When it comes to comfort foods, mac and cheese is the obvious go-to, but we consider variety the spice of life. The following restaurants serve up some of our favorite feel-good foods, with nary a noodle in sight.

Wild Mushroom Parisian Gnocchi
The Monarch
Who goes to a steak house to eat pasta? Those in the know, if said restaurant is The Monarch. Made with pâte à choux paste rather than potatoes, these pillowy dumplings are boiled, then pan-fried and finished with beurre blanc and roasted wild mushrooms. Showered with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, it’s a decadent side when paired with a prime cut of meat but also hearty enough to eat on its own. 411 S Monarch St, 970-925-2838

Whole Roasted Chicken
Cache Cache
This juicy rotisserie bird (from Boulder Natural Meats) is meant to be shared. A favorite among hungry locals, it comes drizzled with herbed virgin olive oil and is served with pommes frites and sautéed greens. It’s the perfect way to end a day on the slopes; just add wine. 205 S Mill St, 970-925-3835

Forbidden Black Rice Porridge 
Local Coffee House
One of Aspen’s newest purveyors of caffeine also does righteous breakfasts. We’re especially smitten with this rich, creamy dish made with nutty, slightly sweet rice cooked in cinnamon-infused coconut and almond milks and garnished with nuts and berries. 614 E Cooper Ave, 970-880-1379

Meatball Sandwich 
Annette’s Mountain Bake Shop
Far from his native Calabria, Italy, Serafino “Fino” Docimo makes the meatball recipe of his youth, using a blend of pork and veal mixed with breadcrumbs, currants, and fat slivers of garlic. Served on house-baked bread slathered with marinara, it’s heated in a sandwich press until the provolone is gooey. Hands-down, this is one of the best sandwiches in town. 420 E Hyman Ave, 970-544-1806

Green Chile Chicken Stew
The Stew Pot
This cozy eatery on the Snowmass Mall, just a short stroll from the slopes, frequently offers this warm-you-to-the-bones special. Soulful with a slow burn, it’s loaded with chunks of chicken (or sometimes pork) and it will leave you satisfied, not stuffed. 62 Elbert Ln, Snowmass Village, 970-923-2263