Labelled as a billionaire’s playground, Aspen stands with arches of famous fine-dining restaurants and others bearing Michelin-star-worthy cuisine. But the real Aspenry only falls into place when one looks for the lesser-known places. Where do the locals eat in Aspen? That question has a heavy price because, once away from the pomp and splendor, you come to know the other side of the town’s culinary scene. From quaint breakfast cafes to down-home BBQ joints or a mountain-looking après-ski bar serving craft brews, residents of Aspen only head to the best value-for-money places.
In that context, you would opt for a Norfolk Island dining experience of a different kind straight out of an Aspen resident.
In Aspen, fine dining is within-a-breath, and the locals prefer simplicity, sincerity, and genuine good food to the pretensions of elegance; these are the places where you go to eat, not to stare at others who are there to eat, if you know what I mean. They are not exactly the ones pouring $500 wine in a glass, but they serve the only most comforting element on the earth-plain and plain good food.
While Aspen, long renowned for its ski operations, sits above the federal line, Hickory House proves that there is enough room in the Rockies for an honest barbecue joint. With initial-outstanding, fall-apart baby-backs, smoky pulled pork, and whole bone-in-tender baby-back pork for a little oven-treating. The menu is warmly welcoming to all the regular clients who do not have to open it; they already know what they are going to order, though. For all that preparedness as well as the warm, heartfelt surfeit that they would be about ready to offer after a day at the ski slopes or mountain biking, getting back at Hickory House.
Not all meals are eaten seated, and sometimes the locals just wish for something quick that doesn’t taste like a frozen burrito from a gas station. That is where Big Wrap comes in. With fresh ingredients and imaginative melds, this small spot offers wraps and salads that are flavor-packed. Running short for time? Local favorites like “Hail Caesar” wrap or “Thai Me Up” will never disappoint.
Mornings often start early for the people of Aspen, when they head out to the slopes or mountaintops for a hike or just desire to have breakfast away from the tourists. For that reason, they know some go-to favorite spots for a good wake-up meal and a sip of caffeine.
As soon as you cross the threshold of Jour de Fête, you know what the buzz is all about. Croissants are freshly baked and served. Rough-hewn burritos for breakfast lovingly hug their insides with a blend of vegetarian and fiesty breakfast tilth. Strong coffee hits the spot between many other sleepy and hungry-scoundrelly visitors. Fast and easy or the consideration of foodstuff is infernal everywhere.
Spring Café, with its emphasis on light, organic, morning adjustments, is the ideal environment. This health and digestive awareness dining experience offers some excellent smoothies, avocado toast, or acai bowls that look like Instagram hits; however, don’t think that it’s all health and no taste!
In Aspen, locals know where to go for relaxation after a long day of skiing or hiking, as there are plenty of drinks at these après-ski bars, a lively atmosphere, and, most importantly, plenty of locals to stimulate conversation.
If you want to see locals in their natural habitat, head over to Aspen Brewing Company. A laid-back atmosphere and a rotating stock of locally crafted beers. The brewhouse is a favorite spot to explore after a day on the slopes, with the scenic mountain views providing a bonus.
Sitting inside the world-class Hotel Jerome, the J-Bar maintains its traditional ties while at the same time offers itself as a rendezvous destination for the city’s locals. Be it sipping an excellent hand-crafted cocktail or feasting on their signature bison burger, the bar combines old-time charm with comfort in a glorious way.
Eating in Aspen doesn’t require breaking the bank. Speak with any local, and you will learn of where to get fine meals without compromising taste and well-being.
Amidst lots of steakhouses and Italian restaurants, finding oneself on the receiving end of authentic Thai food could prove to be a daunting task indeed. Bangkok Happy Bowl is setting a straight example of how good Thai cuisine exists even in the mountains. Anyone craving the spiciest curry or a perfect version of Pad Thai, Happy Bowl is a hidden gem. It is a far cry from five-star price points.
The bars in town start shutting down, and that’s when the moment arrives for Aspens to head over to New York Pizza. Offering big slices and a down-to-earth atmosphere, this place makes things plain and simple—just what any great pizza joint should have always had an offer.
Even with several gourmet restaurant options in Aspen, a few fine dining locations are more suited to locals rather than tourists. That’s where Asperities head when they are in the mood for classy dining without the pageantry of celebrities.
The straightforward, down-to-earth attitude to top-quality, locally sourced food is what Meat & Cheese is loved for by the locals. The charcuterie boards are a must-try, and their made-on-the-premises breads add a great touch. The farm-to-table scene is a thing here.
Aspen may be thousands of miles away from Italy, yet Campo de Fiori gives the typical flavour from their homeland right here in town. From fresh-made pastas to rich, comforting sauces, this place is an Aspen-local institution for a true Italian meal and an intimate setting.
Where do locals eat in Aspen? The glossy travel brochures and the hotspots that celebrities endorse don’t give you any answers; instead, it’s the small, quaint cafés, chill barbecue joints, friendly neighbourhood bars- places where visitors come early or even late in the day to eat good food, good company, and plenty of local flavor.
If you want to experience Aspen beyond the luxury resorts, start eating like a local. And if you will be staying for long and want a residence that is nestled in mountain life, check out these apartments in Aspen, CO, for the most unforgettable and beautiful stay in the Rockies.
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