Restaurants and Clubs in Aspen
Aspen is a “casual” town. You can eat in any restaurant in town in casual clothes. A sports jacket is not required in any restaurant. Of course, you can dress up in restaurants with a “*” or for special events, but it is not required. Nice jeans and a nice shirt will work in the best restaurants.
Note: an “*” indicates it is one of the best restaurants in Aspen and therefore reservations very far in advance is a “must” – In winter and summer seasons, 4 weeks is not too far in advance for these restaurants.
305 South Mill Street
Aspen, Colorado
970-544-3399
Note: Nice outdoor seating. Located on the Mill Street pedestrian mall. Good food and reasonable. Closed for 2014
Acquolina Trattoria and Pizzeria
415 East Main Street
Aspen, Colorado
970-925-8222
Note: Excellent food and service. We celebrated New Year’s Eve one year (2009?) here (when it was Gisella) – great time. This restaurant, formally Gusto and then Gisella, has been redone and renamed for the 2014 season under the same owners and chef, the Giordani family and executive chef Filiberto Paglia, who originally came to Aspen from his native Abruzzo to open Campo de Fiori. Striving to provide an authentic Italian experience with an all-Italian wine list, Acquolina has so far received excellent reviews. They kept all the favorites from the 2 prior restaurants on the menu.
BB’s
525 East Cooper Avenue
970-429-8284
Note: Dinner only (as of 2014)
They revamped the restaurant for 2014 so I do not know the details yet. BB’s Kitchen, now called just BB’s has totally shifted its focus this winter. Owner Bruce Berger and executive chef Katie Lorenzen-Smith have introduced a globally inspired small plates menu, along with some of traditional entrees — and they’re serving dinner only. The idea is to offer a unique dining experience around shared plates and a huge variety of ingredients, influences and flavors. And it works — you won’t want to miss some of the most creative and tasty cuisine in Aspen. There breakfast was excellent and we always chose to sit outside on the porch. We will miss that.
Boogie’s Diner
534 East Cooper Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
970-925-6610
Note: Has 1950′s and 60′s music playing in a retro setting. As close to a New York diner as you’ll get – including the malt shakes!
Bootsy Bellows
308 East Hopkins Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
970-925-3700
Note: It’s more nightclub than restaurant, but Hollywood hot spot Bootsy Bellows opens an offshoot location on Restaurant Row just in time for the 2014 holidays. Offering a menu by chef Nick Melbourne, the “speakeasy lounge” replaces Syzygy (one of the longest-running restaurants in town) in the basement of the building that also houses the Ute City Grill. And it’s boasting a big New Year’s party with actor David Arquette, who is apparently part of the ownership group. David Arquette, John Terzian, and Brian Toll own the Los Angeles location.
Brexi – same owners as the Wild Fig and Steakhouse No. 316 (formally LuLu Wilsons)
411 South Monarch Street
Aspen, Colorado
970-925-2838
Note: Good food. Eat there with Danny pre-Annie play. I’m not running back for any reason.
Cache Cache Restaurant*
205 South Mill Street
Aspen, Colorado
(970) 925-3835
Note: This is one of the top restaurants in town.
Jodi Larner – co-owner – old time friend of Perry Weitz’s from grade school days
Chris Lanter – chef and co-owner
Alex – maître d’
It’s a scene. It also has an active bar scene. Also, one of the most expensive – make that THE most expensive in town. Everything is excellent. Call after Labor Day for reservations for December.
Camper De Fiore Restaurant
205 South Mill Street
Aspen, Colorado
(970) 920-7717
Note: Very good food. Great bar “scene”
Cantina Mountain Coastal Mexican
411 East Main Street
Aspen, Colorado
970-925-3663
Note: Good Americanized Mexican
Caribou Club – This is a Private Club
(We do not have a membership)
411 East Hopkins Avenue
Aspen, Colorado 81611
970-925-2929
Note: Great bar “scene”, excellent food. I would say one of the top restaurants in town. Many of the celebrities go there to get away from the hustle and bustle of Aspen. Sean was there on one night with Brittany Spears and Paris Hilton!
