One of my favorite restaurants in Fort Collins is Austin’s American Grill, located in the Old Town walking district. Well known for serving gigantic cornbread croutons with their salads, Austin’s also features a full bar serving several local microbrews and a perky, smartly dressed waitstaff comprised of what I imagine to be some of the more attractive Colorado State University students.
After picking Maya and me up at the airport, my parents informed us that Austin’s had recently opened a new location on the other side of town, and we agreed to make it our first meal in Fort Collins. Like its sister restaurant, this Austin’s also featured an impressive bar and friendly waitstaff while adding a large, chicken-roasting fireplace and increased seating to the mix.
The four of us were seated with no wait, though by the time we left at 12:30pm, the restaurant had grown crowded with business lunchers. My parents both ordered very large house salads (with croutons), and Maya sampled the grilled salmon. Austin’s also features a few vegetarian-friendly options, and I enjoyed the grilled portobello mushroom burger, a large, sloppy sandwich accompanied by salty shoestring fries. No one had any complaints with the meal, and refills of iced tea were offered often.
If you visit Austin’s, be sure to check out the stylishly confusing restroom sinks.