Cascade's at The Stanley Hotel Review: Menu, Prices & Worth It?

Complete Guide to Dining at the Hotel That Inspired The Shining

Want to dine at the historic hotel that inspired Stephen King's The Shining? Cascade's offers wild game, premium steaks, and an impressive whiskey selection in a stunning setting. But with a 3.7-star rating, the experience can be hit-or-miss - here's the honest take on whether it's worth the splurge.

⭐ 3.7
1,192+ Google Reviews
πŸ’° $50-100 per person
πŸ“ž (970) 577-4001
πŸ“ 333 E Wonderview Ave (The Stanley Hotel)
⏰ Hours
Mon-Thu: 11am-9pm
Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm
Sun: 11am-9pm
πŸ“… Reservations
Recommended via OpenTable
Walk-ins accepted
πŸš— Parking
Hotel lot available
$10 parking fee
🍽️ What You Get
β€’ Historic hotel atmosphere
β€’ Wild game meatloaf (30+ years)
β€’ Premium steaks & elk
β€’ Extensive whiskey selection
πŸ‘₯ Perfect For
β€’ The Shining fans
β€’ Special occasions
β€’ Stanley Hotel guests
β€’ Whiskey enthusiasts
⚠️ The Honest Take
At 3.7 stars, Cascade's is polarizing. When it hits, the food is exceptional - steaks cooked perfectly, duck melts in your mouth, service attentive. When it misses, dishes arrive cold, service is inconsistent, and prices feel unjustified. You're paying for the historic setting as much as the food.
πŸ“ž Call Now 🌐 Visit Website πŸ—ΊοΈ Get Directions

Menu & Pricing

πŸ₯© Steaks & Chops ($44-$185)

β€’ Colorado Angus Filet 8oz - $58

β€’ Whiskey Onion Bison Ribeye - $62

β€’ Bone-In NY Strip 16oz - $79

β€’ Dry Aged Ribeye 16oz - $89

β€’ Rocky Mountain Grill Flight (elk/bison/angus/boar) - $89

β€’ Tomahawk Ribeye 32oz - $145

β€’ Tomahawk Elk Chop (28-day aged) - $165

β€’ Wagyu #9 Ribeye - $185

🍽️ Signature Entrées ($30-$46)

β€’ Wild Game Meatloaf (elk/angus/bison/boar) - $38

β€’ Whiskey Peach Glazed Duck - $46

β€’ Skuna Salmon - $45

β€’ Blackened Shrimp & Bay Scallops - $34

β€’ Smoked Half Chicken - $32

What Makes Cascade's Unique (And Challenging)

Cascade's sits inside The Stanley Hotel - the historic property that inspired Stephen King's The Shining. That alone draws visitors from around the world. The setting delivers: stunning mountain views, elegant historic decor, fireplace seating, and outdoor patio with private fire pits. The whiskey selection is extensive and the cocktails are well-crafted.

The challenge is consistency. At 3.7 stars from 1,192+ reviews, experiences vary widely. When the kitchen is on point, dishes arrive perfectly cooked with exceptional sauces. When it's off, food arrives cold, overcooked, or underseasoned.

Service follows the same pattern. Some servers demonstrate excellent knowledge and attentiveness, while others leave tables waiting for drinks. The restaurant seems caught between identities - fine dining steakhouse versus hotel bar with TVs showing sports.

What to Order (Best Bets)

Wild Game Meatloaf ($38) - On the menu for 30+ years and the signature dish. Elk, angus, bison, and wild boar with mushroom demi, whipped potatoes, and broccolini. Order this and you're likely to have a good experience.

Rocky Mountain Grill Flight ($89) - Elk, bison, Colorado angus, and wild boar medallions with pan sauce trio. A great way to sample Colorado wild game in one dish. Portions are substantial.

Whiskey Peach Glazed Duck ($46) - When prepared well, this melts in your mouth. The peach glaze reduction works beautifully with the duck. A standout when the kitchen executes.

