For families with young ones in tow, finding a restaurant that caters to the needs of both children and adults can be a game-changer. Luckily, Fort Collins offers an array of eateries where parents can enjoy delicious meals (and a beer!) while their kids are entertained and well-fed.
From breakfast diners to pizza joints, these establishments have mastered the art of combining tasty fare with family-friendly atmospheres. Whether you’re craving classic comfort food, international flavors, or healthy options, there’s something on this list for every palate and dietary preference. Plus, there are a few with special kids-eat-free days!
Austin’s American Grill
Austin’s American Grill serves up the flavors of Colorado in its hearty and flavorful dishes, all of which can be enjoyed in the modern and friendly atmosphere at either of their two Fort Collins locations — or their downtown Greeley location. Adults and older children will love their savory roasts and chicken cooked over open flame, the all-natural buffalo seasoned to perfection, or the cornbread baked in iron skillets with honey butter. And little ones will find plenty of options on their kids menu, from roasted chicken to mac and cheese, which includes a drink, a side and a sundae. Or you can satisfy the whole crowd with a family pack, which includes a main dish to share, plus a cornbread skillet and two large sides.
Rainbow Restaurant
Photo Courtesy of Rainbow Restaurant
Rainbow Restaurant is one of the best places to enjoy breakfast or lunch in Fort Collins — especially during patio season! Their garden patio is adorned with beautiful flowers and greenery, plus plenty of shade from umbrellas and lush trees overhead. Here, you can indulge in their menu, which has traditional, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options for both adults and kids. Their kids menu has a one egg breakfast, a cheese omelet, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a fruit cup, or granola with fruit, all served with freshly baked wheat bread with berries, house-made strawberry sauce, whipped cream, cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Big Al’s Burgers and Dogs
Big Al’s is serving up some of the best burgers and hot dogs in the city — and their casual dining space is the perfect space to bring the kids! And while they don’t have a menu dedicated to kids, their entire menu is kid-friendly. All of the burgers and dogs are made with fresh, high quality meat — aside from the veggie burgers of course, which are made with top notch veggies, beans and quinoa. One of the most popular options is the 60/40 burger, which boasts a patty made with 60% beef and 40% bacon for a decadent flavor. Accompany your choice with a side of perfectly crispy fries in a variety of flavors, from sour cream & onion to truffle. Save room for a hand-scooped milkshake to top off the experience!
La Luz Mexican Grill
La Luz Mexican Grill serves up delicious Baja-style Mexican food, including some of the best fish tacos in town. It’s the perfect spot for a quick lunch, a weekend breakfast, or a delicious dinner with the family. They have a large selection of options on the kids menu, including tasty burritos, quesadillas, tacos, and more. And on Sundays, kids under 12 eat for free!
CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing
Photo Courtesy of CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing
CooperSmith’s may be a pub and brewery with plenty of beer for the adults, but it’s also one of the most kid-friendly locations in town, especially out on the patio. CooperSmith’s has a fun, lively atmosphere, perfect for indulging in their gourmet pub food and beer brewed in-house. And their extensive kids menu has plenty of options to choose from, including fish ‘n chips, dinosaur nuggets, grilled cheese, a pub burger, a corndog, bangers and mash, and mac and cheese. Complement the meal with Tyke’s ice cream or root beer milk!
Beau Jo’s
Beau Jo’s is a Colorado staple, dating back to 1973 when they opened their first location in Idaho Springs. Today, they operate six locations throughout the state, including one right here in Old Town Fort Collins! Pizza is always kid-friendly and an easy way to feed a large group for a reasonable price. And on Monday and Tuesday nights, kids under 12 eat free with the purchase of an adult meal! No matter what pizza you order, make sure you try it the Beau Jo’s way, with honey drizzled on the crust.
