Hey there traveler.

So you’re planning your trip, getting ready to head up from Denver to Estes Park. You’ve booked your shuttle with us, Estes Direct, and you’re all set for the mountain views… but then that little worry pops in.

“What am I going to eat?”

When you’re gluten-free, traveling isn’t just about packing bags and booking rooms. It’s a full-on research mission. You’re probably wondering if you’re going to be stuck eating sad salads and protein bars in your hotel room.

We get it. As your local guide for getting from Denver to Estes Park and back, we’re focused on everything you need to know. And that includes where to find a good, safe meal. Trust us for the most up to date information… for your travel and your food.

The great news? Estes Park has got your back. For a small mountain town, it’s surprisingly awesome for gluten-free folks. You just need to know where to look.

So, let’s dig in. Here’s our guide to eating gluten-free in Estes Park.

A Quick Note: “Gluten-Friendly” vs. “Celiac-Safe”

This is super important, so we’re putting it right at the top. You’ll see “gluten-friendly” or “GF” on a lot of menus. This is fantastic! But it doesn’t always mean “celiac-safe.”

• Gluten-Friendly: This usually means the dish is made with gluten-free ingredients. But… it might be cooked in a shared fryer, on a shared grill, or with shared utensils. For someone with a mild sensitivity, this is often fine.
• Celiac-Safe: This means the kitchen understands cross-contamination. They use separate prep areas, clean utensils, fresh gloves, and dedicated fryers.

Our number one tip, always: Talk to your server. Be polite but clear. “I have a celiac allergy, not just a preference. Can you tell me what’s safe for me and what your kitchen protocols are?”

The places on this list are known for having good options, but you must be your own advocate. Kitchens change, staff changes, and you’re in charge of your health. Alright, lecture over! Let’s get to the good stuff.

🍳 The Best Spots: Breakfast & Coffee

Starting your day right is key, especially before a big hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Notchtop Bakery & Cafe

This is a go-to spot. They are super well-known for their breakfast and lunch, and they get dietary restrictions. They focus on fresh, natural ingredients. While it’s a busy cafe (so cross-contamination is always a risk to ask about), they have tons of gluten-free options, from bread for sandwiches to breakfast plates.

• Our Tip: They’re in the Upper Stanley Village (where the Safeway is). It’s a great place to grab food before or after you do your grocery run. It gets busy, so maybe plan for a slightly off-peak meal.

Mountain Home Cafe

The name says it all. It’s cozy and welcoming, and their menu is packed. We’ve heard amazing things about their gluten-free bread. Finding a good GF chicken sandwich or a solid breakfast plate with toast is a huge win, and this place delivers. They have a really wide variety, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out.

Kind Coffee

Need your caffeine fix? Kind Coffee is a local’s favorite, right on the river walk. It’s got a beautiful patio. They offer a gluten-free bagel sandwich, which is a rare find!

• The Celiac Warning: We’ve heard from some folks that they prepare these in a shared environment (like a shared toaster). So this might be a “gluten-sensitive” option, not a “celiac-safe” one. Definatly ask them about their process before you order.

Bonus: The Sweet Stuff 🍩

• Cinnamon’s Bakery: They have been known to carry some pre-packaged gluten-free goodies. Always worth popping in to see what they have!
• Donut Haus: Yep, a donut shop. Located inside a gas station, this spot is a hidden gem. They often have gluten-free donuts! Call ahead to make sure it’s a donut day, but this can be a vacation-making treat.

🍔 Lunch & Casual Bites (Mid-Day Fuel)

You’ve been walking Elkhorn Ave, you’re tired, you’re hungry. Where to?

The Post Brewing Co.

Okay, stop right here. This is a big one. Their famous fried chicken is gluten-free. Read that again. The bone-in chicken and the gravies are gluten-free. They also have GF chicken tenders, sandwiches with a GF bun (for an upcharge), and even… wait for it… gluten-free beer!

This is probably one of the top spots in town for a celiac to get a truly satisfying, indulgent meal. They have a dedicated fryer for the chicken. As always, confirm with your server, but this place is a game-changer.

