Dining out an Aspen tradition

If Aspenites have a favorite activity, it just might be dining.

From cheap ($) to bring the plastic ($$$$), the resort offers a tempting array of cuisines. The establishments themselves, well, they range from cashmere-covered seating to no seating at all.

Reviewers Amiee White Beazley and Stewart Oksenhorn offer their take on Aspen’s dining scene. Oh, and they’ve thrown in a few favorites in Snowmass Village for good measure. Bon appétit!

AMERICAN CUISINE

<b>Jimmy’s An American Restaurant & Bar</b>

205 S. Mill St., (upstairs)

925-6020

$$$

Jimmy’s has a certifiable headlock on the American dining experience in Aspen, serving up the juiciest, most flavorful meatloaf in the valley (don’t forget the side of mashers) to great fish, steaks and chops. Try the Mad Dog Ranch Salad (think a heaping helping of bacon and ranch dressing tossed over fresh greens), its signature Chesapeake Bay Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cakes and any one of proprietor Jimmy Yeager’s fine cuts of meat for the perfect all-American meal. If you have the room, to finish, get your spoon into the gooey chocolate Volcano Cake with a side of vanilla ice cream, which Jimmy claims to have invented. True? We don’t care. As soon as you taste this thick chocolaty concoction, you’ll be a believer, too. By the way, the bar is well-stocked with tequilas.

<b>Elevation</b>

304 E. Hopkins Ave., (downstairs)

544-5166

$$

Calling Elevation “American” food could be a stretch — American fusion is more like it. In fact, Elevation’s American-spun food is not only innovative but downright great to eat. The 21-ingredient Wasabi Caesar Salad is a winner, as is the Bacon Wrapped Monkfish. An underground hot spot (literally, it’s location is subterranean) by night, Elevation also serves up a fantastic bar menu that combines great beer and wine with too-good-for-the-price entrees and small plates.

<b>ASIAN</b>

<b>Little Ollie’s</b>

308 S. Hunter St.

544-9888

$$

When my husband and I are at home on a Saturday night and cooking just isn’t appealing, we use our speed dial to ring Little Ollie’s. Delivery is always timely at this traditional Chinese food joint — so bring on the Wonton Soup and Pork Lo Mein — and fast. Looking for lunch? I suggest Little Ollie’s lunchtime specials, which pair up the restaurant’s steadfast entrees such as Sweet & Sour Shrimp with a veggie spring roll and white rice, all for under $8. The restaurant’s atmosphere isn’t anything special, but Little Ollie’s is usually crowded and lively, and tables turn over fast.

<b>Mountain Dragon</b>

67 Elbert Lane, Snowmass Village

923-3576

$$

The Mountain Dragon is staple of Snowmass Village dining. While the younger set might think of it first as the best place to grab a beer in Snowmass, families have been enjoying the honorable establishment for its Szechuan and Mandarin cuisine and sushi for years. During the summer months, the Mountain Dragon opens its casual Grill on the Deck — perfect for a quick burger, great mountain views and, oh yes, a cold, delicious beer straight from the tap.

BAKERIES/CAFES

<b>Main Street Bakery and Cafe</b>

201 E. Main St.

925-6446

$$

Main Street may offer the best breakfast selection in town. From a tofu scramble to corn beef hash, Main Street serves up the freshest, hardiest breakfasts daily. It’s also the only bakery within city limits where you can get donuts and a lot of other baked breakfast goods, cakes and pies. With a bustling outdoor dining patio (open only in summer), thoughts of Main Street’s blueberry pancakes and steaming mocha-chinos still gets me up and out of the house in the morning.

<b>Zele</b>

121 S. Galena St.

925-5745

$$

Situated at the corner of Galena Street and Hopkins Avenue, Zele’s sunny summer location is matched only by its great coffee, pastry treats, salads and paninis. If it’s morning, try the Zele coffee blend, for lunch the Greek salad is fresh and delicious and after dinner, why not an almond pastry and hot chocolate? Always a place to see and be seen, in addition to good coffee, Zele also whips up great smoothies.

