Loveland’s Top Ten Restaurants- Our Take

Recently, TheCultureTrip.com listed what they consider as Loveland’s Top 10 restaurants. It’s a decent list, sure. But let me take a local’s perspective on the list- and see if you agree!

TheCultureTrip.com apparently does those lists- “Top Ten This, Top Ten That”.. etc. across the world.  They recently posted “The Top 10 Restaurants in Loveland, CO”. I grew up in Loveland, I know Loveland. Let’s take a look at what reviewer Oliver Grifin wrote about The Sweetheart City’s top dining choices, and I’ll give you MY Lovelander take on them!

The 4^th Street Chop House

Griffin:

…the Chop House specializes in seafood and steak dishes, recreating popular dishes from the 1930s to give a historical and authentic cohesion to the venue as a whole. Appetizers feature steamed mussels, shrimp cocktails, to onion strings while dinner includes excellent options such as pecan-topped halibut, lobster ravioli, and rosemary grilled chicken breast. There are also a great selection of steaks on offer – including New York strip and fillet

Dave:

If I ever win the lottery, this would be the first place I’d eat. I’ve never been able to even think about stepping inside. I hear it’s nice.

Bent Fork Grill

Griffin:

The Bent Fork Grill is a locally owned restaurant serving contemporary American food in a warm and cozy environment. The interior is decorated with art from local studios, giving the restaurant a strong community vibe. Using only the best of local ingredients, dishes are carefully selected to reflect the modern soul of American cuisine...

Dave:

This seems like a “I gotta pick a joint out there by the interstate” thing. I would have just clustered Bent Fork, Bonefish Grill, PF Changs and Biaggi’s all together. You really can’t go too wrong out there. Problem is, you gotta want it. From west Loveland out to Bonefish is 20-25 minutes.  Then, you wait for a table. My advice- Pack a snack

Next Door

Griffin:

…. a chic restaurant with a modern Spanish vibe, offering a menu of exciting and innovative dishes. The ceiling is beautifully decorated with metalwork from local artist Matt Kaufmann, whose sculpture and carpentry reinforce the modern look and feel of Next Door. Apart from the regular menu, the restaurant also offers tapas items including bacon wrapped medjool dates…

Dave:

Griffin fails to mention why it’s called “Next Door” –it’s because it's next door to the Rialto Theater. Next Door is total ‘art scene’ Loveland dining: Fancy-but not super fancy. I do enjoy how you can get a beer through the window when you’re catching a show at the Rialto.

Henry’s Pub

Griffin:

…is the quintessential British pub: dark wood, high bars and large tables. The pub maintains sophistication without being cold, making it perfect for larger groups and animated conversation. It is common to visit Henry’s just to enjoy a drink with friends, however, for hungry patrons there is an extensive menu of traditional dishes such as fish and chips, game sausages with mash, and even a Guinness stew….

Dave:

It takes a Lovelander to let you know that Henry’s is a sister restaurant to The Sports Station. For whatever that’s worth. Henry’s is great. It’s my favorite Loveland place. The ONLY thing is- the seating. Unless you’re getting that little romantic table up by the front window- you are in the open. No secrets.

 Generations

Griffin:

Generations specializes in local produce, so expect a great selection of Colorado microbrews. The bar itself is 24 feet long, allowing ample space for customers to pull up a stool and enjoy a relaxing drink. Food dishes include smoked duck tossed with penne pasta, bison meatloaf, and pesto gnocchi tossed in a mix of spices...

Dave:

I guess he meant ‘local products’ and not ‘produce’ – what does produce have to do with local micros? Otherwise- Generations, I believe, has succeeded because it’s across from Loveland Ale Works. Not that there’s anything wrong with that- It’s a great LITTLE place!  It used to be a tattoo parlor-no surprise for that particular area of downtown. Me and a buddy say “Let’s get tattooed” when we head over there. I remember when they first opened, and they had those weird barstools. I wonder if anybody ever tipped one over after having a couple of those martinis!

Mo’ Betta Gumbo

Griffin:

..the chefs bring the Cajun food of the Deep South to Colorado with great dishes of corn, shrimp and potatoes. Creole spices are used liberally to create a fantastic smoky flavor that runs through all of the food here.

 Dave:

I’ve never been to Mo’ Betta, but everybody who has, says it’s great. It takes a Lovelander however, to let the reader know about the hassles Mo’ Betta went through early on- some flooding as I recall. All is fine now- If you like Cajun… hit them up.

Loveland Coffee Company

Griffin:

...is a cozy little place in downtown Loveland that welcomes guests in for freshly made coffee, cakes, and more. Complete with a fireplace and comfy sofas, there is a chance that once settled you won’t want to leave…

Dave:

This review is by far my favorite to ridicule of the whole bunch. Because – A: A coffeehouse is hardly a restaurant. I mean, geez – put a place like McGraff’s on the list of Best Restaurants before you list a coffee house, right? Stupid. B: The Loveland Coffee Company is not downtown- it’s on 29^th by the post office. Stupid.

Inglenook Restaurant

Griffin:

Besides being a great spot to grab a bite to eat, the Inglenook is also an ideal place to enjoy a relaxing drink in, with many romantic booths tucked around the bar area. Dishes include crispy half duck with three-berry sauce and black rice, beef short rib with caramelized vegetables, and dry marinade pork loin with mash potatoes.

Dave:

When I think of the Inglenook, the first thing I think of is wine. Then, I think “What a great place to take a grandparent visiting from out of town”.  To me, the place comes across as stuffy- you know? They serve duck. Stuffy.

Nordy’s BBQ

Griffin:

… assures guests that it is the best BBQ in all Colorado, one thing is certain: it’s the joint having the most fun in Loveland. Think glitzy cocktails with sparklers in all manner of colors and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, allowing diners to gorge on as much meat as they want.

Dave:

No argument. Great BBQ, good fun. However, he fails to mention the Eagles. 

The Asian Café and Grill

Griffin:

…an award winning pan-oriental restaurant in Loveland Colorado. Over the years, this humble eatery has won a great number of consecutive awards for best Chinese food, and best restaurant in northern Colorado.

Dave:

The Asian Café and Grill totally blows Canton Palace out of the water. Their edamame is great. That’s the first place I ever tried it.  Nice people too.

Overall, I think Oliver and the TheCultureTrip.com staff did a decent job in picking Loveland’s best. I can see where it’s tough coming up with TEN places in little Loveland.  Do you like the list? What places got left off the list, in your opinion?

Get the detailed list from TheCultureTrip.com