Chair 9
675 East Durant Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
Note: For 2014, this is the new bar in The Little Nell Hotel, a casual après-ski bar replacing the Terrace Bar. Chair 9 promises an approachable food menu; affordable beer, wine, and “retro” cocktails; and daily live music or DJs. For 2014, The Little Nell has brought back Bryan Moscatello, a Food & Wine magazine Best New Chef of 2003, to the position he held for most of the 1990s. In overseeing Element 47, Ajax Tavern, Chair 9, and the Sundeck, Moscatello brings to the Little Nell his style of alpine mountain cuisine, and will continue the farm-to-table ethos and emphasis on local products that it’s known for. Cloud Nine Euro-Hut restaurant Highlands (on Highlands’s mountain). Mentioned as a favorite in Aspen Magazine
CP Burger
Note: Same owners as the Wild Fig, Brexi and Steakhouse No. 316 (formally LuLu Wilsons)
Element 47 at the Little Nell
675 East Durant Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
970-920-4600
www.thelittlenell.com
Note: Complimentary valet parking
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
For 2013, Element 47 replaced Montagna, which was BJ’s favorite restaurant for a special dinner. Chef Robert McCormick heads up the restaurant. For 2014, The Little Nell has brought back Bryan Moscatello, a Food & Wine magazine Best New Chef of 2003, to the position he held for most of the 1990s. In overseeing Element 47, Ajax Tavern, Chair 9, and the Sundeck, Moscatello brings to the Little Nell his style of alpine mountain cuisine, and will continue the farm-to-table ethos and emphasis on local products that it’s known for.
This maybe the priciest restaurant in town, even more so than Cache Cache.
Ellina
430 East Hyman Avenue
Aspen, Colorado 81611
970-925-2976
Note: Good
Explore Bistro (Vegetarian)
221 East Main Street
Aspen, Colorado
970-925-5338
www.explorebooksellers.com
Note: (New York Times – 6/8/08)
Gordon’s (Gwyn’s) Restaurant
Finest on-mountain breakfast and lunch (Snowmass). Reservations a must.
970-923-5188
Note: Very nice waiter service on-mountain-lunch
Hickory House Ribs
730 West Main Street
Aspen, Colorado
970-925-2313
Note: Good, not great ribs in my opinion: breakfast
Jimmy’s An American Restaurant
205 South Mill Street
Aspen, Colorado
(970) 925-6020
www.jimmysaspen.com
Note: Very good food and a very active bar scene. A very popular place.
Justice Snow’s
320 East Hyman Avenue (corner of South Mill Street)
Aspen, Colorado 81611
970-618-7667
Note: Very good bar and very good “not so fast” food. Great location – middle of town, next to the Wheeler Opera House and at the Hyman Street pedestrian mall. Perfect for an early meal before a show if you don’t have time or it’s too early for a full dinner.
Keniche of Aspen
533 East Hopkins Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
970-920-2212
Note: Went there will Willie & Fran on the night of the ballet (7/20/13). Food was very good. They had Akaushi beef. Ambiance was also nice. Food is likely better than Matsuhisa. Ambiance certainly is.
Krabloonik Restaurant
4250 Divide Road, Snowmass Village
970-923-3953 Restaurant
970-923-4342 Dogsled Ride
www.krabloonik.com
Note: Krabloonik is mainly a dogsledding business but they have a good restaurant in a log cabin. The dogsledding includes lunch or dinner. You can also go just for the restaurant but I wouldn’t – too many better places to go. Call after Labor Day for lunch or dinner rides and/or reservations for Christmas/New Years. If the snow is good, this is a ride you will not forget. Ride takes about 2 ½ hours +-
Little Annie’s
517 East Hyman Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
970-925-1098
Note: No reservations. Very casual. Local place. Very good food. In 2014, they were in tax trouble. May not be open.
Little Ollie’s Chinese
308 South hunter Street
Aspen, Colorado
970-544-9888
Note: Decent, not great Chinese food.
L’Hostaria
620 East Hyman Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
970-925-9022
Note: (Chitarrucci all’Amatriciana and branzino)
This is a very nosy restaurant and has a terrible draft even deep into the restaurant (from a/c vents). Good at best. With so many excellent restaurants in town, the only reason to come here is you can’t get into any of the others.
