BARS & NIGHTLIFE
DECEMBER 2024 UPDATE
AM7 membership club at the Belly Up (Opening February 2025)
Rolling Stone Magazine applauds Belly Up as one of “The Best Clubs in America.” Locals have enjoyed the small-scale music locale in prior iterations as The China Club, The Double Diamond, The Paragon. But never has the music and lineup been as strong or as varied. Keep an eye on the calendar to find both big names and newbies. With general admission and reserved seats, there is something for everyone. Also, see my restaurant section on the Nobu Matsuhisa eatery, “YUKI,” open to the public on the ground floor next to Belly Up and below AM7 on Durant Street across from Ruby Park station.
NAME TBD (Coming Soon)
A new spot is coming to the former Maru space on the Cooper Mall next to BOSQ (Aspen’s only Michelin-starred restaurant). Fashioned in the spirit of the former Eric’s Bar and offering reasonable prices, billiards, and a golf simulator. Longtime local benefactor and avid skier, Andrew Cador is teaming up with John Bukac, owner of Jimoto Ramen, to fill the gap left after the closing of multiple Apres and local watering holes. P.S. Jimoto Ramen, located across from the Aspen Art Museum on Hyman Ave, is re-opened after expanding, and is a MUST TRY.
Hidalgo Agave Cocktail Lounge at W Aspen (New)
New at the W Hotel in their downstairs speakeasy space once occupied by the Sky Hotel’s wildly popular 39 DEGREES, Hidalgo promises to be a swanky lounge with moody vibes and creative cocktails.
P.S. In case you wanna take a dip…The City’s permit for W Aspen requires free access to their rooftop hot tub and heated pool.
P.S.S. Kick off Aspen Gay Ski Week 2025 in style at the luxurious W Aspen on Sunday, January 12, to celebrate 48 years of philanthropy, skiing, laughs, and smiles. Come dressed to impress in your finest cocktail attire.
HaSalon at W Aspen (New)
A mountain location from the NY hot spot: see details in my restaurant section here: susanplummeraspen.com/restaurants
Caribou Club (Private)
“The Bou,” the legendary and fabled club envisioned by the late Harley Baldwin, has a long history as the premier club in Aspen since 1990, the year I first arrived in town. Today the Bou keeps to its roots as a members-only dinner and dancing club where proprietor Billy oversees the door and enforces the dress code (no shorts, flip-flops, or ball caps).
I love hosting clients here: the Bou is perfect for pre-dinner cocktails by the fire to post-dinner dance moves while listening to the DJ play (mostly) electronic. However, if you want privacy or a place to get to know your date, there are many rooms off the dance floor that you can escape to, including the infamous Wine Room, where you can host a private dinner or cocktail event.
I can arrange temporary Caribou Club memberships for my clients.
P.S. the late Harley Baldwin also ushered in the era of Gucci, Fendi, and Louis Vuitton by purchasing the then-dilapidated Brand Building in 1971 and turning it into a posh, triple-A location in Aspen’s commercial core.
The Sterling, next to Hooch, offers LIVE music (techno, disco, experimental, and classic jazz) with a young, trendy vibe in a small space with couches, tables, and booths. Compared to other venues, The Sterling has some of the most diverse music offerings in Aspen.
As I’ve reported, Hooch is under new but still local management. With an authentic speakeasy vibe, Hooch is the kind of place where you can spend $$$ on a Premier Cru or get a quick beer and be on your way. Depending on the day, Hooch can be quiet and intimate or a raucous party. Hooch embodies the old-school Aspen vibe while welcoming visitors into the family.
Silver City Saloon (yes, saloon…) is an homage to the Wild West and days when Doc Holliday lived nearby and the locals were the Ute Indians. With a quirky vibe loved by all ages, you can play pool, lounge with friends, and even find eye-popping talent during Karaoke night hosted by “The Sandman,” the valley’s local MC. The top-shelf spirits are the main draw of this place, but the old-west-inspired cocktails make it worth the trip.
P.S. Head to Silver City every Monday night starting at 9pm for karaoke!
P.S.S. As of Dec 2024, I believe Silver City offers Aspen’s ONLY public billiards table.
Playing the latest hot trends in electronic, dance, and Latin music, you'll experience what it's like to party underground inside an airplane fuselage. Located on the Hyman Avenue mall, Escobar is popular with the young, (usually) trendy crowd. Look for the red velvet rope near NY Pizza, and once through, see the recently remodeled curved ceiling, reflective walls, amber lights, and neon strobes. If you want privacy, consider booking a private table.
NY EVE 12/31/24 (10pm-2am): (Early Bird Price) General Admission $250; (Phase 1 Price) General Admission $350; VIP Tables email EscobarAspen@gmail.com
P.S. The descendants of infamous cartel head Pablo Escobar recently sued (and lost) over the use of the Escobar name.
As I’ve reported before, Buck, located downstairs one door east of Paradise Bakery, is the favorite local watering hole. Whether you're looking for an old-school Apres Ski bar, sports bar, a place to unwind after a long shift with a cold beer and delicious, affordable food, or want to meet a real-life ski bum…Buck has you covered.
Westy’s Tap & Tavern (formerly Aspen Brewing Company)
A great local's spot, Westy’s, or as most locals still call it, “Aspen Tap,” has grown from a small local brewery into an established Colorado brand.
P.S. The brewery distributes to over 75 bars, restaurants, and liquor stores throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and Colorado.
The Wine Bar at The Little Nell
The Little Nell offers several bars, each with its own matchless appeal, individual gourmet themes, and a thorough collection of wine, beer, and spirits. The Wine Bar is a great Apres-ski spot to let loose and wind down after a long day of hitting the slopes (or the shops!).
J-Bar at Hotel Jerome
The storied spot where Hunter Thompson once held court, along with miners, cowboys, and sheriffs who rode their horses up to its front doors. Although thoroughly updated and modernized, the J-Bar‘s bones are firmly planted in the Wild West. As far as Aspen nightlife, J-Bar is famous for mingling billionaires and ski bums…usually over the wildly popular CRUD cocktail (ice cream with booze made famous during Prohibition).
MUSIC, ARTS & CULTURE
This is the place to go if you are looking for live entertainment. From Snoop Dogg to Jimmy Buffet and everything in between, this is a hot spot for many bands touring through the Rocky Mountains.
The world's most accomplished musicians gather for the Aspen Music Festival each summer.
Anderson Ranch is an international center for creating new work and untested art forms by today’s leading artists.
The FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen is America’s premier culinary event. It consists of three incomparable days of cooking demonstrations, wine and spirit tastings, and panel discussions by world-class chefs and wine experts.
Since 1889, the Wheeler Opera House has been Aspen’s community performance venue. From The Eagles, Jerry Seinfeld, Oprah Winfrey, and Sheryl Crow to locally created performance experiences, the Wheeler is the Roaring Fork Valley’s premiere site for concerts, movies, festivals, lectures, community events, opera, and a whole lot more.
World-class exhibitions from around the globe at the Aspen Art Museum.
