Big Horn Restaurant Review: Menu, Prices & Worth It?

Menu & Pricing

What Makes Big Horn Special

Big Horn Restaurant has been feeding Estes Park since 1972, and the formula hasn't changed: huge portions of homestyle comfort food at fair prices. With 3,165+ reviews averaging 4.3 stars, this family-run spot holds the third-highest review count in town - a testament to decades of consistent breakfast service.

The location matters. Sitting just west of downtown on Elkhorn Ave, Big Horn offers a quieter alternative to the crowded main strip. A creek runs alongside the property, and the free parking lot has plenty of spaces (though not for RVs). Opening at 7am, it's one of the few breakfast spots ready when early hikers need fuel.

The real value comes at lunch and dinner: every entrée includes access to the soup and salad bar - a novel concept that adds real substance to your meal. The homemade tomato basil soup is worth trying, and the salad bar provides fresh greens to balance the hearty mains.

What to Order (Signature Dishes)

Country Fried Steak or Chicken ($17.19-$17.79) - The most-mentioned dish. Hand-breaded, crispy exterior, smothered in creamy sausage gravy. Comes with eggs, hashbrowns or grits, and toast. A Colorado diner classic done right.

Mike's Heart Attack ($20.99) - Biscuits layered with sausage gravy, hashbrowns, choice of meat, and eggs. This is not a meal for the faint of heart - or the light of appetite. Share it or come hungry.

Biscuits & Sausage Gravy ($10.29-$13.29) - Fluffy homemade biscuits with rich sausage gravy. The half order is substantial; the full order can feed two. Ask for cheese in your grits on the side.

Rocky Mountain Trout ($23.99) - Pan-grilled trout with creamy mashed potatoes. Cooked properly without the muddy flavor that plagues poorly-handled fish. Includes salad bar access.

Hickory-Smoked Brisket Sandwich ($16.49) - Slow-smoked in-house and topped with BBQ sauce. The hickory smoker is the real deal, not liquid smoke. Comes with coleslaw.

The Honest Take

At 4.3 stars, Big Horn delivers solid value for breakfast and lunch. The food is homestyle comfort cooking - not gourmet, but generous and satisfying. Pancakes are fluffy, biscuits are soft, and the coffee flows endlessly.

Dinner is more inconsistent. The kitchen seems to shine at breakfast and struggle later in the day. Some dishes can arrive overcooked, and the salad bar quality varies. The roast beef sandwich gravy can be heavy - ask for it on the side. If visiting for dinner (Thu-Sat only), stick to the smoked meats and trout rather than the more complex dishes.

The atmosphere is exactly what you'd expect from a 50-year-old family restaurant: homey, a bit worn, and unpretentious. Restrooms are small. It can get loud when busy. But that's part of the charm - this isn't a polished tourist trap, it's a real local institution.

Who It's For (And Who It's Not For)

Best for: Early risers needing pre-RMNP fuel, families with big appetites, budget-conscious diners wanting portion value, large groups (they can handle 50+ with advance notice), and anyone craving classic American diner breakfast.

Skip if: You want fine dining atmosphere, need RV parking, are visiting for dinner (breakfast is the strength), or prefer light/healthy portions.

Looking for other breakfast options? Check Mountain Home Cafe for famous green chile or Bird's Nest for pastries.

Practical Information

• 📍Location: 401 W Elkhorn Ave, just west of downtown
• ⏰Hours: Thu-Sat 7am-7:30pm, Sun-Wed 7am-2pm
• 🍳Breakfast: Served until 2pm daily (no grits/oatmeal after 11:30am)
• 🚗Parking: Free lot with plenty of spaces (no RV parking)
• 👶Families: High chairs available, kid-friendly menu
• ♿Accessibility: Wide walkways available between tables
• 🌿Dietary: Vegetarian options, gluten-free bread available (+charge)
• 👥Large Groups: Can accommodate 50+ guests - call ahead