There are innumerable ways to work up your appetite in Aspen. Outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and biking keep your heart pumping year-round. Or you might find yourself famished after a day of shopping in designer boutiques and spotting celebrities. The thin air at 8,000 feet above sea level doesn’t do that grumbling tummy any favors either. Luckily for you, we’ve curated this fabulous Aspen Dining Guide to help satiate that mountain-made hunger.
Best Upscale:
The addition of Chef’s Club by Food & Wine at the St. Regis blends the expertise of Food & Wine and the innovative nature of up and coming chefs. Each quarter, winners of the magazine’s Best New Chefs awards create menus that reflect their own cooking style and wide-range of influences. New chefs and new menus arrive every 3 months to ensure a perpetually inventive offerings.
Best New Classic:
It took guts to close down Montagna, the culinary darling of Aspen but its replacement, Element 47, has filled the monument’s shoes admirably. With an emphasis on local and organic ingredients, as well as a talented kitchen, we wish you luck choosing your entree. With choices including Colorado lamb loin and locally raised Wagyu beef, plus a good selection of vegetarian items, you really can’t go wrong. The wine list is also superb and the recipient of several prestigious awards.
Best Bar:
Justice Snow’s is beloved by critics from east coast to west and it’s no wonder with a cocktail menu that is 42 pages long and features fresh juices, rare spirits, expert “cocktail mechanics” and a wine list that will make both casual quaffers and near-sommeliers happy. Located in the historic Wheeler Opera House, this trendy outpost offers appeal on a number of levels.
Best Old-School:
You simply can’t go wrong with J-Bar at Hotel Jerome. Retaining its Old West vibe and harboring the spirit of Hunter S. Thompson, this landmark is a favorite with locals and celebrities. You’ll find classic western fare like shoestring fries, a gourmet burger, and pot pie on the menu while bartenders serve up classic cocktails, wine and Colorado craft brews.
No matter where you dine, expect your Aspen dining experience to include local ingredients and expert preparations. The tendency to feature hearty meals on the menus is of course due to the high altitude and rugged lifestyle found here. Robust offerings often include Rocky Mountain rainbow trout, bison, free-range chicken, elk, and high caliber beef. This isn’t a time for salads… Indulge yourself with the incredible cuisine in Aspen!
For more mountain-dining inspiration check out our top picks for apres-ski. To reserve a vacation home for your next stay in Aspen, contact Time & Place and their well-traveled experts.
Please contact your Time & Place Concierge to be certain that the restaurant you wish to dine at is open and accepting reservations. Some restaurants alter their hours depending on the season.