The Complete Aspen Guide

AJAX TAVERN

685 East Durant Avenue, Aspen, 81611 · 970 920 6334 · thelittlenell.com/dine/ajax-tavern

Great for: LUNCH, APRES, DINNER

Located at the base of Ajax Mountain, Ajax Tavern is the ultimate aprés-ski spot, with live music, truffle fries, and flowing rosé. Attached to the Little Nell, it gets a cool, well-heeled crowd, who are definitely down to party after a long day of skiing. In the summer, take the gondola to the top of the mountain after lunch.

BETULA

525 East Cooper Avenue, #201, Aspen, 81611 · 970 922 8103 · betulaaspen.com

Great for: DINNER

One of the hottest new restaurants to hit Aspen is Betula, the sister restaurant of Bonito in St. Barth's. With its modern vibe of white tablecloths, chic lighting fixtures, and indoor and outdoor spaces accompanied by the restaurant's famous playlists, it's no wonder you always see a famous face here.

BRICK PONY PUB

202 Midland Avenue, Basalt, 81621 · 970 279 5021 · eatbasalt.com/basalt/restaurants/1161/brick-pony-pub

Great for: LUNCH, DINNER

The nearby town of Basalt, CO, is our favorite escape from sceney Aspen, with its old-school cowboy vibes and laid back nature. We love the Brick Pony for its delicious pub food, a great selection of salads for the health-conscious, casual vibe, and mix of local residents.

BRUNELLESCHI'S

205 South Mill Street, Aspen, 81611 · 970 544 4644 · zgpizza.com

Great for: LUNCH, DINNER

Brunelleschi's is the perfect spot to bring the entire family for straightforward Italian. Even finicky kids will be entertained when they get to don a chef's hat and create their own pizza. There is also a great bar to catch a game.

CACHE CACHE

205 South Mill Street, Aspen, 81611 · 970 925 3835 · cachecache.com

Great for: DINNER

Enter through the dimly lit, super sultry bar area and be greeted by Jodi, the owner. Everyone is amazed by the French cuisine masterfully prepared by an extremely talented, classically trained French chef—but with a twist: he's a charming, Widespread Panic–loving, good ol' Georgia Bulldogs boy. We love the thoughtfully created menu, which is accompanied by an incredible wine list.

CAMPO DE FIORI

205 South Mill Street, Aspen, 81611 · 970 920 7717 · campodefiori.net

Great for: DINNER

Campo definitely has one of the hottest bar/restaurant scenes in town, often standing room only. It recently expanded to include a more casual dining area, which feels like you are in a neighborhood spot in Rome.

CLARK'S ASPEN

517 East Hyman Avenue, Aspen, 81611 · 970 710 2546 · clarksaspen.com

Great for: LUNCH, DINNER

This newer restaurant is an outpost of the Austin original with wonderful seafood, and a vibrant, cheery atmosphere. Lobster rolls are a specialty, served with the somewhat controversial shoestring fries . . . people either like them, or they don't. Request a table by the fireplace.

CP BURGER

433 East Durant Avenue, Aspen, 81611 · 970 925 3056 · cpburger.com

Great for: LUNCH, DINNER

Our favorite spot with kids is also great for adults. The menu features burgers, hot dogs, fries, and shakes, plus spiked shakes for grownups. And the outdoor setup is perfect for any time of year—you can enjoy mini golf in the summer, and ice skating in the winter. A win for all.

CREPERIE DU VILLAGE

400 East Hopkins Avenue, Aspen, 81611 · 970 925 1566 · frenchalpinebistro.com

Great for: LUNCH, DINNER

Walk into this uber-charming, lower-level restaurant and be transported to a romantic chalet in the Alps. By far a favorite for cozy dinners, with its dripping candelabras and fur throw blankets. But bring the kids if you need to . . . the fondue and crepes will keep their attention.

