Best Estes Park Restaurants

Complete reviews, menus, pricing & insider tips for top-rated dining

Top-Rated Restaurants in Estes Park

From fine dining with lake views to casual wild game and craft breweries

4.4 (368+ reviews)

Ember Restaurant & Bar

$30-50 per person

Stunning Lake Estes views with modern American fine dining. Every table features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake and mountains. Known for Steak Frites ($45), Lobster Bisque, and Elk Tenderloin. Outdoor patio for sunset dining. Read full review →

📍 Lake Estes Marina • 🍽️ Fine Dining • 🌅 Lake Views

4.9 (7,376+ reviews)

The Hive at Estes Park Brewery

$20-30 per person

House-brewed craft beer with exceptional food. Famous for Bison Short Ribs (10/10 ratings), Elk Burgers, and Rack of Lamb. Free beer samples at downstairs bar while you wait. Two-level space with pool tables. Read full review →

🍺 Craft Brewery • 🦬 Wild Game • 🎱 Pool Tables

4.5 (3,120+ reviews)

Bird & Jim Restaurant

$30-50 per person

Locally-sourced wild game in rustic mountain cabin atmosphere. Signature Smoked Pheasant Chowder dominates orders. Buffalo Burgers rank as best in Estes Park. Open kitchen concept with couch seating. Post-RMNP hiking favorite. Read full review →

🦌 Wild Game • 🏔️ Mountain Cabin • 👨‍🍳 Open Kitchen

4.4 (563+ reviews)

Elevations Eatery and Bar

$20-30 per person

Downtown Elkhorn Avenue location with wild game and craft cocktails. Mind-blowing Elk Stew as signature dish. Bison Burgers and Santa Fe Chicken Burger with amazing pepper hash cheese sauce. Open until 8pm when others close. Read full review →

🍹 Craft Cocktails • 📍 Downtown • 🌙 Late Hours

4.3 (1,020+ reviews)

The Post Mountain House

$20-30 per person 🏨 Stanley Hotel

Gluten-free fried chicken inside The Stanley Hotel. Famous Chicken & Waffles 2.0 with black pepper maple syrup. House-brewed beers including smooth El Corn amber. Massive portions worth sharing. Perfect for gluten-free diners and Stanley Hotel visitors. Read full review →

🍗 Gluten-Free • 🍺 House Beer • 🏨 Historic Location

4.3 (633+ reviews)

Trailhead Restaurant

$20-30 per person 🏞️ RMNP Gateway

Most convenient dining just outside Rocky Mountain National Park entrance on Fall River Road. Signature Elk Stew and wild game burgers including Mountain Man Burger. Integrated gift shop offers 15% meal discount. Outdoor patio with mountain views and free parking. Read full review →

🦌 Elk Stew • 🎁 Gift Shop • 🅿️ Free Parking

4.0 (2,675+ reviews)

The Grubsteak Restaurant

$20-30 per person 🦬 Yak Burgers

Famous Yak Burgers and exotic wild game meats in downtown Estes Park. Unique protein experience with yak, elk, bison, buffalo, and wild boar options. Hidden outdoor patio and free dessert with cash payment. Post-hiking favorite on main street. Read full review →

🦬 Yak Burgers • 📍 Downtown • 🍰 Cash = Free Dessert

4.7 (172+ reviews)

Park Tavern

$20-30 per person 🆕 Newer Spot

High-rated newcomer with craft cocktails and elevated pub fare. Smash burgers, fish tacos, and creative appetizers in a modern tavern setting. Friendly service with consistent quality. Perfect for casual dining with craft drink options. Read full review →

🍔 Smash Burgers • 🍹 Craft Cocktails • 🌟 High Rated

4.4 (1,741+ reviews)

Hunters Chop House

$30-50 per person 🥩 Steakhouse

Classic American steakhouse with prime cuts and wild game. Elk medallions, ribeye steaks, and lamb chops in upscale lodge atmosphere. Full bar with extensive wine list. Perfect for special occasions and steak lovers. Read full review →

