The Wapiti Colorado Pub - Estes Park

The Wapiti Colorado Pub  - Estes Park Location

247 W Elkhorn Ave  

Estes Park  CO 80517

(970) 586-5056

http://www.thewapitipub.com/

Daily   11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Tucked away in the small mountain town of Estes Park sits a small pub called the Wapiti. In case you were wondering,  a “Wapiti” is the second largest species of deer which flourish in the Estes park area. But, If seeing the heads of these creatures mounted to walls, while eating, this may not be the place for you.

Atmosphere:  This location is in the downtown area of Estes Park right along the Thompson River with the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop. This place is tucked away behind small offices and souvenir shops but the signs will get you there. It is everything you should expect a mountain town restaurant and bar. One side is a small eating area with tables and chairs situated near a blazing fire place while the other side is a dark, rugged and inviting. The paneled wood walls are donned with beer plaques, historical  local art and mounted deer heads. The ceiling is a combination of wooden beams and glass, which gives the dining area an outdoor feeling while warm inside.

Service:  When walking in we were greeting by two hostesses who speedily sat us at a table. Our server was prompt and polite offering us the daily specials for lunch and drinks. After lunch we visited the dark bar and had to wait a bit to get a drink but the bartender was friendly.

Drinks:   Having 100 Colorado bottled (or canned) beers to choose from made it a tough choice but we managed. The menu has everything categorized by beer type with everything from IPA’s, Bocks, Stouts, Ciders and even a unique section. We tried the Hercules IPA by Great Divide out of Denver and True Blond by Ska out of Durango.

Food:  The menu consisted of mostly traditional American bar food with some Mexican and Italian food plates. There is a kids menu and a dinner specials section with some seafood items as well as ribs. They also offer burgers made with elk or buffalo patties for those adventurous, lean meat lovers. We opted for burgers, having the Big Daddy Fire Burger and the Ranch Hand Burger. Both were decent size burgers and decent tasting. The Big Daddy was a bit of a letdown only because it wasn't very “hot”. Our burgers came with potato fries and onion rings. Both were good but the onion rings were definitely memorable above all else.

Amenities:  HD TV’s, free Wi-Fi, catering, reservations, kids menu, patio, royalty rewards cards, vegan menu, largest selection of Colorado beers in the state.

Parking:  Street parking as well as parking lots are available in downtown Estes Park.

The Buzz:  Trivia on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm, Open mic nights on Sundays, happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 6 pm.

The Rio Grande - Fort Collins

The Rio Grande

143 W. Mountain Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80524

970.224.5428

www.riograndemexican.com/fort-collins

Sun- Wed       11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Thurs               11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Fri  &  Sat       11 a.m. – 12 a.m

There is no question that The Rio Grande or “Rio” is the place to go for margaritas. It seems like every time we stumble in here there is some kind of drink special happening, allowing us to take full advantage of the margarita choices offered.

Atmosphere:  When walking through the front door you immediately get the feel that this place is strictly a restaurant, but once past the hostess stand you will see the bar hiding behind it. The bar seems to always be full of people with a margarita in hand. There is seating at the bar, if you can find a stool as well as in booths along the outer bar area. The place is decorated with a no frills Mexican theme. In fact, not much represents it being a Mexican restaurant except for the name. Off of the back of the restaurant is a nice  and spacious patio. It has a large fountain in the middle and makes up in Mexican flare where the inside falls short. The crowd is always very diverse but between 6 and 9 pm you are likely to see a more family crowd there for dinner.

Service:  The service is usually slow in the bar area because of the crowding factor. If you manage to get a table outside of the bar, the service is better and you are likely to get drinks faster.

Drinks:  The big draw at the Rio is the margaritas – period. They come in 3 sizes and 3 flavors, strawberry, mango and lime. You can mix the flavors if you want to spice things up, but overall they are good margaritas and not too strong. Other than margaritas they have a full stocked bar with an impressive selection of tequila offerings. There are only four beers on draft and the rest in bottles with most being Mexican beers, but again this place is known for margaritas.

Food:  The Rio has an impressive menu but don’t let that fool you. It’s not horrible food, it’s just not that good. They offer burritos, tacos, fajitas, appetizers and a few seafood dishes from $6 to $15. Chips and salsa is served at every table and a great pairing with margaritas.