HOME TEAM BBQ

38750 CO-82, Aspen, 81611 · 970 236 2040 ext 2 · hometeambbq.com

Great for: LUNCH, DINNER

Families will love this bustling, super-casual restaurant, located inside the Inn at Aspen, at the base of Buttermilk Mountain. Not only is the barbecue top-notch, with homemade sauces to accompany the food, the kids will be entertained with shuffleboard and tons of televisions for sports. Bonus: it is just steps to the chairlift.

MATSUHISA

303 East Main Street, Aspen, 81611 · 970 544 6628 · matsuhisarestaurants.com/aspen

Great for: DINNER

This sibling of Nobu always has the perfect mix of fresh, creative sushi and a sceney atmosphere. Upstairs doesn't take reservations and has a less expensive menu, while the lower level houses the main dining room. Don't be surprised to see a celebrity or two, especially before a show at the Belly Up. In the summer, enjoy the patio right on Main Street. If you ask anyone for a restaurant recommendation in Aspen, Matsu will be top on the list.

MEAT & CHEESE

301 East Hopkins Avenue, Suite 103, Aspen, 81611 · 970 710 7120 · meatcheese.avalancheaspen.com

Great for: LUNCH, DINNER

A locals' go-to, as well as being on most tourists' lists of must try's, there's usually a short wait for this locally sourced, farmhouse-feeling restaurant. Known obviously for their meat and cheese boards, make sure you try some of their other favorites, like the daily changing tacos special and the addicting Thai coconut soup. Stop by the Farm Shop on the way out for specialty foods and perfect hostess gifts.

PINE CREEK COOKHOUSE

11399 Castle Creek Road, Aspen, 81611 · 970 925 1044 · pinecreekcookhouse.com

Great for: LUNCH, DINNER

If you have the time, Pine Creek is the epitome of destination dining. It's about a 25-minute winding drive to Ashcroft, an old ghost mining town. From there, in the winter the road to the restaurant is only accessible by a snowy walk, cross-country ski, or horse-drawn sleigh ride. Start with the momos (dumplings), followed by a grilled Caesar salad and Elk Bratwurst. They have dinner seating, but we recommend going for lunch so you can take in the absolutely breathtaking views.

STEAKHOUSE 316

316 East Hopkins Avenue, Aspen, 81611 · 970 920 1893 · steakhouse316.com/aspen

Great for: DINNER

Dark, masculine, and extremely sexy, this charming Victorian building was once a brothel. The food here is classic steakhouse, and the steaks are obviously why most people come, but make sure someone at your table orders the rack of lamb. Don't skimp on the side dishes and sauces, and save some room for the bread pudding.

TEMPRANILLO

165 Midland Avenue, Basalt, 81612 · 970 927 3342 · tempranillorestaurant.com

Great for: DINNER

Tempranillo is another Basalt favorite of ours, although more upscale than most of the other restaurants in town. Come for the tapas and stay for the chic Spanish/Italian vibe. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

VENGA VENGA

105 Daly Lane, Snowmass Village, 81615 · 970 923 7777 · eatvengavenga.com/menus

Great for: LUNCH, DINNER

There's nothing we love more than good food and a margarita after a workout on the slopes or in hiking boots, and Venga Venga is the perfect spot to unwind on Snowmass Mountain. With great Mexican food and tequila tastings in an industrial chic space, we tend to sit here all day.

WHITE HOUSE TAVERN

302 East Hopkins Avenue, Aspen, 81611 · 970 925 1007 · aspenwhitehouse.com

Great for: LUNCH, DINNER

A favorite lunch spot, expect a bit of a wait as they do not accept reservations, but be rewarded with always delicious and reliable favorites like the Macho Salad and the crispy chicken sandwich. The menu is the same for dinner.

