Menu & Pricing
🍸 Home Grown Cocktails ($12-$15)
• Alpine Manhattan (pine syrup from Rock Inn trees) - $15
• Alpine Old Fashioned (Breckenridge Bourbon, pine syrup) - $15
• Mountain Top Margarita - $14
• Colorado Cosmo (Woody Creek Vodka) - $14
• Espresso Martini - $14
• Mountain Mule (mint-infused rum) - $13
🥩 Entrees ($26-$46)
• Pan-Seared Rainbow Trout - $38
• Tarragon Mushroom Filet Mignon (7oz) - $46
• Pineapple Pico Trout - $38
• Beef Stroganoff - ~$28
• NY Strip Steak - ~$38
• Rock Inn Burger - $26
What Makes The Rock Inn Special
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern is the locals' dinner spot that visitors keep discovering. With 2,159+ reviews averaging 4.6 stars, this women-owned woodsy tavern sits just outside downtown on CO-66 - far enough to escape the tourist crowds, close enough to be an easy drive. The live music plays nightly at the perfect volume: good enough to enjoy, quiet enough for conversation.
What sets The Rock Inn apart is the attention to craft. The house cocktails feature pine syrup harvested from trees on the property - you won't find that anywhere else in Estes Park. The Alpine Manhattan and Alpine Old Fashioned are signature drinks that capture the mountain experience in a glass.
The atmosphere delivers exactly what you want from a mountain tavern: cozy log cabin vibes, wood-burning stove, outdoor seating, and a welcoming vibe for everyone. Pride flags fly outside - this is an inclusive space that treats all guests like regulars.
What to Order (Signature Dishes)
Devils on Horseback - Bacon-wrapped dates that earn near-universal praise. The sweet-savory combination is addictive. The best version you'll find anywhere.
Pan-Seared Trout ($38) - Rocky Mountain Rainbow Trout with lemon dill butter, served with your choice of side, vegetables, and warm bread. Very fresh, very well prepared, and excellent value since you get the full trout.
Elk Sausage (~$14) - A local wild game appetizer that delivers. Well-seasoned and perfectly cooked. Pairs excellently with the bison meatballs if you want to sample both.
Beef Stroganoff (~$28) - Classic comfort food rarely seen on menus anymore. Tender beef, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked mushrooms. A standout that keeps regulars coming back.
French Bread with Cinnamon Honey Butter - Comes with the meal and deserves specific mention. Warm, fresh bread with house-made cinnamon honey butter that elevates a simple starter to memorable.
💡 Pro Tip: Portions are large enough for two - consider splitting an entree. Try an Alpine cocktail with pine syrup; it's unique to this spot. Music starts at 5pm, so arrive when they open at 4pm to get seated before the entertainment begins.
Who It's For (And Who It's Not For)
Best for: Date nights wanting dinner with live music, couples and small groups seeking a cozy atmosphere, foodies looking for local wild game and craft cocktails, LGBTQ+ travelers seeking welcoming spaces, and anyone who appreciates a true locals' spot.
Skip if: You want a quick meal (this is a sit-down dinner experience), need to dine before 4pm (dinner only), want a quiet meal without any music, or are looking for budget dining under $20/person.
Looking for other dinner options? Check Bird & Jim for wild game in a cabin setting or Hunters Chop House for upscale steakhouse dining.
Practical Information
- 📍Location: 1675 CO-66, just outside downtown
- ⏰Hours: Daily 4pm-8pm (dinner only)
- 🎵Live Music: Nightly starting at 5pm
- 🚗Parking: Free lot on-site - plenty of spaces
- 📅Reservations: Walk-ins welcome; line possible at 4pm opening
- 🏳️🌈Inclusive: LGBTQ+ friendly, women-owned
- 🌿Dietary: Large vegetarian selection, GF desserts available
- 🪑Seating: Indoor, outdoor patio, bar, booth, counter
💡 Getting There: The Rock Inn is on CO-66, not downtown. It's about a 5-minute drive from Elkhorn Avenue. Worth the short trip for a completely different atmosphere than downtown restaurants. Neighbors Elk Meadows RV Park.