I just got back from an extended time in Aspen and I was inspired to share my favorites with you. My husband and I decided to spend the last licks of summer in Aspen before heading into our busy Fall season, and to escape the extreme heat of Miami. Aspen has this pull that’s hard to explain, it’s mountains and fresh air, yes, but it’s also a scene. I love the blend, you can not get better than breathtaking nature and some Hermes on the side. You can be in ski gear or hiking boots one minute and Prada the next. The town is so quaint and my secret is, come in the summer, that is the best time of year, IMO of course.
Here’s where I eat, shop, and soak up the art when I’m in town.
Where to Eat
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White House Tavern – Don’t let the casual vibe fool you, that is actually the charm. This is the spot for a low-key but incredible lunch. The fried chicken sandwich is practically Aspen legend, I also love the chicken meatballs, kale salad and the devilled eggs are a thing.
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Clarke’s – An outpost from the famous Austin location, and this is what you need to know, lobsterrolls, mussels and seafood. It’s a buzzy scene with classic incredible food, you can not go wrong and it is a must reservation. Do me a favor and order the lobster roll, if you are a fan, this is one of the best I have had, and those are bold words comig from a Long Island girl. Their lobster roll is big chunks of tail meat, no filler. Get the shoestring fries on the side, crispy, just how they should be!
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Casa Tua – Cozy, candlelit, and chic, this is the mountain outpost from Miami. It is like being transported to a private ski chalet in the Italian Alps. The food is elegant, the crowd is international, and the whole place just hums with that Aspen energy of people who know how to live. My must orders? The whole branzino, nut crusted salmon appetizer, the eggplant parm is one of my favorites and CERTAINLY get the pistachio gelato for dessert!
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Monarch Steakhouse – Old-school in the best way. It’s dark wood, strong cocktails, and perfectly cooked steak. You go here when you want to do Aspen “classic”, power dinner style, where the room feels just as important as the food. Highly recommend the table side caesar salad, the Bison burger, the steaks and DO NOT FORGET the sticky toffee pudding for dessert.
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Matsuhisa – My favorite! I always have to go when I am in town in Aspen or in Vail. They are equally fantastic, and they also have an outpost in Denver if you happen to be spending a night there on your way in or out. This is Nobu’s mountain cousin, and still one of the hardest tables to get. It’s sushi, yes, but also people-watching, scene-making, and catching up on who’s in town. Somehow the new style of salmon sashimi (my absolute fave) tastes even better at altitude. Oh, and never, and I mean NEVER, forget the crispy rice! My husband loves the chicken Udon which is perfect to arm up with. And, you will most likely be able to catch a celeb sighting here.
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Catch – This is the place to go for steaks and a party energy vibe.
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Snow Lodge – Après-ski elevated. It’s music, cocktails, and a very specific Aspen crowd that mixes locals with international names. If you want to feel like you’ve officially “arrived,” this is where you post up after skiing.
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Mountain Social – Inside the St. Regis, it’s exactly where you want to end up by the fire. It feels cinematic in winter, snow outside, a quiet buzz inside, like the whole world has slowed down, but the summer is complete perfection too. I have to say the Caesar Salad here is maybe one of the best I have ever had.
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Meat & Cheese – A must go for lunch, incredible salads, sandwiches and of course, cheeseboards and charcuterie. You would think it is completely opposite of scene-y, and that’s the charm but there are lines to get in and you will see many people you know here. It has a local, artisanal, and warm vibe that is perfect, the fried chicken bites are insane as well as the Birria Quesadilla, and in the winter, the ramen is great!
Where to Shop
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Re/Done – I love popping in for denim that feels broken in but perfectly cut. It’s one of those places that makes basics feel like luxury. The vintage one of a kind Levi pieces are always what I have my eye on.
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The Elder Statesman – Cashmere but playful. This is where you go if you want a sweater that feels like Aspen, cozy, colorful, with a little wink. It’s impossible to leave without something you’ll wear forever. I actually scooped up the perfect oversized T shirt, perfectly boxy yet with the ideal drape, which can be hard to find.
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Etc. Jewelry – This boutique is like stumbling into someone’s personal jewelry box. The store has all of the best jewelry brands.
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Prada – Aspen Prada hits differently, trust. The store itself is beautiful and has a total ski chalet vibe, I love even just walking in, but what's better? They have an exclusive buy meaning you can find exclusive to Aspen pieces. And you know how I feel about Prada, it is my favorite. This last trip I scooped up some perfect grey beige zip up chunky chelsea boots which will be perfect for the fall.
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Hermès – Always worth the stop. A scarf, a belt, even just the boots, Hermès against snow feels cinematic. It’s a store you go into knowing you’ll see something you didn’t know you needed.
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Aviator Nation – Elevated loungewear with a retro twist. Perfect when ski gear feels too heavy but you still want to look cool running around town. For some reason Aviator Nation gives me the 70’s vibes that I love, the store has a limited selection but worth stopping in for some cozies.
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Kemo Sabe – You can’t leave Aspen without at least trying on a hat here. Western, but with an edge. Get it customized and it instantly becomes a forever souvenir.
The Art Scene
Aspen has this undercurrent of art that keeps it from being just another ski town. The Aspen Art Museum is always worth a visit—architecturally striking, with shows that feel more global than local. Then there are the smaller galleries, like Marianne Boesky’s Aspen space, that bring in work you’d expect to see in New York or London. Even just walking around town, you’ll notice sculptures tucked into corners, murals, little surprises. It gives the whole place an edge, like the mountains are the frame but the art is what fills it.
I love that Aspen has a rugged meets sleek city feel, it’s filled with nature but refined, cozy and chic with a local and international crowd, for me, summer is where it is at though.
Trust me, the summer is when you should go!
xx DK
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