Filet ($58) - The 8oz Colorado Angus filet with bordelaise demi and whipped potatoes is reliable. Ask for your preferred temperature - they generally cook steaks well here.

Spinach Artichoke Dip ($18) - Solid appetizer that travels well from kitchen to table. Four-cheese blend with pita chips.

⚠️ What to Avoid: Skip the vegetarian meatballs (spice profile doesn't match Italian expectations). The cheese boards can be repetitive with limited variety. Tomato bisque has been inconsistent. Desserts are hit-or-miss; stick with classics if ordering.

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

Best for: The Shining fans wanting the full Stanley experience, special occasions where atmosphere matters as much as food, Stanley Hotel guests wanting convenient dining, whiskey enthusiasts exploring their extensive selection, and anyone who understands they're paying for the historic setting.

Skip if: You expect flawless execution at fine dining prices, want quiet intimate dining (can get loud with TVs and noise), need strict value-for-money, have limited time and can't risk an off night, or want a guaranteed great meal (try Hunters Chop House or Ember instead).

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: Make a reservation via OpenTable. Request patio seating with a fire pit for the best atmosphere. Ask your server for their honest recommendation - the good ones know what's executing well that night. Budget $100+ per person with drinks.

Practical Information

  • πŸ“Location: 333 E Wonderview Ave, inside The Stanley Hotel
  • ⏰Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm
  • πŸš—Parking: Hotel lot - $10 fee
  • πŸ“…Reservations: Recommended via OpenTable; walk-ins accepted
  • πŸ’°Expect to Pay: $50-100+ per person with drinks
  • 🍷Bar: Excellent whiskey selection, cocktails
  • πŸͺ‘Seating: Indoor, bar, outdoor patio with fire pits
  • πŸ‘ΆKids: Family-friendly (patio more so than indoor); no kids menu

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Cascade's at The Stanley Hotel

How much does dinner cost at Cascade's?

Expect $50-100+ per person. EntrΓ©es range from $32 (smoked chicken) to $185 (Wagyu ribeye). Most steaks run $58-89. Appetizers are $12-38, sides $6-8. With drinks and tip, couples typically spend $150-250+. Add $10 for parking.

Do I need reservations at Cascade's?

Reservations via OpenTable are recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times can occur. Reservations also let you request patio seating with fire pits.

Why does Cascade's have a 3.7 rating?

Inconsistency. When the kitchen and service are on, the food is exceptional and staff attentive. When they're off, dishes arrive cold, overcooked, or with long waits. The hotel premium pricing means missed expectations hurt more. The restaurant also struggles with identity - fine dining versus sports bar atmosphere.

Is Cascade's worth it for the experience?

If The Stanley Hotel/Shining connection matters to you, yes - the atmosphere is genuinely special. If you're purely focused on food quality for price, other Estes Park restaurants like Hunters Chop House or Ember offer more consistent fine dining. Cascade's is about the total experience, not just the meal.

What's the best thing to order at Cascade's?

The Wild Game Meatloaf ($38) has been on the menu 30+ years and is the signature dish. The Rocky Mountain Grill Flight ($89) showcases Colorado wild game. For steaks, the filet is reliable. Ask your server what's executing well that night.

Is there parking at The Stanley Hotel?

Yes, but there's a $10 parking fee. The lot has plenty of spaces. If you're visiting as a non-hotel guest specifically for dining, factor this into your cost. Enter from the lower level and take the elevator up to the restaurant.

Is Cascade's good for families?

It's family-friendly but there's no children's menu, and some desserts contain alcohol. The patio is more kid-appropriate than indoor dining. Note that prices are high and portions are adult-sized.

Can I visit The Stanley Hotel without staying there?

Yes - Cascade's is open to the public. Making a dinner reservation is a great way to experience the historic property without booking a room. Ghost tours and hotel tours are also available separately.

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