Dining out: Our picks, Aspen to Carbondale

Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley is no place to be if you've left your appetite at home. Dining options abound, from breakfast to dinner, and from a quick bite to a multicourse, multi$$$$ meal.

While we couldn't possible touch on every worthy dining spot from Aspen to Carbondale, we've selected a credible (though overwhelming) sample for those who are looking for guidance. Read on.

<b>AMERICAN</b>

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

205 S. Mill St. (upstairs), Aspen

925-6020

Price Range: $$$

Jimmy’s has a certifiable headlock on the American dining experience in Aspen, serving up everything from 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, dig 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 chocolatey concoction, you’ll be a believer, too.

<b>Elevation</b>

304 E. Hopkins Ave.

(downstairs), Aspen

544-5166

Price Range: $$

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 — its location is on the lower level of Hopkins Avenue — Aspen’s restaurant row) 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>The Dogwood Grill</b>

305 Gold Rivers Court., No. 140, Basalt

927-4000

Price Range: $$

What was once the only restaurant in the valley to serve up home-style Southern cooking, has recently changed its focus (and owners). Its menu now encompasses a broader range of American flavors, with some Southern staples to add some real oomph. What hasn’t changed is the great atmosphere, which continues to be uber-friendly with a lively bar area that’s always busy. Stop in to discover The Dogwood Grill — a great addition to the burgeoning Basalt dining scene.

<b>Russets</b>

225 Main St., Carbondale

963-3036

Price Range: $$

We love this local Carbondale bistro for two reasons — it’s Niman Ranch tender pork tenderloin marinated in honey, garlic, spices and charbroiled, and its ability to maintain a metro feel in the heart of quiet Carbondale. Russets may look unassuming from the outside, but packs a punch with its great food on the inside. Whether dining at the bar or in the main dining area, here everything is worth a try.

<b>SIX89</b>

689 Main Street, Carbondale

963-6890

Price Range: $$$

The restaurant responsible for the Carbondale dining renaissance, SIX89 has been the experimental dining room of Chef Mark Fischer for the past six years. Mixing together unusual ingredients, Fisher’s food is as close to art as imaginable. Like a jazz musician he’s able to mix textures and tastes, and like rock ‘n’ roll, the atmosphere is casual and sometimes rowdy. While the food is capable of blowing any Aspen restaurant off the map, the atmosphere is all Carbondale. Don’t put on any airs at this joint — or you’ll be put on the next bus out of town.

<b>Bistro Basalt</b>

202 Midland Ave., Basalt

927-2682

Price Range: $$

Bistro Basalt serves up great American food with a French flair for lunch and dinner. No wonder it’s Basalt’s “Regal Beagle.” If you want to see those you know in the midvalley, most likely they are congregating at Bistro Basalt for great apps, salads, fish, steak and pasta specialties. My lunch favorites are the New York strip baguette with Swiss cheese and caramelized onions, and the Bistro Burger — featuring blue cheese and Thousand Island dressing. One more thing — be sure to bring your appetite, the Bistro doesn’t skimp on servings, just one more reason you’ve got to love this neighborhood staple.

<b>ASIAN</b>

<b>Little Ollie’s</b>

308 S. Hunter St., Aspen

544-9888

Price Range: $$

When your home on a Saturday night and cooking just isn’t appealing, speed-dial Little Ollie’s for Chinese takeout. Delivery is always timely at this traditional food joint, so bring on the wonton soup and pork lo mein. Looking for a great, affordable and quick lunch? Little Ollie’s lunchtime specials pairs the restaurant’s steadfast entrees such as sweet and sour shrimp with a veggie spring roll and white rice, all for under $8. The restaurant’s atmosphere isn’t anything special, but Little Ollieís is usually crowded and lively, and tables turn over fast.

<b>Mountain Dragon</b>

67 Elbert Lane,

Snowmass Village

923-3576

Price Range: $$

The Mountain Dragon is a 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 winter months, the Mountain Dragon is a hot spot for apres ski, so plan on enjoying a few beers among its collection of ski bums before indulging in your favorite sushi and rolls.

<b>Ho Palace</b>

0123 Emma Road, Basalt

927-3855

Price Range: $$

The Ho Palace is sometimes forgotten in the hustle and bustle of the booming Basalt dining scene. But it shouldn’t be. It’s deserving of the spotlight — for traditional Chinese done the right way. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Basalt next to Bristlecone Sports, the Ho Palace is a destination for many valley residents when they want what many consider the finest Chinese food in the valley.

