When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver with a group of friends or family, consider
Chopstickers
Why Chopstickers is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Chopstickers in Fort Collins is a standout eatery specializing in authentic Chinese dumplings and noodles, bringing flavors straight from the Shandong region of China. Founded by Dr. Abraham Liu, who was born and raised in Shandong and holds a PhD in Petroleum Engineering from Colorado School of Mines, the restaurant offers a unique culinary experience with a personal touch. This family-owned spot is an ideal place for friends to gather and enjoy freshly made dumplings like pork steamed bao, beef potstickers, veggie rainbow rice, and vegan options including water fried and steamed bao. The restaurant prides itself on preparing each dish to perfection, making it a great destination for those craving genuine Chinese fare. Its welcoming atmosphere, convenient location at 1335 W Elizabeth St, Suite 135, and extended hours from 11:00 am to 10:30 pm on weekends provide ample opportunity for casual meetups or takeout. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just wanting to share stories over delicious food, Chopstickers offers a warm environment that highlights artistry in traditional Chinese cuisine.
Here's what people think of Chopstickers
As of recent, Chopstickers holds a 4.5-star rating based on 501 reviews.
Reviews from customers at Chopstickers show strong appreciation for its authentic flavors and quality preparation. Many users particularly praise the soup dumplings, calling them the best they’ve ever had and highlighting the freshness of the handmade noodles and potstickers. Positive reviews frequently mention attentive service and the family-run vibe which creates a welcoming dining experience. Customers enjoy the variety on offer, including vegan options, and the restaurant’s commitment to homemade dishes that honor traditional recipes from China’s Shandong region. On the other hand, some reviews note that certain dishes can be a bit salty, which might not suit everyone, particularly seniors. A few mentions of a somewhat limited menu suggest there could be room for more variety, but overall the positive aspects dominate the feedback. In conclusion, Chopstickers commands a strong reputation in the Fort Collins area for delivering authentic, flavorful Chinese food in a cozy, family-centered setting that invites repeat visits.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Christoph Lutz
I went to Chopstickers for a quick dinner after arriving in Denver in the evening of the same day and looking for an affordable bite close to my hotel. The restaurant is unassuming, with an industrial feel, and caters to solo diners or those who want something filling and tasty without breaking their purse strings. I ordered the Dan Dan noodles and they arrived fast. The were good and tasty, a bit spicy but not overwhelmingly hot: definitely not the best but also not the worst Dan Dan noodles I’ve had - and a solid and filling meal. The portion size was fine but a tiny bit on the smaller end from what I had expected. Prices are reasonable.
Esther G
I really appreciate the vegan options and the vegan noodles were delicious. They no longer had the vegan buns that I saw on an online menu, but tried the vegan steamed bao, which the inner flavor was only "eh" for me. Next time I'll do the noodles and maybe the seaweed salad or mushroom starters.
Kathy Rivers
I am a flight attendant and I was on a layover here and found Chopstickers! What an amazing little joint! So friendly and welcoming and the food was absolutely delicious! Definitely will be back next time I come to Denver!
D I
The place has a very casual atmosphere. The food was good. We liked the beef potstickers. We also tried vegan bao and vegan fried bao. The fillings are the same, just different ways of cooking. The taste was OK. The hot oil on the table was delicious, not spicy but very fragrant. They don't have high chair for toddlers, which is a downside. Overall, it is a good place to try if you are into Chinese food.
b1krboy
Had a hankering for some dumplings while downtown and decided to give Chopstickers a try. I was pleasantly surprised for a counter service dim sum joint, everything we had was pretty tasty and hit the spot! Not the best you'll find in town but pretty solid at that price point. The service was fast and friendly, the soup dumplings came out piping hot, ouch lol! I would certainly keep this spot in mind if I need a quick dumpling downtown. 👍
How to reach Chopstickers
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Why Chopstickers may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Chopstickers with your friends?
