People travel across the world to experience the beautiful Rocky Mountains. With all that adventuring, comes a large appetite. So we’ve made your trip planning easier and rounded up some restaurants, coffee shops, bars and more for you to “add to itinerary.”
- Poppy’s Pizza & Grill
- The Birds Nest
- Penelope’s World Famous Burgers & Fries
- The Barrel
- Ember
- Full Throttle Distillery & Grill
- Seasoned American Bistro
- Elevations Eatery
- Coffee on the Rocks
- Rock Cut Brewing Company
- Snowy Peaks Winery
- Claire’s Restaurant & Bar
- Alteatude
- Inkwell & Brew
- The Spice Rack
- Lumpy Ridge Publick House
Poppy’s Pizza & Grill
Poppy’s is the ideal downtown location, with their patio backing up to the riverwalk. Enjoy a wide menu featuring pizza, burgers, and sandwiches, paired perfectly with an extensive beer selection. We love recommending this place to families for their “something for everyone” experience.
The Birds Nest
Start your morning at The Birds Nest with a smoothie or a breakfast burrito, or end your day with one of their mouth-watering pizzas! This newer to Estes spot is breathtaking with its floor-to-ceiling windows and thoughtful design. They create picnic baskets filled with cheeses, meats and veggies for you to take with you on your adventures! They really have thought of everything.
Penelope’s World Famous Burgers & Fries
This is one of those places where your mouth immediately starts to water when you see their toppings-forward burgers. Penelope’s has been serving its loyal guests since 1984 and still maintains that most classic, old-fashioned charm. So as they say, “Come on in and let those old times roll.”
The Barrel
This open-air craft beer, wine, and spirits garden features more than 64 rotating taps and is the ideal spot to spend a sunny Estes Park afternoon. And at the Barrel, dogs are more than welcome. Enjoy beer from the outdoor container bar, bites from a local food truck onsite or shoot some pool inside!
Ember
Located at the Lake Estes Resort, spend a night at Ember for delicious food mixed with stunning views of Lake Estes and the dramatic peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. Tip: we think the couches on their deck are the perfect happy hour location.
Full Throttle Distillery & Grill
If you’re in the mood for a hearty meal paired with a fine spirit, Full Throttle Distillery & Grill is a must-visit. Known for its craft spirits and robust grill menu, it provides a rustic yet refined ambiance with a beautiful patio!
Seasoned American Bistro
True to its name, Seasoned American Bistro focuses on seasonal, fresh ingredients to create a refined menu that changes throughout the year. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared, offering a sophisticated American dining experience.
Elevations Eatery
This is the perfect place to refuel in between ice cream cones and gift shopping. Located right on the main street, Elevations has an extensive menu from whiskey cream ribeyes to refreshing poke bowls.
Coffee on the Rocks
This quaint haven in Estes Park also just so happens to be a coffee shop! Grab your coffee, stroll around the quiet pond with your family and feed the ducks. We couldn’t think of a more peaceful way to spend your morning.
Rock Cut Brewing Company
Rock Cut is a local favorite brewery that offers a fun patio, serves creatively brewed craft beers and hosts recurring events! Enhancing the brewery experience is their collaboration with local food trucks, ensuring a perfect bite to pair with your pint.
Snowy Peaks Winery
This winery uses Colorado-grown grapes from the Western Slope to produce award-winning wines that cater to all tastes. The tasting room at Snowy Peaks Winery is an ideal spot to unwind with a flight of their wines or a flight of juices for the kids. They also feature a gourmet deli, local artisan gifts, and regular live music events.
Claire’s Restaurant & Bar
Step onto Claire’s patio and feel like you’ve just been welcomed into a cozy, quaint home. With a view of Bond Park, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and savor your brunch. And don’t miss the best year-round treat: Claire’s irresistible 2-for-1 mimosas served daily until 2pm!
Alteatude
Another must-visit destination along the Estes Park Riverwalk is Alteatude. This charming tea shop boasts a premium boba selection featuring American-made pearls. Whether you’re drawn to classic milk teas, refreshing fruit teas, or the Ceremonially Pure Japanese Matcha, the menu offers a symphony of flavors to delight every palate.
Inkwell & Brew
Stop by Inkwell & Brew for coffee in the coziest coffee shop along the riverwalk and admire the newest mural before you enter, dedicated to the firefighters who have defended Estes Park from wildfires. While you wait for your coffee, peruse hand-pressed papers, letter-pressed greeting cards, and more thoughtfully-crafted gifts.
The Spice Rack
Located on Highway 66 between downtown Estes and the YMCA and near the Beaver Meadows entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, The Spice Rack is your ideal stop on the way to your day’s adventures! In addition to delicious baked goods and a cozy atmosphere, this bakery features a wide range of Rocky Mountain local products, especially spices. Drop by for a warm welcome, and enjoy a delectable pastry.
Lumpy Ridge Publick House
Tucked away on the eclectic Cleave St (a block off downtown), Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co Publick House is a hot spot for character and local charm. Hosting live music often, stop by at happy hour everyday for buy one get one free on all their flagship beers. That’s right, everyday!
