RESTAURANTS, THE APRÈS SCENE & NIGHTLIFE -- Aspen/Snowmass is consistently rated North America's 1 resort for après and nightlife
September, 2004 Contact PR

RESTAURANTS, THE APRÈS SCENE & NIGHTLIFE

Aspen/Snowmass is consistently rated North America's 1 resort for après and nightlife

Aspen/Snowmass Village, CO...Old school or new school. Sophisticated or casual. Cool and quiet, or hot and rocking. Whether you're 21, stuck on 30 or remember Aspen before the streets were paved, the legendary nightlife at Aspen/Snowmass has something for you. You'll find everything from billiards to jazz clubs, discos to no-nonsense bars, coffee houses to disco taxi rides. There's never a dull moment when the sun goes down. At Aspen/Snowmass, the extravagant coincides with the commonplace; the outlandish is in stride with the everyday.

DINING

New! Wild Fig -This new hot spot is located across from the Wheeler Opera House. Featuring upscale Mediterranean cuisine, it offers an intimate and sophisticated ambiance. Owned by a longtime, local husband-and-wife team with extensive restaurant experience, The Wild Fig draws locals and tourists alike. (315 E Hyman Ave; 970.925.5160)

New! Sesame Basil -Located on the Cooper Avenue Mall in the heart of downtown, this new-kid-on-the-block is an authentic Thai restaurant, serving Thai cuisine in a stylish yet casual setting. (508 E Cooper Ave.)

New! Specialty Foods of Aspen - A new charcuterie cheese shop, bakery and café, all in one. Great for late breakfast, lunch or après ski. Located on the corner of East Hopkins and Spring Street, with outdoor dining on a sunny patio. (970.544.6656)

New! Matsuhisa Upstairs - Nobu Matsuhisa expands his talents with an extension of his downtown Aspen sushi restaurant. Housed in a charming Victorian on Main Street, Matsuhisa Upstairs is the new, separate lounge and restaurant located above Matsuhisa with a large outdoor patio. The casual atmosphere is similar to the acclaimed Next Door Nobu in New York, with ample bar and lounge seating, in addition to an outdoor patio with prime people watching. (303 E Main St.; 970.544.6628)

Elevation Restaurant & Bar A casual environment with an exciting menu, try the Thai Green Curry or the mini New Zealand lambchops grilled and served over truffled mashed potatoes.

Il Poggio For a true Italian experience, Il Poggio on the Snowmass Village Mall offers authentic Italian along with an extensive wine list.

Jimmy's - While in Aspen, don't miss dining at Jimmy's, An American Restaurant & Bar. After a great steak or seafood dinner, make sure to leave room for dessert. Try the famous volcano cake, tequila key lime pie or the fairy tale Swiss milk chocolate chip cookies.

L'Hostaria - Located in the heart of Aspen, L'Hostaria features fine Italian cuisine and the only carpaccio bar in Aspen.

Mezzaluna - It's hard to tell when après ends and dinner begins at Mezzaluna. Mezzaluna has après specials such as $5 pizza and $2 beers. Calamari and beef tenderloin are two favorites for dinner.

Olives- Located inside the St. Regis Aspen. Enjoy Olives' combination of casual comfort, exceptional service, and the Mediterranean inspired cuisine. Guests can choose from selected items off the main menu, including Spicy Tuna Tartare with Spun Cucumber and Cucumber Glazed Rock Shrimp.

Pasta O' Pizza - For more casual fare in Snowmass, try Pasta O' Pizza. Wide selection of pizza and panini's for dine-in or take out.

Sage- Whatever you're hungry for! Located at the Snowmass Club, start your day with a hearty, satisfying breakfast to get you ready for the slopes. Sage also serves lunch and dinner daily-set in an atmosphere of warm ambience and beautiful Snowmass, Colorado, views.

