The breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains is on full display in Grand Lake, Colorado, where the stunning scenery is the backdrop for a delightful local culinary scene. From hearty mountain fare to fine dining, this quaint mountain town offers great options for your gastronomic journey through Colorado.
Our Grand County vacation rentals are located close to Grand Lake, so you can easily explore the walkable lakeside downtown filled with excellent dining options. Let’s explore the eight best restaurants in Grand Lake!
Sagebrush BBQ & Grill
- Address: 1101 Grand Ave, Grand Lake, CO
- Price: $$
- Recommended menu item: Wild game sausage platter for a unique taste of the Colorado Rockies.
Rustic charm meets laid-back vibes at Sagebrush BBQ & Grill. The log cabin exterior, Old West decor, and floors dusted with peanut shells transport you into a unique dining experience. Located on Grand Avenue in the heart of downtown, this charming restaurant serves up mouthwatering barbecue classics with a focus on slow-smoked meats and homemade sides.
Sink your teeth into a brisket sandwich made with local beef, or create your own combo to sample all the BBQ options.
Their large menu also offers an array of sandwiches and specialty dishes, as well as vegetarian options if you’re craving something different. Grab a bottle of their signature BBQ sauce on your way out the door for a taste of Colorado barbecue at home.
Huntington House Tavern
- Address: 15500 US-34, Grand Lake, CO
- Price: $$
- Recommended menu item: Tender grilled ribeye sourced from local ranchers.
From the moment you step into the dining room at Huntington House Tavern, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the view. This steakhouse provides an incredible panoramic view of Grand Lake and the surrounding mountains while you dine in a refined mountain lodge space.
The menu offers elevated dishes showcasing local ingredients from microgreens to filet mignon to elk chops and delicious local wine pairings. Stop in for tasty brunch offerings or consider the prix fixe menu for a curated fine dining experience that will definitely leave an impression.
The Historic Rapids Restaurant
- Address: 210 Rapids Ln, Grand Lake, CO
- Price: $$$
- Recommended menu item: Local elk or Colorado lamb smothered in a well-balanced sauce.
Located in a charming old building, the Historic Rapids Restaurant offers cozy ambiance with vintage flair. An understated indoor space and comfortable outdoor seating area offer lovely views of a wooded creek, lending a romantic vibe to this elegant fine dining restaurant.
The diverse menu includes inventive appetizers, elevated burgers and sandwiches, and prime steaks. Salmon and gnocchi dishes round out the options at this sophisticated Grand County favorite.
Charlie’s Sports Bar & Grill
- Address: 1120 Lake Ave, Grand Lake, CO
- Price: $$
- Recommended menu item: The steak fajitas get sizzling reviews from diners.
You might not guess from the name, but Charlie’s Sports Bar & Grill serves up some of the best Mexican food in Grand Lake. This nostalgic spot has a cantina-meets-lodge vibe and the outdoor seating has great views of the lake.
The expansive menu is full of all your favorites, from tamales to enchiladas. You can’t go wrong with anything at this local staple, but Viva el Pacifico (grilled steak tacos) is the owner’s favorite dish. And don’t forget a margarita!
Grand Pizza
- Address: 1131 Grand Ave, Grand Lake, CO
- Price: $$
- Recommended menu item: The Super Specialty Pizza loaded with toppings.
Grand Pizza is located on the Grand Avenue boardwalk in an Old West-style building, but inside, they are serving up modern Colorado-style pizza. This casual pizza joint has an inviting atmosphere and family-friendly vibe.
The pizza options range from standard toppings to interesting flavor twists like the Greek or Cajun specialty pizzas, with gluten-free and vegetarian options as well. Assorted pastas, salads, and a kid’s menu round out the offerings at this local favorite restaurant.
Wolfie’s
- Address: 39 County Rd 48, Grand Lake, CO
- Price: $
- Recommended menu item: Excellent ⅓ pound burgers cooked to perfection.
Wolfie’s is a quaint restaurant with a huge menu and great views. This casual cafe sits on the north end of Grand Lake and is the perfect stop before you head onto the Trail Ridge Road toward Rocky Mountain National Park. The log cabin building has a small dining room and outdoor seating area where you can enjoy the mountain scenery.
The diverse menu includes a variety of sandwiches, burgers and appetizers that are served up quickly. Unique items like green chili cheese fries and smoked Reuben sandwiches are perpetual crowd-pleasers. The restaurant also has themed menu items throughout the week, so you can get your tacos fixed on Tex-Mex Tuesday or enjoy fish and chips on Fish Fry Friday. No matter when you visit, this cozy roadside spot has you covered for dine-in or takeout.
One Love Rum Kitchen
- Address: 928 Grand Ave, Grand Lake, CO
- Price: $$
- Recommended menu item: The unique flavors of Caribbean-influenced Ramen soup.
Grand Lake may be far from tropical, but One Love Rum Kitchen is bringing a taste of the Caribbean to this mountain town. The easygoing ambiance, friendly service, and colorful decor at this cozy spot make it feel like a summer afternoon year-round. Enjoy your meal in their dining room, or grab takeout and head around the corner for a lakeside picnic.
A range of appetizers and entrees focus on Caribbean flavors and seafood, from ceviche to fish tacos to curry wraps. This is a great spot for happy hour, with tons of great appetizer specials, and the specialty rum drinks will transport you to the islands – the Rum Punch or Painkiller are solid local favorites.
Rockies
- Address: 1000 Grand Ave, Grand Lake, CO
- Price: $$
- Recommended menu item: Try one of the house made burgers with the Rockies special sauce.
The atmosphere at Rockies feels like a relaxed backyard gathering in the heart of downtown Grand Lake. This laid-back spot has an upbeat energy that flows seamlessly from the dining room to a patio where you can find live music several days a week.
Rockies serves up burgers, salad, and sandwiches alongside interesting entrees like Peruvian Lomo Saltado and vegan stir fry. Specialty cocktails and unique milkshake flavors add an extra element to your meal. Don’t miss out on the dessert options – the ice cream, cakes, and pie are irresistible!
Stay and Eat in Grand Lake
Grand Lake beckons visitors with gorgeous mountain scenery, an iconic lake, and dining options for every craving. Whether you’re stopping in for a hearty meal after a Rocky Mountain hike, strolling through downtown for a casual bite, or looking for fine dining with a view, Grand Lake has it all.
Are you ready to savor the flavors of the Rockies? Book your Winter Park House vacation rental and get started planning your culinary adventure in this charming mountain town!