The Exchange — Restaurant in Fort Collins

I love the concept and have enjoyed spending time there in the past. However... We were there on a Saturday evening around 8 and left very dissatisfied. It was nearly impossible to find a place to sit down that wasn't dirty. If a bench wasn't sticky from some spill then it had trash from someone's meal on it. I was surprised at how many guests weren't bussing their own trash. I like that it is family friendly, but on this night the kids were out of control. Cornhole beanbags were flying everywhere and not towards the corn hole game. I heard one group of adults leave because they couldn't play cornhole without kids running in front of them while the player was trying to toss the beanbag. We left wondering if anyone is responsible for keeping the place clean and keeping the adults/kids/animals under control. I assume the employees of the businesses aren't going to do that outside of their specific areas. I hope we were just at the Exchange on...

I remember visiting this place when the little brewery existed in the corner of the parking lot, and a waffle food truck stood in the parking spaces. How differently it is now. I miss that brewery. And it's cool that the waffle place is back. This area has morphed over the years. The recycled shipping containers give an ambiance of urban decor that is cool. The miniature golf place always has tasty drinks. The restaurant attached to it is yummy with their salads and beers on tap. The salted Oreo ice cream in the middle is to die for. This really is a fun place they even really like it when the panini place serves their mulled wine on the chili days that is the best. Where else can parents go and get tipsy while their kids run around, oh wait, this is Fort Collins. We can go everywhere....

The Exchange is a nice, outdoor "patio" atmosphere with a grassy area, picnic tables, benches, and yard games in the summer. This particular day, I only stopped by to get ice cream, but I've been here before, and it will really surprise you, and make a pleasnt place to go alone, with friends, and is very family friendly. The perimeter is surrounded by bars, restaurants, shops, and a small indoor putt-putt bar. The best part is you can take your PURCHASED restaurant food, beverages, even your cocktails, anywhere within the interior of Tge Exchange, to enjoy. There are also high bar tables and a rooftop patio (above Vatos Tacos) to enjoy the beautiful Colorado summer days (don't forget your umbrella, though). Highly recommended for both locals...