Dining in Aspen is a feast for both the palate and the eyes, thanks to our city’s breathtaking mountain scenery and variety of excellent restaurants. From upscale American and Japanese to more low-key fare, Aspen’s food scene provides an unforgettable experience to patrons of all tastes and preferences.
Aspen Restaurants with a Mountain View
Below you will find a more detailed look at some dining spots with amazing views of Aspen’s natural beauty. From mountaintop venues to open-air patios, these restaurants showcase the best of Aspen’s gastronomic specialties combined with its scenic charm.
Pine Creek Cookhouse
Nestled in the scenic Castle Creek Valley just outside of Aspen in the former mining town of Ashcroft, the Pine Creek Cookhouse offers delicious American alpine cuisine in a spectacular setting. Set in a remote log cabin for the ultimate cozy vibe, Pine Creek is an adventure, reachable by cross-country skis, snowshoes, or sleigh in the winter. In warmer weather, guests can drive up, or arrive by horseback or by hiking there. Take in the spectacular views of the Elk Mountains while enjoying the extensive menu that makes this an unbeatable experience.
West End Social
The newly reimagined West End Social, at the Aspen Meadows, features unmatched 270-degree views of Aspen’s mountains and a sleek redesign that plays off the stunning mountain scenery. The large, unobstructed view of the outdoor deck offers a perfect spot for après drinks and dining. Chef Rachel Saxton's approachable cuisine highlights ingredients from local farmers, foragers, and business owners, with a focus on Rocky Mountain sources. Enjoy seasonal live entertainment while connecting to a vibrant, warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Ajax Tavern
Inspired by sustainably grown Colorado meat and seasonal produce, the Ajax Tavern’s menu is a step up from traditional tavern fare. Nestled at the base of Aspen Mountain, Ajax Tavern boasts a large mountainside patio with amazing views, perfect for après snacks, drinks, and people watching. It’s the perfect setting for casual mountainside dining in an unbeatable atmosphere.
Aspen Restaurants with Outdoor Dining
These restaurants also offer great food with amazing town views during the summer months.
White House Tavern
While not located on the mountain, unlike our previous suggestions, the White House Tavern offers charming views of the historic streets of Aspen from its quaint, central location. The menu features classic American comfort food that includes premium sandwiches, distinctive wines, beers, and cocktails in an intimate, wood-paneled space, with additional outdoor dining.
Matsuhisa
This excellent sushi restaurant, owned by renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa, opened in 1998 as the first Matsuhisa location outside of Chef Nobu’s original Beverly Hills restaurant. The menu offers an exquisite selection of sushi, sashimi, and Japanese fare. Signature dishes include the yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno, black cod miso, and white fish tiradito. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet lively, and a favorite amongst both residents and visitors. While the main draw is the excellent menu options, the vibrant street view of downtown Aspen further adds to the appeal.
The Wild Fig
The Wild Fig is an Aspen restaurant with the charm and energy of a European brasserie. Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine from Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. Newly remodeled, The Wild Fig offers patio seating in the heart of downtown Aspen.
Ski Area Restaurants with a View
Sundeck
This mountaintop hotspot is perfect for a quick, delicious bite in any season. It is surrounded by the stunning scenery of the surrounding Elk Mountains and provides some of Colorado’s best mountaintop views. In the summer, enjoy healthy, fresh, and inventive soups, pizzas, unique salads, and delicious sandwiches in the Sundeck’s bright and warm setting. Listen to live bluegrass on Sundays or take a short hike atop the mountain, where clearly marked trails lead to forests, meadows, and more scenic views. In the wintertime, the views of skiers and riders making their way down the Highland Bowl are hard to beat while you are cozied with one of Sundeck’s signature burgers or a warm bowl of soup.
The Cliffhouse
Situated on the top of Buttermilk Mountain, with panoramic views of the dramatic Pyramid Peak and the entire Maroon Creek Valley, this laid-back restaurant is a great pit stop to recharge with delicious food during your next ski day. The Mongolian menu pairs well with fresh-made juice, where you can pick your own fruit. Thai tea and high-protein snacks are also available. The Cliffhouse is only open during the ski season.
High Alpine
The cozy atmosphere and beautiful mountain views of High Alpine at Snowmass make it a great choice for taking a break from the slopes. The menu includes market-style fresh food, locally and seasonally grown, with various stations serving freshly prepared pizza, homemade soups and stews, fresh salads, grilled burgers, and more. This on-mountain dining experience is a delicious break from a day of skiing or riding and the outstanding views will enhance your dining experience.
Grab a Bite and See the Sights on Your Next Aspen Vacation
If you are planning your visit to Aspen to explore its renowned dining scene while enjoying the area’s beauty, make sure your visit is set for success from the start by choosing the right accommodations.
Aspen Square’s condominium lodging helps provide the benefit of hotel services with the comforts of home in an unbeatable downtown Aspen location. With easy access to the mountain, entertainment, and dining, you’ll have endless opportunities to enjoy our town.
Explore our Aspen condo rentals to view our available rentals and plan your vacation. Contact Aspen Square’s Reservations desk (reservations@aspensquarehotel.com) if you need assistance booking your stay with us. Guests can also contact our concierge staff (concierge@aspensquarehotel.com) for advice and assistance in choosing area restaurants and making reservations. We hope to see you soon!