<b>Paradise Bakery</b>

500 W. Main St.

925-7585

$

Located on the corner of Cooper and Galena, Paradise has a great central location, and great sweets and drinks. People swoon over the bakery’s famous cookies, so much so they even offer a cookie birthday cake that can be ordered in advance and then taken home or to the office for celebrating. The muffins and croissants are also irresistible, but not as much as the small, but delectable offering of frozen yogurt and ice cream. Not satisfied? Perhaps the freshly squeezed lemonade or a delicious chocolate shake will put you in the right frame of mind. With no seating inside, your only option is to snag a seat just outside Paradise’s doors and take in views of Aspen Mountain — paradise indeed.

<b>Ink!</b>

520 E. Durant St. (downstairs)

544-0588

$

By far the best coffee in Aspen, Ink! roasts its beans at altitude (more specifically Basalt), which could account for why the coffee is so darn good and potent. A morning at Ink! is ritual for many locals in Aspen. So if you want to be a local, all you need to do is grab a steaming cup of Ink! coffee, a copy of The Aspen Times, pull up a chair and get to know your neighbor. And while the coffee is a draw at Ink! the tiny cafe also offers a small selection of blended drinks and breakfast items. Before you leave Aspen, be sure to get your hands on the cafe’s Blended Black and White — a cold, frothy and delicious coffee/chocolate drink, with just a hint of caffeine. At about $5 a pop they’re pricey, but worth a splurge.

BARBECUE

<b>Hickory House</b>

730 W. Main St.

(970) 925-2313

$$

Gimme them ribs! The Hickory House’s down-home, award-winning ribs and barbecue sauce never grows old in a town of gourmet restaurant haunts. Grab a chair and get dirty with a rack of ribs, chicken and all the fixin’s, such as baked beans, slaw and Texas toast. Easy to find, the Hick House is on the far west corner of Main Street — you’ll recognize it by the gigantic plastic bear perched atop the roof. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Hickory House also has outdoor seating for those hoping for wolfing down ribs al fresco.

<b>BREAKFAST</b>

<b>Wienerstube</b>

633 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen

925-9179

$$

The “Stube” offers a little taste of Austria at all hours of the day, but this local favorite is best known for its breakfast fare. Be ready for a wait during busy weeks, as the Stube cranks out heaping offerings of its classic bread pudding (topped with thick cream), freshly made waffles, home-made Viennese pastries and egg dishes. It’s so good that Aspen legend Klaus Obermeyer and other Aspen icons make it a daily stop before hitting the tennis courts.

<b>Poppycock’s</b>

609 E. Cooper Ave.

925-1245

$

For a long time, Poppycock’s Health Drink (a fruit smoothie with added protein) was my dependable afternoon snack. Quick and delicious, Poppycock’s delivers by serving up great breakfast and lunch items seven days a week. Try the Grand Marnier French Toast, with pecans, bananas, Grand Marnier butter, cinnamon and powdered sugar for breakfast and the simple but delicious BLT for lunch. Served with a healthy green side salad or soup, Poppycock’s reputation for quick, yummy food hits the mark.

<b>Hickory House</b>

730 W. Main St.

(970) 925-2313

$

Yes, you can get the Hick House’s signature ribs at breakfast, or the more typical breakfast fare. Large portions make this place a breakfast favorite. If you’re thinking about a stack of pancakes, you’d better be hungry. They’re as large as the dinner plate they’re served on.

