The unique and plentiful selection of Aspen restaurants make Aspen, Colorado stand above every other mountain town. The restaurant choices are extensive, ranging from the understated-but-excellent, to quick-and-easy family spots, to lively sushi bars and incredibly elegant eateries sure to delight the discerning palette.
 Pinons Second floor at 105 S. Mill- Cozy Western ranch-like feel, with stucco walls, a leather bar and menus and huge brass bowls. All meats and fish are grilled over mesquite and cherry wood. Desserts vary daily. 970-920-2021
Montagna 675 E. Durant - Specializing in contemporary American Alpine cuisine. Executive Chef Ryan Hardy delights with an intricate blend of flavors, textures and colors. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday brunch. 970-920-6313
Syzygy 520 E. Hyman Ave., Menu combines French, Southwestern, Asian and Italian influences. Don’t be put off by the hard-to-pronounce name (Siz-i-je) or the obscure explanation of its meaning on the menu. The food here is simply exquisite. The atmosphere is intimate yet casual, with live jazz performers who seem to make the food dance across your tongue. Reservations required. 970-925-3700
The Wild Fig East Hyman across from the Wheeler Opera House - Sun-drenched flavors of the mediterranean describes the delicious dishes. 970-925-5160
The Crystal Palace 300 E. Hyman Ave. - Sellout crowds each evening at 6:45 nightly for more than four decades (reservations may be necessary several weeks in advance). You can choose from perfectly pink beef tenderloin with Madeira sauce, roast duckling, rack of lamb or prime rib. 970-925-1455
Range 304 E. Hopkins - World-renowned chef-owner Charles Dale should be commended for his newest venture, where he lowered prices but didn’t lower standards. Dale showcases Western ingredients such as salmon from Alaska’s Copper River, Oregon morels and Idaho trout. The regional twist extends to the wines, which are all American. 970-925-2402
Cache Cache (lower level of the Mill St. Plaza - Thumbs-up from locals for French provincial cuisine, especially the half-price early-bird specials. The polenta nicoise, wild mushroom cannelloni and perfectly grilled yellowtail are favorites. 970-925-3835
Rustique 216 S. Monarch - Serving a wonderful cassoulet Toulousain with duck confit and sausage. It also has a child-friendly menu with 25 classic French favorites called “Small Plates.” 970-920-2555
Kenichi 533 E. Hopkins - The locals’ favorite for Pan Asian cuisine. Always crowded, reservations are a must, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. 970-920-2212
Tekah Sushi 320 So. Mill - The locals’ favorite sushi. Always crowded, reservations are a must, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. 970-925-8588
DishAspen 430 E. Hyman - Serving creative American comfort foods like lobster corn dogs, truffle mac 'n cheese and C.L.T. sandwiches made of crab, lettuce and tomato. And there's always a dish of the day. 970-925-1421
Lu Lu Wilson 316 E. Hopkins - The newest offering to Aspen's elite dining scene. The service matches the elegant decor with foreign-accented waiters carefully attending each table. Entrees include braised rabbit, wild sablefish, roasted Guinea Hen and winter vegetable risotto. 970-920-1893
Campo de Fiori 205 E. Mill -
Outstanding gourmet Italian specialties. 970-920-7717
Mezzaluna Serving popular choices of wood-fired pizzas, pasta and meat-chicken-fish entrees at reasonable prices. 970-925-5882
Olives Aspen Located at the St. Regis - Offers a broad Mediterranean-based menu with subtle Cajun influences inspired by new chef Patrick Dahms who hails from New Orleans. Valet parking is complimentary. 970-920-7356
Gusto Ristorante 415 E. Main - Campo’s cousin (same owner), Gusto’s contemporary cuisine is refreshingly different than the classic dishes of Campo de Fiori and a tad less expensive. 970-925-8222
 Slopeside The Tavern is a big draw for catching afternoon rays as the lifts start to close. If you don’t find what you want there, the crowd spreads out to The Terrace Room at the Little Nell Hotel, Mezzaluna, 39 Degrees at the SKY Hotel, Little Annie’s, Cooper Street Pier, the noisy and crowded J-Bar (Jack Nicholson’s hangout at the Jerome) and the Red Onion. Apres-ski comes in all varieties here, from The Cantina, with its very happy hour (have a margarita in the compadre size), to the quiet and genteel Hotel Jerome Library Bar.
At night, the music and dance beat begin to take over. Earlier in the evening, the high-energy place to find out who’s in town is Mezzaluna with its brassy horseshoe-shaped bar. It’s a good singles bar and gives you the best in upscale people-watching. The Shadow Mountain Lounge at the St. Regis has live music. The Little Nell bar and Syzygy have jazz. DJs rule at The Speakeasy and The Lava Room.
Jimmy’s, an American restaurant and bar, is where the swank dinner crowd hits the dance floor on Saturday night for its signature Salsa Night. You’ll also find what they claim to be one of the largest tequila menus in the country (more than 65).
The Wine Spot at the Grand Hyatt is a civilized quiet place to enjoy a drink. The bar has a Cruvinet system of preserving and dispensing wine by the glass.