Amenities:  Private party ballroom, huge outside patio with fountain, tequila vault.

Parking:  Parking available where you can find it in old town.

The Buzz:  College night on Thursdays from 9 to 11 pm with $4 margaritas, Happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 pm, Wednesdays  margaritas are only $5, go big with a $6 Big Tex margarita, Salsa dancing on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 10 pm for $3, weekend brunch.

Nordy's BBQ - Fort Collins

Nordy’s BBQ

151 N College Ave
Fort Collins, CO 80524

(970) 568-8358

www.nordysbbq.com/

Mon – Thu 11:00 am-10:00 pm

Fri – Sat 11:00 am-11:00 pm

Sun 11:00 am-10:00 pm

Although old town Fort Collins is lined with great places to eat, we find ourselves back at Nordy’s when we want to be engorged  and filed to the brim with meat – while sitting at the bar. What is it about this place that makes us go back? The sauce? The atmosphere? A large variety of smoked meats? Or maybe the large bar in the back with $2 beers (during happy hour).

Atmosphere:  Located in old town Fort Collins, Nordy’s is a two story brick building facing college Ave. You can enter through a standard glass door or take your chances in the turn style door when entering. The decor is rich and masculine with dark wood work throughout giving it a homey feel.  There are many booths as well as tables throughout and a bar area with additional seating in the very back of the lower level. The bar area is open and inviting with a few flat screen TV’s and daily specials written on a chalk board. The warm colored walls are simple for the most part and decorated with beer signs in the bar area. Country music can be heard throughout the place and the crowd seems to be made up of mostly families and friends out for a bite to eat.

Service:  Service here has been consistently good. There is always a hostess at the front door greeting us and offering us a table. Service at the bar is fast and friendly as well.

Drinks:   The bar offers the typical domestics brews, as well as a balanced selection of local micros and imports. Drink menu’s are displayed on the tables and offer a few fun concoctions wroth trying but they do have a fully stocked bar with daily specials and a happy hour.

Food:   During our visits we have sampled a variety of their offerings and have never been let down. The sides offered for sandwiches, burgers and entrees include mac n cheese, beans, slaw, onion rings, fries and sweet potatoes tots , just to name a few. The menu also features appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, combo meals, rib platters and a few salads. The serving portions are pretty healthy sized so we have never tried the home made desserts listed on the menu.While the  food has never disappointed, the sauces send  it over the top. They offer three BBQ sauces (Texas, Jalapeño and Kansas City) as well as a Spicy Brown mustard called Carolina, all of which are good, but the Jalapeño is our favorite.

Amenities:  TV’s, catering service, kids menu, gluten free menu.

Parking:  Parking is available in Old Town Fort Collins.

The Buzz:  Happy hour Monday through Friday 3 pm to 6 pm with $5 appetizers, $3 wells, wine and micros, $2 domestics, Saturdays and Sundays 50 cent wings and talls for the price of smalls, Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM all you can eat Lunch Buffet. $10.95, All You Can Eat Dinner Buffet Monday through Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00PM for $12.95.

Tony's Bar - Fort Collins

Tony's Bar 
224 S. College
Fort Collins, CO 80524

(970)484-6973

Monday-Friday:   11:00 am to 2:00 am

Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am to 2:00 am

Tony’s Bar is still a dive but was due for a re-evaluation since they have made some changes -for the better.  This is usually the spot we start at on a night out because of its south- side- of -old -town location and the cheap drinks. There is much people watching to be had here. You may see anything from stumbling old locals ogling stumbling young girls to frat guys being thrown out by security for being unruly. Do go with a group of friends.  Don’t go alone looking to make friends.

Atmosphere:  Now when entering the bar downstairs the aroma of urine and vomit are no more. It is still dark inside, but the floor is no longer dirty and speckled with old gum. It appears the floors have been resurfaced and replaced with hard wood. There seems to always be music blasting from the touch-tunes jukebox and the downstairs bar is usually lined with unsavory older men. If you make it to the upstairs bar, it’s a little more uplifting. The rooftop patio bar is covered and well heated.  It has ample seating around the bar and plenty of high top tables where the smokers tend to congregate. By day the bar is populated with the older crowd mentioned above.  At night there seems to be an unstable mix of some of Fort Collins shiftier residents and the lower end of the fraternity gene pool. Regardless, it's always a good time.

