Beer & Après Prices in Aspen

The epicenter of Aspen's on-mountain après scene, located steps from the gondola at the base of Aspen Mountain. This is where deals are closed and status is displayed. The patio transforms into a sea of designer skis and fur coats on powder days. The energy peaks between 3-5pm when the mountain closes. Service can be slow when busy, but that's part of the ritual—waiting for your cocktail is a flex. The crowd is predominantly visitors with money to burn, making it perfect for celebrity spotting. The fried chicken and truffle fries are as expensive as they are delicious.

The most sophisticated bar in Aspen, located in the five-star Little Nell hotel. This is where come to impress clients or celebrate major milestones. The fireplace and dark wood create an intimate, clubby atmosphere. The wine list is extraordinary—arguably the best in Colorado—with bottles starting at $100 and going into the thousands. Cocktails are crafted with precision and premium spirits. The crowd is older, more refined, and often includes recognizable faces from business and entertainment. No sports jerseys or loud groups—this is adulting at its finest.

An Aspen institution since 1975, Eric's offers the rare combination of authenticity and accessibility. It's the rare bar where you'll find locals shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists, united by cheap beer and arcade games. The space is sprawling—multiple rooms including a legendary arcade with skee-ball, Pac-Man, and air hockey. The basement 'Chill Zone' hosts live music and dancing on weekends. It's not fancy, it's not cool in a curated way—but it's undeniably Aspen's most fun bar. Prices are surprisingly reasonable for the neighborhood.

Aspen's premier live music venue and late-night dance club, hosting everyone from emerging artists to legendary acts. The space is intimate—you're never far from the stage. Bands play most nights in winter season, drawing a younger, energetic crowd. When music ends around 1-2am, the crowd typically migrates to the dance floor area which stays open later. The bar is well-stocked but expensive. It's one of the few places in Aspen where you can dance, which makes it popular with the 20-something crowd after other bars close.

The only craft brewery in Aspen proper, offering locally-made beers in a relaxed, unpretentious setting. A refreshing antidote to the resort's glitz, ABC pours flagship brews like the popular 'Aspen Gold' lager and 'Boogie Woogie' wheat beer. The industrial-chic space includes a spacious patio perfect for sunny afternoons. It's popular with locals, families, and visitors seeking authentic mountain vibes without the pretension. Prices are reasonable by Aspen standards, and the brewery offers tours on select days.

Aspen's oldest bar, operating continuously since 1892. This two-story establishment retains its historic mining-town character despite numerous renovations. The ground floor is casual and dive-adjacent—perfect for watching games or shooting pool. The upstairs is slightly more refined with better mountain views. The Red Onion attracts a diverse crowd: old-timers who remember when Aspen was cheap, young professionals, and visitors seeking 'authentic' Aspen. It's one of the few places where you might overhear actual conversation about skiing rather than stock portfolios.