We'll be driving from DEN to Estes Park - where should we eatlunch? Ideally a place for sandwiches or salads and not a big chain. Thanks!

Any place you like. Loop through Boulder, stop on Pearl St and you will find lots of places to eat.

We used to go to a place in Lyons, called Black Bear Inn (or something like that). It's cute and not terribly expensive (if it's still there). It would be on your way, without a detour.

If you want to enjoy a leisurely lunch in a completely unique setting, try the Dushanbe Teahouse in Boulder. Huge menu of dishes from around the world in an incredible teahouse imported and constructed piece by piece from Tajikistan. Lovely patio next to Boulder Creek to enjoy in the warm weather. www.boulderteahouse.com

Because the drive is less than 90 minutes from downtown Denver to Estes Park, you might consider buying sandwiches along the way and making a picnic in the park when you get there. One of the best sub sandwiches anywhere is at Salvaggio's in Boulder (http://boulder.citysearch.com/profile/1867594) Bring a good appetite if you're eating one of those delicious and enormous sandwiches!

If you will be driving Hwy 66 onto Hwy 36 to Estes - stop in Lyons at Oskar Blues for a burger and a micro brew

see oskar blues dot com

casual atmosphere, good food and music

have fun

Meant to add- Black Bear Inn ( Bavarian style) in Lyons, is still there, but closed Mon-Thurs, open mostly for dinners

We had great sandwiches at the Barking Dog Cafe in Lyons

This may not meet your criteria for sandwiches and salads, but we stopped at Woody's in Golden (recommended in Fodor's tour book) for their all you can eat wood-fired pizza and salad buffet. Cute place. Not sure of their hours since it was 5 on a Saturday, and like you we were driving from Denver to Estes Park. We took the scenic route going following the Peak to Peak highway.

Thanks for all the suggestions. We stopped at Oskar Blues and were very pleased. Big portions (almost too big for me...) and tasty brews. Had a great trip too!

Ditto Lyons. Cute, easy access, stress-free, slow-paced. Several cafes. Have a good trip!

Lunch at the Stanley in Estes. Great place to visit, gorgeous views, reasonable lunch (yes, they have sandwiches, too).

curious to know if su casa is still there in estes. ate there 20 years ago, and haven't forgotten it since. ;-)

My advise - -avoid Estes Park. It is horrible!

mrt - why avoid? It was a convenient place to stay while exploring RMNP. Yes, it is a touristy town with somewhat touristy prices, but also the options of variety of restaurants and entertainment other than hiking.