Madre Cocina y Lounge

We had a fantastic experience from start to finish. The atmosphere was inviting and the service was attentive without being overbearing, which made the visit even more enjoyable. The standout of the night was the rib eye taco, it was absolutely incredible. The flavors were bold and perfectly balanced. It was so good that we ended up ordering more just to savor it again. Every detail, from the presentation to the seasoning, was executed flawlessly. This is the kind of place you look forward to returning to, and one we will absolutely recommend to friends and family.

Hands down best Mexican restaurant in Fort Collins! Being a chef for 17 years plus, the food was top-notch, every dish was bursting with flavor, fresh ingredients, and perfect presentation. The drinks were just as impressive! Creative, balanced, and made with real care. You can tell the team here takes pride in what they do. From start to finish, everything hit the mark. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a spot that gets both food and drinks just right! I ordered El Jefe and 3 tacos! Pork belly melts in your mouth and Anna the bartender was sweet and personable. Cesar (one of the chef’s& bartenders) was incredible to talk too, history on the restaurant was creative, and he explained his top winning drink “El Jefe” and its history! I’m bringing clients here!!!! Thank you folks for the great food and amazing service

From the moment you arrive, the service stands out—friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, which is full of authentic and flavorful Mexican dishes. The tacos are exceptional. I can't even pick a favorite because they were all THAT good. The plantain enchiladas are just as remarkable, offering a unique savory-sweet balance. We found the upscale bar program equally impressive, with expertly crafted cocktails that complement the food beautifully! Be sure to save room for dessert—the Banana Flan is incredibly fresh, flavorful, and the perfect way to end the meal. With amazing food, a top-tier drink menu, and a warm, beautiful atmosphere, this is hands down the best restaurant in Fort Collins.

A Hidden Gem in Fort Collins That Rivals NYC’s Finest If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Fort Collins, look no further — this restaurant is an absolute gem. From the moment I walked in, I felt transported to the elegance and sophistication of the Ritz-Carlton in New York. The ambience is warm, classy, and welcoming — perfect for a date night, business dinner, or a celebration like a graduation or wedding. The service here is truly world-class. The staff is knowledgeable, attentive, and incredibly professional. The servers know the menu inside and out, and the bartender? A true artist — the cocktails were expertly crafted and absolutely delicious. Now, let’s talk about the food. Every dish was flawlessly prepared, seasoned to perfection, and beautifully presented. You can tell that care, skill, and passion go into every plate that leaves the kitchen. This isn’t just a meal — it’s a culinary experience that will leave you speechless. What impressed me most was that I found this level of quality and sophistication right here in downtown Fort Collins. It’s centrally located, easy to find, and adds so much value to the local dining scene. I honestly didn’t think I’d find anything that could compare to the high-end experiences I’ve had in NYC — but this place proved me wrong in the best way. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this restaurant is the place to go. I’ll absolutely be returning, and I genuinely believe everyone in Fort Collins deserves to experience what this incredible spot has to offer.

Exceptional restaurant, the food was truly wonderful and unique, we tried two dishes we had never heard of and they were both fantastic. A true dining experience, the service and drinks were fantastic as well, we loved that they are family owned and utilize local food products. Must give this place a try, they are worthy of a five star review.

Absolutely do not pass up visiting Madre while you’re in Fort Collins. They offer PROPER boutique small batch tequila and mezcal, and the staff is ready and willing to talk through them all. The food and cocktails were exceptional - every sip and every bite well balanced and full of flavor. Do yourself a favor and visit Madre - oh! and ask for Cesar.

If you're in Fort Collins and looking for an unforgettable dining experience—stop what you're doing and get to Madre. From the moment we walked in, everything was exceptional. The service? Warm, attentive, and genuine. The people? Welcoming and passionate about what they do. And the food? Simply out of this world. Every dish we tried was bursting with authentic flavor—from the perfectly cooked Sirloin Steak Tacos to the fresh, delicate fish, and the standout octopus that was tender, flavorful, and expertly prepared. The drinks were just as impressive—creative, balanced, and seriously delicious. A special thanks to Cesar for creating such a memorable experience with new friends and family—both local to Fort Collins and all the way from Switzerland. His warm hospitality and incredible off-the-menu drinks made the evening truly unforgettable. Madre nails that rare balance of refined and relaxed. It’s not just a meal—it’s a full experience. If you’re craving true fine dining in Fort Collins, Madre is the place. Trust me, it’s one of those spots you’ll be talking about long after the last bite.

