Are you traveling through to the Rocky Mountains and looking for a delicious place to enjoy fine dining on the way? Boy, do I have the spots for you! 

Estes Park is a town in Colorado just 90 minutes north of Denver and is claimed to be home to some of the best eateries that the country has to offer. Foodies rave about this small town, and so will you after dinner in Estes Park. 

In this article, we’ll cover:

• The many different cuisines on offer in Estes Park
• The best dining experiences on offer
• How to make the most of a night out in Estes Park

And plenty more. Let’s get into it!

1. The Dunraven

• Address: 1700 Colorado Peaks Drive Estes Park, CO 80517
• Overall rating: 4.1 out of 5 
• Best for: Pasta and steak! 
• Must-try dishes: Rocky Mountain Ruby Red trout, traditional parmesan
• Price range: $10–$40 
• Atmosphere: A great relaxed vibe that draws many Locals and visitors in
• Parking: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Restaurant Menu
• Hours of operation and menu times: 
  • Monday – Thursday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
  • Monday – Thursday (Daytime Menu): 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
  • Monday – Thursday (Happy Hour Only): 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • Sunday – Thursday (Dinner Menu): 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  • Friday and Saturday (Dinner Menu): 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Nestled within the Estes Park Resort, The Dunraven offers a dining experience like no other. The Italian restaurant is situated next to a picturesque lake, so not only do you get to experience great food, but you get a killer view while you’re there. 

This restaurant is popular amongst both locals and visitors and can cater to all your needs and dietary requirements. Customers have described this restaurant as being “a great place with a great view” with an “absolutely great food and service.”

The menu here is filled with mouthwatering options. From traditional breakfast favorites to Certified Angus Beef Steaks, fresh seafood, and hearty authentic Italian dishes, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

The restaurant dress code is versatile so don’t worry if you decide to dine in after a day of hiking and exploring. 

Whether you seek a romantic evening or a memorable dining experience with loved ones, you are covered either way!

2. Bird & Jim

• Address: 915 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO ​
• Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 
• Best for: Their steaks
• Must-try dishes: Prime Coulotte steak, carnivore dish, sweet potato gnocchi
• Price range: $10–$60
• Atmosphere: A local vibe giving you the ultimate Colorado experience
• Parking: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Restaurant Menu
• Hours of operation and menu times: 
  • Open Daily; Closing fluctuates with the season
  • Lunch: 11:00 am – 1:30 pm 
  • Mid-Day Menu: 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
  • Dinner Menu: Offered at 4:00 pm
  • Sunday Brunch & Lunch: Starts at 10:30 am

Described as a restaurant that never disappoints, this Estes Park gem is a star chef restaurant and home to a sexy cocktail lounge bar. 

Bird & Jim’s ever-changing menu embraces the seasons, showcasing locally sourced ingredients from the Front Range and surrounding areas. 

Bird & Jim commits itself to sustainability and healthy eating. It even prioritizes partnerships with nearby farms and ranches in Estes Park, Drake, Kersey, and Hygiene, Colorado. 

The high-class restaurant is located near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park and is surrounded by natural beauty. The warm and inviting atmosphere that Bird & Jim offers helps to create a memorable experience for all.

3. Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ

• Address: 820 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO
• Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5
• Best for: Meat platters
• Must-try dishes: Dave’s triple platter and Ribs Ribs Ribs
• Price range: $5–$120
• Atmosphere: Laid back friendly vibe
• Parking: Yes 
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Restaurant Menu
• Hours of operation and menu times: 
  • Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

Prepare your taste buds for a smoky sensation at Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ. This legendary establishment is a haven for barbecue enthusiasts seeking unparalleled flavors.

Whether you’re craving pulled pork, melt-in-your-mouth ribs, or mouth-watering brisket, Smokin’ Dave’s delivers barbecue perfection.

Their secret rubs and signature sauces elevate each dish to new heights, leaving an indelible mark on your taste buds.

The food here is often described as exceptional and the customer service is one to rave about. 

One recent visitor said: “The volume of food on your plate at this restaurant is staggering. The meat eaters enjoyed being able to select different meats for their platter. Pulled pork and brisket were the favorites.”

Whether you’re a local seeking comfort food or a visitor looking to taste authentic Colorado barbecue, Smoking Dave’s BBQ is a must-visit destination. Prepare to be transported to barbecue paradise!

4. Ed’s Cantina

• Address: 390 East Elkhorn Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517
• Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5
• Best for: Tacos
• Must-try dishes: Barbacoa tacos and steak tacos
• Price range:. $9–$25
• Atmosphere: Laid-back
• Parking: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Restaurant Menu
• Hours of operation
  • Monday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm
  • Happy Hour Monday – Thursday (Happy Hour): 3:00–5:00 pm
  • Friday: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm
  • Saturday: 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
  • Sunday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

This Mexican restaurant has been serving dinner in Estes Park since the 80s and is a locally owned and operated gem. 

The Mexican menu focuses on having a fresh, local, and homemade flair. If you are a fan of fajitas, tacos, and burritos, then this is the place for you!

Their passionate and attentive staff are eager to serve, ensuring your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional. Customers have said this place is exceptional, offering not only some of the best food but the best waitstaff. 

Immerse yourself in the flavors and ambiance of Ed’s Cantina, where Mexican delights await and every visit is a celebration of good food and good times.

