Going to be out in CO on the 26th doing some hiking.  Looking for recommendations on where to eat in Colorado Springs and Estes Park areas.  I also plan on visiting Vail and Aspen when I'm out that way, but I won't be staying in either place except for a day trip while I'm close to the springs still.

My food preferences are anything but fish.  Anything else goes and my price range is whatever, but its highly doubtful i'll spend one than $50 per person, but if there is a place totally worth it, I would consider going higher.

I was in the Springs over the weekend, ate at Phantom Canyon. It was good, wish I could have tried lots of stuff on the menu.







 

In Estes, go eat dinner at the Wapiti Pub.  Elk and buffalo burgers, good beer list, all around a good place.

If they're still open, go to the Glen Haven General Store for an amazing cinnamon roll.  They'll probably be closed by then, though.  If that fails, be sure to grab a donut at the Donut Haus, but get there early as they'll sell out early in the day.  Maybe not so much that late in the season, but do it just to be safe.

Jake and telly's greek restaurant in Colorado springs (old Colorado city)

great food

youre welcome

I'll endorse Jake and Telly's on old Colorado City section of Colorado Springs and the Phantom Canyon in downtown Colo Spgs. Those are my fav places too.

I haven't really had a memorable meal in Estes Park to be frank, but there is a diner on the west side of Estes called The Other Side at Hwy 36 and Moraine that is OK.

Estes Park...Smokin Daves BBQ. Ate there 3-4x in the last couple of years, never had a bad meal. Prices seem reasonable, you can download a menu. Always packed. Tip, They don't take reservations but I've called and they have put my name on the list as long as I get there within 15 minutes.

The Stanley Hotel is in Estes as well. That is where Stephen King got the idea for The Shining. Little fact for ya: Stephen King was pissed that the movie wasn't filmed there so he directed the mini series that he filmed there. The history tour (not the ghost tour, unless you are into that kind of thing) is quite interesting. They also have a whiskey bar that has 580 labels. It's quite a place.

Enjoy

Monica's Taco Shop in the Springs for a breakfast burrito, it's a heart attack on a tortilla.  El Taco Rey east side of downtown for Mexican, the avocado pork burrito smothered in green chile is legendary.  They close early, though.  La Casita isn't bad either.

http://www.eltacorey.com/

http://lacasitamexigrill.com/

Gotta warn you against Smokin Daves if you're used to real BBQ of any sort.

Perhaps being from Kansas City ruined most other BBQ for me, but Smokin' Dave's is not really that good IMO.  YMMV!

Bah.

Go get a burger at Penelope's in Estes.  Old school greasy burger and fries.  

burgers

I used to like Meadow Muffins in Colorado Springs,  but it's been a while so can't vouch for current quality.  Also like the Dunraven Inn in Estes park is great Italian food.

Meadow Muffins is closed now.  For breakfast or lunch, King's Chef Diner downtown (either the original small diner, or their brick&mortar location).  It's been featured on Triple-D; order the Grump or the Grouch.  For chain BBQ, Rudy's.

Molly Bs in Estes. Best home cookin. Eat there every time we go up

I wouldn't recommend Rudy's unless they want to spend 20-45 minutes waiting in line...