteryear” (from the Ace Gillett’s website). The reinvented space includes intimate bar and table seating, an extensive vinyl record collection, and an area designed for live performances and dancing.
The Dinner Detective | Murder Mystery Dinner
425 West Prospect Road #2064, Fort Collins
Crack the code at The Dinner Detective, America’s largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner with locations all over the country, including Hilton Fort Collins. While you wine and dine, use hidden clues to try and reveal the murderer, who may just be eating right next to you! Your ticket to The Dinner Detective includes an interrogation reception, appetizers, fresh rolls and butter, a salad, your choice of entree, dessert, and access to the cash bar.
Lucky Fins | All-You-Can-Eat Crab Legs
4530 Centerplace Drive, Greeley
Photo Courtesy of Lucky Fins
Voted the Best Seafood Restaurant 6 years running by The Greeley Tribune, Lucky Fins is the go-to spot in Greeley for quality, fresh seafood every day of the week. But on Sundays, Lucky Fins serves all-you-can-eat crab legs for $44.99! But if crab legs aren’t your thing, there are endless seafood and non-seafood options to choose from, from lobster tater tots to sushi rolls and Fins’ Famous Fish and Chips to pistachio halibut.
Social | Underground Speakeasy
1 Old Town Square #7, Fort Collins
A vintage street clock and a well-lit stairwell welcome you to this locally owned, underground cocktail bar in Old Town where you’ll find some of the city’s best beverages. Their drink menu covers everything from the classic Old Fashioned to creative bottled cocktails that can serve a group of four. You’ll even find an impressive selection of non-alcoholic cocktails as well as dessert cocktails, wines, beers and ciders. And if you’re not already impressed, wait until you see the food. However, simply stepping into Social is an experience all in itself; the chic, sophisticated speakeasy vibes will whisk you away to another era.
Betta Gumbo | Cajun and Creole Cuisine
277 North Lincoln Ave, Loveland
Photo Courtesy of Betta Gumbo
If you live in NoCo, you know Betta Gumbo in Loveland. And there’s one simple reason: they’re slinging the best Cajun and Creole cuisine in the region. Growing up in the South taught Chef Clay Caldwell the basics of Southern hospitality and true home-cookin’. He made the move to Colorado in an effort to slow down and enjoy life which, of course, he found. But he also found a community craving Southern classics, so he opened Betta Gumbo as a cozy family spot serving Jambalaya, Famous Asiago Shrimp & Grits, Hush Puppies, Beignets and even homemade, flavored moonshine! Even if you’ve been to Betta Gumbo before, check out their new location in The Foundry for a whole new experience.
Waltzing Kangaroo | Australian Food
1109 West Elizabeth Street, Fort Collins
Waltzing Kangaroo makes the list because, frankly, it’s not every day you encounter Australian food this side of the Pacific! This unassuming strip mall joint specializes in fair dinkum (Aussie for “tried and true”) food, including savory pies, rolls, quiches and desserts, all made from scratch. Pair your meal with a cup of coffee or a craft beer, and experience the hospitality (and excellent food) of Australia, right here in Fort Collins.
Beau Jo’s | Beau Jo’s 14er Challenge
205 North College Avenue, Fort Collins
Photo Courtesy of Beau Jo’s
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. And for a truly special experience, take on the Beau Jo’s 14er Challenge, which requires two participants to eat 14 pounds of their hamburger sausage combo pizza with a thick 16-inch crust in less than one hour. This massive pie is covered with pepperoni, sausage, hamburger, green peppers, onions, mushrooms and cheese — all baked to perfection.
Have Fun!
Enjoy these interactive dining experiences in Northern Colorado — and let us know your favorite in the comments below.
Comments