Fries and a bahn mi sandwich at Aspen Snowmass

Summer Restaurant Guide

Whether it's the simple prospect of eating outside under the Rocky Mountain sun, or enjoying the freshest possible Colorado ingredients from Western Slope farms, diners know this is the best season for good eating.

On-mountain, at the base, or in town, find your ideal meal.

Aspen Snowmass celebrates good food year-round, but there is a certain kind of joy to our restaurants and the dining scene in general when the days get long.

Aspen's world-class dining scene and Snowmass Village's thriving new heart combine to give diner's hundreds of options. Below is a quick introduction, starting with lunch and après spots you can enjoy on the mountain, as well as some treasured places to savor the season's bounty across the Roaring Fork Valley.

Where to Dine Al Fresco

Want to feel the warm Colorado sun while you dine on the best Aspen and Snowmass has to offer? Be sure to also check out our exclusive guide to outdoor summer dining options.

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On Mountain

Both Aspen Mountain and Snowmass are operational in the summer, offering hiking trails, mountain biking (at Snowmass), disc golf and spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery in all directions. At the top of each mountain's gondola you will find these two restaurants serving lunch and drinks through the afternoon.

Elk Camp

Located at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola, the Elk Camp Restaurant shines a light on local Colorado ingredients, as well as American cuisine and healthy options. Enjoy a lengthy selection of beverages from the expansive deck. Mountain bike trails, disc golf, the Breathtaker and the Lost Forest are all just steps away.

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Sundeck

The Sundeck always lives up to its name, but especially in summer. Take the Silver Queen Gondola up to the top of Aspen Mountain, order from any of the gourmet dining stations, and then take in the priceless views from the patio.

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Aspen Food & Wine Classic

Few culinary events in America come close to the cachet of the Aspen Food & Wine Classic, which is held in mid-June each year in Aspen's Wagner Park. Meet the latest winner of Top Chef, taste the latest culinary trends, samples fine wines and attend a variety of seminars ... all while bumping into a who's who of superstars.

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At the Base

Ajax Tavern

Situated at the base of Aspen Mountain, Ajax Tavern is world-famous for its après-ski scene, but in summer, the vibe is noticeably more mellow. Enjoy seasonal cuisine and a world-class wine list with up-close views of the mountain.

Element 47

Renowned for its top-flight service and acclaimed wine program, Element 47 dazzles in the summer with fresh ingredients sourced from nearby Colorado farms and ranches, as well as a lovely view over the garden.

Limelight Lounge Aspen

You could call the Lounge "Aspen's living room." Locals and visitors alike have come to enjoy the Lounge's distinctive mellow mix of small plates, delicious entrées and wood-fired pizzas complemented by live music.

Limelight Lounge Snowmass

Overlooking the Snowmass Base Village plaza, the Limelight Lounge at the Limelight Hotel Snowmass offers a prime place for après drinks and wood-fired pizza. The Lounge regularly hosts live music.

In Town

Dining out in Aspen means one thing: options. For many years now, the small Colorado mountain town has boasted of a dining scene reminiscent of a major city in terms of quality. In summer, patios along Cooper and Hyman Avenues as well as Galena Street are filled with laughing diners enjoying the long daylight hours and exquisite culinary offerings.

Not to be missed is Snowmass Village. While quieter than Aspen, the quality of Snowmass Village's restaurants is top-notch.

Learn more about these dining scenes from our friends at the Aspen Resort Chamber Association and Snowmass Tourism via the links below.

Aspen Restaurants

Snowmass Village Dining, Snowmass Village, Colorado

Snowmass Village Restaurants