WOODY CREEK TAVERN

2858 Upper River Road, Woody Creek, 81656 · 970 923 4585 · woodycreektavern.com

Great for: LUNCH, DINNER

Our favorite casual spot is located down valley from Aspen, and just had a major renovation. While patrons still enjoy the bar scene and local vibes, the food is no longer questionable. We love to bike here in the summer.

CASA TUA

403 South Galena, Aspen, 81611 · 970 920 7277 · casatualife.com/aspen

Great for: LUNCH, DINNER

The popular Miami outpost features the same sexy vibes as the original, but in a chalet-style building that screams aprés-cool.

CLOUD NINE

Aspen Highlands, top of the Cloud Nine Lift, ski-in/ski-out only · 970 923 8715 · aspensnowmass.com/visit/dining/aspen-highlands/cloud-nine-alpine-bistro

Great for: LUNCH

Located on Highlands, Cloud Nine is infamous for its aprés scene, with never-ending rosé, and champagne spraying. The 12 p.m. seating is more tame, while the 2 p.m. seating promises a drunken ride back down the mountain in a snowcat. Expect lots of dancing and debauchery. Open in the winter only.

THE MONARCH

411 South Monarch Street, Aspen, 81611 · 970 925 2838 · monarchaspen.com

Great for: DINNER

The go-to spot for fine dining in Aspen, think dark, moody lighting, caviar, wine, and steak, obviously. The website boasts that it has 'the air of a London gentleman's club,' so if you're looking for polished sophistication, this is the restaurant for you.

HOTEL JEROME

330 East Main Street, Aspen, 81611 · 855 331 7213 · aubergeresorts.com/hoteljerome

The Hotel Jerome is a well-known historic hotel situated on Main Street, and has recently undergone a stunning remodel. Part of the upscale Auberge Resorts group, they brilliantly kept the historic feel, set in the quintessential mountain chic setting, while modernizing each room and common area. We are obsessed with the cowboy chic décor, which manages to be cool yet cozy. Make sure to have a drink in the Living Room by the fireplace, and the burger and a beer are mandatory at the old school saloon, J-Bar, which is a great place to watch a game, as well.

LIMELIGHT HOTEL ASPEN

355 South Monarch Street, Aspen, 81611 · 855 925 3025 · limelighthotels.com/aspen

If you're traveling with a crew, Limelight might be a great option. Room rates are generally more affordable than the other luxury hotels on this list, and the rooms are spacious and accommodating for families, with a few having large decks and kitchens. The lobby area is enormous, with an oversized fireplace, lots of couches, and live music and board games.

THE LITTLE NELL

675 East Durant Avenue, Aspen, 81611 · 855 920 4600 · thelittlenell.com

You won't find a better location than the Little Nell. The luxurious ski in/ski out property is at the base of Ajax, steps from the gondola, and their ski valets make life so much easier, especially with little ones. Wake up, step into your boots, and hit the slopes. Lunch or aprés at the Ajax Tavern is a must, with people watching at its finest, plus the double cheeseburgers and truffle fries are the best in town.

THE ST. REGIS

315 East Dean Street, Aspen, 81611 · 970 920 3300 · marriott.com/en-us/hotels/asexr-the-st-regis-aspen-resort/overview

The St. Regis in Aspen has everything you'd expect from this high-end brand. The largest hotel in town, it boasts a great pool area and hot tubs, and is close to all the action in Aspen. The Remède spa is the best in the area, and essential after the plethora of outdoor activities right outside the door.

THE VICEROY SNOWMASS

30 Wood Road, Snowmass Village, 81615 · 970 923 8000 · viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/snowmass

This spot is a favorite of families, what with all the activities in the area. Snowmass Mountain is right outside the door, and besides skiing and hiking, it features a climbing wall nearby, ice skating in the winter, disc golf in the summer. Rooms are modern and spacious, and the 7,000-square-foot spa is particularly inviting.

