Drinks & Snacks
🍽️ Food Policy: The Barrel doesn't have a kitchen. Food comes from rotating food trucks on-site (BBQ, tacos, etc.), or bring your own food from any Estes Park restaurant. Delivery is also welcome.
🍺 Craft Beer & Cider (64 Taps)
• Colorado IPAs, stouts, lagers, sours
• Seasonal ciders (pumpkin, peach, etc.)
• Flights available for sampling
• Pints ~$7-9
🥃 Full Bar
• Extensive whiskey & bourbon selection
• Scotch collection
• Craft cocktails (Bloody Marys with pickled green beans)
• Margaritas & specialty drinks
What Makes The Barrel Special
The Barrel is Estes Park's premier beer garden - 64 taps of craft beer and cider in a massive outdoor space with gorgeous planters and mountain views. Located just two blocks off main street on Moraine Ave, it draws locals and visitors who want variety, atmosphere, and the freedom to bring their own food.
The no-kitchen model works. Rotating food trucks provide BBQ, tacos, and other options right on the premises. Prefer something else? Bring food from any Estes Park restaurant or pack a picnic. This flexibility means beer and food pairing is entirely in your hands.
For craft beer enthusiasts, the selection is unmatched in town. Colorado breweries dominate the tap list, with seasonal offerings like pumpkin cider and imperial stouts. The full bar includes an extensive whiskey and bourbon collection. Flights let you sample without committing to full pints.
What to Order (Best Picks)
Beer Flights - The move for first-timers. Sample 4-6 beers from the 64-tap selection. The bartenders are knowledgeable and can guide you toward Colorado IPAs, sours, stouts, or ciders based on your preferences.
Rusty Nail Imperial Stout - A standout on the tap list. Rich, robust, and perfect for cooler mountain evenings.
Colorado Peach Cider - A crowd favorite seasonal option. Refreshing after a day hiking RMNP.
Bloody Mary with Pickled Green Beans - The house version comes garnished with house-pickled green beans. A legit cocktail option for non-beer drinkers.
Food Truck BBQ - The rotating trucks are consistently good. BBQ pulled pork, street tacos, and specialty items depend on which truck is on-site. Check the website or ask at the bar.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask for a flight to sample the 64-tap selection before committing. The bartenders know the menu and can build a flight based on what you like. Dog owners: they'll bring a fresh water bowl for your pup.
The Honest Take
At 4.4 stars from 920 reviews, The Barrel delivers exactly what it promises: the best craft beer selection in Estes Park in a beautiful outdoor setting. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
The trade-off is no kitchen. If no food truck is on-site or you don't want to bring your own food, you're limited to bar snacks (jerky, peanuts). The beer menu screens rotate quickly - some visitors find them hard to read. Parking fills up during festivals and busy weekends.
The venue excels for private events. Wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, and group gatherings get dedicated space with room for 100+ guests. For casual visitors, expect a beer-focused experience rather than a full restaurant.
Who It's For (And Who It's Not For)
Best for: Craft beer enthusiasts who want variety, dog owners seeking a welcoming patio, post-RMNP groups wanting to relax outdoors, and event planners looking for wedding reception or group party venues. Compare to The Hive if you want a full kitchen with your craft beer.
Skip if: You need a full menu (no kitchen here), want to dine with small kids (more bar-oriented), or are visiting when no food truck is on-site and don't want to bring food.
Practical Information
- 📍Location: 251 Moraine Ave, 2 blocks off main street downtown
- ⏰Hours: Varies by day (see above) - earliest open Sun 10:30am, latest close Sat/Fri 10pm
- 🚗Parking: Free lot on-site (can fill during festivals)
- 🐕Dog-Friendly: Yes - dogs welcome with fresh water bowls provided
- 🍽️Food: Rotating food trucks or BYOF (bring your own food)
- 🎉Private Events: Wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners - book in advance
- 🎱Entertainment: Pool table inside, outdoor beer garden with views
💡 Money Hack: Bring food from a nearby restaurant to save on food truck prices while enjoying the 64-tap selection. A beer flight plus BYOF keeps the bill under $20.