The filet mignon is excellent, outside views of Mt. Crested Butte are fantastic. The bread with garlic butter is heavenly. The sides are plenty for two, try the mushroom risotto. The steaks come with big garlic cloves and you should eat them all with your steak. No need for fancy sauces! read more

This is an amazing place with the highest quality food and service. From the foie gras to the cheesecake and everything in between, we all loved it. We shared bites and the elk was divine as were the lamb lollipops and ahi tuna. The only suggestion we had was to tone down the salt in the duck dish. We will definitely be back! read more

We took my two boys, 9 &12, to have a nice dinner. Food and service was excellent. Duck wings- who makes duck wings? They were fantastic. I will always look down on chicken wings for now on. Apps and steak were perfectly cooked and flavorful. Chicken fried steak was spot on and a better cut of steak than what you find in other restaurants. We liked it so much we went back two nights later. We will definitely go back to Elk Prime when in Crested Butte. read more

Our waitress was nice and attentive. The food was good, lots of different cuts of meat and side dishes to mix up. Did feel it was a little high priced, like NYC steakhouse prices, but it definitely was good. read more

The ribeye was good but way overpriced at $48 with no sides. My wife ordered a steak from the bar menu and it was ok. Sides were good. Smoked trout dip was excellent as was the farmers market mule. Recommend eating and ordering from the bar. read more

Elk avenue prime is the ideal Colorado steakhouse. I was thoroughly impressed with the brussel sprouts and crab cake. The lobster bisque was too thick and heavy. The wild game trio was incredible, along with the bone in filet which was also delightful. I was very very pleased with the preparedness of the meats and the breadbasket. I could eat the sides for days, maybe even years. The truffle Mac and cheese was delicious. Closing comments: bread pudding dessert didn't fit my perfect picture of a bread pudding. I approve this restaurant. read more

The original review was written before the new owner took over. As of 2/17 the restaurant has improved dramatically. I highly recommend it even though a bit expensive. Steak always is!! read more

One of the reasons I created my yelp account (finally). What a wonderful meal, I have never ever had better elk tenderloin in my life! WOW! Great wine selection too, this will definitely be a place I return to! read more

Can't get enough of this place. Love it. If you can't find a happy place here, you need to reevaluate. Hands-on Owners. Great steak and wine list. Atmosphere is the best. read more

See all

Off-season in Crested Butte can be totally awesome - like Elk Ave Prime being open but not completely full on a Sunday night at 6:00! Our waitress was fantastic, the cocktails were delicious (my favorite was the ginger Cosmo!) and dinner was totally awesome! We started with salads, which were very good and nice-sized. I ordered the bone-in rib-eye for dinner, cooked medium, and a side of oven-roasted vegetables. The steak was cooked perfectly and was SOOO good! The vegetables...well, they were not so great, but I didn't come to Elk Ave Prime for the vegetables, so I can move past that. My husband ordered the lamb chops dinner special, which came with mushroom risotto, and everything was cooked perfectly and was delicious...and the risotto...oh, it was delicious! For dessert, we ordered the cherry cobbler - takes a few minutes to be baked, but is worth the wait (seriously, it's not long...8 minutes maybe?)! The wine list: it is definitely robust and worth checking out! read more

Another of the must eat at places in Crested Butte, make your reservations! Had the brussel's sprouts appetizer, so amazing, along with the bone in buffalo ribeye! read more

The best filet mignon and salmon! The tempura Brussel sprouts were good too, as well as the veges and potatoes served with the meals.

