Fontenot’s Fresh Seafood and Grill
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5
Address: 78336 US Hwy 40, Winter Park (between King’s Crossing and High Country Dr.)
Hours: Mon-Fri 11a-9p, Sat-Sun 9a-9p
Don’t tell anybody at Fontenot’s that you can’t get good seafood in Colorado. Starting with fresh, quality ingredients, this restaurant offers Cajun-style cuisine. The restaurant likes to bill itself as bringing a piece of The Big Easy to Winter Park. Some people are more likely to consider this Cajun “fusion” more than authentic Cajun. Yes, they have gumbo and crawfish, but there’s also plenty of options on the menu for everybody including steaks, ribs, chops, chicken, and vegetarian dishes.
The interior allows for plenty of comfortable seating as well as a full bar area. Beer, wine, and cocktails are all available, including a Cajun-style Bloody Mary. You can also rent the place out for a private party, but you may also want to call ahead for reservations—in part because people do hold private parties here.
What They’re Known for: First and foremost, this place is known as the Cajun and seafood restaurant in Winter Park. But it’s also known for happy hour. Both drink and appetizer discounts are available from 4-6p and can help manage the total bill.
What to Watch for: Going there on an empty stomach. We’re not saying the portions are tiny, but skiers can be voracious and seafood is not the most naturally-filling fare to begin with. Alternately, if your goal is to manage portion sizes and/or you never eat leftovers anyway, this could be the ticket.
Price: $8-$30