Scratch Deli & Bakery

Looking for a quick sandwich to take into the park? This is your spot. They are known for having a really, really good gluten-free roll that doesn’t taste like cardboard. It’s a small, bustling place, so be clear about your allergy needs for the prep station, but they’re used to it.

Bird’s Nest

This is such a cute spot in a Victorian house. They do it all: coffee, bakery, and (most importantly) sandwiches and pizza. They offer a gluten-free pizza crust and gluten-free bread for their sandwiches. The view is beautiful, and it’s a great place to relax.

Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ

Most BBQ meat (pulled pork, brisket) is usually gluten-free, but the sauce is the enemy. Smokin’ Dave’s is a local legend, and they have gluten-free options. You’ll need to talk to them about which sauces are safe (some are, some aren’t) and ensure the meat isn’t put on a bun before it hits your plate.

🍽️ Dinner & A Nicer Night Out

You’re celebrating, or you just want a really good, relaxing dinner after a long day.

Bird & Jim

This is one of the most-recommended “foodie” spots in town. They are all about “artisan-driven, local, and seasonal” food. This kind of high-quality, careful kitchen is often great for allergies. They understand ingredients. It’s not a “gluten-free restaurant,” but it’s a restaurant that can absolutely accommodate you with a beautiful, safe meal. Perfect for a special occasion.

Ed’s Cantina & Grill

Want some margs and Mexican food? Ed’s is a super fun, lively spot. The best part? Their menu has clearly labeled, celiac-approved dishes. Having that “celiac-approved” language right on the menu is a massive stress relief. This is a fantastic choice.

The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

This place has such a cool, rustic, historic vibe. It’s been around forever. Their menu has a dedicated “GF” section, and they note items that can be made GF. This shows they’re thinking about it. They have GF bread/buns, steak, and even GF beer. It’s a cozy, reliable choice.

Sweet Basilico

Craving Italian? It’s not off the table! Sweet Basilico is a family-run Italian place that offers many entrees that can be made gluten-free. This usually means they have GF pasta available! Just talk to them about safe prep (like using a clean pot of water for your pasta) and you can get your carb fix.

Twin Owls Steakhouse

You can’t go wrong with a classic steakhouse. A good steak and some roasted vegetables is the original gluten-free meal. Twin Owls is a fine-dining classic in Estes. You’ll want to confirm your sides are safe (no flour in the potatoes, no soy sauce on the veggies), but this is always a solid, upscale option.

🛒 Stocking Your Hotel Room: The Grocery Run

This is our pro-traveler tip. Sometimes the safest, easiest meal is the one you make yourself. Or at least, the snacks you have on hand. Don’t waste your precious luggage space bringing snacks from Denver. Here’s where to go in Estes:

1. Safeway: This is the main, big grocery store in town. It’s apparently one of the busiest Safeways in the whole country, so be prepared for crowds. But… it has a great selection of gluten-free products. You’ll find bread, snacks, frozen meals, baking supplies… everything you’d find at home.
2. The Country Market of Estes Park: This market boasts the largest selection of natural and organic food in town. This is a goldmine for finding specialty GF brands, healthy snacks, and fresh produce.
3. Buckwheat Organic Market: A small, independent natural foods store. This is the perfect place to stop for those “heading into the park” munchies. Think GF bars, chips, and unique treats.

Your Final Checklist (From Your Guide)

See? You’re not going to starve. You have so many options.

Just keep this in mind:

• Always, always, always tell your server you have a “celiac allergy,” not just a “preference.” It changes how the kitchen treats your order.
• Be Patient. Estes Park is a tourist town. Kitchens get slammed. Be extra kind, and they’ll be extra kind back.
• Don’t Assume. Never assume a sauce, a gravy, or a soup is safe. Always ask.
• Pack Snacks. Grab some GF bars from Safeway or Buckwheat to throw in your backpack. There are no “do-overs” when you’re 5 miles up a trail.

We’re Estes Direct, and we’re here to help make your entire trip easy. We love this town, and we’re happy to be your local guide for getting from Denver to Estes Park and back. We can help with shuttles, custom concierge services, and all the info you need.

Trust us for the most up to date information… and trust that you’re going to have an amazing (and delicious) time in Estes Park.

Ready to book your ride? Head over to estesdirect.com and let us handle the drive.

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