5. Claire’s Restaurant and Bar

• Address: 225 Park Ln, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Get Direction)
• Overall Rating: 4.3 out of 5
• Best For: Their exceptional burgers
• Must Try Dishes: Flatiron steak, Short smoked salmon
• Price Range: $10-40
• Atmosphere: Local American fun vibe
• Parking: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Restaurant Menu
• Hours of Operation
  • Monday – Tuesday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday – Friday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
  • Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

Claire’s is a cozy restaurant offering you all of America’s best meals! Whether you feel like BBQ, burgers, or trout, Claire’s restaurant has an option for everyone. 

The restaurant is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Claire’s Restaurant has been running since 1992 and every meal offered here has been sourced locally. The menu seasonally evolves, keeping its customers excited. It’s described as “a home to great food and great waitstaff”.

6. The Grubsteak Restaurant

• Address: 134 W Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO
• Overall rating: 4 out of 5
• Best for: Burgers and steak
• Must-try dishes: Yak burger, Wild Game meatloaf
• Price range: $12–$37
• Atmosphere: Relaxed diner vibe
• Parking: Yes 
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Restaurant Menu
• Hours of operation: 
  • Monday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm 
  • Friday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 8:30 pm

Don’t let the name of this restaurant fool you! This meat-loving restaurant also offers vegetarian options that leave all customers satisfied and full. 

This classic American diner is located in Estes Park and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. Take a seat on the patio and admire the views, or rug up inside the diner to stay warm! 

Customers describe this restaurant as having amazing food, excellent service, and strong drinks. What’s not to love? The Grubsteak is also pet-friendly, so bring along your fur babies too!

7. Mama Rose’s Restaurant

• Address: 338 E. Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park, CO
• Overall rating: 4.1 out of 5
• Best for: lasagna and chicken parmesan
• Must-try dishes: Seafood baked pasta
• Price range: $7–$27 
• Atmosphere: A warm and welcoming Italian vibe
• Parking: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Restaurant Menu
• Hours of operation and menu times:
  • Monday – Thursday: 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Friday – Sunday: 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm

This Italian restaurant is located in a cozy Riverside cottage Setting and is home to some of the best lasagna that Estes Park has to offer. 

The full-service Italian restaurant serves hearty dishes that will keep you full and warm throughout your adventures through the Rocky Mountain National Park.

Customers have described this place as being an authentic Italian restaurant with fabulous customer service.

This restaurant is vegetarian-friendly and offers a vast range of options. So, don’t worry if you have dietary requirements – just let your waiter know and they will find an alternative option for you!

8. Big Horn Restaurant

• Address: Big Horn Restaurant, 401 W Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO
• Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5
• Best for: Burgers and sandwiches
• Must-try dishes: Elk burger, ribeye steak
• Price range: $7–$32
• Atmosphere: Classic American diner vibes
• Parking: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Restaurant Menu
• Hours of operation and menu times: 
  • Opens seven days a week, 6:00 am – 8:00 pm. 

This family-run casual restaurant is famous for its fantastic food and its friendly and cozy atmosphere. So if you feel like the comforts of a good old barbecue American feed then this is your place.

Big Horn restaurant has a great menu catering for all! The serving size here is generous and will keep you full for your adventures. 

Another bonus of this restaurant is that the outdoor seating area is pet friendly, so don’t worry about having to leave your fur baby elsewhere. 

Customers rave about the diner saying it offers some of the best food and customer service. One visitor said the vibe of the place “feels like a jump back in time in a good way.”

9. The View Restaurant

• Address: 300 Riverside Dr, Estes Park, CO
• Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 
• Best for: Fine dining experiences or private events
• Must-try dishes: Grilled ribeye
• Price range: $12–$65
• Parking: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Restaurant Menu
• Hours of operation and menu times: 
  • Thursday – Monday (Lounge and Patio): 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
  • Thursday – Monday (Happy Hours): 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm; 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm​
  • Thursday – Monday (Dinner Hours): 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  • Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Closed

For those who crave a fine dining experience, the View Restaurant is the place for you! It’s located inside the historic Crags Lodge and is perfect for private events and intimate dinners with loved ones. 

The restaurant has been described as one of Estes Park’s best-kept secrets, so if privacy is what you crave then The View restaurant is your place.  

Visitors to this restaurant describe it as a special find with lots of charm.

The restaurant has actually been voted “Best American cuisine in Estes Park”. Make sure you visit here on your next trip.

10. Hunters Chop House

• Address: 1690 Big Thompson Avenue, Estes Park, CO
• Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5
• Best for: Ribeye steak
• Must-try dishes: Elk chops and shrimp
• Price range: $12–$75
• Atmosphere: Laid-back
• Parking: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Restaurant Menu
• Hours of operation and menu times: 
  • Thursday – Monday: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  • Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed

This casual steakhouse is the perfect restaurant for you if you crave a hearty meal after a long day exploring the Rocky Mountains.

This restaurant is surrounded by breathtaking views and amazing interior decor. Visitors describe Hunters Chop House as a restaurant that offers you an amazing experience from start to finish.

In a recent review, one customer remarked, “So many amazing things about Hunters Chop House. The service, the food, and the views were all amazing.” 

So if you feel like a hearty meaty meal, this should be your next destination!