A morning paper and patience are essential at this breakfast nook. It is always busy and some waiting is usually involved while trying to snare a table. During ski season it is especially busy, so plan accordingly if you are in a hurry to carve fresh tracks. The breakfast menu is jammed with options ranging from crepes and waffles, to lighter fare such as fresh fruit and bowls of granola. The lunch menu features great spinach salads, hearty soups and sandwiches.

Located on Main Street, this is one of those places which looks expensive but is surprisingly budget friendly. The interior's dark adobe walls and muted lighting give it a classy, southwest look. There are plenty of window tables for people-watching. It tends to be more popular with tourists than with the locals. The servings are generous; fajitas, quesadillas and enchiladas dominate the menu. A kid's menu is also available. Its well-known margaritas are festive fun-fuel.

It is rare that a restaurant is equally famous for both its breakfast and dinner, but this local treasure pulls it off with nonchalant style and manner. The brown exterior mirrors the interior: basic, yet exuding warmth and character. Its barbecue is world-renowned and has won top prizes in over 40 national competitions. Full- and half-racks of baby back ribs headline its barbecue list. There are also many meat-leaning sandwiches such as barbecued smoke pork and pit-smoked ham. The breakfast menu is traditional and features everything from omelets to oatmeal.

This Aspen landmark has the lofty distinction of being the town's oldest bar and restaurant dating back to the 1890s. The long wooden bar, its most prominent feature, retains the look and feel of an old mining saloon. Locals are always hunkered along it, especially during the day, reading newspapers and watching TV. Chimichangas, fajitas and combo plates, all of which come with chips and salsa, dominate the menu. There are also a host of salads, soups, burgers and sandwiches including grilled cheese.

This Aspen mainstay, located inside the Hotel Jerome, has been pouring cold drafts since the 1890s. It is a favorite of locals who affectionately refer to it as the J-Bar. A big wooden bar with a mirrored backdrop dominates the room and exudes an old-time feel that begs one to hunker down with a beer and a newspaper. An adjoining room with a large screen TV is a prime perch for sports watching and somehow does not detract from the bar's vintage feel. The menu is classic bar food fare and features burgers, sandwiches, salads and appetizers. The bar is full service and offers a great beer selection of imports, domestics and microbrews.

For over 25 years this deli/meat market has provided a nice counter-balance to the perception that Aspen's dining options are limited to tofu shops and sushi bars. The place is a true throwback that offers an entire array of sandwiches like liverwurst, bologna, barbecued pork, prosciutto, corned beef and honey maple turkey. Or if you are really hungry opt for its famous meatloaf sandwich. Salads, soups, and desserts such as brownies, cookies and lemon bars are also available. The market area has a variety of aged meats, seafood and even caviar.

This unique bistro, which is located in a converted Victorian home, allows you to sip latte with Dosteovsky, nibble on salad with Whitman, and enjoy dessert with Conrad. Twelve tables share a cramped, yet deceptively cozy space in three separate rooms with the word-filled shelves of Explore Books. Outdoor rooftop seating, when available, provides outstanding views of Aspen Mountain. The menu, which is ever-changing, has a definite organic bent. Its quesadilla, for instance, features baby spinach and melted soy, and the Ranchero Burrito comes packed with tofu on a whole wheat tortilla. Specialty items include Pumpkin Gnocchi and Pad Thai.

This novelty restaurant, which looks like something from the Eisenhower administration, is named after owner "Boogie" Weinglass, who was portrayed by Mickey Rourke in the film Diner. Old photographs and the obligatory Elvis Presley mementos line the walls. It is popular with tourists and is very kid friendly. If you are curious to know what a USD9 burger looks like, order the Boogie Burger. Instead of a beef patty, it is a beef edifice, which weighs one whopping pound. For something lighter, opt for the Ahi sandwich or the Chicken Parmesan. The restaurant opens daily at 10:30a.

This high-five of a dining spot was recently voted as the "Best Mountain Restaurant" by Denver's 5280 magazine. Located in the renovated Old Town Carbondale House, the restaurant exudes an inviting, cozy look that manages to offer fine dining in a casual setting and at amazingly reasonable prices. The menu is ambitious and the kitchen takes great pride in always updating it with new and refreshingly different items. The Alaskan Halibut and Colorado Lamb are two of the more popular dishes. The wine list is extensive and ever changing as well.

This casual, non-stop restaurant is the closest eatery you will find to being the sure thing in terms of food selection, atmosphere, views and convenience. The deck, which overlooks Fanny Hill, is ideal for soaking up the Colorado sun while on a lunch break from skiing, or for apres ski. It offers ski-in/ski-out convenience. The dinner menu features steaks, ribs, pizza and fish. There are several pasta dishes including the Jamaican Jerk Pappardelle, which features jerk lathered chicken. A large kid's menu is also available.