Are you looking for a well-deserved evening out? Check out Grand Lake's Rapids Lodge & Restaurant. In my opinion, this historic gem is the best waterfront steakhouse in Colorado, providing diners with ambiance, scenery, and flavor in spades. It's easy to see why this local spot has stood the test of time.

It's safe to say that the Rapids Lodge & Restaurant goes way back. Since its doors opened in 1915, it's become a local institution. Whether staying as a guest or putting your feet up following an outdoor adventure, you'll enjoy an incomparable atmosphere by way of years of steady business.

Inside, warm wood clads the restaurant's walls, creating a snug environment perfect for casual dates and important events.

In winter, the restaurant is a cozy refuge from the snowy wonderland outside. Still, you'll have peekaboo views of the nearby river rushing past the windows.

If you happen to visit in the summer, I recommend requesting a table outside. Surrounded by towering trees, few eateries boast better natural scenery. Not to mention, the sounds of the river and lively conversation make the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal.

And what a meal it will be! True, Rapids Lodge & Restaurant isn't strictly a steakhouse, but their red meat truly shines. And rest assured, though the atmosphere brims with nostalgia, the menu is exciting and modern. Bold flavors and fresh ingredients elevate classic dishes to new heights.

If you can, save room for dessert. A rotating menu of crave-worthy confections puts the perfect button on a sublime dining experience.

But no need to rush. Pair your meal with one of the restaurant's fine wines and sit back in your seat, the best in the house. From its dishes to its view, diners are treated to an experience of total relaxation. Sun on your face, wine in hand, and steak on the way— what could say "summer" more than that?

If you're looking for the best waterfront steakhouse in Colorado, I recommend visiting Rapids Lodge & Restaurant in Grand Lake. Tucked in a historic inn, this beloved eatery has become a local institution. Whether you're planning a wedding or needing a post-hike recharge, few spots are more idyllic than this riverfront paradise. From its antique interiors to its jaw-dropping riverfront location, it easily belongs on your dining bucket list. here's to many more years and many more memories at the charming Rapids Lodge!