Dining & Nightlife

Well over 100 old favorites mesh with fresh menus and new talent to provide enough culinary options to please any palate. Here's just a taste of what's cooking in Aspen:

• Longtime favorite Syzygy invokes a Los Angeles lounge feel while still serving up delicious plates like Colorado lamb from chef Martin Oswald. Upstairs, owner Walt Harris opened a more casual version of the restaurant called Ute City. (308 East Hopkins Ave.; 970-925-3700)

• Sushi and pan-Asian restaurant, Kenichi, has recently completed a $1.4. million renovation while also expanding the bar menu and updating the menu. (www.kenichiaspen.com; 533 East Hopkins Ave.; 970-920-2212)

• The world-renowned Italian restaurant Il Mulino New York opened an Aspen location in the new Residences at The Little Nell last fall. Known as one of New York's landmark dining institutions, Zagat readers have rated Il Mulino the top New York City Italian restaurant for more than two decades. (520 East Durant Ave.; 970.920.7272)

• L'Hostaria brings authentic Italian fare and ambience to the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It offers an extensive list of light appetizers, Carpaccio's, homemade pastas and sumptuous main dishes. (620 East Hyman Ave.; 970.920.9022) 

• Brexi, in the Dancing Bear Aspen features French-bistro fare. (620 East Hyman Ave.; 970.920.2510)

• Cache Cache's bar menu is a favorite among Aspen locals and visitors. Cache Cache features French bistro-style cuisine and an elegant yet comfortable ambience. (205 South Mill St.; 970.544.8248)

• Montagna in the opulent Little Nell hotel is under the masterful direction of executive chef Ryan Hardy, a 2008 James Beard nominee. Hardy grows produce and raises livestock on his 15-acre farm in addition to discovering local sources for his handcrafted foods. (675 E Durant Ave.; 970.920.6330)

• The Caribou Club. This private club serves up Aspen's best to Aspen's elite. Dining at the Club is legendary and available only to members or those sponsored by members. Weekly memberships are available for $500 per couple. (411 East Hopkins Ave.; 970.925.292; www.caribouclub.com)

• Pine Creek Cookhouse. Located 12 miles outside Aspen at the base of the Elk Mountain Range, the Cookhouse provides a gourmet dining experience in an authentic mountain atmosphere, complete with log cabin and wilderness surroundings. It is best known for creatively prepared, naturally raised game specialties. (11399 Castle Creek Rd; 970.925.1044)

• Jimmy's American Restaurant & Bar. With a sophisticated, "everybody knows your name" atmosphere and a traditional American surf-and-turf menu, Jimmy's is a consistent crowd pleaser. The restaurant also features more than 70 varieties of tequila and mezcal and a lively bar scene. (205 South Mill St.; 970.925.6020; www.jimmysaspen.com)

•Matsuhisa serves up mouthwatering sushi and Japanese dishes with fine wines and an extensive sake list. A member of the Nobu restaurant family, this establishment is always in demand. (303 East Main St.; 970.544.6628; www.matsuhisaaspen.com)

On the Go: For Those Looking to Save Money and Time

• Johnny McGuire's. This beloved Aspen deli has become a Colorado phenomenon, with monster sandwiches perfect for a picnic or a hike. (730 East Cooper Ave.; 970.920.9255 www.johnnymcguires.com)

• New York Pizza. Big thin-crust slices start at $3, so this Big Apple-style pizzeria is hard to beat for the budget-conscious, and it is open until 2 a.m. to satisfy the late-night crowd. (409 East Hyman St.; 970.920.3088)

• Boogie's Diner. A favorite for the kid in all of us, this 1950s-style diner offers some of the best sandwiches and milkshakes in town. (534 East Cooper Ave.; 970.925.6610)

• Hickory House. Unbeatable hearty breakfasts and famous baby back ribs put this local barbeque joint on Oprah's infamous list of her favorite things. (730 West Main St.; 970.925.23 www.hickoryhouseribs.com)

• Big Wrap. There is always a hungry crowd at this wrap and smoothie shop. Homemade vegan soups and fresh tacos add to the diverse wrap menu and daily specials. (520 East Durant Ave.; 970.925.4977)

After Dark. When the sun goes down, Aspen's social scene heats up. Whether you're looking for intimate live music, a quiet cocktail or exuberant crowds, Aspen's bars, watering holes and concert venues quench every craving.

• Belly Up Aspen rocks year-round with an eclectic mix of top headliners ranging from Mos Def to ZZ Top and everything in between. Its flawless sound system and intimate setting (accommodating only 450 guests) makes every show one to remember. (450 South Galena St.; 970.544.9800 www.bellyupaspen.com)

• Open-Air Performances. During the summer, Aspen is home to 750 music students participating in the Aspen Music Festival and School. Stroll through town and catch an impromptu performance as the music students practice their compositions. Wander over to the open-air Benedict Music Tent and take in an evening orchestra performance from the lawn.)

• Bad Billy's, in the former Cooper Street Pier space, is now a hot-bed for live, local music on the weekends and a great place to also catch the game. (508 East Cooper Ave.; 970.925.9225)

• 39 Degrees at The Sky Hotel, home an infamous outdoor pool scene, serves up chic cocktails like the Botox Martini and other creative concoctions. (709 East Durant Ave.; 970.925.6760)

• Eric's Bar, which spills into Aspen Billiards, The Cigar Bar and Su Casa, is the epicenter of Aspen's see-and-be-seen commotion. From the hip dance floor to the hazy smokers' haven, each quadrant offers a different vibe. (315 East Hyman Ave.; 970.920.6707

• Aspen Brewery, owned and operated by young Aspen locals, offers unique beers brewed on-site and served up in its quaint tasting room. (557 North Mill St.; 970.920.2739

• Zane's Tavern, tucked in a cozy corner of downtown Aspen, offers beers, cocktails, and an approachable bar atmosphere with the TVs all tuned to sports. (308 South Hunter St.; 970.544.9263

• Jimmy's, An American Restaurant & Bar clears the dining room and hosts sexy salsa dancing on Saturday nights.