Romantic, Fun, or Pasta-Filled? These FoCo Date Night Picks Deliver

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or just want to level up your usual dinner plans, here’s where to go in Fort Collins based on your vibe.

💕 FoCo’s Best Date Night Restaurants

Hey there, FoCo,

Got an anniversary coming up? A third date you actually care about? Or maybe just a random Wednesday that deserves a little sparkle? Fort Collins is full of cozy, delicious, and downright swoon-worthy spots to make your next night out feel special. We’ve rounded up top local favorites—whether you’re all about pasta, ambiance, or a strong cocktail with a side of jazz.

🧠 Fort Collins Trivia Time

Which Fort Collins brewery is known for its flagship beer, Fat Tire Amber Ale?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

👉 Tap to vote—we’ll reveal the answer in the outro!

🍷 Fort Collins’ Best Date Night Restaurants (By Mood)

Celebrating something special or just want to upgrade from leftovers and takeout? Whether you’re craving pasta, ambiance, or something new that won’t break the bank, here’s your cheat sheet for a swoon-worthy evening out in FoCo.

🥂 If You Want Something Romantic & Refined
  • Bistro Nautile – French seafood and pasta in a charming setting. Go early for happy hour oysters.

  • Little on Mountain – Hands down some of the best food in town. Chef’s counter is a vibe—just expect a bustling atmosphere.

  • Chimney Park (Windsor) – A bit of a splurge, but worth every bite. Quiet, intimate, and plated to impress.

🍝 If You’re Craving Pasta
  • Domenic’s Bistro – Same team as the now-closed Vincent’s, with a similar menu and cozy upscale vibes.

  • Nick’s Italian – Traditional Italian favorites, red meat-free options, and great service.

  • Simmer – Seasonal menus, cozy booth energy, and a decent wine list.

🍸 If You’re in It for the Cocktails
  • Sunset Lounge – Rooftop jazz bar with skyline views and classy cocktails.

  • Ace Gillett’s – Hidden gem for live jazz, dim lighting, and negronis.

  • Looking Glass Bar – Tucked inside an escape room lobby, this spot feels like your own private speakeasy.

💃 If You Want Something Fun & Different

🗓 What’s Happenin’ in Fort Collins: Event Listings

🎭 Wednesday, July 9

🎤 Weekly Open Mic Comedy (recurring Wednesday)📍 Slyce Pizza Co. | 7:00 PM | 🆓 Free
🎶 Live Music Wednesdays (recurring Wednesday) 📍 CooperSmith’s Brewpub | Evening | 🆓 Free

🎨 41st Annual new Legacies: Contemporary Art Quilts📍 417 W. Magnolia, 417 W. Magnolia | 4-6PM | 🎟️ Ticketed

🎵 Lagoon Concert Series📍 7 Old Town Square, Suite 100, Fort Collins, CO 80524 | 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM | 🎟️ Ticketed

🎨 Beyond Resilience, Shawn Bush- Angle of Draw, Justin Carney- When All Is Said and When All Is Done📍 201 S. College Avenue | Time TBD | 🎟️ Ticketed

Thursday, July 10

🧠 Thursday Night Trivia (recurring Thursday) 📍 Jessup Farm Barrel House | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | 🆓 Free

📅 Tap Talks!📍 500 Linden St. | 6-7:30pm | 🎟️ Ticketed

🎬 Silent Film Jams📍 605 S Mason St | 6:30 PM | 🎟️ Ticketed

🎵 The Positive Spin: Vinyl Record Night at Mobb Mountain Distillers📍 400 Linden Street, Fort Collins | 6pm-9pm | 🎟️ Ticketed

Want more? See the full calendar → Fort Collins Event Calendar

🍻 New! Play the Fort Collins Brewery Trivia Game

Are you a true craft beer connoisseur? 🍺 Test your hop smarts with Craft Breweries of Fort Collins Trivia. From historic brewhouses to bold new flavors, see how well you know the city’s beer scene.

💌 Your Reservation Awaits

Whether it’s your anniversary, your third date, or just a Wednesday night that needed some sparkle, Fort Collins serves up plenty of options for every kind of couple.

  Answer: B) New Belgium Brewing

New Belgium Brewing is famous for its Fat Tire Amber Ale, which is a staple in the craft beer community and reflects the brewery's history and dedication to quality.

Snag a table, snap a pic, and send us your go-to romantic dinner spot—we might just feature your faves next!

—Your What’s Happenin’ Fort Collins crew 💛

Did you enjoy this post?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Interested in other What’s Happenin’ newsletters?