For many travelers, the dining scene in Aspen is often as big a draw as its four world-class ski resorts. Downtown is only a short walk from Aspen Mountain, and the historic streets are lined with options ranging from casual cafes for breakfast or lunch to upscale après-ski spots.
Aspen has a mix of high-end dining and Old West mountain charm, giving the town a unique character that draws visitors in from afar. The dining scene currently feels as vibrant as ever, with anticipated restaurant openings, storied local staples, and upscale dining options continuing to uphold Aspen’s reputation both on and off the slopes.
Breakfast & Brunch
Meadows Café
Meadows Café is a charming coffee shop just outside of downtown Aspen in the Aspen Meadows Resort. It’s a reliable stop for a quick breakfast and brew before skiing at Ajax, and is open daily from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Head chef Sara Figueiredo is an experienced baker, and the cafe has a nice selection of muffins, breads, and other sweet starters. Diners can also find breakfast burritos, salads, and sandwiches to enjoy on the slopes or in a comfortable, casual setting.
Swedish Hill
The rooftop restaurant, Swedish Hill at Aspen Art Museum, is an airy indoor/outdoor space with excellent views of Ajax Mountain. Open Tuesday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch, skiers can stop by this local favorite for some healthy eats before or after the slopes.
Salads and sandwiches are available for lunch, but many visitors show up early for Swedish iced coffee, Masala Chai Lattes, and other creative morning beverages. Paired with a popular breakfast sandwich, croissant, or avocado toast, they are a perfect way to start a ski day in Aspen.
Mawa’s Kitchen
Just outside of downtown Aspen, this Michelin-recommended standout serves up excellent cuisine from renowned Chef Mawa McQueen. Mawa’s Kitchen is busy most of the day, but the brunches here are one of the biggest draws.
Careful attention to every detail shows up in seasonal dishes, with local and international flavors throughout. Bourbon brioche French toast, bison shepherd’s pie, and French shakshuka are just a few of the many dishes that diners can choose from to begin their day.
Lunch
White House Tavern
Nestled in one of the oldest buildings in downtown Aspen, White House Tavern is known for its history as much as its excellent food. The building dates back to 1883 and was restored just over a decade ago. Open daily until 9:00 pm, it’s buzzing with locals and tourists looking for a cold drink and warm meal.
Popular dishes include the crispy fried chicken, French dip, and fish sandwich. The cozy interior of the 19th-century cottage feels especially inviting for lunch or après-ski in the late afternoon.
Photo Credit: White House Tavern Facebook
Aspen Hickory House
For some of the best BBQ in Colorado, look no further than Aspen Hickory House on 730 West Main Street in Downtown Aspen. Located on the west end of downtown Aspen, this local staple has plenty of choices for the entire group, from hearty omelets to full racks of smoky ribs.
Daily lunch specials are reasonably priced, including fish and chips, baby-back ribs, and cheeseburger plates, all priced around $20.
Mt. Rubirosa
Try some of New York City’s best pizza at the always-crowded NYC transplant, Mt. Rubirosa. Since December 2025, Mt. Rubirosa has served its famous tie-dye pizza to Aspen locals and tourists. It’s an ultra-thin-crust pie with a savory tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese that’s painted with a bright green pesto swirl. The menu also features an array of handmade pastas, many of which are as memorable as the pizzas that draw diners in.
Visitors can stop by the downtown Aspen location on 501 East Dean Street, Wednesday through Sunday, but they’ll want to make reservations in advance. Much like its sister restaurant in the Big Apple, it’s one of the most popular spots to grab lunch, and for good reason.
Meat & Cheese
Show up early for lunch at Meat & Cheese, as seating is limited and the word has been out for a while that this restaurant has some of the best food in Aspen. In the heart of Aspen’s Restaurant Row, Meat & Cheese doesn’t just know good food; they were the team behind one of Colorado’s favorite farms, Avalanche Cheese Company, before it closed down.
Charcuterie boards and carefully curated cheeses are the stars of the show, but there is also a surprisingly diverse menu diners can sample from as well. Dishes like the Vietnamese chicken noodle salad or quesabirria tacos treat hungry skiers and snowboarders to international flavors after a morning on the slopes.
Dinner
Aspen Public House
Stepping into the brick-and-stone Aspen Public House inside the same complex as the historic 19th-century Wheeler Opera House, diners are greeted by a cheery pub atmosphere with a full bar and kitchen. Guests can find a seat at the bar or opt for a table inside or outside. The lively atmosphere makes it a fun place for après-ski, with a friendly mix of locals and visiting skiers and snowboarders.
