Ace Gillett's
An underground cocktail music lounge at The Armstrong Hotel touting rich history, live music, forward
The Perfect Date Night Dish 🍸
🦞 SURF & TURF/ an Ace Team Fave!
5 oz. Maine lobster tail, compound butter
5 oz. Beef tenderloin, peppercorn sauce,
manchego mashed potatoes, dressed greens
fresh + inviting…the new menu is just that!
happy hour starts at 5pm…wine specials all night long 🍷
Thank you to everyone who came out last night to support our August partnership with
Every month, will feature a local non-profit organization for which we raise money.
On the first Thursday of each month, we kick off the cause of the month by donating 10% of our profits directly to the featured non-profit.
For every signature cocktail purchased throughout the rest of the month, Ace Gillett’s will donate $4.00 to the featured non-profit.
We have teamed up with for the month of August.
Featured Cocktail:
✨🌶️The Spice of Life
Tequila,Lemon,Mango,Agave,Bell Pepper,Chamoy,+ Tajin
$4.00 of every Spice of Life purchased will be donated to
A Little Bit About Outreach Fort Collins
✨Rooted in downtown, Outreach Fort Collins works to maintain our community as a safe and welcoming place while supporting those in need to services and supportive networks
Outreach Fort Collins is a professionally staffed, on-the-street team that builds relationships with community members, service providers, businesses, and city services as a means to effectively address and de-escalate disruptive behaviours.
We hope to see you this month at Ace Gillett’s!
Let’s kick off with all night happy hour, every Thursday night, only 🧉🥃🍹🍷🍾
🔥see you tomorrow at 5pm for
Remember that every Wednesday night it’s happy hour red and white wine all night! 🍷
Raise your glass to the secret world of Ace Gillett’s 🍸✨
Our cocktails are pure magic, served with a side of mystery and endless good vibes. Join us Wednesday-Sunday and discover the allure that keeps you coming back.
Happy Hour Wednesday-Sunday 5-6pm and all night Thursday! 🍹🔥🥃🔮
the summer line up is still going strong! ✨🍹☀️
Stop by Wednesday-Sunday for happy hour starting at 5pm!
Which one of our new summer cocktails is your favorite???
☀️ have you tried new summer menu items yet? Well this is your sign to drop in and try some of our summer-inspired dishes paired perfectly with our new summer cocktails!
Join us this Thursday, July 11, to kick off this month’s Cocktail For A Cause!
Every month, will feature a local non-profit organization for which we raise money.
On the first Thursday of each month, we kick off the cause of the month by donating 10% of our profits directly to the featured non-profit.
For every signature cocktail purchased throughout the rest of the month, Ace Gillett’s will donate $4.00 to the featured non-profit.
We have teamed up with The Family Center/ La Familia for the month of July.
Featured Cocktail:
✨🌶️The Spice of Life
Tequila,Lemon,Mango,Agave,Bell Pepper,Chamoy,+ Tajin
$4.00 of every Spice of Life purchased will be donated to
A Little Bit About
✨Working alongside diverse families, we provide high-quality childcare and supportive services, with an emphasis on cultural attunement with the Latinx community. This work is done with an explicit vision of creating a community where all families are safe, supported, and thriving.
We hope to see you this month at Ace Gillett’s!
🍹Indulge in the flavors of summer with our delicious halibut ceviche! 🐟🌞 It's the perfect appetizer to kickstart your evening. Add a Spice of Life and a Hibisco Disco, and you've just discovered Patio Perfection 😋🍹 Join us tonight and let the good times roll at Ace Gillett's! 🎉✨
🍸🎉 It's Almost Happy Hour time at Ace Gillett's! Join us from 5 pm-6 pm Wednesday through Sunday, and don't miss our all-night happy hour on Thursdays! 🍹✨ Whether you prefer the cozy ambiance inside or the fresh summer air on our patio, we've got the perfect spot for you. Swipe through to see what each night has in store. Cheers to summer fun and great deals! 🌞🥂
🍽️ Get a glimpse of our upcoming Summer Menu!
We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to present these mouthwatering culinary creations to you during the sunny season!
Which item in the image captivated your attention? 🍕🍖🧄
🍸🎉 Happy Hour is calling! Join us at Ace Gillett's for the best midweek and weekend vibes.
Enjoy our fantastic deals on drinks and bites from Wednesday through Sunday, 5 pm-6 pm, and all night Thursday.
