Known as a base for the Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a northern Colorado town that is home to spectacular natural scenery of craggy peaks, dense forests and endless tundra, as well as several beautiful areas like the Roosevelt National Forest and Prospect Mountain. There are many great things to do in Estes Park. After spending the day hiking, mountain biking, and riding the Estes Park Aerial Tramway to soak up the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding landscapes, head to one of these restaurants for a quiet, romantic dinner for two.
1. Baldpate Inn Dining Room
Set within the Baldpate Inn in the Rocky Mountain National Park, the Inn’s Dining Room is a charming restaurant that offers both guests and visitors an unforgettable mountain dining experience. Surrounded by dense pine forests on the side of Twin Sisters Mountain, the Inn’s restaurant serves an expansive buffet of farm-to-table fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring fresh seafood, prime meats and chicken, and fresh locally sourced salads and vegetables. The warm dining room boasts breathtaking treetop views of the mountain valley and a full-service bar serves a variety of casual wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails. Baldpate Inn Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily. Browse our Weekend Getaways in Colorado guide for more ideas.
4900 S, CO-7, Estes Park, CO 80517, Phone: 970-586-5397
2. Bird & Jim
Bird & Jim is a casual, rustic eatery that celebrates the beautiful mountain town of Este Park with ever-evolving seasonal and ingredient-driven menus of farm-to-table cuisine and fine wines. Owned by Melissa and John Witmer and helmed by Chef Ethan Brown, the restaurant prides itself on using ingredients and produce from local farms and businesses such as Red Wagon Farm, Black Cat Farm, House of Smoke, Tooey and Sons Organic Farm, and Wisdom Natural Poultry. The cuisine is accompanied by organic, sustainable, and biodynamic wines from small wineries which are paired with each dish by an on-site sommelier, along with handcrafted cocktails using fresh ingredients, and craft beers. Bird & Jim is open for brunch, lunch and dinner, daily.
915 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, Phone: 970-586-9832
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3. Cascades Restaurant, Estes Park
Located in the historic 109-year old Stanley Hotel, Cascades Restaurant is a highly-acclaimed, traditional steakhouse that is renowned for serving prime steaks, wild game, gourmet burgers, fresh seafood, and Colorado specialties. Located in the storied hotel that inspired the film The Shining, the restaurant serves a menu of thick house-butchered cuts of USDA choice steaks, free-range chicken and pork, fresh seafood and a range of delectable desserts. The full-service bar has an extensive menu of seasonal cocktails, a selection of sparkling, white, and red varietals, over 1,000 varieties of whiskeys, and craft beers on tap or by the bottle. Browse our guide on the best romantic weekend getaways in Colorado for your next vacation.
333 Wonderview Avenue Estes Park, CO 80517, Phone: 970-577-4001
4. Restaurants in Estes Park: Claire's On the Park
Boasting a charming atmosphere with spectacular mountain views, a distinctive menu of old-time favorites and seasonal specialties, and an extensive selection of fine wines, Claire’s on the Park is a cozy spot that is ideal for a romantic celebration. Overlooking the park, the restaurant features contemporary décor, intimate copper-topped booths, and a lovely wraparound porch offering breathtaking views, and serves seasonal menus of market-driven fare prepared with locally-sourced ingredients and regional produce. Signature dishes include wild game meatloaf Rocky Mountain trout meunière, smoked pulled pork, and red beans and rice, and the full-service bar offers a variety of casual wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails to pair with the cuisine. Claire’s on the Park is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily.
225 Park Ln, Estes Park, CO 80517, Phone: 970-586-9564, (website link)
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5. Dunraven Inn Restaurant, Estes Park
Based in the elegant Dunraven Inn, the Dunraven Inn Restaurant is considered one of the top restaurants in Estes Park for exceptional dining experiences. Established in 1970, the locally-owned and operated restaurant serves unique Italian cuisine prepared with artisanal market-driven ingredients such as house-made pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood and salads, and prime beef, chicken and veal plates. The full-service bar offers a variety of casual wines by the glass and bottle, craft beers on tap and by the bottle, and classic cocktails, and the restaurant is open for dinner only, seven nights a week.
