Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [358]
GRAND LAKE AREA (WEST SIDE OF THE NATIONAL PARK)
Back-Street Steakhouse
In the Daven Haven Lodge, 604 Marina Dr. ☎ 970/627-8144. www.davenhavenlodge.com. Reservations recommended in summer and on winter weekends. Dining room main courses $13–$32, lounge menu $6–$13. DISC, MC, V. Summer and Christmas holidays Sun–Fri 5–9pm, Sat 5–10pm; winter Wed–Sat 5–9pm. Closed Nov and Apr. STEAKS.
This cozy, country inn–style restaurant offers fine dining in a down-home atmosphere. Steaks—from the 8-ounce filet mignon to the 12-ounce New York strip—are all USDA choice beef, cooked to perfection. We also suggest two house specialties: the Jack Daniel's pork chops (breaded, baked, and served with a creamy bourbon mushroom sauce) and brie and apple-stuffed chicken breast. Also on the menu are pasta, fish, and slow-roasted prime rib. The lounge serves sandwiches and light entrees, such as the smoked salmon and Creole fried oyster plate.
Chuck Hole Cafe
1131 Grand Ave. ☎ 970/627-3509. Main courses $3.95–$7.95. DISC, MC, V. Daily 7am–2pm. AMERICAN.
This small cafe serves traditional fare in a Western atmosphere accented with historic photos and prints. The place serves breakfast items such as omelets and pancakes; quick lunches include burgers and deli-style sandwiches.
E.G.'s Garden Grill
1000 Grand Ave. ☎ 970/627-8404. www.egscountryinn.com. Main courses $6–$10 lunch, $7–$28 dinner. AE, DISC, MC, V. Summer daily 11am–9pm; winter Sat–Wed 11am–9pm. NEW AMERICAN/SOUTHWESTERN.
If you want to experience innovative American cuisine served in a congenial setting, this eatery is hard to top. The large stone fireplace, trellised ceiling, and spacious outdoor beer garden give this restaurant a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The menu offers variations on traditional American dishes, often with a Southwestern flair. Although the menu changes seasonally, house specialties usually include a variety of fish and seafood dishes, such as mustard catfish with jalapeño tartar sauce and jicama slaw, Maine lobster, and tortilla-crusted ruby red trout. We also like the baby-back ribs with E.G.'s homemade barbecue sauce. Pizza, sandwiches, soups and salads, and a children's menu are available.
Grand Lake Lodge Restaurant
15500 U.S. 34. ☎ 970/627-3185. www.grandlakelodge.com. Lunch main courses $7.25–$8.95; dinner buffet $20 adults, $9.95 children 4–12; Sun brunch $23 adults, $9.95 children 4–12. AE, DISC, MC, V. Mon–Sat 7:30–10am and 11:30am–2:30pm; Sun brunch 8:30am–1pm; daily 5:30–9pm. Closed early Sept to early June. Take U.S. 34 north ½ mile from Grand Lake (or ½ mile south of the park entrance) and turn east (watch for sign) onto entrance road. AMERICAN.
Come here to enjoy a lunch on the sunny front porch (see "Where to Stay," earlier) overlooking Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Reservoir. The lunch menu includes soups, salads, and favorites such as buffalo or Angus beef burgers, a Reuben, or Cajun crawfish quiche. For dinner, the buffet includes a large salad bar, three entree choices (including a carving station), and all sorts of side dishes and homemade desserts. There is also a very ample Sunday champagne brunch buffet. Appetizers are available in the bar from 2:30 to 4:30pm daily.
Picnic & Camping Supplies
The Country Supermarket, 900 Moraine Ave., Estes Park (☎ 970/586-2702), is less than a mile from the Beaver Meadows entrance to the park in a small shopping center. Outside the Fall River Entrance Station, adjacent to the Fall River Visitor Center, Rocky Mountain Gateway, 3450 Fall River Rd. (☎ 970/ 516-3183), contains a large gift shop and a convenience store with groceries, camping supplies, and clothing. Those looking for top-quality camping and outdoor sports equipment should stop at Outdoor World, downtown at 156 E. Elkhorn Ave. (☎ 970/586-2114), or Estes Park Mountain Shop, 2050 Big Thompson