🍹✨ Whether you're lounging inside or soaking up the summer on our patio, it's the perfect spot to unwind. Don't miss out on the fun—raise a glass with us this summer! 🌞🥂
What's Your Favorite Happy Hour Item?
📷️: Devils On Horsetooth (our absolute fave!)
🍸✨ Discover the ultimate Happy Hour experience at Ace Gillett's!
Join us from 5 pm to 6 pm Wednesday through Sunday, and enjoy extended Happy Hour all night on Thursdays.
🎉 Whether you're into our cozy indoor setting or love the fresh air on our patio, we've got the perfect spot for you. Sip, savor, and relax with us this summer! 🌞🥂
🍸✨ Get ready for the best Happy Hour in town at Ace Gillett's! Join us Wednesday through Sunday from 5pm-6pm, and enjoy all-night Happy Hour on Thursdays. 🍹🎉 Whether you prefer the cozy indoor ambiance or the fresh air on our patio, we have the perfect spot for you. Sip, savor, and unwind with us this summer! 🌞🥂
Join us this Thursday June 6 to kick off June, Cocktail For A Cause!
Every month will feature a local non-profit organization that we raise money for.
The first Thursday of each month, we kick-off the cause of the month by donating 10% of our profits directly to the featured non-profit.
For every signature cocktail purchased throughout the rest of the month, Ace Gillett’s will donate $2.00 to the featured non-profit.
For the month of June we have teamed up with the IMPACT Dance Company 💃🏼
Featured Cocktail:
Humanesque 🥂
Gin, Elderflower, Lemon, Simple Syrup, Prosecco, Soda Water
$2.00 of every Humanesque purchased will be donated to
A Little Bit About The IMPACT dance company:
IMPACT is a contemporary dance company whose mission is to bring artists, audiences and communities closer together through the experience of dance/theater. Founded by Judy Bejarano in 1995, IMPACT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that utilizes movement, voice and projection to create immersive dance/theatre performances and hand-crafted workshops using the arts as a meaningful bridge between societal & personal challenges.
IMPACT is further committed, through its engagement and educational activities, to support and nurture the well-being and self-image of all individuals, particularly women and youth, and to celebrate the artistic and cultural diversity of our community. Bejarano’s choreography has been commissioned and performed throughout the region and has been described as “..existing in the poignant space where comedy and tragedy intersect.” IMPACT is so excited to be celebrating their 30th season!
Every Thursday = Happy Hour All Night! 🔥🍺🍔🍷🍟
See you tonight,
🍔🍔🍔A PERFECT BITE
Come enjoy our Happy Hour Burger + Tots from 5pm-6pm or treat yourself and order our mouthwatering Armstrong Burger or indulge is our stellar Elk Burger tomorrow, 🍔🍔🍔🍔
All That’s Missing Is YOU.
🍋🟩 See you tonight
Remember Thursday is Happy Hour ALL NIGHT!
that🍷 glass has your name on it!
join us every Wednesday night for happy hour wine specials…ALL NIGHT LONG, smooth tunes by the gran formaggio Jack Harrell, and savory Italian specials that are…shall we say molto delizioso 🔥 see you tomorrow!
HAPPY HOUR 🍹THIS WEEK 4/10-4/14
Enjoy the usual suspects Wednesday-Sunday from 5pm-6pm
🍟Truffle Fries $6
🥓Devils On Horsetooth $9
🍔Burger + Tots $9
📣This week only, enjoy our tapas of the week:
🥚Deviled Eggs $5
🐚 Harissa Mussels $9
🐷 Pulled Pork Slider + Fries with a Chipotle BBQ Sauce $9
ACE GILLETT’S HAPPY HOUR + RESTAURANT PROGRAMMING ✨🎶🍷📍Fort Collins, CO
We are still only open Wednesday-Sunday and happy hour is from 5-6, BUT, our new menu is going live this Wednesday and we are so excited to share it with you! Come hang out and enjoy a craft beer, classic cocktail, and all your fave snacks!
🐣 This Easter Sunday, hop into a celebration like no other! Join us at Ace Gillett’s for a Festive Easter Brunch 🍽️🩷
Spots are filling up fast, and it’s reservations only, so secure your table for an unforgettable experience. 📞 Or, if spontaneity is more your style, Ace Cafe is on a first come, first serve basis and we welcome walk-ins with open arms and delicious dishes. 🍰☕ Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Call the front desk at The Armstrong Hotel now to make your reservation. 🌞 Let’s make this Easter one for the books! 🎉
🛑we are closed for a special event tomorrow, Wednesday 3/27! See you Thursday at 5!
happy hour is the best hour. see you tonight, at Ace ✨
Every unforgettable moment at Ace Gillett’s is powered by some truly remarkable individuals. Today, we’re tipping our hats to the dynamic women who pour their hearts and souls into their work at AG. Their dedication and passion breathe life into our establishment, ensuring that every visit is a memorable one.
