The Grubsteak Restaurant Review: Menu, Prices & Worth It?

Complete Guide to Estes Park's Famous Yak Burgers & Wild Game

Looking for wild game burgers in Estes Park? The Grubsteak serves yak, elk, bison, and buffalo in a casual downtown setting with a hidden outdoor patio that most visitors never discover.

⭐ 4.0 / 5.0

2,675+ Google Reviews

💰 $20-30 per person

📞 Call Now
(970) 586-8838

Tap to call instantly

⏰ Hours

Mon-Thu: 11am-8pm
Fri-Sat: 11am-8:30pm
Sun: 11am-8pm

📅 Reservations

Recommended for busy periods
Walk-ins welcome off-peak

🚗 Parking

Free lot behind restaurant
Street parking also available

🍔 What You Get

Wild game burgers, yak meat, outdoor patio, downtown location

🐃 Yak Burger 🦬 Bison Burger 🦌 Elk Burger
👥 Perfect For

Wild game adventurers • Post-hike meals • Families • Budget-conscious diners • Dog owners (patio)

💰

Unique Feature

Pay cash and get a FREE dessert (Key Lime Pie or Mississippi Mud)

📞 Call Now 🗺️ Get Directions

Menu & Pricing

🍔 Wild Game Burgers ($10-20)

• Yak Burger: Price varies (most popular)

• Bison Burger: ~$18

• Elk Burger: ~$19

• Buffalo Burger: ~$18

• Classic Beef Burgers: $17-19

🥩 Entrees ($20-40)

• Elk Sirloin: ~$35

• Buffalo Ribeye: $30-35

• Shepherd's Pie: ~$18

• Meatloaf: ~$20

• Rocky Mountain Trout (Blackened): ~$25

• Bourbon Salmon: ~$28

What Makes The Grubsteak Special

The Grubsteak stands as one of the few Estes Park spots serving yak burgers alongside elk, bison, and wild boar. With 2,675+ reviews averaging 4.0 stars, the restaurant delivers unique wild game experiences in a casual downtown setting.

The hidden outdoor patio creates the real draw - most visitors never realize it exists behind the front dining room. Pay cash and get a free dessert (key lime pie or Mississippi mud), effectively saving $7-8 per party.

💡 Pro Tip: I'd always request the outdoor patio when you arrive - the back patio remains hidden from street view, so most walk-ins don't realize it exists. Trust me, it's worth asking for. Mountain views, dog-friendly, and way quieter than the front dining room.

What to Order (Signature Dishes)

Yak Burger - If you're only ordering one thing, this is it. The signature item delivers lean meat with flavor that beats regular beef - slightly sweeter, richer notes without the greasiness.

I'd order it cooked medium - the lean meat dries out when overcooked. Add pepper jack cheese and guacamole for the best configuration. Trust me on the medium temp.

Elk Burger ($19) - Second most popular choice after the yak. The elk delivers a more pronounced gamey flavor. I'd go medium or medium-rare here - overcooked elk turns into a hockey puck.

Meatloaf (~$20) - Traditional comfort food and the most popular non-burger entree. The meatloaf provides familiar flavors for diners hesitant about wild game while maintaining generous portions.

Bison Burger (~$18) - If you're new to wild game, I'd start here. Bison tastes closer to traditional beef than yak or elk, making it the ideal gateway into exotic meats. More forgiving on cook temp too.

Shepherd's Pie (~$18) - Hearty Irish-style casserole providing a solid non-burger option with generous portions. The dish works well for post-hiking hunger with filling potato topping and meat base.

Wild Boar Scotch Eggs (~$12) - Unique appetizer wrapping hard-boiled eggs in wild boar sausage with crispy breading. I'd split these with the table while waiting for mains.

Buffalo Ribeye ($30-35) - Premium buffalo steak delivers leaner alternative to beef ribeye. The meat comes out juicy and tender when cooked medium-rare. Some cuts contain gristle, but flavor quality remains consistent.

Chicken Wings (~$13) - Unexpected standout often called "some of the best wings ever." The restaurant offers multiple sauce options including buffalo, BBQ, and specialty flavors. The blue cheese dressing adds quality finishing touch.

The Wild Game Experience

The outdoor patio creates the ideal setting for sampling exotic meats. Request patio seating and order the yak burger alongside wild boar scotch eggs to compare wild game flavors. The casual atmosphere removes pressure for formal dining behavior.

Happy hour (approximately 3-6pm) drops craft beer prices to $5, making beer sampling more affordable when pairing with wild game burgers. The bartenders pour local Colorado beers that complement gamey flavors better than standard domestic options.

