Aspen, Colorado is known as a skier’s paradise, but the breathtaking mountain scenery welcomes people all year round for Colorado vacations. The city is situated at the upper end of the Roaring Fork Valley, where trout fishing is amazing during the right season. Cultural activities are also abundant year-round, while the mountain is famous around the world for skiing in the winter.
Aspen sits on the edge of White River National Forest, so guests have no end of outdoor things to do in Aspen, Colorado. In the summer, camps welcome families with kids, while rafting is a popular activity for those who love a little thrill. Winter provides a myriad of mountain-based snow sports to experience.
Dining Options for Aspen Visitors
Restaurants in Aspen Co are readily available, as this community caters to the needs of vacationers. That said, you might want to try a local favorite instead of one of the many chain restaurants in the community. For your Aspen, Colorado travel experience, these locations are highly recommended.
Ellina
Ellina is known as one of the best Italian restaurants in Aspen Co, offering homemade pastas and local meats as well as a fine selection of wines. Seating begins at 5:30 nightly and fills quickly, so you may want to get a reservation. Reservations are available 30 days in advance. Ellina is only open for the winter season.
Ute City
If you are looking for a restaurant that is a favorite among locals, the Ute City is the place to dine. This upscale restaurant features their signature sweet potato lasagna that vegetarians absolutely love, while meat-lovers may go with the signature ale braised beef short ribs.
The restaurant is open for al fresco dining for lunch and dinner. While the food is definitely upscale, the prices are less than you would expect, and the floor to ceiling windows on the front of the restaurant provide stunning views while you dine.
39 Degrees Lounge
Located in the Sky Hotel, 39 Degrees Lounge is home of Aspen’s Best Burger and a thriving cocktail scene. If you are looking for a place to unwind after a day on the slopes, then look no further. The sundeck has a stunning view and a heated pool with poolside bar, so dining here is more than just grabbing something to eat – it is a full social experience.
La Palapa
When locals want Mexican food, they go to La Palapa. While the restaurant may not look fancy or special from the outside, the minute you get your food you will realize that it is the real thing.
The smell of homemade tortillas and salsa will welcome you the moment you enter the building, and you will enjoy many seafood dishes not found in other Mexican places around town. The restaurant sits just two blocks from the gondola.
If You Go
If you plan to experience the thrills of Aspen, take some time to visit www.aspenchamber.org to see all of the current exciting things to do. Learn more about the restaurants in Aspen Co below.
Ute City
308 East Hopkins St.
970-925-2900
www.utecityrestaurant.com
Ellina
430 East Hyman Ave.
970-925-2976
www.ellinaaspen.com
La Palapa
308 South Hunter St.
970-544-8479
www.lapalapaaspen.com
39 Degrees Lounge
709 East Durant Ave.
970-925-6760
www.theskyhotel.com
Nicole Harms has been writing professionally since 2006, and as an experienced travel writer, her work has been featured on USA Today as well as here on Go Colorado!