Service:  The service is average and you’re ordering will done at the bars, unless seated at one of the high top tables on the patio. 

Drinks:  You will find an average selection of beers on tap with your local breweries, featured in front of a few imports and domestics. They now tout having the coldest beer in town thanks to the ice taps beer is poured from. They did also add a new selection of wines displayed nicely in small wine barrels behind the bar.   The upstairs bar has a slushy machine on hand that is a dangerous concoction of vodka and Monster energy drink.  The bar staff always has a tasty shot in the repertoire that they are more then happy to shoot with you.  Do your self a favor and stay away from “The Jimmy Shot”.  Named after the charismatic owner, it’s an awful combination of vodka and diet coke. The flatness and flavor does not do “Jimmy” any justice. 

Food:  Apparently there is a menu but we have yet to dare try it. We did see a platter of fried food being delivered that actually looked edible and over heard people raving about the fried mushrooms.

Amenities:  Touch tunes jukebox, large covered patio upstairs, pool tables, shuffle board, TV’s, dart boards, bathrooms both upstairs and downstairs, skee ball games.

Parking:  You will have to find a place to park somewhere on the street. There is a parking lot behind Tony’s but you will have to walk around to the front to get in.

The Buzz:  Daily food specials,$2 anything on tap 8 p.m. to midnight on Wednesdays, bean bag toss on Tuesdays,  Happy Hour from 3 to 7 pm M-F.

Pourhouse Bar and Grill - Loveland

Pourhouse Bar and Grill

124 E 4th Street

Loveland, CO 80537

(970) 669-1699

www.pourhousebarandgrill.com

Mon & Tues           11a - 9:30p

Wed & Thurs      11a - 11p

Fri & Sat              11a - 12a

Sunday            11a - 9:30p

When in Loveland we make it a point to stop at the Pourhouse for a few beers and to enjoy some live music. We really like this place but were weary when we heard it recently changed hands. We have reviewed this place in the past but felt it was time for an update and we are happy to report that very little has changed. 

Atmosphere:  The revolving door as you enter gives you the feel that you’re not in an average Loveland bar.  The pleasant low lighting and modern woodwork gives this large space a very cozy and intimate feel.  There is a good amount of seating with several large horseshoe booths, a handful of high and low tables and a large bar area to sit at. The walls are adorned with musical instruments and art work of various music legends. There is also a flamboyantly painted vintage piano at the front of the place. The crowd was made up of younger couples and large groups of guys around the bar as well as several groups in booths and tables. The guys out numbered girls in this bar 5 to 1, but maybe that’s Loveland? And not necessarily a bad thing - ladies? 

Service:  We sat at the bar, as we usually do and received great service. The bartender was friendly and greeted us the moment we sat down. There were several servers running back and forth from the bar to their assigned tables with drinks in hand the entire time we were there.

Drinks:  They feature a well-rounded selection of specialty micro brews on tap and with $2.50 well drinks and pints during happy hour you can definitely afford to try something new.  There is also a large selection of bottled beers available.  With a full bar and a well thought out drink menu it shouldn’t be hard to find the right libation for any pallet.

Food:  The menu appears to have a few new items but includes things you'd expect to find at a bar and grill: burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and appetizers, but everything else is slightly more cosmopolitan. The more impressive items on the menu include bruschetta wild salmon, Pourhouse rib eye and St Louis style ribs. Gone are the stuffed pork chops and lobster tail entrees but new additions sound like tasty replacements.

Amenities: HD TV’s around the bar and a few in the table area, dance floor area, stage area.

Parking:  Parking is available in downtown Loveland.

The Buzz:  Live Jazz music on Tuesday nights, ladies night on Wednesdays with live DJ, Unplugged music on Thursday nights, live music on Friday nights, Happy hour Monday - Friday 11am - 6pm & Sundays ALL DAY.

d'Vine - Fort Collins

d'Vine Bistro
580 E. Harmony Rd. Ste. 102 
Fort Collins, CO 80528
(970) 472-9999
http://www.dvinebistrocolorado.com
Monday 11:00am-9:00pm
Tuesday – Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm
Sunday  5:00pm-9:00pm

d’Vine is a nice “wine bar” experience that allows you to experiment and refine your tastes in wine in a non-intimidating environment. With its casual atmosphere, small food plates and great wine at reasonable prices, the bar may become so popular they will need to expand.

