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The Rock Inn

4.3 (1.1k reviews)
Closed • 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM

The Rock Inn Photos

THE ROCK INN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Live music
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - The Rock Inn

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Krystal P.

This was our first time at the Rock Inn. We really enjoyed hearing some live music with some handcrafted cocktails. The bacon wrapped dates were spectacular, salty and sweet and savory all at once. We shared a pizza and a salad which were both very very good. Our server named Jake happened to have his artwork on display in the restaurant which was quite good. Overall I would highly recommend trying this old school place, we come to Estes several times a year and definitely plan on going back. Several other meals looked really good.

Spicy Corn Dip
Craig G.

A rustic cabin ambiance with the obligatory mounted moose head. Great artwork, that is for sale, adorns the wall and a couple of them caught our eye. We were immediately seated and greeted and got our drink orders filled quickly. We got the Spicy Corn Dip as an appetizer and despite the name, it's only a mild heat and we loved the flavor. The bread that came with the meals was a nice ciabatta with a wonderfully flavored butter. My entree was the stroganoff that had lovely mushrooms and topped with Parmesan shavings. My wife had the Grain & Greens bowl and loved her meal as well. We tried the Apple and Raisin Bread Pudding in a Bourbon Sauce and it was also good. There was also live music on the night we visited.

Live music
Dina L.

My favorite place to eat in Estes Park. The atmosphere could not be beat. Best local hangout ever. Delicious food. Amazing drinks. Live music. Seeing every person in town you know. I love the Rock Inn!!!

Bread pudding to go with instructions for heating.
Bill G.

The Rock Inn was a great respite for great food after spending the day in RMNP. Sam A was an excellent and attentive server who provided good suggestions and fast (but not rushed) service. We started with the Devils on Horseback (bacon wrapped figs) appetizer which was tasty. We ordered a couple flights of local beers, and then dove into our main courses which included (2) Gold Canyon burgers, bison marinara and pasta calypso. Each was cooked to perfection and very flavorful. We were stuffed... but that did not stop us from order some yummy bread pudding. This is a great place with local charm, good music and fantastic wait staff.

Bison pasta and Alfredo pasta with shrimp
Alexander P.

Food and hospitality was great. The ambience was also good they had live music which is a + for the wife and I. We had appetizers the bacon wrapped dates phenomenal taste. Sweet and salty paired up to make it phenomenal. Dinner we had the bison pasta and Alfredo pasta with shrimp...great flavors all around. We are not natives but L.A. natives and we highly recommend this place.

Meatballs and mashed potatoes
Ann M.

Our server Julie T was wonderful! She answered our questions about the menu and made a few recommendations. The food tasted great. We had the bison meatballs with mashed potatoes and bison marinara. Julie brought out warm bread and honey butter which was great and our food came out timely. There was a great singer doing live music. Would visit again if we get back to the area.

Estes Park Best Dinner 2025
Sarah I.

So wonderful! We called ahead to find out when they might have a table available, then we showed up at the appointed time and were seated within a few minutes. We ate outside under the roof (thankfully because it ended up pouring rain halfway through dinner). We were party of 6 and everyone enjoyed what they had...bison meatballs, beef stroganoff, rainbow trout, sweet potato grains bowl. And the spicy corn dip was enjoyed by all!

Salman Z.

Your classic mountain town restaurant. The servers were kind. Food was alright. Really lived the fact that the restaurant was inclusive and hung up 2 pride flags. One big one right outside. We got the bison pasta and NY Strip. The steak was mediocre, chewy and slightly overcooked. The bison was a tad gamey but still good. Still a decent place. You just can't be very choosy when you're up in a mountain town.

Rainbow Trout with Polento
Michelle F.

Amazing views and atmosphere whether you sit inside or outside. Some great gluten free options and options for kids.

Holiday cocktails
Dana H.

We were hesitant to try different foods but so glad we did! The Elk sausage was delicious and the bison meatballs were incredible! The Christmas decor was cozy and inviting, and the live music was nice. Our waitress was attentive and when our meatballs came with onions instead of mushrooms she addressed it quickly. When we were initially referred there we thought it was mainly a bar but it was definitely more. We really enjoyed The Rock Inn!

Daniel Z.

We decided we needed to try something different based on where we were. The bison meatballs (incredible) and mashed potatoes were outstanding. The elk sausage app was spicy but also outstanding. Service was great. The locals are lucky.

Bison meatballs & Grain salas
Sean N.

Service was amazing! Food was just as good. Bison meatballs for me & wife had grain salad with meatball...butter for bread was very good.

Welcoming rustic entryway
Craig G.

Live music and great food on a beautiful Friday evening in a rustic setting. We sat outside on the enclosed patio. The acoustic music was great, the temperature was perfect for a fun family dinner. They have a variety of options on the menu with some weekly specials and an extensive drink menu. I had the Pineapple Pico Trout. The trout was cooked perfectly, light and flakey. The pico had a bit more kick to it than I expected but it wasn't too much spice (it could be too much for some who don't care for hotter spices). It was on a bed of fresh steamed veggies which were great. I also had a side Caesar salad which was the perfect size and the dressing was creamy with a good about of Parmesan flakes. This is a great spot to celebrate with friends or go on a date. Check it out!