1700 Colorado Peaks Drive, Estes Park, CO 80517, Phone: 970-586-6409
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6. Restaurants in Estes Park: Mama Rose's
Based in a cozy riverside cottage on the Riverwalk, Mama Rose’s is an Italian mainstay and local go-to spot for delicious favorites like spaghetti Bolognese and housemade lasagna and casual Italian wines. Featuring a charming dining room and outdoor riverside patio for alfresco dining, the warm and welcoming family-friendly restaurant serves a seasonal menu of homemade Italian dishes, including fresh seafood, handmade pasta and pizzas, succulent beef and veal dishes, and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The full-service bar offers a variety of casual wines by the glass and bottle, craft beers on tap and by the bottle, and classic cocktails, and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, daily.
338 E Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, Phone: 970-586-3330, (website link)
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7. Nicky's Steakhouse Restaurant & Lounge
Established in 1967, Nicky's Steakhouse Restaurant & Lounge is an enduring restaurant that is renowned for serving fresh seafood, prime steaks, chops and ribs, and Northern Italian and Greek specialties. Conveniently located on Fall River Road, the restaurant features three airy, rustic dining rooms and a lovely outdoor deck for alfresco dining rooms where guests can tuck into signature plates of clam chowder, wild-caught Colorado trout, roasted prime rib in rock salt, and USDA sirloin steak. The full-service bar offers a variety of casual wines by the glass and bottle, craft beers on tap and by the bottle, and classic cocktails. Nicky's Steakhouse Restaurant & Lounge is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
1350 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO 80517, Phone: 970-586-5376
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8. Restaurants in Estes Park: Seasoned - An American Bistro
Seasoned – An American Bistro is a cozy, upscale eatery with a relaxed atmosphere that serves contemporary American cuisine and global wines in a stylish setting. The small, chef-owned bistro focuses on using locally-sourced, regional ingredients to create an ever-evolving menu of seasonal cuisine with tastes and flavors from around the world. Signature specialties include Muscovy Duck Breast, Pan-Fried, Panko-Coated Colorado Striped Bass Bellies, and Braised Applewood Smoked Pork Belly, and the food is accompanied by a range of casual wines by the glass and bottle, craft beers on tap and by the bottle, and classic cocktails. Seasoned – An American Bistro is open for dinner, Tuesday through Saturday and Sunday brunch.
205 Park Ln, Estes Park, CO 80517, Phone: 970-586-9000, (website link)
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9. The View Restaurant
Set in a hill above the town in the historic Crag's Lodge by Diamond Resorts, the aptly named View Restaurant offers an elegant fine-dining restaurant with spectacular views. Epitomizing rustic-chic décor with stylish indoor and outdoor seating, the seasonal restaurant serves award-winning cuisine and globally-inspired wines in a magical setting that is often used for weddings and private celebrations. The beautifully-appointed restaurant is set on the north side of Prospect Mountain just 12 miles from the famous Rocky Mountain National Park and is a perfect spot for romantic celebrations.
300 Riverside Dr, Estes Park, CO 80517, Phone: 970-586-1087
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10. Restaurants in Estes Park: Twin Owls Steakhouse
Surrounded by the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains in a rustic 90-year-old mountain lodge with a cozy fireplace and spectacular mountain views, the Twin Owls Steakhouse is a classic steakhouse that serves award-winning cuisine and fine wines in an intimate setting. The restaurant features three dining rooms with hardwood floors, rough-hewn log walls, and moss rock fireplaces in which diners can enjoy perfectly presented dishes of prime USDA steaks, chops, ribs, and wild game, fresh seafood and irresistible desserts. An extensive wine list features globally-inspired vintages, local craft beers by the bottle and on tap, and hand-crafted classic cocktails, and the restaurant is open for dinner, Monday through Saturday.
