
J-Bar
A historic saloon in the Hotel Jerome, J-Bar offers classic American fare, signature cocktails, and a lively atmosphere steeped in Aspen's rich past.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

J-Bar

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic saloon in the Hotel Jerome, J-Bar offers classic American fare, signature cocktails, and a lively atmosphere steeped in Aspen's rich past.
"Experience Aspen's history and legendary burgers at the iconic J-Bar!"
Watch for Fees
Be aware of additional fees (e.g., 22%) that may be added to your bill.
Try Unique Starters
Don't miss out on unique appetizers like the blue corn bread skillet.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
$$$
Phone
(970) 429-7674
Address
330 E Main St, Aspen, CO 81611, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic J-Bar Burger
Experience one of Aspen's most celebrated burgers, a juicy masterpiece served in a historic saloon setting.

Historic Atmosphere
Step back in time in this legendary saloon, a social hub since 1889, once frequented by Hunter S. Thompson.

Signature Cocktails & Aspen Crud
Savor expertly crafted cocktails and the nostalgic 'Aspen Crud,' a boozy milkshake dating back to Prohibition.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Watch for Fees
Be aware of additional fees (e.g., 22%) that may be added to your bill.
Try Unique Starters
Don't miss out on unique appetizers like the blue corn bread skillet.
Patio Dining Option
Request a table on the patio for a delightful al fresco dining experience.
Off-Peak Visits
Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Watch for Fees
Be aware of additional fees (e.g., 22%) that may be added to your bill.
Try Unique Starters
Don't miss out on unique appetizers like the blue corn bread skillet.
Patio Dining Option
Request a table on the patio for a delightful al fresco dining experience.
Off-Peak Visits
Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
J-Bar is celebrated for its iconic burger, historic ambiance, and well-crafted cocktails, making it a must-visit Aspen institution. While many praise the friendly service and unique menu items like the blue corn bread skillet, some diners have noted that the restaurant can be pricey and have experienced slow service on occasion.
"J-Bar in Aspen is a must-visit for anyone who loves a mix of history and great food. This iconic bar, once a favorite hangout of Hunter S. Thompson, retains its old-school charm while serving up one of the best burgers in town. The atmosphere is lively yet nostalgic, making it the perfect spot to soak in Aspen’s rich history with a perfectly crafted drink and a delicious, juicy burger. A true gem!"
YouTuber B
"Service was great.
Drinks weee awesome.
Loved the western historic decor."
Darcy Esparza
"This is a beautiful old style little bar with amazing service and even better food and drinks. We stopped in on a hot afternoon in the summer and had a fantastic waiter who made perfect recommendations for some afternoon cocktails and served us an incredible blue corn bread skillet with popcorned butter. It's pricey, but definitely worth the indulgence. We will probably return for desserts later on!"
Alecia M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
J-Bar is most famous for its iconic J-Bar Burger, its historic saloon atmosphere, and signature cocktails like the Aspen Crud.
J-Bar has a casual yet upscale vibe. While not strictly enforced, smart casual attire is generally recommended.
The Aspen Crud is a unique boozy milkshake, often made with bourbon, that originated during Prohibition when the bar also served as a soda fountain.
While reservations are not explicitly mentioned as required, it's always a good idea to call ahead, especially during peak season.
Yes, J-Bar is considered a relaxed and casual environment suitable for families.
Other popular items include the Blue Corn Bread Skillet, Mini Donuts with Crème Anglaise, and various signature cocktails.
Some guests have noted a 22% service fee that may be added to the bill, which might not be immediately apparent.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best Aspen Restaurants and Bars to Visit on a Ski Trip
Located inside the luxurious Hotel Jerome, J-Bar has been an Aspen institution since 1889. The saloon-style establishment features a historic maple bar, tin ceilings, and rich leather seating where you can kick back with a cocktail and elevated bar food like the local favorite J-Bar Burger. Be sure to check out the historic register, where every bartender who's worked behind the stick in the last 100-plus years has etched their name.
The Best Bars For An Apres In Aspen, Colorado
A hint of the old West tucked away in the historic Hotel Jerome, this bar sees a variety of customers coming in for a good drink and a great time. The setting is full of sleek wood and chandeliers light the bar from the ceiling. The bar has been a favorite stop since 1889, inviting in silver miners, Hollywood stars and just the average every-day Joe.
