Craving the best food in Estes Park? Skip the tourist traps! From cozy morning coffee and artisan bakeries to authentic local bites and scenic dining spots, here is your ultimate guide to eating and drinking your way through town. ☕🍴✨
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The Ultimate Estes Park Foodie Guide 🌲🍽️
Where to go when you want a great margarita
Food trucks of Estes Park
Local ale houses, breweries and bars.
Coffee shops with a cool vibe
Sweet treats, ice cream, and candies!
The Ultimate Estes Park Foodie Guide 🌲🍽️
Looking for the best bites and cozy spots in town? From incredible local Indian dishes and sweet mango lassis to charming coffee shops with unique finds, here are my top recommended food, drink, and hangout spots in Estes Park! 🌲☕✨
The paneer bites are incredible, paired with a mango lassie, so good!
Indian Bites Estes Park
Yes it is a grocery store but i'm specifically recommending the deli! I'm gluten free and they make amazing sandwiches (GF if needed). The ingredients are always fresh and you can customize it any way you want. Grab a sandwich and head into the natio...
The Country Market of Estes Park
I absolutely love the watermelon arugula salad. The ingredients are always super fresh and light. I can't recommend this place enough. If you are a fan after your first visit, try the birds nest. Bird and jim also have a bakery with the freshest bake...
Bird & Jim
Indian food is one of my all time favorite foods. I especially love that all the breaded and fried appetizers are made with chickpea flour and are gluten free. The paneer bites are literally why I come here. I love to get them with a side of mint chu...
Indian Bites
Literally incredible! The portions are huge and insanely flavorful. The saag paneer is exactly how you want it to be. I love coming here when i want something excellent. I always know the quality is out of this world and super consistent. Don't forge...
Himalayan Curry and Kebob
one of the most diverse menus in town. come for their extensive breakfast menu and stay until dinner. It's your classic diner but with a more upscale vibe. I love their breakfast skillets as well as a house salad for dinner. You can't go wrong with w...
Wayfinder Restaurant
I absolutely adore their pad thai! We come here all the time when you want something comforting and flavorful. It's right downtown and easy to walk to from the stanley hotel. Ive never had anything bad to say about this place. Its always a hit with o...
Estes Thai
Bird's nest is a branch of the bird and jim restaurant. The owners knew what they were doing when they opened this cute little bakery and cafe. Still upscale with a little more of a cozy vibe. The pastries are so fresh and flavorful. There is a beaut...
The Birds Nest
When I want a girls night, We come here. The wine is locally made and they have such a variety! I especially love their chardonnay because it has such a buttery essence to it.
Snowy Peaks Winery
You can almost smell the fried chicken as soon as you get into town. Part of the stanley hotel, the post is an upscale soul food restaurant. The salads are so fresh and flavorful too, for those who aren't here for the chicken.
The Post Colorado
The prices are really reasonable. I love the pulled pork burrito! Every time I come here the quality is the same. Its a perfect little deli but I especially love their breakfast menu.
Rocky Mountain Deli
Prospect Bistro has a really expansive menu but I especially love their pasta dishes. The portions are big. I come here for the whiskey and the pasta. They have a really nice charcuterie board here too!
PROSPECT BISTRO
When we have family and friends visiting, this is where we go. I love the rooftop bar with a margarita and breathtaking views. You can see a nice view of the rocky mountain national park. They have really flavorful food, especially the tacos!
Antlers Tavern
arguably one of the most expansive beer menus in estes park. They have such a long list of beer options and other great drinks too. I usually get a margarita. I love to sit outside on the patio in the summer months. This is such an interesting atmosp...
The Wapiti Pub Colorado | Downtown Estes Park Restaurant
This is a cute little irish pub with a really great menu. Get the burgers and fries as well as a cocktail. The staff is super friendly and the food is great. It's a really solid establishment!
Lonigan's
You have to try the elk burger with a side of sweet potato fries. Penelope doesn't just call herself world famous, she earned it. I really like the chicago hot dog too! Its so authentic and fresh!
Penelope's World Famous Burgers & Fries Estes Park | Best Wild Game Burgers
you cant come to estes park and not try an elk burger. They have really tasty fries too! its located right downtown so its easy to pop into during a morning stroll while shopping downtown.
Grub Steak
One of my favorite items on the menu is the avocado toast. it comes with bacon and a fried egg on top. They also make all the salsas in house, they are super fresh!
Mountain Home Cafe
They have lots of gluten free options and everything ive tried has been super good! I also especially love their cocktails, they are super creative and delicious!
Poppy's Pizza and Grill
Antonio's pizza is super authentic and fantastic! I love a good pizza and this is one of my favorite spots in town. Extra points if you get a side of hot honey. Its so incredible.
