Lonigans Review: Menu, Prices & Worth It?

Menu & Pricing

What Makes Lonigans Special

Lonigans occupies a unique spot in Estes Park: a downtown Irish pub serving wild game burgers until midnight on weekends. With 4,173+ reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it's one of the most-reviewed restaurants in town - a testament to consistent pub food and late-night availability.

The real draw is timing. When most Estes Park restaurants close by 9pm, Lonigans keeps pouring until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Pool tables, foosball, and karaoke nights add entertainment value that goes beyond just eating. For post-hiking groups who want to unwind, this hits the mark.

The elk burger stands out - it's mentioned in over 100 reviews as a signature dish. At $17.50, it competes favorably with other wild game spots in town. The Irish Mac & Cheese topped with Guinness-marinated brisket delivers hearty comfort food, and the Irish Nachos (potato chips instead of tortillas) offer a twist worth trying.

What to Order (Signature Dishes)

Elk Burger ($17.50) - The most-mentioned item on the menu. Lean elk patty cooked to order with standard burger toppings and fries. Order medium-rare to medium - elk dries out when overcooked. A Colorado wild game experience at pub prices.

Irish Mac & Cheese ($17.95) - Homemade Irish cheese sauce with Guinness-marinated brisket on top. Rich and filling - a meal on its own. The beer cheese pairing tip: add the beer cheese dip on top for extra decadence.

Irish Nachos ($14.95) - Crispy fried potato chips (not tortillas) with wolverine melted cheese, corned beef, and pico de gallo. A shareable appetizer that stands apart from standard nachos.

Shepherd's Pie ($18.50) - Traditional beef, carrots, corn, peas, mashed potatoes with puff pastry and melted cheese. Arrives hot with flaky crust. Comfort food done right.

Prime Rib Sliders ($15.95) - Angus roast with Au Jus and caramelized onions on sweet potato buns. A more refined appetizer option that delivers on flavor.

The Honest Take

At 4.4 stars, Lonigans delivers solid pub fare but with some inconsistency. The elk and bison burgers are reliably good, while the Irish Mac & Cheese can vary - sometimes the noodles come out slightly overcooked. Food quality is good, not exceptional.

Service can be hit or miss during busy periods. When packed for karaoke nights or weekend evenings, servers get stretched thin. Off-peak visits tend to have better service. The atmosphere leans more sports bar than traditional Irish pub - expect TVs, games, and varied music rather than fiddles and stained glass.

The value proposition is strong. At $10-20 per person for wild game burgers and Irish comfort food in a downtown location open late - that's hard to beat in Estes Park. Come for the convenience and late hours, stay for the elk burger and pool tables.

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

Best for: Late-night diners who need food after 9pm, groups wanting pool/foosball and games, wild game burger fans on a budget, karaoke enthusiasts, and anyone wanting pub atmosphere on downtown Elkhorn Ave. For a quieter wild game experience, try Bird & Jim instead.

Skip if: You want a traditional Irish pub atmosphere, need quiet conversation, are visiting on Tuesday (closed), or expect fine dining execution.

Practical Information

• 📍Location: 110 W Elkhorn Ave, downtown Estes Park (walking distance from shops)
• ⏰Hours: 11am-10pm (Wed-Thu, Sun-Mon), 11am-12am (Fri-Sat), Closed Tuesdays
• 🚗Parking: Street parking on Elkhorn Ave, public lots nearby
• 🎱Entertainment: Pool tables, foosball, karaoke nights, sports TVs
• 🌾Dietary: Gluten-free buns available (+$2.95), vegetarian black bean burger
• 📦To-Go: Curbside pickup and delivery available
• 👥Groups: Booths fit 5 comfortably, suitable for all group sizes