We had a very disappointing experience at this restaurant. My aunt and I both ordered the ahi tuna as our entrees, a dish we have both had many times before at other restaurants and never had an issue with. Seconds after taking my first bite of the fish, my mouth started to burn. It tasted like it had been marinated in pure salt, which I later realized was actually a peppery taste. I have never experienced such a terrible sensation in my mouth. The waiter of course offered to take it back and brought out a piece with no seasoning or sauce because I thought it had to have been from that. This new piece made my mouth burn even worse, my tongue was beginning to swell and the roof of my mouth felt numb. My mother and uncle both tasted it and felt the same sensation. My aunt's mouth was also burnt from her tuna, but she did not experience the reaction as immediately. We knew this couldn't be an allergy if 4 members of my family had the same reaction. We did some research when we got home and discovered that we were actually given food poisoning by this restaurant, and the fish developed histamine toxicity from not being refrigerated properly. The symptoms of this food poisoning are "burning in the mouth" and "peppery taste while eating". The most disappointing part of this experience is that the waiter made us feel like something was wrong with our taste buds and that it couldn't possibly be something wrong with the fish. He lied to us, telling us the chef approved the fish by tasting it himself. If he had really tasted it, he would have had the same reaction as us. The chef, nor the owner who was there and aware of the situation, did not bother to come to our table to apologize or make sure we were okay. They even charged us for one of the orders of the clearly poisoned fish and forced us to pay a 20% tip on an $800 meal. When my father called the restaurant to alert them of the food poisoning, the owner did not apologize or even ask if I was doing okay. We're completely disgusted by the lack of integrity, empathy, and customer service of this restaurant. read more

This was one of the most enjoyable dining experiences I've had in years! We had a party of 9 and the service was prompt and attentive without ever making us feel rushed. Everything we had was delicious, the Brussels sprout appetizer was one of our favorites. The steaks were superb! We all walked away talking about the warm and friendly wait staff,impeccable service! It was a bit of a splurge for us, but completely worth it! read more

The Brussel sprouts are to die for, the steaks were superb and cooked exactly to order. The sides are great!! Service was fantastic, the wine list was a good selection. Definitely not a place you want to miss!! read more

This place during the towns tourist seasons is pretty busy. I really do wish you luck on getting a seat. The food quality from my view is good but, not the best. I got the Bistro Fillet and a appetizer of the pommesfrites fries. The fries were over all the best fries you can get. The Bistro Fillet I ordered was more rare than I ordered, so I asked it to be recooked. It was over all crunchy outside with a softer inside. It was not very flavorful and I did not like the fillet much. They have a lot of other items on the menu that I have not tried but, recommend you trying. read more

Listen... quit searching for where you want to eat and go here. The food, service and wine are beyond anything you will find anywhere. I had yack and the flavor was amazing! Don't miss out on the smoked potatoes au gratin. read more

From top to bottom a classy steak house in the heart of Creste Butte, CO. Elk Prime has a good environment that makes you feel warm and comfortable. They were very busy when we went and thankfully we made reservations or there would not have been room so call ahead! Started off with some drinks which were all done well especially the hot toddy. Salads were awesome and their wedge salad is done properly with a delicious blue cheese dressing. I ordered the Buffalo sirloin and nearly lost my mind with how tasty it was and was cooked to a perfect medium rare. The one down side is you think you are getting a huge cut but there was a lot of fat. Ordered the mac and cheese as a side to share and it was plenty big enough for the two and very good as well. I don't knock them for this but definitely something to be aware of is the prices. The group I was with tends too go for the higher end items but no one was walking out at under $40 a person for the entree alone, but considering you're in the mountains with the snow covered peaks as a back drop any meal is going to be kicked up a level both in experience and price so heads up bring your wallet! Overall it was a meal I'll think fondly of as I think of my Christmas 2015 in Creste Butte, CO. PS: I know I didn't really touch on service much but the waitress we had was just fine and had no issues to report. read more

We had a party of four, two of which had eaten here before. One of our group was a vegetarian and consequently ordered the cauliflower steak. The steaks that three ordered were cooked properly and were very tasty. I must say though that the price to quality was not good. I have had steaks better than these for half the price (and got side dishes as well). The cauliflower steak was just not edible and the guest did mention the lack of flavor ..."It tasted like just plain old steamed cauliflower." The wine was way over priced. If you're going to charge these prices you could at least have cushions on the hard metal seat on the patio. read more

