Where to Eat in Aspen (For Every Budget): 1889 J-Bar ('Aspen Crud'), White House Tavern, Matsuhisa & Cloud Nine

Do not let Aspen's luxury reputation intimidate your dining plans. Alongside celebrity dining rooms, locals eat daily at historic 1880s saloons, rib shacks, crêpe stands and bakeries along the Downtown Aspen pedestrian malls.

1. Top 5 Casual & Historic Aspen Eats (Walk-Ins Welcome)

1. 1889 J-Bar Inside Hotel Jerome (330 E Main St): Aspen's oldest continuously operating bar, with its original 1889 backbar, tin ceiling and swinging western doors where John Wayne and Hunter S. Thompson drank. During Prohibition, bartenders spiked thick vanilla milkshakes with Kentucky bourbon, inventing the 'Aspen Crud' (served today alongside Wagyu cheeseburgers).
2. White House Tavern (302 E Hopkins Ave): inside an 1883 brick-and-wood miners' house. Put your name in at the door and order the Honor Burger, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Macho Salad and French Dip.
3. Hickory House Ribs (730 W Main St) & Meat & Cheese Farm Shop (319 E Hopkins): slow-smoked baby-back ribs and skiers' breakfasts at Hickory House, or rotisserie chicken and charcuterie boards at Meat & Cheese.
4. The Big Wrap (520 E Durant Ave), New York Pizza & Crêperie du Village: grab a foil-wrapped burrito or wrap at The Big Wrap two blocks from the Silver Queen Gondola.
5. Paradise Bakery & Café (320 S Galena St): the classic afternoon stop on the pedestrian mall for warm cookies, muffins and homemade gelato.

2. Fine Dining & Après-Ski Icons (Book 30 Days Ahead)

• Ajax Tavern (At The Little Nell, Base of the Gondola): Aspen's sunniest people-watching patio for Truffle Fries and the Ajax Double Cheeseburger as skiers glide down to the base.
• Matsuhisa Aspen (303 E Main St), Bosq (1 Michelin Star), Clark's Oyster Bar & Casa Tua: at Matsuhisa, while the downstairs room books out weeks ahead, the Upstairs Lounge opens in the early evening for walk-in guests with the full sushi menu.
• Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro (Mid-Mountain on Aspen Highlands, Winter Only): a Swiss-style ski cabin famous for gruyère fondue, apple strudel and its lively afternoon après-ski atmosphere.