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All 285 Fort Collins Restaurants »

El Monte Grill & Lounge

1611 S. College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525
9703721869
Website
Outside El Monte
El Hombre
Tamales
Ceviche
6 visitor photos
Ranked #5 of 285 restaurants in Fort Collins
4.5 of 5 stars 64 Reviews
Reserve with OpenTable
Price range: $9 - $18
Cuisines: Mexican
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Good for: Romance, Bar scene, Large groups, Doing business, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Late Night
Dining style: Casual Dining
Cross street: College and Prospect
Transit: Future development will have the Mason Street corridor at our back door. RTD bus stop with-in 3 blocks.
Description: Flavors of the Southwest, Mexico and Central America are expertly combined with only the best Steak, Chicken and Seafood. All cocktails are prepared with classic techniques, fine spirits and fresh juices. Try the Esteban- an El Monte exclusive of lime juice, mint and gin, served at a chilly 28 degrees. Try our made to order guacamole and choose from 15 ingredients to give it a taste all its own. Always wanted to try guacamole with Strawberries, goat cheese and chives? We got you covered. Happy Hour 7 days/week with cocktail, beer, wine and food specials. We have a banquet room that holds 15-60 guests. Great for all events from business presentations to rehearsal dinners.
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64 reviews from our community

90% Recommend
    38
    19
    3
    2
    2
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Wichita, KS
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
“Great happy hour, amazing guacamole.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 28, 2012 NEW

The guacamole is wonderful here. Happy hour is on most nights, good selection of appetizers and great deals on tap beers. Very well spiced food, not your typical 5 ingredient Mexican food. My favorite restaurant in the Fort.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by jetskifreak82 for Fort Collins
1 review
“Mucho overated for the Price!”
1 of 5 stars Reviewed May 26, 2012 NEW via mobile

The food seemed overated for the amount you get. Save your $$$ and go to the Rio!

Was this review helpful? Yes
Fort Collins, Colorado
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“Great tapas”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 30, 2012
2
people found this review helpful

Not sure what you want to order? Get some tapas. They were able to figure out what a Bushwacker drink was (typical of tropical islands)...where many bars weren't even willing to try.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 15 more reviews by Melinda S for Fort Collins
Sarah Joswick, General Manager at El Monte Grill & Lounge, responded to this review
May 12, 2012

It's great to hear that you enjoyed yourself at El Monte! We've got a knowledgable and friendly bar staff who always like a challenge. From our great selection of appetizers to our authentic Oaxacan entrees, El Monte has a little something for everyone. Thanks for the review! More

Loveland, Colorado, United States
1 review
“Great Experience”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 28, 2012

Had a great experience at El Monte! DIfferent from your average Mexican restaurant, great change of pace! The service from Carrie was excellent, her recommendations were right on the money. The Esteban cocktail was fantastic, and the Cochinita Pibil and the Relleno Del Mar were both fantastic. Manager came by to see how we liked their new Ceviche Trio appetizer-... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Sarah Joswick, General Manager at El Monte Grill & Lounge, responded to this review
May 12, 2012

It was great to be able to participate in Dining Out for Life again this year. It's wonderful to be able to team up with local restaurants to raise money for a great cause. I'm so glad that you enjoyed your experience. Our servers have an extensive knowledge about our menu, and are all able to make great recommendations. Of... More

Fort Collins, Colorado
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Yumm”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 11, 2012

This place is kind of tucked into this weird parking lot, but the food is fabulous. I recommend the squash enchilada or the planked salmon w/ plaintains. Oh, and pay extra for the guac with the strawberries in it. Not your average mexican cuisine. It is contemporary and a little fancy. You will not find re-fried beans piled on a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by Jojothepogo for Fort Collins
Sarah Joswick, General Manager at El Monte Grill & Lounge, responded to this review
April 13, 2012

Thank you for the review! The salmon is a great entree -- wild-caught salmon prepared in our wood-burning oven with fresh plantains. Try it with our famous coin margarita or a glass of Urban Uco Torrontes. Our exotic guacamole is unqiue to our restaurant and a big hit! Nope, you won't find refried beans here -- we make our beans,... More

Ft Collins, Co
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
“This visit was a much-improved experience”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 9, 2012

After a not so good experience last September, they seemed to have their act together once again- we gave them another chance. The guacamole was delicious and the meal items were, also. I had chicken mole. The wine was reasonably priced and good, service was good. It was my wife's birthday and they brought us a free creme brulee, delicious.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by NoCoretiree for Fort Collins
Sarah Joswick, General Manager at El Monte Grill & Lounge, responded to this review
April 11, 2012

FIrst of all, I am so glad that you decided to give us another chance. I am equally glad to hear that this visit was more enjoyable than your last one. Our chocolate chili creme brulee is fairly new to our menu, and it is a great way to end a meal. Thanks for the heads up on the appearance... More

Fort Collins, Colorado
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“Three Trips and Just OK”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed March 23, 2012
2
people found this review helpful

Yes, the guacamole was good, but the atmosphere was lacking, the service was inattentive, and the food was so-so -- kind of bland and not as bold as you would expect at a latin fusion place. Has not lived up to the hype, and we've tried it three times now. The restaurant is in a depressing little corner of an... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by Pitbull103 for Fort Collins
Sarah Joswick, General Manager at El Monte Grill & Lounge, responded to this review
April 11, 2012

It is unfortunate that your three trips to El Monte have been just okay -- it is our intention that every dining experience here be excellent. I'm sorry to hear that your visits have been less than impressive. Our intimate location is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Old Town and offers plenty of easy parking! I hope... More

fort Co
1 review
“They close too early!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 16, 2012

I like the signature gin drink, and we always have a fun time there. But when I arrived after work to meet up with my friends at 10 p.m. on a Saturday, the sign on the door said "closed!" I was able to go into the bar for one drink with them, but we were moved out of there by... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Sarah Joswick, General Manager at El Monte Grill & Lounge, responded to this review
March 22, 2012

We're glad to hear that you have a good time when you are here -- and we think that the Esteban is one of the best drinks around! We set our business hours to accommodate our hourly volume of business. Come check us out on a Friday night for some late night live music! We do close for most major... More

Fort Collins, CO
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Not your mother's Mexican...”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 16, 2012

We have been to El Monte several times in the past year, and are always pleased with the fresh, expertly prepared food. It is not the typical heavy, cheesy food you get at standard Mexican restaurants. The flavors of the food really stand out. Try the exotic guacamole made with avocados, goat cheese, strawberries, and mangoes. I had the seafood... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Sarah Joswick, General Manager at El Monte Grill & Lounge, responded to this review
March 22, 2012

El Monte is different than the rest! We bring the flavors of Oaxaca to Fort Collins in a fresh and healthy presentation. Our guacamole is made-to-order, and you are right -- the exotic is a must try. Thanks for reviewing us, and we'll see you soon! More

Boulder, Colorado
1 review
“In a word - Delicious”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 8, 2012

I don't live in Fort Collins, but I eat at El Monte whenever I visit. The steak and enchilada is awesome.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Sarah Joswick, General Manager at El Monte Grill & Lounge, responded to this review
March 22, 2012

There are a lot of restaurants to choose from when you visit Fort Collins, and we are glad that we've become a destination for you! The steak and enchilada is one of our most popular entrees, and pairs well with our famous coin margarita. Thanks for the review, and we hope to see you the next time you are in... More

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El Monte Grill & Lounge
1611 S. College Ave
Fort Collins, CO 80525
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