<b>Zheng Pan Asian Bistro</b>

400 E. Valley Road

(Orchard Plaza), El Jebel

963-8077

Price Range: $$

We love Zheng! Finally an Asian bistro in the midvalley that mixes the best of traditional Chinese with great Japanese staples. They even serve their own version of a popular Aspen sushi appetizer — tempura-fried shrimp doused in eel sauce, mayo and a few asparagus tips for good measure. Look for its new and greatly expanded location in Glenwood Springs at the new Glenwood Meadows shopping center. Zheng may very well become the Roaring Fork Valley’s own version of PF Chang’s!

<b>Phat Thai</b>

343 Main St., Carbondale

963-7001

Price Range: $$

For years valley locals were clamoring for a Thai food restaurant. Well SIX89 proprietor Mark Fischer heard their cries and whipped up a happening little spot called Phat Thai. Using traditional Thai ingredients and recipes, but prepared with “gringo interpretations,” Fisher’s second restaurant on Carbondale’s “Restaurant Row” has garnished great reviews and a loyal clientele of guests throughout the valley. Try a collection of its small plates and soups, or go straight for the gusto with a large plate like its five-spice pork spare ribs with cucumber-mint sauce.

<b>BREAKFAST</b>

<b>Village Smithy</b>

26 S. Third St., Carbondale

963-9990

Price Range: $$

The Village Smithy is editor’s choice for the best breakfast downvalley. Not only is the food delicious, but the wait staff (led by owner Charlie Chacos) is friendly, the restaurant is clean, and you’re always bound to see someone there you know. The Smithy has been a staple in Carbondale for years, and for good reason. From Chicken Fried Steak to the fresh Spinach and Artichoke Omelet, the Smithy runs the breakfast gamut from naughty to nice. And if you can’t make it for breakfast, stop in for lunch for the always-delicious Asian Chicken Salad. The homemade dressing accompanying this plate of greens, chicken and mandarin oranges should be trademarked and sold!

<b>Hickory House</b>

730 W. Main St., Aspen

925-2313

Price Range: $$

Want a greasy-spoon-style breakfast? Dig into the eggs and ribs smattered in hot sauce at one of Aspen’s favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner joints. In addition to big breakfasts, The Hickory House’s down-home, award-winning ribs and barbecue sauce never grow old in a town of gourmet restaurant haunts. Grab a chair and get dirty with a rack of ribs, chicken and all the fixins, 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.

<b>Poppycock’s</b>

609 E. Cooper Ave., Aspen

925-1245

Price Range: $

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. Arrive early or be prepared to wait for a seat at this popular morning destination.

<b>Wienerstube</b>

633 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen

Gold Rivers Ct., Basalt

925-9179

Price Range: $$

The Wienerstube offers a little taste of Austria at all hours of the day, but this local favorite is best known for its classic morning dishes. Be ready for a wait during busy weeks, as the “Stube” (pronounced “the schtoob”) cranks out heaping offerings of its classic bread pudding (topped with thick cream), freshly made waffles, homemade Viennese pastries and egg dishes. It’s so good that Aspen legend Klaus Obermeyer makes it a daily stop before hitting the slopes, and now its second location in Basalt is destined to become a landmark as well.

<b>Breakfast in America</b>

19125 Hwy. 82, El Jebel

963-2739

Price Range: $$

The greasy spoon of El Jebel, BIA — as it is referred to in these parts — has lines out the door on weekends, but we mean it when we say it’s worth the wait. Belly up to the breakfast bar and watch the guys whip up your huevos rancheros, chipped beef on toast or any sweet start you can imagine — pancakes, waffles — the works! With a fast-paced diner atmosphere, be ready to order and be ready to eat — the portions are not for those lacking an appetite. Oh, and if you’re waiting for coffee, don’t. Get it yourself. It’s next to the door.

<b>COFFEEHOUSES</b>

<b>Ink!</b>

520 E. Durant St. (downstairs), Aspen

544-0588

Price Range: $

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 a ritual for many Aspen locals. 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 the draw at Ink! the tiny cafe also offers a small selection of blended drinks and breakfast items.

<b>Paradise Bakery & Cafe</b>

500 W. Main St., Aspen

925-7585

Price Range: $

Located on the corner of Cooper and Galena, Paradise has a great central location, and great sweets and drinks. People swoon over Paradise’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, as are the double chocolate frosted brownies. With no seating inside, your only option is to grab a seat on a bench just outside Paradise’s doors and take in views of Aspen Mountain — a perfect stop on your way to the hill.

