Menu & Pricing
Appetizers ($10-18)
• Pretzel with Beer Cheese Dip: ~$12
• Fried Green Beans with Truffle Aioli: ~$12
• Rocky Mountain Oysters: ~$16
• Sausage Sampler (multiple wild game sausages): ~$18
Burgers & Sandwiches ($16-22)
• Elk Burger (can upgrade any burger to elk): ~$20
• Sasquatch Burger: ~$18
• Buffalo Burger: ~$20
• Caprese Panini: ~$16
Entrees ($22-45)
• Bison Short Ribs (highly praised): ~$36
• Rack of Lamb with Chimichurri: ~$38
• Ribeye Steak: ~$42
• Timberline Craft Filet: ~$45
• Fresh Trout: ~$26
• Roasted Chicken with Bourbon Sauce: ~$24
What Makes The Hive Special
The Hive at Estes Park Brewery combines craft brewing with quality food execution that earns 4.9 stars across 7,376+ reviews. This two-level space puts the restaurant upstairs with brewery operations visible, while downstairs features a casual bar with pool tables and free beer samples.
The brewery makes all beers in-house with popular options like raspberry wheat, gold lager, and Lazarus.
Service quality stands out consistently with attentive staff, helpful menu recommendations, and welcoming experiences throughout the dining room.
The urban-meets-mountain atmosphere feels less touristy than typical Estes Park spots. This replaced the old Estes Park Brewery with significant improvements to food quality and ambiance.
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Elk Burger
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Bison Ribs
🧀
Beer Cheese
🍺
Beer Flights
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Raspberry Wheat
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Rocky Mtn Oysters
What to Order (Signature Dishes)
💡 Pro Tip: If there's a wait, head downstairs to the bar for free beer samples. The bartenders pour small tastes of their house brews so you can decide what to order with dinner. I'd do this every time - it turns wait time into a tasting experience.
Bison Short Ribs (~$36) - If you're only ordering one thing, make it this. The ribs deliver incredible flavor with meat that falls off the bone.
The meat comes tender with great flavor, served with mashed potatoes and green beans. Worth ordering even if you're hesitant about the higher price point.
Elk Burger (~$20) - You can upgrade any burger to elk meat for a few dollars. I'd go with the elk over regular beef every time - it's leaner but stays juicy.
Comes with fries and coleslaw. The Sasquatch burger provides another solid choice if you want something different.
Rack of Lamb with Chimichurri (~$38) - Perfectly cooked and seasoned. Sensational flavor makes this a standout dish worth the premium price.
Comes with mashed potatoes and green beans. The lamb earns repeat visits from diners who return to try other menu items.
Beer Flight (~$12) - Sample 4-5 of their house-brewed beers. Popular options include raspberry wheat beer (refreshing, subtle raspberry finish), gold lager (fresh and crisp), chocolate stout, and Lazarus.
The brewery offers complimentary small tastings at the downstairs bar, but the flight lets you try larger pours upstairs with your meal.
💡 Pro Tip: For groups, I'd split the sausage sampler (~$18) and fried green beans (~$12). Both portions feed 2-3 people easily, and the truffle aioli with the green beans is worth it.
Who It's For (And Who It's Not For)
Best for: Post-RMNP hiking refueling, families with kids (dedicated kids menu), craft beer enthusiasts wanting house-brewed options, and groups of 4-8 who appreciate pool tables and casual vibes.
Skip if: You want fine dining atmosphere, quick meals (20-30 min waits during dinner rush), or extensive vegetarian options.
Looking for other options? Check Ember Restaurant for lake views or Bird & Jim for upscale wild game.
Practical Information
- 📍Location: 470 Prospect Village Dr, Estes Park
- ⏰Hours: Wed-Mon 11am-9pm, closed Tuesday
- 🚗Parking: Free lot on-site with plenty of spaces
- 📅Reservations: Call (970) 586-5421; essential for Fri-Sat dinner
- ⏳Wait times: 20-30 min during dinner rush (6-7:30pm) without reservation
- 🍺Free samples: Downstairs bar offers complimentary beer tastings
- 🎱Pool tables: Available downstairs in the bar area
Money-Saving Tips & Hacks
Lunch pricing mirrors dinner for most items, but arriving during off-peak hours (Wed-Thu lunch) means no wait and same menu at same prices with smaller crowds.
The caprese panini ($16) with side salad creates a satisfying meal under $25 total. Fish and chips ($18) provides generous portions—enough that diners often take leftovers home.
Strategic ordering for groups: Split one appetizer between 2-3 people (sausage sampler $18, fried green beans $12) rather than ordering multiple starters. The portions run large enough to feed three people from one sampler plus mac and cheese.
Kids menu items ($8-12) work for light adult appetites, saving $8-15 compared to full entrees. Free beer samples at the downstairs bar help you decide what to order without paying for test pints.
💡 Money Hack: Order the potato leek soup bowl ($10), side salad ($8), and split an appetizer ($12-18) between two people. Total cost: $30-36 for two people versus $40-60 if ordering two entrees. The soup delivers absolutely delicious flavor, making this a quality budget option.