New American Restaurants in Fort Collins, CO

“Best Italian sandwich I’ve ever had. Amazing beer choices! Awesome after a morning of rafting.“

“Always delicious! I love the change up in the menu. Happy hour seafood and drink deals are awesome 👏“

“Best brewery in the neighborhood!“

“More than meets the eye - this spot has good food and excellent beer on tap selection. Truly a choice hang out, date, company lunch or just “me time” place. Worth checking out. Buffalo cauliflower app is fantastic 🙌 had this salad there last time and it was the bomb“

“The tacos are amazing! Love the new location with it's fresh, clean look, too. We tried 5 different tacos and loved them all - they have all the traditional choices along with several creative selections. The staff and service was friendly and attentive. Just go :)“

“Both the food and service were amazing! I highly recommend it!“

“Too many choices. Will definitely be back!“

“Amazing Burgers, Amazing Shakes!“

“Whiskey neat, old fashions, Irish“

“Solid pub fare, but the standout was the service and the ciders. Liam, the GM, was fantastic. He was on his own at the bar, but didn't fail to greet us with a smile when we came in, and was quick to help us whenever we approached the bar. Scrumpy's is the home of Summit Ciders, and theirs are fantastic. There really is something for every palate. Liam convinced us (it didn't take much) to try a flight of all 16 ciders for $28, which is a great value as a separate flight of 8 is $17. Each taster is good for several sips, and since we were heading back home to SD, we didn't need any other drink with our meal. We took several ciders home with us, and if they didn't have any 4-packs left they were able to provide a choice of growlers or growlettes. Liam was again amazing, juggling our cider order while helping other customers, and still helped us bring some of our ciders to our car. He even threw in a couple of cute stickers with their hedgehog logo, and some BOGO cocktail cards. We'll definitely have to try their cider based cocktails when we inevitably return.“

“Fort Collins, CO

There are restaurants that serve food, and then there are restaurants that serve identity pieces of history folded into plates, poured into glasses, and anchored deep into the culture of the place they stand in.
Penrose Taphouse & Eatery belongs firmly in the second category.

Named after Spencer Penrose, the entrepreneur, the risk-taker, the firestarter of Colorado’s early identity, this establishment doesn’t just borrow a name it honors a legacy. The man who carved a road up Pikes Peak, sparked industries, created jobs, and literally shaped the terrain of the state… that spirit is alive here. You feel it the moment you step inside.

There’s a quiet electricity in the room a sense that this place was built on the backbone of ambition, of people who weren’t afraid to roll the dice. The atmosphere is warm, grounded, and unpretentious.
A chill vibe with a pulse.

And then comes the service led, on this visit, by Ella.

Ella is one of those rare servers who doesn’t just take orders; she commands the experience. Her pace? Fast, efficient. Her precision? Sharp. Her hospitality? Effortless. There’s a grace to the way she moves, a confidence that says she knows the room, she knows the food, and she knows exactly how to make you feel taken care of.

The kind of service that makes you stop and think,
“Damn… this is how it’s supposed to be.”

Now, let’s talk about the food because Penrose doesn’t play safe.

⭐ The Goat Burger

This isn’t just a burger; this is a statement.
Cooked to peak complexity layers of richness, savor, and depth stacked neatly between buns that actually hold their integrity. It’s bold without being obnoxious, refined without losing that satisfying punch that a great burger should have.

The old fashion was absolutely Perfect! Created eitj craftsmanship and precision.

A dish Spencer Penrose himself would’ve respected daring, different, unapologetically flavorful.

⭐ The Nachos

Divine.
A chaotic masterpiece that still somehow keeps its composure.
Crisp chips, generous toppings, balanced heat, and enough cleverness in the build to keep you going back for “just one more bite” until you realize the plate is gone.

This kitchen knows exactly what it’s doing.

Penrose Taphouse & Eatery is more than a spot to grab a bite — it’s a celebration of the pioneering energy that built Colorado. A relaxed environment where you can sit back, take in the history hanging invisibly in the air, and enjoy food crafted with skill and pride.

If you want:

a chill vibe,

amazing food,

service that hits every mark,

and a place that honors the spirit of a Colorado legend…

Penrose is your place.

A gem with roots, muscle, and heart.

