BEST Great Plates of Downtown™ OFFERS

If you're in Fort Collins and love good food with an even better purpose, mark your calendars—Great Plates of Downtown™ is the annual two-week extravaganza that's equal parts tasty adventure and heartfelt giving. Happening every March 1–14, this beloved tradition turns downtown into a food lover's playground while raising big bucks for the Food Bank for Larimer County.

Launched back in 2006 (with fundraising kicking in from 2008), Great Plates has grown into a Fort Collins staple. This year—2026—it's celebrating its 21st year with 49 participating restaurants offering special, limited-time menu deals. Think curated breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and all-day options priced at handy tiers like $15 & under, $25, $35, or $45. Whether you're craving a quick bite, a romantic dinner for two, or something shareable with friends, there's a "plate" for every craving and budget.

The real magic? It's all about the donations. Diners simply add an optional contribution to their bill (100% goes straight to the Food Bank—no fees skimmed off the top). Every dollar donated helps provide two meals for neighbors facing food insecurity in Larimer County. Since partnering with the Food Bank in 2008, Great Plates has raised over $1.3 million, delivering more than 2.3 million meals to those who need them most. That's community impact you can literally taste!

Past years show the momentum:

• 2025: $103,850 raised

• 2024: $105,661

• 2023: $152,382 (a record high!)

• And it keeps climbing, thanks to generous diners and hardworking restaurants.

Spots like UNION Bar & Soda Fountain (yep, our retro diner fave!) consistently rank among the top fundraisers, serving up some of the best Great Plates offers alongside their classic burgers, pancakes, and craft cocktails. Other heavy hitters often include Rodizio Grill, The Melting Pot, Social, and more—each bringing their A-game with creative twists on favorites.

How it works is super simple:

1. Check out the full lineup and menus on the official site (downtownfortcollins.com/dine/great-plates)—they drop the details around mid-February.

2. Pick your spot(s), make a reservation if needed, and enjoy the exclusive specials.

3. When the bill comes, add a donation if you can—every bit counts!

4. Tip your server generously—they're the MVPs making it all happen.

In a world that can feel divided, Great Plates reminds us how powerful coming together around the table can be. It's not just about the food (though the food is phenomenal); it's about neighbors helping neighbors, one delicious bite at a time.

So, grab your crew, plan your downtown crawl, and dive into Great Plates this March to enjoy the best deals in town while giving to those in need. Your taste buds will thank you, and so will the folks who get a little extra help because of it. Who's ready to dine, discover, and donate? For the latest on participating spots, specials, and ways to get involved, head to downtownfortcollins.com/dine/great-plates or follow Downtown Fort Collins on social. See you downtown—let's make this the tastiest (and most generous) March yet!