Atmosphere:  Stepping into d’vine was like stepping into a sardine can mainly because of the tightness of the room as well as the smell of fish. We assume someone ordered a fishy dish that had no place to air out. There are tables and chairs through the center of this small room and booth like bench seating along the east wall, but don’t try scooting your chair out. There is a small bar area but no one was sitting at it and it did not appear inviting in such a small place. The décor in this dimly lit space was a feeble attempt to detract from the fact this bar is sadly a converted strip mall store front. There is a small patio out front, but useless for dining on cold nights, but nice otherwise. The crowd here was mostly couples and small groups enjoying tapas and wine.

Service:  Our server was quick and polite. She knew her wine and made several recommendations. No complaints where the service was concerned.

Drinks:  We both had and enjoyed a flight of wine.  Some favorites of ours were: Cashmere a blend by Cline, Cabernet Sauvignon by Chateau St. Jeans.  To be honest neither of us is that knowledgeable about wines, but we can definitely appreciate the ones we like. 

Food:  The menu is made up of Tapas, flat bread, salads, soups and small plates. We tried the Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus and Hot Goat Cheese, Spinach & Artichoke Dip. All very good but left us wanting more!

Amenities: Patio, Gluten Free Menu, Reservations.

Parking:  There is parking located in the lot surrounding the shopping center it is located in.

The Buzz:  Happy Hour  from 3 pm to 6 pm daily, live music every Thursday and Sunday evening, half off on all 2 oz tasting pours of wine on Tuesdays, half off all bottles of wine priced under $50 and 25% off bottles over $50 on Sundays.

 

West End Pub - Fort Collins

West End Pub

1119 W Drake Rd

 Fort Collins, CO 80526

(970) 377-0039

Monday – Sunday 11 am to close

We were lucky enough to stumble upon this place one night while out with friends. This is the perfect place to just chill out, have a beer and play darts or pool while listening to the jukebox.  The patrons posted up where of a mixed variety and all very friendly. 

Atmosphere:  This place is everything you expect from a typical dive bar , yet very clean. It is set up in a strip mall and has a store front entry. Once inside the long bar is on the northern wall with the south side of the bar is filled with pool tables, video game machines and darts. There are recliner couches along the front of the bar, directly under the windows and also towards the back, for those who want to lounge around. There is a jukebox on the back wall that played a lot of country music but offered some rock classics. There is ample seating at the bar and the few high top tables throughout the place.The crowd was very diverse with a few college guys, couples and old guys watching the TV;s around the bar and playing pool. The walls and ceilings are painted in dark colors and decorated with typical beer signs and plaques.

Service:  We only noticed one person working behind the bar and she seemed to have it covered. She was friendly, engaging and knew her liquor.

Drinks:  West End Pub has an average selection of domestics and craft beers.  There is a dry erase board behind the bar listing specials mostly some shots and concoctions we had never heard of, although they sounded good.  We didn't try any of the specialty shots because the bottle of Black Velvet behind the bar was just too enticing and comical. we had to keep it real and toss one back only to then see the bottle of Yukon Jack.  The bar is stocked with  all the usual liquors nothing super high end. 

Food:  There is a small selection of typical bar food here. There did not appear to be menus so we had to ask , but they do carry items such as poppers, burgers, pizza, fries and a few other less healthy options that go perfectly with your beer.

Amenities:  Jukebox , cork dart boards, electronic dart boards, Pool table, HD TV’s, pinball machine, video game machines, mega touch machine, ATM, skeeball, recliners.

Parking:  There is ample parking in the lot where the bar is located.

The Buzz:  Live music on Friday and Saturday  nights, dart tournaments, Wednesday night karaoke, daily drink specials , Monday through Friday Happy Hour .

Slider’s Sports Bar & Grill – Fort Collins

Slider’s Sports Bar & Grill
1006 Spring Creek Lane
Fort Collins, CO 80526
(970) 493-8408
http://www.slidersbg.com/
Monday-Friday 3:00pm -2:00am
Saturday & Sunday Noon -2:00 am

We have driven past Slider’s Sports Bar & Grill plenty of times thinking it was just another little bar in a shopping center, but looks can be deceiving. We are kicking ourselves for missing out on this not-so-little jewel that’s wrapped up in a blue collar kind of feel.

