Beau Jo's Fort Collins

Beau Jo's in Old Town Fort Collins is loud, unapologetic and unapologetically stuffed with toppings. The place is built around a single idea: Colorado-style mountain pies with a hand-rolled, thick rim that begs for honey. Sit at the worn wooden bar, where bartenders will split a half-and-half so you can try the Motherlode and the Dude Ranch in one sitting, or stake out the sun-drenched patio when the weather cooperates. Families come for the generous portions and gluten-free option, locals come for a post-shift beer and a plate big enough to feed a crowd. It wears its 1973 roots proudly — a regional institution that doubles as a gathering place for Old Town nights and Saturday tourist traffic. Service can wobble when it’s slammed and takeout timing has been known to go sideways, but when the oven is right the crust, honey and mountain of toppings make it worth the pilgrimage.