21 best things to do in Aspen
Its stately brick building, on the corner of Main and Mill streets, survived the mining boom, the silver crash, the quiet years, the start of Aspen’s ski area, the Hunter S. Thompson years (when gonzo journalist Thompson ran for sheriff in 1970, he made the hotel’s J-Bar his unofficial office) and, finally, the glitz and glimmer of the present day.
At Its Soul, Aspen Is Still a Throwback Mountain Town...If You Know Where to Look
At the Western-themed J-Bar, the stools are occupied both by influencers and Stetson-topped ranchers. A Louis Vuitton boutique neighbors Ute Mountaineer, a family-run business that has rented out ski gear since the '70s. And at its heart, Aspen is still about unparalleled access to epic wilderness and world-class terrain.
How to Plan a Ski Trip to Aspen
For a laid-back scene, head to J-Bar at Hotel Jerome, which offers a perfect combination of world-class luxury and cozy mountain style. Expect cold-weather staples like burgers and soups, complemented by beers on draught and bespoke cocktails. Try the Aspen Crud, a boozy milkshake that dates back to Prohibition days.
Nightlife in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley
You can't say you've seen Aspen until you've set foot in the historic Hotel Jerome's lively J-Bar, with its textured leather walls and decorative tin ceilings. The centerpiece is the wooden, original (circa 1889) bar, where the Aspen Crud, a bourbon milkshake, was invented during Prohibition.
Best Après Ski in Aspen | Après Bars in Aspen
One of my favorite après ski town hotel bars, the J-Bar has been packing them in since 1889. Back in the day, it was populated by Aspen’s movers and shakers, but during Prohibition, it embraced the dark side by serving up generous helpings of “Aspen Crud,” a spiked milkshake that’s still on the menu. Today, the masculine bar- which still features most of its original Victorian trappings, including a hand-carved Chinoiserie Chippendale bar, stamped tin ceiling, and hardwood floors- draws crowds for what’s been dubbed the best burger in town (no lie, it’s pretty damned tasty) and a lively, social scene.
Fine Dining Restaurant in Aspen, Colorado
Cowboys and miners once rode their horses through its doors, 10th Mountain Division soldiers gathered here over pints after a day of training on the slopes, and the late Hunter S. Thompson turned it into his de facto office when he was running for sheriff. With its lively buzz and Old West vibe, the 19th century bar remains the town’s social hub, where ski bums rub elbows with socialites over craft beers, vintage-inspired cocktails and Aspen’s best burger. Make sure to take a peek at the original Chinoiserie Chippendale till, signed by every bartender to work at J-Bar over the years.
The Best of Aspen: Food & drink
To make it even harder, the bar is named year after year as Aspen’s best – the J-Bar at the Hotel Jerome.Steeped in history, the J-Bar has been one of Aspen’s hottest spots since before the automobile. It’s located in one of the poshest hotels in town, but the bar seems to exist in its own world. People are friendly, the service is great and it’s just a homey place to gather with friends for a few cold ones (which sounds pretty good right now – time for a staff meeting!).Well behind the J-Bar came Eric’s, the second-place vote-getter last year.
Where to Stay, Ski, and Eat in Aspen This Winter: New Haunts and Local Favorites
The U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, or “soldiers on skis” trained nearby and often stayed at the hotel, and Hunter S. Thompson used its famed J-Bar as his office while running for sheriff. Even after a recent thoughtful renovation, the property’s history still takes center stage—this is historic Aspen at its finest. Guest or not, drop by the lobby for a cocktail by the fire or visit the J-Bar for a burger and an Aspen Crud—a vanilla shake spiked with bourbon that has its origins in Prohibition, when the bar moonlighted as a soda fountain.
Where to Drink When You Go Leaf Peeping in Aspen
Main Street, Aspen No visit to Aspen is complete without a stop at the J-Bar inside the historic (and iconic) Hotel Jerome, which has been around since 1889. This cozy, upscale bar still holds onto some of its Old West roots, when cowboys, miners, politicians, and the skiing soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division piled in for drinks and carousing after a long day’s work. Treat yourself to an Aspen Crud, a boozy vanilla milkshake made with bourbon that was the drink of choice for many Aspen revelers during Prohibition.
