If you’ve never been to Aspen, think of it as an escape in the mountains where the trendiest restaurants from major cities like NYC, LA, Miami, and Austin are within walking distance of each other. The intimate downtown area includes designer shopping and curated boutiques, sprinkled in with art galleries and cozy hotels, all with the mountains as a backdrop.
It’s no surprise that Aspen attracts a jetsetter crowd. If you find yourself in Aspen and you’re looking for a place to enjoy good food and some people watching in your Kemo Sabe hat, this list has got you covered.
CARIBOU CLUB
As written in its Founder Letter, “It is quietly old-world and well-bred, like a vintage Bordeaux, but unassuming and comfortable like a Beaujolais.” The Caribou Club is a members-only private club and restaurant. It has attracted some VIPs, some celebrities, some models. It is the definition of see and be seen in an exclusive setting. Keep reading – here’s how you can still enjoy its warm winter chic décor, killer vibes, and dinner turned dancing atmosphere. (The DJ starts at 10:30PM nightly). A member can invite guests to enjoy dinner and dancing but the member must be present for dinner reservations. Don’t know a member but feel like splurging? The Caribou Club also offers temporary memberships for the week to allow you to enjoy its experience all week long during your stay in Aspen.
Maybe you’ve been to the Matsuhisa in LA or maybe you can’t resist stopping by Nobu in Malibu. If so, you’re more than familiar with the crowd it can attract, and Aspen has its own outpost of Nobu’s Matsuhisa for you to enjoy. The sushi is fresh and the food is delicious – it’s a meal that won’t disappoint. There is seating at the intimate sushi bar or dining at the grand dining room downstairs as well as main-level dining in a lounge atmosphere. (Note: the menu for dining downstairs vs upstairs differs but the quality does not). Much like the LA location, Matsuhisa in Aspen tends to be busy so recommendations are recommended.
SUSHI NAKAZAWA
Sushi Nakazawa is known for its high quality and preparation omakase. The location in Manhattan has gotten rave reviews and has earned a Michelin star, if that speaks to the level of quality. Chef Daikue Nakazawa is famous for having apprenticed under Jiro Ono (as in the Jiro of Jiro Dreams of Sushi documentary). The omakase is highly recommended at $185 per person but the restaurant also offers a menu of appetizers, sushi, and entrees. Recommendations are recommended while the temporary pop-up remains in Aspen.
HOTEL JEROME
The super sleek and chic Hotel Jerome offers a bistro, a new lobby bar, and the J-Bar. The warm colors, rich leather, and chic western accents create a true luxury ski lodge vibe. The roaring fireplaces and upscale yet welcoming make it hard to leave once you’re inside. It’s an iconic piece of Aspen and is a must when you are in town.
Betula is a modern space creating a differing kind of cozy-chic aesthetic in Aspen with its lighter air and outdoor/indoor layout. It feels like you are having dinner at a friend’s luxury home, creating an upscale yet welcoming atmosphere. There’s a bar area with indoor dining space, outdoor dining with modern fire pits, or a living room area with a DJ and a few additional tables. It’s the perfect spot for a fun dinner with a group.