Complete Guide to Estes Park's Hidden Cocktail Destination
Tired of mediocre drinks in Estes Park? Park Tavern mixes craft cocktails that rival Denver's best bars - tucked away off Elkhorn Avenue with a speakeasy vibe, handcrafted walnut tables, and tostones that keep locals coming back.
• Beef & Potato Tostones: $14 (crowd favorite)
• Seared Beef Ravioli: $14
• Jalapeño Elk Sausage: $14
• Jerk Chicken Lollipops: $15
• Shrimp Aguachile: $17
• Bison Chili: $14
• Tavern Burger: $18
• Fig & Jalapeño Burger: $18
• The Hangover Burger: $19
• Wild West Buffalo Burger: $20
• Short Rib Grilled Cheese: $17
Park Tavern fills a gap Estes Park desperately needed - proper craft cocktails in a sophisticated setting. With 4.7 stars across 172+ reviews, the bartenders take their time with every drink, using fresh ingredients and house-made components that rival Denver's best cocktail bars.
The space itself sets Park Tavern apart. Owner Sujib and partners built the stunning bar and walnut tables by hand. The vibe walks a line between speakeasy and mountain lodge - intimate enough for date night, relaxed enough for post-hike drinks in your hiking boots.
Beyond cocktails, the kitchen delivers elevated pub fare with Colorado flair. Elk sausage, bison chili, and wild game burgers share the menu with perfectly executed classics like beef ravioli and blackened salmon.
Beef & Potato Tostones ($14) - The dish everyone raves about. Spiced braised beef over crispy plantains with creamy dill, cilantro, and goat cheese. I'd order this every time - it's the kind of starter that makes you consider ordering a second round.
Seared Beef Ravioli ($14) - You could make a meal of this alone. Scallions, garlic oil, Parmesan, and tomato coulis create rich, satisfying flavors without feeling heavy.
Fig & Jalapeño Burger ($18) - The sweet-spicy combination works perfectly. Fig jam meets pepper jack and fresh jalapeño with peppery arugula. A standout on the menu.
Blackened Salmon Piccata ($25) - Creamy lemon butter linguine with crispy-skinned salmon, capers, and Parmesan. One diner described every bite as "chef's kiss."
Bourbon Pecan Pie ($14) - Warm pie with butter pecan ice cream. Worth the splurge if you have room - tastes like childhood on a pie plate.
💡 Pro Tip: The cocktails here are the real draw. I'd start with an Old Fashioned (one of the better ones in Colorado, not too sweet) or ask the bartender for a recommendation - they're knowledgeable and will customize drinks to your taste.
Best for: Cocktail enthusiasts craving drinks beyond basic mixed drinks, couples seeking intimate date-night atmosphere, dog owners (patio seating), and anyone tired of mediocre Estes Park food.
Skip if: You need dining on Tuesday/Wednesday (closed), want fast casual service, or expect large salad portions.
Looking for other options? Check Bird & Jim for wild game or Ember Restaurant for lake views.
💡 Money Hack: Hit off-peak hours (Thu lunch or early dinner) for the same menu with zero wait. Split the tostones and a main to keep costs under $25/person.
Common questions about Park Tavern
Expect $20-30 per person for a burger or main with drinks. Small bites run $13-17, burgers $17-20, and mains $23-29. Cocktails add $12-15 each. A full dinner with appetizer, main, drinks, and dessert runs $50-100 per person.
Not required, but recommended for weekend dinners. Walk-ins typically seat immediately during lunch and weekday evenings. Book via TableAgent online or call (970) 591-2562 to secure a spot during busy periods.
Yes. The outdoor patio welcomes dogs. Bring your pet and enjoy the back patio - a relaxed setting away from the main street traffic.
The Old Fashioned consistently earns praise - balanced, not too sweet. The Apathy and Mariposa are signature house cocktails worth trying. Bartenders happily customize drinks to your preferences if you describe what you like.
The Beef & Potato Tostones ($14) are crispy fried plantain rounds topped with spiced braised beef, creamy dill, cilantro, scallions, and goat cheese. They're the most-mentioned dish in reviews and convert even skeptics.
Yes. Multiple menu items are marked GF including the tostones, jerk chicken lollipops, bison chili, and several mains. Gluten-free buns available for burgers (+$2). Servers work directly with dietary restrictions.
Monday, Thursday through Sunday: 11am-8pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. This is a newer restaurant, so hours may adjust seasonally - call ahead if planning a special trip.
For cocktails, absolutely - the best in town. A true hidden gem with drink quality that rivals Denver bars. Food quality exceeds typical tourist-area restaurants at similar prices. The 4.7-star rating from 172+ reviews supports the consistent quality.
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