When choosing which restaurant to treat your date on or have a family dinner you would not typically think of going to the base of Aspen Mountain.  People believe that the base is simply for skiing, but once traveling up those long set of stairs to where the gondola takes off one might be presently surprised finding that they actually have the option of going to two different fabulous restaurants.  My personal favorite of the two is Ajax Tavern, which sits to the left of the stairs.

Ajax Tavern, owned by Aspen Skiing Company, is attached to the luxurious five-star ski hotel, The Little Nell.  The restaurant is on the far right side of the hotel feeding directly to the bottom of Aspen Mountain.  This top-notch location provides views of people drifting down to the bottom of the mountain and not to mention a prime après ski destination.

Known for their “Ajax double cheese burger” and legendary truffle fries, Ajax is notorious for lively, entertaining après ski festivities.  It is not only the party crowd that enjoys Ajax’s delicious food, but also kids, parents, and businessmen.

Ajax is the impeccable location to kick back and “see and be seen”.  Whether it is summer and you are basking under the sun while enjoying Aspen’s only Bocce Ball Court or enjoying live music after a long day of skiing in the winter, Ajax Tavern attracts all sorts of groups.

The inside provides booth and table style seating.  The dark red leather and tavern style of the restaurant provides a romantic yet casual atmosphere.  The restaurant also includes a bar that offers pristine raw food options, including oysters, shrimp and crab.

The outside patio provides a social atmosphere that is unbeatable.

The Tavern offers a French-American cuisine with reasonable pricing and unbeatable outdoor and indoor seating.

Main course prices at Ajax vary anywhere from $17 to $26.  Appetizers range from $7 to $17.

It is not only the mouth-watering food that makes pulling $20 out of your pocket well worth it but also the incredible service.  As soon as you walk up to the hostess stand, you feel you are in good hands.  The waiters and waitresses are informed about their menu and seem eager to serve their delicious unique flavors.

From the food to the service Ajax Tavern is a jackpot for lunch and dinner.  It has proven Aspen Mountain’s base to be a destination-dining scene.