Transformational Places To Eat & Drink In Aspen/ Basalt
It is true that dining rooms and bars are where we gather to share good food and drink and good times with friends, family and neighbours. staring at that fact, Aspen and Basalt never goes out of style. Visiting the two cities feels more like you are on top of the world . The fact that the two Cities are known for outdoor activities and you are likely to be paid off by the existence of the stunning views hiking and Arbaney Kittle. there’s also a pretty good chance you’ll want to spend time consuming food and drinks . Now, here are guides for your pursuit of a perfect cocktail, locally brew, mouthwatering meals, space to kick back after a day on the slopes, skiing and hiking below.
The Limelight Lounge Aspen
Stick around. Our gourmet comfort food will keep you well fed. Starting with included continental breakfast, served community style in the Lounge. When late afternoon hits, we swing our doors wide open for guests and locals to dig in to our friendly après food and drink specials. In addition, our full dinner menu is available evenings in the Lounge, for in-room dining or take-out.For our guests, we offer quite the breakfast spread. Join us from 7 until 10am daily in the Lounge. Whether you’re skiing or mountain biking, or just strolling Aspen’s streets for a little window shopping, we have a breakfast that will fuel you up and get you ready to go.No matter what season it is, we call our happiest four hours of the day “après.” Ask anyone and they’ll tell you it’s the place to be in Aspen from 3–7pm each day. Après at the Limelight also features some of Aspen’s favorite local bands every Friday through Sunday from 6–9pm.As dinner service begins, guests are served generous portions of delicious, Italian fare. Our menu puts an emphasis on featuring the finest local and organic ingredients, and everything on the menu is available for in-room dining or take-out.
The Living Room At Hotel Jerome
The Living Room is designed to feel exactly as it sounds—an open, inviting space where guests can sink into plush arm chairs and sofas to enjoy playful small plates (think shrimp and scallop mini corn dogs), craft cocktails, and imaginative hot chocolates flavored with salted butterscotch and smoked cinnamon.
J-Bar At Hotel Jerome
Cowboys and miners once rode their horses through its doors, 10th Mountain Division soldiers gathered here over pints after a day of training on the slopes, and the late Hunter S. Thompson turned it into his de facto office when he was running for sheriff. With its lively buzz and Old West vibe, the 19th century bar remains the town’s social hub, where ski bums rub elbows with socialites over craft beers, vintage-inspired cocktails and Aspen’s best burger. Make sure to take a peek at the original Chinoiserie Chippendale till, signed by every bartender to work there.
Ajax Tavern
Say “apres-ski,” and most people picture something strikingly similar to Ajax Tavern – glamorous yet easy. You can see Ajax Tavern’s sun-drenched, mountainside patio from halfway up the mountain – a simple target for lunch or cocktails. Arrive and let the people-watching begin; there’s no better seat in town. Located at the base of Aspen Mountain and next to the Silver Queen Gondola, Ajax Tavern is the restaurant in Aspen for casual fine dining in an unbeatable atmosphere. The Tavern comes to life at lunch, and the party rolls on well into the night. If you go no further on the menu, try the truffle fries and Ajax wagyu double cheeseburger – they have earned their reputation.
Free Range Kitchen & Wine Bar
Free Range Kitchen & Wine Bar is the creation of owners Steve & Robin Humble who have been immersed in the Roaring Fork valley’s restaurant scene for 30 years.We are combining forces with our Chef Chris to create a menu that offers seasonal, innovative comfort food. We use responsibly farmed, freshly harvested ingredients without hormones or antibiotics, supporting the local Colorado farming and ranching communities. We strive to use local ingredients, whenever possible.Our goal is to create a fun community restaurant & wine bar with warm, friendly service and great atmosphere in historic downtown Basalt. With boutique global wine offerings, hand selected by Steve and a wide selection of regional craft beers and specialty cocktails using artisanal spirits and house-made infusions.Free Range is a perfect space for parties and events! We also do offsite catering for any size group. And don’t forget to check out our wine dinners page for upcoming events.
The French Alpine Bistro
The French and Austrian owners have poured their hearts and souls into creating an authentic atmosphere that is best described in one German word. The word refers to a feeling of warmth, friendliness and a sense of belonging, which guests experience in this charming candle-lit hideaway.
