The state of Colorado continues to impress with its scenic views and common way of life. Visitors come to Colorado for enjoyable out of doors actions and mile-high metropolis of Denver. There is a lot to see and do across the state, and I encourage you to journey round to expertise the greatest issues Colorado has to supply.
Colorado has many mountain cities value visiting and Estes Park is likely one of the greatest. Estes Park is likely one of the most visited spots in Colorado, due to close by Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Stephen King fanatics might have one thing to do with it as properly. After all, the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park helped encourage King for his novel, The Shining.
The mountain cities of the West began to develop because the attract of getting wealthy off gold and dwelling the pioneer life grew to become extra common. The Arapaho tribe was the primary to make use of the valley space throughout the summer season season the place Estes Park city is now. The Estes Park identify caught as the realm grew to become extra established and is called after Joel Estes, one of many first pioneers to settle right here throughout the mid-1800s.
There are many enjoyable issues to do and discover in Estes Park, Colorado, and the drive from Denver International Airport is a straightforward one. The metropolis sits about 90 minutes northwest of Denver and an hour from Fort Collins.
What is nice about touring to those smaller mountain cities is the distinctive eating places you may’t get wherever else. Since Estes Park is a well-liked trip vacation spot, you could find scrumptious meals wherever, from a fine-dining restaurant to native mom-and-pop joints.
Most of the most effective eating places of Estes Park will probably be on the primary roads of Elkhorn and Moraine Avenues, however there are some particular spots off the overwhelmed path as properly. Use this information to assist uncover the most effective eating places in Estes Park whereas visiting the city!
Best Estes Park Restaurants
1. Bird & Jim
Address: 915 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
After a protracted day on the slopes, cease into Bird & Jim for seasonal rustic American meals. The restaurant serves farm-to-table delicacies with native, high-quality meats and seasonal greens. The restaurant options up to date décor, and chances are you’ll suppose this is likely one of the upscale eating places in Estes Park.
However, Colorado is know for its informal gown code. Estes Park eating places don’t take themselves too significantly, and denims are typical apparel.
Start with their playful bar snacks just like the upscale hen nuggets or distinctive smoked pheasant chowder. Bird & Jim is a meat-heavy spot with dishes just like the “Carnivore,” the place you may have your meat and potatoes with elk, pork chops, or recreation sausage protein choices.
Bird & Jim have vegetarian choices in the event you want to keep away from heavier dishes. Try their flavorful bowls and salads. The tasty vegetable sides come a la carte.
Bird & Jim have lunch and dinner menus, however the dinner menu has a extra appreciable number of gadgets in the Cast & Iron part. Sip on wine or a cocktail with their in depth wine and liquor checklist whereas taking in the views of Rocky Mountain National Park. The restaurant is open day by day, normally from 11 am to eight pm, however verify their hours, as their occasions fluctuate barely relying on the day.
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2. Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew
Address: 820 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
Smokin’ Dave himself hails from Los Angeles, however you wouldn’t realize it along with his Southern-like model barbecue. He opened Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew in 2007 and continues to increase his barbecue empire round Colorado.
There are so many scrumptious choices, and Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ is taken into account among the finest eating places in Estes Park. It’s laborious to select from their in depth menu, however some honorable mentions embody the Southern Catfish Tenders and Kentucky Bourbon Pecan Pie. Eating them may have you questioning in the event you’re in the Deep South as an alternative!
Check out the meat platters in your essential meal and get the Texas Beef Brisket or Carolina Pulled Pork. Have you ever had blackberry BBQ sauce?
The Smokin’ Buffalo Ribs are smothered in the sauce and are finger-licking good. As a wonderful barbecue place ought to, Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ makes its personal gluten-free sauce, and you should buy a bottle on-site.
The restaurant is open day by day from 11 am to eight pm. You can discover different Smokin’ Dave’s areas in Longmont, Denver, and Lyons.
See Related: Where to Stay in Estes Park
3. Twin Owls Steakhouse
Address: 3110 S St Vrain Ave Suite B, Estes Park, CO 80517
Twin Owls Steakhouse is nestled in the Rocky Mountains and is a part of the Taharaa Mountain Lodge, which presents lodging on-site.
This fantastic eating restaurant serves award-winning delicacies and contains three eating rooms and a full-service bar. The views of Estes Park and the meals are the celebrities of the present, making it among the finest Estes Park eating places to go to.
Chef Rich Sickler serves up to date American delicacies specializing in steak and recent seafood. As a steakhouse, Twin Owls is thought for his or her high-end cuts of meat.