-Sidd Captures“

“We were treated so wonderfully! Knowledgeable staff walked us through each dish and recommendations from appetizers to desserts. Everything was prepared to perfection and was so flavorful and rich. And even though we were stuffed we had to have dessert! The four of us each ordered something and shared and it was on point! We will absolutely be back! Our server Arianna and the GM Kyle made our night and each get 5 stars! Thank you so much for the best night :)“

“Awesome family owned tavern with great pizza and beer selection! Check it out!“

“The staff at Ace Gillett’s is what makes it truly exceptional, but their cocktails are as good as they come - and the food, delicious! It’s a place I consider home. Love it.“

“I really love this place. It's a little on the pricey side, but I feel like I can get a healthy meal here, if that's what I'm after. I'm often eating a low carb diet, in which case I love their chicken or beef skewers with veggies. They are perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. I also often order the Kobe burger without a bun and beet salad, which can't be beat!

This last trip, I'm back on carbs and I ordered the beat bowl. It was so darn good and I'm thrilled to have leftover. The quinoa was properly prepared and the roasted veggies and candied pecans were to die for. Overall, it exceeded my expectations. Yum yum“

“bad service but we like the chicken and ribs so we order take out. tonight we had a salad in our takeout which was awful and full of previously frozen and wilted lettuce. Called to speak to a manager to let them know to check their salad. on hold for 20 min...then they picked up and hung up on me. 3 strikes you are out. incredibly poor service for a guest service industry. and now after posting I do NOT recommend, this posts as I recommended...haha. do yourself a favor and stay away“

“Waiting, Food, Service, Cocktalis Fast, Friendly, Delicious.“

“For over 20 years now, LJs has been a regular hangout for me. I’ve met many people there and look forward to the next 20. (If Deano can still hang with us at 86 yo, then so can I!!) Their food menu has a nice variety and daily specials are always well done. This pub truly emanates a feeling of family. It’s amazing how many long-term employees are there, which is a direct reflection of the ownership and managers caring for their staff and customers. If you’ve never been to LJs or you’re just visiting FC, please stop in and join us for a pint! Cheers and Slainte!!“

“Hands down one of the best dining experiences in Fort Collins. Great food, delicious cocktails and amazing service. Keith is probably our favorite server in all Fort Collins. Tip: If you want the full experience, sit at the bar where you can joke with and be entertained by the entire staff.“

“Great food!!!! 😋😋😋😋😋❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️“

“This is truly one of my favorite places in town! It’s just such a great place to get a beer and some grub. Truly an awesome spot to hang! We watched the broncos come back from a 26 point deficit and I wouldn’t want to watch it anywhere else!! I highly recommend this bar to anyone!!“

“I enjoyed my visit. The wait staff was friendly and helpful. The Bar was a favorite followed by the pizza I ordered. My orders from the bar were prompt and flavorful. The bartender or should I say mixologist created drinks that wowed the pallet and ensured I will return.“

“No matter when I walk into this tavern the service, atmosphere, food & service is top notch! Whether it's Hackett, James, Meadows, Carlos, or Rick these guys are top notch! Food and drinks are inexpensive but so good, you'll be back. I went to CSU, moved away, then back in 1998. I've been a faithful patron here ever since. So, having done the math... 27 years. This place is a dependably awesome establishment that never lets me down. Great beers & shots for about $4. Delicious wings, burgers, and deep fried (you name it). $3 basket of homemade potato chips with ranch is outstanding for the price!! I could go on and on, but you need to step in and see for yourself. From college kids to blue collar hard working folks to retired folks, ALL are welcome and accepted. Cheers!“

“The Brooks (he earned that title) was amazing. You guys are lucky to have him. Highly recommend this place (when he is working) Service was prompt and accurate even when he was the only one there and the place was mostly full. The toddler size toilets are the only thing I could really complain about, but I made do“

“We had a great time. Sat at the bar and the bartender was quick. Had great drink service and a big plate of fried goodness (the Sampler). The manager was working all the stations and pitching in everywhere. Sorry about the broken glass 😆. Food and drink prices were great. We're not from Ft Collins but I would return if I'm in the area.“

“Food as always very good. Service from Cortney was superb, great attitude and a real pro. Seasonal drinks...outstanding.“

“Our server was Emily and she did an outstanding job while serving many tables simultaneously. I asked for a different whiskey in my Old Fashioned Cocktail, which she provided and comped me the difference. I was pleasantly surprised. A lot of restaurants would not do this. In addition, the meal was as delicious as always. We love the Emporium!“