These historic Aspen eateries and watering holes stand the test of time.
Whether the spot has been serving whiskey continuously since 1889—like the Hotel Jerome’s J-Bar—or its location has been standing for just as long—like the Aspen Public House in the Wheeler Opera House—restaurants and bars with walls spanning three centuries conjure a unique atmosphere. In addition to Buck, which revives the site of a long-running local watering hole, these spaces offer food and drink with a side of raucous Aspen history. The town has never had a shortage of saloons, and one might wonder if Aspen’s early miners and ranchers were even thirstier (and hungrier) than today’s ski bums.
JBar at Hotel Jerome holds a historical significance through its menu and aesthetic.
J-Bar has hosted cowboys and miners, 10th Mountain Division soldiers and the late Hunter S. Thompson, who turned it into his de facto office when he was running for sheriff. During the Prohibition era, the J-Bar converted to a soda fountain and began serving vanilla milkshakes spiked with bourbon. Today’s “Aspen Crud” combines Woody Creek Distillers bourbon, demerara syrup, vanilla ice cream and ice, with a Luxardo cherry on top. The drink remains a nod to Aspen’s rebellious spirit. Ask the bartender to peek at the original Chinoiserie Chippendale till, which hides a drawer etched with every bartender’s initials since its opening day in 1889. 330 E. Main St., Aspen,aubergeresorts.com
The story of the Wheeler has been said to be the story of Aspen. On opening night in 1889, satin programs were scented with rose water, and the Wheeler glowed with some of the region’s first electric lights (a bright start to what would temporarily close following the silver crash and a major fire). The ground floor space on Mill Street first housed a bank, then from 1916 to 1965, a grocery store. Recently, it’s been home to watering holes like Bentley’s, Justice Snow’s, and, since 2018, Aspen Public House, an independently owned and operated gastropub with a popular patio and full-service bar offering local beer craft cocktails. 328 E. Hyman Ave.,publichouseaspen.com
Buck retains its rich history in each of its elements.
The mining-era remnant at 508 E. Cooper, currently occupied by Brunello Cucinelli, has housed beloved restaurants and bars. In the 1950s, the Aspen Sweet and Snack served burgers, fries and malts, with Aspen’s first pinball machines and a jukebox. After, the basement was leased to The Steak Pit in 1960, which lasted for nearly 50 years (eventually relocating around town). The address is most famous for Cooper Street Pier, a dive bar that thrived for 40 years until the DEA raided in 2005. Buck (Bar Under Cooper and Kitchen) revives the space with affordable drinks and a bar menu featuring burgers, French onion soup, chicken sandwiches, lasagnas and specials. It’s been packed since opening, thanks to Brad Smith and Jordan White of Red Onion fame. Order the Last Dollar cocktail and Buck’s take on a Whiskey Mule. @aspenbuck_
Photography by: COURTESY OF BRANDS
