19 Best Bars in Aspen

“If you happen to be staying at The Little Nell or visiting Aspen make brunch reservations at Element 47. Pancake lovers: try the Lemon Soufflé Pancakes, there’s just the right amount of citrus in these decadent fluffy pancakes. Vegans & avo toast lovers try the Avocado Toast. Plentiful, perfectly seasoned mashed avocado with feta & pickled onions on house baked bread is superb. Another vegan option is the Warrior Pudding Bowl, this healthy dish is super flavorful, light yet filling. Ingredients include quinoa, hemp, chia & oat. The Nell’s famous Hot Cocoa is rich, creamy & a quintessential tribute to Valrhona’s top of the heap chocolate. The recipe includes half & half, sugar, Valrhona cocoa powder & chocolate. It’s unreal! I’m a pastry fanatic so I always can’t wait to hear what flavor hand pie (pop tart esque) is on the menu. I also stash one in my ski back pack, makes the chairlift ride even more fun!“

“J-Bar in Aspen is a must-visit for anyone who loves a mix of history and great food. This iconic bar, once a favorite hangout of Hunter S. Thompson, retains its old-school charm while serving up one of the best burgers in town. The atmosphere is lively yet nostalgic, making it the perfect spot to soak in Aspen’s rich history with a perfectly crafted drink and a delicious, juicy burger. A true gem!“

“I would reccomend the truffle fries“

“A group of friends and I had dinner here back in November 2023 and I have to say the food here was absolutely spectacular. I've been to several other restaurants in both Aspen and Vail and when it comes down to quality, freshness, and taste, Meat & Cheese is at the top of the list. Some of my favorites on the menu were the steak board, the espresso martinis, and the Vietnamese coffee crème brûlée.“

“Ellina: A Must-Visit in Aspen

Ellina is a true Aspen treasure! Owner and sommelier Jill brings unmatched passion and expertise to every detail, curating a phenomenal wine list that perfectly complements Chef Miguel’s extraordinary creations. The menu is a masterpiece, from indulgent handmade pastas to tender braised short rib and the vibrant, must-try taco menu.

The service is impeccable, the atmosphere warm and inviting, and every visit feels like a special occasion. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Ellina is a dining experience you’ll never forget. Kudos to Jill, Chef Miguel, and their incredible team!“

“Truly one of a kind, must see venue. If you are a big time music lover then Belly Up must be on your list. (On a side note : beware of 20 something year old locals with very poor morals!) Very small intimate venue with a great view from everywhere in the house. The staff here is absolutely top notch in every way. Layout is extremely convenient to get around, and parking was easy to find near by. If you want to be close to the stage or get one of the few(non-reserved) seats then you better get there right when doors open. Doors opened at 9, show was at 10, Illenium came on at 11 and played unitl 12:30. As long as you get there in the first hour its not tough to get in at all. The acoustics were great and if your close to the stage you get whipped in the face with the bass at times. Will absolutely be back in the future and put it at the top of my list for favorite venues of all time. Well worth it! To have only seen Illenium at sold out Red Rocks shows or festivals of 25,000+ crowds before this . . . To see him up close in a crowd of only 400 people, It's hard to put into words how incredible it was. What this unmatched venue does, bringing A-list acts to such an intimate setting for deep fans is such a one of a kind thing. I seriously can't wait until my next show here, one if the best days ever!“

“A nice option in the heart of Aspen with a Tex/Mex menu. By Aspen standards quite reasonably priced, large bar and dining area and friendly knowledgeable staff. One of the largest tequila menus I have ever experienced.“

“This little hide away bar is cozy and personal. It was a treat to stop here. We came all the way from Parker because of a Tiktok and it did not disappoint! We met and chatted with the owner/manager and he indulged our mutual love of K Pop music by playing some K Pop music while we ate! Such a great experience! If we are ever in the area again, we will come back!“

“Aspen Meadows Resort is truly breathtaking! The mountain views, peaceful setting, and modern design make it a dream location for weddings and special events. We've had the pleasure of performing here, and the atmosphere is always magical. The team is professional, friendly, and makes every detail feel effortless. An unforgettable venue in every season!“

“What a special experience! Our group of 6 celebrated a birthday with the Wine Experience and could not have been happier. Matthew was personable and presented a beautiful program pairing wines and cheeses, and made choices based on the preferences of our group. We talked about it for days! There was even a guitar in our yurt and we had a player in our group that added even more to the ambiance. We were served a sizable portion each of 4 cheeses, but don't expect dinner. You'll probably want to plan to have a light meal afterward. They didn't skimp on wines; we were served wines with a range of price points. Topped off with a private yurt and our own private sommelier, we felt like the price was appropriate and expected for the St. Regis and the area. We have recommended it to friends and would consider doing this experience again in the future.“

“Very nice fancy restaurant. Signature dishes were great, specifically the Elk, and the desserts like the donuts were amazing, but most of the non-signature dishes were so-so.

It is a very pricy restaurant, so be prepared to spend (but you’re in Aspen so that should be expected).

Staff was very friendly and drinks were good.“

“Really nice food with good service. Servers were awesome and the view is beautiful. Food has some flavor and good taste. A little pricey on everything but you are in Aspen soooo… it’s all pricey. House chips are amazing and fresh, biscuits are nice and flakey with some buttery aftertaste and the fresh sauces and jams are to die for.“

“Great atmosphere! So fun!!“

“For a place at the bottom of a mountain this place has the best bar food in town (not exaggerating). Awesome atmosphere and a great place to grab a drink post skiing. Food is also phenomenal. The bartenders are super nice and the service is great. Highly recommend if in “

“Spectacular dinner take-out with cocktails! The Son in Law is delicious - I recommend getting and extra egg if you’re sharing 😉. Don’t miss the brussels sprouts or the spicy eggplant either! Can’t wait to try it again!“

“It wasn’t as hands-on as I would have liked, but I’ll look past that“

“Vibrant mix of Asian cuisine and vibrant EDM and Pop music. Mix of dining and dance if you dare! Frank the owner has assembled an amazing staff and excellent menu! If you come to Aspen you have to come and have a amazing experience at Jing!!“

“We have an amazing experience! We dine and celebrated our morning Anniversary in this Beautiful Restaurant. They truly made our day extra special! From the food, the ambience and the staff, We thank you for your exceptional service! We will definitely come back.“