I love this place. Their Elk Ave Gin & Tonic was divine. Eliot gave us the best service I've ever had. If you want a fantastic dining experience I highly recommend you go to Elk Ave and request Eliot. I didn't know service could get so good! read more

Less than impressed. I had eaten in this restaurant before and don't remember feeling so disappointed. I ordered the wagyu flatiron steak and it was totally undercooked and to top that off they sliced it for me. So they should have seen it was rare not medium rare. I really wanted a rib eye but the only offering was 18oz. I can't possibly begin to eat that much meat and I didn't want a filet. The only other offering with a small cut. It was so cold in the restaurant that my meal was freezing cold before I could even get half way through. I also felt like I was being Nickle and dimed. If I am paying $60 for a piece of meat I think they should include at least one side. (Another person at our table had this) Or the restaurant needs to be run as a 5 star restaurant. When I have to pour my water from a pitcher on the table I expect cheaper prices. If I am paying $60 for a cut of meat I expect service like Ruth's Chris or better. I also expect a perfect cut of meat. I don't think I will return to this place unless I hear the meat is better or the prices are reduced. I get that you are charged more for resort town eating but this place does not provide good value for the money spent. read more

This place doesn't even deserve one star that I was forced to give it. Ridiculously over priced. The steaks were not cooked properly. Everything we ordered was undercooked - specifically, the scalloped potatoes, with tasted like uncooked potatoes mixed with cheese. The service was unbearably slow and impossible to get even a second plate of bread to the table. Also, don't order the salad, you'll get four pieces of lettuce. For the price you have to pay ($45 dollar entrees and up) I would expect MUCH, much more. If you're in Crested Butte and want to find a great place to eat, forget the Elk Prime and go to the Marchitelli's Gourmet Noodle - by far the best service and food in CB. Trust me, you don't want to go to Elk Prime. You are sure to leave disappointed. read more

My friend and I felt like burgers, and we were walking down Elk Ave and thought the burger price on the menu must have been a mistake at $8 (this is a high end steak house). But we went in. The burger is only available at the bar. It is AMAZING. The combo of pork belly and beef gives it a very distinct different taste. We've had burgers all over the country at this point and this is in my top 2 - it's my friends #1 burger ever. If you're in CB you should def swing by. read more

Best burger in town! Great service and food and love the bar environment. Awesome prices too and the drinks are great! Five stars and I come here all the time! read more

The food was cold and slow to arrive.....the waiter was great and very apologetic but the new owner was nothing short of affected and rude. We were warned by several people that he has a bad attitude and it was not until we dined over the holidays that we experienced it for ourselves. Certainly not as hospitable nor the caliber of the former restaurant MAXWELLS, their service and owners were extremely customer focused. I would pass, there are plenthy of better places to spend your money in CB. read more

We celebrated a big birthday, and they really delivered on food and service. Everyone was very pleased with their meals, ranging from steaks to game to salmon. The meats are local. Dining is pricey here, but you can also spend less on the bar menu, which we enjoyed a different night--awesome burger and salad. The wine selection is vast. My only suggestion is make the portion size more generous for the pricier items, e.g., foie gras, and some of the sides, e.g. asparagus. That would get 5 stars. read more

Excellent dining experience. Great service, great atmosphere, great town. Steak was done to perfection and there wasn't a complaint at our table. Highly recommend the smoked potatoes and the brussel sprouts as sides. read more

Had s fabulous meal. Filet was cooked to perfection as was the peppercorn sauce. Caesar salad with brown anchovies was perfect as well. My friends tuna was seared and as rare as possible the wedge salad was huge and could have been split easily. We expected to pay to dollar and weren't disappointed in the least. I would highly recommend this steakhouse for a splurge read more

We haven't even had dinner here yet, but we're happy with Elk Avenue Prime already. We came into town for Thanksgiving and our house wasn't finished yet. Roasting a turkey in a condo just sounded stressful. I figured our turkey was going to end up dry anyway, so I might as well let someone else do the work. Boy, was I wrong. Almost everyone in our family commented on how moist and flavorful the turkey was. Gravy was delicious too (and as Southerners, we're picky about our gravy, so that's high praise.) Curtis was downright charming. We will definitely come back----I may never cook Thanksgiving again! read more