The Tower - How about dinner and a magic show? Try the Tower Restaurant in Snowmass. Menu includes steak, seafood and vegetarian specialties. On the Snowmass Village Mall.

Village Steakhouse - has the largest salad bar in Snowmass. Offering spectacular views of Snowmass in a comfortable atmosphere. Located above the lobby in the Wildwood Lodge.

Pasta O' Pizza - For more casual fare in Snowmass, try Pasta O' Pizza. Wide selection of pizza and panini's for dine-in or take out.

Il Poggio - For a true Italian experience, Il Poggio on the Snowmass Village Mall offers authentic Italian along with an extensive wine list.

Willow Creek Bistro - At Aspen Highlands dine slopeside at Willow Creek Bistro at the Ritz Carlton. Menu includes American food like tender veal with egg noodles and day boat halibut with white bean purée and lobster sauce.

APRÈS

39 degrees in The Sky Hotel The fabulous 39 degrees in The Sky Hotel is the epicenter of high, youthful energy in Aspen. A combination of rough-hewn timber with modern, custom-designed furniture and cushy accessories surround the large stone fireplace and glowing bar. Outside there is a radiant-heated sun deck, outdoor pool and two outdoor fire pits. Signature drinks and an all-day menu are available.

Cirque Bar & Grill Slide up to the Cirque Bar & Grill slopeside at Snowmass for some socializing on the outside deck bar, or step inside to hear local bands jam on the stage.

Iguana's Offering up a tasty Mexican fare, margaritas and a rocking après scene with live music. To rub elbows with the locals, check out Iguana's at the base of Aspen Highlands.

The Greenhouse at the Little Nell The Greenhouse is understated and casual with a definite "club" feel. Named as one of the best après bars in the country, it is a great spot for drinks or a late meal. The Greenhouse features an all-day menu served until midnight.

The J-Bar in The Hotel Jerome Not to be missed, the J-Bar has been Aspen's favorite eating and drinking establishment since the 1890's. Sample one of the best burgers in town and meet a long-time local at the bar. It is a great place to watch sporting events on the big screen television.

NIGHTLIFE

New! CLUB ANONYMOUS Aspen nightlife entrepreneur Jerry Guterman recently opened a hopping late night lounge yet preferred to leave it unnamed. Known by locals as Club Anonymous, it's located in the former Roaring Fork Tavern locale. The cozy space was completely made over, with lighting by Robert Singer of Studio 54 fame.

New! CLUB CHELSEA Though the name hasn't changed, Club Chelsea is under new management and has fast become town's most happening clubs. Located in a swanky and central locale on the Hyman Avenue, Club Chelsea is under the direction of Greg Jurgensen, formerly the owner of the Double Diamond. Expect signature cocktails and creative martinis complemented by live music and local deejays.

Bentley's Bentley's is a local's favorite. Located on the corner of Hyman Ave. and Mill St., the mantra of Bentley's is that they "put the fun back in dys-fun-ctional".

Eric's Bar Eric's is four bars in one. If you're looking to play pool, Eric's has Aspen Billiards with regulation tables open until 2 a.m. The Cigar Bar smoking lounge offers a relaxed environment. For great Mexican fare, step on over to Su Casa's bar for a frosty Tecate or a superb margarita. For the most happening scene and cocktails, the main bar area (Eric's) is the place to be.

Shooter's This dance club is where the phat and sassy crowd hangs out. Saucy crowds and groovin' tunes, Shooter's is open until 2 a.m.

The Red Onion Aspen's oldest watering hole (since 1892), The Red Onion is where locals congregate for après and nightlife. Check out the historical photos of the legends of yesteryear in the dining room.

Whiskey Rocks This lush candlelit room is a perfect place to enjoy cocktails, conversation and unwind by the fire. From the owners of Los Angeles' fabulously hip Sky Bar, Randy Gerber brings Aspen Whiskey Rocks.

For a full listing of bars and restaurants click here.


 

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