The menu covers comfort-food classics like short ribs, steak sandwiches, and burgers. Prices are reasonable for Aspen, ranging from around $20 for a burger to $30 for larger entrees.
Dinner is served daily from 4:00 to 10:00 pm. No reservations are required.
Clark’s Oyster Bar
If your group is craving seafood in a smart-casual setting, Clark’s Oyster Bar is a great fit. Although it’s been a mainstay downtown for fewer than 10 years, the historic building, nautical decor, and cozy fireplace lend it a charm that makes it feel older than it is. The seafood selection is extensive. Guests can choose from over half a dozen raw oysters, several chilled seafood options, and a bowl of clam chowder to get started.
For the main course, there are house specialties like mussels and clams, cioppino, or grilled octopus. Guests can also opt for the catch of the day.
Diners can expect to pay $50-$100 per person, but there is a happy hour Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Guests willing to have an earlier dinner can enjoy half-priced burgers and martinis, as well as $5 oyster shooters.
French Alpine Bistro
Aspen and après-ski go hand in hand, and French Alpine Bistro is a reservation locals and visitors in the know try to book months in advance—though they do have a wait list. The decor is both inviting and opulent, with sheepskin throws over dining chairs and old wooden skis on the ceiling. It’s a place to stay and enjoy the company of family and friends for hours, with an extensive wine list, creative cocktails, and hearty European fare.
Highlights include schnitzel and crepes, with shareable favorites like cheese fondue or raclette. Diners can also enjoy dessert and after-dinner drinks, including a carefully thought-out selection of brandies and whiskies.
If you make it off the mountain early, the après-ski happy hour offers great values, like $30 fondue and $10 glasses of wine.
On Mountain Dining
Aspen Mountain Ski Resort Sundeck
At the top of the Silver Queen Gondola is the Aspen Mountain Ski Resort Sundeck, where skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a meal or a grab-and-go snack with some of the best views anywhere in town. At over 11,000 feet, the scenery is the peak Aspen experience and the perfect place to enjoy a cold beer, hot chocolate, or a sundeck signature burger.
Bonnie's Restaurant
Just off of Tourtelotte Park, Bonnie's Restaurant is located up the mountain from downtown Aspen, right in the heart of some of Ajax’s favorite ski terrain. Known for its apple strudel and oatmeal pancakes, the popular restaurant has been packed with hungry skiers and snowboarders for decades.
Open from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm every day, you can find breakfast and lunch options, along with beautiful mountain views inside and out. There are several different sandwiches for lunch, along with beer, mulled wine, and other cocktails.
Ajax Tavern
Inside the Little Nell at the base of Aspen Mountain, Ajax Tavern is as popular for its reliable French and American cuisine as it is for its pristine mountain views. Diners can find a variety of options for shareable or solo dining.
The towering burger is made with wagyu beef, and there are other high-end pub classics like truffle fries, steak frites, carpaccio, and tuna tartare. It’s a family-friendly atmosphere with lots of choices for little ones, including house-spun ice creams and a few desserts.
New to Aspen’s Dining Scene
Aspen’s dining scene continues to grow, with new restaurants joining local institutions every year. Several recent additions and upcoming openings continue to add energy to the exciting mix of rustic taverns and upscale dining rooms.
New and Upcoming Openings as of May 2026:
- Yuki Aspen: Globally inspired cuisine from renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa, opened in June, 2025.
- Mt. Rubirosa: New York-style pizzeria at the base of Aspen Mountain, opened in December, 2025.
- Petit Trois: French bistro from LA-based chef Ludo Lefebvre, opened in December, 2025.
- LoLa 41: Elegant sushi bar opening a new location in Aspen, expected to open in 2026.
If you’re interested in learning more about planning a trip to Aspen, The Lodging Company can help you arrange travel plans, find accommodations, and share more tips on where to dine in one of Colorado’s favorite ski towns.
About the Author
Deric Brown is a writer who has traveled domestically and internationally, writing about his journeys along the way. A storyteller at heart, he’s always looking at both the small details and the big picture. Whether snowboarding in the Sierra Nevada Mountains or hiking the Marin Headlands near his San Francisco home, he loves experiencing the beauty of California and beyond, and writing about each solo adventure and family trip.