3110 S St Vrain Ave B, Estes Park, CO 80517, Phone: 970-586-9344
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The 10 Best Restaurants in Estes Park, CO near me today according to local experts:
- 1. Baldpate Inn Dining Room
- 2. Bird & Jim
- 3. Cascades Restaurant, Estes Park
- 4. Restaurants in Estes Park: Claire's On the Park
- 5. Dunraven Inn Restaurant, Estes Park
- 6. Restaurants in Estes Park: Mama Rose's
- 7. Nicky's Steakhouse Restaurant & Lounge
- 8. Restaurants in Estes Park: Seasoned - An American Bistro
- 9. The View Restaurant
- 10. Restaurants in Estes Park: Twin Owls Steakhouse
More Ideas: Bald Pate Inn in Estes Park
Boasting a rich history, cozy accommodations, delicious cuisine and spectacular mountain views, the Baldpate Inn is a traditional mountain getaway that has been enchanting visitors for nearly 100 years. Built in 1917, the Inn is located seven miles south of Estes Park next to the Rocky Mountain National Park and offers a variety of things to see and do.
Well-appointed guest rooms are decorated with country mountain flair including handmade quilts and calico dust ruffles and feature en-suite bathrooms and spectacular views. Guests are treated to a delicious gourmet three-course breakfast every morning and complimentary bedtime snacks. An intimate library and comfortable lobby offer the perfect place to curl up with a book in front of a crackling fireplace. The nearby Rocky Mountain National Park provides a variety of activities from hiking and mountain biking to mountain climbing, fishing and wildlife watching.
Guest Accommodations
The Baldpate Inn features 12 well-appointed guest rooms in the main lodge, four secluded cabins, and a historic homestead, all of which are decorated with distinct country mountain flair and have spectacular panoramic views. All guest rooms have king or queen-size pillow-top beds dressed in high-quality linens, down or hypoallergenic comforters, and pillows. Some rooms have sinks, and some have private bathrooms with shower/bath combinations, separate showers, and soaking tubs, single or double vanities, lighted make-up mirrors, plush towels and bathrobes, and organic bath products. Sitting areas have plush sofas and overstuffed armchairs, writing desks and chairs, and large windows with stunning mountain views. Modern amenities in all suites include individual climate control with heating and cooling functions, mini-fridges, flat-screen televisions with cable channels, clock radios, irons and ironing boards, and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet.
Individual Cabins are set away from the main lodge and offer space and privacy, with multiple bedrooms, private bathrooms, spacious living areas, fireplaces, and plush down comforters on the beds. The 1913 Baldpate Homestead has been lovingly restored to provide exceptional bed and breakfast accommodations with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and dining room, a comfortably furnished great room with a fireplace, a solarium and a fully stocked library.
Dining
A complimentary European-style buffet breakfast is served each morning and includes freshly brewed coffee and tea, fruit juices, fresh seasonal fruit, egg dishes, and Italian meats and cheeses. Other delectable daily selections include newly baked sweet treats such as homemade quiche, croissants, or blueberry muffins, hot home-baked cinnamon rolls, homemade granola and Greek yogurt, and an assortment of fresh bread, jams, and preserves.
Amenities and Recreation
The Baldpate Inn features a variety of comforts and facilities, including a private, fully stocked library and comfortable lobby with a massive stone fireplace, and an elegant dining room where a complimentary European-style buffet breakfast is served each morning.
Local Attractions
Attractions and activities in and around the Baldpate Inn include hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Park, custom tours of Estes Park, cultural arts and events at Estes Park, horseback riding and rodeo watching at Estes Park’s Stanley Fairgrounds, and fly-fishing in one of the area’s many lakes and streams. Other activities include boating on Lake Estes, summer music festivals in Bond Park and at Performance Park, golf at Estes Golf Course, shopping in the antique stores, boutiques, art galleries, and shops of downtown Estes Park, and recreational pursuits like whitewater rafting, putt-putt, go-karting, and bumper boats.
Estes Park is home to several attractions, including the Colorado Model Railroad Museum, the Sunset Memorial Gardens, and the University of Northern Colorado. Other attractions in the area include the Rocky Mountain National Park, the Roosevelt National Forest, the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and the Arapaho National Forest.
Weddings & Events
The Baldpate Inn offers a beautiful setting for special celebrations such as weddings, receptions, ceremonies, and birthday parties of up to 100 guests. The Inn provides a variety of exclusive wedding packages, guest services and professional event management, along with deluxe accommodations, upscale amenities and gracious hospitality.
4900 South Hwy. 7, Estes Park, CO 80517, Phone: 970-586-6151
