Best Places To Eat In Estes Park: Complete List

Introduction:

Estes park restaurants and bars are presently open and running at full capacity for indoor and outdoor eating. It’s really hard to determine the best places to eat in estes park, because there are lots of places to eat.

In this article, you’ll find all the details you need to organize your vacation. And additional useful information on the best places to eat in estes park.

Some of the greatest restaurants in Estes Park are so good that I decided to include them all on this list for your next visit. 

I enjoy eating, which is why I was able to compile this ultimate list. Please read this article to the end and also comment below, if you really want to know the best places to eat in estes park.

Whether you live in Estes Park or just a passer-by, this article is your complete guide to Estes Park eateries. All useful information you need to get started today, is provided below.

1. Bird & Jim

This comfortable, rustic cafe serves locally produced meats and fruit, as well as substantial mountain meals and wine. This is one of the best places to eat in estes park.

When Melissa Strong was looking for a location to expand her wings and create her own restaurant, she was introduced to the new owner of Alpine Trail Ridge Inn and the Sundeck Restaurant in September 2016. 

Melissa was able to purchase the property after negotiating a split with the owner. She began to make her ideas a reality by constructing a home for Bird and Jim. 

Melissa and John had been friends for a long time. Melissa always said she’d call John when she was ready to make a move, which is how the collaboration got started. After a few meetings and a lot of effort, Bird & Jim is here for you.

Foods

With its ever-changing seasonal and ingredient-driven menus drawn from Colorado’s Front Range and beyond, Bird & Jim is redefining Colorado cuisine. 

Their recipes are influenced by their artisan cooking technique as well as the zeal with which they procure local supplies from their farmers. 

They also believe in eating locally, sustainably, and healthfully. They happily source from local farms and ranches in Estes Park, Drake, Longmont, Hygiene, and Boulder, Colorado, to create this experience.

Drinks

Their concept of finding outstanding sustainable cuisine extends to wine—small farms, organic, sustainable, and biodynamic are as important to their wine selection as they are to their meals. Their sommelier selects wine for their extensive wine selection and to compliment the meal alternatives.

Bird & Jim’s experts are excited to provide you handcrafted cocktails created with fresh ingredients. Their expert team patiently creates their drinks, resulting in unique libations. 

Their team is driven by an innate sense of hospitality and a desire to provide a memorable experience. Join them in a newly refurbished, attractively decorated bar near the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance.

Event

Bird and Jim place a high value on community service. With each visit, they take customers on a new culinary adventure, teaching them about what they’re eating. And also providing a full calendar of community activities such as paired meals, celebratory parties, supporting local charities, and live music. 

Bird & Jim is bringing our community together through food, entertainment, and enlightenment.

Restaurant Hours

Location To Bird & Jim

2. Notchtop Bakery & Cafe

Reliable standby serving extensive breakfast and lunch menus with a focus on local and organic foods.

In the year 1993, Notchtop Café was established and was named after Notchtop Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park.

While today, they are well known as Notchtop Bakery Café, which serves delicious breakfast and lunch. They make an effort to combine the most organically produced and fresh products available locally (with a focus on organic) into their dishes.

Their goal is for you to enjoy a one-of-a-kind and delightful experience while relaxing and dining with them. It also takes a long time to produce their natural, made-from-scratch cuisine, which uses organic materials wherever possible. So take in the scenery, read a book, or talk to a stranger; the cuisine is worth the wait. 

Honest cooking and honest prices- they serve guests at the same low prices as their residents. And it’s also one of the best places to eat in estes park.

They are perfectly located to the northeast, opposite to True Value, in Upper Stanley Village (Safeway shopping mall). There is easy access from Wonder View and Big Thompson, as well as plenty of parking available.

If needed, they can offer catering services for Estes Park parties and celebrations.

Restaurant Hours

Location To Notchtop Bakery & Cafe

3. Claire’s Restaurant And Bar

This cozy place, which serves basic American mains like BBQ, burgers, and trout, as well as a patio with park views, is ideal for you.

Claire’s has been serving Estes Park since 1992, when Claire Ray moved from her previous job at the Country and Shops to open Claire’s on the park where it presently stands.