W ASPEN

550 South Spring Street, Aspen, 81611 · 970 431 0800 · marriott.com/en-us/hotels/asewh-w-aspen

The W is a showy, playful addition to the Aspen hotel scene. This newly opened hotel features sleek rooms and a rooftop pool where you'll find the ruckus, especially at après. Some of the accommodations even boast bunk beds, making it a popular choice for families. Its location at the base of Aspen Mountain means easy on/off access during the ski season.

BANDANA ASPEN

107 South Mill Street, Aspen, 81611 · 970 429 0880 · bandanaaspen.com

Elevated clothing for kids and women.

PARADISE BAKERY

320 South Galena Street, Aspen, 81611 · 970 925 7585 · paradisebakeryaspen.com

All the baked goods you could ever want.

RED FOX FROZEN YOGURT

401 East Hyman Avenue, Aspen, 81611 · redfoxfrozenyogurt.com

A summer-only frozen yogurt stand.

RO AND FERN

205 South Mill Street #221 A, Aspen, 81611 · 970 925 2400 · roandfern.com

Adorable clothing boutique for baby to tween.

TWINKLE

533 E Hopkins Avenue Suite B, Aspen, 81611 · 970 306 8115

Another fashion-forward kids clothing boutique with tons of well-known brands.

AETHER

414 East Cooper Avenue, Aspen, 81611 · 970 429 4773 · aetherapparel.com

Highly curated selection of outerwear and sports brands.

EXPLORE BOOKSELLERS

221 East Main Street, Aspen, 81611 · 970 925 5336 · explorebooksellers.com

All the books you could want.

GORSUCH

419 East Cooper Avenue, Aspen, 81611 · 970 925 7576 · gorsuch.com

If you're looking for classic mountain chic attire, Gorsuch should be your first stop any time of the year.

GRAY ASPEN

100 Obermeyer Place #106, Aspen, 81611 · 970 618 6577 · grayaspen.com

Cashmere heaven.

KEMO SABE

217 South Galena Street, Aspen, 81611 · 970 925 7878 · kemosabe.com

Authentic cowboy boots, belts and buckles, turquoise, and custom cowboy hats. If you get lucky, you can pet the horses that are often outside on the hitching post.

THE LITTLE BIRD

525 East Cooper Avenue, Suite 104, Aspen, 81611 · 970 920 3830 · thelittlebirdinc.com

Walking into The Little Bird is like walking into your dream closet. This high-end consignment store accepts only pristine condition designer brands such as Gucci and Chanel.

LIV ASPEN

605 East Cooper Avenue, Aspen, 81611 · 970 925 3161 · livaspen.com

This women's boutique offers everything from comfy classic tees, to formal wear and outerwear. They've recently added a men's store.

MIRON CROSBY

520 East Cooper Avenue, Unit A1, Aspen, 81611 · 970 452 9611 · mironcrosby.com

Gorgeous, custom-made cowboy boots for the whole family. A must for an elevated Aspen-chic look.

O2 ASPEN

408 South Mill Street, Aspen, 81611 · 970 925 4002 · o2aspen.com

O2 is part yoga studio, part spa, part juice bar. But the best part is the biggest selection of workout gear and loungewear in town.

PERFORMANCE SKI

614 East Durant Avenue, Aspen, 81611 · 970 925 8657 · performanceskiaspen.com

Offering men's and women's high-end ski apparel such as Kjus and Frauenschuh.

SILVERPEAK

520 East Cooper Avenue, Aspen, 81611 · 970 925 4372 · silverpeakcolorado.com

The town's best-known marijuana dispensary.

SUZIE'S LIMITED CONSIGNMENTS

600 East Main Street #8, Aspen, 81611 · 970 920 2376

Not as high-end as Little Bird, but you can still find unbelievable deals on mid-range fashion pieces.

ASPEN ART MUSEUM

637 East Hyman Avenue, Aspen, 81611 · 970 925 8050 · aspenartmuseum.org

There is no admission fee to this world-class museum featuring rotating multi-media installations, drawings, paintings, and sculptures. Enjoy lunch at the Rooftop Café and take in the views of Ajax.

