Aspen After Hours
ASPEN, Colo. (Feb. 1, 2014) – Aspen’s nightlife is legendary. While a small town, Aspen has more than a great appreciation for wine, beer, live music and revelry. After the summer sun sets, life in Aspen includes craft beer and craft cocktails to live music and DJs.
For Music Lovers
Jazz Aspen Snowmass and The Little Nell team up to present JAS Café Downstairs @ The Nell, an intimate venue to see top jazz acts every other weekend in the summer and winter. Ajax Tavern and Element 47 in The Little Nell offer special pre-show, three-course menus, and The Little Nell Bar Menu is served at the show. (675 E. Durant Ave., bit.ly/jasatnell)
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 S. Galena St., www.bellyupaspen.com)
Wheeler Opera House, a historic gem in downtown Aspen, features a diverse summer calendar with film screenings, operas, comedy acts and jamming rock bands. (320 E. Hyman Ave., www.wheeleroperahouse.com)
Open-Air Performances. During the summer, Aspen is home to more than 600 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 – at no charge.
Whatever Ales You
Aspen Brewing Company’s location on Restaurant Row makes it an easy choice for cold beer on a hot afternoon. Owned and operated by young Aspen locals, Aspen Brewing Company offers their selection of unique, locally brewed beers best enjoyed while drinking in the view of Aspen Mountain from the tasting room patio. (304 E. Hopkins Ave., www.aspenbrewingcompany.com)
Finbarr’s is an authentic Irish pub with friendly wait staff, great pub food, live sports and a host of cold beers on tap. With rich wood décor and beautiful architectural details throughout, Finbarr’s will add an expanded dining room in 2014.
J-Bar in the historic Hotel Jerome has been an Aspen watering hole since 1889 and has kept its saloon ambiance through the times. Today, Aspen locals and visitors alike belly up for a draft or bottle and sophisticated bar fare, and the house is packed during sports events and happy hour. (330 E. Main St., www.hoteljerome.com)
Craft Cocktails
Justice Snow’s isn’t just a great restaurant or the perfect place to throw open its Victorian windows and watch the world go by, it is also one of the best cocktail bars in the country, so named by both Playboy and Food & Wine magazine. With a list of more than 100 cocktails, punchbowls and more, Justice Snow’s also boasts an impressive list of small American craft-distilled spirits.
Chefs Club at St. Regis Aspen is home to mixologist Anthony Bohlinger. With years of libation innovation under his belt, his list has some of the finest constructed cocktails anywhere.
Living Room Lounge at Hotel Jerome has chic décor that echoes the hotel’s turn-of-the-century origins and a drink list to satisfy the most advanced connoisseur.
Club Kids
Bootsy Bellows Aspen is the first outpost to the wildly successful original Hollywood location. Owned by actor David Arquette and nightlife impresarios John Terzian and Brian Toll, club-goers will find Bootsy Bellows in the Ute Restaurant building on Hopkins Avenue, Aspen’s Restaurant Row. (308 E. Hopkins Ave., www.bootsybellows.com/aspen)
39 Degrees at The Sky Hotel, home to an infamous outdoor pool scene currently being remodeled, serves up chic cocktails like the Champagne Supernova, El Diablo, and other creative concoctions. (709 E. Durant Ave., www.theskyhotel.com)
Eric’s Bar, which spills into Aspen Billiards, The Cigar Bar and Su Casa, is the epicenter of Aspen’s late night energy. From the hip dance floor to the hazy smokers’ haven, each quadrant offers a different vibe. (315 E. Hyman Ave., www.sucasaaspen.com)
Escobar, where PBR tall boys meet pomegranate martinis sipped alongside a mix of electronic, swing and lounge music. Founded by a group of seven young Aspen entrepreneurs, Escobar launched onto the local nightclub scene in 2011 and remains a late-night favorite for locals and visitors. (426 E. Hyman Ave., www.escobaraspen.com)
The Regal Watering Hole, boasting a sophisticated face-lift and new ownership, sizzles with a sultry atmosphere, delicious cocktails and a hopping dance floor. (220 S. Galena St., www.regalaspen.com)
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For visitor information, visit www.aspenchamber.org, or call 1.888.290.1324 or 970.925.1940.
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