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Dunraven Inn
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
2470 Colorado Hwy 66Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-6409
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
26 reviews for Dunraven Inn
Review Highlights
"I learned recently that when dollar bills fall off the..."
(in 5 reviews)
"...is excellent and my favorite is spaghetti and meatballs."
(in 4 reviews)
"The steaks are good, they are always tender and grilled..."
(in 4 reviews)
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26 reviews in English
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Review from Crystal M.
Englewood, CO
12/30/2011
The Dunraven Inn is my absolute favorite place to eat in Estes Park. I am a foodie when it comes to Italian and can be very picky about how it is prepared. Yes, their bread is mediocre but they quickly make up for it with their delicious main courses. I appreciate that they do not bread their chicken parmesan like most contemporary restaurants. The best entree on their menu is the baked ziti. It is by far the best ziti I have ever eaten. I've also been told their steaks are well prepared, although I've never tried them myself.
In reading some reviews of the Dunraven, I'm astounded to see how many people have given a poor rating because of the restaurant's atmosphere. It's been my experience that the more quaint the Italian restaurant, the more authentic and delicious the food. Yes, the Dunraven is dark. Yes, it can be a little loud with all the happy diners. Yes, there are pictures of Mona Lisa on the walls and there are $16,000 worth of dollar bills stapled to the walls in the front entrance. I find this to be charming and appreciate that I can eat in a relaxing, cozy environment. I place more importance on the food than the atmosphere.
Basically, it boils down to this: If you want to dine in a stuffy, upscale environment with overpriced, sub par food, Biaggis or the Olive Garden is just for you. If you want out-of-this-world Italian food, in a relaxing and cozy environment, check out the Dunraven Inn. You will not regret it. -
Review from Rob M.
Los Alamitos, CA
9/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
New ownership has changed some things, not for the better; the former signature knot rolls have been replaced with over-buttered garlic toast, which is not an improvement. The wine list is staggeringly short, and prosaic. This used to be the best restaurant in town, but it's slipped quite a bit since the last time I ate there.
Free WiFi only if you are adjacent to the open lodge network next door (shh). -
Review from Chris S.
Littleton, CO
11/27/2011
We enjoyed our evening here, the atmosphere is friendly. The service was very good. The food was very good. We had the Pesto and the special Baked Lobster Ziti. The wine list had some good selections at good prices.
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Review from Dave T.
Sacramento, CA
6/23/2011 21 Check-ins Here
New owners may mean improvements, but not here yet.
Pros
* Renee, our very professional wait person
* Big portions
Cons
* Tables crowded too closely.
* Same old soggy bread wrapped in tin
foil
* Ordinary food
* general overall noise level
* no draft beer
My wife enjoyed here very plain spaghetti and salad.
While the sausage and peppers was over- sauced.
This place doesn't deserve a bookmark yet. -
Review from Ashley P.
Denver, CO
9/29/2011
Love coming here when I'm visiting my parents in Estes. Try the seven cheese alfredo- yummy! The lighting is dim and it's very cozy inside. In the lobby people decorate and hang dollar bills all over the walls and ceiling, it's pretty cool! Reccommend making reservations during the busy summer months for dinner.
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Review from Dan S.
Minneapolis, MN
Updated - 8/26/2010
We eat at the Dunraven at least once every trip to Estes Park. The food is as plentiful as it is delicious! My only trepidation is that I ALWAYS over eat at the Dunraven! ;)
It's a crowded, noisy place, full of happy diners. Definitely recommended!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/3/2009
I've been coming to Estes Park for years, and just discovered Dunraven Inn last year - wish I'd… Read more »
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Review from Thomas S.
6/7/2010
I'll go on record saying that the Dunraven Inn is nothing special. In a beautiful natural setting such as Estes Park, it is a shame to go and eat in such a cavernous building. The room has some charm, though I find it quite dated. The clientele is extremely casual - as I was subjected to seeing some guys kneecaps at the table over, along with his son's toes.
The food here is Italian - along with a variety of steaks. Since we were gearing up for a strenuous hike the next day, we thought we'd load up on carbs. I went with the calamari marinara. Bad choice. Calamari was extremely rubbery and the pasta was quite overcooked. Instead of nice al dente pasta, I was left sucking up mushy goo. My wife's spaghetti and meatballs also had the same overcooked pasta and a giant, flavorless meatball. No bueno.
I do give them a little bit of cred for a nice spumoni, but I could have scooped that myself. -
Review from Sandra Sky H.
Mill Valley, CA
9/2/2010
Cute, but very dark. I got the Fettucine Alfredo, which I usually never get because it's so easy to make... but they were recommended and the menu said they were award-winning... Honestly, I would steal that award! Not sure if they were having a bad night, but the sauce was bland as bland can be and I did not taste all the different cheeses they apparently use. For $17!!! YIKES!
That said, the service was great. But I wouldn't go back... -
Review from Matthew B.
Phoenix, AZ
1/23/2008
I've been coming to this restaurant with the "fam" since I was born. We've seen a few great people come and go, one of the waiters we used to see often even wrote a book that we have on the bookshelf somewhere.
