City Guide: Aspen

This is a city guide that hits close to home—Aspen, Colorado is a place I’ve been coming to my entire life, and it’s truly my home away from home. No matter the season, it’s one of those places that just feels right. In the summer, it’s all about being outside—long hikes, bike rides through the valley, white water rafting, great shopping, and some of my favorite restaurants anywhere. And then winter hits, and Aspen transforms into one of the best ski destinations in the world. It’s not hard to see why this little pocket of the Rockies is one of my favorite places on earth.

Nestled high in the Colorado Rockies, Aspen is one of those rare towns that manages to balance natural beauty with a very polished, almost cinematic energy. You’ve got world-class skiing, incredible restaurants, art, culture, and a social scene that somehow never feels forced. Whether you’re here for powder days or warm summer nights, Aspen has a way of pulling you in and making you want to stay just a little longer.

Aspen’s history adds a whole other layer to what you see today. Originally a booming silver mining town in the late 1800s, Aspen quickly grew into one of the wealthiest cities in the country—until the silver crash nearly wiped it out overnight. What followed was decades of quiet before the town was reinvented in the mid-20th century as a cultural and outdoor destination. The founding of the Aspen Institute and the revival of skiing at Aspen Mountain helped reshape Aspen into the place it is today—equal parts intellectual hub, adventure basecamp, and luxury escape.

Culturally, Aspen is a bit of a paradox—in the best way. It’s undeniably glitzy, with designer storefronts and five-star everything, but there’s still a strong undercurrent of laid-back mountain life. You’ll see people in full ski gear grabbing drinks next to someone dressed for a black-tie dinner, and somehow it all works. There’s a deep appreciation here for the outdoors, for art, for music, and for good food. Events like the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Jazz Aspen Snowmass, and Winter X Games keep the town buzzing year-round, while things like Gay Ski Week add to its inclusive, celebratory energy.

Yes, Aspen has become one of the most internationally recognized—and yes, glitzy—ski towns over the past few decades. But don’t let the luxury storefronts and headline prices fool you—there’s a lot more going on here. Aspen has this ability to be both elevated and approachable, outdoorsy and refined, all at once. The beer might flow like wine here, and the energy can definitely lean celebratory, but that’s part of what makes it so fun. At its core, Aspen is about living well—whether that means a perfect ski run, a long summer hike, or just a great dinner with friends after a full day outside.

Breakfast:

• Poppycock’s Cafe – Great hole-in-the-wall diner. Their oatmeal pancakes are a must, we always have to get some for the table. They also have some great breakfast sandwiches! Poppycock’s also sells their famous pancake mix, so don’t forget to grab some on the way out! 
• Spring Café – A beautiful and organic cafe featuring healthy bites and juices. They have a location in NYC, too! 
• Hickory House – Country-style breakfast spot – don’t sleep on their bacon! They also have great ribs and BBQ for lunch!
• Mawa’s Kitchen – Located near the airport, this Mediterranean & French Cuisine with flavors inspired by Mawa’s African heritage and world travels!
• JÜS – Grab juice on the go or an acai bowl from Aspen’s favorite juice bar. Also, their chicken ceaser wrap is a new favorite of mine – so delicious! The Scooby-Doo is also my go-to smoothie!

Lunch:

• Ajax Tavern – Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, you’ll get a front-row view of the gondola. If you’re going in the summer, grab a seat on the patio and get the Wagyu double cheeseburger with truffle fries. My favorite burger in town. Their shishito peppers and steak sandwich are also a great option too! And get the cauliflower gratin to start… you can thank me later! 
• Clark’s Oyster Bar – From Austin, TX! There’s now a reason to eat seafood in the mountains! They have one of my favorite BLTs and Chicken Pillards! Their crudo plate is a great starter along with some fresh oysters. Really can’t go wrong with their menu ~ and don’t skip out on their french fries! Probably have one of my favorite Aperol Spritzes! 
• White House Tavern – From the same group that bought your Hillstone’s (Houston’s), there always seems to be a line here because the space is small and the food is so good. The dip duo and deviled eggs are great starters and the chicken kale salad is what I always find myself getting, but their fried chicken sandwich is pretty unreal, too! 
• Meat and Cheese – Just across the street from White House Tavern, this chic little eatery has a great charcuterie board as their name says! Get their biscuit board and their Asian noodle salad! 
• Grateful Deli – A solid spot for some classic cold-cut sandwiches. I love the Galen, Perfect for grabbing before a hike and they keep well! We always drive up to hike Weller Lake and eat our sandwiches along the river or up at the lake! 
• Element 47 (at The Little Nell) – Upscale restaurant that we usually get lunch at. The tortilla soup, fish tacos, and cobb salad are all incredible. They also have a brunch buffet on Sundays! 
• Heather’s – In Basalt, about 15 miles down valley from Aspen. A family favorite! We usually bike here down the Rio Grande Trail and have lunch here. Great Asian chicken salad and mushroom soup and known for its savory pies: get the chicken pot pie and the pulled pork tamale pie!
• Prospect (at Hotel Jerome) – Stylish destination with modern American menus for breakfast, lunch & Sunday brunch. They have a great tomato & burrata starter as well as a delicious burger!  A favorite for after the Saturday Farmer’s Market!

Dinner:

• Steakhouse No. 316 – (Steakhouse)  Our favorite steak in town and one of my top 5 steaks. The atmosphere is cozy and quirky and they also have some of the best onion rings. Get the Hamachi Crudo plate to start, thank me later. I think I  also love this spot because they have a laundry list of sauces and steak toppings that are all phenomenal. 
• French Alpine Bistro – (French) We call it “the crêpe place,” but this cozy French bistro serves up every French delight from one of the best onion soups to cheese or chocolate fondue. It really is a cozy and ideal spot in the winter! 
• Kenichi – (Japanese) Get the dynamite shrimp, spicy edamame, and some of their specialty rolls. 
• Las Montañas (Mexican) – Serves Mexican & Tex-Mex classics as well as ceviches and agua chiles. The “Nº1 Fajitas” are some of the best steak fajitas I’ve ever had! Be sure to get the loaded queso and shrimp tacos for lunch! They also have Austin, Texas’ famous ‘Maudie’s Margaritas’! It was opened by the same group behind Clark’s!
• Jing (Asian) – An Asian-French fusion restaurant serving everything from sushi to French Onion Soup Dumplings. We loved the truffle fried rice and Shanghai soup dumplings as well as the spicy tuna crispy rice! For sushi, the “Mamasita” and “Colorado” rolls were our favorites! Be sure to sit outside if it’s a nice night!
• Sway (Thai) – I was blown away by this Austin haunt that has made its way to Aspen! With a beautiful modern interior, this Thai cuisine was contemporary and elevated. The oysters are some of the best in Aspen!
• Casa D’ Angelo (Italian) – Upscale Northern Italian restaurant in an elegant, modern space with a robust wine list & a patio.
• Ellina (European) – Romantic, sophisticated nook offering upmarket Italian dishes & an extensive wine selection. Be sure to get the calamari to start with and the chicken Milanese is a favorite!
• Catch Steak (Steakhouse) – The team behind LA’s Catch brings their steakhouse offering to the mountains! Be sure to get the salmon rice cakes, the wedge salad, beef carpaccio, and truffle butter steak!
• Matsuhisa (Japanese) – From the same owners as Nobu, it’s one of the best sushi spots in town! Along with your 
• Little Ollie’s (Chinese) – Probably one of my favorite hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurants. From egg rolls, soup dumplings, and sesame chicken..everything here hits the spot!
• Aqualina – (Italian) One of my family’s favorite Italian restaurants. They have such an authentic and extensive menu and feature fresh pasta that is made in-house daily. I usually get at 
• Wild Fig (European) – Intimate, candlelit spot featuring a menu inspired by the cuisines of France, Spain, Italy & Greece. They are known for their ‘Fish in a Bag’ offering!
• Monarch (Steakhouse) –  The same owners as Steakhouse no. 316. They have an insane Caesar salad that they make tableside and had a great tequila cocktail, the black pearl. But if you’re choosing between the two, I’d go with Steakhouse no. 316!
• Wayan – French-accented Indonesian menu created by celebrated chef Jean-Georges’ son Cédric Vongerichten is served in a sleek setting. From NYC!
• Casa Tua (Italian) – A great patio in the front and a place to enjoy a spritz outside! 
• Betula (French/Pan-American) – One of the hottest and best newer restaurants in Aspen. They’ve got great cocktails good food and an incredible vibe!
• Highlands Ale House (American) – This unassuming gastropub is located at the base of Aspen Highlands. It has some of the best-elevated bar food including pizza and fries! Great place to aprés-ski end the day in the winter!

