Restaurants/Local Bars
Recommendations for local Restaurants/bars. Keep in mind you should allow extra time for dining due to slower service in the mountains.
White Buffalo Pizza Co.
913 Grand AveFriendly staff, great calzones, drinks and atmosphere.
Lariat Bar and Grill
1121 Grand AveCool atmosphere and staff.
Good food and social scene and great place for watching sports on TV.
25 locals recommend
Roadhouse Bar and Grill
10188 US-34Good food and social scene and great place for watching sports on TV.
Stillwater Grill
9921 US-34Great wood-fire pizza
El Pacifico
920 Grand AveGood food and fun karaoke night on Fridays and Saturdays
Like most mountain town restaurants, the service can be slow at times, but the food is amazing so don't wait until you're starving to go eat. ;) GREAT BBQ!
96 locals recommend
Sagebrush BBQ & Grill
1101 Grand AveLike most mountain town restaurants, the service can be slow at times, but the food is amazing so don't wait until you're starving to go eat. ;) GREAT BBQ!
Personally I enjoy their chicken sandwiches (when they're not out of them), but also great atmosphere.
18 locals recommend
Squeaky B's
903 West Agate AvenuePersonally I enjoy their chicken sandwiches (when they're not out of them), but also great atmosphere.
This steakhouse has amazing food and is off the beaten path, as it is located off the main road from downtown. Bread does not come with the meal, but you can order it for an extra charge.
Backstreet Steakhouse
604 Marina DrThis steakhouse has amazing food and is off the beaten path, as it is located off the main road from downtown. Bread does not come with the meal, but you can order it for an extra charge.
If you're planning to spend time in Granby, this is my favorite local Mexican restaurant. There is also one in Frasier as well.
57 locals recommend
Azteca Mexican Restaurant
395 E Agate AveIf you're planning to spend time in Granby, this is my favorite local Mexican restaurant. There is also one in Frasier as well.
This place is best for having a drink and overlooking Grand Lake in the downtown area. The food and service is "ok."
11 locals recommend
Pancho & Lefty's
1120 Grand AveThis place is best for having a drink and overlooking Grand Lake in the downtown area. The food and service is "ok."
Favorite Shops
Purchased many items from this place and LOVE IT ALL! They have amazing customer service (new owners this year).
8 locals recommend
Humphreys Cabin Fever
1100 Grand AvePurchased many items from this place and LOVE IT ALL! They have amazing customer service (new owners this year).
GREAT place for ice cream! The one located directly at the foot of the lake is a great place with daily/unique flavors as well.
Polly's Sweet Shop
1106 Grand AveGREAT place for ice cream! The one located directly at the foot of the lake is a great place with daily/unique flavors as well.
This grocery store has the most variety but closes at 7pm so be sure to plan ahead. The only other grocery store in Grand Lake is across the way but also closes at 8pm. There is a large grocery store (Safeway or King Soopers?) in the town of Granby, apx 15 miles away, if you need additional options.
26 locals recommend
Mountain Market
400 Grand AveThis grocery store has the most variety but closes at 7pm so be sure to plan ahead. The only other grocery store in Grand Lake is across the way but also closes at 8pm. There is a large grocery store (Safeway or King Soopers?) in the town of Granby, apx 15 miles away, if you need additional options.
Entertainment/Activities
We have created additional pages and maps for all your extra curricular activities in our Guest Book, located inside The Knotty Pine. These include kid's activities, local marinas, boat/kayak/snowmobile/bicycle/off-road rentals. There are also more ice cream shops in one small town than you could ever imagine. I hope you enjoy and feel free to let us know of additional recommendations.
Grand Lake Center
301 Marina DrIf you're interested in fitness, yoga or other activities.
Grand Lake Nordic Center
1415 County Road 48If you enjoy golfing in the mountains.
Gorgeous views of mountains and wildlife.
83 locals recommend
Rocky Mountain National Park Grand Lake Entrance
Gorgeous views of mountains and wildlife.
If you enjoy go karts and bumper cars. Something for the kids, plus there is a new putt-putt place just a few doors down as well.
7 locals recommend
Rocky Hi Speedway
510 Center DrIf you enjoy go karts and bumper cars. Something for the kids, plus there is a new putt-putt place just a few doors down as well.