I've also got my fair share of dollar bills posted in the restaurant (fine, there were only two) but both are probably gone I'm sure.
When you're a kid nothing quite beats a giant plate of spaghetti to hit the spot, but as I've grown older I occasionally branch out and truly enjoy both the baked ziti and lasagna (okay, I know they're not that "grown up" but still...).
I hope you enjoy this truly fantastic restaurant, after all it is "The Rome of the Rockies." -
Review from Linda L.
San Antonio, TX
9/4/2011
I love to eat here every time I'm in Estes Park. I am never disappointed. We had great meal tonight. My husband loved the manicotti, and my scallops were wonderful. The salads were good. The creamy garlic dressing is yummy. There is always a lot of food so we skipped appetizers and dessert. Our waitperson, Sarah, was very nice and efficient. Actually everyone who worked there that we came in contact with was very nice. Overall a very pleasant evening!
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Review from Ravena F.
10/13/2007
When I was a kid, this was one of the "fancy place" restaurants that we'd eat at in Estes. Covered in dollar bills with notes written on them (yes, I have one up there), the walls of the entry-way and bar are certainly unique, and add to the cozy feel of this warm and romantically dark Italian restaurant.
When visiting as an adult, this is my favorite place to go to reward myself following a particularly strenuous hike (after I've showered and changed). After Sky pond, two days ago (strenuous now that I live at sea level), I went here and had the scallops over angel-hair pasta. Now that I live in California, I'm generally wary of seafood in land-locked areas, but oh man, were those scallops good - cooked to perfection, which is key. Their eggplant parmesan is also to die for.
Entrees come with soup/salad. Substantial dinner for two, with drinks will be around $60-$80. Well worth it.
The wait-staff is lovely. You can go early to your reservation, have a cocktail and chat with the ever-friendly, pleasant and competent Sean, who's worked there for years. (Makes a perfect dirty martini too!)
I learned recently that when dollar bills fall off the ceilings and walls, the owner collects them and donates them to a local charity.
Cool! -
Review from Joe F.
Bellevue, WA
9/2/2010
"The Rome of Colorado"? Really? While all the dollars bills around the place on the walls is cool, the food is NOT good at all!
Our server was very sympathetic to our disappointment and it is only for this reason the place does not get a "do not go back" rating.
On a happy note the wine list was good and the bottle we selected with the help of our server was the highlight of the evening.
The chicken parm was prepared without a breaded cutlet, ugh and the sauce had a brown tint with hints of capers. In Rome this is a no no. Even though we were there in the height of fresh tomato season (first week of September) the salad was dressed with hot house fruit. Ugh.
The garlic bread was dripping in oil, I hope olive, and soggy through out. Zero crispness nor nothing to chew on. Another zero.
Have I mentioned that I can be made happy in an Italian restaurant with wine and bread?
If you are in Estes Park and want Italian, try the place on the main drag. I walked by the next day during lunch and I can say the smell of garlic wafting out the front door made my pain from the night before come right back. -
Review from Paul M.
Denver, CO
12/9/2009
My feeling is that if you cannot enjoy this restaurant, the problem lies with you and not them. Granted we've been there twice. Both times on a Saturday night at prime time, both times when we had out of town guests babysitting, allowing my wife and I to get away for a night to Estes Park.
The food - Shrirmp Parm, Filet special, shrimp scampin/sirloin combo, and spaghetti meatballs, have all been excellent. Salad and garlic bread and cocktails all good too. Atmosphere/people watching is great and lively and one of the times we were seated in the small "bird room". Still fun. Took desserts to go both times, and both times ended the night saying "MMMMMMM". All good. Love the Dunraven. Just a warm, happy place. -
Review from Marilyn W.
Portland, OR
10/12/2010
My husband and I chose Dunraven because of a nice write up in the local newspaper. We made reservations ( a Wed. Night). We had to wait approximate 10 min. For a table. The noise level was equal only to Chuckie Cheese! Our salads were good although I question the 1/4cup of black olives. My husbands spaghetti with meatball was overcooked and lacking much flavor. Our server told me that the clam linguini was good and she was correct. Lots of clams and a nice flavorful broth. All dinners require a take out box. Having the clams again was fine
but the spaghetti was not good the first time around.
Prices are fine but think they are catering
to people who base good food on the amount served . -
Review from Angela A.
11/2/2009
The Dunraven Inn is rumored to be the best restaurant in Estes, and I have to disagree. The Dunraven is nothing special. The atmosphere is wonderful however, the walls are full of dollar bills people have signed over the years and there are also all sorts of Mona Lisa's decorating the walls too.
The service is always good, I've never had a bad experience. The food however, is not that great. It's a good meal, don't get me wrong, but nothing that knocks my socks off. I have had pasta, steaks and dessert here before. I was expecting home made pasta because if this is the best restaurant in Estes, why expect less, but alas, the pasta is not homemade. The steaks are good, they are always tender and grilled perfectly. My favorite dish to date was the garlic infused fillet. Be prepared to spend a good chunk of money here. I have to question if it is truly worth it when we visit Estes. -
Review from Jeff S.