From the magic in the kitchen to the artistry behind the bar, and the warm welcomes that greet you, these incredible women are the architects of the inviting atmosphere you’ve come to love.
📸 Pictured here are guests basking in the vibrant energy and enjoying a meticulously crafted cocktail – a testament to the exceptional service and ambience created by our team.
Let’s raise a glass to the incredible women who make our place more than just a venue, but a community where everyone is welcomed with open arms and a warm smile. Here’s to their relentless spirit, creativity, and the love they infuse into every detail.
Join us in celebrating the amazing women who make our venue a cherished gathering spot. Here, every day is a tribute to their contributions and the difference they make. 🥂
EAT. ENJOY. DONATE
We are so excited to be participating in Downtown Great Plates again this year! Supporting the Food Bank for Larimer County is extremely important to us at Ace and we can’t wait to share our plates with you March 1-14!
around every corner lies a little moment of magic ✨
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
The Curious History of Ace Gillett’s
When the previous owners of The Armstrong Hotel, Steve and Missy Levinger, decided to establish a hotel lounge, there was no doubt they would name it after Ace Gillett, a prominent fixture in Fort Collins’ history. They were hopeful that Ace’s family, many of whom still reside in Fort Collins, would approve the use of his name for their establishment. Ace Gillett was a man who greatly influenced the development of downtown Fort Collins, and while his accomplishments are great and many, it was unclear as to whether his descendants would allow his legacy to continue in the form of a hotel lounge. Fortunately, Ace’s daughter, Betty Anne Martell, as well as many other members of the Gillett family, graciously gave the Levingers not only their blessing, but also their wholehearted support. Additionally, they provided most of the historical guidance the Levingers needed in order to create a lounge worthy of the Gillett name.
Ace Gillett was a passionate businessman who was involved with many other hospitality ventures, in addition to owning and operating the Armstrong Hotel for decades. In 1938, Ace owned and operated the Navajo Café in Fort Morgan, Colorado. During this time, the owner of The Northern Hotel in Fort Collins approached Ace, as he was eager to have him open a coffee shop in its lobby. Members of the Fort Collins Chamber urged Ace to reject the Northern’s offer and stay in Fort Morgan, as they felt that they didn’t need any more competition in town. “That was like waving a red flag in front of a bull.” Betty Anne says, as Ace was undeterred: he moved with his family to Fort Collins and opened Ace Gillett’s Coffee Shop later that same year.
By the mid 1940’s, Ace had taken ownership of the entire Northern Hotel. There, he opened a banquet hall he christened the Gilban Room, which housed many banquets and social festivities. It also featured plush carpeting, a relatively posh addition in that time, and was the very first of its kind out west. Initially, the grandeur of the room was difficult to promote, likely due to the fact that Fort Collins was a “dry town” until well into the 1960’s. Determined to provide his guests with premier entertainment and the ultimate revelry, Ace modified his black Ford coupe with a sliding box that could be pulled out of the trunk and filled with cases of liquor. Pushed back into the car, the box hid the shipments of liquor that Ace would acquire from Denver or Wellington. These secret “booze runs”, were privy only to Ace and a trusted hotel employee. In fact, when his young grandson Jimmy inquired about the box, Ace told him it was used only for firewood. It was not until years later that Jimmy learned the true purpose of the box.
During the 1950’s, Ace found his Northern Hotel equally pitted against another downtown hotel, The Armstrong, which was owned and operated by a Mr. Chandler Post. Being a competitive and resourceful man, Ace would counter his rival by frequently sending his wife, Nelle, or his daughter, Betty Anne, to count the number of lighted windows visible from the exterior of The Armstrong. He would then turn on lights in any unoccupied rooms in his Northern hotel, thus making it appear to be the most popular hotel in town. His tactics against his competitor proved successful: Ace later purchased the Armstrong Hotel from Mr. Post and quickly set about creating a second family-run hotel.
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Contact the establishment
Website
Address
239 S College Avenue
Fort Collins, CO
80524
Opening Hours
Wednesday | 5pm - 11pm |
Thursday | 5pm - 11pm |
Friday | 5pm - 12am |
Saturday | 5pm - 12am |
Sunday | 5pm - 11pm |
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