Where to Have Breakfast in Downtown Estes Park

So you made it. You’re finally here.

You figured out the trip from Denver to Estes Park (hopefully you used one of our shuttles or private cars to make it easy!) and you woke up in the mountains. The air is crisp, the sun is coming up over the peaks, and… you’re starving.

It’s your first morning in town and you need fuel before you head into Rocky Mountain National Park or just wander around Elkhorn Avenue. The big question is: where to have breakfast in downtown Estes park?

We get this question all the time. As your local guide for everything about getting to and from Estes Park, we see folks arrive from Denver International Airport all the time, tired from their flight and the drive, and just wanting a good, solid meal to start their vacation right.

Downtown Estes Park isn’t huge, but it has a ton of options packed into a few blocks. You can find just about anything, from a quick cinnamon roll to a massive, stick-to-your-ribs mountain breakfast. The hard part is knowing which ones are the local favorites and which ones are just… there.

We’re here to help you skip the guesswork. This is our guide to the best breakfast spots right in the heart of downtown.

Why Breakfast is a Big Deal Here

In a place like Estes Park, breakfast isn’t just a meal. It’s fuel.

If you’re planning on hiking, even just doing the easy Bear Lake loop, you need energy. The altitude is no joke, and starting your day with a good breakfast and plenty of water is honestly a non-negotiable part of having a good trip.

But even if you’re just planning a lazy day of shopping, starting at a local spot lets you get a feel for the town. You’ll sit next to locals, hear snippets of conversation about the weather or where the elk were spotted yesterday, and just get into the mountain vibe.

Plus, let’s be honest, everything just tastes better up here.

Our Top Picks for Downtown Estes Park Breakfast

We’ve broken this down into a few categories, because not everyone wants a three-egg omelet at 7 AM. Sometimes you just need coffee and a pastry, and you need it now.

The Classic Sit-Down Breakfast

This is for when you want the full experience: menus, coffee refills, and a plate full of eggs, bacon, and pancakes.

1. Mountain Home Cafe

Vibe: This place feels like you’re having breakfast at a friend’s cozy cabin. It’s super popular, so don’t be surprised if there’s a little wait, especially on a weekend.
What to get: They’re known for their skillets and their benedicts. The Rocky Mountain Trout & Eggs is a perfect “Welcome to Colorado” meal. Their portions are generous, so you will not leave hungry.
Our Take: It’s probably one of the most popular “classic” breakfast places right downtown for a reason. It’s reliable, friendly, and the food is just solid.

2. The Egg of Estes

Vibe: You might have seen “The Egg & I” or “First Watch” in other cities. This is part of that family, but it has a local Estes feel. It’s a bright, busy, and professional spot.
What to get: They have a huge menu. From healthy options like avocado toast and granola to absolute heavyweight breakfasts like the “Hiker’s Benedict” or their sweet-cream pancakes. Their coffee is always fresh and bottomless.
Our Take: This is a great choice if you have a group with picky eaters. Everyone can find something they like. It’s consistent, clean, and you know exactly what you’re going to get.

3. Claire’s Restaurant and Bar

Vibe: Claire’s feels a little more upscale, but it’s still very mountain-casual. It’s right on the main drag with a great patio if the weather is nice. You can sit outside and watch the town wake up.
What to get: They are famous for their benedicts. They have a whole list of them, from classic to a Colorado-style one with green chile. They also have great waffles and really good Bloody Marys if you’re starting your vacation right.
Our Take: If you want breakfast with a view (and maybe a morning cocktail), this is your spot. It’s a great place to ease into your day.

The Quick Grab-and-Go

For when you’ve got an early timed-entry permit for the park and you just need to get moving.

1. Kind Coffee

Vibe: This is the local’s coffee shop. It’s right on the river, and they roast their own organic, fair-trade coffee. The smell alone will wake you up.
What to get: Coffee, obviously. Any kind you want. For food, they have awesome breakfast burritos (a Colorado staple) that are pre-made and ready to be heated. They also have bagels, muffins, and other quick pastries.
Our Take: This is our go-to. Grab a burrito in one hand, a “Kind Cup” in the other, and walk along the river path for a perfect morning. Plus, you’re supporting a great local business.

