What Makes Bird & Jim Special
Bird & Jim stands out in Estes Park for serving locally-sourced wild game you won't find at typical mountain restaurants. They work directly with Colorado ranchers and hunters to bring elk, bison, and wild pheasant to your plate.
The restaurant occupies a renovated space in the Alpine Trail Ridge Inn with high ceilings, wood accents, and mismatched cloth napkins that create genuine mountain charm without feeling contrived.
Their open kitchen concept lets you watch chefs prepare your meal while you eat. The space mixes cozy couches with regular dining tables and high-top bar seating, giving you options whether you're settling in for a long dinner or grabbing a quick bite at the bar.
Over 3,100 Google reviews averaging 4.5 stars speak to consistent quality. Diners repeatedly mention the warm service, generous portions, and unique menu items that showcase Colorado ingredients in ways that feel authentic rather than touristy.
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before your reservation and grab a drink at the bar while you wait. I'd do this every time - the bartenders are friendly, local craft beers are on tap, and you turn waiting time into a tasting experience instead of standing around.
The Dining Experience
Walking into Bird & Jim feels like entering a well-loved mountain cabin. The huge space features high ceilings with exposed beams, woody mountain decor, and local art for sale on the walls. Natural light floods through large windows during lunch, while warm lighting creates intimate ambiance at dinner.
Service strikes the right balance between attentive and relaxed. Staff know the menu well and can explain the difference between elk striploin and elk tenderloin or suggest wine pairings.
During peak hours, you might experience slower service as they prioritize getting food right over rushing tables. Noise level stays moderate even when packed, allowing easy conversation without shouting.
The crowd shifts throughout the day. Lunch brings hikers fresh off trails from Rocky Mountain National Park, still wearing dusty boots and backpacks. Dinner attracts more locals, couples on vacation, and families celebrating special occasions. Weekend brunch (Saturday-Sunday 10:30am-8pm) draws a mix of both.
Menu Highlights & Pricing
Appetizers ($12-24)
• House Chips & Onion Dip: $12
• Portobello Fries: $14
• Tuna Poke: $24
• Balsamic Bruschetta: $16
• Mixed Olives: $10
Burgers & Sandwiches ($18-22)
• Buffalo Burger w/ Tomato-Bacon Jam: $20
• Bison Burger: $20
• Veggie Burger: $18
• Jim Burger (Classic): $18
• BLT with Chicken: $19
Wild Game Entrees ($24-52)
• Elk Striploin: $42
• Elk Tenderloin: $48
• The Carnivore Plate (elk, filet, sausage): $52
• Lamb Rack: $44
• Hangar Steak: $36
What to Order (Signature Dishes)
Smoked Pheasant Chowder ($9 cup / $14 bowl) - If you only try one thing, make it this. The chowder features tender pheasant meat in a creamy base with vegetables, served with soft, warm cornbread rounds.
This comforting soup ranks as the best in Estes Park. I'd get a bowl as your meal or start with a cup if you're trying wild game entrees - either way, don't skip it.
Buffalo Burger with Tomato-Bacon Jam ($20) - Leaner than beef but juicy from proper cooking, this burger combines buffalo meat with sweet-savory jam that cuts the richness. Comes with fries unless you upgrade to sweet potato waffle fries.
I'd put this up against any burger in Estes Park - the quality rivals Denver steakhouse burgers at half the price.
The Carnivore Plate ($52) - If you're trying wild game for the first time, this is your move. You get elk striploin, filet mignon, cheddar game sausage (buffalo-jalapeno-cheddar), and broccolini on one plate.
I'd split this between two people if you order apps - the portions are generous and you'll both get to taste everything. The elk striploin alone is worth the trip.
Lamb Rack ($44) - Cooked medium-rare with roasted tomatoes that taste marinated before roasting. The best lamb chops you'll find, with uniquely flavored tomatoes. The preparation shows technical skill without overcomplicating the dish.
💡 Pro Tip: If you're unsure about wild game, I'd start with the house chips and onion dip ($12). These thick-cut, crispy chips deliver surprisingly good flavor. Use them to gauge your hunger level before committing to a $40+ entree - trust me, you can always order more food, but you can't un-order an expensive dish you won't finish.
Who It's For (And Who It's Not For)
Best for: Post-RMNP hike refueling, couples wanting nice meals without formal dress codes, families (kids menu available), and groups of 4-8 who want couch seating or outdoor patio space.
Skip if: You're budget-conscious ($30-50/person), need quick meals (60+ min waits on busy nights), or want quiet romantic ambiance.
Looking for more options? Check The Hive Brewery for craft beer or Ember Restaurant for lake views.
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Pheasant Chowder
🍮
Bread Pudding
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Bison Burger
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Elk Tenderloin
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Tuna Poke
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Portobello Fries
Practical Information
- 📍Location: 915 Moraine Ave, Estes Park (inside Alpine Trail Ridge Inn)
- ⏰Hours: Tue-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-8:30pm, Sun 10:30am-8pm, closed Monday
- 🚗Parking: Free lot on-site; overflow at Bird's Nest across street
- 📅Reservations: Call (970) 586-9832 or book via Resy; essential for Fri-Sat dinner
- ⏳Wait times: 30-60 min without reservation during peak hours
- 🍺Happy hour: Until 4pm with discounted apps and drinks
- ♿Accessibility: Ramp at entrance, service dogs welcome
Money-Saving Tips & Hacks
Happy hour (open to 4pm) drops prices on select appetizers and drinks. This draws crowds with significant savings. Call to ask which items get discounted - the restaurant's policy might change seasonally but consistently runs until 4pm daily.
Lunch pricing appears similar to dinner on most items, but ordering strategically matters. Build a meal from the appetizer and sides menu (chips + chowder + side salad = $25 total) instead of buying a $20 burger.
Share one wild game entree between two people if you've hiked all day and add sides rather than ordering two full entrees.
Skip the add-ons unless you're truly hungry. Burgers come with fries already - the $4 upgrade to sweet potato waffle fries tastes good but isn't necessary. The $10 mac and cheese side runs bland, so save that $10.
💡 Money Hack: Here's what I'd order on a budget: Smoked Pheasant Chowder bowl ($14), cornbread (included), and house chips with onion dip ($12) for a $26 meal that will completely fill you up. You get their most famous dish, experience the wild game they're known for, and spend half what you'd pay for an elk entree. Trust me on this one.