Estes Park, Colorado, nestled beside the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park, offers more than just breathtaking views and outdoor adventures. It's also home to a vibrant culinary scene with restaurants that cater to health-conscious diners. From locally sourced ingredients to innovative menus, Estes Park provides a range of options for those seeking nutritious and delicious meals.
Restaurants Emphasizing Fresh, Local, and Sustainable Ingredients
Several establishments in Estes Park prioritize fresh, locally sourced, and sustainable ingredients. These restaurants not only offer healthy meals but also support local farms and businesses, contributing to the community's well-being.
Bird & Jim: Bird & Jim defines Colorado cuisine with its ever-evolving seasonal and ingredient-driven menus sourced from the Front Range of Colorado and beyond. Their menus are influenced by the seasons and artisan approach to cooking. The restaurant's philosophy revolves around real food, fresh ingredients, and healthy eating. Bird & Jim proudly sources from local farms and ranchers from Estes Park, Drake, Kersey, and Hygiene, Colorado. The bar team creates handcrafted cocktails using fresh ingredients. Bird & Jim is uniting their community through food, fun, and knowledge. In September 2016, Melissa Strong purchased the former Sundeck Restaurant and created Bird & Jim. Bird & Jim celebrates Estes Park's history through Isabella Bird’s and Mountain Jim’s pioneer spirit.
Notchtop Bakery Café: Notchtop Bakery Café aspires to use naturally grown and fresh ingredients, focusing on organic options. They use non-genetically modified bread and flours, cane sugars, and pure vanilla. Everything is made from scratch, including slow-roasted turkey, pork, beef, and chicken, as well as handmade sausage and hamburgers. The café originally opened in 1993 and was named after Notchtop Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Claire's Restaurant and Bar: Claire's Restaurant and Bar has been a staple in Estes Park since 1992. Every meal at Claire's is created from locally sourced food and is made to order. Their menu is seasonally evolving, keeping the menu new and exciting throughout the year while always keeping some staples.
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Cafés and Delis Offering Healthy Options
For a quick and healthy bite, Estes Park's cafés and delis offer a variety of options, including fresh sandwiches, salads, and pastries.
Riverwalk Café: Located on Moraine Avenue, next to the Historic Park Theatre, Riverwalk Café is known for its locally roasted coffee, freshly made pastries, and all-day breakfast and lunch favorites. Their menu features Boar's Head sandwiches, grilled paninis like the Skypond Panini, fresh Boba tea, and French bakery treats like the Strawberry Croissant. The cafe also offers catering options that showcase fresh, handcrafted pastries and savory sandwiches.
Scratch Deli and Bakery: Scratch Deli and Bakery offers sandwiches made on freshly baked bread. A popular choice is the Pastrami sandwich, made with house-cured pastrami, mustard, and rye bread.
Restaurants with Diverse Menus and Health-Conscious Choices
Some restaurants in Estes Park offer diverse menus with options that cater to different dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices.
The Big Horn Restaurant: The Big Horn Restaurant is a family-oriented restaurant that serves American classics alongside a few unique surprises in a cozy atmosphere.
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Antonio’s: Antonio’s is a locally owned pizza place. Their house specialty is Grandma’s Pizza, a Sicilian-style pizza made with a thick pan crust, crushed tomatoes, and basil.
Smokin’ Daves: Smokin’ Daves is known for its award-winning barbecue and has been named one of the “Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America” by the National Barbecue News.
Ed’s Cantina and Grill: Ed’s Cantina and Grill offers Tex-Mex cuisine, including tacos and margaritas.
Other Notable Dining Options in Estes Park
In addition to the restaurants mentioned above, Estes Park offers a variety of other dining options, including Thai cuisine and homemade pies.
Thai Restaurant: They offer all of the classics you find at any Thai restaurant but they also added a few hard to find items.
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Small White and Red Building on HWY 36: This small building offers cherry cider and handmade pies.
Testimonials and Reviews
Customers have praised several Estes Park restaurants for their quality and healthy options.
- One customer raved about the burrito at Riverwalk Cafe.
- Another customer enjoyed the BLT bagel and coffee at Riverwalk Cafe.
- Customers have also praised the Bigfoot Bacon sandwich and Sky Pond Panini at Riverwalk Cafe.
- Vegetarian customers appreciate the ample seating and friendly staff at Riverwalk Cafe.
- A customer described the bison burgers and roasted beet root salad as amazing.
- Another customer felt like they were in NYC SoHo, not a small mountain town, due to the food quality.