The Essential Spots For Colorado Mountain Dining, Summer 2023 Edition

Aspen

The first Black-owned restaurant in Aspen, Mawa’s Kitchen comes from James Beard Award semifinalist chef Mawa McQueen. The bold Afro-Mediterranean flavors are on full display at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and if you need a pick-me-up on a hot afternoon, drop in for a watermelon agua fresca. Pro tip for our plant-based friends: Mawa’s offers a full vegan menu. 

Located on the top floor of the Collective Building, the newly opened Mawita is at the heart of it all in Snowmass Village. Mawa McQueen’s latest project is a dream of a Latin-inspired menu with an African twist, focusing on tapas, tacos, mole, and mezcal-forward cocktails. 

Count on Hotel Jerome to execute a pitch-perfect al fresco setup. With direct views of Aspen Mountain, seasonal flowers in full bloom, and plenty of umbrellas for shade, this is outdoor dining at its best. The menu features herbs and flowers from the hotel’s own garden, so you’re in for a colorful meal. 

Right around the corner from the Silver Queen Gondola, Element 47 is the ideal stop after coming down the mountain (from an afternoon hike or game of frisbee golf, perhaps?). Should you be in the market for snacks rather than a full meal, the menu offers a range of bar bites. Because it’s part of the Little Nell, you know the wine list will be exceptional, so be sure to order at least one glass. 

Bear Den is one of the best places in town to cozy up on a winter day, but we love it just as much this time of year. The French-inspired menu always delivers on comfort, with dishes like traditional Alsatian pizza, bison Bolognese, and fried samosas with curry ketchup. Save room for the ‘chocolate fuel.’ 

Ajax Tavern may have the apres-ski scene down pat, but their sun-drenched, mountainside patio is the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon, too. The menu here is small but full of hits, and you can’t go wrong with their much-loved wagyu double cheeseburger and truffle fries. 

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Prospect occupies a stately space in the Hotel Jerome. Come with a crew to take advantage of larger entrees that are perfect for sharing — hello, slow-roasted short ribs. Pro tip: Book a garden table to enjoy your meal al fresco, with full views of Aspen Mountain. 

Head to Clark’s if you’re craving seafood and good vibes. Their all-day menu boasts oysters and caviar, overflowing lobster rolls, and daily fish specials. Clark’s has one of the best happy hours in town, with half-priced burgers, martinis, and 50 cent-off oysters. 

For reservations, call 970-710-2546.

Telluride

Texas natives Matthew Arnold and Kevin Bush dreamed of opening a ramen shop, but knew it had to integrate the flavors of their home state. Wood Ear is their solution, offering up smokehouse classics with Asian inspiration: think grilled brisket nigiri and hill country ramen. Pair it all with a cocktail (there are over 100 varieties of whiskey on the menu) and you’re in for one very special meal.

If there’s a line out the door at this beloved local joint, fear not: It moves quickly, and the homemade baked goods are a worthwhile reward. Pop in for a breakfast sandwich made on thick sourdough toast, best enjoyed while people watching on the bench out front. 

No reservations. More info here. 

Frisco

A crown jewel of Summit County, Tavern West boasts a deck with spectacular views of Mt. Royal. Come for local twists on beloved classics — think Rocky Mountain Bolognese and wood-grilled lamb chops — and remember: No order is complete without a round of truffled tater tots.  

At this quaint German beer hall nestled on Main Street, you can enjoy your pick of Bavarian brews. The food menu is sausage-focused, with a section devoted entirely to exotic varietals — would you go for elk jalapeño cheddar or venison bacon and huckleberry? 

No reservations. More info here.