PHOTO BY MAE MU M/UNSPLASH
There’s nothing quite as comforting and inviting as a local bakery. Lucky for us, Aspen is sprinkled with baked brilliance all around.
Louis Swiss Pastry
Since 1941, this Aspen staple has consistently provided excellent, fresh pastries and custom cakes. For gluten-free customers craving a sweet treat, Louis Swiss Pastry is a godsend—think rice brownies, assorted minipies, almond horns and coconut macaroons. Other sweet and savory pastries, such as bear claws, empanadas and croissants filled with spinach and feta, are made every day, but be sure to stop by early before the goods sell out. 400 Aspen Airport Business Center, 970.925.8592, louisswisspastry.com
Paradise Bakery & Cafe
Locally owned and operated since 1981, Paradise is a true Aspen landmark for all things sweet. Bestselling cookies, such as caramel pecan and oatmeal chocolate chip, can be bought by the dozen. Behind the counter, blueberry cream-cheese croissants, blondies, pumpkin-nut muffins and an assortment of gelato await patrons. The cafe’s signature raspberry mocha latte is best enjoyed with a raspberry bar fresh from the oven. 320 S. Galena St., 970.925.7585, paradisebakeryaspen.com
Baker’s Table
This Aspen cakery is owned and operated by chef Tamara Ferro, the former executive pastry chef at Hotel Jerome. Baker’s Table specializes in cakes and cupcakes for all occasions, offering customizations based on size, tiers and decorations. Standouts include the espresso- and chocolate-infused mocha cake and the funfetti cake, decorated with sprinkle-swirled buttercream. 524 Vine St., 970.404.7447, bakerstable-aspen.com
Come to Bear Den for the breakfast, lunch and dinner, but don’t overlook the excellent pastries like pain au chocolat
Bear Den
Gourmet breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails are available at this downtown eatery. Start the day with a French toast board, loaded with daily baked sourdough and challah French toast, maple syrup, homemade cheesecake sauce and berry coulis. For a morning on the go, grab a matcha latte or macchiato with one of Bear Den’s fresh pastries, such as the pain au chocolat or cranberry scone. 301 E. Hopkins Ave., 970.922.9218, beardenaspen.com
Two Creeks Cafe
Known for being a skier’s hangout, this coffeehouse-style restaurant sits at the base of the Two Creeks lift at Aspen’s Snowmass Village. Coffee, spiced chai and steamy cider are enjoyed on the heated outdoor patio overlooking the slopes, or as a grab-and-go option. Menu favorites include Two Creeks’ take on avocado toast: multigrain bread sprinkled with sunflower seeds, fresh sprouts and radish slices. 31 Burnt Mountain Drive, Snowmass Village, 970.923.8636, aspensnowmass.com
Jour de Fête Aspen
For more than 30 years, this family-run cafe and brunch spot has served housebrewed coffee beverages, smoothies, continental breakfast and light lunchtime options. Sweet-and-savory stuffed croissants—think strawberry cream cheese or feta and spinach—are must-tries. Signature sandwiches, such as the roast pork loin smothered with sauteed onions, melted provolone and gravy, are served on locally made Paonia bread. 710 E. Durant Ave., 970.925.5055, jourdefeteaspen.com
Local Coffee House
Buttermilk biscuits with whipped honey butter, brown-butter French toast with creme fraiche and avocado toast are just some of the sublime options at this Aspen coffeehouse. Homemade doughnuts, biscotti, apple turnovers, macarons and locally roasted coffee await behind the barista counter. The Farm Boy dish—made with cheddar biscuits, fried egg, honey-cured bacon and arugula greens—is a breakfast favorite. 614 E. Cooper Ave., 970.710.7855, localcoffeeaspen.com
Victoria+co
Experience Australian cafe culture with a visit to Victoria+co. A sip from this spot’s extensive coffee and tea list is sure to give customers a morning jolt. A sweet London Fog is ideal for tea lovers, while the silky milk flat white packs traditional Aussie flavors. Victoria+co’s pastries are just as tasty as its drinks, including glorious morning muffin tops, ham-and-cheese croissants and, an Australian favorite, oatand- coconut Anzac cookies. 510 E. Durant Ave., 970.920.3001, aspenespresso.com
Photography by: Mae Mu M/Unsplash; Brandon Huttonlocher and Joaquin Corbacho