DELIS

<b>Johnny McGuire’s Deli</b>

730 E. Cooper Ave.

920-9255

$$

If you’re a health nut, don’t bother stopping in at Johnny’s, where the motto is “Health Food Sucks.” This joint is all about big fat sandwiches doused with dressings, cheese and veggies. If you’re up for the challenge, try the 220-B (roast beef, turkey, bacon, cheddar, horseradish, barbecue sauce and mayo), the Marley (grilled steak, barbecue sauce, cheddar, grilled onions and peppers and mayo) or the Trucker (grilled turkey, bacon, barbecue sauce, cheddar and mayo). Served up on white or wheat in a 6-inch or foot-long sub, Johnny’s also has a satellite “Lil’ Dill” sandwich wagon in Snowmass Village. And while they’re no ambassadors of health food, Johnny’s does offer a selection of delicious salads, which I do recommend.

<b>The Butcher’s Block</b>

424 S. Spring St.

925-7554

$$

The Butcher’s Block creates the best deli sandwiches in town. Stuffed full of Boar’s Head Meat, The Butcher’s Block sandwiches are known for fine ingredients and side of Lay’s potato chips. Be sure to check out the specials of the day — if you are lucky, they’ll be serving up the hot meatloaf sandwich — delicious! Aside from its lunchtime sandwiches, The Butcher’s Block is also a great place to get the finest cuts of meat, fish, clams and cheeses for your next summertime bash.

FINE DINING

<b>Montagna</b>

675 E. Durant Ave., (in The Little Nell hotel)

920-6330

$$$

There are so many ways to enjoy The Little Nell’s Montagna restaurant that one visit isn’t going to do it. Plan two, maybe three. The spacious dining room is elegant and comfortable, but you’ll also want to experience the adjoining patio, with its views of Aspen Mountain. Chef Paul Wade’s dishes, with an emphasis on seasonal, healthful ingredients, are memorable, as is the touch of master sommelier Richard Betts, who never runs out of ideas to enhance the experience. And while Montagna is a natural nighttime attraction, boasting Colorado’s most extensive wine cellar, don’t overlook that it has Aspen’s best lunch menu.

<b>Syzygy</b>

520 E. Hyman Ave.

925-3700

$$$

Syzygy takes its name from the astronomical phenomenon of heavenly bodies in alignment. And this long-running, French- and Asian-edged restaurant does indeed suggest a perfect alignment of elements. Chef Martin Oswald never fails to delight, adding creative touches to satisfying dishes like Colorado elk, wild salmon and the not-to-be-missed yellow fin tuna, prepared with Asian flavors. For a space adorned with an indoor waterfall, Syzygy’s ambiance is noticeably unfussy, from owner Walt Harris on down. Rounding out the experience is the music: gentle piano sounds early in the evening, giving way to a full jazz band when the sun is gone and the moon is high.

<b>Piñons</b>

105 S. Mill St.

920-2021

$$$

Now in its second decade, Piñons has barely altered its approach to fine dining. It hasn’t had to. Chef Rob Mobillian offers a quintessential Colorado experience, from the Southwestern-inspired decor to the menu, which specializes in game and fish. Tried-and-true dishes include Angus beef filet topped with foie gras, pheasant, or the signature appetizer, a lobster strudel. Most appropriate, though, are the offerings of local meat and fish: Colorado rack of lamb, ruby red trout and the cut of elk, all of which Piñons has developed to perfection.

<b>Manrico by Massimo Masciaga</b>

403 S. Galena St., Aspen

544-5494

$$$$

Trace a line of Aspen fine dining, from golden oldies, the Copper Kettle and the Paragon, to recent and current spots, Renaissance and Matsuhisa, and the next point in fabulousness is Manrico by Massimo Masciaga. Established last winter above the Manrico cashmere store, the restaurant announced its presence with such bold touches as cashmere chairs, $38 appetizers (that would be the duck foie gras with truffle ice cream), and customized meals created on the spot by chef Massimo Masciaga. The regular menu is impressive enough, with its $95 appetizer sampling plate (foie gras, caviar and Scottish salmon included), and the $58 beef filet with black Norcia truffles. Manrico adds another layer of pleasure with the opening of its deck, facing Aspen Mountain, this summer. For those who want a smaller dose of splendor, try the downstairs lounge.

