It’s the End of an Era as the Sundance Steakhouse Building in Fort Collins has Been Torn Down

After 42 years in business as one of the most well-known establishments in Northern Colorado, the Sundance Steakhouse and Saloon has not only closed down, but it was fully demolished. As a native of Fort Collins, seeing the pictures of the bulldozers and rubble makes me feel like an old friend has died.

I have memories of going to the Sundance for line dancing classes, horse race betting, riding the mechanical bull, dancing to local bands, and maybe the biggest loss (in my opinion), eating the chicken-fried steak.

It was announced back in July of 2024 that the Sundance would be closing down due to disagreements involving the building’s lease, as well as updates that the building desperately needed to remain a safe location.

Established in the ’80s, the Sundance Steakhouse and Saloon building had become iconic to the residents of Northern Colorado. It’s really going to be so strange driving down Mulberry Street and seeing an empty lot. Dang, I’m getting emotional.

Here are some things the iconic Sundance Steakhouse were known for

• Amazing food made fresh for lunch and dinner
• Local musicians playing up on the stage
• The old fashioned western decor
• The wooden native american statue
• Betting on horse races
• Watching drunk cowgirls ride the mechanical bull (myself included)
• On site bullriding out back
• Playing pool upstairs
• Line dancing classes on Tuesday night

People didn't just go to the Sundance...

• They met their spouses there.
• They has weddings and receptions there.
• They learned all of the coolest dance moves to the hottest country music
• They grew up with it in their zeitgeist, always thinking it would be there.

And now I'm crying.