<b>Zele</b>

121 S. Galena St., Aspen

925-5745

Price Range: $$

Situated at the corner of Galena Street and Hopkins Avenue, Zele’s bustling 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>Canteen Coffee</b>

355 Gold Rivers Ct., Basalt

927-4377

Price Range: $

A brand-new coffee shop on the valley scene, it’s one of the coolest locales in town, thanks to celestially centered owner Kathy Dupps. Pairing fresh bagels and pastries with local teas (Two Leaves and a Bud) and coffee (Ink!), Dupps has created a warm, inviting and intimate morning haunt. A great stop before the chilly morning commute.

<b>Java Joe’s</b>

433 Main St., Carbondale

963-0573

Price Range: $

Here’s the thing about Java Joe’s: If you want great coffee, bagel sandwiches, perhaps an ice cream, this is your place. Nothing fancy, just the straight-up goodness a local cafe can offer. Another draw is that this is one place you can linger for hours without an eye from the management. On any given day you will find folks around savoring Java Joe’s coffee drinks and sweets while playing chess, reading or just lounging with friends. A perfect way to spend an afternoon in Carbondale.

<b>DELIS</b>

<b>Val’s Gourmet</b>

227 Midland Ave., Basalt

927-3007

Price Range: $$

Sandwich lovers take note! Val’s Gourmet makes the best deli sandwich in the Roaring Fork Valley. This gourmet food center has the most delicious chicken salad I’ve ever had, presented on a soft French baguette that doesn’t tear up the roof of your mouth. Sit inside Va’s or outside, but your focus will never wane from the food in front of you. The meats are fresh (not dried-out) and the sides are freshly prepared. They also sell a variety of gourmet food items, great for your pantry or gifts for friends. Val’s is a must stop on your way eating through Basalt.





<b>The Butcher’s Block</b>

424 S. Spring St., Aspen

925-7554

Price Range: $$

The only true deli in Aspen, 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 its fine ingredients and side of salty potato chips (now for a buck extra — boo!). 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 and cheeses for your next apres bash.

<b>Johnny McGuire’s Deli</b>

730 E. Cooper Ave., Aspen

920-9255

Price Range: $$

If you are 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 on white or wheat in a 6-inch or foot-long sub. And while they’re no ambassadors of health food, Johnny’s does offer a selection of delicious salads, which are unexpectedly delicious.

<b>FINE DINING</b>

<b>Montagna</b>

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

920-6330

Price Range: $$$

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 (and recently redecorated) dining room is elegant and comfortable with 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, albeit pricey, lunch menu.

<b>Manrico by Massimo Masciaga</b>

403 S. Galena St., Aspen

544-5494

Price Range: $$$$

Review: Located above the Manrico cashmere store, Manrico by Massimo Masciaga has bold touches such 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. For those who want a smaller dose of splendor, try the downstairs lounge.

<b>Olives</b>

315 E. Dean St. (in The St. Regis), Aspen

920-7356

Price Range: $$$

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 — look here for the highest-end lunch special in town — and breakfast.

<b>Piñons</b>

105 S. Mill St., Aspen

920-2021

Price Range: $$$

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>Syzygy</b>

520 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen

925-3700

Price Range: $$$

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 moon is high.

<b>EXPERIENCE DINING</b>

<b>Pine Creek Cookhouse</b>

End of Castle Creek Road, Aspen

925-1044

Price Range: $$$

After a devastating fire 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 the Elk Mountains. Commandeer the cookhouse’s horse-drawn sleigh, or snowshoe by headlamp your way to the Pine Creek Cookhouse in the Castle Creek Valley and enjoy great game dishes among the snow-covered pines for lunch or dinner. Kurt Boucher, longtime executive chef at the Pine Creek Cookhouse, turns wild game and fresh seafood into the ìmountain gourmetî nightly, using the freshest seasonal ingredients possible. A great experience all around.

<b>Krabloonik</b>

4250 Divide Road, Snowmass Village

923-3953

Price Range: $$$$

Nationally known for its winter dogsled/dining experience, Krabloonik is in top form for lunch and dinner crowds during the winter months. The atmosphere at Krabloonik is old Colorado — a rustic log cabin set among the mountains of Snowmass, including Mt. Daly and Capitol Peak. The food alone is reason to go, especially Krabloonik’s selection of elk, pheasant, wild boar, salmon and trout. If you want, experience the thrill of dogsledding before your dining experience.



