The Savvy Co-ed’s Guide To Aspen’s Hottest Joints

I’ve got my life in a suitcase, I’m ready to run run run away (lyric from Copeland’s “The Day I Lost My Voice (The Suitcase Song)”). What am I running from? Nothing actually, life has been eerily smooth. What am I running to? Aspen, Colorado! My previous posts have entailed spoon-fed survival guides for savvy co-eds. However, if you know anything about this mountain town, you know that there is nothing to survive because this picturesque slice of heaven could possibly be the most charming place the United States has to offer.  So, instead of a survival guide, I unleash a simple guide to the top restaurants and bars that you MUST enjoy during your stay in absolute bliss.

Pacifica Seafood & Raw Bar

Although this high-energy restaurant is a finer-dining establishment, with a little (or rather complete) help from my best friend’s parents, my friends and I found ourselves slathering drawn butter over pounds of fresh Alaskan King Crab legs while awakening our senses with their signature Mojitos. Albeit it caters to a more mature crowd, five classy, college co-eds blended in quite nicely. The meals are healthy, a perfect spot for the health-conscious, summer-bod mindset. I have never understood what the intoxicating appeal a simple Caesar salad has had for many people I have encountered throughout my two decades of life. None-the-less, if you are one who has fallen to its allure and need an alternative to seafood, they have a nice one, with just the right amount of cheese. The seafood is fresh and the drinks are hefty…and strong. What more could you ask for on a hot summer day?  Constantly packed with Aspen’s elite, it’s the ideal place for the trendy co-ed to flaunt her style.

The Mustang

Located on Hyman Avenue Mall, it’s the perfect spot to grab a drink and a bite to eat. Whilst sipping on your Blue Moon and indulging in a bowl of tortilla soup, you can sit outside and enjoy the live mimic of classic rock legends, such as Simon and Garfunkel, Eric Clapton and Fleetwood Mac, which filtrates throughout the street. The servers are spunky and the ambience is light and fun. It’s more appropriate for the savvy co-ed to save some dough while still being spotted in a chic part of Aspen. I wish I tried the Baja fish tacos, since the woman next to me said they were fantastic. If you happen to stumble upon this joint, take a bite and let me know! I suggest having a glass of Aspen’s local brew; it accentuates the magic of this mountain town.

Eric’s Bar

This seemingly quiet, laidback bar was somehow enticing enough for us to start off each and every night. Although the beginning of the week can be slow, it is definitely the jump-off come Thursday. Sensual lighting and modern high-top tables is countered by a grunge upstairs, complimented with a pool table. The outdoor patio is key for summer nights, especially with a packed inside as everyone flutters about for a drink. Although it’s meant for a quick start for the night, without fail, it wrapped us in its guard and kept us there for the night’s entirety on multiple occasions. It is definitely the trendiest spot come nightfall. Of course the seductive co-ed keeps the men on vacation at her beckon call, but never forgets to uphold her class-act demeanor. Flash that smile, bite your lip and charm your way through another drink, but leave them at a close distance. The prowess of the classy co-ed is her temptation peppered with sophistication – an inexorable combination.

Kate Dopazo is an intern with College Lifestyles and a senior at the University of Maryland. She spent the past week as a passerby in the South during a road trip from Texas to Maryland and is finally back in New York…for now.