Claire’s nephew, Ryan Banker, joined the restaurant as general manager in 2013, laying the groundwork for Claire’s future retirement. Chef Brink joined the Claire’s on the Park family in December 2014, bringing with him a new sense of freshness to the cuisine.

Claire’s makes every effort to use the freshest products and locally made commodities wherever possible. During the summer, Chef Bill’s specialties frequently feature products purchased from the Estes Valley farmer’s market.

Claire’s is a true family business. It is a real pleasure for them to serve you. Please consider joining them today.

Restaurant Hours

Location To Claire’s Restaurant And Bar

4. SEASONED – An American Bistro

In a friendly, casual setting, this upscale eatery serves a modest menu of American dishes with a twist. If you are looking for the best places to eat in estes park, then try this place.

Seasoned – An American Bistro is a small restaurant with a restricted menu that is packed with flavor. They promote American food and culinary traditions while providing an intriguing dining experience to our Estes Park friends and travelers from all over the world.

They have local sources and relationships for seasonally produced commodities, and our meals reflect the seasons as well as our daily ideas — an ever-changing cuisine that will excite your senses and taste. SEASONED restaurants are inspired by their travels and cooking experiences, and their goal is to share them with you.

SEASONED”s daily operating concept was founded on three guiding principles: create a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere; provide the best service possible; and make exceptional meals.

The term ‘SEASONED’ refers to someone who has a lot of experience and has done well in their field throughout time. The term also refers to seasonality and cuisine that is unquestionably well-seasoned…

The cuisine creations at the Bistro are uniquely American. The name “American” might refer to the Caribbean, North America, Central America, or South America, among other places.

We provide a wide range of wine, beer, and Perfect wine flavors. Their team has over 75 years of experience in food, beverage, and service.

Restaurant Hours

Location To SEASONED – An American Bistro

5. The Egg Of Estes

This is a family-friendly diner-style café, serving traditional American breakfast and lunch fare.

Begin the day with a dependable breakfast. The Egg is devoted to providing breakfast exactly as you want or need it – it is, after all, the most important meal of the day.

The Egg of Estes has now hatched as a completely autonomous breakfast and lunch attraction in Estes Park. Serving as everything from a home away from home to a local guide and a place to refuel before heading out on an adventure in the Colorado Rockies. Everyone is welcome at The Egg, which has a table and a warm greeting.

Ania began her career at The Egg as a server and worked her way up to become the owner of the Estes Park location in 2017. Ania is now launching her own business, Egg of Estes, with her husband Ryan and the same fantastic team of dedicated servers.

Even if the name has changed, you can expect the same excellent service and delicious meals (made with fresh ingredients and acquired locally wherever possible). You’ll find the hearty breakfast or adventure fuel you’re looking for at The Egg, whether you’re a local, a first-time visitor, or an annual regular.

Restaurant Hours

Location To The Egg Of Estes

6. Smokin’ Dave’s Bbq & Brew

In this place, BBQ sandwiches, platters, and ribs are served in a rustic setting with a full bar and a laid-back atmosphere.

In the West, indulge in Southern Pit-Style Barbecue. Visit your favorite barbecue restaurant or employ catering services in Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Denver, or Centennial, CO. If you’re searching for award-winning barbecue, Smokin’ Daves BBQ & Brew is the place to go.

For more than 25 years, their barbecue restaurant has served Estes Park, Colorado, and they now have five more sites around the state. This is where you’ll get the greatest BBQ sauce in the state. It’s among the best places to eat in estes park.

Smokin’ Daves BBQ & Brew has even been named one of the “Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America” by the National Barbecue News.” They provide a variety of foods in addition to BBQ. They offer a vast menu with a variety of items to satisfy any appetite.”

When you visit their BBQ restaurant, you’ll discover that one of the keys to their success is the sauce.

Their BBQ sauce is one-of-a-kind, and fortunately for you, it’s accessible at all of their locations. They offer a selection of gluten-free, all-natural sweets ready for you to take home. Their BBQ sauce is available in 16-ounce jars for $8.50 each.

Visit Smokin’ Daves BBQ & Brew in Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Denver, or Centennial, Colorado, today to get a jar of their signature sauce.

