Old Town's Butcher-Driven Original
Choice City has been on West Olive for more than two decades — a working butcher counter in front, a serious restaurant and beer bar behind. The space refreshed in 2025 to add a cleaner, slightly more polished look, but the soul has not changed: this is still the room where the Buffalo Reuben became a Fort Collins shorthand, where USDA Choice steaks are cut to order, and where the beer list rewards the kind of nerdy attention that Old Town built its reputation on.
The kitchen runs American comfort with a global accent. The signature Buffalo Reuben — bison pastrami with tamarind and tandoori notes — is unlike anything else in town and worth ordering even if you intend to come back for the steaks. Slow-braised lamb shanks, house-made turkey melts, juicy gastropub burgers, and a rotating list of seasonal vegetarian plates round out the menu. The tandoori brown sugar popcorn that arrives with cocktails is the kind of detail that signals a kitchen actually paying attention.
The beer program is the other reason regulars come. Choice City carries Russian River brews most Colorado bars cannot get, rare Trappist ales, and a deep cellar of bottles you didn't expect to find in Fort Collins. The wine list is shorter but credible, with real Colorado producers alongside international picks. Cocktails are globally inspired and properly executed.
The dining room is comfortable, the bar is convivial, and the location inside the Armstrong Hotel means you can walk straight upstairs after dinner if you booked the room. This is the Old Town restaurant locals send out-of-towners to when they want the city to make sense in one meal.
At a Glance
Why It Works for Solo Dining
Choice City's bar may be the best solo seat in Old Town. The bartenders are knowledgeable without being intrusive, the beer list rewards an evening of careful exploration, and the kitchen turns out plates that are interesting enough to anchor a meal but not so labor-intensive that you feel watched while eating them. The Buffalo Reuben and a half-pour of something rare is a perfect Tuesday night. The acoustics work for reading a book with one hand and eating with the other.
For closing a business deal, the room scales down well — book a four-top in the dining area, share a few starters, let the beer or wine pairing do the social work. For an unfussy first date, the Old Town location and butcher-shop charm make it a low-stakes, high-personality choice.
Frequently Asked About Choice City
What is Choice City known for?
The Buffalo Reuben — a bison pastrami sandwich with tamarind and tandoori notes — has become a Fort Collins signature. The butcher counter, USDA Choice steaks, and rare beer program are the other anchors.
Does Choice City have a butcher counter?
Yes — it has operated a working butcher counter in the front of the restaurant for over 20 years.
Is Choice City inside a hotel?
Yes — it is located on the ground floor of the historic Armstrong Hotel at the corner of Olive and Mason in Old Town.
What day is Choice City closed?
Tuesdays. Open Monday and Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 9pm.
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