A few Aspen restauranteurs have recently tapped a much needed niche in the Aspen restaurant scene, serving simple, affordable, good food, centered around that all American of foods, the hamburger. Many Aspen eateries have claimed to have the best burger over the years from the J-Bar to Jimmy’s but not till this summer, excluding the Aspen McDonalds, has the burger become the central theme to the menu.
First of these being the 520 Grill with hand-crafted burgers using buffalo, beef or turkey, and all-beef kosher franks and turkey dogs. Created by two locals inspired by similar eateries on a road trip, the 520 Grill makes a for a great lunch. Find it on Cooper Avenue tucked down the stairs by the “Mac” shop & the “Pot” shop (easy enough to remember). The counter service at 520 makes for a quick take out or a causal dine in. Beyond the burgers, selections include grilled sandwiches like the seared tuna or pulled pork, creative salads like the kale & quinoa or the chopped chipotle caesar, and mexican inspired rolladillas wraps.
Second into the fray comes Johnny McGuire’s which for years has been famous for big greasy sub sandwiches. Perhaps seeing competition on the Aspen cheap eats front they’ve added burgers & beers to the menu of Johnny classics like the Trucker stuffed full of grilled turkey & bacon and smothered in bbq sauce, cheddar & mayo. Also a great Aspen take out option they have expanded the indoor dining area, but perhaps the best seats in the house are still out front on a bar stool catching a little sun on the patio.
Thirdly comes CP Burger, where the name says everything. Seemingly styled after fast food joints of the ’70’s with a modern twist, they offer a range of burgers on their menu. Right next to Aspen’s outdoor ice skating rink with a large out door patio with great views of not only the ice but Aspen mountain as well. They’ve expanded on the Hotel Jerome’s tradition of spiking milkshakes with booze which could make the wait for a RFTA bus next door much more pleasant. Other CP menu items include hot dogs, green chili, and a chicana salad with romaine, black beans, & mild green chilies.
This increase in cheap eats to the Aspen area is a welcomed addition. Try them all and let us know what you think in our Aspen restaurant reviews.
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