Rocky Mountain National Park is famous for its rocky mountain tops, beautiful lakes, awesome drives, and miles of hiking trails. The gateway towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake also have some great places to eat!
I’m Cheryl, and I LOVE to visit the national parks in the West. My husband and I have been writing travel guides since 2020. We know that food is a big part of a vacation, so we eat at several restaurants as part of our research… It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it! I love to spend my days hiking in the Rocky Mountains and then grabbing a great meal at one of the local restaurants in the evening. Read on for my favorite go-to restaurants!
Local game is a big deal in the Rockies. It’s common to see dishes on the menu that say “wild game stew” or “wild game meatloaf.” The wild game in these dishes can include elk, bison, and venison. Greenback trout is also popular (and yummy!) If you aren’t used to fresh water seafood, it may have a strong “fishy” taste.
For sweet treats, there are a few shops in Estes Park along Elk Horn Ave that sell saltwater taffy and caramel corn. It’s fun to grab a bag of both and munch on these yummy local treats as you window shop the unique stores.
Wine and Beer Tasting is also a thing here. We don’t drink, but we have a friend who is a local, Barb, who gave us the lowdown on the four breweries in town. Estes Park Brewery (Barb’s least favorite), Rock Cut Brewing Co. (Barb’s favorite, and they always have a great food truck), Avant Garde Aleworks (they also have hard seltzer), and Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co. The only winery in Estes Park making wine on-site with Colorado-grown grapes is Snowy Peaks Winery; they also have Colorado-sourced charcuterie.
Budget/Family Favorite: Antonio’s Real NY Pizza. serving huge, 28″ pizzas!
Fine Dining: Bird and Jim. homemade linen napkins, local game, delicious food
Best Views: Claire’s Restaurant and Bar. excellent views of Elk Horn Ave and Longs Peak, or the Café at Trail Ridge offers views from the actual peak!
Hole in the Wall: Penelope’s World Famous Burgers. Creative (and huge) burgers
+ hand-cut fries. A local favorite.
Breakfast: Kind Coffee. Delicious scones, breakfast sandwiches, and of course, coffee.
Treat: The Taffy Shop. Watch the taffy being made at the original taffy shop in Estes Park. Sugar Shack also has amazing shakes.
Local Experience: Fresh Burger Stop. Many locals love to grab a burger from here,
located at the Sinclair gas station.
Night Life: The Post Chicken and Beer. Award-winning chicken recipe.
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in northern Colorado, about 90 minutes from Denver. The park is divided by the Continental Divide, creating two main areas: the east side near Estes Park, and the west side near Grand Lake. The park has five main entrances, with the Beaver Meadows and Fall River entrances near Estes Park being the busiest. The east side has the most tourists and the most attractions. The 48-mile Trail Ridge Road is a fun drive and also connects to the quieter west side and the beautiful resort town of Grand Lake. The west side doesn’t have many attractions in the park, but the town of Grand Lake, often overlooked, is prettier than Estes Park and has better options for fun on the water.
Need a plan for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park? Check out our Rocky Mountain Page for all of our articles and videos to help you have an amazing trip!
Guide includes reservation requirements, driving tips, and things to do along the way.
Rocky Mountain National Park is rugged, and very few amenities are available. There are no gas stations and only one place to eat, the Cafe at Trail Ridge. It’s located in the Alpine Visitor Center, at the top of the Trail Ridge Road.
| Cost Breakdown | |
| $ | Inexpensive (under $10) |
| $$ | Moderate ($11-$24) |
| $$$ | Expensive ($25-$40) |
| $$$$ | Very Expensive (over $40) |
The Café at Trail Ridge is simple and offers sandwiches, salads, soups, snacks, and baked goods. They also have coffee, tea, and espresso. It’s really informal. You just go to the counter and order your food. There are several tables in the dining area (that are often full), but if you get lucky, you might get one by the windows. It’s funny that such a simple cafe has, what I believe, some of the best views in the NPS system. You have excellent views of the rocky ledges and valley below.
The food is nothing to write home about, but it’s nice to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or soup away from the often windy peak and still have amazing views. There is also a gift shop in the visitor center that sells snacks.
We love Kind Coffee, and so do the locals! It’s been around since 2002 and is famous for its locally roasted beans. We will usually only eat at a restaurant one time because we are trying to research as many as we can, but we can’t help ourselves and have been here several times. Our favorite things to order are the cheddar jalapeño bagel with herb cream cheese, blueberry maple scone, hot chocolate, and a bagel breakfast sandwich with sausage, egg, and pepper jack cheese.
There is both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating is near the river and it’s common for elk to hang out here. We experienced this first-hand when a huge, male elk popped out of the trees while we were enjoying our scones!
The Wild Rose Restaurant is both fancy and friendly. Our friend had her wedding rehearsal dinner here AND we took our kids here for lunch… and they all were able to order something they liked. Their menu includes some unique local dishes like trout dip or elk bratwurst, but also has plenty of traditional foods like burgers, salads, and sandwiches.
