Updated November 2021
Aspen, Colorado is best described as a bougie mountain town that is perfect for the foodie who loves to shop. The downtown area has designer shops from Gucci to Prada and a variety of restaurants from quaint houses to upscale dining. Whether you're visiting Aspen to ski or for a lavish mountain vacation, use this list as your guide to all the best spots to eat in town!
BETULA
BETULA
This cozy chic French-American restaurant called Betula, has both posh indoor and outdoor dining option. Savor your roasted Peking duck and chilean sea bass while taking in the stunning views of the Ajax mountains. For a night cap, try one of their many creative cocktails at the intimate bar and indulge in a warm grand mariner soufflé.
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Photo courtesy of Betula
CLARK'S OYSTER BAR
CLARK'S OYSTER BAR
Clark's will meet all of your seafood needs, serving fresh fish at their raw bar and on their vibrant outdoor patio. After a chilly day on the slopes, warm up by the cozy fireplace with a bowl of their signature clam chowder and a lobster roll. If you're looking for the perfect après ski spot, dine at Clark's for happy hour and enjoy a plate of oysters with a martini in hand.
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Photo courtesy of Clark's Oyster Bar
CASA TUA
CASA TUA
Rustic chic meets Italian villa at Casa Tua in downtown Aspen. Casa Tua has several different dining spaces, including a spacious outdoor patio, a library in the dining room, a private bar, and an intimate chef's table. Sip on a martini at the bar or have an Italian feast with views of the Ajax Mountains in the distance.
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Photo courtesy of Casa Tua
FRENCH ALPINE BISTRO
FRENCH ALPINE BISTRO
Go on a culinary adventure at the French Alpine Bistro that will make you feel as if you have been transported to the French Alps. Try the French onion soup, a sweet or savory crepe, or the cheese fondue for the full alpine experience. Sip on an espresso martini or glass of wine on the heated outdoor patio or in the candle lit lounge with authentic family heirlooms that bring magic into the cozy space.
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Photo courtesy of French Alpine Bistro
7908
7908
7908 is a sophisticated restaurant by day and a lively club by night. For dinner, indulge in their elevated dishes, such as the salmon crud or ricotta gnudi, then finish your meal off with a fun dessert cocktail. This is the perfect spot to dine in the evening then dance the night away!
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Photo courtesy of 7908
JOONAS
JOONAS
Downstairs in the building behind Bear Den, Joonas is truly an Aspen hidden gem. The intimate mood lighting creates a romantic ambience that is perfect for a date night out on the town. If you're in a seafood mood start with the seabass ceviche or if you're feeling extra hungry go for the prime tenderloin filet.
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Photo courtesy of Joonas
BOSQ
BOSQ
In downtown Aspen lies an intimate modern space called Bosq. Keeping the agricultural tradition of Aspen alive, they use locally sourced ingredients with unique pairings such as the caviar and tomatoes salad and the grilled lobster over juniper leaves. For a diverse dessert, try the red cherry and tonk bean ice cream topped with rose meringue.
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Photo courtesy of Bosq
PINE CREEK COOKHOUSE
PINE CREEK COOKHOUSE
At the base of the Elk Mountains you'll find a quaint log cabin restaurant called Pine Creek Cookhouse. From field to stream, they serve Alpine cuisine with local game and fresh fish with a pre fixed four course menu that will take you on a culinary adventure. After dinner, go for a sleigh ride through the aspen trees as you star gaze with your loved ones.
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Photo courtesy of Pine Creek Cookhouse
MEAT & CHEESE
MEAT & CHEESE
In downtown Aspen is true charcuterie heaven, called Meat & Cheese. They offer Aspen's finest selection of specialty cheeses and butchered meats from Western Colorado that make delicious boards to share with family and friends. Grab a meat or cheese from the shop on your way out or order a charcuterie board to-go!
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Photo courtesy of Meat & Cheese
WHITE HOUSE TAVERN
WHITE HOUSE TAVERN
In a charming house on the corner of Hopkins and Monarch, sits the White House Tavern. This cozy American bistro comes from the Hillstone Restaurant Group, with a similar stellar menu to Hillstone, R&D, and Honor Bar. With an intimate but lively atmosphere serving delicious sharable snacks and craft cocktails, the White House Tavern is the perfect date night spot.
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Photo courtesy of White House Tavern
ASPEN BREWING COMPANY
ASPEN BREWING COMPANY
Fully experience the mountain lifestyle at the Aspen Brewing Company, where craft beer has been perfected since 2008. This casual taproom in Downtown Aspen is the prime spot to enjoy world class craft beer and take in the beautiful scenery. Split a pizza with your buddies while sipping on a beer tasting flight.
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Photo courtesy of Aspen Brewing Company
VELVET BUCK
VELVET BUCK
At the St. Regis Aspen Resort, you'll find the Velvet Buck. This western inspired fine dining restaurant serves rustic mountain cuisine from crisp greens to tender local game. For the table, order the truffle flatbread or the 32 ounce Tomahawk steak for a phenomenal flavor pairing.
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Photo courtesy of Velvet Buck
BEAR DEN
BEAR DEN
Set in a quaint old house, Bear Den is a French inspired bistro serving homestyle dishes with a modern touch. Whether you dine for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you are bound to find a dish you love, from the raclette grilled cheese to the ratatouille risotto. After your meal enjoy one of their specialty craft cocktails or delicious desserts.
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Photo courtesy of Bear Den
ELEMENT 47
ELEMENT 47
If you are a wine lover, then this is the spot for you. Inside the Little Nell Hotel is Element 47, a contemporary fine dining restaurant with house made pasta and seasonal produce. Take a tour of the wine cellars with over 20,000 bottles of wine and do a tasting from their award winning wine program with eleven of North America's master sommeliers.
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Photo courtesy of Element 47
CACHE CACHE
CACHE CACHE
Cache Cache is a chic French bistro with a sleek modern bar in the heart of Aspen. With a sommelier native to Paris, France, serving the finest of wines is their specialty. Enjoy your glass of wine while indulging in one of their decadent dishes, such as the cacio e pepe and Colorado rack of lamb.
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Photo courtesy of Cache Cache
STEAKHOUSE 316
STEAKHOUSE 316
Upscale dining meets speakeasy at Steakhouse 316, with white table cloths, red velvet accents, and dim lighting that gives it an intimate feel. Pop in for a drink or stay for an elegant steak dinner with king crab legs or lobster mac and cheese.
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Photo courtesy of Steakhouse 316
PLATO'S
PLATO'S
Located on the rooftop of the Aspen Meadows Resort, Plato's is a contemporary American restaurant with some of the best views in Aspen. With a rotating seasonal menu, executive chef, Jason Thompson, uses sustainable and fresh ingredients to create a beautiful culinary presentation the tastes even better than it looks. In the winter, enjoy your delicious meal in a dining igloo on the terrace, overlooking the Aspen Mountains, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk Mountains.
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Photo courtesy of Plato's