Eric’s Bar, Cigar Bar and Aspen Billiards all attract singles and have lots of microbrews on tap (great scotch, too). A relatively mixed crowd congregates in the Red Onion and Little Annie’s. Cooper Street Pier is very much a local and college student hangout.
The Tavern Open for lunch and après ski daily. Hours of operations 11:30 am - sundown. The Tavern does not accept reservations for lunch and will only seat complete parties. Menu will consist of a bistro style menu, come try the famous truffle fries, as well as fondue, lasagna, lamb Bolognese and daily specials.
970-920-4600
The Terrace Room The setting of one of the most famous apres ski scenes in the country, The Terrace Room overlooks the courtyard and Aspen Mountain beyond. With a distinct club feel, this is an ideal setting for dinners for up to 90. 970-920-4600
Mezzaluna 624 East Cooper Avenue -
Mezzaluna is not only a great place to eat, but also a wonderful place to enjoy a cocktail or two. Located on Cooper Avenue, Mezzaluna boasts a nice wine selection and a great happy hour menu.
970- 925-5882
39 Degrees Sky Hotel,
709 East Durant Avenue
- Locals and visitors alike love to lounge at 39 Degrees - the Sky Hotel's swank, inviting lounge located just beyond the hotel's lobby.
With Aspen Mountain serving as a breathtaking backdrop , 39 Degrees serves up delectable cutting edge cuisine and wickedly creative cocktails.
800-882-2582
Little Annie’s 517 E Hyman Ave -
Annie's is one of the oldest restaurants in Aspen, and one of the locals' favorites. Meals include items such as steak and mashers, burgers and fries, ribs and slaw. 970-925-1098
Cooper Street Pier 508 East Cooper Avenue -
Unpretentious and unassuming, Cooper Street Pier is the perfect spot to unwind, relax and enjoy a cocktail with family or friends.
970-925 7758
J-Bar Hotel Jerome,
330 East Main Street
- Aspen's favorite watering hole since 1889, the J-Bar—with its authentic saloon ambiance, lively and casual atmosphere, and wide selection of draft and bottled beer and light fare—continues to attract a diverse mix of locals, tourists and celebrities. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
877-412-ROCK or 970-920-1000
Red Onion 420 East Cooper Ave -
This Aspen landmark has the lofty distinction of being the town's oldest bar and restaurant dating back to the 1890s. The long wooden bar, its most prominent feature, retains a look and feel of an old mining saloon. Chimichangas, fajitas and combo plates, all of which come with chips and salsa, dominate the menu. There are also a host of salads, soups, burgers and sandwiches including grilled cheese. 970 925 9043
The Cantina 411 East Main St -
This restaurant, prominently located on Main Street, is one of those places that looks expensive but is surprisingly budget friendly.
Enter with an empty stomach for all the portions are generous and seem to be on the verge of spilling off the plates.
970 925 3663
Hotel Jerome Library Bar 330 East Main Street -
The Hotel Jerome Bar has been serving up cold beers and tasty cocktails since the 1890s. Also known as J-Bar, The Hotel Jerome Bar is a local favorite and easily accessable from downtown Aspen.
970-920-1000
The Shadow Mountain Lounge 315 East Dean Street
- Guests may enjoy the afternoon or evening in this casual gathering spot, featuring dramatic views of Aspen Mountain, a magnificent granite fireplace and live music. A light menu is offered with cocktails, aperitifs, wines and an extensive selection of domestic and imported beers.
970-920-3300
Syzygy 520 East Hyman Avenue, 2nd Floor -
If you are looking to impress, opt for this restaurant. Consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in Aspen, it offers top food with top jazz.
970 925 3700
The Speakeasy Lounge 415 E. Hyman - Aspen's newest subterranean hot spot with DJ, dance floor, and swanky booths.
The Lava Room on the Hyman Ave. Mall Aspen's premier nightclub/lounge. Live DJs nightly. Private parties available.
970-925-5282
Jimmy's 205 South Mill Street -
Jimmy's has built a solid reputation as one of Aspen's finest restaurants, but Jimmy's is also a great place to drink. Enjoy some the the area's greatest wines and beers, plus Jimmy's offers over 50 different tequila and mescals, the largest selection in America! 970-925-6020
The Wine Spot In the Hyatt Grand Aspen,
415 Dean Street - Aspen wine bar with more than 30 wines by the glass.
970-920-9463
Eric’s Bar 315 E. Hyman Ave. -
Whiskey -- and lots of it -- is the claim to fame of Eric's Bar, a hip little watering hole that attracts a rowdy crowd. There's a varied lineup of imported beers on tap. 970-920-6707
Cigar Bar 315 E. Hyman Ave. -
The smoky Cigar Bar is a dimly-lighted joint straight from Humphry Bogart movies. Overstuffed chairs and sofas and velvet curtains set the mood.
Aspen Billiards 315 E. Hyman Ave. -
Aspen Billiards is the town's most upscale pool hall. Challenge the locals to a game of eight ball.
970-920-6707
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