As one of the most popular resort towns in America, Aspen offers travelers the opportunity to experience the great outdoors without needing to forego any of their favorite high-end amenities. A multitude of spas, art galleries, and quaint eateries all give weary adventurers the chance to relax against the backdrop of the beautiful Colorado Rockies while also helping to keep Aspen as one of America’s most desirable vacation destinations.
Its year-round popularity means the local restaurant scene strives to accommodate the tastes of both the laidback mountaineer types as well as those in search of more culinary grandeur.
Whichever you may consider yourself to be, there are a few special spots to consider trying out on your next visit.
Whether you prefer quick n’ easy breakfasts, laid-back happy hours, or romantic dinners with a loved one, here are a few Aspen restaurants to try at different times of the day.
Breakfast – Gorsuch Ski Cafe
Located only a few steps away from the Aspen Art Museum, the Gorsuch Ski Cafe is the perfect place to stop for a warm morning beverage before hitting the slopes.
Interestingly, the shop is actually a retailer for popular skiwear brands, but it features a built-in coffee bar for skiers’ convenience. Its menu is mostly comprised of the classics but also features more international fare like Mexican hot chocolate and German Glühwein.
Seeing as how the temperature can drop as low as 7°F during the winter months, grabbing a drink from the Gorsuch Ski Cafe is a must for those preparing for a long day battling the frigid air.
Lunch – Aspen Brewing Co.
Aspen Brewing Co. is the town’s one and only craft beer bar, providing clientele with an upbeat environment to enjoy a pint of local brew alongside their choice of housemade sourdough pizza.
The taproom is conveniently situated a block away from the town’s Main Street for easy access from the surrounding shopping center.
Grabbing a spot on the patio is recommended when it’s a particularly sunny day as its south-facing front is in the perfect position for diners to soak up some sun or simply do a bit of people-watching while enjoying their meal.
Creamy soups and fresh salads are also available for those not quite in the mood for heavy carbs.
Happy Hour – French Alpine Bistro
French Alpine Bistro brings the chicness of the European Alps right into the heart of a tiny Rocky Mountain town. Much like in France, this little bistro is only open for lunch and dinner, meaning reservations are a must during the more popular tourist seasons.
Small, yet incredibly cozy, diners can kick off their evening with a couple of expertly crafted cocktails or even just a simple shot of anise-flavored liqueur to warm their bones. Brioche or combination cheese plates are available to those who find themselves a bit peckish when drinking alcohol.
As for the main menu, the restaurant regularly serves popular French dishes like escargot, Foie Gras, and crepes, but many other menu items change with the seasons.
Dinner – Casa Tua
Those celebrating a special occasion or simply searching for a fine dining experience should look no further than Casa Tua. Its menu options are about as authentically Italian as one could hope to find in the States.
Perfectly portioned plates of fresh pasta, meats, vegetables are offered across multiple courses served in the restaurant’s amazingly elegant Dolomites-style dining room.
To make matters more mouthwatering, locally sourced Colorado truffles bring a delectable earthiness to orders of pasta or big game meats needed to recreate the specific tastes of the northern Italian countryside.
Don’t forget the wine!
