Best breakfast in Estes Park? The Egg & I ($10-15) for classic American breakfast with huge portions. Notchtop Bakery ($8-15) for fresh pastries and coffee. For brunch with views, Wayfinder ($15-25) has a pond-side patio and killer green chili. Claire's ($15-30) wins for boozy brunch with 2-for-1 mimosas on weekends.
The Egg & I
$10-15 | 393 E Elkhorn Ave
The go-to for classic American breakfast. Huge portions, reasonable prices, and they move fast even when there's a line. The skillets are loaded—try the Santa Fe with green chili. Pancakes are fluffy and enormous (one is usually enough). Coffee stays full. This is where locals bring out-of-town guests who want a solid, no-fuss breakfast before hitting RMNP.
Order: Santa Fe skillet, pancakes, eggs Benedict. Tip: Arrive before 8am to beat the crowd.
Notchtop Bakery & Cafe
$8-15 | 459 E Wonderview Ave
The best bakery in town. Their cinnamon rolls are legendary—warm, gooey, and the size of your head. Fresh-baked pastries, excellent espresso, and breakfast sandwiches that actually taste homemade. Cozy mountain cabin vibe with a fireplace. Perfect for grabbing something quick before a hike or settling in with a book.
Order: Cinnamon roll, breakfast sandwich, lavender latte. Best for: Coffee and pastry lovers.
Wayfinder Restaurant
$15-25 | National Park Village South
The back patio overlooks a peaceful pond with mountain views—gorgeous at any time but magical in morning light. Their pork hash is perfectly crispy, chilaquiles have serious depth, and the country potatoes are seasoned just right. Warning: the homemade green chili has kick. Great spot for a longer, leisurely breakfast.
Order: Pork hash, chilaquiles, country potatoes. View: Pond-side patio with mountains.
Claire's Restaurant and Bar
$15-30 | 225 Park Ln
The brunch spot in Estes Park. Weekend brunch comes with 2-for-1 mimosas that keep flowing. The patio has mountain views, and the menu goes beyond basic—think elevated comfort food. Their french toast is thick-cut and perfectly caramelized. If you're doing one boozy brunch during your trip, this is it.
Order: French toast, eggs Benedict, mimosas. Best deal: Weekend 2-for-1 mimosas.
Mountain Home Cafe
$10-18 | 457 E Wonderview Ave
Homestyle breakfast in a cozy log cabin. The biscuits and gravy are the real deal—scratch-made and hearty. Omelettes are stuffed with fresh ingredients. The vibe is pure mountain town diner: unpretentious, welcoming, and the coffee never stops. Cash-friendly prices that won't wreck your vacation budget.
Order: Biscuits and gravy, western omelette, hash browns. Vibe: Classic mountain diner.
Kind Coffee
$5-12 | 470 E Elkhorn Ave
Best coffee in Estes Park, hands down. They roast their own beans on-site, and you can taste the difference. Light breakfast options—pastries, breakfast burritos, avocado toast—but you're really here for the coffee. The outdoor seating on Elkhorn Ave is prime people-watching. Dog-friendly patio.
Order: House-roasted pour-over, breakfast burrito. Bonus: Dog-friendly, outdoor seating.
Big Horn Restaurant
$12-20 | 401 W Elkhorn Ave
Old-school Estes Park institution serving breakfast since 1972. The menu hasn't changed much because it doesn't need to. Massive portions, strong coffee, and waitstaff who've been here for decades. Their huevos rancheros are a local favorite. This is where you go for that authentic small-town diner experience.
Order: Huevos rancheros, corned beef hash, pancake stack. History: Family-owned since 1972.
Poppy's Pizza & Grill
$10-18 | 342 E Elkhorn Ave
Yes, it's a pizza place—but their breakfast is a hidden gem. Breakfast burritos are massive and loaded. The breakfast pizza (eggs, bacon, cheese on their house crust) is unexpectedly great. Casual downtown spot with quick service. Perfect if you're traveling with picky eaters who might want pizza for breakfast.
Order: Breakfast burrito, breakfast pizza. Good for: Families with varied tastes.
Cascades at The Stanley Hotel
$20-35 | The Stanley Hotel
Brunch in a haunted hotel. The Stanley's breakfast buffet is upscale—think made-to-order omelettes, fresh pastries, and mountain views from those historic windows. Yes, it's pricier, but you're paying for the experience. Perfect for a special occasion or if you want to explore the Stanley Hotel and eat in one trip.
Order: Breakfast buffet, eggs Benedict. Bonus: The Shining hotel history and atmosphere.
Antonio's Real New York Pizza
$8-15 | 249 E Elkhorn Ave
Another pizza place with surprisingly good breakfast. Their breakfast calzone is stuffed with eggs, cheese, bacon, and vegetables—a carb bomb that'll fuel a full day of hiking. Quick, filling, and affordable. Not fancy, but when you need calories before Bear Lake, it delivers.
Order: Breakfast calzone, breakfast slice. Best for: Quick pre-hike fuel.
Tips for Breakfast in Estes Park
Summer weekends get slammed. If you're visiting June through September, arrive before 8am or expect a wait at popular spots like The Egg & I and Claire's. Weekdays are significantly calmer.
Heading into Rocky Mountain National Park? Grab something quick from Kind Coffee or Notchtop and eat at a scenic pullout. You'll beat the crowds and have breakfast with a view that no restaurant can match.
Budget tip: Most breakfast spots are cheaper than lunch or dinner at the same quality level. It's a good meal to splurge on if you're watching your vacation spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best breakfast spot in Estes Park?
The Egg & I for classic American breakfast, Notchtop Bakery for pastries and coffee, and Claire's for boozy brunch. Each serves a different vibe and budget.
Where can I get breakfast before Rocky Mountain National Park?
Kind Coffee and Notchtop Bakery both open early and offer quick grab-and-go options. The Egg & I serves full breakfast and moves fast if you arrive before 8am.
Is there brunch with mimosas in Estes Park?
Claire's Restaurant has 2-for-1 mimosas on weekends. Cascades at The Stanley Hotel also offers upscale brunch with a full bar.
What's the cheapest breakfast in Estes Park?
Kind Coffee for coffee and light bites ($5-12), Notchtop Bakery for pastries ($8-15), and The Egg & I for full breakfast at reasonable prices ($10-15).
Do I need reservations for breakfast?
Most breakfast spots don't take reservations. Arrive early (before 8am on summer weekends) to avoid long waits at popular spots.
Where's the best coffee in Estes Park?
Kind Coffee roasts their own beans on-site and is widely considered the best in town. Notchtop Bakery also serves excellent espresso drinks.