Known for its mountain town charm, many of Estes Park’s best sights and activities are accessed by day. However, even as evening descends, there are ways to continue enjoying your Estes Park vacation. Whether you are just wrapping up a sunset hike or you’re simply a night owl, there are a handful of places in Estes Park where you can grab a late drink, a bite to eat, or some evening entertainment. Make the most of your days and evenings throughout your vacation by adding these top five nightlife in Estes Park hangout spots to your itinerary!
Reel Mountain Theater
Relax and unwind in the evening with a movie at Reel Mountain Theater. Offering both small town charm and good quality technology, catching a movie at Reel Mountain Theater is a great way to spend the evening, especially after a long day on the trail. While you won’t find some of the fancy features you’d find in a mega theater, this hometown theater offers up to four movie options, including a good mix of the latest Hollywood blockbusters and independent films, as well as a handful of special events. Most weekdays offer two showings per movie, with three on the weekends.
Wheel Bar
Situated in the heart of downtown Estes Park, Wheel Bar is the venue that tends to offer the most consistent late-night experience. As a mainstay in Estes Park for nearly 80 years, Wheel Bar is a favorite among residents and visitors alike and is still housed in the original building in which it began – a renovated hotel. Grab some late-night drinks or challenge your friends to some classic bar room competitions. Pool tables, shuffle board, a dart board, foosball, arcade games, and a digital jukebox are all available. Catch a game on one of the many TVs inside the bar or enjoy some fresh air on the outdoor patio when weather permits. Wheel Bar is open 10am-2pm every day of the year except Christmas.
Aiden Sinclair’s Underground
When it comes to the nightlife in Estes Park, Aiden Sinclair’s Underground offers a truly unique experience. Located at the historic Stanley Hotel, Aiden Sinclair’s Underground is a unique speakeasy lounge tucked away beneath the hotel’s original carriage house. Slide away the secret bookcase door, and an unforgettable experience awaits. This new venue is the site of a variety of magic shows with a changing calendar of magicians and entertainers that come from around the world to perform for Estes Park’s residents and visitors. Their website offers show times and tickets, with most days offering two evening shows of 6pm and 8:30pm.
Rock Cut Brewing Company
A Tudor style building is a unique location for this brewery tucked just off the main street in Estes Park. By day, you can enjoy scenic views of Lumpy Ridge and the Continental Divide. By night, snag a table in the cozy taproom while enjoying a local brew. Patrons are welcome to bring their own food when enjoying a brew at Rock Cut Brewing Company, or there is also a food truck often parked out front. Rock Cut Brewing Company is known for their craft brews, of which they usually have around a dozen available. Their Galactic Portal is a favorite, a hazy IPA with Australian Galaxy hops, known for notes of citrus, passionfruit, and pineapple. Brews are offered by the 4oz, 8oz, 12oz, or 32oz (to go). Rock Cut Brewing Company is open daily until 10pm, although hours may vary by season.
The Barrel
The Barrel is a place where residents and visitors alike come together to celebrate craft brews from throughout Colorado and around the country. They boast a robust menu of craft beer, mead, cider, and high-end distilled spirits and wines. The outdoor beer garden is spacious and casual, with numerous picnic tables spread out under twinkling white lights strung overhead, creating a festive atmosphere for an evening gathering over a local brew. The inside area is also spacious, and here you’ll find multiple flat screen TVs playing the latest big game. While you won’t find a food menu at The Barrel, their website keeps an updated schedule of which food trucks you can expect to be lingering in their parking lot, ranging from wood fired pizzas to Mexican eats. On Thursday through Saturdays their usual 9pm closing time is extended to 11pm, making it a great spot for an evening hangout and drinks.
Stay & Play with the Nightlife in Estes Park
Still in search of Estes Park accommodations so you can enjoy the nightlife in Estes Park? These luxury cabins situated along Lake Estes offer a great base for exploring the area’s many hiking trails as well as providing convenient access to downtown Estes. Contact us at Mountain Village at Lake Estes to learn more or book your accommodations here!