Atmosphere:  The front room is inviting with a long bar on the northern side, lots of high top tables in the middle and a few arcade games around the outer walls. Just past the bar is another large room with a few tables, ski ball machines and dart boards. And as if that wasn’t enough, there is yet another room with pool tables. The décor is mostly made up of beer and sports memorabilia but we expected nothing less with a name like “sliders”. The clientele was mostly groups of 20 to 30 something’s, gathered at tables with pitchers of beer and burgers. The laughter and buzz took over the rooms, while karaoke acts entertained at levels in which conversations could be held. This is a low lights kind of place that is relaxing, even while the bartenders hustled.

Service:  Service at the bar was quick and friendly. The bartender did a shot with us, which in our opinion is always a bonus!

Drinks:  With twenty tap handles, Sliders has a well-rounded selection of miro-brews and domestics. They have a fully stocked bar that’s put to good use, which was evident while watching the bartender sling out a bounty of shots to the thirsty patrons.

Food:  The menu is comprised mostly of pub and grub style bar food like burgers and fries, sandwiches, wings, and chicken nuggets. They also have a selection of south of the border items like nachos, burritos, and tacos, if you’re feeling a little adventurous. All menu items are under $10, except one. It should be noted that the one item is – The Triple Bypass ($11.99) and is a juicy ½ pound burger grilled to perfection sandwiched between two famous grilled cheese sandwiches grilled on garlic toast. Wow.

Amenities: Touch tunes jukebox, free Wi-Fi, video/arcade games, HD TV’s, gumball machines, ski ball, darts, pool tables, air hockey tables, claw game.

Parking:  There is parking in the lot surrounding the bar.

The Buzz:  Monday through Friday happy hour from 3 to 7 pm, live trivia Monday nights at 8pm, Saturday night open mic, karaoke on Wednesday nights at 9 pm, Thursday night’s live trivia at 8 pm, Friday karaoke at 9 pm, $2 pints on Saturdays on drafts from 7 pm to close, daily drink specials.

The Astoria Bar - Fort Collins

The Astoria Bar

146 N. College Ave

Fort Collins, Colorado 80524

(970) 484-0995

Mon - Sat: 5:00 pm-2:00 am

Sun:    7:00 pm  -2:00 am

When the Vault closed, old town was lacking a local’s kind of place that was big enough to accommodate a crowd, but small enough to still feel intimate. When it was announced that a new lounge called Astoria would open, we thought (or knew) redemption might be at hand. After a visit and a few drinks, Astoria has proven to be a top notch kind of cocktail place and raised the bar in old town.

Atmosphere:  The walls have been painted several shades of red with hints of gold, giving it an old time swank feel. There is a giant chandelier in the middle of the place and red pendant lights dangling above the bar area and the front windows are adorned with red sheer drapes. The floors are a hard wood and the bar top itself is black tile with wood trim. The actual bank vault is still there and inside of the vault room hangs local art work. There are tables throughout, with chairs and bench seats, and a few couches near the fireplace. The vaulted ceilings and old architecture gives the whole place a very gothic feel. The patio in the back is still reminiscent of the old vault, but has been painted in shades of orange. We were told it is a work in progress.

Service:  Service was great at the bar and the bartenders know their drinks. The entire staff seemed like they genuinely enjoyed their jobs and were having a good time taking care of their patrons.

Drinks: The bar is fully stocked with a well-rounded variety of higher end liquors. The drink menu has a Latin theme in tune with the Cuban food menu. With twelve tap handles, they offer a great selection of Colorado crafted beers and not just the bigger brew houses. The bartender informed us that they are constantly rotating in new beers and  they even have their own beer called “Astoria Ale”.

Food:   We were in for the drinks on this occasion, but a couple of the patrons said that the Cuban fair being served - is delicious. The menu is pretty simple offering appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts all for under $10.

Amenities:  Pool Table, covered patio, ATM machine,  local art work for sale.

Parking:  Parking is available in old town where ever you can find it.

The Buzz: Happy hour Monday - Thursday from 5pm - 7pm and again 10pm – midnight, daily drink specials, service industry specials Sunday and Mondays.