Best Nightlife in Aspen | Frommer's
The Lobby Lounge at the St. Regis, at the base of Aspen Mountain (tel. 970/920-3300), draws scores of après-skiers; and among my favorite Aspen bars is the quietly sophisticated and historic J-Bar, in the Hotel Jerome at Main and Mill streets (tel. 970/920-1000). The rich, hip, and wasted flock to 39 degrees, in the Sky Hotel at 709 E. Durant Ave. (tel. 970/925-6760), for outer-limits specialty cocktails and the unbeatable slopeside pool, which you can use even if you're just a bar customer and not a guest.
Visiting Aspen? Here’s Where You Should Drink in the Charming Mountain Town
It was a favorite of Hunter S Thompson and is one of the most historic bars in the country. Located inside the iconic Hotel Jerome lies this western-themed bar and restaurant is as authentic as one can get. Built in the 1880s, its majestic building survived the mutations of the area, from Aspen’s earliest iteration as a sleepy town to its modern-day status as a celebrity hotspot, with everyone from Bill Murray to Jack Nicholson spotted here.
Mountain Bike Trails near Aspen
As one would expect, there are numerous high-priced options but for the rest of us who are simply looking for a good place to eat or drink after a long day on the trails, consider The J-Bar at the Hotel Jerome, The Red Onion, Hops Culture, 520 Grill, or NY Pizza. You might also just walk through the few blocks that make up the downtown core and see what else looks good. Higher end restaurants offer bar menus that are more reasonably priced.
Aspen's 11 Best Après Ski Food and Drink Experiences
The J-Bar, situated inside the 132-year-old Hotel Jerome, has seen its fair share of apres-ski revelry—and then some. It was where the skiing soldiers of the famed 10th Mountain Division kicked back and had a few drinks when they weren’t training to fight in World War II at nearby Camp Hale. Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson held court here while running for Pitkin County sheriff in 1970.
Aprés skiing and more: A drinker's guide to Aspen
Sticking with the Hotel Jerome for our next entry, the hotel’s historic J-Bar brings a tangible connection to the Old West. According to the Hotel Jerome, “cowboys and miners once rode their horses through its doors,” and the bar, which dates back to the 19th century, is still a popular gathering place today. You can get a wide assortment of vintage-inspired cocktails and, of course, beer.
Gay Aspen, Colorado | The Essential LGBT Travel Guide!
J-Bar, which is short for Jerome Bar, is inside the magnificent Hotel Jerome, making it a first-class place to wine and dine. Hotel Jerome is regarded as extremely gay-friendly, so feel free to bring your partner or your other queer friends for a lively night out. The vibe of this extensive bar is an old western bar of the 19th century.
Après-Ski Scene: Best Bars and Lounges in Aspen for Airport Visitors
Situated inside the iconic Hotel Jerome, J-Bar is a revered Aspen institution with a rich history. Dating back to the late 1800s, this historic bar exudes old-world charm and offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Enjoy classic cocktails and signature drinks while admiring the vintage decor and photographs that narrate Aspen’s past.
Your Travel Guide to Skiing in Aspen
This historic J Bar inside the Hotel Jerome has an Old West vibe and vintage-inspired cocktails. The J Bar Aspen offers a casual mood and a western cozy atmosphere to hang out with friends and talk about the stories of the day!. If you’re planning a trip to go skiing in Aspen, the J-Bar should be at the top of your list for a stop!
7 Coziest Après-Ski Spots In Aspen
Head over to the historic J-Bar at the Hotel Jermone, where cowboys, miners, and the legendary Hunter S. Thompson used to gather for a pint. Still a classic, you can enjoy vintage cocktails and craft beers in a western setting. Don't forget to try the legendary J-Bar Burger which has been described as "Aspen's Best Burger".
Aspen Top Restaurants and After Hours
In the historic Hotel Jerome has been an Aspen watering hole since 1889 and has kept its saloon ambiance through the times. Today, Aspen locals and visitors alike belly up for a draft or bottle and sophisticated bar fare, and the house is packed during sports events and happy hour. (330 E. Main St., www.hoteljerome.com)
Where to Get the 5 Best Wings in Town
Bigger is always better, and the Twice Cooked Chicken Wings at the infamous historic saloon are always plump and juicy ($16), coated in a chipotle honey glaze with giardiniera and chunky blue cheese on the side (we also like to ask for a side of the buttermilk ranch served with the BBQ Chicken Salad).hoteljerome.com
Aspen for non-skiers: Everything else you can do
J-Bar at Hotel Jerome, right in downtown Aspen, is the perfect place for some short rib tacos or the famous J-Bar burger, and a Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA. On the mountain, Ajax Tavern at The Little Nell is always packed with skiers and snowboarders breaking for truffle fries, mussels mariniere or a salad.
