This huge cafe, restaurant, bakery, and event space is located inside an old grain mill at the north end of Old Town. Diners should check out the whole operation, but the stars here are the pies, from maple pecan to coconut cream and peanut butter.

While it’s still waiting on an outdoor liquor license, this courtyard of food and beverage options includes some warming indoor options — Infinite Monkey Theorem winery, Crooked Stave Artisan Beer taproom, Vatos Tacos and Tequila, and more options. See also doughnuts and ice cream for those willing to brave the elements.

From the owners of beloved underground cocktail bar Social comes this new day-to-night eatery helmed by a former Kitchen chef. Boozy shakes and egg creams go well with shoestring fries and Monte Cristos. A sprawling patio is now one of the best in the area.

Diners can watch the chef at work from any of the cozy leather seats in this old-world bistro. A la carte cheeses (sourced from the neighboring family-run shop) and a wine flight are easy starters. Otherwise, the menu of small bites has been known to feature bison tongue and crickets.

With some of the town's best chefs working here, this Boulder-based restaurant group has a flavor all its own in Fort Collins. Go for the classic shrimp and grits, some umami-filled spring onion dashi, or any of those chefs' seasonal specials.

At the swanky Elizabeth Hotel, the Emporium is an all-day cafe, bar, and restaurant featuring grab-and-go items as well as filling dinner plates. For now, it’s the unofficial town living room and a good place to meet or start the evening.

Social is known for its craft cocktails and speakeasy setting, but the late-night food menu rivals those of Fort Collins' top restaurants. For larger groups, the cheese and charcuterie boards are worthwhile. On a date? Try the blistered Shishito peppers or smoked salmon pate.

The Fort Collins outpost of this Boulder-based group is one of the prettiest spots in town. Quality ingredients and straightforward dishes are the theme here. Local produce-filled chef specials are some of the best bets for dinner.

This sweet new spot started as a stall in Denver’s Avanti but graduated to a brick and mortar in Fort Collins. From the menu of regional American dishes, diners can start with broiled or raw oysters, move on to local lamb or pork chop and grits, and finish with some house baked goods.

This is the place for the best vegetarian and vegan options in the city. Barbecue pulled jackfruit, coconut curry, yogi bowls, and a selection of smoothies are some tasty options. Come summer, the wrap-around outdoor patio is lovely for gathering and people watching.

The locally owned fish market and restaurant offers cool cocktails, weekly three-course specials, and an unbeatable happy hour. On a busy night, the cozy bar here is one of the city’s most lively and entertaining.

This butcher, deli, and beer bar is a favorite working lunch spot, but diners should also drop in for the weekend dinner specials and occasional multi-course beer dinner.

Like your favorite Sunday gravy, Nick's offers approachable Italian-American fare in a relaxed and unpretentious setting. Rich and satisfying dishes include the bucatini carbonara, eggplant parmesan, or ricotta gnocchi. Friday nights are for clams and on Saturdays, porchetta.