Jay’s Bistro – Fort Collins

Jay’s Bistro135 West OakFort Collins, Co 80524970-482-1867www.jaysbistro.netMon – Thu:11:00 am -9:30 pmFri: 11:00 am -10:00 pmSat: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pmSun: 5:00 pm –  8:00 pm

We stopped by this sleek old town restaurant on a weeknight and found the best kept Happy Hour secret in town. Jays Bistro’s happy hour sure beats the other “well drink and Coors Light” deals that dot the neighborhood. The new tapas menu makes it an even sweeter deal.

Atmosphere:  This colorful spot is tucked on Oak Street behind College Ave. It provides an inviting patio in front and a classy feeling when walking inside. The floors are wood and the walls are painted in colorful, warm, inviting hues decorated with impressionistic artwork. On the restaurant side there are tables and high rise booths lining the front as well as a fire place for those cold winter nights. The bar area has a small stage with a grand piano where jazz music plays 3 nights a week. The bar itself is lush and we shared the bar with only 2 or 3 other drinkers which we consider a sin.

Service:  We sat at the bar and service was perfect. Our glasses were filled and bartender explained the menu in detail. There appeared to be plenty of servers on staff to handle the crowd in the dining area.

Drinks:  Jay’s offers clever cocktails and a healthy wine selection as well as a few local micro beers on tap. The espresso martini was our favorite; it offers a coffee laced slap in the face. Other specialty martinis you will find here are the chocolate martini, pomegranate passion and the James Bond.

Food:  the menu is brimming with international flare with a tapas menu that includes items like peppadews, tomato bruschetta, and green pea hummus and shrimp ceviche tacos. The dinner menu begins with a heavy seafood appetizer selection followed by several steak dishes which include fillet mignon and rib eye classics but also rack of lamb and even a red deer loin dish.

Amenities:  Patio, HD TV’s, catering, stage area, banquet rooms, live music, fire-place.

Parking:  Parking is available in old town where ever you can find it.

The Buzz:  Live Music on Wednesday’s starting at 7:30pm and Thursday through Saturday at 6:30pm, happy hour Monday-Saturday from 4-6:30pm and until close on Wednesdays.

Buffalo Wild Wings – Fort Collins

Buffalo Wild Wings
150 E. Harmony Rd.
Fort Collins, CO 80525
970-266-9464
http://www.buffalowildwings.com
Sun: 11am to 12am
Mon-Sat: 11am to 1am

We are usually turned off by the restaurant chains around town, but sometimes it’s hard to resist a 2 pm happy hour with a side of March Madness! Buffalo Wild Wings is more than just a sports hang out, they have some good food and of course buffalo wings.

Atmosphere:  This place is large, wide open and chock full of TV’s blaring sports from every angle. Once inside we were staring straight at the bar which occupies the entire west end of the building. There are tables throughout the center of the place and booths lining the south facing wall. There is a large service patio, with seating and fans for warmer months. The walls inside are painted in reds and browns, giving the place a masculine feel and decorated with sports memorabilia – of course. Overall the place is very clean and …. corporate. The crowd was mostly groups watching sports and enjoying happy hour specials. The place was loud due to TV’s playing something different every few feet and because some idiot continuously pumped money into the jukebox, only to have their songs drowned out.

Service:  Service was decent and our food came very fast. Service at the bar was quick and friendly.

Drinks:  They have a well-stocked bar here, but they could use a few more premium liquor choices.  The beer selection is sufficient with a wide range of domestics, (local) micros, and imports.  The prices are very reasonable, especially for a large chain and even better during happy hour.

Food:  The menu consists of wraps, salads, burgers, ribs and of course wings. They offer 16 different sauces to put on your wings, ranging from the sweet stuff up to a flavor called “blazin”. They also offer a children’s menu and on Monday’s kids eat for $1.99. During our visit we had the juicy steak burger and the chicken buffalito, which were both quite satisfying.

Amenities:  Projector TV, HD TV’s, jukebox, touch tunes play ports, claw game, patio, free Wi-Fi, high chairs, take out.

Parking:  There is a large parking lot in the shopping center surrounding the place.

The Buzz:  Happy-hour Monday – Friday from 2 to 7p.m, Kid’s eat for $1.99 on Monday’s,45 cent wings on Tuesdays, 60 cent boneless wings on Thursdays.