Enjoy a wonderfully cooked steak just like the bone-in bison ribeye whereas listening to bluegrass or guitar from native music artists. If you’ve got your eye on recent seafood as an alternative, then you may’t go unsuitable with the buttery Diver Sea Scallops served with pesto gnocchi and veggies.
Since Twin Owls Steakhouse is additional north in the mountains of Estes Park, the parking zone and roads can get icy throughout the winter season. Ensure you’ve got an all-wheel drive car and snow tires throughout the colder months.
Twin Owls Steakhouse is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and will have adjusted seasonal hours. Call forward to ensure they’re open earlier than making the drive.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Breckenridge, Colorado
4. Boss Burgers and Gyros
Address: 861 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
With quick and pleasant service, Boss Burgers and Gyros is the place the locals eat in Estes Park and the place guests come again repeatedly. The informal family-operated joint has a diner vibe the place the meals is cooked to order and served a la carte.
The menu contains griddle-style burgers, scorching canines, gyros, fried favorites, and extra. You can inform you’re in the Rocky Mountains with the choice to order an elk or buffalo burger. The hottest menu merchandise is their conventional beef and lamb gyro, a pita pocket overflowing with meats, veggie toppings, and sauce.
Boss Burgers and Gyros won’t be the place to stay to a strict weight-reduction plan, however recent salads can offset that order of yummy fries. Try one among their scrumptious milkshakes, which solidifies that diner expertise. They additionally serve Pepsi merchandise, although this Southern woman prefers her Coca-Cola!
The restaurant is open 11 am – 7 pm every day, besides on Wednesdays. They have a parking zone, so it’s simple to get in and out in the event you want a fast meal.
5. SEASONED – An American Bistro
Address: 205 Park Ln, Estes Park, CO 80517
This chef-owned bistro focuses on farm-to-table delicacies, the place you may get pleasure from completely offered dishes in their charming eating room. Chef Rob Corey might think about himself a New England native, however he has adopted Estes Park and Colorado as his house. He has made it his mission with SEASONED to make use of his expertise and provides again to the group by way of scrumptious meals.
As the identify suggests, SEASONED serves seasonal menus, so you may strive one thing new with every go to to this fine-dining restaurant. Past menus have included dishes like Rocky Mountain Trout with crispy potatoes, a duck pot pie, and sticky figgy toffee bread pudding. They are thought-about among the finest Estes Park eating places for dinner.
The rustic eatery additionally presents brunch with gadgets like ricotta pancakes or Down n’ Dirty Fries with braised pork and a minty chimichurri sauce. SEASONED typically creates particular menus for holidays and occasions, so verify their web site for the newest foods and drinks choices.
Take benefit of their patio throughout the hotter months to get glimpses of the Rocky Mountain peaks. The restaurant is just open Tuesday by way of Saturday for dinner and closes early at 9 pm. Brunch is served 10 am – 2 pm on Sundays.
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6. Himalayan Curry & Kebob
Address: 101 W Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
If you feel slightly extra adventurous, look no additional than the (*17*)Himalayan Curry & Kebob restaurant, which serves conventional Nepalese and Indian dishes. There are a few eating rooms inside, however they do have out of doors seating as properly.
Himalayan Curry & Kebob is a family-friendly place, at all times prepared to supply good vibes and fill you up with flavorful meals. Located in downtown Estes Park, this is likely one of the greatest Estes Park eating places for vegetarian fare, as most dishes could be made as meat-free choices. The restaurant additionally presents gluten-free choices and notes on the menu if one thing is dairy-free or halal.
Order dishes like butter hen, spicy vindaloo, or Nepali curry if you’d like among the conventional gadgets. Be cautious although, as Asian meals typically has the next spice stage for extra delicate palates.
So talk about your spice tolerance along with your wait employees! If you wish to strive a much less mainstream dish that gives that candy and savory mixture, then order the lamb Kashmiri. The lamb is served in an onion and tomato gravy with a coconut and pineapple cream sauce, raisins, and almonds.
They are open day by day from 11 am to 10 pm. You gained’t depart hungry, however it’s value stopping for a deal with afterward. Make your method over to the close by The Taffy Shop, the place you may watch them make the sweet for a enjoyable youngsters exercise!
7. Scratch Deli & Bakery
Address: 911 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
For easy sandwiches and attractive potato salad, wander over to the Scratch Deli & Bakery. They bake their very own bread, which elevates the favored sandwiches.
The bakery is a superb place for a fast chew or packing it for a picnic lunch as you discover Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. The eating room space solely has a number of seats, so most individuals take their sandwiches to go, however there’s an out of doors patio with some chairs.
