Fort Collins, Colorado, is a city known for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and an up-and-coming food scene. For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, finding delicious gluten-free dining options can be a challenge, but Fort Collins has risen to the occasion. In this blog, we will explore my top 12 gluten-free restaurants (in no particular order) in Fort Collins, each offering a unique and delectable dining experience that caters to both gluten-free and gluten-full diners.
Explorado Market
Location: Old Town
Specialty: Coffee, Breakfast, Pastries, Cake
If this isn’t on your Fort Collins list, then you’ve been living under a rock. Explorado’s owners are AMAZING and sterilized the kitchen when they moved to the downtown location, so it’s celiac safe as well. It is allergen friendly in a ton of other ways, but it’s nice not having to wonder about gluten in any capacity. They serve locally sourced coffee and everything I’ve had has been delicious!
Favorite dishes: Chocolate Donuts (dairy free), Ham and Broccoli Quiche, Kalamata Focaccia, Red Velvet Cake, Poptarts (when available – call in advance)
Simmer Fort Collins
Location: Midtown
Specialty: American Lunch and Dinner
Simmer feels like an Old Town gem, but it has ample parking and is never too busy to grab a table (especially when the weather is nice and the patio is open!). Not only does Simmer have a labeled menu with gluten free options, but their staff is extremely knowledgeable about possible options and never judgmental about dietary restrictions. They’re always more than willing to talk me through the seasonally-changing menu and figure out something that works.
Favorite dishes: Asian Cauliflower Wings, Crisp Apple Salad, Bistro Filet Cheesesteak
Scrumpy’s
Location: Old Town
Specialty: Cider, American Fare
A cider flight is the best way to consume cider, in my opinion. I love the vibe at Scrumpy’s and their staff always makes me feel at ease. I try to order a different sandwich every time I go and I’ve never had a bad one! Scrumpy’s offers GF options among their other items so it’s a great place to go in a group because you can make everyone happy. PS – they have beer too, not just cider!
Favorite dishes: Spinach Artichoke Dip, Normandy Sandwich, GF Chicken Tenders
FOCO DOCO
Location: Old Town
Specialty: Donuts
FOCO DOCO has fresh, warm, delicious, steaming, yummy, safe, fried, gluten-free donuts! The only bad part is they only offer GF donuts on Thursdays, so make Thursday a donut day. They are LGBTQ+ and woman-owned, which I can always get behind. *I was just notified that they switched from Tuesday to Thursday for GF donuts!
Favorite dishes: Salted Honey, Lemon Poppyseed, FOCO Cream
JAWS Sushi
Location: Campus West
Specialty: Sushi
I think a staff can make or break a restaurant for gluten-free diners, and JAWS impresses me every time I go there (or call in an order to go). They have a very knowledgeable staff and, if they don’t know the answer, they will go ask the chefs 10 out of 10 times, which is an appreciated quality. It’s rare to have a perfect 5 stars on Find Me Gluten Free, but JAWS does, which is saying something! Bonus points for gluten free eel sauce – yum.
Favorite dishes: ATF Roll, Red Panda Roll, OG Scotty-O Roll
Los Tarascos
Location: Old Town
Specialty: Mexican
Los Tarascos is my favorite Mexican restaurant in town. It has a great atmosphere, a well-labeled menu, and delicious food – including a salsa bar! Also, Los Tarascos gets my vote for the best margarita in Fort Collins, but watch out because their house mix isn’t gluten free. Plenty of other options though. Don’t sleep on its sister restaurant, La Buena Vida, either – especially if you’re on the south side of town.
Favorite dishes: Chicken Mole Estilo Uruapan, Pork Chile Verde, Camarones Tarascos
Blue Agave
Location: Old Town
Specialty: Mexican
Blue Agave gets two thumbs up for delicious food and for a clearly labeled menu. They list gluten-free, celiac safe, and gluten-free with modifications on their menu. Everything is correctly labeled and, once again, a knowledgeable staff is a great staff. The food is also delicious and their menu is huge!
Favorite dishes: Blue Agave House Salad, Tofu-Walnut Enchiladas, Blue Agave Fish Tacos
Star of India
Location: Midtown
Specialty: Indian
Star of India has a menu full of options for gluten-free eaters and it’s all labeled as such. My biggest negative with Star of India is that the all-you-can-eat buffet has limited GF options, but I’ve never had a bad dish from here. Star of India makes me realize how much of a luxury it is to be able to order gluten free naan – yes, I said gluten free naan!
Favorite dishes: Chicken Tikka Kedai, Aloo Gobi, Gluten Free Naan
Urban Egg
Location: Old Town
Specialty: Breakfast/Brunch
Fort Collins has become a mecca for breakfast restaurants, but Urban Egg is the only one that made my list. Yes, breakfast food is typically (inherently) gluten-free. But have you had their specialty pancakes? All of which can be made gluten-free? Yum. Definitely worth waiting in the long line for brunch here.
Favorite dishes: Corned Beef Hash, Blue Corn Huevos Rancheros, anything with a GF English Muffin, Hawaiian Pancakes
Bann Thai
Location: Front Range Village
Specialty: Thai
If you’re craving Thai cuisine, Bann Thai should be first on your list. Once again, labeling is key and Bann Thai understands the assignment! They a variety of gluten-free curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes, prepared with care to ensure your meal is safe and tasty.
Favorite dishes: Thai Tea Boba, Shrimp Pineapple Curry, Ton Mun Pla (fish cakes), Tom Yum Koong (shrimp hot & sour soup)
Hunan
Location: South
Specialty: Asian
I got to the end of my list before realizing I forgot Hunan! They are simply the best if you are craving any Asian dish. I always order by phone and the staff is very accommodating and willing to ask questions if they don’t know the answer. I have been in Fort Collins for 15 years and, shockingly, I just tried Hunan this year! I can’t wait to try more dishes – people always have great things to say.
Favorite dishes: Sesame Chicken, Fried Rice, Beef with Broccoli
The Regional
Location: Old Town
Specialty: Southern Fusion
The Regional is dedicated to offering locally-sourced, seasonal, and gluten-free cuisine. Their menu features creative, farm-to-table options that cater to everyone. This is my go-to for date nights and the chefs/servers are all awesome and accommodating! If I could eat at The Regional every night, I would! Their menu has GF items labeled and the kitchen is open so you can see most of what’s going on. For some reason, I haven’t made it in for weekend brunch yet, but it’s on the list!
Favorite dishes: Oysters, Cheesy Poblano Grits, Steak Frites, Harissa Roasted Carrots
Honorable mentions:Â
Smokin Fins, RamaMama, Crisp & Green, The Post Chicken & Beer, Jax, Yampa Sandwich Company, Spoons, Torchy’s Tacos, Modern Market
Fort Collins is a city that caters to various dietary needs, including gluten-free options. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these top 12 gluten-free restaurants offer delicious, safe, and diverse culinary experiences. From comfort food to international flavors, you’ll find a range of choices that make dining out in Fort Collins a pleasure for those with gluten sensitivities. So, next time you’re in town, don’t hesitate to explore these fantastic gluten-free dining destinations.
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