2. The Donut Haus

Vibe: Old-school, no-frills, classic donut shop. It’s been here for ages and it’s a family tradition for a lot of people. It’s not technically right on the main drag (it’s a block or two up the hill on Moraine Ave), but it’s a 2-minute walk and 100% worth it.
What to get: A donut. Or a dozen. Their classic glazed are fantastic, but they also have apple fritters, long johns, and all the old-school favorites. They also have their “Haus Buns,” which are basically giant, delicious cinnamon rolls.
Our Take: Get there early. We’re serious. On a busy summer morning, they will sell out of the popular stuff. This isn’t a “roll in at 11 AM” kind of place.

3. Cinnamon’s Bakery

Vibe: Tucked away in a little shopping plaza, this place is a hidden gem. It’s a tiny little bakery that just churns out amazing baked goods.
What to get: The name says it all. Get the cinnamon roll. It’s huge, gooey, and covered in frosting. They also have fantastic scones, muffins, and other pastries.
Our Take: This is pure indulgence. It’s not a health breakfast, it’s a vacation breakfast. Grab one (and a bunch of napkins) and find a bench by the river.

The “Little Bit of Everything” Spot

1. Notchtop Bakery & Cafe

Vibe: This spot is a perfect mix. It’s a sit-down cafe, but it’s also a full-service bakery. So you can get a massive omelet, or you can just run in and grab a bear claw and a coffee. It’s located in the Stanley Village shopping center, just a tiny bit east of the “main” downtown strip, but still very walkable.
What to get: Their bakery case is dangerous. But if you’re sitting down, their skillets and breakfast sandwiches are fantastic. The “Notchtop” breakfast sandwich on a croissant is a perfect start to the day.
Our Take: This is another great “please everyone” spot. The line can look long, but one line is for the bakery and one is for the cafe, so make sure you’re in the right one.

A Quick Map of Your Options

Here’s a rough idea of where these places are. As you can see, they are all packed right into the main downtown area.

Place	Best For…	Location
Mountain Home Cafe	Classic Sit-Down	W Elkhorn Ave
The Egg of Estes	Big Menu, Groups	E Elkhorn Ave
Claire’s Restaurant	Patio & Benedicts	W Elkhorn Ave
Kind Coffee	Best Local Coffee & Burritos	E Elkhorn Ave (by the river)
The Donut Haus	Old-School Donuts	Moraine Ave (Hwy 36)
Cinnamon’s Bakery	Giant Cinnamon Rolls	W Elkhorn Ave (in a plaza)
Notchtop Bakery	Bakery & Cafe Combo	Stanley Village (E of downtown)

A Local’s Pro-Tips for Breakfast in Estes

Okay, so you’ve got your list. Here are a few final tips from us, the people who drive back and forth from denver to estes park every single day.

Go Early. No, Earlier. We cannot stress this enough, especially from June to September. Estes Park is a morning town. People get up early to get into RMNP. If you roll up to a popular spot at 9:00 AM on a Saturday, you are going to wait. 8:00 AM is busy. 7:30 AM is better.
Parking is Tricky. The downtown parking lots and street parking fill up fast. Your best bet is to either walk from your hotel/cabin, or park once in one of the all-day lots (like the parking structure) and just walk everywhere. Don’t try to drive from the coffee shop to the breakfast spot. You’ll lose your mind.
Check Seasonal Hours. This is a big one. Many Estes Park restaurants have different hours in the “shoulder season” (like April/May) or in the deep winter (Jan-March). Some may close for a few weeks. Always do a quick check online or call ahead if you’re visiting in the off-season.
Embrace the “Mountain Time.” Service might be a little slower than you’re used to in a big city. It’s not because people are lazy; it’s because almost every restaurant is short-staffed, and they’re dealing with huge crowds. Just take a deep breath, enjoy your coffee, and look at the mountains. You’re on vacation.

Need Help Getting Here?

Eating a great breakfast in Estes Park is the fun part. But you have to get here first.

Trust us for the most up to date information for getting from Denver to Estes Park. We’ll get you here, and then you can go get breakfast.

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