<b>Olives</b>

315 E. Dean St. (in The St. Regis hotel)

920-7356

$$$

Boston is a long way from Aspen, but Todd English’s Olives has survived the move westward. Tucked away in a wood-filled corner of the St. Regis, Olives is as cozy and inviting as hotel dining gets. Executive chef Phil Evans may be a youngster, not yet 30, but his Mediterranean-soaked food shows great worldliness. Signature dishes include the ancho-soy braised lamb shank with goat cheese and rosemary-scented polenta, and mushroom-crusted halibut. Olives also serves lunch ó look here for the highest-end lunch special in town ó and breakfast. Chef Evans will continue this summer presenting cooking classes in the Olives exhibition kitchen.

<b>FINE DINING WITH A TWIST</b>

<b>Krabloonik</b>

4250 Divide Road, Snowmass Village

923-3953

$$$

While best known for its winter dogsled/dining experience, Krabloonik is still in top form for dinner crowds during the summer months. The atmosphere at Krabloonik is old Colorado — a rustic log cabin set among the mountains of Snowmass, including Mt. Daly and Capitol Peak. It’s a little remote, but the food alone is reason to go, especially Krabloonik’s selection of elk, pheasant, wild boar, salmon and trout. Nearby are working kennels where approximately 300 sled dogs are kenneled, awaiting the winter season. Summer kennel tours (arranged in advance) offer a hands-on opportunity to meet the dogs and see how they live.

<b>Pine Creek Cookhouse</b>

End of Castle Creek Road, south of Aspen

925-1044

$$$

After a devastating fire that destroyed the original Pine Creek Cookhouse in 2003, the Pine Creek was rebuilt and improved, expanding its space and exposing even more of the views of Elk Mountains. Hike or bike your way to the Pine Creek Cookhouse and enjoy great game dishes among the wilderness for lunch or dinner. In the winter, cross-country ski or take a sleigh ride there. Kurt Boucher, longtime executive chef at the Cookhouse, turns wild game and fresh seafood into the “mountain gourmet” nightly, using the freshest seasonal ingredients possible. A great experience all around.

<b>FRENCH CUISINE</b>

<b>Cache Cache</b>

205 S. Mill St. (downstairs)

925-3835

$$$

When visitors ask me where they should eat when they come to Aspen, each and every time I answer with two simple words: Cache Cache. A must on every Aspen visitor’s dining card, Cache Cache prepares great French classics from Marseille Seafood Stew with aioli croutons to its legendary Osso Bucco with marsala sauce and green lentils. Their summer patio (which they share with next-door neighbors Campo di Fiore) is perhaps the hottest ticket in the summer, making reservations often hard to come by.

<b>Rustique Bistro</b>

216 S. Monarch Ave.

920-2555

$$$

This, Charles Dale’s take on a French country bistro, was voted one of “America’s 20 Best New Restaurants” by Esquire magazine in 2001. Its menu of wonderful French dishes has one or two excellent surprises, such as the specialties Souffle au Fromage and Pot-au-Feu (a dish of braised beef short ribs with horseradish). When not in the dining room, you’ll find the bar area crowded with loyal locals enjoying a smaller menu featuring crispy calamari, Caesar Salad Provencale or the succulent Petite Steak Au Poivre. For dessert, be sure to pecan pie with whipped crème fraîche. Might not sound French, but it will make you swoon.

<b>ITALIAN CUISINE</b>

<b>Gusto Ristorante</b>

415 E. Main St, Aspen

925-8222

$$$

Gusto is my favorite Italian restaurant in town. The food — focusing on northern Italian cuisine — is fantastic, the service is usually very dependable, and the robust atmosphere makes dining at Gusto feel like a true night out on the town. Featuring some of the finest pasta dishes in Aspen, my pick is the lobster ravioli. Gusto’s bar has its own menu, with lower prices, but perfectly executed smaller dishes. In town for lunch? Try one of Gusto’s oven-fired pizzas, protein-packed salads or panninis.

<b>Campo de Fiori</b>

205 S. Mill St. (downstairs)

920-7717

$$$

Step into an Italian villa when you visit Camp de Fiori and also into one of Aspen’s hottest spots for dining and drinks. For the 35-and-older crowd, Campo is the place to begin the night because both the food and atmosphere are some of the best around. Try the beef carpaccio to start and to finish indulge on best Tiramisu in town, or just enjoy the energetic bar atmosphere. During the summer, Campo shares its patio with Cache Cache for magnificent outdoor dining reminiscent of its Old World namesake. Campo and Gusto are both owned by Luigi Giordani and Elizabeth Plotke-Giordani.

<b>Mezzaluna</b>

624 E. Cooper Ave.

925-5882

$$

With lots of seating inside and out, great menu of Italian staples and delicious pizzas cooked in Aspen’s only wood-burning pizza oven, Mezzaluna has stood the test of time in a fickle Aspen dining scene. Perhaps one reason is Mezzaluna’s famous happy-hour special: Get a pizza for $7, Coors Light for $2 or Red Stripe/Amstel Light for $3 daily from 3 to 5:30 p.m. or all night long in the bar throughout the summer. A terrific option for yummy, low-budget dining.

<b>Il Poggio Ristorante</b>

57 Elbert Lane, Snowmass Village

923-4292

$$

The best restaurant on the Snowmass Village Mall, Il Poggio has a true local’s feel. Locals dine there, work there, drink there, eat there, and as you know, locals know best. The roasted garlic appetizer is a perfect precursor to inventive pasta, perfectly fired pizzas, or meat dishes. With a wonderful wine list focusing on California and Italy, and lively bar, Il Poggio is a great night out in Snowmass Village.

SUSHI

<b>Takah Sushi</b>

320 S. Mill St. (downstairs)

925-8588

$$$

Lots of Aspen locals were nervous about Takah Sushi making the switch from its longtime Hyman Avenue location to its new digs on the corner of Copper Avenue Mall and South Mill Street. We all knew the food would remain excellent, but would the intimate feeling of the beloved former space remain the same? Luckily for locals, Takah stays at the top of its game. The bar is bigger and the main dining room has more seats for those hankering for one of Takah’s Japanese entrees or fresh rolls, sushi and sashimi. And, the new locale has brought with it a welcome outdoor seating area. New to sushi? Order the following and thank me later: Atomic Shrimp appetizer, Sunomono Salad, Fresh Japanese Yellowtail sashimi, Spider Roll and Trout Roll.

<b>Kenichi</b>

533 E. Hopkins Ave. (downstairs)

920-2212

$$$

Among the three Japanese restaurants in town, Kenichi has the biggest reputation for fun. Known for its private dining room, this is the perfect place for a birthday party or any small group. Its sushi is always of high quality, and its staff obviously loves being a part of the Kenichi crew. If you are interested in Pan-Asian cuisine, try the steak teriyaki beef tenderloin. Accompanied by mixed vegetables, this sizzling dish is satisfying and sumptuous.

<b>Matsuhisa</b>

303 E. Main St. (downstairs), Aspen

544-6628

$$$

If you’ve heard of Nobu in New York — a favorite celeb dining hot spot — then you know what you’re in store for at its sister restaurant Matsuhisa. Named for the restaurant’s founding chef, Nobu Matsuhisa, this restaurant might be the priciest Japanese restaurant in town, but there is a reason for it. Let’s start with the heavenly Yellowtail Jalapeno sashimi, Broiled Black Cod with Miso, or the New Style Sashimi, Lobster Ceviche on Limestone Lettuce or Chilean Sea Bass with Black Bean Sauce. Hungry yet? Matsuhisa also has a street-level lounge where small plates can be nibbled on along with a selection of great drinks.

<b>TAKE THE KIDS</b>

<b>Boogie’s Diner</b>

534 E. Cooper Ave. (upstairs)

925-6610

$$

If you are looking for a fairly affordable lunch or dinner option where the kids won’t be scorned, look no farther than Boogie’s Diner. Here, the kids can scream and cry all they want, no one will blink an eye. The hustlin’ bustlin’ joint combines great diner favorites with ’50s decor and a few updated healthy choices for Mom and Dad. With an extensive menu, there are lots of options for picky eaters. The desserts are legendary, as are Boogie’s thick ice-cream shakes. While I can’t justify spending almost $6 on a shake, split it among a couple of kids and it works. Two straws is a great way to enjoy my favorite Boogie’s shake: coffee/Oreo. Delicious!

<b>Little Annie’s Eating House</b>

517 E. Hyman Ave.

925-1098

$$

An Aspen classic! The unpretentious nature of Little Annie’s makes it a great stop for families. Here, kids don’t need to be spit-shined, just well-behaved. Kids love the ribs, chicken and burgers, Moms love the enormous salads (big enough for two), and Dads can choose from great daily specials and lots of great entrees, including lasagna, meat and fish. One tip: Never say “no” to Annie’s mashed potatoes. They are the best in town!

LATIN CUISINE

<b>Blue Maize Restaurant & Bar</b>

308 S. Hunter St. (upstairs)

925-6698

$$

Thanks to a recent expansion, Blue Maize that now include a full bar and larger dining space, making the experience of one Aspen’s most popular restaurants that much more enjoyable. Potent margaritas, the brie and mango quesadilla, fantastic fajitas and specials every night of the week all marked with Thomas Colosi’s creative genius, Blue Maize is now a firm staple of the Aspen dining landscape.

<b>Zocalito Latin Bistro</b>

420 E. Hyman Ave. (downstairs)

920-1991

$$

Zocalito has been revered in Carbondale at its original location for years, but recently its owners added a second Latin bistro in the old Takah Sushi space off the Hyman Avenue Mall. With them they brought the eclectic dishes that first granted them such high esteem. Dishes like Fried Calamari with Annato Seed-Garlic Vinaigrette, Shrimp and Tilapia Ceviche, Chicken Mole with Beans, and Choyote Squash and Potatoes confirm that there is no other restaurant like Zocalito in town.

<b>LUNCHTIME FAVORITES</b>

<b>Big Wrap</b>

520 E. Durant St.

544-1700

$

The Big Wrap is one of the best lunch spots in town. Although it has very little inside seating, grabbing a healthy wrap or salad and finding a bench or spot in the grass at Wagner Park is a summertime tradition in Aspen. On Thursday, the popular wrap shop offers the Pilgrim’s Grub — a generous amount of turkey, stuffing, cranberry and mashers. A kid’s menu makes it easy to please the munchkins with a Big Wheel Burrito or Lil’ Wrapsical.

<b>The Grill Next Door</b>

455 Rio Grande Place

925-4977

$

Fast and grilled is the name of the game at The Grill Next Door. With a small menu of favorites, including burgers, chicken sandwiches and dogs galore, this grill is a good value for a quick and delicious lunch. Its free delivery is swift, too, so if you are a carnivore with an appetite, give a call and get happy.

<b>In and Out House</b>

233 E. Main St.

925-6647

$

The way this place probably keeps prices down is to keep their space to a minimum. No dining-in here. There are a couple of tables just outside of the In and Out House, but this sandwich shop is best for takeout or delivery. Get an egg-salad sandwich on wheat with all the veggies for under $5 or the delicious Maui Chicken on a roll for a few dollars more. Drinks, chips and sweets are also available.

<b>The Popcorn Wagon</b>

305 S. Mill St.

925-2718

$

An Aspen landmark, The Popcorn Wagon is open for lunch, dinner and late night grub.. Try one of there delicious hot crepes stuffed with cheese, meat and spinach, or sweet fillings cooked up right before your eyes, or grab a fast repast with a jumbo hot dog and bag o’ chips. Nothing gourmet about The Popcorn Wagon, but the food is surprisingly, consistently good. A great alternative to that slice of pizza or Mickey D’s, and the kids will love it, too, especially because it’s located right next to the irresistible water fountain, where kids play all day.

