When you're prepping for a busy day of outdoor adventure at Aspen Snowmass, it is important to find a great place to grab breakfast or lunch. Maybe you're looking for that first cup of coffee in the morning, or you'd like to grab a quick breakfast with the kids before heading up the mountain. If you want to meet up with friends for brunch or a lunch date, what's available? The answer is plenty, including everything from grab-and-go counter service to five-star dining. No matter the time of day, there's always something scrumptious just waiting to be devoured.
We've created A Guide to Breakfast and Lunch in Aspen. This daytime dining guide highlights our recommendations of the top eateries in town that offer breakfast and lunch, and we break down each restaurant by key offerings: coffee, full breakfast, brunch, counter service, table service, and kid-friendly dining. Download our guide below, or read on to see some of our top recommendations for breakfast and lunch in Aspen. Your next great meal in Aspen awaits!
Top Coffee Spots in Aspen
It's no wonder that a mountain town would have some sweet spots to grab a cup of Joe. You don't have to go far to find a tasty cup because there are plenty of options right downtown or close to the gondola. If you need to warm up during the winter months, pick up your brew of choice at Paradise Bakery, Victoria's, or Ink! and head over to the fire pit on the Cooper Avenue Mall. Other great downtown java joints include Gorsuch Cafe at Gondola Plaza or Jour de Fete next door to the Frias Properties main office on Durant Avenue.
Full Breakfasts in Aspen
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast. Locals and guests alike love the atmosphere at Poppycock's, the classic mountain diner. It's also a favorite with kids. Victoria's offers outside dining and mountain views. Other sit-down breakfast favorites near the mountain include formal dining at the Velvet Buck inside the St. Regis Aspen Resort and Element 47 inside The Little Nell. If you're closer to Main Street, try Prospect inside the iconic Hotel Jerome. If you're into organic vegetarian cuisine, you can power up at Spring Cafe, Aspen's organic food and juice bar.
Aspen's Brunch Bunch
Aspen Kitchen is located right downtown and is our top recommendation for brunch in Aspen. The second-floor dining room offers mountain and town views, and there's even an outdoor dining patio, complete with firepit and bar. The contemporary American cuisine is off the charts. And what would brunch be without a staggering selection of hand-crafted cocktails, wines and beers? Element 47 inside The Little Nell offers both light fare and main dishes along with an amazing wine list and other signature cocktails, all with formal dining. Jour de Fete, Paradise Bakery, Victoria's and Ink! all offer tasty breakfast options served late into the morning hours, but in a more casual setting.
Legendary Lunches
There are literally too many awesome lunch choices to pick just one. If you're downtown and want an unforgettable made-to-order hamburger, try CP Burger or 520 Grill. If you want to grab a quick sandwich and get back on the hill, the gourmet Butcher's Block has been a local's favorite for years and is only one block from the gondola. The Red Onion on the Cooper Avenue Mall is Aspen's historic bar and restaurant that offers sit-down dining and a classic American menu. If you're looking for international cuisine, try Creperie du Village, Aspen's premier French bistro with outdoor dining available during the summer season. Aspen Tap and Hops Culture offer lunch items as well as a fine selection of suds. If you've got your mind on barbecue, head over to Hickory House in Aspen's West End for some savory ribs or a pulled pork sandwich.
Kid-Friendly Eats
Food, family and fun go hand in hand in Aspen. There are a number of wonderful establishments around town that cater to families with children. If you're looking for something inexpensive near the gondola, grab a custom-made burrito at Big Wrap. Aspen also has a tasty selection of pizza places around town. Brunelleschi's Pizza allows kids to make their own pizza as part of their dine-in experience. Ryno's Pub & Pizza has great food and games, all in a modern pub setting. Kids also love Taster's Pizza if you're near the library or Rio Grande Park. Other great spots for youngsters include the aforementioned Paradise Bakery, Poppycock's, Hickory House, 520 Grill and CP Burger.
Are you ready to eat your way through Aspen? Start planning your Aspen vacation by browsing our vast selection of centrally located vacation rentals. Or contact our reservations specialists to get recommendations on where to stay.