If you know Fort Collins, you know that good food isn’t hard to find — but great fries and milkshakes? That’s a little more special. Luckily, Downtown Fort Collins has a spot that’s been perfecting both since 2010: Big Al’s Burgers & Dogs.
We’re talking golden, crispy, made-from-scratch fries and thick, hand-scooped milkshakes that hit just right after a day in Old Town or a stroll down Mountain Avenue. If comfort food with a side of local charm is your thing (and let’s be honest, it should be), this one’s for you.
The Secret to the Best Fries in Fort Collins
Let’s start with the fries. Because at Big Al’s, fries aren’t just a side dish — they’re part of the experience.
Our team starts with fresh potatoes, sliced and seasoned to perfection. No shortcuts. No soggy nonsense. Every batch is cooked until golden and crisp, then tossed in one of our signature flavor blends that make choosing just one nearly impossible.
You can go classic with sea salt, keep things bold with chile or Cajun seasoning, or go big with our fan-favorite parmesan truffle fries. (Pro tip: grab a few flavors and pass them around — sharing’s half the fun.)
It’s the perfect pairing for a 60/40 burger, a Chicago dog, or, honestly, just a mid-afternoon snack while you people-watch from our window seats in Downtown Fort Collins.
And because we keep it local whenever possible, you’re not just biting into great fries — you’re supporting the kind of small-batch ingredients and mindful sourcing that make Fort Collins food culture so good.
Hand-Scooped Milkshakes: The Real Deal
You know what pairs perfectly with salty fries? A thick, creamy milkshake that feels like pure nostalgia.
At Big Al’s, we do shakes the old-fashioned way — hand-scooped, blended to order, and always made with real ice cream. No powder mixes, no shortcuts, just simple ingredients done right.
Whether you’re a purist who swears by chocolate and vanilla or a local adventurer ready to mix things up, there’s a flavor for you. We keep the classics on deck year-round, and our seasonal milkshake specials (think fall caramel or summer berry) are worth the extra trip downtown.
Want to level up your lunch? Pair a burger, fries, and shake for the holy trinity of comfort food — the kind of meal that makes you slow down, smile, and maybe unbutton your jeans just a little.
A Local Spot with Big Personality
Sure, we’re proud of our food — but we’re just as proud of the energy that fills this place every day. Big Al’s has been a Downtown Fort Collins favorite since 2010 because we don’t just feed people; we bring them together.
Our walls are filled with rotating artwork from local Fort Collins artists. Our team knows half the regulars by name. And if you hang around long enough, you’ll probably overhear at least one friendly debate about which fry flavor reigns supreme (no judgment, but the parmesan truffle crowd is onto something).
That’s the thing about Fort Collins — it’s a city built on community, and Big Al’s fits right into that. We’re here for the students grabbing a quick bite, the families looking for something easy and delicious, and the travelers searching for that “local gem” everyone talks about.
Downtown Fort Collins: The Perfect Place to Indulge
When you’re wandering around Old Town, soaking in that lively Fort Collins vibe, Big Al’s is just a few steps away — and trust us, it’s worth the stop.
Grab a basket of fries, a shake, and a seat by the window. Watch the world go by. Feel that mix of laid-back and lively that makes this town feel like home.
Or, if you’d rather kick back on your couch (no judgment here), you can order online and have your favorites delivered through DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, or Nosh. Because comfort food this good shouldn’t require leaving your comfort zone.
Why Locals Call It the Best
Locals know the deal — Big Al’s isn’t about fancy plating or complicated ingredients. It’s about food made with care, flavor that speaks for itself, and a community that shows up hungry and happy.
We’ve been named one of the best burger spots in Fort Collins, and our fries and shakes have built a loyal following of their own. But the real honor comes when customers bring their out-of-town friends here and say, “You’ve got to try this place.”
That’s when we know we’re doing something right.
Ready for Your Fry & Shake Fix?
So, if you’re wondering where to find the best fries and milkshakes in Downtown Fort Collins, look no further. Big Al’s Burgers & Dogs has you covered — fresh, local, and made with all the flavor this city deserves.
Come see why locals love us (and visitors can’t stop coming back). Pull up a chair, grab a shake, and dig into the fries everyone’s talking about.
Because at Big Al’s, we keep it simple: good food, good people, and a good time — every single day.
📍 Visit us at 140 W. Mountain Ave, Downtown Fort Collins
🕒 Open daily 11 AM – 9 PM
👉 Order Online for Pickup or Delivery
