Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Maroon Bells

"Promoting recipes that use organic, wholesome, and delectably natural ingredients separates Spring Café as a superb restaurant to visit. The menu here is entirely plant-based, offering options such as avocado toast and the ‘Hail to Kale Omelet.’ Each day brings newly pressed juices for sale by the bottle and fresh pastries made from spelt, almond, and oat flours, revealing just how healthy a choice breakfast at Spring really is. Built from entirely non-toxic materials, the cafe is a creative environment that works not only to make nutritious meals."

"I wasn’t lucky enough to go here last time I was in Aspen, but it’s frequently made our blog for healthy eats and post-race fuel. With menu items like the mango quesadilla (with spinach, sauteed onion, cilantro, and Daiya cheese) and avocado tempeh Rueben, you’ve got options."

"If you're looking for a casual breakfast spot with some seating outside, look no further than Peach's. Locals line up for the breakfast and lunch joint's signature dish: the Open Face. Made with toasted bread, poached eggs, peach butter, bacon, tomatoes, arugula, and shaved parmesan, it's a filling start to the day without being a major gut bomb."

"For breakfast, lunch or an afternoon snack, this is the spot for local, fresh and organic. The pastries from in-town bakeries are spectacular. Kids love the French Toast Waffle."

"What to know: AAM & SO Café partners Allen and Julia Domingos (Epicure Catering) offer free Lunches for Locals takeout service through the museum website. The Lunches for Locals program provides a limited number of free daily midday meals from 12–1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays to anyone signing up online via AAM website (aspenartmuseum.org)."

"39 Degrees Lounge at the Sky Hotel is a trendy bar serving New American comfort foods and signature cocktails in a location that serves as a fantastic party spot. Savor delicious creations such as the Vietnamese Crispy Chicken Wings or Korean Pork Torta. Their breakfast menu, on the other hand, boasts scrumptious treats like Short Rib Hash."

"What to know: Plato’s offers igloos for dining and reservations can be made by calling the restaurant directly. Also, to-go for breakfast lunch and dinner. Every table on the deck offers two heaters to keep warm by."

"Near Mawa’s in the Airport Business Center, chef and owner Martin Meineri cranks out handmade empanadas (each stamped with an aspen leaf logo), fresh egg pasta, seven varieties of ravioli, and five heavenly sauces. A native of Argentina, Meineri attended culinary school in Italy, and today he blends both backgrounds into his personal passion project of a shop."

"This stylish trattoria is a true taste of Roma (co-owner Luigi Giordani’s native city), with an expansive menu covering all the classics: antipasti, insalate, ministre, paste, secondi, and contorni — plus a long list of pizze that are wood-fired to perfection in an imported oven. Roughly translated as “mouthwatering,” Acquolina also has one of the best bars in town (locals call it the “Sistine Chapel of liquor”), with seemingly infinite shelves lined with international spirits."

"This quaint park (pictured at the top of this article) is east to miss in the southeast corner of Aspen, but once you find the flowing water and picturesque pond, you won’t want to leave. One of the oldest parks in town, Glory Hole park was named for a sinkhole that formed in 1918 when part of a silver mine collapsed. The pond is loved by dogs looking for a cool dip in the hot summer months and the picnic tables make it perfect for a romantic meal in the park."

"Koch Park hosts the championship courts of the MotherLode volleyball tournament that has been going on in Aspen for 45 years. But when the hard core competitors aren’t bumping, setting, and spiking, the sand provides a great place for recreation lovers of all ilks. Kids can bring their sand toys to the park for “beach days," casual volleyball players can hone their skills, and other beach games like paddle ball, spike ball and good old fashioned catch are great in the sand. Grass does surround the sand courts and picnic tables allow for group picnics under some large-growth trees. rich-text"