The sandwiches are giant and reasonably priced, given their dimension, and can fill you up for that multi-hour hike. Many guests make two meals out of 1 sandwich. You can’t go unsuitable with any of their choices, however the Reuben and pastrami sandwiches are favorites among the many crowd.
Scratch Deli tends to promote out of pastrami later in the day, so beat the lunch crowd in the event you can. They’re additionally recognized for his or her varied breakfast burritos and baked items.
Hours are 8 am to three pm and they’re closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Scratch Deli is definitely one of many prime Estes Park eating places marked on my checklist to go to once I’m in city.
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8. Antonio’s Real New York Pizza
Address: 1560 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
New York is thought for its typical vacationer fare with its low cost pizza slices served on the go for busy locals, however you don’t must journey there to style a bit. Four Long Islanders determined to convey a few of that taste to Estes Park by opening Antonio’s Real New York Pizza.
Antonio have to be doing one thing proper along with his New York pizza. Food Network bestowed upon them the 2016 award as one of many prime Estes Park eating places in Rocky Mountain National Park. Their new location has expanded to incorporate a big eating room for 150+ diners, two cozy fireplaces, and loads of out of doors seating.
The pizza connoisseurs hand-toss their pizzas as they do in New York, so you may lastly say you’ve got skilled a New York pizza, even when in Estes Park. The homeowners have a love affair with the Sicilian model, although, which has a thicker dough and is normally minimize into squares versus the pie slices.
If your loved ones is further hungry, order the Mega Don, which is 26 inches of pizza and may weigh as much as 12 kilos relying on the toppings. Now that’s a pizza!
Antonio’s additionally presents calzones, hero sandwiches, desserts, and extra. What I really like about this place is how the homeowners hook up with their meals. Their pizza inspirations usually have a humorous household story tied to the identify or model of the pie.
If you get fortunate, the homeowners might share one or two tales with you! You can’t get a slice Sunday or Monday, however they’re open for dinner from 4 pm to eight pm Tuesday by way of Thursday, and 12 pm to eight pm Friday and Saturday.
9. The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
Address: 1675 CO-66, Estes Park, CO 80517
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern had humble beginnings as a sandwich store in 1937. Its prime location close to the doorway to Rocky Mountain National Park has allowed the rustic-style eatery to increase. Today, The Rock Inn continues to be a preferred hang-out for locals and guests.
The rustic-style eatery provides off a comfortable cabin feeling in the winter, the place you may heat up subsequent to their two wood-burning fireplace stoves. Sit outdoors to benefit from the Rocky Mountain views and sip native craft beers in the summer season.
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern serves the “stick-to-your-ribs” sort of meals, nice after a hike or snow exercise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Try lip-smacking appetizers just like the Devils on Horseback, that are bacon-wrapped dates and garlic served with an aioli sauce.
For my vegetarian associates, strive the Greens and Grains Bowl, which comes along with your selection of three sauces: pineapple serrano, dill horseradish bitter cream, or roasted crimson pepper cream sauce. Dive into their recent seafood just like the Rocky Mountain trout, or strive one among their house-made pasta dishes. The menu has one thing for everybody, even the choosy eaters!
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern is thought for its reside music and boisterous environment, so verify their web site for the newest line-up schedule! In Estes Park, July by way of September are the busiest months, and reservations aren’t accepted.
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern recommends arriving earlier than 6 pm to keep away from a protracted wait. The restaurant opens day by day at 4 pm.
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10. Mama Rose’s Restaurant
Address: 338 E Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
Mama Rose’s is tucked in the again of a fancy off Elkhorn Avenue, the place you may get some bespoke Italian consolation meals. With a home-style really feel, Mama Rose’s is likely one of the greatest eating places in Estes Park for households.
What different restaurant goes to supply not one however two spaghetti choices? The old-world spaghetti is a favourite amongst diners. Each entree is served with some further love: Mama’s garlic bread. Portions are monumental, so you’ll positively take some house for a midnight snack!
For appetizers, skip the fried choices and order the Caprese salad as an alternative. I recognize their vegetarian choices in the event you’re not in the temper for a meat-heavy dish, just like the portobello mushroom ravioli or indignant eggplant dish.
The eating room is harking back to what you’ll anticipate a homey Italian restaurant to seem like, however it could actually get noisy if you’d like an intimate setting. On a heat night, attempt to snag a desk on the out of doors riverside patio as an alternative in the event you’re on a date. Mama Rose’s is open day by day, and there’s typically a wait, so get there early for a seat or make a reservation.
