Planning a trip or a move to Northern Colorado? Energetic, eclectic, and renowned for its beauty, this part of the state receives at least 300 days of sunshine and, in some mountainous areas, over 300 inches of snow. In every season, though, Northern Colorado offers some of the best restaurants around. Whether you are looking for upscale, fine dining with landscape views or the perfect Saturday morning breakfast, there are plenty of top-rated restaurants in this breathtaking region along the I-25 corridor between Denver and Cheyenne, WY.
Loveland Chophouse, Loveland CO
Only about fifty miles north of Denver, Loveland, CO, is home to The 4th Street Chophouse and is well-known for its steak and seafood. Located in historic downtown Loveland, the Chophouse also offers an extensive wine, martini, whiskey, and liqueur list. Turf selections come with a delectable list of toppings to add to you steak from chimichurri to onion straws to blue cheese encrustment, and your meat is guaranteed to be cooked to your precise desire – from blue rare to well done. A visit to 4th Street Chophouse is fine, but casual dining at its best.
Door 222, Loveland CO
Door 222 is another popular restaurant in Loveland. Offering upscale versions of comfort cuisine in a relaxed setting, Door 222 is the perfect spot for sandwiches or pizza at lunch, afternoon tapas, or full dinner entrees ranging from their angus short ribs to fish and chips. Door 222 is a go-to place for many of Loveland’s residents and visitors. Their outdoor seating, gluten free options, and shaved brussel sprouts, among many other delicious offerings, keep people coming back again and again.
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, Fort Collins CO
Drive fifteen miles north of Loveland, and you’ll find yourself in Fort Collins, the fourth largest city in Colorado and the home of Colorado State University. This quaint college town has a long list of restaurants offering such a unique variety of food that a short visit won’t give you enough time to indulge. Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant is a local favorite if you are in the mood for Tex-Mex by real Texans who also spent time in northern Mexica studying the cuisine. Founder and owner Pat McGraughran even brought the black bean crop to Colorado, since it is not local, simply so he could serve his customers the best and most authentic Mexican food around. You’ll definitely want to try their “perfect plate of nachos” as well as their in-house salsa and tortillas, made fresh at the beginning of each shift.
Ginger and Baker, Fort Collins CO
Want to enjoy the view of nearby Cache la Poudre river, which is just east of the Continental Divide and flows right through the town of Fort Collins? You’ll definitely want to take a trip to Ginger and Baker in the River District. Ginger and Baker offers three separate eateries: The Cache, which offers an upscale menu of beef, bison, and game. The Cafe, which serves more casual American comfort food classics. And The Market and Bakery which specializes in pies, pastries, breads, and coffee.
The Silver Grill, Fort Collins CO
For breakfast in Fort Collins, consider The Cafe at Ginger and Baker, offering everything from avocado toast and energy bowls to breakfast classics like French toast and omelettes. Or try the oldest restaurant in northern Colorado, The Silver Grill. Known for their Famous Giant Cinnamon Rolls, The Silver Grill makes more than 10,000 cinnamon rolls every month. Eat one by itself, or have one sliced and made into french toast, or even toasted and buttered alongside your eggs and bacon. And if you’d rather stay away from sugar and carbs, they also offer a very extensive menu of omelettes and eggs with various proteins – steak, pork, and even trout.
Chimney Park Bistro, Timnath CO
The town of Timnath is situated just southeast of Fort Collins. One of the fastest growing communities in Colorado, it is known historically for its farming and agriculture. For over ten years now the restaurant Chimney Park Bistro has been making exquisite use of the local, seasonal, and organic products from the area. Chimney Park Bistro has an award-winning upscale menu ranging from a Bison Tartare appetizer to a Pan-Seared Maple Leaf Duck Breast. Their Truffle-Thyme Whipped Potatoes are one of four finely crafted sides. Try the flourless Chocolate Cake or the Peaches and Cream Bread Pudding for dessert.
Hearth Restaurant and Pub, Windsor CO
Nearby Windsor boasts of Chimney Park’s sister restaurant, Hearth Restaurant and Pub. Offering a more casual and comfort-food style by comparison, Hearth’s menu has all of the American classics you would expect: burgers, pizza, soups, salads, and even a Shrimp Penne ala Vodka and a Scottish Salmon Mignon. Three out of six items on their dessert menu are even gluten free for those looking for a special-diet-friendly treat. Hearth’s dining room, above the second floor gives guests panoramic views of Windsor Lake and the Rocky Mountains. It’s the perfect place for a classy, but casual night out with friends or family.
Conclusion
With sunshine for most of the year, even the cold and snow won’t keep you from enjoying the many fine dining experiences in Northern Colorado. From Loveland to the newly bustling Fort Collins-Timnath-Windsor area you’ll be inundated with many of Colorado’s best restaurants. Choose your preferred menu items and have them in the atmosphere of your desire, the restaurants of Northern Colorado are some of the most popular and frequented destinations in the state. If you decide to settle down in Northern Colorado, checkout our guide on finding a suitable Colorado real estate agent.