Choice City — Restaurant in Fort Collins

I would frequent Choice City from years 2015-2019. The vibe had that cool pub feel with real down to earth people. It even was a butcher shop too with interesting choices like rattlesnake sausage. I thought I need a comfort today and it’s been a while I think I’ll drop into Choice City for a Sammie. I almost thought I walked through the wrong door till I looked at the floor and remembered the ramp. I started to want to leave right away. But I committed thinking maybe it’s just a remodel they couldn’t change up the food much too right? The hand written menu gone and practically unrecognizable new digital menu threw me. Also no tap wall will disappoint many I’m sure. I ordered what I thought was my regular. A hot Italian. I got it to go since the vibe was so off putting, I understand wanting to improve a place but an entire aesthetic change was jarring. It’s not like it’s ugly it’s just sterile and makes one feel like they can’t hop in for a sandwich after a hike or other Colorado activities. Too high brow, too ritzy hotel. They kept the tables and name signs but that’s all that feels familiar. And the patio. They offered me water while I waited for my to go order which was nice. The people working are nice but in a corporate way not a neighborly way. The food was good. I thought I had the wrong order though when I took out the sandwich it was on bread I didn’t think fit an Italian as I knew it. It had different Italian meats on it but not the ones I expected. It was really just a fancy ham sandwich. Didn’t taste remotely similar to a standard classic Italian. But it was good. Just not what I was hungry for. The wedges were generous and tasty. No pickle. WHAT? That was a staple. I’m glad I went alone. My husband would of hated it and probably of not wanted to eat there. Mostly because the brew pup style and new feel. We are foodies and appreciate upscale places around town but this was a cozy warm rugged place and that’s what I expect out of it. Not considering as of now returning. Feels sad. Glad other folks are happy but I think us old fans might need time to get over this makeover. Pricing was higher and I remember before the remodel/sale the Sammie’s were getting thinner on the old menu after the pandemic so I’m glad this time I got more of my moneys worth. Sad they couldn’t of just beefed up the same menu though if it changed hands and they could sell you more food. RIP old CHOICE CITY and butcher shop. Welcome whatever this is and hopefully they do well because I do want small business to thrive. Just don’t feel it’s the place for me anymore. Maybe when purchased a change of the name would of made the blow...

Choice city was a great place to eat. I've been a loyal customer for a long time and grew up in fort collins. Even though i have been there many many times and would suggest it to out of town friends in the past, things have changed. The Colorado Rueben used to be my favorite sandwich on their menu, large portions of meat and properly drained sauerkraut, the perfect balance of flavors, Ive had it quite a few times. Despite the $15 pricetag, the last few times have been quite disappointing. Upon ordering I was asked if I wanted a half portion of meat, 1/4 lb instead of the regular 1/2 lb. I clearly declined the offer, yet still received the lesser amount, it was a to-go order and i didnt notice in time to have this fixed. After waiting a month or so, I decided to try the same sandwich again, and give them another shot, hopefully it would be as good as i had remembered in the past.... Not only was the lesser amount of meat used again, but the sandwich was very soggy and had little to no Sauerkraut on it. Plain and simply, the quality and portions have both gone down significantly, or maybe i got their worst cook 2 times in a row on the same sandwich? unlikely. This used to be one of the only places worth eating at downtown on a regular basis. I can only hope that they work on their consistency, customer service and quality control, as they have amazing menu items and an overall awesome kitchen, but at the prices they charge, you could expect consistent portions and quality at the very least, much more than I have received on multiple occasions. The staff generally just doesn't seem to care. Definitely think twice before ordering or ask lots of questions and check your order before you leave. Better yet, go to Backcountry Delicatessen for a solid and consistent sandwich everytime. Get what you know you can expect.

It will be quite a while before i go...

Made for Date Night!

Choice City is back! It may look a bit shinier, but the quality is still there. We visited for their new dinner service on a Thursday night, one week after their grand opening. Couldn’t have been happier with the fresh changes and the attentive service. I think they do counter service with sammies & burgers for lunch - some classics and some upgrades - Tandoori Turkey melt, anyone? But I have to say the dinner service was absolute perfection!

The food has that clean, but original take that makes you stop your conversation just to savor the moment. My husband and I did our usual - pick two distinctly different plates and swap half-way thru. I had the filet with red wine demi-glace and perfect crisp-tender honey lemon broccolini. The steak was like butter! My husband ordered the chimichurri cauliflower steak with almost popped couscous and tri-color carrots. You cannot imagine how good everything was. I've never had couscous that made me stop mid-bite in awe. Puffed and somehow chewy and crispy, with golden raisins, pine nuts, and great flavor. Now I must find a way to replicate at home. And the coconut lemon cake was a refreshing and delightful finish to a wonderful meal. I know I'm gushing, but seriously I haven't had a meal that good in a long time. Even the simple olive and cheese starter was phenomenal. The olives were marinated in something citrus which added just a hint of sweet. Delicious!

My one sadness is they moved away from their carefully curated and highly diverse tap selections in favor of local choices. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the local selections, but this used to be one of our favorite places with a variety of beers from near and far. I remember enjoying my first Karmeliet at Choice City. All in all, an amazing dining experience, but would like to see a more...