11. Dunraven Inn Restaurant
Address: 1700 Colorado Peaks Dr, Estes Park, CO 80517
For peaceable views of Lake Estes, drive to the Estes Park Resort and cease on the Dunraven Inn Restaurant. With floor-to-ceiling home windows, you may benefit from the lake views from the eating room or sit on the patio on these hotter days. Take a peek on the Estes Park Resort rooms, the place you may reap the benefits of the strolling path round Lake Estes.
The Dunraven Inn Restaurant in Estes Park is one other wonderful choice for recent seafood and home-style Italian cooking. Their selfmade Italian dishes embody hearty lasagna, pesto pasta with a sun-dried tomato tapenade, mushroom ravioli, and extra.
Are you extra excited by the recent seafood choices? Order from their informal Italian wines checklist to go along with their Cioppino dish, which incorporates varied shellfish in a flavorful tomato and wine sauce. It makes my mouth water eager about it!
This informal but stylish eatery does have a full-service bar and presents enjoyable drinks throughout breakfast. Try the limoncello spritz, or end your dinner with scorching buttered rum throughout the colder season.
A enjoyable custom Dunraven Inn Restaurant does is encouraging their company so as to add their adorned greenback invoice to the wall or ceiling in the event you can stand up there! The custom began in the Nineteen Seventies and is an effective way to say you’ve been to among the finest eating places in Estes Park and Lake Estes!
The restaurant additionally donates the older greenback payments to charity once they’re able to retire from the wall. That’s sufficient purpose for me to place up a greenback! They are open day by day from 7 am to 9 pm.
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12. Big Horn Restaurant
Address: 401 W Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
The Big Horn Restaurant has a Western diner vibe: cue the massive horned sheep mounted on the wall. They are a family-owned Estes Park staple that has been open since 1972. If you’re feeling further hungry, then head right here to get hefty parts of things like country-fried steak, fluffy pancakes, burgers, and extra.
Green chili is a lifestyle in Colorado, so strive the smothered huevos rancheros, or order their pork inexperienced chili on the aspect to prime off your dish of selection. The Big Horn Restaurant is taken into account one of many prime breakfast eating places in Estes Park, however additionally they serve the lunch and dinner crowd.
The Big Horn Restaurant is open from 6 am to 2 pm Sunday by way of Tuesday and till 8 pm Wednesday by way of Saturday. You will discover most Estes Park eating places shut round 8 or 9 pm. If you’ve got a big get together, reservations are beneficial!
13. The Egg of Estes
Address: 393 E Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
There are a number of nice breakfast eating places in Estes Park for the early risers who need a full day of out of doors time. Another spot value testing for that early bird-grabbing breakfast is The Egg of Estes in downtown Estes Park.
They get busy, so I like to recommend going earlier than 8 am. They are open from 7 am to 2:30 pm on weekends and till 2 pm throughout the week.
Reward your self for getting up with the solar with a enjoyable, alcoholic beverage like a mimosa or bloody Mary whilst you eat breakfast. The Egg of Estes serves quite a lot of elevated variations of American breakfast staples like omelets, eggs Benedict, and avocado toast.
Try the Hiker’s Benedict or the Colorado Jack Scramble for domestically impressed dishes. A aspect of ranch potatoes can be a favourite amongst guests.
The restaurant began as a breakfast franchise, however the homeowners got down to make it an area spot distinctive to Estes Park and grow to be among the finest Estes Park eating places for breakfast and lunch. The homeowners attempt to make use of domestically sourced and sustainable substances for his or her menu gadgets, and you’ll see their checklist of companions on their web site. Their dedication to native substances has made them one of the crucial common eating places in Estes Park.
If you’ve got time, cease on the close by Kind Coffee to seize a bag of Elkin’s Colorado Distilled Coffee Whiskey. The espresso firm retains espresso beans in an Elkin’s whiskey barrel for 2 weeks to entice in that whiskey aroma earlier than roasting them!
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14. The Post Chicken & Beer
Address: 333 E Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
Outside the Estes Park Visitor’s Center is the notorious Stanley Hotel that impressed the novel and film, The Shining. There are a few notable eating places if you wish to go to the lodge.
The Whiskey Bar at Cascades Restaurant is an choice if you’d like extra of a fine-dining expertise. However, The Post Chicken & Beer restaurant is the extra informal place to get some respectable fried hen and an area beer.
There are extra upscale eating places based mostly on the costs, however you’re visiting for the expertise! As far as Estes Park eating places go, you may’t beat Rocky Mountain National Park views and the notoriety of the Stanley Hotel. The lodge does guided and spirit excursions if you’d like a extra in-depth take a look at the historic constructing.
