Best cheap eats in Estes Park? Penelope's ($10-15) serves massive elk and buffalo burgers with legendary fries. Ed's Cantina ($10-18) has huge burritos and strong margaritas. For breakfast, The Egg & I ($10-15) has the best value. Kind Coffee ($5-12) works for quick bites. These spots prove you don't need to spend $50 to eat well in a tourist town.
Penelope's Old Time Burgers
$10-15 | Downtown
Best budget wild game in town. Their elk and buffalo burgers are massive—the 2/3 lb patties can easily split between two people. Hand-cut parmesan fries are legendary and worth every calorie. Retro 1950s Coca-Cola decor with classic rock playing. Counter service, walk-ins only, no reservations. This is where locals go when they want elk without the $40 price tag.
Order: Elk burger ($14), buffalo burger ($14), parmesan fries ($6). Tip: Share a burger—they're huge.
Ed's Cantina & Grill
$10-18 | 362 E Elkhorn Ave
Massive portions at prices that don't hurt. The burritos are the size of your forearm and come smothered in green chili. Tacos are solid, nachos are loaded. Strong margaritas too. The outdoor patio is perfect for people-watching on Elkhorn Ave. Lunch specials offer even better value.
Order: Smothered burrito ($15), street tacos ($12), nachos ($14). Drink: House margarita ($8).
The Egg & I
$10-15 | 393 E Elkhorn Ave
Best breakfast value in Estes Park. Huge portions, reasonable prices, and they move fast even when there's a line. The skillets are loaded—the Santa Fe with green chili is a local favorite. Pancakes are fluffy and enormous (one is usually enough). Coffee stays full. Perfect fuel before a day in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Order: Santa Fe skillet ($13), pancakes ($10), eggs Benedict ($14). Tip: Arrive before 8am.
Antonio's Real New York Pizza
$8-15 | 249 E Elkhorn Ave
Pizza by the slice is the move here—big New York-style slices for under $5. Whole pies are reasonably priced for sharing. The breakfast calzone is 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: Slice of pepperoni ($4.50), whole cheese pizza ($16), breakfast calzone ($12). Best for: Quick and cheap.
Poppy's Pizza & Grill
$10-18 | 342 E Elkhorn Ave
Better quality than Antonio's if you want to sit down. Their house crust is excellent. Breakfast burritos are massive and loaded. The breakfast pizza (eggs, bacon, cheese) is unexpectedly great. Casual downtown spot with quick service. Good option for families where everyone wants something different.
Order: Personal pizza ($12), breakfast burrito ($11), calzone ($14). Good for: Families.
Kind Coffee
$5-12 | 470 E Elkhorn Ave
Best coffee in town, and affordable light bites. Breakfast burritos, pastries, and avocado toast—nothing over $12. They roast their own beans on-site. The outdoor seating on Elkhorn Ave is prime people-watching. Dog-friendly patio. Perfect when you want quality without a full restaurant meal.
Order: Breakfast burrito ($9), pastry ($4), pour-over coffee ($5). Bonus: Dog-friendly.
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. Lunch specials offer even better value. This is where you go for that authentic small-town diner experience.
Order: Huevos rancheros ($13), corned beef hash ($12), pancake stack ($10). History: Family-owned since 1972.
Mountain Home Cafe
$10-18 | 457 E Wonderview Ave
Homestyle breakfast in a cozy log cabin without the tourist markup. The biscuits and gravy are 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 ($12), western omelette ($14), hash browns ($4). Vibe: Classic diner.
Smokin' Dave's BBQ & Brew
$12-20 | 820 Moraine Ave
BBQ portions are generous and prices are fair for the quality. The pulled pork sandwich with two sides comes in under $18. Brisket is smoky and tender. They have a solid beer selection including local Colorado brews. The outdoor patio has a relaxed vibe. Good spot when you're craving something hearty after a hike.
Order: Pulled pork sandwich ($14), brisket plate ($19), mac and cheese ($5). Beer: Local Colorado options.
Notchtop Bakery & Cafe
$8-15 | 459 E Wonderview Ave
Best bakery in town with reasonable prices. Cinnamon rolls are legendary—warm, gooey, and the size of your head for under $6. Fresh-baked pastries, excellent espresso, and breakfast sandwiches that taste homemade. Cozy cabin vibe with a fireplace. Perfect for grabbing something quick before a hike or settling in with a book.
Order: Cinnamon roll ($5.50), breakfast sandwich ($10), lavender latte ($6). Best for: Quick and quality.
Budget Tips for Eating in Estes Park
Breakfast is almost always cheaper than dinner for the same quality. Splurge on morning meals and pack sandwiches for lunch in the park—there's no food inside RMNP anyway.
Lunch specials are your friend. Ed's Cantina and several other spots offer discounted lunch portions that are still huge by normal standards.
Split portions. Penelope's burgers, Ed's burritos, and Poppy's pizzas are all big enough to share. Order one entree and an extra side—you'll both be full and save $10-15.
Grab groceries at Safeway (1080 Big Thompson Ave) for picnic lunches. Eating in Rocky Mountain National Park with mountain views beats most restaurant experiences anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest restaurant in Estes Park?
Antonio's pizza slices ($4.50) and Kind Coffee pastries ($4) offer the cheapest individual items. For full meals, The Egg & I and Penelope's offer the best value with portions that can be shared.
Can you eat wild game on a budget in Estes Park?
Yes. Penelope's serves elk and buffalo burgers for $14-15, which is about half the price of wild game at upscale restaurants. The portions are actually bigger too.
Where's the best cheap breakfast in Estes Park?
The Egg & I has the best combination of quality, portion size, and price. Notchtop Bakery is great for quick pastries and coffee on a budget.
Is there affordable Mexican food in Estes Park?
Ed's Cantina serves massive burritos and tacos at reasonable prices ($10-18). Their lunch specials are even cheaper.
What's the average meal cost in Estes Park?
Tourist restaurants average $25-40 per person. Budget spots on this list average $12-18 for a full meal. You can eat well for half the typical cost.
Should I pack food for Rocky Mountain National Park?
Yes. There's no food inside RMNP. Grab groceries from Safeway or pack a picnic from these budget restaurants. Eating in the park with mountain views is a better experience anyway.