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    Trail Ridge

    3.8 (6 reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque, Sandwiches

    Trail Ridge Photos

    TRAIL RIDGE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Trail Ridge

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    Trail Ridge Store and Cafe Entrance
    Michael S.

    The Trail Ridge Store & Cafe is an excellent stopping spot as you make your way through Rocky Mountain National Park on Trail Ridge Road. At 11,796 feet and above tree-line, the view from the long cafe windows offer a view like no other. The bathrooms are clean while the store is full of souvenirs and gear. The food is pretty standard cafeteria offerings with most of it pre-packaged. There's no competition up here, so, just be thankful that there is a place to escape the elements and get something warm to eat (or wear). The coolest part of my visit to Trail Ridge wasn't the photo opportunities. Sure, those were nice, but I was more excited about seeing a llama when I walked out of the cafe/store entrance. It wasn't a wild llama. It was in the back of a park ranger pick-up truck just going for a ride (standing up). I have no idea how or why it was there, but the llama looked like one a bad ass animal. There's no internet service, so, forget about checking in. You're in the middle of the Rocky Mountain National Park on a mountain and should just be thankful for a large parking lot, warm shelter, clean restrooms, and cafe selling some hot caffeine.

    the sign for the store and cafe

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    26 days ago

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    Scratch Deli and Bakery - Carrot Cake

    Scratch Deli and Bakery

    4.5(469 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    I had an absolute 5-star experience at Scratch Deli and Bakery! We needed some sandwiches to bring…read morewith us into the park to give us energy for a day of hiking, and this place delivered perfectly. We ordered two different kinds of sandwiches, and both were absolutely phenomenal. The flavor was completely on point, everything was so fresh, and they make it right in front of you. The deli is run by a super cute couple, and you can tell how much care they put into their business. We happened to visit during the shoulder season, so luckily the line wasn't very long. However, I've heard from others that this place is super popular, and during the peak summer season, there is usually a line waiting right out the door, and after eating here, I can totally see why! In fact, we loved it so much that we tried to go back the very next day, but unfortunately, they were closed (they are closed two days of the week, so be sure to check their hours!). I highly recommend stopping by Scratch Deli and Bakery. It is a must-visit spot, and we will definitely be back the next time we are in town!

    As we were about to enter Rocky Mountain Natl Park our first day, we knew we needed lunch to go…read more I found this place on Yelp and it had such great reviews we decided to give it a try. All of their meats are cured in house and served on their fresh baked bread each day. They are vegetarian friendly and offer vegan and gluten free options. They also offer breakfast items like burritos. Be aware their sandwiches are loaded with ingredients and big. I could only eat half of my sandwich. I do appreciate the size though as you never know how hungry you are going to be after a long hike especially in this altitude. We went with the turkey sandwich and added cheese, all kinds of toppings and a spread. These sandwiches were very tasty and all the veggies on the sandwich were so fresh. Their baked goods looked so inviting especially the cinnamon rolls. I will have to come back! Service was efficient and helpful. Parking can be a bit of a challenge when they are busy. It was the perfect stop before entering the park!

    Photos
    Scratch Deli and Bakery - Various muffins

    Various muffins

    Scratch Deli and Bakery - Pecan rolls

    Pecan rolls

    Scratch Deli and Bakery - Salads

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    Salads

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

    Bird & Jim

    4.4(1.6k reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    Great food and really nice people! I also loved the dining space and it had a great atmosphere…read more Definitely a place I'd recommend!

    My new favorite restaurant in Estes Park! Flavorful food, unique and delicious cocktails, and they…read morehave parking. It has a rustic ambiance perfect for the Mountains. My Hogback Sour Cocktail was over the moon. Made from bourbon, lemon, simple syrup, egg white, and Cabernet float. The unique blend made a great drink. I wanted more, but held back because we were hiking later. My wife's traditional slightly dirty martini was perfectly made as well. We started with the homemade chips and dip. Nice crispy chips with beautiful fresh made onion dip. Next came the Pheasant soup. I wanted to lick the bowl clean, it was so yummy. The main course for me was the carnivore plate with elk, filet, sausage, and broccoli/shallots. The elk meat was the star on my plate. Having that next to the filet mignon allowed me to taste test them in real time. The Elk meat won hands down. Not even close in my opinion. The sausage was packed with wonderful flavors, but after a few bites overwhelmed my palette. My wife had the Creamy Potato Gnocchi Bowl. We both shared each other's dishes. She loved the Elk Meat. I really enjoyed the Gnocchi, and wished it could be a side dish to my Elk meat. Service was great with Elizabeth checking on us at the right times. Tip: Ask for the postcard and the restaurant will send it out for you after you fill it out. Tip: the restaurant fills up quickly, so call ahead and get a reservation.

