Top 10 Hidden Gems of Old Town, Fort Collins
Fort Collins is home to some of the best local businesses and most of them are extremely underrated. Believe it or not, there is more to Old Town than The Rec Room, Snooze and Illegal Pete’s. So, for Fort Collins newcomers and CSU students alike, here is a list of the top 10 hidden gems of Old Town, Fort Collins.
10. Avogadro’s Number
Located on Mason St. just north of Lee’s Cyclery is one of the best restaurants and live music venues Old Town has to offer. With a never-ending menu of breakfast foods, sandwiches, burgers, desserts, munchies and more, it’s nearly impossible to decide what to order at Avogadro’s Number. Amid the macrame and bohemian decor, upcoming event posters advertise the local bands that will play on the back patio stage in the summer months. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or an evening out with friends, Avo’s never disappoints.
9. The Chocolate Cafe
Unlike Avogadro’s Number, The Chocolate Cafe is the perfect conclusion to your fancy date night at Blue Agave or Sonny Lubick Steakhouse. A camouflaged hole in the wall on Olive St., the gourmet dessert restaurant offers dozens of homemade cakes, pies, brownies, puddings, cheesecakes and even chocolate martinis. So next time you’re craving something sweet, stop by The Chocolate Cafe for a slice of chocolate peanut butter pie or even take home a whole cake!
8. Wild Boar Cafe
If you hate feeding corporate machines like Starbucks, the Wild Boar Cafe is the perfect alternative to satisfy your coffee craving. Located just north of Taco Bell on S. College Ave., the little old house is one of the coziest study spots in Fort Collins. The food is good and the coffee is great, but what makes the Wild Boar truly unique is its homey atmosphere. Yes, it really is possible to kick off your snow boots and cozy up next to the fire with a hot mocha in public.
7. Social
Social is, quite literally, the most hidden gem of Old Town. In fact, you may not even know it exists if you aren’t from Fort Collins or are under 21. But if you look hard enough, the 1920's prohibition-themed bar can be found in the heart of Old Town Square. One must simply find the clock.
6. Pinball Jones
Like Social, Old Town’s best arcade is underground. If you descend the staircase into Pinball Jones, you’ll enter a room full of 1980's-themed arcade games, including Pac-Man Battle Royale, Pharaoh, High Speed and Pinbot. And that’s not all — the place has 12 local beers on tap and popcorn is free! Whether you’re 5 or 50, Pinball Jones has something fun for everyone.
5. Downtown Artery
The Downtown Artery is one of Old Town’s newer hidden gems, located north of Old Town Square on the corner of Linden and Jefferson Streets. Tripling as a music venue, art gallery and cafe, the Artery is bustling around the clock. Stop in to grab some Green Goat toast on your way to work in the morning and don’t forget to check the music lineup at night. Money spent at the Downtown Artery is money spent supporting local artists!
4. Curiosities
Curiosities is one of the most random and amusing hidden gems of Old Town. Located on Walnut St. near Nature’s Own, the obscure shop sells anything from locally-made jewelry and handbags to erotic bottle openers and bacon-scented hand sanitizer. Whether you’re in the market for a gag gift or an expensive new necklace, Curiosities has just about everything you can imagine!
3. Village Vidiot
Although the Village Vidiot is a little farther from Old Town, it certainly deserves a spot on the list. Hidden behind Panhandler’s Pizza on W. Elizabeth St., the retro video rental shop offers thousands of DVDs, games and movie candy at an affordable rate for college students. If you can’t find your favorite movie on Netflix, the Village Vidiot is sure to have it!
2. Bizarre Bazaar
The Bizarre Bazaar is a book lover’s dream come true. With hundreds of used books and vinyl records, it is almost impossible not to find something unique and valuable at this quirky shop. Keep your eyes peeled for this hidden gem on S. College Ave. next to IHOP when your hipster friend’s birthday is around the corner.
- Lyric Cinema Cafe
Of Old Town’s many hidden gems, the Lyric Cinema Cafe is the diamond in the rough. The alternative movie theater is much smaller than any Cinemark, but its unique atmosphere makes the limited movie selection worth it. At the Lyric, $10 gets you a movie ticket, popcorn and a comfy spot on the couch in front of the screen. Forget regular clothes; go to the Lyric in your pajamas on weekend mornings for free cartoons and $5 all-you-can-eat cereal.