Aspen Restaurants

According to several goop staffers, Betula is where you want to post up après ski. The interior exudes Parisian glamour, the DJ rages all weekend, and the food (executed by chef Laurent Cantineaux) is as refined as it is delicious. We strongly recommend the hearty lomo saltado, and warm apple Napoleon for dessert. If you’re dining elsewhere, stop by Betula’s outrageously chic (and cozy) Living Room afterward for a fireside French Coupe (gin, bergamot liquor, lemon juice, and bubbles with a hint of thyme). Images courtesy of Romeo Balancourt.

So you want to lunch at the White Tavern but there’s not a free seat in sight. Instead, you end up at Bear Den across the street, and after an order of spicy Thai noodle salad, you realize the fates were on your side after all. This chalet-style spot is an all-day dining gem. Breakfast skews hearty and traditional with French toast boards, cheesy burritos, and eggs every way. The coffee menu is extensive, with the full slew of alt milks. Dinner leans into decadence: Fondue, onion dip, and bison Bolognese dolloped with burrata pair exceptionally well with a glass of Burgundy Pinot Noir.

Crisscrossing down runs all day builds a serious appetite. Mi Chola is the first spot that springs to mind when a feast is in order. The vibe is warm, welcoming, and informal, and the whole space hums with chatter. Deep bowls of crunchy chips, chunky guac, and queso fundido with a spicy margarita is a solid way to end a long day on the slopes. Mi Chola is also the kind of happy hour spot that allows you to relax and decompress before heading to dinner elsewhere. Cash only.

Mawa’s is off the beaten track, and locals would love to keep it that way. A stone’s throw from the airport, this low-key, unfussy spot is helmed by Mawa McQueen, who cut her cooking teeth around the world—in the Ivory Coast, France, and finally, Colorado. Expect dishes infused with international flavor, like chipotle butternut squash hash, muhammara with homemade pita, Cubano sandwiches, and pork carnitas. We’re partial to picking up Mawa’s handy “plane menu” before takeoff, which runs the gamut from sandwiches to full shrimp and caviar spreads. (A complete catered dining experience is available for those traveling privately.) And finally, if you find yourself jonesing for a gooey Gruyère-and-ham crepe after a day in the snow, Mawa’s sister business in Snowmass, the Crepe Shack, never disappoints.

The recently opened Clark’s is the latest from Austin restaurateurs Larry McGuire and Tom Moorman. It’s quickly becoming the go-to place after a day on the slopes for a burger and a martini. But it’s a good choice in general when you feel like seafood. The lobster roll and a number of raw bar items—like the red snapper ceviche with golden roe and cucumber and the Kumamoto oysters—do not disappoint.

Bosq is new to Aspen, but you wouldn’t know it. Chef Barclay Dodge clearly brings his love of travel back to his hometown. You can taste it in his globally influenced menu, which features items as far-ranging as a sweet and sour crispy eggplant, jamón ibérico with lovage and garlic chips, and short rib tacos with lime, pumpkin, and dried chili. But the room itself—a cozy space that seems made entirely of dark wood—is pure Aspen.

Still within walking distance of town but slightly removed from Aspen proper, Hickory House barbecues ribs so good that regulars actually have it shipped across the country when they haven't been in town for a while. The inside definitely feels divey, but in the best possible way—no need to dress up for a night out here. This is also a really good takeout option.

This spot is beloved around goop HQ for its oatmeal buttermilk pancakes, which are delicious, enormous, and probably the best fuel you can think of for a day on the mountain. The spot was originally founded in 1971, so it's part of the town's classic restaurant lineup. Photo: Gary Dykstra

This outpost from the Hillstone Group occupies one of Hopkins Avenue's historic buildings—an adorable, white Carpenter Gothic house with a signature red door that was first built as a miner's cottage. Inside, you'll find cozy booths and a comfortable bar done in a rustic style, with exposed wood, chandeliers, and subtle western-feeling accents, like rugs and black and white photos of the town's early days. The menu is equally comforting, specializing in old-school sandwiches and classic cocktails. It's perfect for drinks and appetizers after skiing or an easy, laid-back lunch.

Piñons has been in downtown Aspen for almost thirty years (and it's a favorite among the town's old guard), but you wouldn't know it from the interior, which always feels fresh thanks to frequent renovations and well-tended upkeep. While nothing is ever excessively fancy in a town that favors cowboy boots over stilettos, Piñons definitely a more upscale choice: Expect white tablecloths, impeccable service, and the price tag to match. As for the menu, it's all western classics, done in a comforting traditional style—we recommend sticking to Colorado meats and fish, food-wise, with dishes like the trout, lamb, or buffalo tenderloin.