Aspen’s Best Restaurants

An inevitable part of living in Aspen is constantly discussing and debating the best and newest restaurants in town. For a town of just 6,000 residents, we have an impressive list of places to eat, with new (and sometimes controversial) restaurants opening all the time. Here is the running list of my favorites, but please feel free to comment below to add yours to the list.

Breakfast/Coffee

Jour De Fete- Good coffee, breakfast and lunch options with limited seating inside, abundant seating outside and everything available to go. They will also make you a picnic for your adventures.

Unravel Coffee-This is a relatively new addition to Aspen’s breakfast and coffee seen, but has quickly become a locals favorite. Abundant seating with great protein balls and coffee drinks.

Cozy interior of White House Tavern in Aspen

Lunch

Meat and Cheese-Wonderful outdoor patio, with amazing sandwiches and salads. I love the thai chicken salad and Bahn Mi sandwich.

White House Tavern-Probably my go-to restaurant in Aspen. The menu is small, but it is always executed perfectly. You can’t go wrong with anything, but the smoked salmon appetizer and chicken sandwich are must-try’s.

White House Tavern patio is the place to enjoy a summer day in Aspen

Dinner

Clark’s Oyster Bar- The food at this seafood restaurant is deliciously consistent (and consistently delicious) and is well-priced for Aspen. They also have a good happy hour from

Oysters and Rose at Clark’s Oyster Bar in Aspen

Matsuhisa- Part of Nobu Matsuhisa’s global empire, this restaurant does not disappoint if you’re looking for sushi. We eat here at least once a month, and I have never had a bad dish, let alone a bad meal. The sashimi specials are always worth an order.

Casa D’Angelo-Despite being eye-wateringly expensive, even for Aspen, the food here is delicious enough that it makes my list. The pastas are all outstanding and in the summer there is a nice patio overlooking Aspen Mountain.

Sway Thai- The newest addition to town offers upscale thai food in a beautiful setting. There is also a small outdoor patio overlooking all of the action on restaurant row.

Sway Thai is a wonderful new addition to Aspen’s dining scene

Restaurants for kids that parents will still enjoy

We’ve certainly taken our kids to all of the restaurants listed above (Matsuhisa is their favorite), but it’s also nice to go to a place where you don’t have to worry as much about them minding their manners, etc. For those nights, check out the Best Restaurants in Aspen for Kids:

Home Team BBQ-This South Carolina transplant has made it’s mark on the Aspen dining scene by providing delicious and affordable BBQ in a comfortable setting. It’s at the base of Buttermilk mountain, so the kids can run outside and play during the warmer months. In the winter, you can ski right up to the door to enjoy all the smoked meats you can handle.

CP Burger- This is the closest thing you’ll find to fast food in Aspen, but don’t be too fast or you’ll miss the put-put golf (summer) and ice skating (winter) right out front. There are healthier options too, like a seared ahi tuna burger. Try the milkshakes—they’re worth the calories.

Woody Creek Tavern-Channel your inner Hunter S. Thompson and check out this great casual restaurant. While it’s changed ownership recently, it still maintains most of its charm, but with more of an elevated casual cuisine. The best way to get here is by bike, so rent bikes in town and take the Rio Grande trail. There are also options where the bike rental place picks you up at the restaurant. A good option for those who want to indulge in their famous margs.