MEDITERRANEAN

<b>The Wild Fig</b>

315 E. Hyman Ave.

925-5160

$$$

In addition to a fantastic wine list featuring categories such as “Floral & Herbaceous,” “Big & Bold,” and “Spicy & Sassy,” The Wild Fig offers a menu of food items straight from the Mediterranean. For a great taste of warmer regions, try Flavors of the Sun sample platter. With healthy servings of hummus, Baba Ghanouj, falafel and delectable Kalamata olives, this platter will whet your appetite for what’s ahead. And we are certain any one of the Fig’s larger plates or protein offerings will make you happy.

<b>Restaurant Mogador</b>

430 E. Hyman Ave., (downstairs)

429-1072

$$$

Chef Barclay Dodge is the conductor of this innovative combination of Mediterranean/Spanish and North African influences. His wife, Nikki, serves as sommelier, serving up fine wines from around the world. With a unique menu and decor, Mogador (named after an ancient Moroccan city) is at the top of its game and in the forefront of Aspen dining, continually raising the bar with its food combinations. Want an experience like no other? Inquire about the private chef’s table, where Chef Dodge will prepare a meal for a small group amidst the wonderful chaos of a working kitchen.

<b>MEXICAN</b>

<b>Su Casa</b>

315 E. Hyman Ave. (downstairs)

920-1488

$$

Before the downstairs bazaar that houses Eric’s Bar came to be Aspen’s favorite watering hole, Eric’s mom, Mary Lynn Casper, satisfied the craving for Mexican standards. And for diners seeking sizzling fajita plates, an assortment of fish dishes, and great chips and salsa, Su Casa remains as much of a lure as Eric’s or Aspen Billiards. Everything from the menu to the decor, the margaritas to the beer selection, is exactly what you’d expect from a Mexican restaurant. But Su Casa does all of it well; for proof, try the pork carnitas plate — bring your big appetite — or the soft shrimp tacos.

<b>La Cocina</b>

308 E. Hopkins Ave.

925-9174

$$

Check any thoughts about authenticity at La Cocina’s door. The menu, barely changed over the decades, says right there on the cover, “Creative Cooking.” So Nick and Sarah Lebby, the most inviting hosts in town, can get away with serving garlic bread on most plates, and offering a burger alongside enchiladas, posole and burritos. The keys here are flavor, especially in the rich enchilada sauce, and cheese, cheese and more cheese, gooey and melted over everything. The dishes tend to run together: There was the time my wife ordered the No. 6 and I ordered the No. 7, and we were halfway through before realizing we were eating one another’s meals. We still left happy with our full La Co bellies. And before you laugh about the burger, try it.

<b>PIZZA</b>

<b>Taster’s</b>

Snowmass Center, Snowmass Village

923-5250

$

Taster’s is a real pizza joint located at the Snowmass Village Center. Delicious pizza — by the slice or by the whole pie — as well as the best sub sandwiches in the valley. Whether takeout, dining in or delivery, Taster’s keeps up its end of the bargain with hot, fast, Italian food. I love the Eggplant Parmesan sandwich — a healthy serving and always available. Offering beer and wine, Taster’s is a great place to bring your family, or catch a bite after the day on the Snowmass-area trails.

<b>New York Pizza</b>

409 E. Hyman Ave. (upstairs)

920-3088

$

New York Pizza isn’t known for its service or its atmosphere, but none of that matters when it’s 1 a.m. and you need a slice of hot pizza. NYP doesn’t kid around when it comes to its food — straight-up pie, soda and beer. They have gigantic salads that are hit during lunch (try the Greek with lots of sun-dried tomatoes) or a hot sandwich at night, if they have the bread and admit that they do.

