Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley Restaurants

Sushi? Coconut curry? Bison and lobster? Colorado's culinary repertoire is at its broadest in Aspen. With all the Hummers and designer handbags come an equal number of menus with high-end ingredients and showy preparations. Plates can be pricey, particularly in Aspen, but many eateries have at least a few moderately priced entrées (usually pastas) and bar menus as a nod to the budget-conscious. For those who want a break from Aspen, there are excellent dining options down-valley in Basalt and Carbondale as well.

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  • 21. New Belgium Ranger Station

    $$

    It's best to arrive when this place opens for lunch on sunny winter days, since the light-wood tables at this tiny, casual, slope-side restaurant fill up fast with hungry skiers. Patrons squeeze in for soft pretzel rolls with dipping sauces, sandwiches, and snacks, as well as the several beers on tap from Fort Collins–based New Belgium Brewing. It's also busy in the late-afternoon après-ski period and during dinner.

    100 Elbert La., Snowmass Village, Colorado, 81615, USA
    970-236–6277

    Known For

    • Colorado-brewed beer
    • Beer-and-cheese fondue sauce and hazelnut cocoa spread
    • Chili nachos
  • 22. Pine Creek Cookhouse

    $$$$

    The journey to and from this elegant log cabin restaurant in an idyllic setting is even more memorable than the delicious local fish and hearty wild game plates served. In the winter, take in breathtaking views of the Elk Mountains as you snowshoe, cross-country ski, or ride in a horse-drawn sleigh to the cabin where large windows preserve the scenery. In summer, plan to hike or bike to take in the stunning surroundings for the reward of a filling lunch or dinner. Wintertime dinners are quite pricey, but they include transportation—by sleigh or a cross-country ski trek (gear provided).

    12500 Castle Creek Rd., Aspen, Colorado, 81612, USA
    970-925–1044

    Known For

    • Floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the woods
    • Wild game and fresh fish
    • The trip there is an event

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues., Reservations essential
  • 23. SILO

    $

    The small but well-prepared menu brings everyone to this small diner just far enough off the main road that it could be easily missed—but do stop for a breakfast burrito stuffed with seasonal veggies or French toast with berry compote. White walls; wooden, metal-ringed tables; and blue chairs create a casual dining area where the wood bartop and high stools are a favorite. The tiny outside eating area fills up fast.

    1909 Dolores Way, Carbondale, Colorado, 81623, USA
    970-963–1909

    Known For

    • Casual atmosphere
    • Customizable breakfast sandwiches
    • Nitro cold brew

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 24. Slope & Hatch

    $

    Mix and match tacos and hot dogs at this small, chill spot near the Roaring Fork River that attracts families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to refuel after their adventures. Tacos range from fried fish with pico de gallo to unexpected Asian flavors, and the local, natural-casing dogs are equally enticing, including the Glenwood Completo with avocado and ancho remoulade. Colorado beers and margaritas offer the perfect pairing.

    208 7th St., Glenwood Springs, Colorado, 81601, USA
    970-230–9652

    Known For

    • Carolina dog with barbecue pulled pork and slaw
    • Thai veggie tacos
    • Chorizo croquetas with Cajun gravy
  • 25. Slow Groovin' BBQ

    $

    A giant smoker sits in front of the two-story wooden structure, with rocking chairs on a large front porch and a line of picnic tables outside. Barbecue sandwiches and platters are what you would expect, served in heaping helpings and coated in messy, delicious sauces. A second location in Snowmass is open year-round.

    101 W. 1st St., Marble, Colorado, 81623, USA
    970-963--4090

    Known For

    • Man-eater sandwich with pulled pork and sausage
    • Barbecue their way (they don't adhere to any regional standards)
    • Rotating Colorado beers on tap

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Nov.--Apr.
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 26. Smoke Modern BBQ

    $$

    House-made bold and tangy, thick and sweet, and smoky and spicy sauces on every table add extra flavor to the traditional barbecue dishes, perfectly prepared in an open kitchen at this casual restaurant with neutral-hue booths, wood tables, and a wall of windows. Try the mac and cheese topped with smoked pork or load up on southern sides. Unique cocktails complement the hearty entrées.

