Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Fort Collins

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Fort Collins? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Bistro Nautile

4.9

4.9 (196)

$31 to $50

French

Fort Collins

About the restaurant

Bistro Nautile is a French-Influenced bistro owned and operated locally by three Fort Collins restaurateurs who care about food and the people that eat it. Our focus is on truly farm-fresh and sustainably sourced ingredients, meticulously prepared and presented in a comfortable atmosphere by servers who are equal parts professional and entertaining. Please join us for a dining experience where we will count you as a friend and hope that by the end of your time with us, you will have the same affection for our craft that we do.

Top review

Fred

Dined 4 days ago

Always a good time at Bistro Nautile. Thank you and we hope to see you again soon.

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar - Fort Collins

4.8

4.8 (2361)

$30 and under

Seafood

Fort Collins

About the restaurant

We don't take ourselves too seriously at Jax Fish House. Two things we do take seriously? The freshness and sustainability of our seafood. You know fresh fish when you see, smell, and taste it-and thanks to modern delivery technology, we bring in that freshy-fresh seven days a week. Sustainability is a little more complicated. Not all commercial fisheries are created equal. That's why we work closely with our suppliers and science-based organizations to ensure that every single thing we serve is responsibly sourced. We consider the stocks of the species we source to prevent overfishing and we work with suppliers who harvest in ways that have minimal impacts on marine environments.

Top review

John

Dined 1 day ago

Great time overall. The food was delicious and the service outstanding. Highly recommend the lobster bisque and the fried calamari was the best I’ve ever had. The restaurant does get a bit noisy if you want to have a quiet conversation however.

Discover more

Popular dish

Seafood Chowder

Experience

Feast of seven fishes

Austin's American Grill - Old Town

4.7

4.7 (225)

$30 and under

American

Fort Collins

About the restaurant

Austin's American Grill is the quintessential taste of Colorado. With three great Fort Collin's locations-one in the heart of Old Town, another on Harmony Road and one in Greeley, we'll have you wondering why mom's food never tasted so good and when you can come back for more. Savory roasts and chicken cooked over an open flame in our front-of-the-house rotisserie. All-natural buffalo seasoned to perfection. Cornbread baked in iron skillets with honey butter. Signature cocktails sweetened with fresh-squeezed fruit juice. Plus, our decadent desserts are made fresh daily, giving you an excuse to stop in for a slice that reminds you of home. There's a reason Austin's is one of Northern Colorado's favorite destinations.

Top review

AnthonyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Wonderful dinner. Enjoyed our waitress. Very personable and professional.

Moot House Restaurant and Pub

4.6

4.6 (273)

$30 and under

Unspecified

Fort Collins

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Fort Collins, The Moot House is all about fresh, local flavors and good times. That's because we're passionate about the food we serve. From our beer-inspired menu that features wholesome, sustainable ingredients to mouth-watering meals that are made from scratch - right when you order, we tap into that fresh from the farm taste and pair it with a chef-inspired, artisan flair. With over 30 beers on tap, we're sure this is one English pub you'll want to visit time and again. Easy carryout available with online ordering for contactless payment and curbside pickup. Delivery available through NOCO Nosh, DoorDash and Grubhub.

Top review

Heidi

Dined 2 days ago

We were fortunate to have Kelly as our server again as she has been terrific in the past. She really makes the evening special with her wonderful, friendly efficient service! She is a fantastic!

Discover more

Popular dish

Prime Rib - 14 oz

Popular dish

Add Ounce of Prime Rib

Simmer

4.6

4.6 (477)

$30 and under

Global, International

Fort Collins

About the restaurant

Our aim at Simmer is simple – providing you with the honest-to-goodness pleasure of eating and drinking while you relax in your favorite neighborhood bar. Whether you’ve come for the food, drink, or both, we hope you will feel right at home. When you step into Simmer, you’ll be greeted with a friendly smile. We’ve fashioned a warm, comfortable dining room that spills over into a spacious outdoor patio, complete with an open fire pit and tranquil water feature. Enjoy “Happy Hour in the Round” during the warmer Colorado seasons when we open up our overhead doors at the back of our bar, creating 360° of indoor/outdoor seating. Whether you are looking for an upscale décor restaurant for a date night, a casual vibe for a business lunch, or a laid back ambiance for a fun night out with friends, Simmer is the choice in West FOCO.