The couple, who designed the restaurant themselves, furnished their award-winning establishment with rustic wood panels and precious antiques from the old world. “It’s in me. I inherited the talent from my interior design mum”, Raphael Derly points out. “Growing up, I also spent a lot of time in Switzerland, which is a continuous source of inspiration for me”, he adds.
Family heirlooms adorn the walls, while soft sheepskins dress the comfy chairs. A heated patio and a street-level lounge invite guests to relax with a glass of wine, while taking in the spectacular mountain views and watch the world go by.
According to co-owner Karin Derly, “We envisioned this as a place for people to create happy, lasting memories.” Many satisfied customers from around the world agree that French Alpine Bistro – Crêperie du Village is unquestionably the most adorable and celebrated restaurant in town, not to be missed when visiting Aspen.
Bear Den Aspen
The Bear Den Aspen café & bakery in Aspen, Colorado opened in the small Victorian brick cottage on the corner of Hopkins Ave. & Monarch St. in February 2020.
A quick-casual café and bakery, specializing in homemade breads and pastries. Open 6:30am to 9pm, serving freshly baked pastries, breakfast, lunch, happy hour dinner, unique wine, craft cocktails, coffee, teas and small bites in a cozy and vibrant setting. Local and organic ingredients are used as much as possible. Dine in service or grab and go made-to-order items at the counter. Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten-Free options available.
Tatanka Western Bistro
Tatanka Western Bistro is a casual restaurant in Aspen, Colorado serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. With many cozy spaces and an array of seating options, Tatanka is a wonderful place to grab a bite and drink, have a festive dinner, or host a special event.
The Ranch Room is our private event space, located just next door and downstairs to Tatanka. The cozy yet chic space features industrial design elements, a small lounge with fireside seating, and a full bar. With an arrange of catering options, you can choose from Tatanka’s menu and/or bring in the chef of your choice. Host an intimate evening in a beautiful space this winter season!
The Wine Bar
The Little Nell’s former apres-ski bar, Chair 9, has transformed into a vibrant wine bar this winter season, offering intimate seating areas and an extensive list of wines by the glass. Overseen by Wine Director Chris Dunaway and his team of sommeliers, The Wine Bar will be open daily from 3 – 9:30 pm with reservations for parties up to 8 people in private seating areas. The wine bar will feature around 35 different wines by the glass, 16 wine enomatics on tap, a charcuterie carving station and cheese boards for light bites, as well as a full bar menu. With a lounge-style ambiance, DJs will play daily, set up safely behind a glass partition, spinning Hotel Costes-type downtempo tracks on vinyl/analog. From 7:30 pm – 10 pm, the space is available for private, customized wine dinners, offered as a buyout for one group per night with reservations required, accommodating up to 50 guests with personal sommelier service, a DJ and more. Please contact our Events Team to inquire about booking the wine bar for a private function.
The Tipsy Trout
Here in Basalt, we’re all about “-ing” verbs. Running, hiking, fishing, camping — you know the drill. Here at The Tipsy Trout, we’re adding one more to the list: eating.
Specifically, eating really good pub grub. We’re talking made-from-scratch dishes with local roots. Like our upper choice, certified angus burgers, aged for 28 days until it’ll satisfy any foodie’s cravings!
When you try our Rocky Mountain Trout or Honey-Smoked Trout Dip, you’ll see why we just can’t get enough of innovative eats. From vegetarian and gluten-free options to sinfully delicious entrees and desserts, you’ll find whatever you’re looking for through our doors.
And if you want to share the magic with everyone you know, just ask about our space for private events and parties. We can’t wait to share our slice of historic old-town Basalt with you!
Heather Savory Pies and Tapas
The Denver Examiner describes our eatery as a “gem of a place”. Aspen Real Life calls our food a cure for “anyone suffering from homesickness”. BBC America says, “Heather’s is all about comfort and warmth when it comes to both the atmosphere and the food.” The Colorado Springs Gazette call describes our pies as “belly-warming comfort grub.”
Naturally, this is music to our ears, as we strive for comfort, warmth, and delight in everything we do! Whether it be Heather’s handmade pot pies, the cozy atmosphere, our gracious staff, or spirited world class entertainers – it is truly our ambition to have our guests relish everything about our establishment. We invite you to escape to our haven to find comfort in our food, feel unhurried by our service, be swept away with the music, and revel in good cheer.