Chopstickers stands out as an exceptional gathering spot for friends due to its inviting atmosphere, friendly staff, and uniquely delicious food offerings that cater to all palates. With a solid rating of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews, the establishment has become a trusted destination for social dining, where the communal experience is highlighted by sharing thoughtfully prepared dishes. Its emphasis on homemade noodles, potstickers, and baos made from family recipes adds an authentic touch that makes every meal feel special and memorable. Whether you are seeking a casual meet-up or celebrating an occasion, Chopstickers offers a lively yet cozy setting that encourages relaxed conversation over outstanding cuisine. The balance between familiar comfort foods and adventurous flavors, such as the wood ear mushroom salad or house-made chili sauce, means there is something new to savor with each visit, sparking enjoyable culinary explorations among friends. Moreover, the restaurant’s location, whether in Fort Collins with parking and a patio area or near Denver’s convention center, makes it an accessible and convenient choice. Overall, Chopstickers is a place where good food meets good company, creating the perfect scene for reconnecting and making memories.
What kinds of activities make Chopstickers ideal for group meetups?
Chopstickers excels as a venue for group activities centered around social dining experiences, making it perfect for meetups. The restaurant encourages sharing through its menu, which includes a variety of flavorful dishes designed to be enjoyed collectively. Groups can dive into plates of delicate pork potstickers, thick homemade noodles, and freshly made baos to foster a convivial atmosphere. This shared food experience naturally stimulates conversation and engagement. Furthermore, the casual but vibrant environment makes it easy to linger, enjoy multiple courses, and toast to friendship or family. In Fort Collins, the availability of an outdoor patio area offers a relaxed space for groups to gather, especially on warm summer evenings, merging dining with an enjoyable ambiance. The attentive yet unobtrusive service ensures that group needs are met efficiently without rushing, encouraging longer visits. In addition to the delicious food, the restaurant’s decor and layout promote a welcoming and comfortable setting that helps large or small groups feel at ease. Overall, Chopstickers transforms dining into a group activity where every element—from the food to the location—supports social connection.
What are the standout menu items that groups should try at Chopstickers?
Among the must-try dishes at Chopstickers are their signature pork potstickers—thin-skinned with a satisfying pork filling—that have become fan favorites due to their perfect balance of texture and flavor. Their homemade noodles are equally renowned, crafted fresh daily and featured prominently in their noodle bowls that come with various savory toppings. For groups, the bao offerings present an exciting sharing option, offering soft, fluffy buns filled with meat or vegetable combinations that complement the main courses. The wood ear mushroom salad is another standout, notable for its bold garlic dressing and generous portion size, making it ideal for sharing and pairing alongside richer dishes. Additionally, the homemade chili and peanut sauces add distinctive flavors that elevate the meal experience, allowing diners to customize bites according to their taste preferences. Soup dumplings, praised by patrons for their delicate skin and flavorful broth, provide an ideal appetizer to spark appetites and conversation. These menu highlights reflect the family-run kitchen’s commitment to authenticity and attention to detail, ensuring that groups enjoy a food journey that is both satisfying and varied.
How does Chopstickers’ ambiance contribute to its appeal for hosting meetups?
Chopstickers’ ambiance combines warmth with subtle elegance, creating an inviting environment that appeals to groups looking for a casual yet appealing place to meet. The decor typically features clean, modern accents paired with touches that hint at traditional Asian influences, reflecting the authenticity of the cuisine while maintaining a fresh dining atmosphere. This thoughtful design creates a comfortable backdrop that is neither too formal nor too chaotic, supporting open conversation and relaxed enjoyment of meals. In Fort Collins, the addition of a patio space enhances the ambiance by offering an open-air setting that is particularly delightful during summer evenings or mild weather, lending a festive yet laid-back vibe perfect for gatherings. In Denver, Chopstickers’ convenient location near the convention center draws a mix of locals and visitors, making it a lively spot that energizes social meetups without feeling overcrowded. Attentive service complements the ambiance by contributing to a seamless dining experience, allowing groups to focus on each other and the meal. Together, these atmosphere elements make Chopstickers more than just a place to eat—it becomes a venue for connection and celebration.
What makes Chopstickers a convenient and accessible choice for group dining?
Chopstickers’ convenient locations in both Fort Collins and Denver provide strategic access points that make it easy for groups to coordinate meetups. In Fort Collins, the spot is known for ample parking and a straightforward layout that accommodates both indoor and outdoor seating preferences. This flexibility means groups can choose the environment that best suits their mood, whether cozy indoors or breezy outdoors. In Denver, its proximity to the convention center and downtown areas makes Chopstickers an appealing choice for visitors and locals looking for a reliable dining option after work or events. The restaurant’s reputation for prompt, friendly service also ensures large groups won’t encounter long waits or service issues, which can often complicate social gatherings. Additionally, Chopstickers offers takeout and delivery options, extending its convenience to groups who prefer to meet elsewhere but still want a shared, high-quality dining experience. The combination of location, parking, service, and ordering flexibility helps make Chopstickers a consistently accessible choice for diverse groups, reinforcing its role as a dependable venue for social dining.