Top review

Gina

Dined 7 days ago

Celebrating my son’s graduation from CSU and this was such a wonderful experience with great food options and ambience! Highly recommend and the cauliflower bites and Brussel sprouts are a delicious start.

Japango Fort Collins

4.6

4.6 (143)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Fort Collins

About the restaurant

Introducing a taste of modern Japan in the heart of Old Town Fort Collins! Join us in our second location featuring an intimate sushi bar, jellyfish tank, opulent private dining room and an expansive bar replete with unique cocktails, whiskey rarities and local favorites alike. Again under the helm of Master Chef Yukiji Iwasa, enjoy all your Boulder favorites or find something new to love exclusively crafted by our Fort Collins team

Top review

MikeVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Try to find a quiet corner or come after 7:30. Lots of young folks celebrating.

Hearth Restaurant and Pub

4.5

4.5 (665)

$30 and under

Grill

Windsor

About the restaurant

Hearth, in Downtown Windsor, is a warm and inviting upscale pub and pizzeria to share in food, drink, and fun! Our historic building, built in 1902 now renovated, reveals its classic industrial feel, exposed brick and large windows. The Wood Stone oven is the focal point of our dining room atop the second floor that offers panoramic views of Windsor Lake and the Rocky Mountains. A 16 tap beer system featuring craft beers, a wide-ranging wine list, and a craft cocktail list are offered at Hearth. Please come join us with friends or family and experience this distinctive Hearth away from home!

Top review

Mark

Dined 1 day ago

Food quality and flavor is amazing. Best clam chowder in the state.

Palomino Mexican Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (247)

$30 and under

Mexican

Loveland

About the restaurant

Welcome to Palomino! We invite you to indulge your senses with some of the best, fresh from scratch authentic and healthy Mexican food that northern Colorado has to offer. Whether you live in Loveland, Fort Collins, Windsor, Greeley or Evans, we offer catering service when you need us to come to you and our full menu "To Go" for your convenience.

Top review

LesVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Very busy, large loud group. Other than noise level everything was great. We always enjoy our visits to Palomino, our go to Mexican restaurant.

Old Elk Distillery

4.3

4.3 (143)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Fort Collins

About the restaurant

Fort Collins is host to the Best Whiskey in America? Our Master Distiller, Greg Metze, is named Master Distiller of 2024 by Whisky Magazine. With 40+ years of experience under his belt, he does not fail to deliver the absolute best product that not only speaks for itself but is highly decorated. In 2024 alone we have 4 top tier awards from Double Golds to Double Platinums with multiple spirits in each category. Barrel aged in the heart of Fort Collins, our tasting room showcases not only the Old Elk product but also harbors some of the best mixologists and food offerings around. In house made syrups and highest quality spices make for coveted curated cocktails and mocktails. Our tasting flights go through the Old Elk branches of whiskey, vodka, gin, bourbon cream, and flavored whiskies. We can also tailor to the most sophisticated of whiskey drinkers. Our kitchen boasts unique options to pair with our spirits. From deviled egg and pickle plate appetizers to Elk burger and steak mains.

Top review

PhilipVIP

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Always great food and vibe. Pleasant and fast service.

Madre Cocina y Lounge

3.8

3.8 (31)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Fort Collins

About the restaurant

Welcome to Madre Cocina Y Lounge, where every meal is a celebration of flavor and tradition. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere that blends authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern Twist. Whether you're here to savor a delicious meal or unwind with a handcrafted cocktail, we promise an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you craving more.

Top review

LaurieVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Fort Collins has been in need of an upscale, fun, vibrant restaurant downtown with an innovative menu! Our dinner was excellent, really enjoyed the variety offered, and we are both looking forward to returning - all in all, a great evening out!

Explore Diners' Choice best of Fort Collins

Explore more Diners' Choice lists