Tired of staying in and ordering takeout all the time? Looking for a way to spice up your night out in Fort Collins? Check out these five unique places on your next date night with your better half, core group of besties, or take yourself out for some quality time to experience the true essence of Fort Collins.

1). The Exchange

Want that nice ‘dining under the stars’ experience with a relaxing backyard feel, but don’t want to put in the effort to cook? You don’t have to! The Exchange is a trendy, yet casual experience laid out with soft turf grass, scattered lawn chairs, and patio furniture for lounging with twinkling lights dangling above the whole yard. On occasion, there is cornhole and Jenga set up for the public to play. The Exchange also offers a wide variety of cuisine including Vatos Tacos, Pennrose, and Old Town Churn Ice Cream, all of which are just a few feet in proximity.

2). Fort Collins Food Truck Rally

Having an authentic culinary experience unique to Fort Collins does not need to happen in the hustle and bustle of a crowded, dark restaurant. It can be as simple as walking to the local City Park. Every Tuesday night over the summer, City Park brings the extreme ‘picnic in the park’ experience of a lifetime. The Fort Collins Food Truck Rally offers live music from local bands and a wide variety of all genres of culinary arts native to the Northern Colorado area, all while dining under a Colorado sunset.

3). Pinot’s Palette

Let your creative juices flow, all while sipping on a beverage of your choice. This location offers fun and casual painting classes and an extensive drink menu with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. No matter the level of artistic experience, this establishment provides a lively environment for a creative and unconventional night out.

4). Union Station Bar & Soda Fountain

This modern, trendy eatery is built on the grounds of what used to be Fort Collins’ Union Pacific Train Station which was established in 1911 but was later taken down in 1959. The Union Bar is famous for their extensive cocktail and mocktail menu all made with their soda fountain. The restaurant also offers brunch earlier in the day, seven days a week.

5). The Lyric

This movie screening experience is, without a doubt, unique from any other movie theater in town. Doubling as a movie theater, bar, and grill, The Lyric provides full bar and food service with live music for their guests to enjoy before their showtime. The Lyric caters to each of their guests’ needs with a dietary-friendly menu and offers any of their signature cocktails as a mocktail for those who are underage or don’t care for alcohol. They also offer cozy couches and loveseats in each of their screening rooms for optimal comfort during the movie. The Lyric is the perfect ‘dinner and a movie’ date experience all wrapped up in one.