Ember Restaurant & Bar

About

On the shore of Lake Estes, at The Estes Park Resort, the lake view is half the reason to eat at Ember. Ask for a patio table in good weather, when the mountains show up behind the water; dogs are allowed out there.

The steak frites are the most ordered plate, then the bison short rib, lobster bisque, mango shrimp and sea bass. Elk tenderloin is on too, for anyone who came to Colorado to eat it. The lighter side of the menu has burgers, a steak sandwich, salmon crudo and ahi poke wontons.

There's a full bar and a fireplace inside for colder evenings, breakfast in the morning and a kids' menu. It's about a mile and a half east of downtown near the marina. Service is quick, and the room works for a solo dinner as well as a date. The restaurant has taken a winter break before, so check ahead in the cold months.