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25 days ago

Excellent service, excellent food. Love the music that's played live in the background. We will be back!

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4 months ago

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1 month ago

The Rock Inn is always busy for a reason!Delicious food, great service and lots of great live music!!!

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2 months ago

All three of us had the trout. It was awesome. Baked to perfection. Hospitality was great as was the atmosphere.

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Ask the Community - The Rock Inn

Do they take reservations?

We do not take traditional reservations, but we do start a call ahead list each evening. You are welcome to call on the day you plan to dine in order to be put on the list and decrease your wait time.

Is this business pet friendly?

They have an outdoor patio where dogs are allowed, weather permitting!

Is there inside dining?

Yes-

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Review Highlights - The Rock Inn

“Last year, I was disappointed with Dunraven Inn so I wasn't expecting much from Rock Inn Mountain Tavern...”

Mentioned in 29 reviews

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Rock Cut Brewing Company - Outdoor seatings with live music and food truck

Rock Cut Brewing Company

4.7(357 reviews)
1.8 mi
•$$

What a lovely and welcoming place. Loved this bar when we visited Estes Park.. We were visiting…read morefrom England (and like all English people , we love a good pub). Rock Cut was our go to. The staff were so friendly and helpful and the beer was great (Galactic IPA for the Boyf and Canyon Crusher for me). We will be back.

The beer was so nice I ordered the same one twice!…read more I put in 20 miles hiking Rocky Mountain National Park in a day a half. I slept about 4 hours the night before to make it early for sunrise. To say that a few tasty beers were what the doctor ordered would be the understatement of the century! None of this matters, of course, to the good folks at Rocky Cut Brewing Company. This is off the main drag of Estes in an unassuming strip plaza. Humble vibes inside, a simple U-shaped bar top with seating all around, a few smaller tables, a community table, and a large patio with mostly picnic table seating. If you're lucky, snag a stool right along the Big Thompson River! Though, I recommend they fix the wooden placeholders for beers, they're leaning on the wrong side of history, we don't want any full glasses of beer reaching an unnecessary demise! Interference IPA * American IPA * 6.7% * 16oz ($7) From their website: "Climbing the Interference Boulder in Rocky Mountain National Park requires strength and power. This Colorado IPA showcases the power of hops with an intense blend forging citrus aromas with a pine forward finish. Featured ingredients: Cascade, El Dorado, Mosaic, Chinook, & Simcoe hops * Recommended adventure: hiking Black Lake, climbing the Twin Owls, skiing upper Hidden Valley." A perfectly apt description. I would summarize this beer just as they did, focusing on hops, citrus, and pine. Absolutely delicious, a memorable IPA in recent memory. I liked it so much I ordered it again and it tasted just as delicious the second time down! They also had a food truck outside, so safe to assume they do this often. Would love to try more of their beers during my next visit. Rock Cut, I see you!

Photos
Rock Cut Brewing Company - Front

Front

Rock Cut Brewing Company - Two GABG medals, not bad

Two GABG medals, not bad

Rock Cut Brewing Company - Galactic Portal

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Galactic Portal

Bird & Jim - Chocolate croissant, woodpecker, coffee, and cinnamon roll!

Bird & Jim

4.3(1.6k reviews)
0.5 mi
•$$

Excellent Food and Service in a Very Busy Estes Park Favorite…read more Executive Summary: A fantastic dinner with fresh, well-executed dishes, strong cocktails, and outstanding service. Easily a 5-star experience and highly recommended. We booked a 6:00 p.m. Sunday reservation through Resy and were seated immediately. The restaurant was very busy, which felt like a good sign. One thing to note: parking is VERY difficult. You may need to park kitty-corner at the grocery store lot and walk across. We started with the Beets & Bibb salad, which was outstanding--fresh, thinly sliced crunchy beets, crisp dried chickpeas for texture, grapes for sweetness, and a honey vinaigrette with just enough acidity to balance everything. The cornbread arrived warm and freshly baked with black garlic butter. It was light rather than dense and very enjoyable. For an entrée, the Carnivore was excellent. Both the elk and petite filet had a beautiful sear and were cooked perfectly to temperature, accompanied by a flavorful reduction and seared broccolini. Our second entrée was the trout with a side petite filet. The fish was well seasoned and cooked perfectly. By the end of dinner we were far too full to try the desserts, although they looked tempting. We also had a couple of cocktails--strong, flavorful pours. Our server, Ian, was friendly, efficient, and attentive throughout the evening. Excellent service despite how busy the restaurant was. Overall, Bird & Jim delivered great food, great drinks, and great service. Highly recommended--5 stars.

We have eaten here several times now. Each time is a very…read moredifferent experience. This restaurant can be very busy and crowded so be certain to make reservations. The cocktails are always spectacular and creative. We love the trio of spreads, smoked trout, pimento cheese and hummus. Bring your wallet and be prepared for the significant price tag. That being said, i have never seen pheasant chowder on a menu or hanger steak ravioli. Give this place a try, I think you'll be glad you did.