Main Street Bakery & Cafe
Main Street
Aspen, Colorado
Note: Great pastries and breads. Excellent breakfast. This place is a “scene” in the mornings, especially the weekends.
Matsuhisa*
303 East Main Street
Aspen, Colorado
(970) 544-6628
Note: Nobu Matsuhisa is a very famous sushi chef. This restaurant consistently has excellent sushi. It is one of the best restaurants in town. (Tiradito and tatki, black cod with miso and Chilean sea bass with truffles).
Todd, a manger is friends with Beckett.
On the 1st floor, its 1st come, 1st serve – no reservations. There is outdoor seating, weather permitting on the 1st floor. The main dining room is downstairs, where reservations are a must!!
Mezzaluna
624 East Cooper Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
970-925-5882
Note: Very good local – hot spot. For me, it’s a lunch place rather than dinner. Food is good but for some reason it has a big attraction. We met Paris Hilton and her sister there on the same day that Charlton Heston was there.
N9NE
414 East Hyman Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
970-920-1090
Steak
Note: Closed 2014 – new restaurant coming
Olives (at the St. Regis)
315 East Dean Street
Aspen, Colorado
970-920-7356
Note: Very good.
Pacifica
307 South Mill Street
Aspen, Colorado
970-920-9775
Note: Excellent fish and raw bar. Located on the Mill Street pedestrian mall.
Closed for 2014
Pine Creek Cookhouse
970-925-1044
Ashcroft, Colorado (Castle Creek Valley)
Note: Located 12 miles up Castle Creek Road at 13,000 feet. The restaurant is a log cabin.
Options to get to the restaurant. 1. You drive up to the restaurant. 2. You drive to their “ghost town” and park and then have a sleigh ride to the restaurant (in the winter) or 3. You drive to their “ghost town” and park, rent show shoes and poles at the small store they have their for that purpose & walk the trail to restaurant through the wilderness. We walked this in a blizzard that resulted in 10′ of snow falling that week, with serious winds and freezing temperatures. It took us an over an hour and a half for what was a 15 minute walk. We couldn’t see where we were going. Some thought we wouldn’t make it since we couldn’t see IF there was any signs – IT WAS A WHITE OUT – Don’t ask.
Call after Labor Day for reservations for December
However, in my view, it’s way too expensive for the quality of the food – $95.00 PP plus $25 PP sleigh ride = $120. PP plus wine. Food is decent, at best. Maybe prices have changed since it has closed and reopened several times over the past several years. When we went the snow and wind conditions were so bad they took us back to the car in a large “tracked” vehicle.
105 South Mill Street
Aspen, Colorado
(970) 920-2021
Jim Andre
Note: One of the top restaurants in town. Weather permitting they use the porch. Inquire about available seating on the porch. Call after Labor Day for reservations for December Always excellent – better than Cache in my opinion
Plato’s (at Aspen Meadows resort)
845 Meadows Road
Aspen, Colorado
970-925-4240
Note: BJ – “very cool place – ask for window table”. We went there. 50′s retro. Ok at best. Don’t bother.
Poppie’s Bistro Café
834 W Hallam St
Aspen, CO
970-925-2333
Note: Only decent
Poppycocks
665 E Cooper Ave
Aspen, Colorado
Note: Breakfast
Prospect Restaurant in the Historic Hotel Jerome
Prospect Terrace
330 East Main Street
Aspen, Colorado
970-429-7610
Note: Great new dining room and really great food. Has not caught on. Very active bar scene in the historic bar.
Red Onion
420 East Cooper Avenue
970-920-1090
Note: This restaurant constantly closes and reopens. I’m sure there is a reason somewhere. Located on the Hyman Street pedestrian mall in a historic building, it has been in Aspen under varying owners for a very long time. It has always been very popular and has a very lively bar scene. Also has outdoor seating on the mall.
Rustique* (Best Meal in Aspen, Denver Post)
216 South Monarch Street
Aspen, Colorado
970-920-2555
Note: One of the top restaurants in town. Always excellent. The owner is Rob Ittner, a Pitkin County Commissioner
Social Restaurant
304 East Hopkins Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
970-925-9700
Note: Bucani panini with Kurobuta pork. Mentioned as a favorite in Aspen Magazine. It’s a “Small plate” restaurant – went there many years ago – it was excellent.
