Elevations Eatery and Bar Review: Menu, Prices & Worth It?

Complete Guide to Estes Park's Downtown Bar & Grill

Need a solid meal on Elkhorn Avenue without the fine dining fuss? Elevations serves wild game burgers and elk stew in a casual downtown bar setting - plus they stay open until 8pm when most Estes Park spots have closed.

⭐ 4.4 / 5.0

563+ Google Reviews

πŸ’° $20-30 per person

πŸ“ž Call Now
(970) 586-6900

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⏰ Hours

Mon-Sun: 11am-8pm
Open 7 Days a Week

πŸ“… Reservations

Available online
Recommended for dinner

πŸš— Parking

Downtown street parking
Free after 5pm, paid parking nearby

🍽️ What You Get

Downtown bar & grill, wild game specialties, craft cocktails, full bar

🦌 Elk Stew πŸ” Bison Burgers 🍸 Craft Cocktails
πŸ‘₯ Perfect For

Post-hiking meals β€’ Downtown location β€’ Late dining β€’ Bar atmosphere β€’ Wild game lovers

πŸ™οΈ

Unique Feature

Prime downtown Elkhorn Avenue location, open late for Estes Park

πŸ“ž Call Now 🌐 Visit Website πŸ—ΊοΈ Get Directions

Menu & Pricing

Burgers ($17-19)

β€’ Classic Bison Burger: $18

β€’ Spicy All Game Burger (elk): $19

β€’ American Cheeseburger: $17

β€’ Santa Fe Chicken Burger: $17

Salads & Bowls ($17-24)

β€’ Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl: $24

β€’ Mediterranean Bowl (Vegan/GF): $19

β€’ Roasted Squash Bowl (Vegan/GF): $21

β€’ Naked Burrito Bowl: $19

🍲 Elk Stew
🦬 Bison Burger
🦌 Elk Burger
⭐ Great Service
🐟 Rainbow Trout
🍸 Craft Cocktails

What Makes Elevations Special

Elevations sits on downtown Elkhorn Avenue with 563+ reviews averaging 4.4 stars. The elk stew stands out as the signature dish - a mind-blowing creation that earns consistent praise. Wild game options extend to bison and elk burgers, sourcing local Colorado ingredients.

The restaurant stays open until 8pm when most Estes Park spots close earlier, making it valuable for late diners. Service runs consistently friendly, and the kitchen handles dietary needs well with clearly labeled vegetarian and gluten-free options.

What to Order (Signature Dishes)

Elk Stew - If you're only ordering one thing, make it this. The signature dish delivers hearty, incredible flavor.

The stew features tender elk meat in a rich broth, perfect after a day hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. I'd order this every time - it's the real deal.

Bison Burger ($18) - The Classic Bison Burger comes with mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and caramelized onions on a brioche bun. I'd go with this over regular beef every time - leaner but just as juicy.

The burger comes with lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles on the side. Add fries for $3 - trust me, you want the fries here.

Santa Fe Chicken Burger ($17) - Here's the thing: the house-made pepper jack and pepper hash cheese sauce makes this burger exceptional. I'd order this just for the sauce.

Pro move: ask for extra sauce on the side to dip your fries in. You'll thank me later.

Rainbow Trout - Fresh trout delivers consistently good results with proper seasoning and sides. The restaurant sources local fish when possible, and the dish earns repeat visits from diners who return specifically for it.

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: The french fries here are legit - crispy, well-seasoned, and perfect with that pepper hash cheese sauce. I'd get them as your side ($7) or add them to any burger for $3 extra. Don't skip them.

Who It's For (And Who It's Not For)

Best for: Post-RMNP hiking refueling, late diners (8pm closing when others close earlier), vegetarians/vegans (clearly labeled options), and downtown shoppers wanting convenient dining.

Skip if: You expect fine dining atmosphere, hate downtown parking headaches, or want romantic ambiance.

Looking for other options? Check Bird & Jim for wild game or Ember Restaurant for lake views.

Practical Information

  • πŸ“Location: 153 E Elkhorn Ave, downtown Estes Park
  • ⏰Hours: Mon-Sun 11am-8pm (open 7 days)
  • πŸš—Parking: Street parking (paid until 5pm, free after); larger free lot nearby
  • πŸ“…Reservations: Book via website or call (970) 586-6900; recommended for Fri-Sat dinner
  • ⏳Wait times: Waits possible during 6-7:30pm; lunch (11am-2pm) less crowded
  • 🍸Cocktails: Smoked Oaxacan, Smoked Old Fashioned, 2-for-1 mimosas at brunch
  • πŸŒ™Late hours: Open until 8pm when most Estes Park spots close earlier

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Elevations Eatery

How much does dinner cost at Elevations?

Expect $20-30 per person for most meals. Burgers run $17-19, salads and bowls $17-24. Add $3 for fries or salad sides. Appetizers and cocktails increase the total. Spending $50-100 per person happens when you add drinks and appetizers like the ahi tartare. The pricing matches the quality delivered.

Do I need reservations?

Reservations help but aren't always required. Online reservations get you seated immediately, even when open tables are visible. For dinner Friday-Saturday or peak summer weekends, book through their website or call (970) 586-6900. Lunch typically accommodates walk-ins more easily.

Where do I park?

Downtown Elkhorn Avenue parking runs paid during business hours, free after 5pm. Parking fills quickly, so arrive early or walk from nearby lots. A big free parking lot sits not too far on foot. Street parking exists but fills quickly during peak tourist season.

What is Elevations known for?

The elk stew is the standout - consistently called "mind-blowing" and "amazing." Wild game options including bison burgers and elk burgers define the menu. The restaurant also stays open late (until 8pm) when other Estes Park spots close earlier, and the bartenders make excellent craft cocktails.

Is the atmosphere casual or fine dining?

Definitively casual. Photos suggest fine dining, but you'll find a bar and grill atmosphere with excellent food quality. The noise level runs moderate with a relaxed vibe. The decor leans lackluster and uninspired, but the food and service compensate for the ambiance limitations.

What are the vegetarian/vegan options?

Multiple clearly labeled vegetarian and vegan options exist. The Mediterranean Bowl and Roasted Squash Bowl both come vegan and gluten-free. The Blackberry Salad and Fennel & Orange Salad offer vegan options. The menu labels vegetarian dishes clearly, making this a strong choice for vegetarians. The kitchen accommodates special dietary requests.

Do they have gluten-free options?

Yes. Gluten-free burger buns cost $2 extra. Several bowls and salads come naturally gluten-free and are labeled (GF) on the menu. The gluten-free burger option provides solid choices for diners with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

How fast is the service?

Service runs consistently fast. Food arrives quickly from the kitchen. Service quality earns 5-star ratings, with servers delivering friendly, efficient, attentive, and prompt service. The bartenders also deliver quick, skilled cocktail preparation.

Is it good for families with kids?

Yes. The restaurant offers a kids menu ($12-13) with chicken tenders, mac & cheese, grilled cheese, and butter-parmesan noodles. The casual atmosphere makes families comfortable. The spacious storefront layout gives active children room to move, creating a relaxed environment for families.

What are the best cocktails to try?

The Smoked Oaxacan arrives in an oak smoking box for dramatic presentation. The Smoked Old Fashioned, Lemon Drop Martini, Lilikoi Spritz, and Tropical Sour are all solid choices. The bartenders know their craft. The 2-for-1 mimosas draw brunch crowds.

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