In the July/August 2013 edition, Playboy magazine names Justice Snow’s, in Aspen’s historic Wheeler Opera House, as “Best High-Altitude Bar.”
“To cut through the pretense,” Playboy writes, “we perched on stools across the country—at old standbys and groundbreaking newcomers—to bring you the best bars for your buck.”
In turn, JustLuxe, an online “affluent lifestyle guide,” praises Justice Snow’s drink and food equally.
“I am incredibly honored for our restaurant to get this kind of national recognition,” says Justice Snow’s owner Michele Kiley. “I think bothPlayboy and JustLuxe did a great job of understanding what makes us special. It’s really a tribute to the passion our people are bringing to the bar and the table.”
“We became instant fans of Chef Leichliter’s Southwest-boldness-meets-Mediterranean-cuisine,” the JustLuxe authors note, beginning with the first course. “A bright Beet & Kale salad anchored by a sumptuous Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese and toasted hazelnuts was a beautiful first bite.”
Both magazines give their readers a revealing glimpse into what makes Justice Snow’s a model post-prohibition speakeasy: top-shelf drink, atmosphere, and food. The restaurant racked up several accolades, with both publications highlighting vintage glassware, fresh ingredients, and a dream-like Aspen experience. The editors and authors put Justice Snow’s “lead libation liaison” Joshua-Peter Smith high on the barstool with nods to his cocktail craftsmanship and 26-page Opening Statement bar novella—the largest menu this side of the Mississippi.
“We worked very, very hard to put this place on the map,” Smith says. “I literally set out to build the best bar program in town and now we are recognized with other amazing cocktail bars in cities around the country.”
Justice Snow’s serves lunch, dinner and libations daily, 11am-2am, plus weekend brunch on Saturdays & Sundays until 3pm.