Ridgewood, NJ
8/29/2009
I will let my wife speak about this place. Her vocabulary, vernacular, and enthusiasm trumps mine any day of the week. But I will say that this place was a diamond in the ruff.
Mountain Charm: Check
Excellent Food: Check
Cool Atmosphere: Check
Friendly Service: Check
So i admit i was pregnant when we dined here for our anniversary and loved food a lot, however the food at The Dunraven Inn was FANTASTIC!!!! I had the succulent lobster and juicy prime rib, even though it is an italian eatery, and i wasn't dissapointed at all!!! The whole time i was eating, i was ooohing and ahhhing. i ate the entire thing and wanted more! The staff was amazing, especially the owner. His bar area is filled with thousands or one dollar bills that people sign and they give it to charity. Even today, 6 months later, i think of the wonderful food, quaint atmosphere and fabulous service. we will definitely be going there again when we are in Estes next time.
1 word - Foogasm (food+orgasm)
And now for my wife's description... -
Review from Terry S.
Houston, TX
6/8/2011
I have recently purchased a home in EP and was therefore trying all of the local restaurants. I have been to the Dunraven Inn 3 times and am returning this week. i love the place. I especially like the sausage and peppers. On a cold day there is nothing better. It is a little spicy with great italian sausage, peppers and marinara served on spaghetti. As with most dishes at the Dunraven, you will not go away hungry. Ownership has recently changed. Service is great, the owner is very pleasant and the food is terrific. I have had Italian food in cities around the world, including Rome. The food I have eaten at Dunraven matches up with the best. With regard to the interior, it is small, but charming. It can be a little noisy. The noise level is elevated because it is full of happy dinners. This is one of the places the locals go for a good meal. You should too.
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Review from Kathryn F.
Novato, CA
7/25/2011
A friend recommended this place. I started off with a caesar salad drenched in dressing. Then they brought my lasagna that was so cheesy it was a joke! I had to peal the top layer of melted cheese off and then picked at the rest underneath. I would certainly not recommend this place.
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Review from Erin S.
8/3/2010
Hey, its a mountain family restaurant....something i would expect in a ski town. The salads were kind of mediocre, the bread is greasy and some of the food wasn't great. But, it was okay. My daughter had pesto which was MUCH better than my clams and garlic linguini. my sons spaghetti with meatballs was delicious. the muscles were terrific. again, not great but, good.
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Review from Carolyn T.
Sacramento, CA
8/30/2010
All our friends love this restaurant but I always find the food ordinary, the prices high and the French garlic bread Grady and mushy. The tables are close together. On a positive note, if Rene is working you will get great service.
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Review from Brian M.
St Paul, MN
8/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
Great food. It was our first time there but the couple next to us drives up several times a year from Denver specifically to eat there. Special note of the mussels which were outstanding.
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Review from John B.
Estes Park, CO
8/5/2007
The Dunraven has very good food. Delicious...
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Review from Bill B.
Lake City, FL
10/4/2010
It was a pleasant surprise to find such great Italian food in the moutains. The scallops were great just a little grity. The service was excellent considering the dinner room was packed. We would go again.
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Review from amy w.
Glendale, AZ
6/15/2010
Spent a week in the Rocky Mountains, so of course we ate out quite a bit in Estes Park. This restaurant was right around the corner from where we were staying at WindCliff. My family and I were very disappointed with this place. It didn't start off very good from the beginning because our waitress must have been having a bad night. Super un-friendly! Which was a shame because I looked around at all the other waitresses and they looked nice :( That always dampers your meal a little. We all got the Lord Dunraven Steak, top sirloin with baked potatoes and side salads. Meh. The steak was nothing special for $20.00, my baked potato was crunchy in the middle and their soup selection was terrible. I got the chicken vegetable and took one bite only. The garlic bread brought to the table was soggy. The atmosphere is super cute so we had high hopes. The food just didn't live up to it. I would recommend the Rock Mountain Inn just down the road, it was so good that we ate there twice!
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Review from Lee S.
Red Lion, PA
10/7/2009
Local favorite located just outside of town on Rt. 6?. We have been here several times and always leave satisfied. This restaurant has and Italian based menu but servers several fresh fish such as Alaskan Halibut, and steaks. The pasta is excellent and my favorite is spaghetti and meatballs. I have tried other dish but always come back to this simple basic dish. The meat balls are made on premises and are about the size of a tennis ball. Very, very good. The sauce has a bit of a bite to It, I think they may add a few red pepper flakes. Personally I think it is excellent. The prices are very reasonable considering the location, tourist town and the middle of the Rocky Mountains. The spaghetti with two meatballs was $11.50 and there is a lighter portion with one meat ball that is $9.50. Fresh salad and bread included. An extensive wine selection is available. If you are in Estes skip the downtown tourists' traps and drive out Rt. 6? A couple of miles, not far at all, you will not be disappointed.
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Review from Jose M.
Aurora, CO
8/8/2010
Good atmosphere and location, good service, average food--on the bland side. Seems like a very nostalgic place, one where yearly vacationers grew up going to and have had great memories.
