Indian Bites Review: Menu, Prices & Worth It?

Menu & Pricing

What Makes Indian Bites Special

Indian Bites has quickly become one of Estes Park's highest-rated restaurants since opening. At 4.7 stars from 379+ reviews, it sits alongside Himalayan Curry & Kebob as the town's go-to for South Asian cuisine. The family ownership shows in the warm hospitality and genuine care for each dish.

The menu spans both Indian and Nepalese traditions - a combination that works beautifully. The curries deliver those complex, layered spice profiles expected from authentic Indian cooking. The momos bring genuine Nepali street food flavor, with that characteristic smoky taste and juicy filling. Most tourist-town restaurants would cut corners; Indian Bites doesn't.

Every dish is clearly labeled GF (gluten-free) or DF (dairy-free) on the menu. The vegetarian selection is extensive and thoughtful - not afterthought substitutions but genuine vegetarian dishes like Malai Kofta, Dal Makhani, and various paneer preparations.

What to Order (Signature Dishes)

Butter Chicken ($16.99) - The crowd favorite. Creamy tomato sauce with tender chicken, perfectly balanced spicing. Consistently praised as among the best butter chicken in Colorado. Order with garlic naan for the full experience.

Chicken Momo ($15.99) - Steamed Nepalese dumplings with spiced chicken filling. The smoky, authentic flavor sets these apart from generic Asian dumplings. The dipping sauce adds the perfect kick.

Garlic Naan ($3.99) - Soft, fresh from the tandoor, properly garlicky. Essential accompaniment to any curry. The cheese naan ($5.49) is also excellent.

Chicken Tikka Masala ($16.99) - Another standout. The chicken is properly marinated - distinctly flavorful even before the curry sauce. Creamy, well-spiced, and satisfying.

Chai ($3.99) - Homemade and frequently praised. Multiple cups are commonly ordered. The perfect end to a meal or complement to any dish.

The Honest Take

At 4.7 stars, Indian Bites delivers genuine quality in a tourist town where that's rare. The food is homemade, the flavors are authentic, and the prices are comparable to Indian restaurants anywhere - not inflated for tourists. The staff is consistently friendly and attentive.

Where it falls short: the restaurant can get chaotic when busy. Wait times during peak periods can stretch long - sometimes 20+ minutes for seating and 40+ minutes for food when overwhelmed. There's only one gender-neutral bathroom, which creates lines. Some diners expecting Indian food tailored to American palates may find the authentic preparations "different" from what they expect.

The atmosphere is clean but nothing fancy - soft calming music is a nice touch. Online ordering carries a 3% processing fee. Takeout portions may feel smaller than dine-in presentation suggests.

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

Best for: Post-RMNP comfort food seekers, vegetarians and vegans with extensive options, gluten-free diners (clearly labeled menu), anyone craving authentic curry and naan, and families with kids (kids menu available).

Skip if: You need fast service during peak hours (plan for waits), expect Americanized Indian food, want a fancy atmosphere, or need multiple bathrooms for your group.

For more Indian/Nepalese options, check Himalayan Curry & Kebob which offers similar cuisine with a slightly different menu focus.

Practical Information

• 📍Location: 181 W Riverside Dr, near the river
• ⏰Hours: Daily 11am-9pm, CLOSED WEDNESDAY
• 🚗Parking: Free shared lot, usually plenty of spaces
• 👶Families: Kid-friendly with kids menu ($4.99-$5.99)
• 🌿Dietary: Large vegetarian selection, GF and DF clearly labeled
• 🍷Drinks: Wine available, chai, mango lassi
• 🚻Restroom: One gender-neutral bathroom (can create lines when busy)
• 📱Ordering: Online ordering available, 3% processing fee