    713 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, Colorado, 81601, USA
    970-230–9796

    Known For

    • Lively atmosphere
    • Large selection of whiskey and bourbon
    • Smoked meats

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.–Thurs.
  • 27. Sweet Coloradough

    $

    Round doughnuts as big as your face and the equally huge square-shaped "croughnuts", both with endless sugary toppings, will make it impossible to choose just one. Old-fashioned, gluten-free, and cake doughnuts and fritters are among the many options. Grab a box, or two, and mix up the flavors: try the cinnamon roll topping and the one that combines peanut butter, strawberry, banana, and Nutella. Coffees with or without alcohol and hearty breakfast sandwiches are also delightful.

    2430 S. Glen Ave., Glenwood Springs, Colorado, 81601, USA
    970-230–9056

    Known For

    • Square croughnuts
    • Doughnuts handmade daily
    • Spiked coffee

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner. Closed Tues.
  • 28. The Goat Restaurant

    $$

    At this lively dinner spot, which draws both foodies and the bar crowd, seasonal salads, pitas, pastas, and other options—from Mediterranean small bites like hummus and feta to classic American burgers and sandwiches—are made from scratch. The warm wood accents and colorful dishes enhance the ambience, making this a favorite with locals and visitors alike.

    995 Cowen Dr., Carbondale, Colorado, 81623, USA
    970-963–4628

    Known For

    • Lively social scene
    • Med platter including dolmades, quinoa tabbouleh, and more
    • Vegetarian options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed weekends
  • 29. The Pullman

    $$

    With its exposed redbrick walls, pendant lighting, loftlike high ceilings, and zinc-topped bar, the Pullman exudes a sophisticated, urban vibe at a location across the street from the Amtrak train station (thus the name) in Glenwood's historic downtown area. This laid-back restaurant welcomes all types of casual diners with a contemporary American menu that specializes in steak and pork, though the salads and pasta dishes are excellent.

    330 7th St., Glenwood Springs, Colorado, 81601, USA
    970-230–9234

    Known For

    • The town's fine-dining preference
    • Chef specials
    • Seasonal meat dishes with decadent toppings

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 30. TORO Kitchen and Lounge

    $$$$

    Inside the Viceroy Snowmass hotel, TORO warms up the night after a day of skiing with its craft cocktails, Latin American cuisine, and dining room decorated with wood accents and a fireplace with nearby couches that are the perfect spots for sipping drinks. This spacious restaurant has a daring menu focusing on creative seafood and chops; spicy, smoky flavors pop in many dishes, with milder options for those who can't take the heat.

    130 Wood Rd., Snowmass Village, Colorado, 81615, USA
    970-923–8008

    Known For

    • Grilled Spanish octopus
    • Vibrant dinner scene
    • Spectacular views of Snowmass

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 31. Village Smithy

    $

    Locals flock to "the Smithy" for such beloved breakfast items (served daily from 7 am until 2 pm) as scrambles or traditional bacon and eggs. Vegetarians are taken care of with a tasty tofu scramble, fresh spinach and wild mushroom omelets, and deep-fried French toast. Wooden tables are packed into every nook and cranny of this brick building that was once a blacksmith shop.

    26 S. 3rd St., Carbondale, Colorado, 81623, USA
    970-963–9990

    Known For

    • Great seating on covered porch
    • Locally sourced ingredients
    • Seasonal pancakes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 32. White House Tavern

    $$

    The patio outside this cute, white, Victorian house in the heart of Aspen is a fun, lively place to see and be seen. Locals rave about the sandwiches here, and a great beer, wine, and cocktail menu makes the cozy wood-paneled interior perfect on chilly afternoons or evenings.

    302 E. Hopkins Ave., Aspen, Colorado, 81611, USA
    970-925--1007

    Known For

    • Crispy chicken sandwich with spicy slaw
    • Signature margaritas
    • Sceney patio

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