🥩 Prime Steaks • 🦌 Wild Game • 🍷 Full Bar

4.2 (3,000+ reviews)

Wapiti Colorado Pub

$20-30 per person 🍺 Pub Favorite

Downtown pub with prime rib, elk burgers, and huge beer selection. Famous for Saturday prime rib specials and Rocky Mountain Oysters. River views from patio, live music on weekends. Family-friendly with kids menu. Read full review →

🥩 Prime Rib • 🍺 Beer Selection • 🎵 Live Music

4.8 (400+ reviews)

River Walk Café

$10-20 per person 🏞️ Riverside

Riverside café with hummingbird feeders and mountain views. Best coffee in Estes Park per locals. Women-owned, LGBTQ+ friendly. Paninis, focaccia sandwiches, smoothies, and boba tea. Limited hours (Fri-Mon only). Read full review →

☕ Best Coffee • 🏞️ River Views • 🌈 LGBTQ+ Friendly

4.4 (1,369+ reviews)

La Cocina De Mama

$10-20 per person 🌮 Mexican

Authentic Mexican with the best fish tacos in Colorado. Off main strip with free parking. Margaritas, fajitas, street tacos, and all-day breakfast. Family-friendly with kids menu. Read full review →

🌮 Fish Tacos • 🍹 Margaritas • 🅿️ Free Parking

4.3 (623+ reviews)

Bird's Nest

$10-20 per person 🥐 Bakery & Pizza

Best almond croissant in Colorado plus wood-fired pizza with mountain views. Fresh pastries baked on-site, OZO coffee from Boulder. Upstairs lounge with panoramic scenery. Opens 6am for early risers. Read full review →

🥐 Fresh Pastries • 🍕 Best Pizza • 🏔️ Mountain Views

4.6 (4,801+ reviews)

Smokin' Dave's BBQ

$10-20 per person 🍖 BBQ

Best BBQ near Rocky Mountain National Park. Bison ribs, brisket, pulled pork smoked on-site. 5 minutes from RMNP entrance. Family platters, drive-through, and the highest review count in Estes Park. Read full review →

🍖 Bison Ribs • 🅿️ Free Parking • 🏔️ Near RMNP

Quick Restaurant Comparison

Find the perfect match for your dining style

Restaurant Rating Price Range Best For Signature Dish
Ember ⭐ 4.4 $30-50 Special Occasions, Lake Views Steak Frites ($45)
The Hive ⭐ 4.9 $20-30 Craft Beer, Casual Dining Bison Short Ribs ($36)
Bird & Jim ⭐ 4.5 $30-50 Wild Game, Post-Hiking Smoked Pheasant Chowder ($14)
Elevations ⭐ 4.4 $20-30 Downtown, Late Hours Elk Stew
The Post ⭐ 4.3 $20-30 Gluten-Free, Stanley Hotel Chicken & Waffles 2.0 ($23)
Trailhead ⭐ 4.3 $20-30 RMNP Gateway, Gift Shop Elk Stew ($24.99)
The Grubsteak ⭐ 4.0 $20-30 Downtown, Yak Burgers Yak Burger (~$18)
Park Tavern ⭐ 4.7 $20-30 Craft Cocktails, Casual Smash Burger
Hunters Chop House ⭐ 4.4 $30-50 Special Occasions, Steaks Elk Medallions
Wapiti Pub ⭐ 4.2 $20-30 Pub Food, Live Music Prime Rib
River Walk Café ⭐ 4.8 $10-20 Coffee, Riverside Views Paninis ($14.95)
La Cocina De Mama ⭐ 4.4 $10-20 Mexican, Free Parking Fish Tacos ($22)
Bird's Nest ⭐ 4.3 $10-20 Bakery, Pizza, Early Hours Almond Croissant
Smokin' Dave's BBQ ⭐ 4.6 $10-20 BBQ, Near RMNP Bison Ribs ($29)

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