Why do Chopstickers’ customer reviews reinforce its reliability as a meetup spot?
Customer reviews frequently highlight Chopstickers' consistent quality, friendly atmosphere, and authentic flavors, all factors that reinforce its reputation as a reliable meetup location. Reviewers particularly appreciate the made-from-scratch aspects of the menu, such as noodles and sauces, which demonstrate a commitment to quality that groups notice and value. The balance of attentive service without pressure allows groups to relax and enjoy extended visits, a key attribute for social gatherings. Positive feedback about the generous portion sizes and reasonably priced dishes reassures groups that they can enjoy a satisfying meal together without overspending. While some reviewers note a limited menu, this focus often works in the restaurant’s favor by streamlining choices and highlighting specialties that consistently impress. The steady rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars across hundreds of reviews underscores a broad base of satisfied customers who have returned for multiple occasions, suggesting that Chopstickers has established itself as a dependable venue for communal dining and social occasions alike. This solid reputation brings confidence to anyone considering it for their next friends or family meetup.
How can Chopstickers accommodate different group sizes and dietary preferences?
Chopstickers is well-equipped to accommodate a wide variety of group sizes, from intimate tables for a few friends to larger arrangements that comfortably hold family gatherings or sizable meetups. The layout includes flexible seating options, sometimes bolstered by patios or open spaces which can be reserved or accessed for bigger groups, depending on location. In terms of dietary preferences, the menu, while concentrated, offers enough variety to satisfy different tastes—including vegetarian-friendly options like the wood ear mushroom salad—and the ability to customize dishes with homemade sauces enhances this flexibility. The attentive staff are known to be helpful in guiding diners through the menu to meet specific needs or allergies, creating an inclusive experience. Because much of the food is prepared fresh and in-house, Chopstickers can often accommodate special requests more easily than larger chain restaurants. This flexibility ensures that all guests within a group, regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences, can find dishes to enjoy, making it an inclusive and welcoming spot for diverse social gatherings.
What makes Chopstickers’ food quality and preparation exceptional for group dining?
Chopstickers emphasizes a hand-crafted approach to its cuisine, which significantly enhances the quality and taste of its offerings, making it an excellent choice for groups seeking memorable dining. The noodles, potstickers, baos, and sauces are made from scratch using family recipes that have been passed down, lending an authentic and fresh flavor profile rarely found in other similar establishments. This dedication to preparation ensures that each dish arrives at the table with optimal texture and flavor, providing a gratifying shared food experience. Groups appreciating the craft behind their meals often find the effort and care noticeable, sparking conversation and appreciation. Moreover, the kitchen balances innovation with tradition, offering dishes that cater both to adventurous eaters and those preferring classic flavors, which supports a varied communal dining experience. The consistent quality across dishes means groups can trust that each new order will deliver satisfying taste and freshness. This culinary excellence is a key aspect of why Chopstickers is so highly rated and popular among those looking to enjoy meaningful meals with friends and family.
How does Chopstickers support memorable social experiences beyond just the food?
Chopstickers cultivates memorable social experiences by combining excellent food with an environment conducive to connection, relaxation, and celebration. The layout and decor encourage groups to linger comfortably, while the attentive service ensures that needs are met without intrusion, fostering a stress-free dining atmosphere. This balance allows diners to focus on interaction, whether that means catching up with old friends, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying shared passions over a great meal. The family-run feel adds authenticity and warmth to the experience, making guests feel like part of a larger community. Seasonal patio dining provides an additional opportunity for fresh-air socializing, particularly appealing in warmer months when groups seek casual, vibrant outdoor gatherings. By elevating every detail from the quality of ingredients to the friendliness of staff and the ambiance, Chopstickers helps transform a meal into a meaningful event that guests will remember long after they have left the table. This holistic approach to hospitality solidifies its position as an ideal place for group meetups of any occasion.