To Drink:

• Hooch – Underground Craft cocktail bar that plays hip-hop!
• Aspen Brewing Company – Swing by and try a flight of Aspen’s own! Their Pizza is also pretty bomb! 
• Caribou Club – This private member’s club is a great destination for dinner and late-night dancing!
• Escobar – An underground club that is modeled to feel like you’re in one of Pablo Escobar’s airplanes.. with stripper poles!
• Gala – If you’re looking for a night out with a DJ and bottle service, look no further!
• J Bar (at The Hotel Jerome) –  An Aspen staple – great Moscow mules here! 
• Bad Harriet – In the basement of the old Aspen Times building on Main St., this new speakeasy serves up craft cocktails in a beautiful space. I love the martinis here! 
• Aspen Meadows – If you’re looking for a sunset spritz with a view, this has to be my favorite! At Aspen Meadow’s West End Social!
• Snow Lodge (at St. Regis – Upscale, fashion crowd, DJs, and events. It’s basically Aspen’s answer to a members club nightlife scene.
• Madam Uchi – A sleek, high-energy spot that blurs the line between upscale dinner and late-night scene. Come for the sushi, Wagyu, and cocktails, then stay once the music turns up and the room shifts into full Aspen nightlife mode.
• Zane’s Tavern – A laid-back Aspen staple just steps from the gondola, perfect for ice-cold beers, wings, burgers, and an easygoing après crowd. It’s casual, lively, and reliably fun—the kind of place that feels just as right for game day as it does for a late-night bite.
• Buck – Buck is a more relaxed, come-as-you-are Aspen hangout with approachable food and drinks that feel refreshingly local for a ski town. It’s an easy, unfussy option when you want good value, a casual atmosphere, and a break from Aspen’s flashier scene.

Cafés & Bakery:

• Paradise Bakery – An Aspen staple. This bakery has incredible cookies, muffins, and treats. They’ve got coffee and some of my favorite ice cream as well. They are situated on one of the busiest corners in town and usually, there’s a band playing nearby so you can enjoy your sweet treat to some music! Do yourself a favor and grab a few chippers there if you’re ever in town. We usually find ourselves walking over to Paradise after dinner for some late-night sugar, too! 
• Louis Swiss Bakery –  Tucked in a strip mall across from the Aspen Airport, this bakery makes fresh Artisan bread, croissants, bagels, muffins, cookies, pies, and everything in between! I love coming here for a sandwich and grabbing a sourdough loaf — they’re insane! They supply Clark’s Oyster Bar and Sweedish Hill with their bread & baked goods!
• Felix (at Hotel Jerome) – Chic coffee shop from NYC nestled in the corner of Hotel Jerome!
• Sant Ambrose – The coffee bar has an Alpine modern design
• ASPENX Café – Chic and modern café offering a seasonal menu of fresh pastries, savory bites, Jeni’s ice cream, and Lavazza coffee!
• Sweedish Hill – Situated on the rooftop of the Aspen Art Museum, this bakery has a cozy ambiance & outdoor seating selling great coffee, baked goods & breads. It’s a great space to hang out and get some work done or get a light salad or sandwich – their Turkey sandwich or The Parisian is my favorite! Also, don’t sleep on their chocolate chip cookies!
• Café at MOLLIE – A newer, design-forward café with a Scandinavian feel. Great coffee, clean aesthetic, and one of the cooler, more modern spots in Aspen.