If you are planning a trip to Grand Lake you most likely are well aware of RMNP. However, if you have never been, it's most certainly at the top of the "must see" list (be sure to check hours of operation, as there are closures due to severe weather once snow flies).
1240 locals recommend
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you are planning a trip to Grand Lake you most likely are well aware of RMNP. However, if you have never been, it's most certainly at the top of the "must see" list (be sure to check hours of operation, as there are closures due to severe weather once snow flies).
This is a great theatre that hosts some popular shows. We went to see the Patsy Kline show in September and it was amazing! We look forward to seeing more shows and we really are not that "into" theatre, for what it may be worth.
46 locals recommend
Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
800 Grand AveThis is a great theatre that hosts some popular shows. We went to see the Patsy Kline show in September and it was amazing! We look forward to seeing more shows and we really are not that "into" theatre, for what it may be worth.
This restaurant has an upstairs arcade that is great for the kiddos. There is also "saddle" seating at the bar.
17 locals recommend
White Buffalo Pizza Co.
913 Grand AveThis restaurant has an upstairs arcade that is great for the kiddos. There is also "saddle" seating at the bar.
This is an excellent place to go to soak in the hot sulfur pools. There are many natural sulphur pools with different temperatures to ensure your satisfaction. There is also a private bath area that includes a small, natural 100+ degree sulphur pool, shower area and recovery room (swimsuits are optional for those who are not prepared in advance.). They also rent swimsuits. This is at least a great place to "check out." This is approximately 20 minutes from Grand Lake.
85 locals recommend
Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa
5609 Spring RdThis is an excellent place to go to soak in the hot sulfur pools. There are many natural sulphur pools with different temperatures to ensure your satisfaction. There is also a private bath area that includes a small, natural 100+ degree sulphur pool, shower area and recovery room (swimsuits are optional for those who are not prepared in advance.). They also rent swimsuits. This is at least a great place to "check out." This is approximately 20 minutes from Grand Lake.
Grand Lake Marina
1132 Lake AveThis is the visitor center at the top of Rocky Mountain National Park.
10 locals recommend
Alpine Visitor Center
Trail Ridge RoadThis is the visitor center at the top of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Spirit Lake Rentals
10438 US-34Grand Adventures
78311 US HWY 40Traveler advice
Customs and culture
Avoid waiting to go to restaurants until you are really hungry.
Mountain service, in general, can be very slow. Waiting until you are already hungry can cause unnecessary aggravation, which may lead to a bad overall experience.
Traveling with kids
White Buffalo has an upstairs arcade great for kids.
This allows adults the opportunity to spend time in the restaurant/bar without the frustration of kids not wanting to hang out.
What to pack
Mountain clothing and packing
When you are visiting the mountains, you can experience every weather scenario in a short period of time. Dressing in layers is important, so be sure to pack clothing for all weather. Even with warm and sunny days can bring cold evenings. Always bring a jacket, despite the season. Sunscreen and chapstick are a MUST, as there are more days with sunshine than not. A heavy coat, boots, gloves and hat are especially important in the fall/winter months.
Don't miss
Always be aware of your surroundings - Wildlife!
Please always be aware of your surroundings, as Grand Lake is famous for their wildlife roaming their streets. To see Elk and Moose throughout your day is common. Please be sure never to approach (or feed) wildlife. Give them space and respect the fact this is their home too. We do have bears so please do not leave food outside or in your vehicles.
Customs and culture
Mountain Hours of Operation
Please be sure you check out the hours of operation for everything in the mountains, especially in the off-season, as stores/restaurants may be closed for the season and/or have limited hours. For instance, know the hours of the grocery stores, so you do not get caught without the ability to purchase food.
Getting around
Hardware stores
There is a small hardware store in Grand Lake, but if you need an Ace Hardware or Lumber store, you will find that in Granby, about 15-20 minutes away.
Getting around
Grand Lake Visitor Center
There is a visitor center off Hwy 34 as you are headed either into the downtown Grand Lake area or up to RMNP.
Customs and culture
Liquor Stores
There are several liquor stores located throughout Grand Lake.
Getting around
Places to buy gas
Be aware of the closure times.
There are gas stations located off of Hwy 34 (Lakeview Convenience) and Grand Avenue. There is a larger gas station located in Granby, approximately 15 miles away.
Getting around
Places to buy groceries
Mountain Market closes at 7pm, Rocky Mountain Grocery closes at 8pm, and larger grocery store located in Granby.