Trailhead Tavern - Fort Collins

Trailhead Tavern
148 W. Mountain Ave
Fort Collins, Co 80524
970-221-5757
http://trailheadtavern.com
Monday – Sunday 11 am to 2 am

The Trailhead Tavern is a dive-bar-gem, nestled on a side street just west of College in old town Fort Collins. The mix of local drinkers and sports fans, all looking for a no-nonsense good time, makes Trailhead a great place to catch a game or just relax and grab a couple of drinks.

Atmosphere:   The dimly lit ambiance doesn’t do justice to one of the largest and most popular dive bars in Fort Collins.  When walking through the front door, we were assaulted by a collection of beer, art-work and outdoorsy memorabilia strewn from the ceiling and covering the walls.  They have a great projection TV set-up, combined with Flat screens all in good viewing angles, so we could  catch any big game. The bar and kitchen dominate and bottle neck the central part of the bar, but open into an expansive gaming area filled with pool tables, video games, and pinball machines.

Service:  We experienced good old fashioned bar service with a random cocktail waitress here and there.

Drinks:  With a fully stocked bar and 14 beers on tap, Trailhead had us covered. If you prefer a girly drink with fruit and swords, you may be in the wrong place. The chalkboards and signs around the bar area should answer all your questions on pricing as well as present daily drink specials.

Food:  Trailhead offers mostly average bar fair, but at a great price. When we’re eating out and on a budget, we usually give the daily special a go. When the special doesn’t fit our mood, we order the Mountain Fries which are a heaping platter of beer-battered fries smothered in cheese. Seriously? How can you go wrong with that?

Amenities:  Large Projection TV, lots of flat screens, 3 pool tables, pinball, video games, patio in front.

Parking:  Parking available in old town where you can find it.

The Buzz:  Daily happy hour from 11 to 7 pm, Wednesday trivia night.

Ryan’s Sports Grill - Fort Collins

Ryan’s Sports Grill
925 E. Harmony Road
Fort Collins, CO
(970) 229-0017
www.rsportsgrill.com
Tuesday   11:00 am to 2 am
Thurs & Fri 11:00 am to 2 am
Sat – Mon 11:00 am to 12 am

Not so long ago we wrote a review for this establishment when it was under another name and a corporate umbrella.  For reasons unknown to us, the owners broke away from the Jackson’s franchise and started Ryan’s. Fearful that it may have changed, we went in and were relieved to find it didn’t. Although the menu is a tad bit different, it still is the laid back sports bar we enjoyed.

Atmosphere: There is no real noticeable change to the building except for the sign out front that reads “Ryan’s” in green. There are large flat screens everywhere in this dim, but airy joint. There are rows of tables, both high and low, booths through-out the middle, and a long bar on the southern side. There is a “game” area filled with pool tables, video games and a jukebox as well as a basketball game. Its dark colors and modest sports décor give this place a relaxed and cozy feel. The bathrooms do have LCD screens on the sinks now displaying local advertisements and commercials, which was just strange. Over all Ryan’s a big space that is jammed packed when game time rolls around. The crowd is very mixed but have one thing in common – sports.

Service:  Service has always been decent here, new name or old. There are plenty of bartenders behind the bar and plenty of cocktail waitress’ ensuring that even on the busiest game days, our glasses rarely go empty.

Drinks:  They have 10 micros and domestics on tap.  Nothing in the way of an actual drink menu but the bartenders know their stuff and a have a fully stocked bar to back them up. There is a nice selection of wines and malted alternative/girly drinks like Mike’s Hard Lemonade . There are also daily drink specials.

Food:  The new menu still provides your standard “sports bar food” with some healthy choices. The menu features are salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, wings, wraps and even breakfast. The specialty section has items like steak, shrimp, fajitas, ribs and pasta. We tried the Tao’s chicken wrap and the buffalo chicken sandwich which were both pretty good. We also had a side of cheese curds and …wow!

Amenities:  Patio  on west side , pool tables, video games, basketball hoop game, 38 HD TV’s, dart boards, touch tunes juke box, ATM, free Wi-Fi, trivia, claw game, change machine.

Parking:  There is plenty of parking surrounding the bar in the shopping center where it is located.

The Buzz:  Private party rooms, catering, Wednesday night Trivia, Happy Hour Monday through Friday from  3-6 PM and 10 PM-Close, comedy night on the second Friday of every month, Military and senior discounts, kids eat free Sundays and Tuesdays after 5pm.