Ember Restaurant & Bar Review: Menu, Prices & Worth It?

Planning a special dinner with Lake Estes views? Ember serves modern American fine dining in a lakeside setting where elk sometimes wander down to the water during sunset - a moment you won't forget.

Menu & Pricing

What Makes Ember Special

Ember combines stunning Lake Estes views with modern American fine dining that earns 4.4 stars across 368+ reviews. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer lake and mountain views from every table, with an outdoor patio that's especially spectacular during sunset when elk occasionally wander down to the water.

Service quality stays consistently high with attentive servers, thoughtful recommendations, and genuine care. The modern interior creates upscale ambiance with leather seating and elegant design without feeling stuffy.

What to Order (Signature Dishes)

Steak Frites ($45) - If you're splurging on one dish, this is the move. Sliced bistro filet served with brown butter, candied bacon, and garlic-parmesan fries.

The meat comes tender with perfect preparation. I'd order this medium-rare and let the brown butter do its thing.

Lobster Bisque ($11 cup / $21 bowl) - A standout starter made with Maine lobster, served with tarragon crostini and chives.

I'd get the bowl over the cup - the generous lobster portions make the extra $10 worth it. Rich, creamy, and doesn't skimp on the actual lobster.

Elk Tenderloin ($53) - Premium wild game option served with lingonberry demiglace, beech mushrooms, truffle mashed potatoes, and Brussels sprouts.

This is your anniversary splurge. The elk delivers tender meat with beautiful presentation - if you're celebrating something, I'd go with this over the steak.

Bourbon Cheesecake - Save room for this. The cherry base adds the perfect contrast, and I'd split it between two people unless you skipped appetizers.

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

Best for: Special occasions and anniversaries, romantic dinners with Lake Estes views, families (kids menu available), and vacationers willing to splurge for quality fine dining.

Skip if: You're on a tight budget ($30-50+/person), want a quick meal (60-90 min experiences), or prefer casual grab-and-go dining.

Looking for other options? Check Bird & Jim for wild game or The Hive Brewery for casual craft beer.

Practical Information

Reservations become essential for dinner service, especially Friday-Saturday. Walk-ins may face significant waits during peak dinner hours (6-8pm). Book through Toast Tab or call (970) 586-6409.

📍 Getting There: Location & Transportation

Address: 1700 Colorado Peaks Dr, Estes Park, CO 80517 (inside Lake Estes Marina)

Directions: Enter through sliding doors under entry roof, pass concierge desk, head right then straight down hall, restaurant on right

From Denver: 90 minutes via US-36 W through Boulder

Parking: Free parking lot with plenty of spaces

Public Transit: Limited in Estes Park, driving recommended

Payment and tipping: All major credit cards accepted. Standard 18-20% tips apply, though the exceptional service warrants generous tipping. No minimum for card payments. Some meals reach $100+ per person with drinks and multiple courses.

Best times to visit: Sunset dinner reservations create the most memorable experiences. Lunch service (7am-3pm) offers similar menu items at potentially shorter waits. Friday-Saturday nights (open until 9pm) require advance reservations.

The restaurant serves breakfast starting at 7am for early risers. After your meal, walk the sidewalk around Lake Estes to enjoy more views.

Common Questions

Is Ember worth the price?

For special occasions and memorable experiences, yes. The combination of lake views, excellent service, and quality food justifies the $30-50+ per person pricing. For casual regular dining, it runs a bit expensive and works better for anniversaries.

Do all tables have lake views?

Yes. Every table offers beautiful views of Estes Park Lake with no bad seats in the house. Request outdoor patio seating for the closest lake access and potential wildlife sightings.

Can you eat here casually in hiking clothes?

Yes, there's no strict dress code. The restaurant welcomes casual mountain attire despite the upscale food and pricing. The atmosphere is described as "intimate, cozy elegance" rather than stuffy fine dining.

Do they serve breakfast?

Yes, breakfast service starts at 7am daily. Menu includes French toast, bacon, and other breakfast items. The half order of French toast with strawberries and fresh whipped cream delivers excellent flavor.

Is Ember kid-friendly?

Yes, the restaurant welcomes families and offers a kids menu. Families with children dine comfortably here and enjoy the experience. The setting works for families despite the upscale pricing.

What are the vegetarian/vegan options?

Vegetarian options are clearly labeled on the menu. The Squash Tacos ($23) offer a full vegan entree. Salads can be ordered without meat additions. Options exist but aren't the menu's main focus, making this a moderate choice for vegetarians.

How far in advance should I book reservations?

For dinner, especially Friday-Saturday or holidays, book as far ahead as possible. The restaurant fills up quickly and reservations prove essential. Lunch may have more flexibility. Use Toast Tab online booking or call (970) 586-6409.

Can you see wildlife from the restaurant?

Yes! Elk occasionally stroll down to the water at sunset during outdoor patio dinner service. This creates unique movie-like experiences you can't get at typical restaurants.

What's the noise level like?

The noise level runs moderate, staying quiet enough for easy conversation. You can talk comfortably without shouting. Indoor dining tends quieter than the bar area.

Do portions match the pricing?

Portions generally match the pricing appropriately. The steak sandwich runs heavy on bread relative to meat, but most dishes deliver generous, well-balanced portions. Appetizers like Mango Shrimp come in good sizes.