Hunters Chop House Review: Menu, Prices & Worth It?

Complete Guide to Estes Park's Premier Steakhouse & Wild Game Destination

Celebrating something special in Estes Park? Hunters Chop House serves elk chops, bison oscar, and filet mignon that "cuts like butter" - in a hunting lodge setting with taxidermy on the walls and a sommelier ready to pair your steak with the perfect wine.

⭐ 4.4
1,741+ Google Reviews
πŸ’° $30-50 per person
πŸ“ž (970) 586-6962
πŸ“ 1690 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park
⏰ Hours
Daily: 4pm-9pm
Dinner only
πŸ“… Reservations
Recommended for weekends
Walk-ins possible early evening
πŸš— Parking
Free lot on-site
Turn right at sign before marina
🍽️ What You Get
β€’ Prime steaks & wild game
β€’ Elk chops, bison, lamb
β€’ Full bar with sommelier
β€’ Hunting lodge atmosphere
πŸ‘₯ Perfect For
β€’ Anniversary dinners
β€’ Special celebrations
β€’ Couples & date nights
β€’ Wild game enthusiasts
✨ Why It Stands Out
Estes Park's premier steakhouse with 1,741+ reviews. The elk chops with blackberry port wine sauce earn consistent praise, and their filet mignon "cuts like butter." Sister restaurant to Park Tavern.
πŸ“ž Call Now 🌐 Visit Website πŸ—ΊοΈ Get Directions

Menu & Pricing

πŸ₯© Steaks & Chops ($26-47)

β€’ Filet Mignon (8 oz.): $47

β€’ Beef Ribeye (12 oz.): $44

β€’ Elk Chops & Shrimp: $43

β€’ Bison Oscar (NY Strip + Crab): $43

β€’ Bison Petite Tender: $36

β€’ Pork Chop: $34

β€’ Braised Lamb Shank: $34

β€’ Seared Chicken Thighs: $26

β€’ Kobe Tomahawk (30 oz.): $165

🍀 Starters ($12-19)

β€’ Wild Game Brats Sampler: $19

β€’ Crab Cake: $18

β€’ Steamed Mussels: $17

β€’ BBQ Pork Rib Tips: $17

β€’ Smoked Elk Carpaccio: $14

β€’ Fried Truffle Brussels Sprouts: $14

What Makes Hunters Chop House Special

Hunters Chop House delivers what Estes Park's other restaurants don't - a dedicated steakhouse experience with 1,741+ reviews averaging 4.4 stars. The hunting lodge atmosphere features taxidermy on the walls, creating an authentically rustic mountain vibe without feeling kitschy.

The kitchen executes steaks consistently well. The filet mignon cuts like butter and elk chops arrive with zero gaminess. A sommelier on staff helps pair wines with your meal - a level of service rare in mountain towns.

The outdoor patio lined with flower barrels offers prime seating during summer, including views of July 4th fireworks. Same ownership as Park Tavern, which explains the consistent service quality.

What to Order (Signature Dishes)

Elk Chops & Shrimp ($43) - The signature dish. Two bone-in elk chops with blackberry port wine sauce, creamy barley risotto, and shrimp scampi. Zero gaminess when cooked medium-rare as recommended. This is the move.

Filet Mignon ($47) - USDA choice with red wine demi-glace, mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables. Consistently praised as "melt in your mouth" and "cuts like butter." I'd trust the kitchen's recommendation on temperature.

Bison Oscar ($43) - NY strip topped with lump jumbo crab and dill hollandaise over barley risotto. Worth returning for. The surf-and-turf combo works exceptionally well.

Wild Game Brats Sampler ($19) - Smoked buffalo, jalapeΓ±o elk, apricot boar, and pheasant with cheese and flatbread crackers. Perfect starter for groups or first-timers unsure about wild game.

Chocolate Mousse & Donut Holes ($11) - Light, airy, and the perfect sweet finish. Complimentary anniversary cheesecake if you mention the occasion.

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: Accept your server's recommendation on elk chop temperature. Medium-rare eliminates any gaminess and keeps the meat tender. The servers here know their wild game.

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

Best for: Anniversary and birthday celebrations, couples seeking upscale dining, wild game enthusiasts, steak lovers wanting perfectly cooked cuts, and wine drinkers who appreciate sommelier service.

Skip if: You're on a tight budget ($30-50+ per person), prefer lunch options (dinner only), or want quick casual dining.

Looking for other options? Check Park Tavern for craft cocktails (same owners) or Bird & Jim for more casual wild game.

Practical Information

  • πŸ“Location: 1690 Big Thompson Ave, off main strip near the marina
  • ⏰Hours: Daily 4pm-9pm (dinner only, 7 days a week)
  • πŸš—Parking: Free lot on-site; turn right at the sign before the marina road
  • πŸ“…Reservations: Recommended for weekends; call (970) 586-6962
  • ⏳Wait times: Walk-ins possible early (4-5pm); 30+ min wait during peak hours
  • 🍷Wine: Sommelier on staff for wine pairings; full bar with craft cocktails
  • πŸŽ‰Special occasions: Mention anniversaries/birthdays for complimentary dessert

πŸ’‘ Money Hack: The Wild Game Brats Sampler ($19) feeds 2-3 people as an appetizer. Split it and a main to keep costs around $35-40/person including tip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Hunters Chop House

How much does dinner cost at Hunters Chop House?

Expect $30-50 per person for a main course without drinks. Steaks and wild game run $34-47, with the Kobe Tomahawk at $165 for two. Add appetizers ($12-19), sides ($7-8), and desserts ($10-13) for a full experience. Wine pairings add $15-30+ per person.

Do I need reservations at Hunters Chop House?

Recommended for weekends and peak summer season. Walk-ins are possible early in the evening (4-5pm), but you may wait 30+ minutes during busy periods. Call (970) 586-6962 to reserve, especially for special occasions.

What are the elk chops like at Hunters Chop House?

The elk chops ($43) arrive as two bone-in chops with blackberry port wine sauce, barley risotto, vegetables, and shrimp scampi. When cooked medium-rare as recommended, the meat has zero gaminess - slightly richer and leaner than beef with tender texture.

Is Hunters Chop House good for special occasions?

Excellent choice. Perfect for anniversary and birthday dinners. Mention your occasion when booking - they often provide complimentary cheesecake with a celebratory note. The sommelier can suggest special wine pairings.

What's the atmosphere like at Hunters Chop House?

Hunting lodge dΓ©cor with taxidermy on the walls creates a rustic mountain steakhouse vibe. Cozy, quiet enough to talk, and casual but elevated. The outdoor patio features flower barrels and mountain views during summer.

Does Hunters Chop House serve lunch?

No. Hunters Chop House is dinner only, open daily 4pm-9pm. For lunch options nearby, check Park Tavern (same owners, opens 11am) or other downtown Estes Park restaurants.

What should I order at Hunters Chop House?

Start with the Wild Game Brats Sampler ($19) to try boar, elk, bison, and pheasant. For mains: the Elk Chops & Shrimp ($43) or Filet Mignon ($47) are consistently praised. The Bison Oscar ($43) satisfies surf-and-turf cravings. End with chocolate mousse and donut holes.

Is Hunters Chop House worth the price?

For special occasions, yes. The 4.4-star rating from 1,741+ reviews reflects consistent quality. Steaks arrive perfectly cooked, wild game has no gaminess, and service matches upscale expectations. Not ideal for casual dinners on a budget, but delivers value for celebrations.

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