While in Fort Collins with my family, we will day trip it to Estes Park? Is the BBQ place our best option for family friendly food and a beer?
While it's nothing earth - shattering or anything, Estes Park Brewery's beers are drinkable, food is decent (burgers, etc) and they are definitely kiddo friendly. I actually enjoy their Sampson Stout. A Steamboat local said that a pizza place there has a good beer selection (Poppy's).
Make sure you stop by Rambo's Liquor Store for a REAL TREAT !!!! Tell him Dave from Listen Up sent ya. Poppy's has best beer selection at a restaurant, their food is mediocre.
I think you are talking about Smokin Dave's. For lunch that is probably your best bet. Other options Wapiti Pub, Ed's Cantina and Hoppies. There is a new bar that will be opening up in Estes but not until the summer... http://www.brewbound.com/news/outdoor-craft-beer-garden-opening-estes-park
Good news for beer lovers visiting EP. Big Beaver based in Loveland is now serving the majority of their line up at Mary's Lake Lodge. While not world class a significant step up from EP Brewing IMO.
Wow - while I am no fanboy of Big Beaver, I do think they are a step up from EP. Not a significant vote of confidence, just a better option when in EP IMO.
You don't get it? The names are all dick jokes! Get it? Vanilla Chai! It's funny?! They're all dick jokes!
Went there today after hiking in RMNP and their 14,259 Pale Ale was excellent. I was surprised how much I liked it. Made with Citra hops.
I really dig EP Brewing. It's like stepping into a time machine bound for the late 90's, but in a good way. Clean and consistent old school beers. Their service kinda sucks, though.
Go on a hike or two in the park first, get nice and worn out, then go to EP Brewery for a beer or two, they always taste good then. Poppys has good food and beer too, though I usually grab some beers on my way up and grab a pizza or two to bring back to the cabin with us. Antonios pizza is really good as well, just on the opposite end of town from Poppies!
Poppy's had Pliny the Elder last time I went there... If you have time for some brewery stops in Loveland, don't sleep on Verboten, Loveland Aleworks, or Grimm Brothers. All make some tasty offerings worthy of a slight detour.
In Estes Park for the 4th Holiday. Stopped into Rambo's, met Matt and all I can say is he hooked us up with several beers we cannot get in Missouri. We had a blast talking beer with him. If in town you must stop in!