My husband ordered the chicken alfredo and said it was one of the best meals he had had at Rocky Mountain. My kids also liked the fish and chips, bacon cheeseburgers, and chicken sammys.
Admittedly, you WILL have a heart attack if you eat at Penelope’s World Famous Burgers on the regular, but if you are just passing through, give it a try. They have been in business since 1984 and both tourists and locals love it. There is almost always a line out the door. They serve a variety of unique burgers (we liked the Hawaiian Cheeseburger that had some crispy onion rings, pineapple, and BBQ sauce), and they have brats on the menu as well.
This is the hole-in-the-wall everyone goes to. It’s more of a short stop than a sit-down restaurant, so if you are looking for a quick bite to eat, this is it.
Bird and Jim is the fancy restaurant to eat at in Estes Park. It’s about 10 minutes away from downtown, but worth the drive. They describe their menu as modern mountain dining from an ingredient-driven kitchen–scratch kitchen. The atmosphere is top-notch. The restaurant is almost always full and you’ll see plenty of locals lost in conversation, enjoying their drinks and dinner. I loved the attention Bird and Jim paid to the small details. My home-made cloth napkin was both classy and cute!
My mushroom ravioli was one of the best meals I’ve ever had! My husband got the pulled pork sandwich and pheasant chowder. Our friend ordered the trout. All of it was excellent and it was great to treat ourselves to a nice meal.
Ever had a 28-inch pizza? Now’s your chance! Antonio’s Real NY Pizza is about 5 minutes away from the downtown area, but worth the drive. It serves some of the best pizza we’ve ever had. They also have great wings and garlic knots. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu and it’s the most affordable place we’ve eaten in Estes Park.
Our kids thought it was the best thing ever, especially since droids delivered our drinks.
GOOD TO KNOW: They are not very accommodating of special dietary needs. Our children, who all have a nut allergy, did just fine, but this is not an establishment that will make an extra effort to ensure that your food is free of allergens.
Located next to the Stanley Hotel in a renovated 1909 Carriage House, is The Post Chicken & Beer. This is the place to be (several locals suggested it). They have an award-winning fried chicken recipe that looks amazing and people also say great things about the beer. The chicken and waffles are the most popular dish. We tried to eat here, but couldn’t get in because it was so busy! Next time…
Curious about the Stanley Hotel? Read our article, Stanley Hotel Tour: An Honest Review (including Historic, Ghost, and Shining Tours).
Some people complain that Claire’s Restaurant and Bar are overpriced, but we had a wonderful experience here! They have both indoor and outdoor seating. We had a great table on their outdoor deck with wonderful views of Elk Horn Avenue and the mountains… at sunset! We tried the wild game meatloaf and brisket grilled cheese and both were great. Trout and smoked salmon are also popular. Breakfast is served on the weekend.
Fresh Burger Stop is located in the Sinclair gas station on Hwy 36 – it’s a local go-to for a quick, affordable, good burger. I was surprised that they had so many things on the menu, including breakfast, Mexican food, and sandwiches and wraps. They actually make the food fresh to order so expect your burger to take 10 minutes or more. Matt loved his Mario Burger (spicy!) and fries.
Curious about what there is to do in Estes Park, besides eat? Read our article, How to Spend One Day in Estes Park Colorado.
1. VERY LITTLE FOOD INSIDE ROCKY MOUNTAIN. The only place to eat inside the
park is the Café at Trail Ridge, located at the Alpine Visitor Center
at the top of Trail Ridge Road. Pack a picnic.
2. MOSTLY LOCAL RESTAURANTS. The food in Estes Park and Grand Lake is great. There are several local restaurants to choose from. Estes Park has a few chains as well.
3. FOOD IS EXPENSIVE. It’s common to get lunch or dinner from a grill for around $20. It’s a tourist town, so plan on it being more expensive than usual.
4. PICNIC SUPPLIES AVAILABLE. Both Estes Park and Grand Lake have grocery stores.
Grand Lake is a charming and beautiful lake town located on the west side of Rocky Mountain. Few visitors actually make it here, and admittedly, I’ve only spent a couple of days here myself, but it’s a great stop AND has some great food.
Sagebrush BBQ & Grill has been serving Grand Lake since 1999 and feels like a true mountain-town hangout. The atmosphere is casual with lodge-style décor. You can tell locals hang out here, as well as plenty of tourists.
Their meals are huge and they have indoor and outdoor seating (summer only). Popular things to order are elk and buffalo burgers, wild-game sausages, buffalo meatloaf, ribs, and pulled pork. My husband liked his meat platter. After seeing the greenback trout on many menus in Rocky Mountain, I finally ordered it here. Excellent!
The next restaurants listed are all highly rated and loved by locals (we talked to several people), but I can’t vouch for them personally. I visited the outside of all of them and walked into most of them and feel comfortable recommending them.
