IN THE PARK
Café at Trail Ridge. Stock up on picnic provisions or refuel with a latte and a made-to-order, organic sandwich at this high-elevation eatery. Beside the Alpine Visitor Center; $; trailridgegiftstore.com.
OUTSIDE THE PARK
Baba’s Burgers. Fast food that’s fresh-made and delicious. 861 Moraine Ave. Estes Park; $; babasburgers.com or 970/586-1171.
The Barrel. This outdoor beer garden is a sixty-tap temple to craft suds and spirits. 116 E. Elkhorn Ave. Estes Park; thebarrel.beer or 970/235-1087.
Twin Owls Steakhouse. Romantic candlelit ambiance and decadent steaks make this locals’ date-night pick. 800 Macgregor Ave. Estes Park; $$$; twinowls.net or 970/586-9344.
Grand Lake Lodge. Claim a table on the historic porch to savor mountain panoramas and Colorado lamb burgers. 15500 US Highway 34 in Grand Lake; $$; grandlakelodge.com or 970/627-3967.
Glen Haven General Store. The rave-worthy cinnamon rolls, cherry cobbler, and sandwich buns (for made-to-order lunches) are all baked from scratch daily. $; North of Estes Park at 7499 State Hwy 43; glenhavengeneralstore.com or 970/586-2560.
Fawn Brook Inn. Classic French dishes served in a rustic log cabin surrounded by flower gardens. In Allenspark, 16 miles south of Estes Park; $$$; fawnbrookinn.com or 303/747-2556.
Meadow Mountain Cafe. Hearty breakfasts and lunches fuel hikers at this homey little eatery. In Allenspark, 16 miles south of Estes Park; $-$$; 303/747-2541.