ASPEN RECREATION CENTER

861 Maroon Creek Road, Aspen, 81611 · 970 544 4100 · aspenrecreation.com

If vacationing with kids, the ARC is a great activity for a day, especially if the weather isn't cooperating. They can enjoy the large indoor pool complete with water slides, lazy river, and diving boards. Or ice skate, rock climb, or go sledding.

BELLY UP ASPEN

450 South Galena Street, Aspen, 81611 · 970 544 9800 · bellyupaspen.com

Check the concert calendar before your trip; chances are there will be a show that you'll want to see at this intimate, 450-person club. There is a genre for every music lover in your group, ranging from famous DJs like Snoop Dog, to acts like Jack White, John Legend, and LCD Soundsystem, and legends like Joe Walsh, Jimmy Buffett, and B.B. King.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

The easiest and most accessible skiing is at the Aspen Golf Course. Rent skis at the clubhouse and enjoy the view while getting a great workout. You can walk the course as well, and it's dog friendly.

ICE SKATING

The family can enjoy lunch at CP Burger while the kids go back and forth from the outdoor skating rink. Parents can watch their future Olympians whilst enjoying boozy milkshakes or canned wine. In Snowmass there is a rink at the Snowmass Base Village plaza.

ISIS MOVIE THEATRE

406 East Hopkins Avenue, Aspen, 81611 · 970 925 7584 · metrotheatres.com/aspen/isis-theatre/theater-info/

Located in town, this boutique movie theatre has first-run movies. Matinees are a welcome activity if the weather isn't to your liking, and you can even buy a bottle of wine to enjoy in your reclining chair.

JEAN ROBERT'S GYM

720 East Hyman Avenue, Aspen, 81611 · 970 920 9595 · jeanrobertgym.com

If a day on the slopes wasn't enough of a workout, get a day or week pass at this gorgeous multi-level facility. The equipment is state of the art; you'll forget you're working up a sweat when you're enjoying panoramic views of Ajax and surrounding areas with the floor-to-ceiling windows.

KING YOGA

One East Snowmass, 77 Wood Road, 2nd Floor, Snowmass Village, 81615 · 602 300 0839 · kingyoga.net

King Yoga features the best instructor (Aaron King), who also plays the best music — ask him to play Phish, and you'll have a friend for life.

SILVER QUEEN GONDOLA

Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, ride the gondola up in summer or winter and enjoy the stunning views.

SNOWMASS RODEO

2735 Brush Creek Road, Snowmass Village, 81615 · snowmassrodeo.org

Dress up like a cowboy courtesy of Kemo Sabe and head to the rodeo, summer Wednesdays only, and watch barrel racing, roping, and riding.

THE MOUNTAINS

800 525 6200 · aspensnowmass.com

The Aspen-Snowmass area is comprised of four mountains, and you have access to all when you purchase a ski pass. Each has a unique personality, and it's worth exploring all of them if time allows. Aspen Mountain (Ajax): Get to the top of Ajax on the Silver Queen Gondola, right from town. The terrain is advanced, but there are some decent blue cruisers. On-mountain dining includes The Sundeck — delicious made-to-order food. Free pancakes from 10–11 if it's a powder day. Highlands: For the most part, Highlands only has expert terrain. An aggressive 45-minute uphill hike will take you to some of the most spectacular runs in North America. The 2 p.m. Cloud Nine seating is debauchery at its finest — prepare to be drenched in champagne. Buttermilk: Known as the family-friendly mountain, with mostly green and blue runs. Tiehack on the backside is a locals' secret on a powder day. The terrain park is where the X Games take place every year. Snowmass: By far the largest of the four mountains, with something for everyone — 20 minutes from Aspen, the most varied terrain, and perfect for all skill levels. The new base village has a skating rink and climbing walls.