<b>FRENCH</b>

<b>Cache Cache</b>

205 S. Mill St. (downstairs), Aspen

925-3835

Price Range: $$$

For a real Aspen experience, true gourmands demand a trip to 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. While reservations during high season can be hard to come by, it’s small but snazzy bar is a great place to experience favorite Cache Cache dishes.

<b>Rustique Bistro</b>

216 S. Monarch Ave., Aspen

920-2555

Price Range: $$$

This, Aspen’s take on a French country bistro, was voted one of “Americaís 20 Best New Restaurants” by Esquire magazine in 2001. Its menu of wonderful French dishes has one or two excellent surprises such as the specialty 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 try the pecan pie with whipped creme fraiche.

<b>ITALIAN</b>

<b>Mezzaluna</b>

624 E. Cooper Ave., Aspen

925-5882

Price Range: $$

With lots of seating inside and out, a great menu of Italian staples and delicious pizzas cooked in Aspen’s only true 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 winter. A terrific option for yummy low-budget dining.

<b>Campo de Fiori</b>

205 S. Mill St. (downstairs), Aspen

920-7717

Price Range: $$$

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. To start, try the beef carpaccio, and to finish, indulge in the best tiramisu in town — or just enjoy the energetic bar atmosphere.

<b>Gusto Ristorante</b>

415 E. Main St., Aspen

925-8222

Price Range: $$

Gusto is editor’s pick for the best Italian restaurant in town. The food — focusing on northern Italian cuisine — is fantastic, the service is usually 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, try the lobster ravioli for an unforgettable taste. 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 paninis paired with soup or salad and a soft drink on its Power Lunch menu for $10.

<b>Il Poggio Ristorante</b>

57 Elbert Lane, Snowmass Village

923-4292

Price Range: $$

The best restaurant in 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 a lively bar scene, Il Poggio is a great night out in Snowmass Village.

<b>Bella Mia</b>

19125 Hwy. 82, El Jebel

963-2600

Price Range: $$

Great Italian food in the midvalley is reality at Bella Mia. This intimate space has an easy-to-get-to location, right off of Highway 82 across from City Market, and its main dishes (try the succulent eggplant parmesan) will forever retain you as a loyal customer. With delicious Italian food, Bella Mia keeps it traditional, but affordable.

<b>JAPANESE/SUSHI</b>

<b>Kenichi</b>

533 E. Hopkins Ave. (downstairs), Aspen

920-2212

Price Range: $$$

Among the three Japanese restaurants in town, Kenichi has the hottest reputation for fun, and often welcomes Aspení’s visiting celebrities through its doors. Known for its private dining rooms, 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 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

Price Range: $$$

If you’ve heard of Nobu in New York, 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 sexy cocktails.

<b>Takah Sushi</b>

320 S. Mill St., Aspen

925-8588

Price Range: $$$

For Aspen locals, Takah takes first prize. This much-loved sushi restaurant offers Japanese entrees and fresh rolls, sushi and sashimi. New to sushi? Order the following and thank us later: atomic shrimp appetizer, sunomono salad, fresh Japanese yellowtail sashimi, spider roll and the smokey trout roll. Accompany it by a tall Sapporo beer and end with fresh fruit. You’ll feel like a million bucks and ready to take on the evening ahead in Takah’s always-happening bar.

<b>Sushi Ya Go-Go</b>

60 El Jebel Road, No. 103,

El Jebel

963-0155

Price Range: $$

If you’re not up for the high-end gourmet sushi in Aspen, this is a moderately priced alternative in a great midvalley location. Sushi chef Hide Tsuzuki creates rolls and sushi on par with that of the upper valley, but at a much more affordable price. This restaurant’s respectability is reflected in full tables almost every night of the week — a true test of a restaurant’s (especially a sushi restaurant) quality and dependability. Serving dinner seven nights a week, be sure to check it out.



<b>KID-FRIENDLY</b>

<b>Boogie’s Diner</b>

534 E. Cooper Ave. (upstairs), Aspen

925-6610

Price Range: $$

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’ and bustlin’ joint combines great diner favorites with 1950s decor and a few updated healthy choices for mom and dad. With an extensive menu — there are lots of options for picky eaters, and the desserts are legendary — as are Boogieís thick ice-cream shakes. While I can’t justify spending almost $6 on a shake, split it among a couple of kids — it works.