Estes Park Pizza
A really eclectic menu and lots to choose from. Everything is made to order and they are more than willing to accommodate. I love the fried pickles and the side salad. Ive heard really good things about the elk tacos!
Boss Burgers and Gyros
Every time i go to the post office, this place catches my attention. It smells so good all the time I had to give it a try. I'm so glad I did! I cant believe how incredible this place was. Everything was really flavorful and fresh. I absolutely recom...
Cafe De Pho Thai
excellent tacos and the burrito was huge! I also especially love the setting. Come to the Estes park Colorado location for some spectacular views.
Trailborn
The most authentic wood fired pizzas and in a food truck too! I really love the fresh arugula salad on a chewy cripsy crust! The margarita pizza is also one of my personal favorites!
Mangia Mangia Pizzeria
all the food is locally sourced so you know its fresh. The portions are huge and thats what you expect from a diner. I really love the vegetable skillet and the biscuits and gravy!
Estes Park Bighorn
The best pasta in town! Everything is super fresh and flavorful. The fresh baked bread is soooo good! I can tell everything is made fresh to order and with quality ingredients.
Sweet Basilico Casual Italian
Where to go when you want a great margarita
Come for the food, stay for the views! In the heart of downtown estes park with incredible views of the park and the adorable town of estes. The margaritas were excellent and the creamy corn was the perfect side to chips and salsa.
Sole
arguably one of the best mexican restaurants in town! I have some interesting food restrictions and I always find something delicious here. In the middle of downtown and easy to pop in for a margarita and chips and salsa. Its always a win when you e...
El mex-Kal
The margaritas are to die for! come for happy hour and stay for dinner. I highly recommend the fried ice cream for dessert. So delicious!
Casa Grande Mexicana
I'm a girl who loves a good margarita! I love to come here for happy hour with my bestie and we just get some chips and salsa and chat for hours! They have amazing fajitas but I really just love their margaritas!
Ed's Cantina
A little bit off the main road and not exactly in downtown but I think that just makes this place a little more special. They have an adorable patio and really authentic mexican food. I always get a strawberry margarita and fried ice cream for desser...
La Cocina D'Mama
Food trucks of Estes Park
Their wraps are amazing. I got a side of tots with bbq sauce and It was exactly what i needed. Follow their calendar because they move around town.
Food Truck Avenue
This is a hidden gem! I was blown away by the quality of the food at this food truck. The breakfast casserole is incredible. I also love the quiche!
Kissing Moose Food Truck
The loaded tots are so amazing! I also had the grilled cheese bites which were perfect. Ive heard great things about the burger basket too. Tony the owner is such a cool dude!
Johnny's Good Eatin'
The mac and cheese and the baked beans were probably the best ive ever had. I also tried the brisket sandwich and it was seasoned to perfection! The smell from this bbq smoker can be smelt for miles around!
WesTex BBQ | Estes Park CO
personally I really like the cowboy caviar, it was flavorful with a little kick. My friend got a bratwurst and she said it was juicy with a nice snap to it. i will be coming back for more!
Roaming Rations
Local ale houses, breweries and bars.
So many gluten free options! The pesto gnocchi was so good and gluten free too! There was live music and trivia the night I went. I will be returning!
The Estes Park Brewery
The patio is dog friendly and they have an extensive beer and wine list. I love sitting outside at night and taking in the crisp mountain air with the ambiance of a bar setting. You wont be disappointed.
The Barrel
they have live music on the patio. Plenty of gluten free options available. There is also a rotating list of food trucks for every taste. Come and enjoy the outdoor seating!
Avant Garde Aleworks
The patio is super chill and laid back. They have a nice full ale and beer menu, something for every taste. I especially love the rotating food trucks that come through. They change nightly, come check out what they have to offer. Every night is a li...
Avant Garde Aleworks
This place is huge! Its great for large groups of people. There is always a lively crowd and live music on the weekends. It's right in town and easy to walk to after dinner for a night cap. Great place to sit and socialize with friends.
Full Throttle Distillery Estes Park CO | Moonshine & Whiskey
Besides this being in a great location, its also dog friendly! the outdoor seating is comfortable. They have some really great options on their beer list as well as a food truck calendar with rotating vendors.
Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.
not only is it reasonably priced, especially for a tourist town, but the portions are huge! Its a really solid plave to get some pizza and a beer with your friends after a long day hiking in the park.
Estes Park Distilling Company | Moonshine & Pizza in Colorado
Coffee shops with a cool vibe
To all my witchy girlies, they have the cutest leather bound journals here!
Inkwell & Brew
This is the cutest little speakeasy basically built in a cave. I only came for coffee during the day but there is a full bar in the evening. The coffee was 7/10. They had many alternative milk options.
