Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Aspen

I took my daughter out for dinner to celebrate a recent award she received. The waitress asked us if we were celebrating a special occasion & we told her we were she congratulated my daughter & surprised us with 2 glasses of champagne! We thought that was very special!

The food was very good and a lot more creative than the food at the better restaurants in the Vail/Beaver Creek area. It is not cheap. But worth it for special oxassions. We enjoy talking to the staff. Everyone of them were bright, cheerful, interesting and competent.

We have lived in the valley for approximately 13 years. We have developed the list of go to restaurants that are our favorites. We have not strayed from the list until recently. About a month ago I decided I wanted to try several restaurants that have been around for a while that we have never gone to. PARC Aspen is one of the two. We were greatly surprised at the quality of the restaurant on our first visit. The entire experience was excellent. We went back again yesterday and we have the same feeling. This restaurants now being added a list of go to places. They are both a very nice outdoor patio when weather permits and a beautiful restaurant inside. The ambience, service, food are all excellent.

This was our first night in Aspen, the drinks were outstanding as well as the service. We had the salmon Curry which was delicious. Server was excellent, attentive, and professional.

What a great day. We drove up to Ashcroft with another couple to see the gorgeous leaves turning to fall colors, and took a nice long walk up to the Pine Creek Cookhouse before lunch. We were greeted by a delightful host who asked if we still wanted to eat outside, as we had requested that in our reservation. We walked out and were seated there, but quickly discovered it to be too cold and windy. When we told her we had changed our mind, she gladly accommodated at an inside table. Our server, Maya was absolutely charming. She immediately took our drink order, then gave us just the right amount of time to explore the fabulous menu before asking for our order. Several suggestions she made were right on point. We had been to the Cookhouse many times before, but somehow hadn't made it up there this summer. The views were exceptional, as always and the food was divine. I would call this "Upscale Local" cuisine with fun menu items like the Rocky Mountain Elk Brats, Grilled Salmon BLT, Ruby Red Trout, delicious Tomato Parmesan Soup and fabulous salads, with multiple protein options including salmon, shrimp or steak. We all commented upon leaving that we need to come back here more often!!