Our Favorite Restaurants

We take our restaurant recommendations seriously. Dining out has become increasingly expensive, and we know that choosing where to spend your money is part of choosing how to spend your time in Fort Collins.

So this isn’t a list of every popular restaurant in town. It’s a carefully curated collection of places we genuinely believe are worth recommending. Value for the money is our first consideration, whether that’s an inexpensive neighborhood favorite or one of Fort Collins’ higher-end restaurants. We also look for consistently good food and service, proximity to Remington Flats, and feedback from our guests. We continually reevaluate our recommendations as restaurants change.

Fort Collins dining is decidedly casual. You’ll be comfortable almost anywhere in jeans, although you can certainly dress up without feeling out of place. Reservations are a good idea at most of our favorites, particularly on weekends and during busy CSU events.

Only here for a night or two? Old Town Food Tour is a fun way to sample several of our favorite local restaurants in one outing and be sure to mention you’re guests of Remington Flats for a discount off your outing.

And finally, if they aren’t on our list it’s with good reason.

Easily walkable restaurants (Within a few blocks)

Yocomo Sushi $$ We are ridiculously lucky to have this gem right out our backdoor! Fresh sushi, generous portions and a menu that goes well beyond rolls with Japanese and Korean favorites including ramen, bulgogi and bibimbap. Their lunch specials are an especially good value. One of our easiest recommendations and guest favorite. 10/10

The Colorado Room $-$$ Tiny, casual and unapologetically Colorado. Come for creative sliders, poutine, wings, local beer and one of the more unusual menus within walking distance of Remington Flats. Locally owned, laid-back and a particularly good choice when you want something fun and affordable without making dinner an event.

Cafe' Vino $$$- Just a few blocks away, Cafe’ Vino is part neighborhood wine bar, part date-night restaurant, with an excellent wine list, small plates, pizzas and a chef-driven seasonal menu. We especially like if for happy hour, when some of the best values are available. Cozy, lively and a little more polished without being remotely stuffy.

Still Walkable- In Old Town Square

(Reservations are a must as all of these are often booked out weeks in advance during peak hours.)

Bistro Nautile: $$$ Our very top pick. This locally owned French-influenced bistro is seafood-forward, seasonal and chef-driven, with exceptionally fresh ingredients and preparations you simply won’t find anywhere else in town. Chef-owner Ryan Damasky knows what he’s doing, co-owner Kat is always on hand to say hello and ensure your meal and experience are perfect. If you appreciate adventurous, beautifully prepared food, put this one near the top of your list. Also, if you’re going let us know and we’ll make sure to leave a guest of Remington Flats special coupon in your room.

The Regional: $$$ A family-owned, from-scratch kitchen with a warm neighborhood feel and a menu built around seasonal ingredients from local farms and Colorado producers. The food is thoughtful without being fussy, the cocktails are excellent, and the atmosphere feels a bit like having dinner at the home of a friend who happens to be a really good cook. Also worth checking out for weekend brunch.

Maida Trattoria: $$-$ The newest addition to Old Town and one of our new favorites! Maida Trattoria is a locally owned, family-run Italian restaurant serving handmade pastas, seasonal dishes, flatbread pizzas, intriguing small plates, creative cocktails, and recipes rooted in the owners’ Italian family history. It’s lively, approachable and generally a very good value for the quality of the food. In fact, if you want to meet us, we can often be found in the late afternoon at the bar with the happy hour charcuterie board and festive cocktails.

Rare Italian $$$ : If you’re craving steak this is where we’d send you. Rare dry-ages it’s beef in-house and pairs its steakhouse side with handmade pasta, seasonal Italian dishes and an excellent wine list. It’s one of the more polished dining experiences in town while still being very Fort Collins. Dress up if you’d like, or don’t. This is Annie’s top pick for a date night or special occasion as the seating is a bit more intimate than the others on our list.

The Rio: $$ Yes, there are several Rios in Colorado, but we’re giving our Fort Collins location a pass: the original Rio opened here, and our local owners happens to live in the neighborhood so we don’t think of it as being part of a chain. This is casual, always fresh, lively Tex-Mex with a terrific Old Town patio and famously potent margaritas. They limit you to three. They’re not kidding. Doug LOVES the carnitas burrito.

Breakfast and Lunch

The Bread Chic: $-$$ A genuinely local bakery that started in a Fort Collins apartment kitchen and grew through our farmers markets. Naturally leavened sourdough is the star, but you’ll also find excellent croissants, pastries, pies and savory options. This is a great stop when you want something quick, local and made from scratch rather than a full sit-down breakfast or lunch.

Silver Grill: $$ A Fort Collins institution since 1933 and the oldest restaurant in Northern Colorado. This is classic breakfast done properly: eggs, hash browns, pancakes, hearty portions and their enormous, award-winning, famous cinnamon rolls. Don’t go expecting precious brunch food arranged with tweezers. Come hungry.

Mugs Old Town & Mugs on Laurel: $-$$ Locally owned since 2002, Mugs gives you two great options: Old TOwn for people-watching and downtown wandering, or Laurel directly across from the CSU Oval. Both serve coffee, expresso, breakfast and lunch using plenty of local products. The Laurel location is especially convenient for guests of Remington Flats and we’re especially fond of their bagel sandwiches.

The Rainbow-$$ A longtime Fort Collins favorite specializing in breakfast and lunch with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices alongside options for the omnivores among us. Relaxed and colorful and especially nice when the patio is open.

Little Bird Bakeshop- $$ A charming little scratch bakery close to Remington Flats and an easy choice for tasty pastries, coffee or a light breakfast or lunch. It’s particularly good when you don’t want a giant restaurant breakfast but still want something distinctly local.

Most Kid Friendly Restaurants

The Exchange Old Town: $-$$ A fun, family-friendly outdoor gathering spot in the heart of Old Town with a variety of casual food and drink options surrounding a central plaza. Everyone can choose what they’re in the mood for (think food court at the mall but elevated) making it especially easy for families and groups. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, and it’s a great destination by foot or on one of our cruiser bikes.

Finally, there are at least 35+ food choices within blocks of Remington Flats of all price ranges. If none of these appeal to you, drop us a note of specifics and we’ll help you out!