Aspen, Colorado, is one of the most famous vacation spots for many reasons, from picturesque views to exciting activities. Well, mouthwatering delicacies are also one of Aspen’s most inviting offers. Whether you fancy low-key burger spots or international restaurants are your thing, there is a place for you in Aspen. Here are the five best places to eat.
Duemani
Because Duemani translates to ‘two hands’ in Italian, it’s only fitting that this restaurant’s menu combines the goodness of French and Italian delicacies. The Mediterranean-inspired menu, compiled by executive chef Jesus Alvarado, is a dream come true.
The most popular choices include the mouthwatering tuna tartare, scallop crudo, branzino with puttanesca sauce, and grilled octopus salad. Duemani is located at 216 S Monarch Street, Aspen, CO 81611.
Home Team BBQ
Chris Lanter, the chef at Home Team BBQ, is the co-owner of the popular French-American restaurant Cache Cache- so you already know it’s a top-notch spot. Aside from the delicacies, you also get to enjoy the X Games Aspen if you visit in January.
However, if it’s not X Games season, you can still enjoy different games or sports on the TV. Must-order items at Home Team BBQ include traditional Southern side dishes, frozen cocktails, and house-smoked meats. Home Team BBQ is located at 38750 CO-82, Aspen, CO 81611.
Woody Creek Tavern
When it comes to Aspen restaurants, Woody Creek is one of the most iconic. Renowned for being the hangout of the late Hunter S. Thompson, the restaurant makes you feel at home immediately with its vintage kitsch walls and Polaroid pics.
Now operated by the GP Restaurant Group, the restaurant now accepts credit cards and reservations. Famed favorites at Woody Creek include buffalo wings, salsa verde nachos, chicken enchiladas, and oysters on the half-shell. Woody Creek Tavern is located at 2858 Upper River Road, Woody Creek, CO 81656.
Acquolina
Acquolina is a small, sleek Italian-style restaurant that indulges guests in the original Roma taste. The name Acquolina translates to ‘mouthwatering’- and the menu offers to deliver just that. Chef Jason Franey keeps the meals close to the roots despite the acquisition of the restaurant Aspen Hospitality Group.
Their famed menu consists of all-time favorites like paste, antipasti, ministre, contorni, insalate, and secondi. They also have a wide variety of wood-fired pizzas to delight pizza lovers; their bar is lined with numerous international spirits. Acquolina is located at 415 E Main Street, Aspen, CO 81611.
Meat & Cheese
If you’re looking for a full package, heading over to this restaurant is highly recommended. According to owner Wendy Mitchell, their seasonal menu consists of world farmhouse cuisine and charcuterie platters to enjoy with a group.
If you find yourself at Meat & Cheese at night, you should go downstairs to Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar for one-of-a-kind offers like the Chronic Tonic 2.0. You could also go to the adjacent gourmet grocer for cured meats, artisan bread, or seafood. Meat & Cheese is located at 317 E Hopkins Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611.
