We likely will for a night, or two. Hook us up my man
Edit: hotel recs too if you got.
Penelope's
On the west end of the main street in downtown Estes. Very good burgers and home cut fries. An Estes staple that's been there for 30+ years through one or two ownership changes. On the pricier end, but it's worth it (IMHO).
Bighorn Restaurant
A little further west past downtown on the main street (maybe 1/4 mile) than Penelope's. A breakfast staple for 30+ years. Standard diner fare at very reasonable prices (less than Denver in some respects). A little inconsistent at times but they generally have the best hashbrowns I've had (taste like pure butter when made right). If you all like pancakes, you're in luck - they're large and fluffy. Off menu special that I generally get is a #8 (hashbrowns, eggs, and toast/biscuit). There's a #7 and a #9 that are also off menu, but I'm drawing a blank as to what they involve (I think the #9 involves pancakes). Bighorn's food isn't otherworldly (except for the hashbrowns), but it's good food at a very reasonable price for a tourist town.
Smokin Dave's
Out on the SW side of town, maybe 10 minutes from downtown Estes. Neither the Mrs. nor I pretend to recognize good BBQ, but this is the best BBQ we've ever had in Colorado. The Estes location is the original one, but they've slowly expanded south into the Denver area in the last few years. Their beans are phenomenal. I would also recommend the beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken, cornbread, jalapeño hushpuppies, and fries. Brisket is my favorite but it's occasionally a little dry. Mrs. and the kids also like the cinnamon spiced apples a lot as a side (just not my thing). If you like things with a little heat, their spicy BBQ sauce is really damn good. There's usually a decent wait to eat in the restaurant, so we almost always order it for pickup. A little on the pricier end as well, but it makes good leftovers.
Mama Rosa's
Italian restaurant that's been open for many years. We've only had it delivered, but I think it's on the eastern edge of downtown Estes near the library. Prices are very high but the food has been very good (the couple of times we've ordered it).
Antonio's
Pizza restaurant that opened around 10 years ago I think. The Mrs. has been following them on social media for several years and it sounds like the owner is a really good guy. We finally tried it two years ago and the pizza is very good, albeit expensive. Not very good with food allergies though (if either of you all have any like my son).
The Post Chicken
I feel weird mentioning this place since it's originally based out of Denver and there's multiple locations in the Denver area, but it's worth a visit if nothing else in town sounds good for dinner. This one is located on the grounds of the Stanley Hotel. Really good fried chicken, mashed potatoes, etc. Great food.
Cinnamon's Bakery
Around 5-10 minutes west of downtown. We haven't personally tried this place yet, but my folks have been obsessed with it since it opened 7 years ago or so. As the name implies, phenomenal cinnamon rolls from what I understand.
Ed's Cantina
I don't know how this place is still in business. Garbage Mexican food - don't let anyone (locals or Google reviews) tell you otherwise. My parents told me it was terrible 25 years ago but I had never tried it. Took the Mrs. there years ago while we were engaged and found out my parents were right. The only highlight of this place (and the reason I mention it here) is that it has a claim to fame involving a lawsuit with the musician Jimmy Buffett. Remind me to tell you the story - kinda funny actually.
Found some more notes about attractions around town. Gimme a few min...
