Excellence in Anesthesia CME, Presented at Some of the World's Finest Resorts

Aspen Anesthesia Seminar

February 3 - 10, 2024 at the Viceroy Snowmass Resort
 

The following comments are from our experiences, from registrants at previous Aspen Anesthesia meetings, and from locals. Please understand that staff, service and menu items can change from year to year.  Hours and operations may change.

Guidelines Represent Entree Prices
Less Expensive (under $15):    $
Moderate ($15 - $25):             $$
Expensive ($25 - $40):            $$$
Very Expensive ($40 - $60+):  $$$$

VICEROY RESTAURANTS

TORO KITCHEN - 970-923-8008 - viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/toro     $$-$$$$
HOURS:  Breakfast 7:00 - 10:30 AM; Dinner 5:30 - 9:30 PM
Pan-Latin inspired menu from acclaimed chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval. Contemporary cuisine from grilled steaks to fish, specializing in shared plates, with a focus on sourcing sustainable meats and vegetables from within 100 miles of Snowmass Village. Extensive wine list. Free Chips & Guacamole with Advance Dinner Reservation for Aspen Anesthesia attendees!

NEST BAR & GRILL - 970-923-8053     $-$$
HOURS:  Lunch (weather permitting) 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM; Bar 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Ski-in, ski-out bar on Assay Hill offering slopeside and poolside al fresco dining for cocktails, lunch and après ski.

THE VICEROY LOUNGE - 970-923-8008     $-$$
HOURS:  Daily 4:00 - 10:30 PM; Aprés Hours 4:30 - 6:30 PM; The Lounge Café 6:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Coffee shop by day featuring Illy espresso and coffee drinks, juices, fresh pastries made in-house, and grab ‘n go food items. As night falls, enjoy a signature hand-crafted cocktail or a barrel-aged spirit from the Brazilian stonewood granite bar with some inspired bites.


SNOWMASS RESTAURANTS

THE ARTISAN at the STONEBRIDGE INN - 970-923-2427 - destinationhotels.com/artisan     $$$
HOURS:  Breakfast 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM Daily; Happy Hour 3:30 - 5:30 PM Thur - Mon; Dinner & carry out 5:30 - 9:00 PM Thur - Mon
Handcrafted, locally sourced cuisine featuring the finest ingredients of the season.  A much loved local favorite, sit in the bar and create lasting memories.

AURUM  - 970-429-4906 - aurumaspensnowmass.com     $$$$
LOCATION:  Base Village
HOURS:  11:00 AM - "Close" Thurs - Mon; Happy Hour 4:00 - 5:00 PM
An elevated, fine dining experience with a classic take on seasonal New American cuisine combined with desserts and a wide selection of craft beer, excellent cocktails, wines, and spirits. Don’t miss their amazing happy hour food and drink specials!  

CREPE SHACK - 970-452-2137 - thecrepeshack.com    $
LOCATION:  Base Village by the Ice Skating Rink
HOURS:  Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Sat & Sun 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Delicious breakfast crepes, savory crepes, sweet crepes, and a high-end private selection crepe menu, too! Regular and excellent gluten-free crepes available. Highly recommended!

THE DALY DINER - 970-429-4037 - dalydiner.com     $-$$
LOCATION:  Snowmass Center
HOURS:  7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
New American diner serving classics with full bar, offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.  Full breakfast offered until 11:00am, and some breakfast options offered all day.

THE EDGE RESTAURANT & BAR - 970-923-4004 - theedgesnowmass.com     $$
LOCATION:  The Timberline
HOURS:  Tues - Sat 4:00 - 9:00 PM; Closed Sunday & Monday
Alpine cuisine featuring excellent cheese fondue, homemade sausages and traditional schnitzel. Kid’s menu available.  One free dessert per entree ordered for Aspen Anesthesia attendees!

FUEL - 970-923-0091     $
LOCATION:  End of Snowmass Mall by the RFTA (to Aspen) Bust Stop
HOURS:  7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cozy cafe offering delicious grab ‘n go breakfast and lunch. Espresso, tea, smoothies, bagels, burritos, salads, and sandwiches; gluten-free and vegan options. Limited seating; takeout. New management, food might not be the same. 

GRUB THAI - 970-923-9558 - grubthai.xyz     $
LOCATION:  Snowmass Mall
HOURS:  11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Casual spot offering traditional authentic Thai food and American Thai favorites including noodle and rice bowls, phos, curries, soups and salads, and boba tea. Limited seating and great for takeout. 