This was an incredible dining experience. The atmosphere was pristine, clean, and upscale— yet still warm. Such a powerful story behind the business, too... uplifting women across generations (as explaining by our waiter, Danny!). Service was excellent. Danny was super kind and passionate about ensuring only the best experience possible. My boyfriend and I felt very celebrated!

Good food, excellent tacos, good cocktails all around good stuff. One thing I didn't like was the mushroom and raja empanada. Light on the filing and a little greasy. Will eat here again when back in town

Wow!!! I was blown away as this week this was the 3rd Mexican restaurant I visited in Old Town. Hands down, MADRE COCINA Y LOUNGE, on Linden Street, north of Walnut, was THE best Mexican food I had this week. And the decor is STUNNING! Happy Hour is 2 pm to 5 pm. I had a drink called a Tamarindo for $9. Usually, I don't go in for cocktails past a Margarita but the description of the drink intrigued me. It was so good that I was tempted to have a second. But lucky for me, it was after 5 pm and it's a Happy Hour drink. With a several block walk in 97 degrees today (6/27/25) with a second cocktail I might have passed out. I ordered a Taco Rib Eye for $8 -- delicious! I also ordered a Tostada de Ceviche for $12 -- also delicious! Note: Often Ceviche is marinated raw fish but I was relieved that this offering was made with COOKED Bass. I only wish I'd been with a large party so that I could have seen more items on this unusual menu. I can't wait to go back to try some other items. And due to their kind and enthusiastic staff I LOVED DINING THERE! MADRE COCINA Y LOUNGE has my highest recommendation.

Went to this place with pretty high expectations, and they were met. The food was so yummy. When the salsa is good, you know the food will be good too. Our waitress recommended the esquite cremoso for an appetizer, and it was really good and well balanced. We ordered the pork belly, brisket, and rib eye tacos. They were all very different than your typical street taco... Higher quality ingredients. The table's favorite was the rib eye taco. It was so tender, and you were able to bite it without the whole taco falling apart. Their steak and eggs were great. My steak was cooked nicely (medium rare). And it came with a few fresh tortillas. The omelette was also delicious. It came with a side of refried beans which.... Had to have something else in them because those beans tasted sooooo savory. (Did they put cheese on them??) Their elotes pancakes were interesting. But we definitely had to ask for an extra side of their sauce/syrup. The amount they put on the plate left the pancakes feeling dry... But the extra sauce/syrup refreshed it. All in all, I like this place. The food did take a bit to come out, but the staff are extremely friendly. I did feel like the prices were a little on the high end for the portion size, but the quality was definitely there.

What makes Madre Cocina Y Lounge so special, blending tradition with modern twists in Mexican cuisine. The first point to cover is the fusion of old and modern that defines Madre's menu. Second, I'm acknowledging commitment to authentic flavors while also delivering fantastic drinks. Welcome to Madre Cocina Y Lounge, where tradition meets innovation in Mexican cuisine. This spot takes classic dishes and gives them a modern twist, perfectly blending the old with the new. Think of it as a bridge between the past and the present on a plate. Madre masters the blend, making each bite a journey into the rich tapestry of Mexican flavors with a twist that keeps it fresh and exciting. Authenticity is their hallmark, but they don't stop at food. Their drinks deserve a spotlight, crafted to perfection, complementing the dishes beautifully. The dedication to bringing out true Mexican essence shines through every meal and sip. It's not just about eating; it's about experiencing what Mexican food truly represents. If you're curious to dive in without committing to a full meal, Happy Hour at Madre offers the perfect solution. It's the ideal time to explore their menu, try a variety of dishes, and savor those impeccable drinks. Whether you're a seasoned Mexican food lover or a curious newcomer, you'll find something that hits the right spot. Stop by, bring friends, and taste the legacy revitalized for today's palate.

Fantastic little gem! Great service and delicious cocktails and food. We stumbled in and fell in love! Super fun brunch menu! We wanted one of everything on the menu and damned near got it! . Love this place so much!!! Fun vibe and amazing waiter!

I enjoyed Madre a lot, it's upscale Mexican and elevated street tacos/cuisine. We tried a bunch of different tacos and I really appreciated the homemade chips with the guac + overall flavors. Definitely not your typical Mexican place where you can expect a plate of food for $15; expect to pay about $30+ per person in my opinion. Definitely would come back if I lived in FoCo.

Best drinks in Fort Collins so far! Excellent happy hour as well, will be back! Why go to The Rio or Agave when you can go here? No comparison. Will definitely be back and recommend to all my friends. Very happy to have this establishment in Fort Collins

Delicious!! This new restaurant really knows what they're doing with their food. The small menu allows them to respect everything that's on it. The restaurant is decorated very well and is very clean. The staff is attentive and the drinks are very impressive!

As an Arizona girl, I don't often go for Mexican food when I'm away from home. This restaurant pleasantly surprised me and reminded me of delicious memories from travels in Mexico City and Oaxaca. Their aesthetic was adorable and overall worth the work of parking in the area. Their cocktail program skews fruity and boozy, and every drink our table tried was a hit. I don't even like a Bloody Mary, but their sweet-and-savory play on it was a standout. I will continue to dream of their Jamaica twist on a lychee martini. You can order as an individual or to share, depending on what you go for. One main plate is good for a person, but we aenjoyed sharing the passionfruit crudo app, the beet salad, and the octopus main course. Their beef taco balances umami, acid, and freshness. I loved all the flavors and the fact that the food wasn't too heavy. We had just enough space (thank goodness) for the spectacular guava cheesecake dessert. Service from Carlos was amazing-- thoughtful and well-timed. This restaurant has a ton of gluten free options, which we appreciated. The kitchen and staff also communicated well with us about what was and wasn't an option. I look forward to coming back the next time I'm in town.

Great cocktails and tacos. The menu is a bit short, but the pork belly taco was succulent. The duck confit was a bit dry, but the salsas were of help.

The drinks are great and the ambience is top notch. They went a slightly different direction with the food than expected - mushroom enchiladas, duck enchiladas. The tacos are great however - a spot worth checking out!

Thoroughly enjoyed a family birthday celebration with a party of 8. Drinks and food were outstanding, as was the service led by the owners' son. Definitely worth a visit.

We met some friends here for brunch last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The staff (especially Danny) was very welcoming. The food was excellent and the service was outstanding. I enjoyed my chorizo omelette (and rib-eye taco) while my wife loved the huevos rancheros. The drinks (they have an extensive and eclectic drink menu) were outstanding. We will be sure to head there anytime we are in Old Town and want a fun atmosphere and a great meal. I would highly recommend!

My husband and I have been to Madre six or more times sine it opened. Each experience a positive one. I'm not a trained food critic or reviewer, but I have been to enough restaurants/ bars to know the difference between average and something special. Madre is something special. The moment you walk inside, you feel welcomed by the host staff. The servers are gracious and helpful with menu selections. The bar staff knows their stuff - and Charley is a personal favorite of ours. She mixes fine concoctions and tells great stories. The food is really good. Really good! Brunch is delightful as are the dinner options. Give it a try. The vibe will draw you in, you'll relax, have a fine meal, and a good time in this lovely place. Suzanne M

Drinks were delicious , however we couldn't wait to cash out because the bar stools were so uncomfortable! The Ceasar salad was lackluster & the pork belly they served with the salad was tough & beyond chewable. For the serene ambiance, it was overall underwhelming from the talks of the town. Save your $$

My wife and I stopped by last night for dinner, and decided to leave after being seated due to the music. While the restaurant is extremely nice, the music was really loud and too distracting. Overall, it felt more like a night club than a restaurant. I know we're just one couple, but I just thought I'd let you know. The menu looks amazing, but alas, we didn't stay long enough to experience the choices offered.

Sin duda de lo mejor en ambiente comida y cockteles El servicio de primera y el lugar impresionante la línea de licores (mezcal y tequila) como ninguno totalmente recomendado

I used to live and travel to Mexico City. Madre has very authentic flavors. I had enchilada de plátano macho. Wow! I have more to explore.

We went here for a birthday celebration and had a fantastic dinner! We went on a Saturday evening and it was a lively atmosphere. A little loud inside but that didn't detract from our experience. It was great to see so many people within the first couple weeks of opening! The staff were friendly and attentive. Even the owner stopped by our table to say hello. It's apparent how much energy he has poured into the place and how excited he is to share it with everyone. The food was great with a variety of flavors and textures. Stand-out dishes for us were the esquites cremosa, the sea bass (hello miso broth...wow!), the pollo almendrado (FYI they can take the chicken off the bone upon request), and the enchiladas de hongo. Definitely would recommend and we will absolutely be back!

Their brunch is amazing too! The elote pancakes are to die for and soooooo moist. The omelette with Chorizo and melted cheese is just something you have to experience for yourself.

We are always looking for new restaurants and Madre topped all that we have tried recently. From the service to the ambiance to the food. All top notch. Family run with pride! We will be back and recommending to everyone.

Wow!! Absolute best food and cocktails ever!! Please visit - you won't be disappointed. Service, food and atmosphere top notch!!

All around amazing! We had a wonderful experience. The service is personal and warm. The drinks are unique and delicious. The food was creative, delicious and had thoughtful presentation. We can't wait to come back!

Amazing food and drinks. Thankful to have this place in old town! The ribeye and brisket tacos were our favorite

We went for the cocktails and they were supreme, some of the best in Fort Collins! Also, really amazing service, Cesar was amazing and went out of his way to make our drinks special! Can't wait to come back for the food!

The owner and staff are very personable and very attentive. Food is amazing and cooked to perfection. The cocktails are amazing. The setting is good lounge and hangout vibe with good music and big screen tv The Asada Madre is my favorite El Viejon and El Jefe are my personal favorite

Amazing service and amazing food!! We will eat here again! The halibut was perfectly cooked with a background hint of smoke that deeply added to the flavor. The collection of cocktails was delightful.

Excellent agave selection. Octopus too salty to eat. "Fresh oyster mushroom" salad had no oysters AND the waitress tried to BS us by saying, "we call it that but it has no mushrooms." The menu states it does. Waitress chose to try to bluff us. No bueno, big no-no!! They later brought out a "real" mushroom salad that had one mushroom in it. I don't like to send food back, don't like to complain, but the kitchen and the staff have some work to do. We won't go back unless it's for drinks only. Grave disappointment we are sorry to say.

The food is amazing! Just what Fort Collins needs. It's a beautiful atmosphere & delicious food. The only recommendation I'd make is to add the food allergies to the menu - such as vegan, dairy & gluten. So excited to have another great restaurant in town!!

Is this place for real? Had a variety of tacos and an empanada. They were super expensive, tiny, and just not very good. Left hungry and not impressed.

The ambience was really nice and our waitress was very accommodating. But...that is where it ended. Our food was underwhelming. My octopus was way over seasoned and tough, and my friend's enchiladas were cold and not much flavor. The drinks were tasty, but extremely small and mainly ice. I'm sure the bar is making a 2000% profit on drinks. The price tag for the food and drinks was shocking for what we received. I hope this place improves and addresses the needs of its patrons. Very bummed with our experience. I really wanted to like this place.

Delicious and refined Mexican dishes. This is not your 'open a bag of chips and twist the cap off a jar of salsa' place. It's not only fresh and well-seasoned, but handmade/homemade, from start to finish. You'll find a beautifully comfy setting. Top service. Great cocktails. Loved it all.

Hands down the best restaurant i have ever been too! The food is so flavorful the cocktails are so refreshing and the vibes are on point great service too! Couldn't recommend this place any more!