Restaurant Hours

Location To Smokin’ Dave’s Bbq & Brew

7. Big Horn Restaurant

In a casual family-run establishment, BBQ and American comfort food staples, including a famous breakfast menu, are served in this place.

They are a family-run restaurant located on the west side of Estes Park, Colorado. Also, they are well-known for their delicious food, friendly atmosphere, and convenient location.

They provide deli, children’s, and gluten-free options in addition to their standard menu, and they are delighted to suit your dietary needs (within reason). If your situation is more complicated, placing an hour’s notice or request in advance would be extremely helpful. Just simply contact them and they will find a solution.

Check out their Big Horn Deal for all of your picnic needs. They will make your picnic meal as you have breakfast. This is also one of the best places to eat in estes park.

Do you need a location for your next meeting, get-together, or family reunion? They can assist you in organizing your event or preparing the cuisine for it. They would be delighted to offer you and your friends their usual delectable meals and assist you in celebrating! Just simply contact them as soon as you can.

They have two rooms available for your special event: the center room can seat up to 30 people and the rear room can handle up to 35. These locations have been transformed into breathtaking sceneries!

Restaurant Hours

Location To Big Horn Restaurant

8. Dunraven At The Estes Park Resort

The Dunraven, inspired by the essence of Estes Park, provides an experience that makes each moment memorable. From their basic lasagna to a spectacular steak and lobster meal, they offer something for everyone.

At the Dunraven, you’ll find meals and customs that have been handed down for over 40 years! The year 2020 marks a huge transformation for them.

They moved to The Estes Park Resort in June, which is near Lake Estes. They’ve kept the chefs that created their dining experience for this exciting new chapter in Dunraven’s history. The staff and ownership prioritize hospitality, and they’ve added magnificent views to compliment breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”

Dunraven at The Estes Park Resort offers fantastic cuisine, excellent service, and breathtaking views! Have your rehearsal or wedding supper in the Tuscan Room, which seats up to 40 people, and finish your festivities with family and friends with your goodbye brunch.

Many of their long-serving workers have been with them for many years. And their consistency and dedication to customer service keep clients coming back. Dunraven is a local restaurant where old-timers and newcomers mix for breakfast, lunch, and supper.

Classic breakfasts, tempting lunches, and scrumptious evenings are available. With everything from real hearty Italian cuisine to fresh seafood and shellfish, as well as Certified Angus Beef Steaks.

Restaurant Hours

Location To Dunraven At The Estes Park Resort

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9. Ed’s Cantina & Grill

This bright, locally owned, and friendly café serves traditional Mexican meals, margaritas, and beer. Ed’s Cantina & Grill is also one of the best places to eat in estes park.

The Rocky Mountain National Park entrance lies in the heart of Estes Park. Ed’s has been locally owned and run since the 1980s. They provide a distinct Mexican cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local, and artisan ingredients.

You’ll find a lively scene at Ed’s Cantina, with workers that are eager to help. They are certain that you will enjoy your stay with them. With their lively family-friendly bar, large and spacious dining room, seasonal river view, and covered terrace.

For whatever occasion, their event space offers a unique, bright environment! Your guests will appreciate the private patio and bar, as well as the vibrant hand painted flower murals, vaulted ceiling. And lively downtown Estes Park atmosphere!

Restaurant Hours

Location To Ed’s Cantina & Grill

10. Mountain Home Cafe

This basic, low-key café provides breakfast necessities, sandwiches, and homestyle American main dishes. It’s also one of the best places to eat in estes park, you can try today.

For many years, the Mountain Home Cafe in Estes Park has served breakfast and lunch. The company is operated and also owned by a family. And this is very popular with both locals and visitors!

They enjoy offering their clients high-quality meals. From their family to yours, they put a lot of love and attention into everything they give. They are really hoping you like them as much as they do!

At Mountain Home Cafe, COVID-19 is being combated. Please take note that the “safety precautions” portion of their website has a good comprehensive list. And the cuisine is fantastic. If you’re around Estes Park, I strongly recommend stopping by. The service is excellent, and everyone is quite kind and accommodating.