Krazy Karl’s Pizza
With a name like Krazy Karl’s and a menu dedicated to pizza, you know it’s going to be kid-friendly! This locally owned pizza joint has two locations in Fort Collins and one in Loveland, where the whole family can indulge in their award-winning pies, from your standard Old World pepperoni or 7-cheese pizza to more creative options, like buffalo chicken, loaded baked potato, Philly cream cheese, chicken bacon ranch, or “The Mac’d Up.” And, as if homemade pizza wasn’t already kid-approved, they also serve extras like pizza rolls, chicken fingers, garlic bread, loaded waffle fries and mouth-watering desserts. Anyone up for a s’mores pizza?
Silver Grill Cafe
Photo Courtesy of Silver Grill Cafe
This iconic breakfast destination has been a Fort Collins staple since it opened nearly 100 years ago in 1933. Silver Grill Cafe is the oldest restaurant in Northern Colorado, still serving up a wide range of sweet and savory dishes for all ages, including their most popular menu item, their enormous, gooey cinnamon rolls. The kids menu has pigs in a blanket, French toast, pancakes, and more, including the “kids breakfast,” which has eggs, toast, your choice of meat, and a side!
Avogadro’s Number
Avogadro’s Number does it all, functioning as a breakfast, lunch and dinner spot, as well as a music and event venue and bar! It’s an especially lively environment for all ages, from inside with the colorful mural and stage, to the spacious outdoor patio with plenty of shade. You’ll often see little ones running around between bites of their selection off the kids menu, which has a burger, tempeh and cheese, grilled cheese, PB&J, B.L.T. and chicken tenders, all served with baby carrots or potato chips. Bonus: adults can even order off the kids menu if they’re not as hungry!
Stuft Burger Bar
Photo Courtesy of Marianne Pellin Photography via Stuft Burger Bar
Stuft is a gourmet burger bar with a sports bar attitude — and yet, it’s one of the most kid-friendly places on this list. Their award-winning burgers and wide selection of beers appeal to adults and their Kids Korner menu has things like slider cheeseburgers, chicken strips and grilled cheese for less than $6. And on Tuesdays, kids eat for $1 with the purchase of an adult meal! Don’t miss the Princess, Monster, or BYOB Milkshakes for the little ones — or get a massive shake made with hand-scooped ice cream and topped with all sorts of toppings, like brownies, whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate syrup, pretzels, and more.
Union Bar & Soda Fountain
Union Bar & Soda Fountain was inspired by the food and ideals of the old-school soda fountain and diner, making it an especially fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Their patio is especially dreamy, overlooking the River District with plenty of seating and a turf area where you can play cornhole. They serve brunch, lunch and dinner, with a variety of American classics, including approachable versions for picky eaters on the kids menu. They are known for their milkshakes, with classic options for kids and some boozy shakes for adults!
Vatos Tacos & Tequila
Photo Courtesy of Vatos Tacos & Tequila
This Fort Collins original is located in The Exchange and serves up top-shelf tacos and tequila, premium margaritas, handheld burritos for breakfast, lunch and dinner, loaded nachos, and so much more. And it’s all available for dine-in, grab-and-go, or outdoor dining on one of the city’s best patios! Their street tacos are some of the best in town and their soft, sugary churros are the perfect complement to any meal. The kids menu offers things like a burrito bowl, quesadillas and tacos, and each item includes a fountain drink and an ice cream cup.
Penrose Taphouse & Eatery
Also located in The Exchange, Penrose Taphouse & Eatery is another favorite amongst families, especially because of their airy, spacious outdoor patio. Adults can indulge in a variety of burgers, salads, sandwiches, and other pub fare, paired with a beer, cocktail or glass of wine. And the kids menu is one of the most extensive on this list, with options like fish and chips, mac and cheese, chicken tenders, pasta alfredo grilled cheese, steak medallions and more. All kids menu meals come with a choice of a side, including mandarin oranges, fries, sweet potato fries or tater tots.
What Is Your Family’s Favorite?
Let us know which restaurant in Fort Collins is your family’s favorite!
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