The Red Onion
Aspen's historic 1892 brick tavern serving hearty American pub fare with a lively, festive atmosphere and occasional live music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
The Red Onion
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Aspen's historic 1892 brick tavern serving hearty American pub fare with a lively, festive atmosphere and occasional live music.
"A historic gem offering a taste of Aspen's past with delicious food and a vibrant, apres-ski vibe."
🎯 Plan for Crowds
It's a popular spot! Expect waits, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared to mingle.
🍔 Generous Portions
The food portions are quite big, even kids' meals! Consider sharing or packing leftovers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Brick Interior
Main Dining Area
Step back in time in this iconic, brick-walled tavern that's been a local favorite since 1892.
Hearty American Pub Fare
Menu
Savor classic dishes like steak tacos, buffalo burgers, and generous portions of mac & cheese.
Lively Atmosphere
Bar & Dining Area
Experience the vibrant energy of Aspen's downtown, with a festive vibe and occasional live music.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Aspen Vibe
Historic Charm & Modern Fare
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Plan for Crowds
It's a popular spot! Expect waits, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared to mingle.
🍔 Generous Portions
The food portions are quite big, even kids' meals! Consider sharing or packing leftovers.
🎶 Live Music Vibes
Check their schedule for live music – it adds to the festive, apres-ski atmosphere.
💰 Aspen Pricing
Be aware that Aspen prices apply. It's not a shoestring budget destination.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Plan for Crowds
It's a popular spot! Expect waits, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared to mingle.
🍔 Generous Portions
The food portions are quite big, even kids' meals! Consider sharing or packing leftovers.
🎶 Live Music Vibes
Check their schedule for live music – it adds to the festive, apres-ski atmosphere.
💰 Aspen Pricing
Be aware that Aspen prices apply. It's not a shoestring budget destination.
🧅 Try the Onion Rings
While not explicitly a focus, onion rings are mentioned as a tasty side!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Red Onion is a beloved historic Aspen tavern praised for its lively atmosphere and generous portions of classic American pub fare. While it can get crowded and loud, especially on weekends, the attentive service and rich history make it a memorable dining experience. Some find the burgers average, but other dishes and the overall ambiance are highly rated.
"I was looking for a spot to watch UGA play in the Rose Bowl when I stumbled across this gem! The apres ski atmosphere was festive, and the food was delicious! We got the steak tacos, Philly cheese steak, onion rings, and chicken tenders for the kids. The service was great, as well. 5 stars."
Bree Sullivan-Howell
"It's a busy little place located in Aspen’s downtown shopping area with both indoor and outdoor sitting arrangements. We had 8 people in our group, so had to wait little bit (almost 30 mins) to get a table. It was super crowded and loud inside, we had to push through the people to get to our table at the back of the pub...but I guess that's normal for a popular pub on a Saturday night.
Our waitress was very nice & attentive. She didn't even complain when we had to change 2 orders (oh the joys of letting the kids decide what they want :P ) out of 8 after she took our orders.
It took another 30 mins or so for the food to come out, but again...that's normal. My family order 2 Colorado Buffalo Burger (one w/ Sweet Potato Fries & another one with salad) with sautéed mushroom & onion, Pan Seared Rocky Mountain Trout, and the Mac & cheese. We were very happy to see the portion size, it was quite big! Even the macaroni & cheese dish from kids' menu was big.
We enjoyed our meals and time very much here. Will definitely go back if we are in Aspen again."
Farah Faruque
"This bustling restaurant drew me for 2 reasons. A) the history that it was the original restaurant in its same location since the village grew around it and B) because there is/was a great restaurant in Vancouver that was modeled after this one and I worked there for yrs during Uni!
A great history lesson, and bits of Americana nestled into the main street of Aspen. I would definitely recommend people check this place out. Stay for a drink or feed the entire crew, not if you're on shoestring budget tho!"
Tdawt Nez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Red Onion is located in Aspen's downtown shopping area, making it easily accessible on foot if you're staying in town. Parking in downtown Aspen can be challenging and expensive, so consider walking or using local transport if possible.
Yes, it's situated right on the main street of Aspen, making it a prominent landmark. Its historic brick facade is quite distinctive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not always strictly required, reservations are highly recommended, especially for larger groups or during peak season, to avoid significant wait times.
Operating hours can vary, but it's generally open for lunch and dinner. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date hours, especially for early morning broadcasts.
There is no admission fee to enter The Red Onion. You pay for food and drinks ordered.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Red Onion serves classic American pub fare, including burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and other hearty dishes. They are known for generous portions.
While the menu focuses on traditional pub fare, they often have options like salads or sides that can be adapted. It's advisable to inquire with your server about current vegetarian or vegan offerings.
Popular choices include the Colorado Buffalo Burger, steak tacos, and the pulled pork sandwich. The onion rings are also a frequently mentioned side.
Yes, The Red Onion is generally considered family-friendly, with a kids' menu and a lively atmosphere that can accommodate children.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The historic brick interior, the bullet hole in the bar, and the general ambiance of this Aspen institution offer plenty of unique photo opportunities.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos inside The Red Onion to capture the historic atmosphere and your dining experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Popular family-friendly dishes include the chicken tenders and mac & cheese. The staff are also described as attentive and accommodating, which is always a plus when dining with children. Just be prepared for potential wait times during busy periods.
💰 Budget Travelers
To make it more budget-friendly, consider sharing larger entrees as portions are generous. Opting for lunch or visiting during off-peak hours might also offer a slightly more relaxed price point. Focusing on a few key dishes rather than ordering extensively can help manage costs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of Aspen's History
Visiting The Red Onion offers a chance to soak in this rich heritage. The atmosphere is often described as festive and lively, reminiscent of an apres-ski lodge. While the menu features contemporary American pub fare, the setting itself transports you to a different era. It's a place where stories of the Old West and modern-day Aspen intertwine, making for a unique dining experience.
For those interested in the 'original red onion' concept, it's worth noting that this Aspen location is the true historic establishment. While other places might share similar names, this is the genuine article, a cornerstone of Aspen's culinary and social scene for over a century.
Navigating the Aspen Dining Scene
Wait times can be substantial, with reports of up to 30 minutes for a table, and then another 30 minutes for food to arrive. This is typical for a popular restaurant during peak hours. The staff, however, are noted for being attentive and understanding, even with order changes.
When it comes to pricing, The Red Onion reflects Aspen's upscale reputation. While the food is described as delicious and the portions generous, it's not a budget-friendly option. Visitors are advised that it's not a 'shoestring budget' destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit