Ive been a resident of Northern Colorado, Ft Collins and Wellington area for over twenty years, and have seen it change quit a bit. Restaraunts come and go in Ft Collins and we cannot keep up. We go out to eat about once a week and have tried a few new ones, but mostly stick with the ones that we know what to expect... creatures of habit.
We have enjoyed Outback Steakhouse, Red Lobster, Nickies in Estes Park, Lone Star in Loveland, Rio Grande in Old Town, Caninos, and Jasons Deli.
Service, and quality of food are equally important, because one without the other would, of course ruin the dining experience for us and result in never going back.
You need to check out Cafe Athens on East Harmony, as well as 5 Guys burgers and a Mexican place call Zquila, they are all worth checking out for sure. Loveland doesn't have nearly as much to offer as F.C.
We wre there on vist in early September and ate at the Charco Broiler everything about it was good, we just stumbled on it using the GPS. We'd certainly go back if we're ever in the area again.