Halfway through a bustling workday, take a break at one of these five Aspen lunch spots. From fresh pasta dishes to light spring salads, these meals will give you the motivation to power through an afternoon slump.
White House Tavern
Pristine burgers, craft cocktails and sandwiches are served against the backdrop of Gothic architecture at this Aspen lunch spot. The Tavern’s crispy chicken sandwich, topped with swiss, tomato and spicy slaw, makes for a filling treat between work meetings and office hustle. Small, shareable plates like Peruvian chicken meatballs and smoked trout dip are remarkable bites that warrant an escape from the office. 302 E. Hopkins Ave., 970.925.1007, aspenwhitehouse.com
Meat & Cheese
This hybrid, specialty foods marketplace and restaurant is just around the corner from White House Tavern. The menu features locally sourced and sustainably-raised foods, which can also be purchased in the farm shop to snack on later. Plates include savory bites like a mushroom French dip sandwich and Vietnamese chicken salad with glass noodles. However, the must-try Meat & Cheese items are the selection of charcuterie boards served with house-cured meats. 319 E. Hopkins Ave., 970.710.7120, meatcheese.avalancheaspen.com
Element 47
Tucked inside the Little Nell, Element 47 is a go-to spot for contemporary cuisine. Their lunch menu comes with an assortment of wines and elevated cocktails to accompany a mouthwatering entree — picture a manhattan paired with a wagyu cheesesteak. A lighter lunchtime option, the aromatic kale salad, is made with winter squash, dates, creamy goat cheese and curried cashews. 675 E. Durant Ave., 970.920.6330, thelittlenell.com
TORO Kitchen & Lounge
Contemporary Latin bites and shared plates can be found in this high-end, rustic chalet, located at Aspen’s Viceroy Snowmass. Executive Chef Alberto Figueroa sources his flavor-packed meals and ingredients from local Aspen farms like Milagro Ranch. One of TORO's specialties, the chipotle miso salmon, is served with a quinoa stir fry and creamy sweet potato puree, which takes the edge off of the spicy chipotle flavor.130 Wood Rd., Snowmass Village, 970.923.8008, viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
Mezzaluna
Traditional Italian dishes and an extensive selection of wine make up this swanky dining spot. Start off lunch with a serving of truffle fries or Mezzaluna’s giant calamari. Main entrees include the choice of wood-fired thin-crust pizzas, pasta or handhelds like the chicken and basil pesto panini. Mezzaluna’s popular meal is their spaghettini that exudes flavors of emulsified shallots, juicy tomatoes and roasted garlic. 624 E. Cooper Ave., 970.925.5882, mezzalunaaspen.com
Photography by: Luisa Brimble; Unsplash