The Post Chicken & Beer can be a brewery serving its personal beer and cocktails with a full-service bar. They get inventive with the menu by doing gadgets like Thighfries, fried hen strips served with El Corn beer mustard, and curry ketchup.
Try their different thrilling flavors, like bone-in hen tossed in a yellow curry or scorching honey chile sauces. Plus, there’s a inexperienced chile mac and cheese for a aspect, in order that’s purpose sufficient to go to proper there.
If you want one thing much less heavy than the fried yumminess they provide, there are alternatives just like the Yoga Pants Salad, which is full of recent veggies and a white balsamic dressing. Kudos to you in the event you resist the fried hen choices, however you’ll need the deal with after that salad! Top it with a selfmade chocolate whoopie pie or chocolate s’mores pudding jar.
They are open day by day, however occasions fluctuate, and brunch is served solely on weekends. The Post Chicken & Beer will get busy, so e book a reservation or anticipate a wait. You may order to-go in the event you don’t wish to cope with the wait.
15. Mountain Home Cafe
Address: 457 E Wonderview Ave Ste C-1, Estes Park, CO 80517
Another family-owned restaurant, the Mountain Home Cafe, is likely one of the greatest eating places in Estes Park to get breakfast and lunch. The brunch spot is unassuming and situated in a strip mall subsequent to Notchtop Bakery & Cafe, which is one other wonderful place to strive when you have time! It’s laborious to get a awful breakfast at any of the native eating places in Estes Park.
Mountain Home Cafe has the usual fare, however there are some fascinating dishes you need to order. Try their breakfast taco model, scrumptious migas tacos with chorizo, eggs, peppers, onions, and cheese. The professional tip is to get the aspect of pork inexperienced chili to dip the tacos in or drizzle the salsa on prime — perfection!
They hit the spot earlier than exploring the Rocky Mountain National Park. Some different tasty treats I like to recommend are the candy Swedish roll-ups and their scrumptious mimosas!
The cafe is open day by day from 7 am to 2:30 pm besides on Sunday when it closes at 2 pm. They don’t ship, however you may order pick-up from their web site. If going in individual, regulate the reside waitlist proper on their web site.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Denver, Colorado
16. Inkwell & Brew
Address: 150 E Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
Every place I go to, I wish to seek for a cute, native espresso store in the realm. Inkwell & Brew is likely one of the greatest eating places in Estes Park to get a cup of Joe and a few peace. They are tucked again a bit from the hustle and bustle of the downtown space.
The constructing has the quintessential mountain-town vibe with cabin-chic picket options. The outdoors patio is pleasant in the hotter climate, as Inkwell & Brew decorates it with flowers and greenery. Plus, the sounds of the river add to the ambiance.
Inkwell & Brew encourage company to take their time right here and return to the times earlier than the habit to the digital age. They don’t actually have a telephone quantity, although you may nonetheless attain them by e-mail if it is advisable to contact them.
It’s a spot to convey a e book or write in your journal whereas consuming a pour-over espresso from their self-identified gradual espresso bar. They serve a restricted menu of baked items and breakfast sandwiches, so the ambiance and low are the celebrities of this place extra so than the meals.
The espresso store additionally has a retailer inside that sells small items like artwork, journals, and playing cards. They are open day by day from 7 am to six pm. After re-charging with a honey and lavender latte, take a peek in the native bookstore subsequent door, the Macdonald Book Shop. It’s one other place I really like to go to!
17. Donut Haus
Address: 860 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
If there’s one other spot that I hunt down in each city, it’s a native bakery that serves delectable donuts. Donut Haus is that place for Estes Park. While it’s not a restaurant per se, it’s a should in your Estes Park bucket checklist! While you replenish with fuel and snacks earlier than heading to the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance, cease over on the donut counter.
The homeowners have been working out of the Sinclair fuel station since 2019, once they needed to shut the unique Estes Park location. But that hasn’t slowed down their cult following of locals and guests. Donut Haus is taken into account among the finest eating places in Estes Park to get a scrumptious deal with!
They have quite a lot of donuts, candy rolls, muffins, and extra. Anything you order will probably be scrumptious. I get pleasure from a easy glazed yeast donut, however in the event you’re in search of one thing richer, I like to recommend one among their nut rolls or a Bavarian Long John.
They are closed Monday and Tuesday however open 6 am – 12 pm the remainder of the week. Go early, although, as the road will get lengthy, and so they typically will promote out of the most effective stuff! Donut Haus is the place to cease whenever you go to Estes Park.
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