Vestiges of “old Aspen” abound at BUCK (inhabiting the address of legendary dive Cooper Street Pier from 1973 to 2008): stained glass saved from the Crystal Palace, Red Onion bar tables laminated with retro ski passes, a stairway railing made of Smuggler Mine rail, and more than 100 pairs of vintage straight skis donated by locals. Revelers pack in for cheap drinks, decent $4 draft beer, and craveable pub fare, from a killer burger and a Southern fried chicken sandwich to lobster wontons and nightly $20 special entrees (Wagyu lasagna, prime rib). Saturdays showcase chef John “JJ” Harvey’s native Belizean-Jamaican cuisine. With just 52 seats and a clean, high-ceilinged, spacious feeling, BUCK is both billionaire-friendly and a boon to ski bums.

Opened in December across from the Aspen Art Museum, this sleek counter-service joint slings ramen bowls, soup dumplings, and an impressive single-serving sake selection. Run by local restaurant veterans—the name means “local” in Japanese—Jimoto’s lounge with couch seating and a record player is a chill spot for a neighborhood hang. Expansion plans may begin with menu additions: summertime poke bowls and chilled noodles. 

Located next to Paepcke Park with two outdoor dining terraces at ground level, the MOLLIE boutique hotel is anchored by a Gin & Luck (Death & Co)-operated restaurant and bar, which Kansas City native chef Jordan Hayes aims to turn into a dining destination through scratch cooking. Breakfast, après, dinner, and bar menus feature snacks (house-made Bavarian kielbasa and sauerkraut—among many pickled and preserved ingredients); thoughtful vegetable dishes (crispy roasted lion’s mane mushrooms with carrot-ginger puree and maple mustard); a $29 bar menu rib eye; and fresh pasta, focaccia, pastries, and cookies—the sweets are also available with sourdough bagels and San Francisco’s Sightglass Coffee at the cafe (a Main Street ordering window opens soon). Beside a petite rooftop pool with views of Aspen Mountain is a speakeasy bar lined with brick repurposed from the original Molly Gibson Lodge.

A fetching midwinter glow-up at the pedestrian mall corner of Wagner Park toasts to 20 years of Stranahan’s American single malt whiskey, famously founded in nearby Woody Creek. Moody tones balance wooden furniture and seductive lighting to make this jewel-box bar and restaurant feel timeless—much like the brand itself, as Colorado’s first licensed distillery post-Prohibition. Whiskey cocktails and limited editions exclusive to the property rule, and a hearty menu by chef Nick Ragazzo is worth special attention: crunchy pork schnitzel meatballs, deviled eggs with olive oil “caviar,” a soft pretzel “hot pocket” stuffed with beef brisket and Hatch chile, and the crispiest smashed potatoes to dip in beef-tallow vinaigrette. Steep in the classy Wild West atmosphere, and snag gifts for your closest boozehounds from a curated retail corner. 

Crowned by a giant neon pineapple that pulses rainbow colors to the beat of music—piña being the classic symbol of hospitality—this locally owned Taco Piña presents a vast menu of authentic Mexican fare (tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, carne asada, menudo, tamales) as well as Mex-fusion mash-ups (chimichangas, birria consommé with ramen noodles). Naturally, the tall, sweet fruit gets roasted as a topping, blended into vinaigrette, and pureed into spicy guava margaritas. Near Clark’s Market, the light, bright space with an open kitchen and dining bar also has a 12-seat semi-private room and caters events. Expect happy hour and daily specials, plus a robust breakfast menu launching in June with seasonal empanadas, pupusas, and “taco pancakes” filled with scrambled egg and chorizo. Olé!

A casual, Italian-ish lobby bar and restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, Hoffman House opened at the new Hoffman Hotel, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton property on Highway 82 across from Willits. An approachable menu, outdoor seating with views of Kodiak Lake, and occasional live music create a welcoming space for travelers and neighbors alike. 

Resurrecting the beloved Aspen pizzeria and game lounge that closed in 2020 due to downtown development, Ryno’s Pub + Pizzeria opened in Old Town in November. The menu presents all the fan favorites: specialty pizza (including by the slice); pub apps, sandwiches, salads, and pasta; an $8 kids’ menu; and a parade of arcade games, just like the original. 

Debuting last September, the Mountain Heart Brewing taproom on Dolores Way has become a local hot spot for its lovingly crafted IPAs, lagers, and fruited sour beers. On select nights, find Chef Cart by Robert McConnell (former executive chef at Steakhouse No. 316 in Aspen) and Ryan Baldwin, serving bao buns, banh mi, and other brew-friendly foods as rotating specials. 

A small but mighty menu of “bites” soak up seasonal spirits and cocktails (including new nonalcoholic quaffs and shrubs) crafted onsite at Marble Distilling. Cheese, bread, crudités, and fruit preserves bulk out the list, standouts being the warm artichoke-jalapeño dip with burnt-Parmesan crust and a “pick four” bruschetta board.