Restaurant Hours

Location To Mountain Home Cafe

11. Sweet Basilico Cafe

Sprawling Italian choice with spaghetti, pizzas, breakfast, and massive desserts in a riverfront setting. Sweet Basilico Cafe is also one of the best places to eat in estes park.

Their delectable handmade Italian cuisine choices are ideal for parties, celebrations, reunions, and conferences.

Also a portion of their menu is now available to purchase in whole pans. Or half pans as a simpler, more cost-effective alternative that is just as good! All they need is a two-hour notice, and your meal will be ready for pick-up!

They make sure to inform all their customers that they do not accept bookings for their outside restaurant. Since the weather in Estes changes regularly. Their outside terrace is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please take note of your pets. According to the Larimer County Health Code, only service animals are authorized in any of their service areas (including our outside patio).  That’s to say, dogs are not permitted in any of their offered sites. Visit the Larimer County website for further information or to see whether your animal qualifies as a service animal.

Please be aware that during busy business hours, waiting times for reservations and takeout meals may increase significantly.

Sweet Basilico is delighted to assist in the transition to sustainable transportation. They now provide Tesla destination charging to their customers.

There are three Tesla Connectors available, each with a power rating of up to 16kW. They politely request that all of their guests be mindful of these charging points. Please do not obstruct charging points if at all possible, and keep charging times short during busy restaurant hours (6-8pm) (6-8pm) (6-8pm).

Restaurant Hours

Location To Sweet Basilico Cafe

12. Hunters Chop House

In an airy, hunting-lodge-style setting, this casual restaurant serves beef, chicken, and elk dishes.

Mountain fare that hasn’t changed in a long time. Hunter’s Chophouse is a casual, family-owned steakhouse that serves aged, hand-cut steaks, chops. And a variety of exotic wild animal dishes, as well as other delicious house specialties. Meat is something that every hunter enjoys!

The menu features a wide variety of games as well as a large selection of meat dishes. They provide a very rustic and relaxed environment with spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and Lake Estes. Visitors are welcome and parking is also free.”

Hunter’s Chophouse is the place to go if you want steak, scotch, great wine, and a warm welcome. But they have always strived to be inclusive of all of their visitors, constantly mindful of and grateful to each and every one of them.

Every year, they have focused on obtaining local meat and veggies while also offering new and exciting goods. They always learned new things and expanded their whiskey and wine collections.

Hunters is the name they have given to the building that was built some 60 years ago. It was initially much smaller in size. But it has been renovated and modified numerous times by subsequent owners to respond to changing commercial needs.

Restaurant Hours

Location To Hunters Chop House

13. Estes Park Pie Shop & Diner (You Need Pie!)

Mellow bakery and café is known for award-winning pies and American comfort food served in a relaxed setting. And it’s also one of the best places to eat in estes park.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in a 1950s diner setting! All of the meals are prepared by granny by hand. Don’t miss out on award-winning pies in over 25 varieties every day. They deliver through the GrubHub app, and their pies are sent abroad via FoodyDirect.”

The goal of the Diner & Bakery is to provide for their visitors in a way that is consistent with their basic values. Those concepts are summarized in their mission statement, which is abbreviated as WGBP. Which simply means,  “Would Grandma Be Proud” as the acronym.

This is a family business, after all. The majority of their recipes are passed down through the generations and are meals that their grandmothers and great grandparents served many years ago.

In the bakery and restaurant, they believe it is their responsibility and goal to honor those memories and traditions. 

As a result, while making choices that affect the company, they refer to their goal statement such as; Would Grandma be proud of the cuisine they’re presenting, for example? What do you think of the mood they’re creating? Are you proud of the way they run their company? How do they engage with and help their community? All these words refer to their goal statement.

Restaurant Hours

Location To Estes Park Pie Shop

14. The Post Chicken & Beer – Estes Park

They simply deliver award-winning Colorado-style fried chicken, farm-fresh sides, and award-winning beer. All of which are born and raised in the mountains and plains of Colorado. Their gluten-free fried chicken, as seen on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, is better than the rest.”

They spent time doing their studies and obtaining the greatest equipment possible to ensure that their fried chicken is consistently juicy and crispy.