Steakhouse No. 316 (formally Lu Lu Wilson)
316 East Hopkins Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
970-920-1893
Note: 1920′s interior with old photos of Aspen. Craig & Samantha Cordts-Pearce – Owners.
Same owners as the Wild Fig and Brexi.
Small. Very nice wood decor and great steakhouse music. Excellent steak. Convenient for the shows under the tent.
Steak Pit
305 East Hopkins Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
970-925-3459
Note: Restaurant is closed – reopening in 2014
Su Casa – Mexican
315 East Hyman Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
970-920-1488
Note: Lunch and dinner
Sundeck (on the mountain)
Note: Mentioned by Ivanka Trump
The David Burke Kitchen
204 South Galena Street
Aspen, Colorado
Note: Coming in February, 2014 – The latest in an eponymous chain of eateries by the celebrity chef David Burke. Featuring contemporary farm-to-table dishes with ingredients sourced from Colorado farmers, the David Burke Kitchen will be on the second floor of the new building that replaced the Gap, complete with a large deck offering unimpeded views of Aspen Mountain.
The Meatball Shack
312 South Mill Street
Aspen, Colorado
Note: Very good with good outdoor seating. Reasonable. Located on the Hyman Street pedestrian mall.
Wienerstube Austrian Restaurant
633 East Hyman Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
970-925-3357
Note: Good “homemade” type food. Good lunch place
Wild Fig
315 East Hyman Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
970-925-5160
Note: Mediterranean. Very small but “homey” restaurant. Excellent food and service. Same owners as the Brexi and Steakhouse No. 316 (formally LuLu Wilsons)
Willow Creek Bistro (at the Ritz Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands)
Prospector Road
Aspen Highlands
970429-2327
Note: Braised BBQ veal sliders with roasted garlic-herb aioli
Woody Creek Tavern*
2858 Woody Creek Road
Woody Creek
970-923-4585
Note: This is a local landmark. It’s not really the best food in town but it’s a place you don’t want to miss. Serves lunch & dinner. There is generally a line to get a seat. Their seating is cut down in the winter since they cannot use the patio. However, inside is where the charm is. Funky rustic tavern with lots of character and characters – VERY casual – good food – cash only.
Zeno Aspen Il at the Little Nell
501 Dean Street (Residences at The Little Nell)
Aspen, Colorado
970-205-1000
www.thelittlenell.com
Note: This restaurant replaced Il Mulino for the 2014 season under different ownership. Named after famed Italian ski racer Zeno Colo (who dominated the 1950 World Championships in Aspen), the eatery is said to be more casual and friendly to locals than its predecessor, a high-end chain based in New York. Zeno Aspen is owned by Marco Cingolani, the chef at Justice Snow’s.
Zocalita Latin Club
420 East Hyman Avenue
Aspen, Colorado
970-920-1991
Note: Rated #1, TripAdvisor. Very good
Restaurants in Basalt/El Jebel
Basalt 81621
970-273-8888
Note: In the Whole Foods shopping plaza – very good and reasonable
Breakfast in America
58 El Jebel
El Jebel, Colorado 81623
970-928-9918
Note: This place is VERY local, but very good too. Machacas is a breakfast dish with shredded pork, scrambled with eggs, fresh salsa, cheddar cheese, green onions, tomatoes, beans and hash brown potatoes – excellent!
Cafe Bernard
200 Midland Avenue
Basalt, Colorado 81621
970-927-4292
Note: Very French! Bernard is the owner and chef. His wife works the small dining room of about 8 tables inside and 3 outside. Everything is excellent. Bernard has a reputation of being “fussy” – I do not think he takes kindly to requests to change the dish. Neil Diamond who like just outside the town, on the way to the reservoir, eats there about twice a week. Also serves breakfast and lunch.
305 Gold River Court
Basalt, Colorado 81621
970-927-4000
www.cuveebistro.com
Note: Monday – Saturday
It’s good, low key, not fabulous. Went there on 2008 and then again with the Broussard’s and Leif in 6/2013. Had outside table. Nicer.