<b>Merlin’s</b>

205 S. Mill St. (upstairs)

544-4644

$$

A step up from your typical pizza parlor fare, Merlin’s offers a full selection of specialty pizzas, paninis, calzones and salads. Try the Pesto Splash pizza with garlic and basics splashed beneath a thin layer of cheese topped with marinated chicken, onions and hot peppers. Don’t think your kids will go for that? Luckily there’s a kids menu, too, with all the kiddie favorites like cheese, pepperoni and the like.

SEAFOOD

<b>Pacifica Seafood Brasserie</b>

307 S. Mill St.

920-9775

$$$

I love heading over to Pacifica in the afternoon when a cold beer, cosmopolitan or glass of white wine is a perfect accompaniment to fresh cold oysters, the most deliciously balanced clam chowder in town and a bowl of calamari. This seafood restaurant also has a small but splendid patio where guests can enjoy lunch or dinner.

<b>Butch’s Lobster Bar</b>

At the Timberline Condos, Snowmass Village

923-4004

$$$

The only true lobster house in the upper valley, Butch claims his roots from New England and the friendly staff will surely help you satiate your desire for a traditional East Coast meal. Here you can have a live Maine lobster steamed to perfection, broiled sea scallops, the Chatham Lobster Casserole (lobster meat with crab, baked with lobster sherry sauce and topped with cracker crumbs) or choose an item from the Catch of the Day or entree menu.

SPORTS PUBS/TAVERNS

<b>Red Onion</b>

420 E. Cooper St.

925-9043

$$

Aspen’s oldest watering hole, the Onion can be found on the Cooper Avenue Mall. Or just follow the smell of burgers and wings and the call of the wild, and join those inside who enjoy a beer or two while watching their favorite sports. The Onion also has a small but fun patio where you can drink until your heart’s content while watching the rest of the world stroll by. Open for lunch and dinner.

<b>Bentley’s at the Wheeler</b>

221 S. Mill St.

920-2240

$$

On a warm, summer afternoon the large historic windows at Bentley’s are thrown open and the revelry from inside reaches the streets. There’s Guinness on tap and lots of pub grub favorites like fish and chips. One word of warning: Bentley’s allows smoking inside, which might deter you from bringing children or others sensitive to smoke into the bar. Open for lunch and dinner.

<b>Woody Creek Tavern</b>

0002 Woody Creek Plaza, Woody Creek

923-4585

$$

The Woody Creek Tavern is the legendary old haunt of Hunter S. Thompson, and even though HST has passed, the legend of the tavern lives on. Some call it “Aspen’s Greatest Dive” but we don’t like labels. The tavern is the perfect place to grab an afternoon margarita beneath the strings of plastic, trailer-park lights. It also serves up tasty Mexican food combined with American favorites. Its no-nonsense wait staff can rattle off the details of everything on the menu, so ask quickly and choose wisely because everything here is good. Open for lunch and dinner.

<b>The J-Bar</b>

330 E. Main St.

920-1000

$$

Oh, the J-Bar. For more than 100 years, the bar inside of the Hotel Jerome has been the meeting and drinking place for Aspen locals, and today it still hosts Aspenites at almost all times of the day. The one difference, the food is exceptional for a bar. Try the chicken salad, steak sandwich or award-winning J-Bar Burger with bacon and Swiss. Yippee! Sometimes the service can be, how should we say, a little unpredictable, but it’s easy to dismiss when you sink your teeth into the excellent J-Bar grub. Open for lunch and dinner.

VEGETARIAN

<b>Explore Bistro</b>

221 E. Main St. (upstairs)

925-5338

$$

Tucked away in a quiet location above Explore Booksellers, this vegetarian bistro offers scrumptious dishes and bakery goods that you would never know are vegetarian. Sit in the traditional Victorian dining room or the new light-filled atrium. Open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, give the bistro a try for either lunch or dinner. Our suggestions include the Roasted Veggie Quesadilla, Pecan-Encrusted Seitan Steak or Island Veggie Burger with pineapple, sweet onion barbecue sauce on a toasted honey wheat bun.