They started with all-natural, ethically raised chicken, brined it for hours, dipped it in buttermilk, dredged it in seasoned gluten-free flour. And then pressure fried it to golden perfection.

After allowing the flavors to combine for a few minutes, they season it with their spicy deliciousness shaker. And their bird is simply mouth-wateringly beautiful thanks to all of the love, care, and attention to detail.

Restaurant Hours

Location To The Post Chicken & Beer

15. The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

Freshly sourced American cuisine is served in a rustic setting with live music and outdoor dining in the place. This restaurant is also one of the best places to eat in estes park, anyone can visit.

The Rock Inn, which first opened its doors as a dance hall during the Big Band Era in 1937. Is today a popular gathering place with a particular local feel.

In the winter, their two wood-burning stoves warm the lounge, making it welcoming for tourists who come in for a drink or meal after a day of touring Rocky Mountain National Park.

Visitors may enjoy stunning views of the Continental Divide from their outdoor dining area throughout the summer. Their menu is a continuously changing combination of hand-crafted, hearty comfort food with an emphasis on health and the environment.

They make every effort to fill you with excitement so that you may return to the mountains tomorrow.

They also provide Gold Canyon Natural Gourmet Angus Beef. And All-Natural Colorado chicken, fresh salads, whole grains, organic teas and coffees, as well as local beers and wine.”

After dinner, they occasionally put up one of their many original Colorado bands on their almost 80-year-old stage, empty the dance floor, and boogie all night. Chain Station, Bonfire Dub, and a plethora of other bands have begun to play.

They really hope you will be able to join them soon. Reservations are not accepted, but if you call ahead (970-586-4116) while on your way. They will try their best to find you a table or put you on the waiting list.

Restaurant Hours

Location To The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

16. Cousin Pat’s Pub & Grill

This is a friendly grill restaurant and bar with pub grub, a pool table, an open fire, and TVs.

Cousin Pat’s, a local Estes Park favorite, which was renovated to be a modern, friendly location to have lunch or a drink with friends and family.

Their vicinity is believed to be great for a business lunch, a casual dating night, or even a small wedding ceremony. Cousin Pat’s Pub & Grill is also among the best places to eat in estes park.

They also have happy hour and reverse happy hour every day of the week, so there’s never a bad time to come down and relax at Pat’s.

Restaurant Hours

Location To Cousin Pat’s Pub & Grill

17. Antonio’s Real New York Pizza

At this modest café with a lodge feel, wood-fired pizza in a variety of flavors is served alongside sandwiches and wings.

Antonio’s is now offering zero-contact pickup and dine-in using QR codes from the tables as of February 23rd. Because of Covid’s ebb and flow, they have to make a few changes. 

When coming, bring your patience as well as your appetite. When it comes to flavor, Antonio’s is the place to go!”

Their business was born out of a desire for authentic New York pizza in Colorado. Since they started in 2014, they have developed, learned, and created some more.

Antonio’s was named one of the top five restaurants in the Rocky Mountain National Park area by Food Network in 2016! They outgrown their former location in 2017 and moved the whole business to 1560 Big Thompson Ave.

In 2018, which is roughly 6000 square feet! This facility has seating for over 150 people, two fireplaces, 14 beers on tap, and two outdoor patios.

They are grateful and fully support this community via initiatives that assist those who are in desperate need. They do so once a week, and the more they have grown, the more they have accomplished. Why not prepare to visit this wonderful place.

Restaurant Hours

Location To Antonio’s Real New York Pizza

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Final Thoughts

What better way to round off a day of exploration in Estes Park than with a fantastic meal? When visiting Estes Park, there is no shortage of things to do. Fill your tummy at one of Estes Park’s greatest restaurants.

Estes Park provides a bunch of eateries to satisfy every appetite you may have. One of the most appealing aspects of Estes Park restaurants is that they frequently provide breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the Big Thompson River. Whether you’re wanting Mexican, Italian, or one of Colorado’s delicacies, Estes Park has a restaurant for everyone!

We hope we’ve helped you pick some wonderful local restaurants to visit while in Estes Park! Now, tell us in the comments below, which of the restaurants in Estes Park you’d want to try.

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