Heather’s Savory Pies
166 Midland Avenue
Basalt, Colorado
970-927-0151
Note: Sandy & I were taken there by the owner of the hotel in Aspen. Excellent chicken pot pie.
HO Palace Chinese
123 Emma Road
Basalt, Colorado 81621
Note: It’s been a few years since we were here but my memory was that the food was pretty good considering it’s not New York
Smoke Modern BBQ
241 Harris Street
Willets Town Center – Whole Foods Shopping Plaza
Basalt, Colorado
970-927-5158
www.smokemodernbbq.com
Note: Excellent Louisianan BBQ
22826 Two Rivers Road
Basalt, Colorado 81621
Note: Excellent Mexican food at very reasonable prices. Definitely home cooking. You may be the only non-Mexican in the joint. But that only tells you how good and authentic the food is.
Tempranillo
165 Midland Avenue
Basalt, Colorado
970-927-3342
Note: Authentic Spanish food
Lunch & dinner – very good to excellent lunch and dinner – tapas, small plates, entrees and salads.
Two Rivers Cafe
156 Midland Avenue
Basalt, Colorado 81621
970-927-3348
Note: Great “local” breakfast – not better anywhere!
Restaurants in Snowmass
Note: For 2014, this restaurant, replaces Burger Bar and Fish, serving casual Southeast Asian dishes in a contemporary industrial setting. Executive Chef Tim Goodell, the southern California restaurateur who partnered with Related Colorado on the eateries heads this up.
Double Black Noodle Bar
Note: Wildwood Hotel next door to The Westin
For 2014, they opened this restaurant, which is a Japanese-style ramen restaurant. It is on the second level.
Nest Public House
Viceroy Hotel
Note: The lower-level slopeside eatery, has been transformed into Nest Public House, offering gastro-pub dining with hearty yet sophisticated comfort dishes such as stews, craft sausages, and BBQ pork sliders.
Viceroy Hotel
Snowmass, Colorado
Note: Always excellent. Executive Chef is Will Nolan. Introducing an oyster bar to Eight K for 2014. The menu still features Nolan’s signature “low-country” (Southern with a twist) cuisine.
Fuel
Snowmass Village Mall
Snowmass
970-933-0091
Note: Offers very good breakfast and lunch. Outdoor seating. All self-service.
Note: Replaces Sneaky’s Tavern for 2014. Offers French fare such as steak tartar, coq au vin, and house-made charcuterie. Executive Chef Tim Goodell, the southern California restaurateur who partnered with Related Colorado on the eateries also heads this up.
On the Mall, the newly opened Slow Your Roll Bowling Alley (in the basement of the Venga Venga building) offers dinner and late-night bar food, including wood-fired oven pizzas and locally brewed beers.
The Snowmass Kitchen
The Westin
Note: For 2014, the menu is now themed northern Italian chophouse, with entree choices including artisan pizzas, fine pastas, and a la carte steakhouse items. And finally, the Westin has added a three-level outdoor dining terrace with seven new fire pits, where guests can choose from all three Westin restaurant menus (Snowmass Kitchen, Vue Lobby Lounge, and Ranger Station).
Restaurants in Carbondale
348 Main Street
Carbondale, Colorado
970-704-0377
689 Main Street
Carbondale 81623
970-963-6890
www.six89.com
Note: (New York Times – 6/8/08)
Very good to excellent meal. I believe it closed in 2013 and reopened under the same ownership as another restaurant called Town and I’m told it is excellent.
26 South Third (Main Street)
Carbondale, Colorado 81623
970-963-9990
Note: This is a very local place – very good breakfast. Has a patio. You should try them for breakfast.
Restaurants in Glenwood Springs
308 7th Street
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
970-945-4619
www.jucylucyssteakhouse.com
Note: Went with Leif. Very good steak at good prices. Wouldn’t go out of my way to get there. The Pullman is much better and on the same block.
330 7th Street
Glenwood Springs
970-230-9234
Note: Excellent food and reasonable process – nice warehouse décor. So far, in Glenwood Springs, this is my favorite.