The Hub serves coffee, breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and ice cream. Breakfast burritos are a favorite and there’s a big line here every morning.
Jump Start Coffee and Tea serves coffee, bubble tea, and pastries. This is a local legacy.
Locals love Blue Water Bakery and there is always a crowd. Pastries, coffee, smoothies, salads, wraps, and burritos.
Cy’s Deli is highly rated and affordable, and people love the variety of sandwiches offered. They bake their own bread. This place is perfect to grab lunch to-go and enjoy a picnic in Rocky Mountain. Outdoor seating and always a crowd.
The Historic Rapids Lodge and Restaurant is the fanciest place in town to eat. They have an old-fashioned menu and meals come with a dinner salad. We personally walked around the restaurant and the grounds. There is a great view of the river if you eat outside or by a window inside. Wonderful atmosphere.
The Huntington House Tavern is located at Grand Lake Lodge; it’s a local favorite for a nice meal. Three-course dinner, including a salad, entrée, and dessert. We stayed at the Grand Lake Lodge and everything about it, from the rooms to the lobby, to the pool, to the views, is top-notch. I would expect nothing less from the restaurant.
Curious about what there is to do in Grand Lake besides eat? Read our article, How to Spend One Day in Grand Lake, Colorado. If you want to know which town to stay in, read Estes Park vs. Grand Lake: Where to Stay When Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.
Here’s a quick, skimmable list of the restaurants I mentioned before, with links… just in case you are driving through town looking on your phone for somewhere to grab dinner.
| Restaurant | City | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Café at Trail Ridge | Inside RMNP | Simple café ($–$$) serving sandwiches, soups, and coffee with some of the best mountaintop views in the park. |
| Kind Coffee | Estes Park | Locally roasted coffee and fresh pastries ($) with a riverside patio where elk sometimes wander by. |
| The Wild Rose Restaurant | Estes Park | American fare and steakhouse ($$) featuring elk bratwurst, trout dip, and family-friendly classics. |
| Penelope’s World Famous Burgers | Estes Park | Casual burger spot ($$) since 1984, known for creative burgers like the Hawaiian Cheeseburger. |
| Bird & Jim | Estes Park | Upscale “modern mountain dining” ($$$–$$$$) with dishes like mushroom ravioli, trout, and pheasant chowder. |
| Antonio’s Real NY Pizza | Estes Park | Family-friendly pizzeria ($$) serving massive 28-inch pies, wings, and garlic knots. |
| The Post Chicken & Beer | Estes Park | Lively tavern ($$) with award-winning fried chicken, chicken & waffles, and craft beer. |
| Claire’s Restaurant and Bar | Estes Park | American and steakhouse fare ($$–$$$) with mountain views and popular dishes like wild game meatloaf. |
| Fresh Burger Stop | Estes Park | Local gas-station diner ($$) serving burgers, breakfast burritos, and Mexican food made fresh to order. |
| Sagebrush BBQ & Grill | Grand Lake | Casual lodge-style steakhouse ($$) known for elk and buffalo burgers, ribs, and wild game specials. |
| The Hub: Coffee & Cones | Grand Lake | Popular café ($) serving coffee, breakfast burritos, and house-made ice cream. |
| Jump Start Coffee & Tea | Grand Lake | Cozy coffee shop ($) offering espresso, bubble tea, and fresh pastries since 2016. |
| Blue Water Bakery | Grand Lake | Bustling bakery café ($) with pastries, breakfast wraps, and sandwiches made on fresh bread. |
| Cy’s Deli | Grand Lake | Sandwich shop ($) with house-baked bread, popular for to-go lunches and picnic supplies. |
| Historic Rapids Lodge & Restaurant | Grand Lake | Fine-dining steakhouse ($$–$$$) with riverside views and an old-fashioned, multi-course menu. |
| Huntington House Tavern | Grand Lake | Upscale lodge restaurant ($$–$$$) serving three-course dinners with mountain views. |
Rocky Mountain National Park is amazing, and crowded!
Most travelers want to visit the most popular sites and still avoid the crowds. We have a detailed itinerary that gives you a step-by-step game plan so you can get to the best places at the right times.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRIP PLANNER: To read or watch all of our content about Rocky Mountain National Park, check out our Rocky Mountain Homepage
THINGS TO DO: There is so much to do including hiking, swimming, and driving Trail Ridge Road and Bear Lake Road
GREAT CITIES TO STAY OR CHECK OUT: Discover where to stay when visiting or explore some amazing cities nearby including Estes Park where you can take a tour of the Stanley Hotel
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Find out about getting into Rocky Mountain without a reservation, if the park is too crowded, and all about altitude sickness
WATCH: Enjoy videos of gorgeous Rocky Mountain National Park while learning our best tips for visiting by watching our Rocky Mountain YouTube Playlist
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