You’ve just moved to Fort Collins and you’ve become a Ram. You’re no stranger to college as a transfer student, and you’re an adult. The twenty-first notch is in your belt. You pay your bills, smoke and drink responsibly, and you KNOW how to party. You’re ready to take on the town!
Here are the Top 5 Places to go if you’re 21 and older in Fort Collins.
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- Breweries
It’s hard not to introduce people to Fort Collins without mentioning our pride and joy: our breweries. From the more known names like New Belgium and Odell, to smaller places like Funkwerks and Zwei, Fort Collins has just about everything when it comes to your beer desires. It’s actually quite fascinating how much variation exists in beer, and in one city alone.
Many of the breweries offer free tours of their facilities. Odell Brewing offers free tours at starting at 12pm, and every hour till 3pm. It’s best to reserve a tour the day ahead, as space is limited. It’s fantastic to live in a city where it’s nearly impossible to try every type of beer available to you. More importantly, these breweries are always looking to create the next great beer. The possibilities are endless!
- The Book Ranch
You won’t find your textbooks at this store.
The older I get, the more comfortable I am with my sexuality. I recall buying my first package of condoms at 18. I was nervous and scared of judgement. I looked at the Walgreen’s employee with scared, puppy eyes. Over time however, you learn that your sexual health is more important than the opinion of others. That is something that comes with maturity, something we 21 and up understand.
With that said, this is definitely a store for adults ONLY. They have a wide variety of condoms, lubricants, and if you’re adventurous, some kinky discoveries for you and your partner. So if you’re looking to protect yourself, or surprise your lover for their birthday with something naughty, this will be the store for you. There is also a video arcade in the back made up of 12 rooms, if that floats your boat. No judgement here!
Though it’s a bit on the expensive side, it’s nice to know you’re helping a local business that has existed since 1964.
- Tony’s Bar
If you’re new to Fort Collins, you’ll learn rather quickly that nightlife is always popping. Older students can’t help but look to get away from the essays, exams, and endless reading. One of the hottest places in town is Tony’s Bar in Old Town. While the inside is quaint, with pool tables and a long bar, those aren’t the major reasons to come to this bar.
The rooftop is where the fun is happening. Great music, cheap drinks, and the endless night sky make for a great evening out. However, the one downfall of this joint is that it’s so popular, the rooftop can get crowded. So if you don’t mind being social, and a little too up-close and personal, this might be the bar for your night out.
Pro-Tip: The rooftop is awful during winter. Enjoy it now while you can!
- The Rec Room
If you know a little bit about Fort Collins, I’m sure you’ve heard of the infamy of this FoCo hub. Dark, trashy, and a teeny bit nasty, this place is easily the most ‘turnt up’ club in town. I’ve never seen this place not have a line, it’s that popular. The drinks tend to be strong, and the music is usually dance friendly.
However fun this club may be, there always seems to be some sort of trouble abreast. I think it’s safe to say that everyone who has been to the Rec Room has some sort of drunken story to tell. If you’re looking to create some crazy memories, the Rec Room may be your poison.
Pro-Tip: Don’t wear your nice shoes. The floor is stickier than honey!
- Lucky Joe’s Sidewalk Saloon
I have far too many memories of this place. Dates gone awry, my first Irish Car Bomb, and throwing peanut shells on the floor with some of my best friends. Every time I’m at Lucky Joe’s, I’m reminded of the joys of being a student at CSU.
This is truly your neighborhood bar. As soon as you pop in, the ambiance grabs a hold of you. Drink and be merry! Enjoy some food while you’re chugging your IPA. Listen and enjoy the live local music! I’ve never had a bad instance at this bar, and I doubt that you will either. Queue up the Cheers theme song, as it is entirely fitting for the treasure in Fort Collins.
Collegian Reporter Adrian Felix can be reached at news@collegian.com or on Twitter @afelixmedia