    Photos
    Bird & Jim - The bar

    The bar

    Bird & Jim - French Fries

    French Fries

    Bird & Jim - Diet Coke® ($4)

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    Diet Coke® ($4)

    The Bird's Nest - Chocolate croissant,  coffee and cinnamon roll

    The Bird's Nest

    4.1(138 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    What happens when you combine the passions and expertise of two established restauranteurs into a…read morenew and exciting venture? You get the new and improved "Bird's Nest." We were fortunate enough to attend the "soft opening" for brunch today and all I can say is WOW! Prior to this John put his heart and soul into Bird & Jim (across the street) while Rob ran the top restaurant in Estes Park (Seasoned Bistro). The Bird's Nest (which operates seven days a week) will now offer brunch Thurs-Sunday. Our experience was delightful and delicious. Some of the old favorites from Seasoned are back along with some new tasty dishes. The views from the second story are as stunning as anything you will see in Estes Park. There is nothing like this in Estes Park so put it at the top of your list of things to do in Estes.

    I can see why many people like this place. Hell, I dig the space and the concept. Just the…read moreexecution of the pizza wasn't up to par. Right outside Rocky Mountain National Park, and directly across from their main outpost, Bird & Jim. This place serves it all: coffee, smoothies, breakfast, baked goods, pizza, salads, soups, wraps, etc. Each menu varies depending on the time of day obviously. The space itself is gorgeous, and not something you'd expect in a mountain town. The high ceilings and massive windows allow you to soak up any mountain and sunset views. They have a nice little patio outside and yes, you'll probably see elk grazing across the street! The pizza left more to be desired. I ordered a simple margherita ($18) and an Odell beer. I would've prefered the pizza to be cooked for another minute in the oven personally, but that's not a knock on them. It desperately needed salt. In the dough and on the tomatoes. The tomatoes slid right off every time I tried to take a bite. It was just severely under-seasoned and really didn't have any flavor at all. I would actually come back here because I do like restaurant concepts like these that offer different experiences throughout the day. A great place to hang out and recharge. I will stick with breakfast and coffee next time!

    Photos
    The Bird's Nest
    The Bird's Nest - Perfect pair.  Almond croissant and Oso house blend.

    Perfect pair. Almond croissant and Oso house blend.

    The Bird's Nest - Upstairs seating area, so nice!

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    Upstairs seating area, so nice!

    River's Edge - Pulled pork sandwich, waffle fries, baked beans, brisket tacos.

    River's Edge

    4.4(9 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    Hard for me to decide 3 or 4 stars. The person working was nice, setup was cool and place was…read moreclean, nice location by the river. Enjoyed the sandwich but coleslaw fell flat. The trailer is set up in the Rock Shop parking lot so you can tour some gift shops. It's a nice big bbq and the smell draws you in. The lady was working all day going back and forth tending the meat so you can tell they're smart with it. Prices are average but the sides I think are too much at $5 each. I got a Pork sandwich for ten bucks and a side of slaw. Other sides were potato salad, beans, and others I probably should have got instead. I love coleslaw with bbq pork sandwiches since you can add it on top for a nice contrast with the meat. The pork was tasty and juicy but a tad plain. The sauce was a tomato based bbq sauce that was good but I like it a bit sweeter and thinner. But there's a hundred ways to make sauce so it was fine. The coleslaw, which I expected to be pretty good for five bucks, was the sloppiest presentation and effort. They opened a grocery store bag of cabbage and carrots, and threw on way too much store bought Lighthouse dressing. How do I know? Cause I buy the same thing, but you're supposed to mix it together, chill it, and season it a bit. Rather than proper bbq slaw, this is salad with coleslaw dressing. When you mix it earlier, the veges soak in the flavor. And adding some vinegar helps get the taste right. Haven't tried the other sides but hopefully they're a bit better. Might stop again but not till they abandon that store bought stuff.

    What a great treat! I ordered the brisket quesadilla and it was so good with the melted cheese. Not…read moregreasy! It even got better seating in an Adirondack chair by the creek side listening to the water. So relaxing! I might have put my feet in the water. Great relief from hiking boots. This place is definitely on our list to return to for our next visit. Enjoy! I have to add that I was so relaxed I forgot my purse on Thursday. To make a long story short, some really nice person turned it in to the food truck. After calling & leaving a message, the security guy called back to say my purse was safely found and placed in a secure place. Thank you all involved in finding it:))) It is great to know there are still honest and kind people in the world!!!

    Photos
    River's Edge - Mountain View's

    Mountain View's

    River's Edge - "Slaw" salad

    "Slaw" salad

    River's Edge

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    Trail Ridge - bbq - Updated September 2026

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