In search of a quick lunch before leaving town, we happened by Boogie’s Diner and thought it looked cute and might have some good lunch items. It was generally a disappointment. There was a wait to be seated in the diner area upstairs which is very convenient given there is a large retail apparel area on the ground floor. There was not much in the way of clothing that people over 30 would be interested in wearing! The theme is a 50s diner, with formica tables and walls filled with endless graduation pictures of geeky people from a long time ago! Needless to say, it’s a concept that doesn’t appeal to me greatly, as well as being pretty much overdone these days.
It was very hot inside because of the large skylights. When we were seated after about 10 minutes, we had a friendly server dressed kind of in 50s-style. We were served quickly and pleasantly, which at least made the whole meal from being a complete disaster. I had a turkey melt sandwich which I wasn’t terribly pleased with. It was thick with dry turkey breast and the bread fell apart after a few bites. My husband had a hamburger which he liked – can’t do much to a plain burger, I guess! The prices do not reflect the 1950s for sure… most sandwiches were close to ten dollars. The ladies' room was pretty dirty as well, something that really makes me hate a restaurant!
I guess people do like the nostalgia of the décor and the type of food on the menu, but I cannot recommend Boogie’s Diner as a great place for great food. Cheaper and better nostalgia isn’t that hard to find!
Favorite Dish: Of the two meals that we were served, my husband said his hamburger was good. Of course, he likes his burgers plain, with just onions and mustard, so I'm not sure there are many places that can mess that up!
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 524 E. Cooper Ave, Aspen, CO
Phone: (970) 925-6610
This place is where I spent the most time off the hill. Whether stopping in for breakfast coffee and pastry, or for lunch at their outdoor tables facing the mountain; you must visit Zele's.
Zele's has two locations in Aspen. One is called Zele's Cafe which serves meals and has outside tables . The other location called Zele's New Music Cafe, is smaller and doesn't serve any meals. It's more of a music store with coffee on the side. There is a live music, as well as a D.J. who blends smooth New Age tunes through the speakers.
A great side benefit of both Zele locations is that they offer free wireless for your computer.
Favorite Dish: Their organic coffees are wonderful. They are grown without synthetic herbicides, insecticides, or fertilizers.
They also have lots of yummy sandwiches, soups and salads.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 121 South Galena St.
Phone: (970) 925-5745
Can't wait to see the Menu for this New Restaurant. It's Motto is "good junk bad junk" I think it will be leaning towards organic with healthy options and probably unhealthy options as well. The locals in Aspen are a little apprehensive. This has been a favorite watering hole for years and we are a little worried with what big money and ego will do to the "World Famous Red Onion". As long as the prices aren't all as steep as the real estate we may welcome it into your hearts. We all want to of course because the boards on the windows for the last 2 years have us thinking that she may have given up the ghost.
Updated Nov 27, 2008
Address: 420 E. Cooper Ave. Aspen, Colorado 81611
Website: http://www.eataspen.com
Located in Ashcroft - an old ghost town 20 minutes from Aspen. In winter months you can only reach the restaurant by cross country skiing or a sleigh ride. The cabin is very cozy and the food is outstanding. It is not for the budget traveler, however, worth every penny!
Favorite Dish: The Elk Tenderloin
Written Oct 8, 2008
Address: Ashcroft
Wraps, Salads and smoothies to go that won't put a dent in your wallet
Favorite Dish: Too hard to settle on just one. A few of my favorites: To Thai For - grilled chicken, jasmine rice, black beans, cabbage salad and peanut sauce in a tortilla. What's up Doc - hummus, greek veggies, and yogurt sauce in a tortilla.
Written Oct 8, 2008
Address: Durant Street
Sabra's popped up in the summer of 2008 in the space previously occupied by bagel bites. Definitely a sunny brighter side of life with the change.
Favorite Dish: I have only had the chance to try the Falafel so far. It was the perfect comfort food. Next I try the Hummus plate...
Updated Aug 25, 2008
Address: 300 Puppy Smith St. Aspen by Clarks Market
Phone: 970-920-3489
Website: www.eataspen.com
Some of the restaurants that have closed over the last five years: Motherlode, Red Onion (original), Blue Maize, The Golden Horn (short lived attempt at a revival), Merlin's, and La Cocina. Hopefully we don't have to add any more to the list, but you can comment any other updates.
Favorite Dish: Red Onion was the best with 10 cent chicken wings for Monday Night Football.
Written May 30, 2008
Address: Aspen, Colorado
Website: http://www.foodieaspen.com/index.php/dining-list
If you want to throw down Aspen style bring your plastic. This is not the best town to be dining on a shoestring. The restaurants should all be considered local, with the exception of a couple chains - the best part being that most staff is friendly and outgoing. There are many fine dining places to hit up: Cache Cache, Dish, Matsuhisa, Jimmy's, and many more. If you are on a tighter budget, try the menus at Hickory House, Cantina, or Little Annie's.
Favorite Dish: Dish - lobster corn dogs, Matshuhusa - yellowtail jalepeno, Jimmy's - surf and turf, Cantina - variety of ceviches.
Updated May 12, 2008
Address: Main and Mill
Website: http://www.foodieaspen.com
There's no place like Woody Creek Tavern anywhere else in the world. The local ambience will be a breath of fresh air compared to the high end restaurants in Aspen. The wait staff is friendly and down to earth, not impressed by high glamour or the pretense of a typical "Aspenite". Go to Woody Creek to kick back and enjoy a variety of foods from Southwestern style cuisine to burgers, to finger licking ribs! The portions are huge here so be sure to bring an appetite. The locals say that there are several regular "celebrities" who frequent the tavern
Favorite Dish: The fire roasted chicken will fall of the bone with so much flavor that you will crave it at least once a week!
Written Feb 26, 2007
It was SO nice that the first place we decided to eat in Aspen was Brunelleschi's Pizza. The atmosphere was a touch low key and the service was outstanding. (At the end of the meal our waiter even gave us advice on where to park for free in town - which let me tell you is a secret in itself.)
The menu was extensive and included a great assortment of pizza pies and salads. There was much to chose from for our dining experience.
The biggest trick is finding the place as there is no sign on the street, and it is next to a more stuffy Italian restaurant. If you don't see the earth oven you are in the wrong place. If you are in Aspen, check this place out for a casual meal and friendly service.
Favorite Dish: The calzones were great. With a very thin crust and a wonderful fresh assortment of veggies inside you just couldn't go wrong.
Although the prices were a touch above average, that's just Aspen for you and with this eatery I feel you get excellent food for the cost.
Written Sep 23, 2006
Address: 205 S. Mill St., Unit 226
Phone: 970.544.4644
Sponsored Links
2 Reviews and 216 Opinions I worked in this fabulous place for 4 months, It was a nice experience, I met artists and i felt I...
1 Review and 85 Opinions What a great, reasonably-priced hotel, just blocks away from the best of downtown Aspen, or the base...
1 Review and 144 Opinions Fair. Right on the main street - and kind of oddly laid out - so that you have to walk along the...
Reviews and photos of Aspen attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Aspen sightseeing.

