Menu & Pricing
🥪 Paninis ($14.95-$15.95)
• Skypod's Adventure (best seller) - $15.95 - grilled chicken, cheddar, roasted peppers, chipotle mayo
• Big Foot's Bacon (house favorite) - $14.95 - bacon, arugula, avocado, spicy mayo
• Quincy's Phat Chicken - $15.95 - grilled chicken, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato
• Deer Mountain (Vegan) - $14.95 - mushrooms, hummus, roasted peppers, avocado
🥖 Focaccia Sandwiches ($14.95-$17.95)
• Moraine Sunset (house favorite) - $17.95 - pepperoni, salami, mozzarella, arugula
• Gem Lake - $15.95 - turkey, bacon, provolone, honey mustard
• Saga of Samson (spicy) - $15.95 - bacon turkey, jalapeño, spicy mayo
• Emerald Caprese (Vegetarian) - $14.95 - fresh mozzarella, pesto, balsamic
🥗 Salads ($11.95-$16.95)
• Hummus Dip (Vegan) - $11.95 - with pita bread
• Summer Quinoa Salad (Vegan) - $14.95 - quinoa, chickpeas, balsamic
• The Sassy Leaf - $15.95 - arugula, walnuts, feta, avocado
• Caprese Amor - $16.95 - grilled chicken, mozzarella, pine nut pesto
What Makes River Walk Café Special
River Walk Café delivers something rare in Estes Park - a 4.8-star rating from 400+ reviews at only $10-20 per person. Located inside the Historic Park Theatre on Moraine Avenue, this women-owned café sits right next to the river with outdoor seating where hummingbirds visit feeders above the windows.
The fresh-baked focaccia bread earns specific praise across reviews. One family visited daily for 9 days straight during their Estes trip - that level of repeat business speaks louder than any single review. The baristas consistently get called out as "so sweet" and "efficient."
Everything tastes fresh because it is fresh. They bake their own cakes daily, make smoothies to order, and assemble paninis with quality ingredients. The colorful, welcoming atmosphere works for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.
What to Order (Signature Dishes)
Skypod's Adventure Panini ($15.95) - The best seller for good reason. Grilled chicken with cheddar, roasted red peppers, caramelized onion, and chipotle mayo. Add bacon for $1.50 if you want it even heartier. I'd order this every time.
Big Foot's Bacon Panini ($14.95) - House favorite with crispy bacon, arugula, avocado, tomato, caramelized onion, and spicy mayo on American cheese. The crispy bacon and crispy-edged eggs make this perfect.
Moraine Sunset Focaccia ($17.95) - Another house favorite. Pepperoni, salami, mozzarella, arugula with olive oil and red wine vinaigrette. The fresh focaccia bread makes this stand out from typical deli sandwiches.
Honey Cinnamon Latte - The coffee here ranks among the best in Estes Park. This summer special delivers honey sweetness with warm cinnamon. The Honey Oatmilk Latte offers a dairy-free alternative.
💡 Pro Tip: Request outdoor seating by the river - the hummingbird feeders attract visitors throughout the day. Saturday morning at 8am offers the earliest opening and least crowded experience.
Who It's For (And Who It's Not For)
Best for: Pre-RMNP breakfast/lunch crowds, vegetarians and vegans (clearly labeled options), families with kids ($9.95 kids menu), coffee lovers wanting the best lattes in town, and anyone seeking riverside ambiance at budget prices.
Skip if: You need dinner (closes at 3pm), want to visit Tuesday-Thursday (closed), or need quick service during peak Saturday mornings.
Looking for other options? Check Elevations Eatery for late-night dining or The Post Mountain House for gluten-free fried chicken.
Practical Information
- 📍Location: 132 Moraine Ave, inside Historic Park Theatre, downtown
- ⏰Hours: Fri 9am-3pm, Sat 8am-3pm, Sun 9am-3pm, Mon 10am-3pm (Closed Tue-Thu)
- 🚗Parking: Free and paid lots nearby; downtown walking distance
- 📅Reservations: Not needed; walk-ins seat quickly
- 🌱Dietary: Vegan options clearly labeled; vegetarian menu section
- 🎁Gift shop: On-site for last-minute souvenirs
- 🏳️🌈Inclusive: Women-owned, LGBTQ+ friendly
💡 Money Hack: At $10-20 per person, this is already one of the most affordable quality meals in Estes Park. Build a filling meal with a panini ($15) and skip the add-ons - portions are generous. Two sandwiches and coffees runs about $45-50 total for a couple.