Estes Thai Restaurant Review: Menu, Prices & Worth It?

Menu & Pricing

What Makes Estes Thai Special

Estes Thai is the best Asian restaurant in the Estes Park area - and it's not close. The flavors are authentic enough that Thai natives call it the real deal. After a cold day hiking Rocky Mountain National Park, a bowl of green curry with coconut milk is exactly what you need.

The spice levels are genuine. Medium at Estes Thai means your nose runs and your lips tingle. This is a feature, not a bug. Order a notch below what you normally get - mild-plus is a safe bet for most spice lovers. All curries are gluten-free, and vegetarian options are extensive and clearly labeled.

Service is fast - you can be in and out in 30 minutes if needed. The space is small and fills up quickly after 5pm, especially on weekends. Unlike Himalayan Curry & Kebob which focuses on Indian/Nepalese, Estes Thai sticks to authentic Thai cuisine done right.

What to Order (Signature Dishes)

Drunken Noodles / Spicy Noodles ($15.95-$17.95) - The most-ordered dish. Wide rice noodles stir-fried with chilies, basil, and bell peppers. This one makes you sweat. Order mild if you're not sure about spice - it still has real heat.

Yellow Curry ($15.95-$17.95) - Perfect comfort food for cold mountain days. Potatoes, onions, carrots in coconut milk curry. Creamy, warming, and deeply flavorful. The sweet-spicy balance is excellent.

Roasted Duck Curry ($20.95) - The premium choice. Duck meat absorbs the red curry flavor while the skin stays crispy. Pineapple and tomatoes add sweetness. Worth the extra cost.

Tom Kha Gai - Coconut soup with galangal that's been called the best in this style. Warm, aromatic, and perfect as a starter or light meal.

Pad Woonsen ($15.95-$17.95) - Glass noodles stir-fried with egg, onion, cabbage, and mushrooms. Lighter than other noodle dishes, great for those wanting something less heavy.

The Honest Take

At 4.6 stars from 621+ reviews, Estes Thai consistently delivers authentic Thai flavors in a tourist town. The food is the star here. Service is friendly and fast. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious.

The space is small - maybe 10-12 tables. It gets packed after 5pm during dinner service. During peak times, the kitchen can get backed up. Some portions may feel smaller for the price compared to chain restaurants, but the quality is leagues ahead. Takeout quality can be inconsistent - dine in when possible.

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

Best for: Post-hike meals when you need warming comfort food, vegetarians/vegans wanting clearly labeled options, spice lovers who want real heat, and anyone tired of mediocre American tourist food.

Skip if: You can't handle any spice (even mild has kick), need a large group space, or are visiting on Monday when they're closed.

Practical Information

• 📍Location: 401 E Elkhorn Ave - east end of downtown, walking distance
• ⏰Hours: Tue-Fri 11am-3pm & 4:30-8pm; Sat-Sun 12-3pm & 4:30-8pm; CLOSED MONDAY
• 🚗Parking: Free parking lot with plenty of spaces
• 🐕Dogs: Allowed if well-behaved (call ahead)
• ♿Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• 🌿Dietary: Extensive vegetarian/vegan options; all curries GF; clearly labeled
• 📱Online: Online ordering available at estesthai.com