Antlers Rooftop Tavern sits on the third floor above downtown Estes Park, delivering panoramic Rocky Mountain views alongside elevated pub fare. The rooftop patio packs craft cocktails, Colorado game meats, and local brews with scenery that changes dramatically from snow-capped winter peaks to summer's green mountains. It's the spot where locals and tourists gather after hiking Rocky Mountain National Park.
Location & Hours
📍 145 E Elkhorn Ave (3rd Floor), Estes Park • 📞 (970) 586-3330
🕐 Sun–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10pm • 🅿️ Street parking (metered) • 🎯 3rd floor rooftop • ⏰ Sunset 6–8pm best
Perched directly above downtown Estes Park on Elkhorn Avenue. Access through main building entrance, take stairs or elevator to third floor. The rooftop opens to 360-degree mountain views that justify the climb.
Street parking fills fast during summer peak season (June-August). Arrive before 5pm or after 8pm for better parking luck. Metered spots run $2/hour with 2-hour limits. Several paid lots exist within two blocks.
💡 Pro Tip: Call ahead for rooftop availability during peak summer weekends. The patio fills by 6pm. Indoor seating offers similar views through floor-to-ceiling windows if weather doesn't cooperate.
Menu Highlights
💵 Appetizers $12–18 • Burgers $16–19 • Entrees $22–32 • Kids menu $8–12 • 🍺 Beers $6–9 • 🍹 Cocktails $11–14
The menu leans Colorado-inspired with game meats, locally sourced ingredients, and elevated pub fare. Portions are substantial—most entrees easily feed hungry hikers fresh off the trails.
Must-Try Dishes
Bison Smash Burger ($18) — Locally sourced bison patty, house-made toppings, brioche bun. Cooked medium-rare unless specified. Add elk bacon ($3) if you're feeling adventurous. Comes with hand-cut fries that arrive hot and crispy.
Harvest Harmony Flatbread ($16) — Seasonal flatbread changes based on what's fresh. Summer version includes grilled peaches, arugula, balsamic reduction, goat cheese. Perfect for sharing while watching sunset. Light enough to save room for drinks.
Rocky Mountain Oysters ($14) — Yes, actual bull testicles battered and fried. Taste like fried chicken more than seafood. Comes with ranch and cocktail sauce. Order them as conversation starter or dare. Locals eat them regularly.
Rattlesnake Sausage Dip ($15) — Creamy cheese dip with rattlesnake sausage, served with tortilla chips and vegetables. Rattlesnake tastes mild, similar to chicken. Good introduction to game meat if bison intimidates you.
Elk Chili ($12 cup / $16 bowl) — House-made with Colorado elk, beans, peppers. Topped with cheddar, sour cream, green onions. Order the bowl on cold mountain days. Rich, hearty, fills you up fast.
💡 Pro Tip: The bison burger runs out during peak dinner hours (6-8pm). Order it early or call ahead to confirm availability. Kitchen doesn't substitute beef if bison is gone—they'll suggest the elk meatloaf instead.
Drinks & Cocktails
House margaritas pack fresh ingredients with quality tequila—skip the frozen, get it on the rocks. Bartenders muddle fresh fruit for seasonal options like peach or huckleberry depending on availability.
Beer selection features Estes Park Brewery prominently—they're local and good. Other Colorado craft breweries rotate through taps. Full liquor bar handles classic cocktails competently. Wine list exists but beer and cocktails are where they shine.
Happy hour runs weekdays 3-6pm with $2 off select drinks and appetizers. Not advertised heavily but bartenders confirm if you ask. Doesn't apply to premium cocktails or top-shelf liquor.
The Rooftop Patio Experience
360-degree mountain views surround the rooftop from every angle. Longs Peak dominates the western skyline. Rocky Mountain National Park peaks create the backdrop. Downtown Estes Park spreads below with Elkhorn Avenue activity visible.
Heaters and fire pits extend the season into shoulder months. Spring and fall evenings get chilly—bring layers. Summer afternoons can hit 80°F on the rooftop with intense sun. Winter service moves mostly indoors with limited heated patio seating.
Dogs welcome on the patio with water bowls provided. Staff are friendly to four-legged hikers. Families with kids fit the vibe—casual, relaxed, not stuffy. Live music happens summer weekends, usually acoustic guitar or small bands.
Best Times to Visit
Sunset timing varies seasonally—summer sunsets happen 8-8:30pm, winter around 5pm. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to claim rooftop table. Saturday evenings in July and August require patience or reservations if they're taking them.
Lunch crowds thin after 1:30pm. Weekday afternoons (2-5pm) offer the quietest rooftop experience. Post-hike crowds surge 5-6pm when everyone finishes Rocky Mountain National Park day trips. Late night (after 8:30pm) shifts to bar crowd with fewer diners.
💡 Pro Tip: Check weather forecast before going. Mountain weather changes fast—sunny morning doesn't guarantee clear sunset. Staff can't predict if views will be obscured by afternoon storms. Call ahead if weather looks questionable.
Perfect After Rocky Mountain National Park
📍 From RMNP Beaver Meadows entrance: 5 minutes drive • 🚶 Downtown walkable from park shuttles
Located minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park's main entrance makes it natural post-hike destination. Casual atmosphere welcomes sweaty hikers, muddy boots, trail dirt. No dress code. Staff understand you've been outdoors all day.
Service runs faster than typical mountain restaurants. Food arrives 15-20 minutes after ordering during non-peak times. Kitchen handles volume well even when packed. Good for hungry hikers who don't want to wait an hour.
Large portions justify the prices—$18 burger includes substantial sides. Entrees feed one hungry hiker or two light eaters. Split appetizers and entree if you're not starving from a 10-mile trail day.
What to Order Based on Your Taste
First-timers: Bison smash burger gives you Colorado game without being too adventurous. Add a house margarita for the full experience. Both are consistently good and represent what Antlers does best.
Adventurous eaters: Go for Rocky Mountain oysters as appetizer, then rattlesnake sausage dip. Follow with elk chili. Order the Lone Ranger cocktail. You'll have stories for home.
Playing it safe: Harvest flatbread works as light meal or shared appetizer. House salads are fresh and substantial. Regular beef burger available if game meat doesn't appeal. Beer selection is excellent.
Budget-conscious: Visit for drinks and appetizers during happy hour (3-6pm weekdays). Split the flatbread and rattlesnake dip between two people. Skip entrees, enjoy sunset, save $30 per person.
Families with kids: Kids menu offers standard fare (chicken strips, burger, mac & cheese) for $8-12. High chairs available. Rooftop railing is secure. Dogs and kids both welcome creates relaxed family vibe.
Know Before You Go
Reservations accepted for parties of 6+ but not required for smaller groups. Walk-ins usually get seated within 15-30 minutes during peak times. Put name on waitlist, explore downtown shops, they'll text when ready.
Dress code is mountain casual—hiking clothes, jeans, t-shirts all fine. Estes Park doesn't do fancy. People show up in trail gear regularly. Bring jacket for evening even in summer—mountain temps drop 20° after sunset.
Cash and cards both accepted. ATM available downtown if needed. Tipping standard is 18-20% for good service. Bartenders appreciate $1-2 per drink. Staff are friendly, knowledgeable about menu, can answer Colorado game meat questions.
Parking enforcement in Estes Park is active. Feed meters properly. Don't risk tickets to save $4. Paid lots offer all-day parking ($10-15) if you're exploring town beyond just the restaurant. Walk everywhere once parked—downtown is compact.