Wheel Bar

Inside Wheel Bar

Wheel Bar is a classic dive-style cocktail bar tucked inside The Wheel Building on E Elkhorn Avenue in Estes Park. This spot holds a reputation among locals and return visitors as a place with character and a no-frills approach to a good night out. The atmosphere is grounded in that well-worn, unpolished bar vibe—think friendly regulars, worn wooden surfaces, and a steady buzz of conversation that hints at many stories shared over the years.

The bar specializes in drinks more than food, with a highlighted focus on beer and their scratch-made Bloody Marys, which have earned their place among local favorites. While there's no kitchen menu to speak of, that suits the place just fine. It’s the kind of spot where you come for the drinks and the company, not a meal.

Visitors looking for a laid-back, authentic local experience will find Wheel Bar welcoming—especially if you’re keen on rubbing elbows with Estes Park residents and getting a sense of the town’s social rhythm. The bartenders are often mentioned for their friendliness and memorable concoctions, such as a standout sangria that some patrons come back for time and again.

Wheel Bar can get lively during peak times or private events, with staff adept at managing both regular crowds and larger groups. This adaptability makes it a fitting venue for casual gatherings, like wedding after-parties or group celebrations, where the vibe is relaxed and the focus is on keeping things fun without pretense.

Best times to visit are likely evenings when the bar fills with locals looking to unwind. Newcomers should come with a welcoming attitude and a readiness to dive into that casual, conversational energy rather than expecting polished service or expansive menus. It’s a place that rewards those who respect its dive bar roots and come ready to engage with a community that’s been shaping its character for decades.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Has bar games

Has fast service

Has great beer selection

Serves great cocktails

Good for watching sport

What they serve

Serves alcohol

Serves beer

Serves cocktails

Serves food

Serves happy-hour drinks

Serves spirits

Serves wine

Best for

Outside food allowed

Has seating

Accessibility

Has wheelchair-accessible car park

Has wheelchair-accessible entrance

Has wheelchair-accessible seating

Has wheelchair-accessible toilet

Parking

Free of charge street parking

Free parking lot

Plenty of parking

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Friday

11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

What Locals & Travelers Say

887 Reviews

Savannah Guglielmo

16 Dec 2025

We had our wedding after party here in July 2025 and it was the BEST! The staff was incredibly helpful and friendly, the set up was easy and met the dive bar aesthetic we were looking for. The owner and managers were great at communicating before and after the event and made sure that we had a great time the night of our wedding. We highly recommend Wheel Bar for just a casual fun night in Estes or an affordable event!

Macke Mixon

15 Dec 2025

The Wheel Bar is awesome! Bartenders are super cool. WE LOVE JESSIE, best baldtender ever (makes a FANTASTIC sangria, make sure to ask him for one) Hands down the best bar in Estes!

Lady Margaret

10 Dec 2025

One of the oldest bars in the region. They make bloody Mary's from scratch and I can tell you they are some of the best I've ever had. Bar fills up with locals so you have to be aggressive if you want more prompt service, but it's a dive bar and I'm on vacation, so I'll go with it. No food that I'm aware of; saw no one eating nor did I see any menus.

Hayley Nelson

07 Nov 2025

I come back here every few years to see Jesse, Shane, and Caleb and regular Aubrey. It’s like a sitcom, but you’re included on it. Cheers mates I LOVE this bar. Act like a local if you’re here or don’t come tho, ok

Kim Cram

18 Oct 2025

We used the lower bar for an event. The bar tenders were friendly, and worked tirelessly to serve the group of about 70. Ty was great to work with to set things up. We had gone the day before for a drink, and had great service as well. Loved the place!

Scouser1965

21 Sep 2025

Best bar in Estes by far. Really nice beer selection and a lot of local breweries in the mix at reasonable prices. Sat at the bar and enjoyed great service in a classic darker interior ambiance that worked out great on a blistering hot day . Lots of things to keep you entertained from shuffle board , pool and fuse ball tables. Didn’t realize until we were leaving that they also have an outside patio near the river that would be nice on a cooler day . Will definitely return next time I’m in the area.

Sarah Wentz

13 Sep 2025

We were visiting Estes for a few days for a long weekend and kept finding ourselves back at The Wheel. The bar is basically the only one opened past 9pm in town. Shane and his artwork was awesome and we hope to visit again!

Inside Wheel Bar

Highlights & Local Essentials

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

What Locals & Travelers Say

887 Reviews

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