It was SO nice that the first place we decided to eat in Aspen was Brunelleschi's Pizza. The atmosphere was a touch low key and the service was outstanding. (At...
46 members live in Aspen

Q: Hi, I will travel to Snowmass early February 2008 with my daugther (5 years old). She does not speak English (we are...

A: due to the large quantity of brazilians coming to aspen/snowmass, there are many instructors who speak portuguese. they may be native brasileiros or argentinos or from...
Read 2 Replies
1

Located high in the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 7,815 feet, Aspen sits 200 miles southwest of Denver. Aspen's recorded history goes back about 120 years. Our first known residents were the Ute...
2
Aspen - Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

I took a scouting trip to Aspen this weekend. The annual Jazz Aspen brought Natalie Cole to town. Natalie is one of my all time favorites, so I booked a hotel room and took the three hour drive from...
3
Aspen and Carbondale, whirlwind trip

The quaking aspen woods of independence pass were the first place I headed for after getting off the plane in Aspen. It is amazing how quickly you can get away from the crowds of aspen city - and how...
4

My mother and I just pose after getting off the Elk Camp Lift at Snowmass Mountain. The beautiful Maroon Bells are in the background. Our family has visited aspen yearly since I was a child, there's...
5

Most think of Aspen as a place to visit in winter months. Although the town boasts four great mountains to ski on, summer and fall can be just as exciting and beautiful. Fishing, camping, white water...
Build your own Aspen page
Sponsored Links