We have 4 nights at a B&B 4 miles outside the town of Estes Park. We want good food, not gourmet, for $80-$90/couple for 3 couse meal with a glass of wine, maybe. Tax/tip additional. We will be there in mid-Aug. so while we like kids, ours are out of the house , a T.F.I.Friday's/Chilli's is not what we want nor white linen either. We really enjoy gghod quality beef, chicken American or Italian style. We also prefer not driving more than 10-15 miles. Last request is places that honor reservations. Big Bear(? something like that we already have noted). Oh. yes. On Friday night we will be at a Patron's Reception at the Sculpture Festival and may need a bite (light) right in Loveland before heading back to Estes park around 7PM.CAN YOU HELP. Give dtails. Thanks.

Estes does have some nicer places that should fit the bill for you. The Twin Owls Steakhouse has excellent beef and game like elk in a casually elegant setting. It might be a tad more than your budget, but worth it for one night. You might also look at Nicky's Steakhouse on Fall River Road (their dining room iin the back), the Dunraven on Hwy 66 for excellent Italian as well as The Gallery right in the center of town for unique seafood dishes. You might also enjoy Sweet Basilico, which is very tiny and not expensive, but very good, fresh Italian. We'll keep our fingers crossed that TGI Fridays or Chili's never makes it to Estes!

it was years ago, but i could never forget the name "su casa", the food was great. (i was a kid then so maybe my palate has changed, but still ;-) )

Thanks for the suggestions but I only spend $125+/- with tax/tip in NYC for some of the good restaurants. I'm surprised that $90+ tax/tip which is $125 will limit me.
For an extra $15-$20/couple, if their are 1 or 2 really fine dining (skip the white linen)please suggest them.Thanks!!

The Stanley Hotel has a very nice restaurant on the back patio, with waterfall. I think very reasonable, too.

If you're just getting a glass or two of wine, then you're well within budget at any of the restaurants mentioned (hubby & I always get a whole bottle). Twin Owls is the priciest and does have tablecloths, but I wouldn't consider it stuffy at all; just very nice surroundings with excellent food. Otherwise, you'll come in well under budget just about everywhere else in Estes. Google Twin Owls for their website with a complete menu - almost all restaurants have websites now!

stlvia3: Hotel food is generally only fair except for places like the Four Seasons. Is the Stanley an exception?While many hotels are uppgrading their dining room the initial trend is for business traveler hotels.
I could still use 1-2 more suggestions. We will be in Loveland for the Sculpture Festival on a Sun. in Aug., any good suggestions there with A/C dining room or on route back to Estes Park area?

Have you tried the Roadfood or Chowhound sites?