Planning a trip up the highway to Cheyenne’s Frontier Days? Might be smart to stop along the way for some grub. Fort Collins seems about right. Here are a few places to grab a meal, direct from our files.
Al Salam Restaurant 822 S. College Ave., Fort Collins, 970-484-3198
You take off your shoes and sit on big pillows on the floor at this Middle Eastern eatery. The charming chef/owner and friendly servers offer up excellent falafel, hummus, baba ganouj and shawarma.
Enzio’s Italian Kitchen, 126 W. Mountain Ave., Fort Collins, 970-484-8466
When you want a pie and a tempranillo, Enzio’s thin-crust pizzas and extensive by-the-glass list satisfy. The big surprise: The desserts are plate-licking good.
La Luz Mexican Grill, 200 B Walnut St., 970-493-1129, Old Town; 140 E. Boardwalk Drive, 970-267-9444, south Fort Collins
Local owners emphasize fresh ingredients and vivid flavors at this Mexican cantina. Excellent salsas and fish tacos, but it’s all good.
Encore on Colfax
Perhaps the most charming feature of Encore, Colfax Avenue’s newest upscale restaurant, is the piano bar up front. Grab a stool and sip your pre-dinner martini to the strains of familiar pop standards, then settle into the dining room for supper. Singing along optional. 2550 E. Colfax Ave., 303-355-1112. Tucker Shaw
