Souffle pancakes. Poached eggs. Crispy bacon. Fresh coffee. All these culminate to the stellar dining experience that is Breakfast.
Breakfast should energize you, recenter you, and prepare you for the day ahead, especially when vacationing at a high altitude, calorie-burning ski town . This is why being named the best breakfast in Aspen is an honor, and we are excited to share our favorites with you.
Here are the spots to get the best breakfast in Aspen, from casual cafes to fine dining.
Jour de Fête
Stumble into Jour de Fête for freshly baked croissants, scones, and french toast. Jour de Fête also has breakfast sandwiches, ranging from healthy (whole wheat with olive oil, salmon, and lentils) to not-so-healthy (open faced with veggies and melted cheese). Owned by a local family (he’s French – Olivier, she’s American – Amy, and their cheerful, grown children can often be found working behind the counter), the relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a quick breakfast. You can also pick up a lunch sandwich for your afternoon adventures.
Opens at 7 AM daily.
Spring Cafe
Spring Cafe’s smoothies, scrambles, and breakfast bowls are widely considered the healthiest breakfast in Aspen. Spring Cafe is organic and vegan and gluten-free friendly with a big enough menu to satisfy any breakfast enthusiast. If you had a late night, we recommend their Power Greens Juice paired with a Western Scramble. Owner Sabrina’s selection of favorite dishes are staples, created and prepared by the talented chef Blanca.
Open at 7 AM daily.
Aspen Over Easy
Image courtesy of Aspen Over Easy
If healthy breakfast doesn’t entice you, Aspen Over Easy may. This classic and casual breakfast joint serves up 13 different versions of Eggs Benedict, including one with filet minion. Other must-have menu items include French toast (made with Texas-style bread) and Bananutella Crepes.
Opens at 8 AM daily.
Justice Snows
Justice Snows only serves true breakfast on the weekends, so if you’re in town, it’s a must. Justice is one of the only restaurants in town that offers bottomless mimosas during breakfast, perfect for those enjoying a day off or needing a little liquid courage before hitting the slopes. Some local favorites include the JS Breakfast Burrito and the Duck Confit Hash. Bon Appetit.
Open at 9 AM on weekends.
Peach’s Corner Cafe
2018 Update: Peach’s Corner Cafe has unfortunately closed.
Sitting on Peach’s patio during the summer is pure bliss. The signature dish, The Open Face, is toast with eggs, peach butter, bacon, and fresh vegetables. They also serve up a nontraditional peach mimosa which we can’t recommend enough. Finally, order a specialty coffee drink. Their baristas are always adding new creations to the menu, like the Red Velvet Latte we saw this past winter. You can also pick up coffee beans to take home with you.
Open at 7 AM Tuesday-Friday, 8 AM Saturday
Element 47
If you’d like to sit down and have a true Aspen experience, we invite you to element 47, one of the best breakfasts in Aspen. Serving scratch-made entrees and offering a breakfast buffet almost every day, The Nell’s chefs take traditional breakfast items and spin them fresh. Some of the most popular dishes are the Lemon Souffle Pancakes with raspberry syrup and pine nuts and the Huevos Rancheros, made with farm to table eggs. The view of The Little Nell’s pool and courtyard isn’t bad either – particularly when the gardens are in full bloom in summer.
Open 7 AM daily.
Any of the above restaurants serve up delightful entrees with fresh coffee and juice. Each offers unique specialities and atmosphere, for whatever mood you’re in.
When it comes down to it, the best breakfast is one enjoyed with family after a good night’s sleep! Book a room with The Little Nell and experience the best breakfast in Aspen– right outside your door.