Estes Perk
Besides being in the best location in town, this coffee shop has one of the cutest gift shops! the drinks are always perfect and you have all the alternative milk choices you need. Plus they offer gluten free pastries and breakfast bars. I like to br...
Inkwell & Brew
Estes park's first speakeasy! They are a coffee shop in the morning and a casual cocktail bar in the evening. If I'm being honest, the coffee isn't the best in town but the adorable atmosphere makes it one of my favorite places to chill and work. All...
Estes Perk
This cute little drive thru is right off the main road. I like to run through and get an iced coffee with extra oat milk and a little vanilla syrup. The coffee is quality and the location is really easy to get to.
Ziggi's Coffee
First of all, the mocha is the best i think ive ever had. It was so rich and creamy. I paired it with a donut and omg was it the perfect breakfast! They have lots of options for people with dietary restrictions as well.
Raven's Roast | Estes Park CO
Everyone loves starbucks and this location is in the best spot. I always get a pike before heading into the park for an afternoon drive. The staff here is amazing and so sweet. I especially love getting the potato chive bites twice baked, it adds a l...
Starbucks®
Such a cute place for tea. They have gluten free options which I love! It's not always easy eating with dietary restrictions but I had no problem here.
serenitea's tea room and cafe'
Sweet treats, ice cream, and candies!
The crepes are HUGE! I got the apple pie crepe and a berries and cream crepe as well. Both were fantastic and I will be returning asap!
crepes on wheels
They boast the best crepes in town and they arent wrong! they might be the only crepes in town but they are so stinkin good! savory or sweet, it doesnt matter what you choose. You wont be disappointed. I recommended inkwell and brew coffee shop and t...
Rocky Mtn Crepe
Why does every tourist town have a taffy shop? I'm not sure either but i'm glad they do. Yes there are a couple in town to choose from but this one is the best by far. The taffy is always super fresh and delicious. perfect for when you're shopping ar...
Original Taffy Shop
once you smell it from the street, you have to come in! caramel corn smells so delicious and homey. I always get the cinnamon sugar one, its crunchy and sweet and so amazing. Perfect to grab some and head into the park for the day. you always need a ...
EP Caramel Corn
Right downtown and in the middle of Estes Park. I love their fresh homemade waffle cones. They have a black cherry ice cream that is so freakin good! I always get extra sprinkles on mine!
Hayley's Ice Cream
I'm a sucker for a fresh homemade waffle cone, you can smell them from blocks away! The chocolate ice cream from danish cone factory is the best flavor in my opinion. Get it with extra sprinkles!
Danish Cone Factory
If you come to shakes alive, you have to try the tropical pina colada! Its sweet and refreshing and would pair well with rum! They have so many flavors to choose from. they also have really good sandwiches!
Shakes Alive
you can't visit a tourist town without finding a great candy shop. The fudge melts in your mouth. I'm a local and when I want a sweet treat, this is where I go!
Laura's Estate Spark
Upscale dining with incredible views!
A beautiful location with stunning views of the mountains and an extensive wine list. This resturant is one of the best in town.
Ember Restaurant & Bar
The house margarita was delicious. I always get the fontina cheese appetizer with gluten free bread. I love all the gluten free options. Its right downtown by the park, you can catch the elk laying on the lawn!
Claire's Restaurant and Bar
Quick and easy, no cook options.
okay, okay.. I know what you're thinking. Why would I mention dominos when they have them all over the country. Sometimes when you're traveling you just want something you know and trust. I am gluten free and I always get their pizza with the gluten ...
Domino's Pizza
Okay, It is just a grocery store... however.. They have fresh hot fried chicken daily and on Friday's they have $5 sushi! Sometimes you just want to pack your own picnic and do things your way and not deal with going out to a full restaurant. I love ...
Safeway
Breakfast spots worth checking out
So many choices but the gluten free pancakes are why I come. It's hard to eat gluten free sometimes but notchtop always hits the spot. The breakfast potatoes are so good and the gluten free pancakes with strawberries are perfection!
Best Breakfast and Lunch in Estes Park | The Notchtop Bakery and Cafe
In the same parking lot as starbucks. They make the freshest bagel sandwiches in town! Every ingredient is super fresh and flavorful. I like to build my own with veggie cream cheese and a fried egg!
VILLAGE BAGELS
Located near the YMCA, this is the cutest little mountain bakery! Its so classic and adorable looking. There are always deer by the creek and its such a beautiful setting. I love their Danishes and croissants! Everything is always super fresh and war...
The Spice Rack | Estes Park CO
one of my favorite items on the menu is a stuffed croissant. It's filling and perfect for breakfast! Also as a plus, you can get a really good coupon if you sign up for their email list!