It's beginning to look a lot like ski season! If you're pulling out those parkas and heading to Aspen this year, look no further to find the best restaurants in Aspen, Colorado to feed those cold weather cravings...
As an Austin native, Ashley Landheer knows her restaurants... She also travels the world non-stop while working remotely. She is the epitome of effortless cool. For years Ashley lived only a short drive away from this European-style ski town, so naturally Aspen is her favorite winter destination. We caught up with her recently and asked her to dish on the best restaurants in Aspen! Keep reading for Ashley's favorite places to dine in town! (PS. Did we forget one of your favorite places to dine in Aspen? Leave it in the comments!)
Aspen A Great Place For Foodies!
Aspen has become quite the foodie hub. This beautiful town tends to get a lot of press for its Food and Wine Classic, but there are so many under-the-radar nooks and great things to do year-round to enjoy nature and the great outdoors. The food and beverage scene is fun and spans from simple pleasures to amazing dining.
Best Restaurants In Aspen
Clark’s is my number one favorite dinner spot in Aspen! It has it all-- great service, phenomenal food and amazing cocktails. The interior design is a dream, and the fireplace makes it extra cozy on those snowy Aspen evenings. The lobster roll is a summertime favorite, especially when paired with a glass of rosé. On chillier evenings, the clam chowder is a good move.
2. Matsuhisa
If you are looking for a restaurant with a sexy vibe, Matsuhisa, the namesake restaurant of chef Nobu Matsuhisa, is the place to go. It's the perfect spot for a date night or girls night! Have the server choose the dishes for the table, they alway curate the best combinations. The Crispy Rice with Tuna is not to be missed. Also, the Seabass with Dry Sake is incredible. Truly every bite on this menu is meant to be savored.
The White House Tavern resides in the historic A.G. Sheppard House at 302 East Hopkins Avenue. The house was built in 1883 on a lot purchased from Isaac Cooper for $300. It's a great casual spot for both lunch and dinner. Try and get a table outside if the weather is nice. The crispy chicken sandwich is life changing! The Gulf Coast Style Fish Sandwich is pretty fantastic, too! You can also order an array of bites and shareables for the table like Peruvian Chicken Meatballs and Deviled Eggs!
(Image via Rowland + Broughton)
(Image via Reagan Byrne)
If you're looking for a true traditional steakhouse with an incredible menu, Steakhouse No. 316 is the place to go in Aspen. Think red velvet tufted booths and barely there mood lighting. The building was once a brothel, but now plays host to a different crowd year round. Insider tip: Steakhouse No. 316 has a great bar menu. Pair the Steak Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Fontina with the Alpine Summer Apertif. This is also a great spot for hosting large groups or parties.
(Images via 303 Magazine)
The French Alpine Bistro is a local gem. It’s a cozy candlelit hideaway in the mountains that transports you from Aspen to France. Upon entering you'll be greeted by rustic decor, cozy sheepskin draped throughout the space, and antiques covering the walls. There's no better place to spend a cold night than at the bistro with a bowl of French Onions Soup, Mussels and Frites or the Wagyu Burger.
(Image via Aspen Wedding Guide)
(Image via Zagat)
After Dinner Drinks In Aspen, Colorado
After a delicious meal, you want a tipple or two! Jimmy's is an institution. You can stop by for one of the best cocktails in the city. If you fancy mezcal, Jimmy has the best selection in the state. Jimmy has pushed the envelope for mezcal and tequila for years. Stop by and ask him to walk you through a couple of his favorites. You won't be disappointed! If wine is your gig, Jimmy has a great, well-balanced wine list with gems from all over.
Aspen Food And Wine Classic
Aspen's culinary reputation may be most recognized by the Aspen Food and Wine Classic each June. It's well worth the trip back in the summer! Join celebrity chefs, renowned winemakers, and epicurean insiders for a spectacular weekend June 19-21, 2020 at the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen. This premier culinary event consists of three incredible days of cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and panel discussions led by world-class chefs and wine experts. It's well worth the visit!
Top Tips For The Best Restaurants In Aspen
- If you want a cozy place to eat, you can't go wrong with Clark's or the French Alpine Bistro.
- Going out for a date night? Matsuhisa is the place to go, a seductive atmosphere and a lovely romantic ambiance.
- Looking for a casual lunch? Pull up a seat at the White House Tavern
- Want the best steak in town? Head to Steakhouse no. 316!
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