14 Aspen Restaurants with Outdoor Seating

With the leaves changing and the weather cooling down, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the gorgeous weather with outdoor dining

Fall is in the air, which means it’s the perfect time to enjoy the beautiful Aspen outdoors. You might not be able to travel to Europe right now, but taking advantage of patio dining will make you feel like you’re on vacation. Dining outdoors is a great way to elevate your evening, and with breathtaking mountain views and fresh Colorado air, Aspen is home to a bountiful array of restaurants. Regardless of what occasion you are celebrating, here are some of the best restaurants in Aspen with outdoor seating.

 

French Alpine Bistro - Crêperie du Village

Nothing makes a romantic date night quite like fondue—so enjoy this blissfully delicious experience at French Alpine Bistro. This family-owned French restaurant lets you indulge in authentic French cuisine while soaking in a romantic and intimate atmosphere on their outdoor patio. Their extensive menu includes French classics, such as escargots en brioche, pates du jour, and gourmet selections of fondue. Be sure to try their deluxe cheese fondue, where you can also add freshly-shaved truffles. Regardless of which menu item you choose, you’re in for a treat. 

 

Element 47

Tucked inside The Little Nell, Element 47 specializes in serving up American classics with a Colorado twist. Their menu has a diverse and flavorful array of items available, from local Wagyu beef to housemade pasta and seasonal produce. Element 47 prioritizes using local, fresh, and organic ingredients. Those who enjoy wine can experience a private cellar tasting hosted by one of the restaurant’s sommeliers. With an inviting atmosphere, outdoor dining, and top-tier customer service, an evening at Element 47 is worth every moment. 

 

The Wild Fig

The Wild Fig is adored for its European aesthetic and intimate atmosphere. Serving Mediterranean cuisine from Spain, France, Italy, and Greece, this wildly popular restaurant has something for everyone. The charming and welcoming environment extends to both their indoor and outdoor dining areas. Their cocktail menu showcases creative and unique cocktails, such as the Fig and Olive and rhubarb gin and tonic. With a candlelit dinner, this elegant dining experience is one you don’t want to miss out on.

The Monarch 

It’s hard to beat a perfectly-prepared steak—lucky for you, you can experience it at Aspen’s own The Monarch. Their decadent menu serves top-tier, mouthwatering dishes, including game such as bison fillet, braised rabbit poutine, and seared tuna. Those who are gluten intolerant can take advantage of their gluten-free options. You can elevate your evening with a cocktail, glass of wine, or beer from their extensive international beer list while dining on one of their cozy outdoor tables. As one of the most sought-after steakhouses in the city, be sure to book reservations in advance to guarantee an unforgettable evening. 

 

Meat & Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop

If you’re someone who enjoys all things cheese, meat, and bread, then we’ve got the perfect place for you. Located on a restaurant row in Aspen, Meat & Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop first opened its doors in 2014. As part of the Avalanche Cheese Company, this well-loved Aspen specialty is a hybrid between a food store and a restaurant. Looking for the perfect set-up for a picnic? Want ingredients to create an amazing charcuterie board while having some friends over? The culinary team at the Farm Shop can help you select the best elements for a gourmet spread. To make it even easier, you can stop by and grab a platter and gift baskets. While dining al fresco here, you can enjoy meals from their flavorful and bold menu—all created using sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients.

 

Pyramid Bistro 

Being conscious of what you eat is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Deemed as the first nutritarian restaurant, Pyramid Bistro makes it easy to make healthy decisions when it comes to the food you eat. While the restaurant encourages a whole plant-based diet, you can also find meat and fish selections. Their menu consists of soups, salads, freshly-squeezed juices, stir fry, and fish and fowl specials. Be sure to try their gluten-free and vegan carrot, Turkish apricot, and macadamia cake for dessert—a truly rich way to end your meal! 

 

The White House Tavern

The White House Tavern is all about their gourmet sandwiches, which can be enjoyed on their outdoor patio. This hole-in-the-wall Aspen restaurant allows you to breathe in the crisp Colorado air while viewing the mountains in the distance. Try their French dip sandwich or a shareable side of their Peruvian chicken meatballs or kale salad. With a savory menu, delicious cocktails, and a charming atmosphere, you can have an authentic Colorado experience right here. 

 

L’Hostaria Ristorante 

Food is a form of art at Aspen’s L’Historia Ristorante. This eatery has been serving authentic Italian cuisine for the past 23 years. With each dish carefully prepared with extraordinary detail, L’Hostaria Ristorante focuses on using old-fashioned cooking techniques. With an elegant outdoor patio, live music, and delicious dishes, this family-owned restaurant is beloved by visitors and locals alike. Their menu features bold and innovative flavors highlighting the best of Italian dishes, from carpaccio to pasta. Regardless of which dish you choose, there’s something to satisfy every craving.  

 

Jimmy’s

Established in 1997, Jimmy’s is well-loved for their innovative and creative American classics, among other equally tantalizing options. Some of their most popular items include Jimmy’s Famous Crab Cakes, Jimmy’s Meatloaf, truffle fries, and mixed greens and burrata salad. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or are simply looking to enjoy an evening out, Jimmy’s is dedicated to making their customers feel right at home. Jimmy’s values sustainability, from commercial composting to a digital wine list to recycled pens and paper. This restaurant gives you the opportunity to enjoy an exciting spin on American classics, support a local business, and commit to maintaining a sustainable lifestyle.

 

Home Team BBQ

It’s hard to beat some Southern barbecue! Traveling to the South might not be on the table at the moment, but at Home Team BBQ, you can have a taste of the best. This Aspen staple has been serving up authentic Southern barbecue since first opening its doors in 2006. Whether you’re craving pulled pork or a rack of ribs, you can get that—and much more—here. With a bar and outdoor tables, Home Team BBQ is a popular spot to enjoy a date or night out with your friends. After getting your fill of barbecue, be sure to try their highly sought-after frozen Irish coffee. 

 

Bosq

Nestled across from Wagner Park in Aspen, Bosq is known for its intimate atmosphere, thoughtful menu, and cocktail bar serving some of the tastiest drinks in town. Their inviting patio allows you to soak in beautiful surroundings—mountains in the distance and the chance to have a romantic dinner during sunset. Carefully crafted by Chef C. Barclay Dodge, their menu utilizes local and fresh ingredients. Some of their most popular staple items include Peking duck, rabbit confit, and chocolate ganache s’mores for dessert. As one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the area, you’ll want to be sure to book reservations. 

 

Matsuhisa

Located on Main Street in Aspen, Matsuhisa can be found in a 120-year old Victorian house. First opened in 1998, Chef Nobu’s new-style Japanese cuisine incorporates elements from the chef’s life abroad. Popular dishes include yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno and black cod miso, among other inventive and original selections. With an outdoor patio, you’ll look forward to experiencing an incredible meal here. 

 

Clark’s Oyster Bar

Located in a chic Aspen neighborhood, this upbeat and eclectic restaurant aims to please. Clark’s Oyster Bar features a vast menu with an assorted variety of fresh fish, lobster rolls, and pan-roasted hamburgers—they even have a raw bar! Launched in 2018, Clark’s has an open kitchen and a charming outdoor dining area. Stop by for happy hour seven days a week from 3 to 5 PM and grab a classic martini—or two!