Dining at the Dunraven Inn

Dining in Estes Park is always an interesting experience. Anyone recognize this wall? It is at the Dunraven Inn on Spur 66 on your way to the YMCA. This restaurant is a piece of Estes Park history. Approximately $13,000 line the walls at this cozy Italian eatery.

We didn’t know it was Homecoming until we got to the restaurant so it was a busy night for them. The hostess informed us of a 45 minute wait, but we went ahead and reserved a table anyway. We drove around for half an hour and returned to wait for our table. We read the walls while we waited and watched the fish in their aquarium. I don’t know how long ago it started, but there are dollars bill stapled to every available surface. The walls, and ceilings are completely covered with money that has been personalized with names, dates and personal messages about celebrations held in this restaurant. It was fun to read about birthdays, anniversary and vacations through the years from visitors to Estes Park. We were seated in a nook of four seating areas on the SW corner of the building. I felt I needed to get the flashlight from my purse to read the menu. Our waitress was friendly and very attentive. Once you are given the menu and the wine list there is no doubt that the food is going to wonderful. Honestly, the wine list is larger than the menu. Alan had the Prime Rib and I had Fettucini Alfredo with chicken. We had these great house salads that were Italian style with black olives, Parmesan cheese and tomatoes. The salad dressing was homemade. I think we had Creamy Garlic. I was stuffed after only my salad and some bread. Alan ordered an appetizer of potato skins, which is like a meal in itself. They are served with a cheese sauce on half and then a meat sauce on the others. He was so full, he had his salad boxed up for him. We had more fun reading the dollar bills on the walls while we waited on our food. When the waitress brought out our food I couldn’t believe the size of the portions. My entree was served on a bed of spinach fettuccine on a plate at least 12″ in diameter. Alan’s was just the same. Our food was fresh and prepared with great care. It tasted wonderful. I insisted on getting half of mine in a to-go box because I wanted to still have room to sample something off their dessert menu. A woman at the table next to us ordered a Mudslide, so I had to try one too instead of a dessert. Our waitress gave us just the right amount of service, not too much & not too little. At some point, she found out we were locals and it was our first time in the restaurant. Next thing you know we had a set of drinks from the owner. I can’t remember what they were called, but it was a chilled lemon-flavored liquor-YUM!. Our experience was just top-notch all the way around. The food, service and atmosphere were remarkable. When you are visiting here or if you live here full-time this is a must try dining experience. We forgot to leave a dollar, so I guess we have to eat there again soon.