IL POGGIO - 970-923-4292 - ilpoggiorestaurant.com     $$
LOCATION:  On Elbert Lane, Snowmass Mall.
HOURS:  Dinner only from 5:30 - 10:00 PM
A favorite of both locals and attendees featuring handmade Italian pastas and wood fired pizzas.  Two seating areas, the Ristorante & the more casual Cafe and Bar area.  Free Pizzetta Appetizer for table of 4 for Aspen Anesthesia attendees!

JÜS SNOWMASS - 970-429-4927 - jussnowmass.com     $
LOCATION:  Base Village
HOURS:  8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
At Base Village.  Fresh-pressed juices, milks, smoothies, hand-crafted breakfast and lunch items, and satisfying snacks with health in mind. Try their awesome protein balls!

KENICHI SNOWMASS - 970-429-8242 - kenichiaspen.com     $$$-$$$$
LOCATION:  Base Village
HOURS:  Dinner 5:00 - 10:00 PM; Closed Mondays
Excellent Japanese fare and sushi from the famed Aspen restaurant now in Snowmass! A happening eatery and bar.

THE LOUNGE AT LIMELIGHT  -  855-369-2460 - limelighthotels.com/snowmass     $$
LOCATION:  Limelight Hotel at Base Village. 
HOURS:  Breakfast 7:00 - 10:00 AM; Aprés 3:00 - 6:00 PM; Dinner 3:00 - 10:00 PM
Live music several nights a week 3:00 - 10:00 PM, call for schedule. Menu features wood-fired pizzas and a selection of locally sourced appetizers, salads and entrees. 

MAWITA - 970-592-8676 - mawita.com     $$
LOCATION:  Base Village
HOURS:  11:30 AM - 8:00 PM Daily
Mediterranean with French and African heritage for dinner as well as American Classics for breakfast and lunch. 

NEW BELGIUM RANGER STATION - 970-236-6277 - rangerstation.org     $$
LOCATION:  Snowmass Mall, next to the slopes
HOURS:  11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Daily
12 beers on tap from New Belgium Brewing.  Menu includes soups, sandwiches, nachos and pretzels.  Brunch on weekends.

SLICE OF ITALY - 970-923-2743 - slicesnowmass.com    $$
LOCATION:  Base Vilage
HOURS:  5:00 - 9:00 PM
Italian bistro serving great pizza, salads and pasta dishes; perfect for families.

SLOW GROOVIN' BBQ - 970-429-4761 - slowgroovinsnowmass.com     $$
LOCATION:  Snowmass Mall, Upper Level
HOURS:  Noon - 10:00 PM Daily
Great steaks, ribs, barbeque, wings, nachos, sandwiches, and sides; multiple beers on tap.  Casual, lively atmosphere.

SNOWMASS LANES & LOUNGE - 970-429-8839 - snowmasslanesandlounge.com     $$
LOCATION:  Snowmass Mall, Lower Level
HOURS:  5:30 PM - "Close"
Enjoy wood fired pizzas, burgers and bar fare while you bowl - or just come to eat!  Reservations for bowling recommended.

STARK'S ALPINE GRILL AT VIEWLINE RESORT - 970-923-8301     $$$-$$$$
HOURS:  Breakfast 7:00 - 10:00 AM Daily; Dinner 5:00 - 9:00 PM W-Sun
Experience contemporary American cuisine in a relaxed and cozy fireside atmosphere. Fresh, seasonally focused and inventive, offering a fusion of traditional steakhouse classics, an eclectic blend of flavors, and locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. From pancakes stacked high to a sizzling steak dinner and kid-friendly bites, this slopeside eatery offers an inviting sunrise to sundown Snowmass resort dining experience.

STEW POT - 970-923-2263 - stewpotsnowmass.com     $
LOCATION:  Snowmass Mall
HOURS: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Daily
Homemade soups, stews, sandwiches and salads. Great, casual homestyle food; perfect for families and a favorite of Aspen Anesthesia attendees.

SUNDAE ICE CREAM - 970-315-3488 - sundaeicecream.com     $
LOCATION:  Base Village
HOURS:  Closed Tuesdays; Sun-Th 1:00 - 9:00 PM; F-Sat 1:00 - 10:00 PM
Amazing small batch, artisan ice cream offering a mix of handcrafted classics and creative new flavors. Ever-changing selections and excellent vegan options as well. Don’t miss!

TASTER'S PIZZA - 970-923-5250 - tasterspizza.com     $
LOCATION:  Snowmass Center
HOURS:  11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Pizza and casual Italian.  At the Snowmass Center.   Serving lunch and dinner; dine in or take-out/delivery.  Plan ahead, as delivery/takeout usually takes a minimum of 45–60 minutes.

VENGA VENGA - 970-923-7777 - eatvengavenga.com     $$
LOCATION:  Snowmass Mall
HOURS:  Lunch & Dinner 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM; HH 3:00 - 6:00 PM Daily
Mexican cuisine and tequila bar that delivers delicious food in a slope side atmosphere. Enjoy extensive menu options by acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval while relaxing by their warming fire pits.

ZANE'S TAVERN - 970-923-3515 - zanestavern.com     $
LOCATION:  Snowmass Mall, Upper Level
HOURS:  11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Classic bar menu, featuring hamburgers, wings, and great Mexican.  Kitchen open until midnight.  Pool table.  A local favorite.

SNOWMASS RESTAURANTS - ON MOUNTAIN DINING

ALPIN ROOM AT HIGH ALPINE  -  970-923-8715     $$$
LOCATION:  At the top of Alpine Springs Lift
HOURS:  Lunch 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Closed Mondays
The new Alpin Room (former Gwyn’s location) —situated at 10,486 feet at the top of the Alpine Springs lift on Snowmass—invites you to experience a fresh approach to Alps-inspired cuisine in a high alpine setting. Surrounded by mountains, settle in for a dining experience that matches comfort with sophistication and offers French, Swiss, and Austrian fare infused with modern touches.  

ELK CAMP RESTAURANT - 970-923-0450     $$
LOCATION:  At the top of Elk Camp Gondola
HOURS:  9:15 AM - 3:30 PM
Local organic selections featured at various stations including rotisserie, panini, salad bar, soul-warming soups, bakery, and artisan hand-tossed pizzas from scratch. Great gluten-free pizza also available.

HIGH ALPINE RESTAURANT - 970-923-0455     $-$$
LOCATION:  At the top of Alpine Springs Lift
HOURS:  9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Now operated by Aspen Skiing Co., High Alpine continues the tradition of market-style food and beverage options with various stations serving pizza, soups, salads, burgers and more with an emphasis on locally grown, minimally processed foods.

LYNN BRITT CABIN - 970-923-8715     $$-$$$$
LOCATION:  Velvet Falls Run, next to Spider Sabich cabin
HOURS:  Lunch 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, Aprés 2:30 - 4:00 PM;  Closed Tuesday
Excellent food in a beautiful rustic cabin; a true Colorado experience. Good outdoor seating options. Call for Snowcat dinners availability this winter. No reservations required during aprés.

SAM'S RESTAURANT - 970-923-8715     $$
LOCATION:  Top of the Village Express Lift
HOURS:  9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Amid stunning views, enjoy elegant, modern Italian cuisine. Trade in your icy boots for a pair of warm slippers as you enjoy housemade pastas and thoughtfully sourced entrees, and fine wines.

TWO CREEKS CAFE - 970-923-8636     $
LOCATION:  Base of the Two Creeks Lift
HOURS:  Breakfast, Lunch, & Aprés 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Grab-n-go breakfast, soups, salads, and sandwiches.

ULLRHOF - 970-923-0400     $
LOCATION:  Base of Big Burn Lift
HOURS:  Breakfast & Lunch 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
American cafeteria style burgers, hand cut fries and more.

UP 4 PIZZA - 970-920-1220     $
LOCATION:  Top of Big Burn Lift
HOURS:  Breakfast & Lunch 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Excellent pizza served fast at 11,800 feet; salads, some sandwiches. Don't miss the one of a kind fresh baked cookies!

ASPEN RESTAURANTS
There is no way to adequately sample the many great restaurants in Aspen. However, we will mention a few that we, our registrants, or locals consistently enjoy.

AJAX TAVERN - 970-920-6334 - thelittlenell.com/dine     $$$
LOCATION:  685 East Durant Ave.
HOURS:  Lunch 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM; Dinner 4:00 - 9:00 PM
Casual fine dining with an American-French style menu.  Great truffle fries, people watching, and après ski hot spot.  At the base of Aspen Mountain serving lunch, après ski and dinner. Reservations taken only for dinner.

ASPEN BREWING CO. - 970-710-2461 - aspenbrewingcompany.com     $
LOCATION:  121 South Galena St.
HOURS:  Lunch & Dinner Noon - 10:00 PM; HH M-F 4:00 - 7:00 PM, Sat&Sun All Day
Enjoy Aspen's locally brewed beers at their tasting room, serving bites as well.  Brewed at 7,908 ft at the foot of the Elk Mountain Range.

ASPEN PUBLIC HOUSE - 970-710-7026 - publichouseaspen.com     $
LOCATION:  328 East Hyman Ave.
HOURS:  Open M,W-F 4:00 PM - Late, Sat&Sun 11:30 AM - Late; closed Tuesdays.
Located in the corner of Aspen's historic Wheeler Opera House, this Victorian gastro pub is a lively gathering place serving Colorado-inspired comfort food.  

BETULA - 970-922-8103 - betulaaspen.com     $$$$
LOCATION:  525 East Cooper Ave. #201
HOURS:  5:00 - 10:00 PM
Innovative French Pan-American cuisine in a Victorian-style setting with a beautiful view of Ajax Mountain.

BOSQ - 970-710-7299 - bosqaspen.com     $$$
LOCATION:  312 South Mill St.
HOURS:  5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
A wonderful restaurant featuring New World cuisine from renowned Aspen chef Barclay Dodge. A perfect place to enjoy the chef’s passionate menu and an extensive wine list. His food is revered by locals!  

BRUNELLESCHI'S - 970-544-4644 - zgpizza.com     $$
LOCATION:  205 South Mill St.
HOURS:  11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Serving gourmet handmade pizzas, salads and pastas.  Great for families - kids can make their own pizza.

CACHE CACHE - 970-925-3835 - cachecache.com     $$$
LOCATION:  205 South Mill St. #106
HOURS:  Dinner 5:30 - 10:30 PM
Fantastic classic French food served in a modern atmosphere.  Extensive wine list.  Sit in the bar for a more casual experince.  Reservations recommended for the dining room.

CATCH STEAK - 970-452-8080 - csaspenreservations@catchhg.com     $$$$
LOCATION:  515 East Hopkins Ave.
HOURS:  6:00 - 9:30 PM
Catch Steak aims to tilt the traditional steakhouse model with a lighter, brighter, and fresher menu featuring shareable plates, American cuts, a focused selection of Japanese wagyu, and a thoughtful selection of vegetarian and vegan options. By Catch Hospitality Group known for their New York and Playa del Carmen outposts.

CHICA - 970-900-6780 - chicarestaurant.com     $$$-$$$$
LOCATION:  501 East Dean St.
HOURS:  8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Latin fusion fare with dramatic food-presentation in the Residences at the Little Nell by 50 Eggs Hospitality Group. Lively vibe with an expansive patio and outdoor bar for après ski while watching the action on Aspen Mountain. Takeaway breakfast from 8:00–10:00am.

CLARK'S OYSTER BAR - 970-710-2546 - clarksaspen.com     $$-$$$$
LOCATION:  515 East Hopkins Ave.
HOURS:  Lunch 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM; Dinner 5:00 PM - "Late"; HH M-F 3:00 - 5:00 PM
(Former Little Annie's space) - Serving a variety of East and West Coast oysters, crudo, ceviche, seafood towers, lobster rolls, crab cakes, mussels, clams and fresh catch of the day.  Highly recommended by locals. Lunch is walk-in only.

CP BURGER - 970-925-3056 - cpburger.com     $
LOCATION:  433 East Durant Ave.
HOURS:  Sun-Th 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM; F-Sat 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Fast food featuring great burgers, hot dogs, salads, truffle parmesan fries, and spiked milkshakes.  Limited seating.  Next to Silver Circle Ice Skating Rink.

ELEMENT 47 - 970-920-6330 - thelittlenell.com/dine     $$$$
LOCATION:  The Little Nell Hotel, 675 East Durant Ave.
HOURS:  Breakfast 7:00 - 11:00 AM Daily; Lunch 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM Daily; Dinner W-Sun 6:00 - 9:00 PM; Bar Open 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Daily
Contemporary cooking infused with seasonal ingredients.  Food, wine and service is exceptional - considered one of Aspen's best restaurants and one of our favorites.  Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Considered one of Aspen’s best restaurants and one of our favorites through the years.

ELLINA - 970-925-2976 - ellinaaspen.com     $$$$
LOCATION:  430 East Hyman Ave.
HOURS:  5:30 - 10:00 PM, Closed Sundays
Modern Italian cuisine bringing together old and new world style cooking with an emphasis on local ingredients.  Try the artichoke bruschetta appetizer!

FRENCH ALPINE BISTRO - 970-925-1566 - frenchalpinebistro.com     $$
LOCATION:  400 East Hopkins Ave.
HOURS:  Lunch 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM; Dinner 3:30 PM - "Close"; HH 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Formerly known as Creperie du Village, they are still serving excellent sweet and savory crepes, raclette, cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, salads, charcuterie and cheese boards in a cute and cozy alpine atmosphere. Delicious food served in what feels like a slice of France. Outdoor seating options available. One of our favorites and very popular, reservations needed!

HICKORY HOUSE - 970-925-2313 - hickoryhouseribs.com     $-$$
LOCATION:  730 West Main St.
HOURS:  8:00 AM - 2:30 PM; 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Winner of 43 barbeque contests.  Very casual; good breakfast - start your day off with the ribs and eggs!  Open breakfast, lunch and dinner.

HOTEL JEROME - 970-920-1000 - aubergeresorts.com/hoteljerome     $$$$
LOCATION:  330 East Main St.
HOURS:  Bad Harriet: 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM Daily | The Famous J-Bar: Sun-W 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM; Th-Sat 11:30 AM - 12:00 AM | The Prospect: Breakfast 7:00 - 11:00 AM, Lunch 11:30 AM - 1:45 PM, Dinner 5:30 - 9:00 PM Daily | The Living Room: Sun-W 4:00 - 11:00 PM; Th-Sat 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Worth a visit just to see this beautiful, historic hotel. Their Felix Roasting Co. features house-made milks, syrups and spice blends (the hickory-smoked s’mores latte is a must). Try the historic Aspen Crud spiked milkshake at the J-Bar!  Relax in the Living Room with spirited libations, craft beers, and polished wines.

JÜS ASPEN - 970-710-7063 - jusaspen.com     $
LOCATION:  501 East Hyman Ave.
HOURS:  8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fresh-pressed juices, milks, smoothies, hand-crafted breakfast and lunch items, and satisfying snacks with health in mind. Try their awesome protein balls!

KENICHI - 970-920-2212 - kenichiaspen.com     $$
LOCATION:  533 East Hopkins Ave.
HOURS: 
5:00 - 10:00 PM; Closed Sunday
Excellent Japanese fare and sushi in a happening eatery and bar that's very poplular with locals.

MATSUHISA - 970-544-6628 - matsuhisarestaurants.com     $$$$
LOCATION:  303 East Main St.
HOURS:  6:00 - 9:00 PM
Phenomenal new-style Japanese cuisine by Chef Nobu with influences from both his classical training in Tokyo and his life around the world. Dine upstairs in the lounge for a more casual experience, or make reservations for the dining room downstairs. Always very highly recommended for “next level” Japanese fare. Considered one of Aspen’s best restaurants and one of our favorites!

MEAT & CHEESE - 970-710-7120 - meatandcheeseaspen.com     $$
LOCATION:  319 East Hopkins Ave.
HOURS:  Farm Shop 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Daily; Lunch 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM Daily; Aprés Tue-Sat 2:30 - 5:00 PM; Dinner Tue-Sat 5:00 - 9:00 PM
European-style restaurant featuring world farmhouse cuisine by the local award-winning Avalanche Cheese makers.  Meats, seafood, cheeses, cured meats, artisian bread, craft beers, and electic wine list.  Don't miss the daily taco specials!

THE MONARCH - 970-925-2838 - monarchaspen.com     $$$$
LOCATION:  411 South Monarch St.
HOURS:  5:00 - 10:00 PM
Sophisticated steaks, seafood, pastas, and table side Caesar salads served in a classic and cozy atmosphere.  Extensive wine list.

ROOFTOP CAFE - 970-925-8050 - aspenartmuseum.org     $$-$$$
LOCATION:  Rooftop of the Aspen Art Museum, 637 East Hyman Ave.
HOURS:  Tue-Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Closed Monday
A seasonal, local farm-to-table small menu that changes weekly with unparalleled views of Aspen Mountain and Independence Pass! Excellent fare and amazing atmosphere.

STEAKHOUSE No. 316 - 970-920-1893 - steakhouse316.com     $$$$
LOCATION:  316 East Hopkins Ave.
HOURS:  5:00 - 10:30 PM
Modern steakhouse with a la carte steaks, seafood and sides.  Good food and a popular place.

VELVET BUCK - 970-429-9644 - marriott.com     $$$-$$$$
LOCATION:  St. Regis, 315 East Dean St.
HOURS:  Tue 7:00 - 11:00 AM; Sat 7:00 - 11:00 AM, 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:30 - 9:00 PM;
M,W-Fri,Sun 7:00 - 11:00 AM, 5:30 - 9:00 PM
Modern mountain cuisine focusing on local ingredients and primal cooking techniques in a rustically elegant atmosphere.

WHITE HOUSE TAVERN - 970-925-1007 - aspenwhitehouse.com     $$$
LOCATION:  302 East Hopkins Ave.
HOURS:  11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Excellent sandwiches, salads, and new pizzas along with top notch wines, beers, and cocktails. Small menu and cozy atmosphere done right. Try the fish sandwich! Generous portions - plan on sharing. Very popular eatery and one of our favorites; get there by 5:30pm or expect to wait.

NOT QUITE ASPEN, NOT QUITE SNOWMASS RESTAURANTS
These places are a little out of the way but worth it!

CLOUD NINE - 970-923-8715     $$$
LOCATION:  Top of Cloud Nine Lift
HOURS:  Lunch 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
This on-mountain restaurant on Aspen Highlands features wonderful Swiss cuisine in a European style cabin with unbelievable views of the Maroon Bells.  Snowcat dinners available.

HOME TEAM BBQ - 970-236-2040 - hometeambbq.com     $$
LOCATION:  38750 Hwy. 82, Aspen
HOURS:  Breakfast 8:00 - 10:30 AM; Lunch & Dinner 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wonderful Carolina style BBQ made from scratch and a favorite of locals. Great beer, wine, and cocktail list. Casual atmosphere at the Inn at Aspen at Buttermilk. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try the nachos!

PINE CREEK COOKHOUSE - 970-925-1044 - pinecreekcookhouse.com     $$$$
LOCATION:  11399 Castle Creek Rd., Aspen
HOURS:  Wed - Sun 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM; Reservations by phone only
Have lunch or dinner in a cabin you get to by riding a horse drawn sleigh (20 min), cross country skiing (20-30 min), or walking (30-40 min)!  This unique dining experince features Colorado cuisine in a beautiful cabin with gorgeous wilderness views.  Parking is 12 miles from the Hwy. 82 roundabout at the end of Castle Creek Road, across from Ashcroft Ghost Town; restaurant is located beyond the road that is closed in winter.  Reservations required.

WOODY CREEK TAVERN - 970-923-4585 - woodycreektavern.com     $$
LOCATION:  2858 Upper River Rd., Woody Creek
HOURS:  11:00 AM - "Close"
Eclectic and funky atmosphere in this long standing local favorite.  Great variety on the menu - Mexican dishes and good daily specials.  Cash only, reservations not accepted, so you might wait.

DOWN VALLEY RESTAURANTS

EL KORITA - 970-277-4500 - elkoritawillits.com     $
LOCATION:  251 Harris St., Basalt
HOURS:  10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
At Willits Town Center (close to Whole Foods), this traditional and casual Mexican restaurant is popular with locals and has great food.  Try the molcajete!

FRIDA - 970-230-9492 - fridasglenwood.com     $-$$
LOCATION:  1814 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs
HOURS:  T-Th 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM; F-Sun 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM; Closed Mondays
This very casual restaurant serves great authentic Mexican food at a good value. Try the blue corn tortilla enchiladas and bean dip - if you miss them from La Cocina, they are similar here! Great for takeout, too. Same owners as former El Pollo Rico.

THE PULLMAN - 970-230-9234 - thepullmangws.com     $$
LOCATION:  330 7th St., Glenwood Springs
HOURS:  Dinner every night from 4:30 PM
Popular casual bistro brings elevated food to Glenwood Springs. Great food and innovative menu by acclaimed local chef Mark Fischer. Reservations recommended.

SWEET COLORADOUGH - 970-230-9056 - sweetcoloradough.com     $
LOCATION:  2430 South Glen Ave., Glenwood Springs
HOURS:  6:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Closed Tuesdays
A wonderful doughnut shop in Glenwood Springs with a great variety.  Don't miss their cronuts - a doughnut made with croissant dough!