🐃 Yak Burger
🍖 Meatloaf
🦬 Bison Burger
🦌 Elk Burger
🥧 Shepherd's Pie
🥚 Scotch Eggs

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

Best for: Wild game adventurers wanting yak and elk burgers, post-hike refueling with hearty portions, families with dogs (patio seating), and budget-conscious diners who pay cash for free dessert.

Skip if: You're in a hurry (service runs slow during peak hours), need extensive vegetarian options, or want upscale fine dining atmosphere.

Looking for more Estes Park dining? Check out Bird & Jim for upscale wild game, The Hive Brewery for craft beer, or Trailhead for elk stew near RMNP.

Practical Information

  • 📍Location: 134 W Elkhorn Ave, downtown Estes Park
  • ⏰Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-8:30pm, Sun 11am-8pm
  • 🚗Parking: Free lot behind restaurant (side street access) or metered street parking
  • 📅Reservations: Call (970) 586-8838 for summer weekends; walk-ins work off-peak
  • 💰Cash discount: Pay cash, get free dessert ($7-8 value)
  • 🐕Dog-friendly: Outdoor patio welcomes dogs with water bowls
  • 🍺Happy hour: ~3-6pm, $5 draft beers

💰 Money Hack: Pay cash for free dessert worth $7-8. Hit the ATM before you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about The Grubsteak Restaurant

Is the yak burger really worth trying?

Yes. The yak burger defines The Grubsteak's identity and remains the most ordered item. Yak tastes similar to beef with sweeter, richer notes and significantly less fat. The lean meat stays juicy when cooked medium. Order it with pepper jack and guacamole for the most popular configuration. This unique protein experience isn't available at most restaurants.

How much does a typical meal cost?

Expect $20-30 per person including entree and drink. Burgers range $17-20, premium entrees like buffalo ribeye reach $30-35, and appetizers cost $10-15. The pricing matches typical Estes Park restaurant rates. Pay cash to receive free dessert worth $7-8, effectively reducing per-person costs.

What's the service quality like?

Service varies significantly. Some staff deliver friendly, attentive service while others seem disengaged. Expect slow seating (15+ minute waits), potentially forgotten drinks, and inattentive service during busy periods. Service quality depends heavily on timing and which server you receive. Off-peak hours generally provide better service.

Where do I park?

Free parking lot behind the restaurant provides easiest access via side streets off Elkhorn Avenue. Street parking on Elkhorn requires metered payment and fills quickly during summer. The back lot offers more availability and eliminates parking fees.

Can I eat outside with my dog?

Yes. The outdoor patio in back allows dogs and provides water bowls upon request. Many visitors don't realize the patio exists because it's hidden from street view. Always request patio seating when arriving, as servers may not automatically mention it. The patio offers mountain views and quieter atmosphere away from downtown foot traffic.

What should I order besides the yak burger?

Meatloaf ranks as top non-burger entree. Chicken wings earn praise as "best wings ever." Wild boar scotch eggs provide unique appetizer experience. Bison burger delivers wild game flavor closer to beef than elk for first-time exotic meat eaters. Buffalo ribeye works for premium steak seekers wanting leaner alternative to beef.

Do they have vegetarian options?

Limited. Beyond Burger appears on menu alongside basic salads and vegetarian sides. The restaurant clearly focuses on meat-centric dishes rather than thoughtful plant-based cuisine. The Alfredo fettuccine and Beyond Burger work as decent options, but vegetarians should expect token options rather than extensive choices.

When is happy hour?

Approximately 3-6pm based on customer reports. Craft draft beers drop to $5 during happy hour, making beer sampling more affordable. The bar serves local Colorado beers that pair well with wild game burgers. Sit at the bar for fastest service and best happy hour experience.

How should I order game meat burgers cooked?

Medium or medium-rare for yak, elk, and buffalo burgers. Lean game meats dry out quickly when overcooked, resulting in "hockey puck" texture from well-done burgers. Trust the kitchen's recommendation. However, cooking temperatures can run inconsistent, so inspect your burger when it arrives and send back if overcooked. The flavor difference between properly cooked medium and overcooked well-done drastically affects game meat enjoyment.

Is it good for post-hiking meals?

Yes. The downtown location sits just blocks from main street parking, making it convenient stop after Rocky Mountain National Park hikes. Generous portions and hearty menu items refuel burned calories. The outdoor patio provides casual atmosphere suitable for hiking attire. Open daily through dinner hours unlike some restaurants that close mid-afternoon.

Need a Ride to The Grubsteak Restaurant?

Let me drive you to downtown Estes Park dining and attractions

Book Your Ride Back to Estes Park Guide