About
Whether you need a hearty breakfast before hiking Lake Estes Trail or lunch after driving the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, head to Notchtop Bakery & Cafe.
Located in Stanley Village Shopping Center, this restaurant serves made-from-scratch meals using fresh, local ingredients. Think health food that sticks to your ribs!
The cafe opened in 1993, taking its name from the majestic Notchtop Mountain that rises to 12,129 feet within Rocky Mountain National Park. Today, it's a popular dining option for those seeking tasty breakfasts or satisfying lunches.
Under the ownership of Nailya Khametvalieva, the restaurant has maintained a steadfast commitment to hospitality and community support, even during challenging times.
As mentioned, the kitchen aims to use naturally grown, locally available produce, with a strong focus on organic options whenever possible. You will not find high-fructose corn syrup here; instead, the bakery uses cane sugar, pure vanilla, and non-genetically modified flours to create its daily fresh-baked goods.
Additionally, Notchtop slow-roasts its own turkey, pork, beef, and chicken. Even the sausage and hamburgers are handmade on-site.
While this scratch-made approach means food may take a little longer to prepare, the result is a hearty, delicious meal that nourishes!
The menu is inclusive, offering vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan entrees to accommodate various dietary needs.
Notchtop Bakery & Cafe will enhance, energize, and add flavor to your Estes Park getaway.
Vibe
Located in the Stanley Village Shopping Mall, the facade blends with the neighboring retail stores. But don’t let such uniformity fool you into thinking the food is average. One step inside will put you at ease!
The interior decor reflects the goodness and wholesomeness found on the menu. Picture warm wood tones and simple furniture to create a grounded, cabin-like feel. Decorative touches are modest rather than flashy, and the open ceiling with contemporary lights adds a modern feel to the space.
Seating options cater to different preferences. The main room is perfect for families or groups, while the small bar is ideal for a couple. The newly remodeled patio offers al fresco dining with views of the majestic Rocky Mountains.
The ambiance helps you gear up for a day of sightseeing or chill out after exploring Colorado’s wonders.
Notchtop Bakery & Cafe: Menu & Drinks
This hotspot features a breakfast, lunch, cafe, kids’, and bar menu, so we’ll be hard-pressed to highlight all the standouts. Instead, we’ll focus on some winners that keep folks coming back!
The breakfast offerings are killer! A prime example is the Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs. This comfort classic features a steak, battered and fried to a golden brown, then smothered in savory country gravy or pork green chili. Add two eggs cooked to order and a choice of potato, and you’re ready for a day of activity.
Other morning options include traditional breakfasts, trout steak entrees, breakfast sandwiches, omelets, burritos, pancakes, hashes, waffles, oatmeal, French toast, and yogurt!
Lunch is equally impressive, with specialty sandwiches, Angus burgers, wraps, salads, and protein bowls. A tantalizing handheld is The Day After Thanksgiving Sandwich. It features oven-roasted turkey breast, cream cheese, and cranberry-wine sauce on a gourmet bun. Add your choice of side, and it will replenish after a day of exploring.
The Home-style Burgers showcase a ½ lb of handmade Black Angus beef on a gourmet brioche bun. There are plenty of varieties, including an elk burger, to please any palate.
The beverage selection ranges from freshly ground coffee to soft drinks to various cocktails, beers, and wines. Various Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and tequila offerings are available for breakfast, while creative margaritas, sangria, beer, and wine complement an afternoon visit.
While we’ve only scratched the surface of this made-from-scratch eatery, you can tell that meals are health-focused but plentiful. In fact, once you visit, chances are Notchtop Bakery & Cafe will become your go-to on your Estes Park vacation.
Local Tips
- The kids’ menu makes it family-friendly.
- Parking is free and plentiful.
- Order to-go and hit the trails ASAP!
- Let Notchtop cater your special event or celebration.