Aspen's Best Cocktail Bars
J-Bar is also located in Hotel Jerome, another top-rated cocktail bar in Aspen. This cocktail bar has a more casual vibe and has plenty of bar and high-top seating. The decor resembles the Old West during the 19th century, and its comfortable atmosphere is just one of the reasons to visit J-Bar.
Top Aspen Bars for a Cozy Mountain Adventure
Saddle up for some wild history at the J-Bar, where cowboys once rode through the doors. During Prohibition, they snuck bourbon into vanilla milkshakes—now the famous Aspen Crud. Today’s version mixes Woody Creek bourbon, demerara syrup, vanilla ice cream, and ice, topped with a Luxardo cherry.
Aspen Nightlife – Top 16 Bars & Clubs You Can't Miss
Location: 330 E Main St, Aspen, CO 81611, United States Phone: (970)-429-7674 Visit Website. Once upon a time, miners, cowboys, and sheriffs rode their horses up to its front doors. Although modernized to 21st century luxury standards, J-Bar still retains that wild west style.
I spent 3 days in Aspen in summer, this is the ultimate itinerary
Dinner is inside the J-Bar, where I order a tender flat iron steak while our waiter regales us with stories of gonzo writer Hunter S. Thompson’s drug and booze-filled shenanigans, and drinks resembling milkshakes that were designed to sidestep alcoholic prohibition.
Why Mountain Biking is the Best Thing About Aspen in Summer
If you want to see historic Aspen, I recommend heading to Hotel Jerome to grab a seat at J-Bar or neighboring The Living Room to serve up craft cocktails in a kitsch, luxe setting. Hotel Jerome is also believed to be haunted, so that might liven up the night.
A Foodies Guide to Aspen
J-Bar/Prospect Restaurant: The J-Bar or Jerome Bar is the iconic Western saloon which has been there since the Jerome Hotel opened in the 1880’s. It is the oldest bar in the state of Colorado. I just went back for lunch with friends and loved the hamburger!.
Five Restaurants, Five Different Vibes To Try In Aspen
Info: Located inside the Hotel Jerome, the J Bar is something to be seen: An elegant, upscale western bar with an “old-fashioned” type feel - think leather chairs, chandeliers made of glass bottles, mountain décor, and high-quality, hand-crafted cocktails.
Where to Eat in Aspen Colorado
J Bar: has a hip bar, though I'm not sure I was cool enough, I did score a bar stool with friends and noshed on tacos and amazing fries along with some great wine. The J Bar is definitely a spot to people watch and catch up on sports.
A Weekend in Aspen - by Laine Doss
Now — it’s socialites and celebs that come to knock back a few in the modern-day ritual known as après-ski. Grab a craft beer or a sparkling rose and channel Hunter S. Thompson — a regular in his day.
Aspen Restaurants. This is Where to Eat When You're in Town.
Matsuhisa is nestled beneath a quaint Victorian house, blending the elegance of the early 1900s with Japanese simplicity set against a gorgeous mountain backdrop.
Exploring Aspen’s craft cocktail scene | News
The Jerome’s other bar operations — the J-Bar and the Living Room — have separate beverage teams that create their own specialty cocktails, Kneitel noted.
best restaurants, bars and nightclubs open in aspen right now? : Aspen
J-Bar is a decent go-to but Google shows that it's temporarily closed. I see that a lot of places are closed right now. Are there any good places open?
Aspen: Restaurants & Nightlife Review 2024/25
J-Bar: Located in Hotel Jerome offers upscale pub food and drinks in a classic historic bar setting, a great place to start your night!
Aspen Bars and Restaurants with the Best Apres Ski
J Bar at Hotel Jerome is a saloon style bar that serves great wings and burgers in a cool atmosphere. Jack Nicholson frequents J Bar.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit