Best & Cool Bars in Maroon Bells

"Not only do you get to enjoy an excellent selection of gourmet fare and libations, but the Little Nell’s Ajax Tavern provides “beach-front” viewing of Aspen Mountain. | Photo: Aspen Snowmass. Sun-basking and champagne-fueled dance parties only touch the tip of the iceberg when it comes to après-ski enjoyment at the slopeside Ajax Tavern."

"Among the top Aspen lunch restaurants, La Creperie du Village sits in restaurant row. Offering a more upscale atmosphere, this bistro specializes in authentic French fare and fondue. Lunch brings salads and crepes to meats and pasta."

"Inside the Hotel Jerome, J-Bar is an Aspen institution dating back to 1889. Today, it’s a high-end saloon-style lounge dishing up fancy pub fare (think short-rib tacos) and unique drinks, such as the bourbon-laced milkshakes. But like that milkshake, invented during Prohibition, this historic bar retains lots of original charm."

"The cocktails are amazing and it is a very easy and laid back vibe. Burger is good but too big for me!"

"Housed in one of the most historic buildings in Aspen (on the Hyman Ave. Mall), this former saloon has been keeping things rowdy since 1892. On summer weekends, the patio packs them in. Staying at the Limelight?"

"This whiskey bar has servings of some of the finest whiskeys in the US, but it also has some inexpensive options to hold you over."

"It’s a relaxed yet sultry location for a date night, with brick walls, glistening chandeliers and dim lighting. It feels like a speakeasy, built in the basement beneath the Meat & Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop, but it’s far from gimmicky. The drinks are made with high-quality ingredients, and the small bites don’t disappoint, with cheese boards, house-made sourdough with seasonal butter and even curry dishes."

"Pouring elevated cocktails in a rustic-chic atmosphere, Hooch Cocktail Bar is a glammed-up cocktail lounge perfect for an apres-ski drink. Beyond their classic cocktails, they also serve wine, craft beers, and spirits. Located in the basement under Meat & Cheese Restaurant & Farm Shop they also offer a menu with pickles, cheese boards, jams, and bread to compliment your drinks."

"Over Easy is a fun breakfast joint and juice bar that is strongly committed to sustainability. You can’t go wrong with their spectacular dishes, some of which include the Banananutella Crepe, Fried Trout Sandwich, or the Hillbilly Benny (eggs benedict with smoked BBQ pork and caramelized onions). Try a refreshing juice blend such as the Adrenaline Rush or a handcrafted cocktail."

"If healthy breakfast doesn’t entice you, Aspen Over Easy may. This classic and casual breakfast joint serves up 13 different versions of Eggs Benedict, including one with filet minion. Other must-have menu items include French toast (made with Texas-style bread) and Bananutella Crepes."

"Among the top Aspen lunch restaurants, La Creperie du Village sits in restaurant row. Offering a more upscale atmosphere, this bistro specializes in authentic French fare and fondue. Lunch brings salads and crepes to meats and pasta."

"The region’s absolute finest example of authentic Mediterranean cuisine could be yours when you come check out the Wild Fig in Aspen!. Admittedly inspired by a unique culinary blend of French, Greek, Spanish, and Italian flavors, the Wild Fig puts its diversified roots to work, capturing all of the energy present in an upscale European outlet, and placing it under the same roof as revolutionary pricing and daring flavors!. With bold pasta and risottos, fish and chicken meals, and plates and side dishes available for your preference, The Wild Fig understands that the distance between their front doors and your own sense of satisfaction is meant to be a short one."

"We got lunch, strolled around the Aspen Pedestrian Mall in downtown, and enjoyed some ice cream while watching the local dogs play on the lawn at Wagner Park. From here, our plan was to drive to the nearby town of Glenwood Springs, but before heading there, we made one final stop at Maroon Bells Scenic Area. Even though the late afternoon light is not the best for photos, we still loved seeing these majestic peaks and spending a little time at beautiful Maroon Lake. Once the sun got low in the sky, we hit the road again and made our way to Glenwood Springs."

"Wagner Park hosts the iconic Grand Tasting Tent at the annual Food and Wine Classic. This takes the otherwise public park out of the running for a few weeks each September (note: "the Classic" has moved into the fall post-COVID), but when not in use by the foodies, it’s one of the largest parks in town, the most centrally located, and one of the most used. Dogs are able to get up to speed due to the park's size and their humans can take in the sprawling views of Aspen Mountain."

"Wagner Park is Aspen’s most centrally located and visible park since it borders the downtown core. It’s one of our favorites because it’s directly across the street from the Limelight Hotel. Used as a rugby pitch at various times throughout the year, Wagner Park is the favorite of locals walking their dogs during their lunch breaks."

"Since 1889, this landmark has been at the center of Aspen's cultural scene. The Wheeler Opera House resides on the National Register of Historical Places and offers lectures, concerts, musicals, community theater performances, and foreign and independent film showings, keeping its stage occupied almost every day of the year."

"Sometimes a craving for an immersive arts and culture experience begins with a sophisticated take on performance and when this is the case, the Wheeler Opera House delivers up everything you’re looking for and more."