Top 10 Best Restaurants in Estes Park Colorado

Morgan Wilde
May 23
5 min read

Estes Park is a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and a favorite spot for travelers who love nature and good food. Our charming little town offers a wide variety of cuisines, there's truly something for everyone. Whether you’re after a hearty meal after a day of hiking or a relaxing date night, these best restaurants in Estes Park you can't miss!

Eye-level view of a rustic wooden restaurant exterior surrounded by pine trees in Estes Park — View of the Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

1. The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

If you want a true mountain vibe with your meal, The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern is a top pick. Known for its warm atmosphere and live music on the weekends, this spot is perfect for dinner. Their elk and bison dishes are favorites, and farmed in Colorado. The menu features great vegetarian options and the restaurant is allergy-friendly as well. My favorites here are the petite filet and the devils on horseback appetizer!

Hours: All Week: 4PM-9PM
Reservations: No

Empty metal stools on a patio overlook forested mountains at golden hour, with flowers in a stone planter. — Outdoor patio view at Bird & Jim in Estes Park, CO

2. Bird & Jim

Enjoy a burger with a view of RMNP. For a more modern take on Colorado cuisine, Bird & Jim offers many options for local Colorado classics. The chefs focus on local ingredients, creating dishes that highlight the front range's unique flavors. Some crowd favorites are the custom charcutarie boards and the game sausage. My personal favorite meal here is the Buffalo Jim burger with sweet potato fries! As a special touch, they also give you a free post card at the end of your meal.

Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11AM-8PM Friday and Saturday: 11AM-8:30PM
Reservations: Available, not required

Exterior of Claire’s Restaurant and Bar, a yellow building with a green awning, porch lights, and a calm sky above. — Claire's Restaurant and Bar in Estes Park, CO

3. Claires Restaurant and Bar

Looking for a charming spot for lunch or dinner? Claire’s sits right by the town’s main street, making it a perfect stop after exploring downtown. Their seasonal menu blends American classics with a twist, and the outdoor patio is great for sunny days. Don’t miss their famous trout or the house-made desserts!

Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11AM-7PM Friday-Saturday: 11AM-8PM
Reservations: Available. Not required, but recommended for dinner hours

Poppy’s Pizza & Grill storefront with green awning, open door, and window signs listing burgers, pizza, salads, and sandwiches. — Poppy's Pizza in Estes Park, Colorado

4. Poppy's Pizza

If you're craving homemade pizza, or just want a great spot for quick lunch, this is the place for you! Located right on the famous river walk, this family-run restaurant serves customizable and house special pizzas. They boast vegan and gluten free pizza options, and sizes from individual-large, so everyone can get something they want. My favorite pizza here is the creamy pepper popper!

Hours: All Week: 11AM-8PM
Reservations: No

Rustic lodge-style restaurant interior with antler chandeliers, wooden beams, booths and tables in warm amber light, empty and cozy — Interior of Hunter's Chop House in Estes Park, Colorado

5. Hunters Chop House

If you're looking for a steakhouse in Estes, look no further than Hunters. The chop house features rustic decor and a simple menu that wows every time. They are located by lake Estes on Big Thompson Ave, and there is dedicated parking for the restaurant. There are often elk here in the summer and fall that like to hang out beside the building, so be ready to take photos! The steaks here are top-notch, and my favorite is the petite filet.

Hours:
- Sunday, Monday and Thursday: 4PM-8PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed
- Friday and Saturday: 4PM-8:30PM
Reservations: Available, not required.

Brick storefront of Nepal's cafe with large clock above, OPEN sign, patio tables, and lunch buffet notice by the entrance. — Exterior of Nepal's Cafe in Estes Park, Colorado

6. Nepal's Cafe

Nepal's Cafe is a favorite in Estes Park. When you step inside, you're greeted with the unique culture that only a family-owned restaurant can give. The nepalese cuisine here is authentic, and as soon as you walk in the door you're greeted with rich spices and a warm atmosphere. This location is central in town, so if you're out shopping or just on the river walk, you'll find this resturant easy to get to. They offer a lunch buffet all week. My favorite dish here is the chicken tikki masala, but be sure to try the naan as well!

Hours: All Week: 11AM-9PM
Reservations: Available by phone, not required.

Plate of powdered sugar French toast, scrambled eggs, and bacon on a table with a napkin and drink glass. — French Toast at Mountain Home Cafe in Estes Park

7. Mountain Home Cafe

Mountain Home Cafe is a bustling breakfast and brunch restaurant with options for indoor and outdoor seating. The cafe is known for its american classics, great coffee, and famous crepes! This is a place that has something for everyone. The Cafe is in the shopping strip off Big Thompson Avenue, so you won't have a hard time finding parking here. This is a place we take every single person when they visit us, it is by far one of the best restaurants in Estes Park.

Hours: Sunday: 7AM-2PM Monday-Saturday: 7AM-2:30PM
Reservations: Online waitlist available

Rustic mountain lodge with red roofs beside a rocky stream, framed by pine-covered cliffs under a bright cloudy sky. — Exterior of Wapiti Colorado Pub in Estes Park, Colorado

8. The Wapiti Colorado Pub

Wapiti is the word for Elk in the Shawnee language. "Wap" means white and refers to the distinctive white rump of the American Elk that you see all over Estes Park The award-winning Wapiti is located inside Nick's Resort on Fall River Road. You're in for a treat with the expansive patio seating with a view and a great selection of local micro brews amd wines. Fun fact: They have the largest all-Colorado beer list in the whole state! They boast many unique colorado dishes, and the trout is the best in town!

Hours: All Week: 12PM-9PM
Reservations: No

Pink-trimmed Estes Thai restaurant with OPEN neon sign in a parking lot under string lights and blue sky — Exterior of Estes Thai in Estes Park, Colorado

9. Estes Thai

Don't let its humble exterior fool you, this is one of the most popular restaurants in town. You'll find all of your favorite classic thai dishes here, and my favorite is the spicy basil. Not sure what to get? A favorite is the house special platter appetizer plate! Estes Thai is walkable in downtown, and also has dedicated restaurant parking too.

Hours:
- Sunday: Lunch: 12PM-3PM Dinner: 4:30PM-8PM
- Monday-Thursday: Lunch: 11PM-3PM Dinner: 4:30PM-8PM
- Friday-Saturday: Lunch: 12PM-3PM Dinner: 4:30PM-8:30PM
Reservations: No

Hand in pink sweater holds Kind Coffee cup outside the Kind Coffee shop, with Estes Park, Colorado on the sleeve. — Kind Coffee in Estes Park, Colorado

10. Kind Coffee

Kind coffee is beloved by locals and tourists alike. It is conveniently located along the river walk, and is a perfect place to stop for a quick bite or quietly work on your laptop. They have gluten free options for bagels, seasonal drinks, and other great options! The online ordering system is simple if you prefer to take your food to-go. Right now, their seasonal rose latte is my favorite along with my usual diamond sandwich.

Hours: All week 6AM-5PM
Reservations: No

Best Restaurants in Estes Park: Conclusion

I hope you enjoy your trip to Estes Park! If you tried any of my suggested resturants, let me know below what you got! Estes park has many restaurants aside from these, but I think many locals would agree on these top ten picks.