Photos
Bird & Jim - The bar

The bar

Bird & Jim - French Fries

French Fries

Bird & Jim - The chips are to die for! Absolute must try!

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The chips are to die for! Absolute must try!

Wapiti Colorado Pub

Wapiti Colorado Pub

3.7(592 reviews)
1.6 mi
•$$

We had a very good experience during our first visit to this restaurant, so on our last day in…read moreEstes Park it was an easy decision to return. The first time was very good but the second was even better. Our server, Ramis, was excellent. He was very friendly and told us about his summer internship in the US as a foreign student. His story was very interesting and we wish him the best of luck. Besides excellent service, the food was outstanding. The wife had the beef stroganoff and loved it. There was a lot of tender meat and the dish was very flavorful. I had the reuben and it was excellent. One of the best I have had. The fries were crispy and coated with a delicious seasoning. I also had a cup of the soup of the day, beef with vegetables and barley. It was very good and I was inspired to make my own after we returned. I again had the IPA and the wife had the peach lager and both were excellent. We visit Estes every two years or so and this place will definitely be on list the next time we are in Estes.

The ambience here is very nice. Comfortable and clean, situated near Nicky's resort and has some…read moreoutdoor seating. The food on the other is just ok. Nothing special. It was prime rib night and i was excited to order. The prime rib was blah and unseasoned. The baked potato was good. My husband ordered the pork tenderloin sandwich and it was not good. Very thin and dry, no sauce on the bun, he had to ask for mayo. Maybe our orders were a one-off because i see other reviews raving about the food here. Drinks, on the other hand were fantastic.

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Wapiti Colorado Pub - Oh yeah what a Bourbon selection

Oh yeah what a Bourbon selection

Wapiti Colorado Pub
Wapiti Colorado Pub - Margarita

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Margarita

Antlers Rooftop Tavern - Grilled peach salad

Antlers Rooftop Tavern

3.5(48 reviews)
1.9 mi

We decided to try Antlers Rooftop Tavern because we were excited about the rooftop views…read more Our server, Eren, was friendly, attentive, and made sure we were taken care of throughout our visit. There were a couple of mix-ups with our order, including Mezcal which has a very distinct taste accidentally being added to my margarita, and some incorrect side dishes but the staff handled everything quickly and professionally. Since the restaurant had only recently reopened with a new menu, the mistakes were understandable. I ordered the Smashburger with fries, and my friend had the chicken fajita sandwich with a salad. The food was delicious, and the prices were reasonable for the area. The rooftop offers beautiful views of Estes Park and is conveniently located right in the shopping district. The only downside was the orange barrier coverings around parts of the rooftop while renovations were being completed. They blocked some of the views and took away a bit of the ambiance. Once those renovations are finished, this will be an even better spot. Great food, attentive service, and a fantastic location, I would definitely visit again once the renovations are completed.

Food was really good. I had the chicken skewers which were delicious. My husband had his standard…read moreburger. But was cooked just right and both were served quickly. View is spectacular!

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Antlers Rooftop Tavern - Park Place Mall

Park Place Mall

Antlers Rooftop Tavern - Smash Burger

Smash Burger

Antlers Rooftop Tavern - Exterior of Antlers

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Exterior of Antlers

Claire's Restaurant and Bar - Prime Melt | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

Claire's Restaurant and Bar

3.8(1.1k reviews)
2.0 mi
•$$

The mains were hearty and well executed. The bacon cheeseburger was cooked right, with thick bacon,…read moremelted cheddar, and a toasted brioche bun. Lettuce, tomato, red onion, and house pickles come on the side so you can build it your way. The onion rings were big, golden, and crunchy, and well worth the upgrade. The fish and chips had a light, crispy batter and came with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, and tartar sauce. The comfort plate was a tender steak smothered in mushroom gravy with real mashed potatoes and sautéed squash, which was perfect on a cool Colorado evening. The kids' burger and fries were a hit too. A rich hot drink topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle was the perfect finish. Prices are fair for a tourist town, with burgers around $17-22 and appetizers in the low to mid teens. The menu also has a nice mocktail selection and plenty of local Estes Park beers for those who want them. It's relaxed and family-friendly, and the food is honest and satisfying. We'll be back next time we're up in Estes.

Cute place. We wanted breakfast but they apparently only do that on the weekends. We settled for…read morelunch. I got the club. It was good. The bread was very very toasted. Made a mess and kinda tore up the roof of my mouth. It was good though. The French dip was amazing. Next time I'll get that instead. The view is awesome. The weather was perfect to sit on the patio.

Photos
Claire's Restaurant and Bar - Inside of restaurants

Inside of restaurants

Claire's Restaurant and Bar - Baked Fontina | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

Baked Fontina | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

Claire's Restaurant and Bar - Prime Melt | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

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Prime Melt | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

The Rock Inn - musicvenues - Updated October 2026

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