Aspen may be known for its world-class skiing, luxurious resorts, and festivals, but there’s another aspect of the town’s culture that’s just as important: coffee. From cozy cafes to trendy coffee bars, Aspen’s coffee scene is as exceptional as its outdoor activities. Here are some of our top picks for the best places to grab a cup of joe no matter what you’re up to.
Unravel Coffee + Bar
Unravel Coffee + Bar, located in Gravity Haus hotel, is one of the newest and most exciting additions to Aspen’s coffee scene sure to meet the needs of every caffeine-driven adrenaline junkie. This collaborative coffee experience offers sustainable coffee drinks, as well as beer, wine, and cocktails, making it a great spot to start your day with a shot of espresso and end with beer after a long day of skiing. The space is bright and open, providing a plethora of natural light and comfortable seating, making it an ideal spot to work, chat with the locals, and unwind.
Address: 315 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO 81611
Website: unravel.coffee
Local Coffee House
Local Coffee House & Eatery’s “Best Coffee Shops” awards and “Best Place To Work” nomination is for good reason. It’s all for serving the locals. The cafe offers a wide selection of coffee drinks, including a delicious turmeric latte, as well as a variety of pastries and baked goods. Try their renowned cronuts, which are always fresh and always in demand. Despite its popularity, Local Coffee House maintains a cozy, intimate atmosphere with its members-only seating that makes it a great place to meet with friends.
Address: 614 E Cooper Ave, Aspen, CO 81611
Website: localcoffeeaspen.com
Felix Roasting Co.
Felix Roasting Co. is located in the historic Hotel Jerome, and it’s the perfect spot to soak in some history from one of the luxurious turquoise velvet booths. The cafe’s drinks live up to its mission: to pull out all the stops, every time. They meticulously curate the best beans to create that perfect shot of espresso. Every time. The real draw, however, is the atmosphere: the historic hotel provides the perfect backdrop for the story each terroir-driven cup has to tell.
Address: 103 S Mill St Suite 105, Aspen, CO 81611
Website: felixroastingco.com
Jour de Fête
Perhaps the most well-known gourmet cafe in Aspen, Jour de Fête is a charming French bakery with a central philosophy around its french name — “holiday”. Their family-run business (a staple since 1988) serves up award-winning breakfast and coffee. Aspen Sojourner named owner Olivier Mottier and his coffee creations as one of the five must-sip coffees in Aspen. You haven’t experienced Aspen coffee without stopping by this staple for a killer chocolate éclair stuffed with hazelnut cream, gourmet sandwich, or double-shot espresso (but we recommend all three).
Address: 710 E Durant Ave, Aspen, CO 81611
Website: jourdefeteaspen.com
Bear Den Aspen
Bear Den Aspen is a local favorite for brunch and Aprés all day, and it’s not hard to see why. The gourmet bistrobar offers a variety of espresso drinks (try their cortado) along with its irresistible lunch menu and cocktails. The real draw, however, is the atmosphere: the space is cozy and inviting, making it one of the best restaurants to get an unhurried midmorning treat.
Address: 301 E Hopkins Ave Unit #101, Aspen, CO 81611
Website: beardenaspen.com
Aspen Rooftop Café, AAM
You might not have thought of museum as the place to find great coffee, but the summer roof-deck SO café at Aspen Art Museum has one of the best mountain views in the city. It’s the perfect place to experience a full range of craft coffees along with a quick bite. The cafe has carefully curated a list of local and organic selections, including Color Coffee Company out of Eagle, Colorado, and food from The Farmer and Chef catering out of Roaring Fork Valley. Like the art, the space is modern and stylish, with plenty of natural light, making it worth stopping by for this curated collection.
Address: 637 E Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO 81611
Website: aspenartmuseum.org
AspenX
At the base of Aspen Mountain sits the concept store AspenX, a totally unique retail and brand experience. And it is quite the experience. The store serves up a menu of elite ski performance clothing, premium outdoor gear rentals, and a world-class cup of coffee. The cafe’s prime location in Gondola Plaza makes it easy to pop in for a gourmet Lavazza coffee accompanied by a scrumptious Ladureé macaron.
Address: 611 E Durant Ave, Aspen, CO 81611
Website: aspenx.com
Paradise Bakery & Cafe
First time in Aspen? Head to the local institution Paradise Bakery & Cafe, famous for its cookies and exceptional people-watching since 1976. Their casual cafe is located in the heart of the city and considered a must-stop for the full Aspen experience. They offer hand-crafted barista drinks (try their Paradise Latte) and over twenty gelato flavors, making this the ideal spot for an afternoon affogato.
Address: 320 S Galena St, Aspen, CO 81611
Website: paradisebakeryaspen.com
Gorsuch Ski Cafe
Need a quick fix before heading to the slopes? Gorsuch Ski Cafe can be found near the Silver Queen Gondola on the mountain. Gorsuch may be known for its fine home goods and resort-ready clothing, but its cafe atmosphere boasts a welcoming interior and outdoor seating area with fires. Unwind after a long day with a featured specialty coffee spiked with favorites like Rocky Mountain Peppermint Schnapps and Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey.
Address: 555 E Durant Ave, Aspen, CO 81611
Website: gorsuchskicafe.com
French Alpine Bistro
French Alpine Bistro is an authentic glimpse into the Austrian owner Karin Derly’s vision of gemütlich. A visit to the Crêperie du Village location transports guests straight to the Alps, full of warm smiles and charm. What’s a mountain town without its perfect ápres ski spot? Start your mid-day pre-ski snack here with a coffee and crêpe or wrap it up with traditional fondue after the last chair.
Address: 400 E Hopkins Ave, Aspen, CO 81611
Website: frenchalpinebistro.com
Mawa’s Kitchen
Head to Mawa’s directly from your flight for the best first taste of Aspen. Located in the Aspen Business Center, Mawa’s is known not only for its guest chef popup series but its James Beard semi-finalist nominee. Chef Mawa Mcqueen transformed the business from catering to the imaginative, cultural restaurant it is today. Go there for brunch, and stay for dinner. For a grab-and-go chai latte closer to the ski scene (and along with your choice of flavor crépe), check out their sister cafe, The Crepe Shack, located in Snowmass Base Village.
Address: 305 Aspen Airport Business Center F, Aspen, CO 81611
Website: mawaskitchen.com
Louis Swiss Bakery
Experience Swiss mountain heritage right in the heart of Colorado. MML Hospitality, Jill Soffer, and pastry chef Jennifer Tucker have partnered to bring you this Aspen Business Cener gem serving artisan pastries and a mean cup of joe. Keep an eye out for it at the Aspen farmers market and a potential expansion into downtown Aspen.
Address: 400 Aspen Airport Business Center, Aspen, CO 81611
Website: louisswiss.com
Ink! Coffee
A trendy spot for coffee lovers, Ink! Coffee is a small Colorado chain that’s known for its reliable, locally roasted beans that brews good coffee (and a solid french roast). The chic Aspen location offers a familiar coffee menu and an inviting atmosphere that coffee lovers from Denver will easily recognize.
Address: 520 E Durant Ave 110A #, Aspen, CO 81611
Website: inkcoffee.com