I highly recommend Elk Ave Prime. We were in town for 3 nights and visited each night. We sat at the bar each time. Great happy hour prices on premium liquor. We ate dinner twice there. Food was excellent! The bar staff was friendly and fun. We saw the owner there each night. He was very attentive and checked in on us to make sure we were having a good time. We will definitely be back and have already recommended to our friends that will be coming in to town soon. read more

Definitely an upgrade to Maxwell's that was previously in this location. Steaks were excellent. Lobster mac & cheese and creamed corn also fabulous. Overall a little pricey, but elk tenderloin was well worth it. Owner / chef checking on everyone at their tables was a nice extra touch. We'll come back every year. read more

We were there over 4th of July and while I will admit the cuts were good, they were ridiculously overpriced. I ordered the lobster bisque as a starter expecting a nice portion for the $10 price tag and yet all I received was a CUP of cream. The only lobster I saw was the measly pieces of garnish topped off with, incredibly disappointing! My boyfriend ordered the 16 oz Rib Eye cooked medium which came to the table very rare, had to send that back. Also had to send the 2nd margarita back (which WE NEVER DO... alcohol is alcohol right?). Perhaps we're just spoiled having many steak experiences to choose from in the Dallas Metro and we absolutely have no problem paying for a meal we feel worth the money, but Elk Ave Prime fell very short! We chalked it up "it was okay but definitely not worth it" and you kind of expect paying more in the resort areas. read more

This place is very over priced for what it is. I had New York strip for $52 + $8 side and let me explain the taste.. First off it had zero flavor second the meat was dry! The only taste I had from it was charcoal. The guest that was with me for dinner had short ribs and the meat was raw at a cost of $38. Sad part is I couldn't say anything to our waitress because they only can back to drop the check and leave..... Very expensive and very poor quality of food think twice before you eat here! read more

We were spending our Christmas in Crested Butte and selected this restaurant for our Christmas dinner. The first disappointing thing was that there were no Christmas decorations. We asked the waitress about it and she said that there were new owners and they elected to put more tables in and no decorations. However, I saw lots of spaces for decorations without losing table space. Also, what about the outside of the restaurant. All of the business in CB are very festively decorated. We should have left right then but we were afraid we wouldn't get a reservation elsewhere. So, equally disappointing was the food. They were out of their two specialties, the elk steak and the mushrooms. My husband ordered the buffalo steak and it was horrible. It was so tough and hardly edible. My daughter ordered the prime rib and it was fair. The only thing good was the Brussels sprout appetizer. The wait staff was friendly and the service was good during the meal. The waitress never came towards the end and asked if everything was ok. The next day my husband was still kicking himself for not returning that $52 steak. We just didn't want to be negative on Christmas eve, which probably wouldn't have bothered them since obviously they do not observe Christmas anyway. I would recommend one make another selection in CB? read more

Our family ate here for a fathers day treat. My husband and I both ordered 18oz rib-eyes. When they arrived at the table we couldn't help but notice their strikingly different appearance. Mine a classic rib-eye cut, with buttery fat throughout. His on the other hand was twice as thick and lacking in the fatty marbling. While both steaks were delicious they were definitely different cuts. When we asked the chef about this we were told that one was an end cut. While this may be, I think that two people at the same table ordering the same product should be able to observe consistency. At $60 a pop expectations are high after all. The other two in our party, being 11 year olds, opted for the kids size steak and fries. What they received was a laughable nugget of meat along side small, stale, inedible fries. The only thing that saved us from having to take them out for a slice of pizza after was the appetizer of fried brussel sprouts (which were absolutely delicious) and a side order of macaroni and cheese. All in all it wasn't a complete bust but next time we visit the lovely town of Crested Butte I think we will save ourselves $200 and just get a pizza. read more