To do  (in-town) :

• See some modern art at the Aspen Art Museum
• Get your cowboy on at the Snowmass Rodeo (on Wednesdays!)
• Shopping:
  • Pitkin County Dry Goods – A favorite of mine! Aspen’s well-curated go-to for designer names.
  • Kemo Sabe – Western store with boots and hats galore.
  • Res Ipsa – Travel-inspired goods, known for their woven shoes and vintage shirts!
  • Gorsuch – Ski gear and alpine-inspired apparel  
  • Paris Underground – Curated modern European home goods
• Aspen Farmer Market – Every Saturday during the summer – don’t miss this! Farmers, artists, and vendors from all over the valley come set up shop along two blocks in town (mid-June to mid-October) 
• If it’s raining, catch a movie at ISIS!
• Sunday picnic and orchestra concert at the Aspen Music Tent 
• Carl’s Pharmacy – Grew up spending hours upstairs rummaging through the eclectic toy collection at this general store. They have everything you might ever need!

Hikes:

• Weller Lake – (easy /1 mile) hike to Weller Lake!
• Maroon Bells – One of the more iconic views of Aspen.  The Bell-shaped mountains are stunning with Maroon lake at their base. You have to take a bus from Aspen Highlands to visit during the day. After 5pm, you can drive up in your own car. 
  • Crater Lake Hike – (moderate / 3.8 miles) hike that starts at the base of Maroon Lake at the Maroon Bells. Great hike up the beautiful Crater Lake. Could also bring your lunch and eat it up at the lake! 
• American Lake Hike (difficult / 6 miles) – a little more difficult of a hike, but a great trek up to American Lake. 
• Aspen Mountain (difficult / 8.8 miles) – there are a few different ways to scale the mountain, which takes around 1.5 hours. I’d recommend going up the Ute Trail and then continuing up from there! You can eat at the top of the mountain at Sundeck and take the gondola back down into town (for free!). 
  • Ute Trail (difficult / 2 miles) – this is a hike that Aspenites will do in the morning before work. It’s a steep climb up the switchbacks to Ute Rock (great views of the city) then you can continue hiking up to the summit of Aspen Mountain – 3.1 miles to summit if you choose. 
• Bike the Rio Grande Trail – you can pit-stop at Woody Creek Tavern and bike back. In recent years, we’ve continued on to Basalt and will eat at Heather’s and call a van to pick us up and take our bikes back into town. 

Stay:

• The Little Nell – Aspen’s only true ski-in/ski-out luxury hotel right at the base of Aspen Mountain. It’s polished, iconic, and delivers on everything—from service to après.
• The W Hotel – A more modern, high-energy stay with a younger, social vibe. The rooftop pool and bar scene are a big draw, especially in ski season.
• The Limelight – A relaxed, contemporary option right in town. It’s easy, comfortable, and great for groups or longer stays with a more laid-back feel.
• Hotel Jerome – A historic Aspen institution with serious character. Think Western charm meets luxury—plus one of the best bar scenes in town.
• The Gant – A residential-style property with condo-style accommodations. Great for families or longer stays when you want more space and flexibility.
• Aspen Street Lodge – A private, ultra-luxury lodge experience designed for groups. It’s more of a curated, exclusive stay than a traditional hotel.
• The Mollie – A newer, design-forward boutique hotel with a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic. It’s minimal, stylish, and one of the cooler, quieter stays in Aspen right now.

And now for some Thompson family throwbacks…

At the end of the day, Aspen is one of those places that becomes personal. Everyone experiences it a little differently—some come for the skiing, some for the summer, some for the scene—but somehow it all blends into something that keeps pulling you back. For me, it’s always been about that balance: incredible nature, great food, and a certain energy that feels both elevated and effortless at the same time. Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, Aspen has a way of making you feel like you’ve found something special. And if you leave already planning your next visit, you’re doing it right!

Stay Risky,

– John