<b>Little Annie’s Eating House</b>

517 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen

925-1098

Price Range: $$

Long live Little Annie’s! 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 warm mashed potatoes. They are the best in town!

<b>Red Rock Diner</b>

0155 Hwy. 133, Carbondale

963-4111

Price Range: $$

You don’t see many diners in the Aspen area that actually look like diners. But here in Carbondale, the snazzy silver stream of metal hosts a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner with a kid’s menu that will keep the little whippersnapper happy (hot dogs, grilled cheese, you get the picture). Adults should prepare to get their hands on an early serving of steak and eggs, or for lunch a tasty Reuben or any other grilled sandwich, fries and a Coke. Don’t forget to imbibe on a treat from the soda fountain if you’ve got the time. At the Red Rock, it’s Americana at its finest.

<b>LATIN</b>

<b>Blue Maize</b>

Restaurant & Bar

308 S. Hunter St. (upstairs), Aspen

925-6698

Price Range: $$

A trip to Aspen is not complete until you’ve hit Blue Maize once or twice for dinner. What was once a restaurant on the down low, Blue Maize is now a firm staple of the Aspen dining landscape. Featuring potent margaritas poured by down-right adorable Oliver Sharp, Blue Maize is known for the grilled brie and mango quesadilla, fantastic fajitas and specials every night of the week — all marked with Thomas Colossi’s creative genius.





<b>Zocalito Latin Bistro</b>

420 E. Hyman Ave. (downstairs), Aspen

920-1991

Price Range: $$

Located in the old Takah Sushi space on the Hyman Avenue mall, Zocalito’s eclectic dishes, like fried calamari with annato seed-garlic vinaigrette, shrimp and tilapia ceviche, chicken mole with beans, choyote squash and potatoes, confirm that there is no other restaurant like Zocalito in town. Head downstairs for a feisty meal, or just enjoy a specialty cocktail before your late night romp through town.

<b>LUNCH</b>

Big Wrap

520 E. Durant St., Aspen

544-1700

Price Range: $

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 pulling up a bench on a sunny day is a tradition in Aspen. On Thursday the popular wrap shop offers the Pilgrim’s Grub — featuring 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, Aspen

925-4977

Price Range: $

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. Try the combo meal comes which pairs the sandwich of your choice with heavenly curly fries, soft drink or beer. And its free delivery is swift, too, so if you are a carnivore with an appetite, give a call and get happy.

<b>The Upside Down House</b>

233 E. Main St., Aspen

925-6647

Price Range: $$

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 former 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., Aspen

925-2718

Price Range: $$

An Aspen landmark, The Popcorn Wagon is open for lunch, dinner and late-night grub. Try one of their delicious hot crepes stuffed with cheese, meat and spinach, or sweet fillings cooked up right before your eyes, or get a move on fast with a jumbo hot dog and bag o’ chips. Nothing gourmet about The Popcorn Wagon, but the food is surprisingly, consistently good, and the seating is warm, thanks to a plethora of heat lamps and a fire pit. A great alternative to that slice of pizza or Mickey D’s.

<b>Riverside Grill</b>

181 Basalt Center Circle, Basalt

927-9301

Price Range: $$

A perfect place for an afternoon lunch, the Riverside Grill does offer entree-sized items, but is best known for being the king of the small plates, offering up a tasting of just about everything on its menu for a moderate price. Perfect for sharing. The grill also has a great selection of ice cream and drinks in case you are in search of something sweet.

<b>MEDITERRANEAN</b>

<b>The Wild Fig</b>

315 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen

925-5160

Price Range: $$$

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>MEXICAN</b>

Su Casa

315 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen

920-1488

Price Range: $$

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>Taqueria El Nopal</b>

22826 Hwy. 82, Basalt

927-1280

Price Range: $$

The systematic upgrading of the midvalley’s restaurant scene seems to have passed over Taqueria El Nopal. And thank goodness. The Taqueria is the genuine article, a roadside joint that churns out cheap, tasty Mexican food. Even though the atmosphere is barely above a taco stand, the Taqueria distinguishes itself with dishes like tortas (Mexican-style sandwiches), shrimp soup and orchata, a sweet milky drink made mostly of rice. For the more daring, pass on the burritos, ceviche and carne asada, and try one of the trio of meat dishes: De Lengua, De Tripita and De Cabeza (which translate to steamed beef tongue, roast beef tripe and steamed cheek meat, respectively).

<b>Garcia’s</b>

0211 Hwy. 133, Carbondale

963-4532

Price Range: $$

Most people don’t even know Garcia’s, a tiny cafe in the front of a Mexican-goods department store, exists. Those who have found this no-frills spot along Carbondale’s Highway 133 are the fortunate few. With two Spanish-speaking women in the kitchen and a huge selection of imported chips and beverages, visitors will feel as if they’ve journeyed south of the border. And the prices ó— $1.50 for most a la carte items — will also give a feeling of displacement. Don’t be fooled by the low cost, drab atmosphere or counter service: The food — papusas dripping with cheese; enchiladas with a variety of sauces; potato-filled molotes — are authentic and top-notch. And make sure to sample each variety of salsas and condiments on the salsa bar.

<b>El Korita</b>

19218 Hwy. 82, El Jebel

963-4600

Price Range: $$

If every town in the world had an El Korita, the stature of Mexican food would be raised infinitely. And the human population would be a little happier and fuller. From its nondescript midvalley strip-mall space, El Korita has whipped up a sprawling menu of items that range across the Mexican food universe. All the usual Mexican fare — tostadas, fried taquitos and tamales — is well up to par. But the real treat here is seafood of all kinds, prepared in all ways. The regulars — and there are lots of them — gravitate to the cold cocktails, mixtures of assorted fish and shellfish in a spicy tomato juice/sauce.

<b>PIZZA</b>

<b>New York Pizza</b>

409 E. Hyman Ave. (upstairs), Aspen

920-3088

Price Range: $

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>White House Pizza</b>

801 Main St., Carbondale

704-9400

Price Range: $

Finding White House Pizza is simple: Look for the white house on the west end of Carbondale’s Main Street. Although the exterior may seem bland, what’s inside is anything but colorless. Working off a traditional Italian menu, White House breaks from convention with favorites like The Mean Green, a pizza featuring spinach, artichokes and Roma tomatoes topped with fresh pesto, and the Hot Chocolate Chipper, a dessert with vanilla ice cream that is worth every calorie-packed bite.

<b>SEAFOOD</b>

<b>Pacifica Seafood Brasserie</b>

307 S. Mill St., Aspen

920-9775

Price Range: $$$

Head over to Pacifica for a cosmopolitan, glass of champagne or wine — a perfect accompaniment to this restaurant’s fresh seafood cooked to perfection. To start, try the spicy fried oysters or indulge in a selection from the raw bar. For a complete evening out, this sophisticated seafood restaurant is a great option before or after a show at the Wheeler Opera House, located just across the mall.

<b>Butch’s Lobster Bar</b>

At the Timberline Condos, Snowmass Village

923-4004

Price Range: $$$

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.

<b>SPORTS PUBS & TAVERNS</b>

<b>Bentley’s at the Wheeler</b>

221 S. Mill St., Aspen

920-2240

Price Range: $$

Even in the dead of winter the large historic windows at Bentley’s are thrown open, and the revelry from inside reaches the streets. Guinness is served fresh from the tap as are 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.

<b>J-Bar</b>

330 E. Main St., Aspen

920-1000

Price Range: $$

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. And don’t forget to peek at the daily specials board — often-overlooked specials like Po’ Boys and more make it worth noticing. Smoking is permitted in the bar here, too.

<b>Red Onion</b>

420 E. Cooper St., Aspen

925-9043

Price Range: $$

Aspen’s oldest bar, 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. As of last summer, there is no smoking allowed inside at The Onion (YIPPEE!), so now you can pollute your liver without having to pollute your lungs. If you are a smoker, there is a patio where you can drink and smoke to your heart’s content while watching the rest of the world stroll by.

<b>Woody Creek Tavern</b>

0002 Woody Creek Plaza, Woody Creek

923-4585

Price Range: $$

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 “Aspenís Greatest Dive” but we don’t like labels. It’s the only “tavern” we know that serves free-range chicken for the health-conscious crowd. The tavern is also a perfect out-of-the way location to enjoy an afternoon margarita or dine on its tasty Mexican-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.

<b>VEGETARIAN</b>

Explore Bistro

221 E. Main St., Aspen

925-5338

Price Range: $$

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 Explore a try for either lunch or dinner. Our suggestions include the roasted veggie quesadilla, pecan-encrusted seitan steak or island veggie burger with pineapple and sweet onion barbecue sauce on a toasted honey wheat bun.