7908 - ASPEN

7908 is one of my favorite restaurants in Aspen. Having lived in Aspen for about a year and a half, I've experienced most of the highly recommended dining spots in the area, many of which tend to be overpriced and overrated. However, 7908 is not one of those places. The service is outstanding, the cocktails are inventive and delicious, and the food is a culinary experience you won't want to miss. Two of my favorite dishes on the menu are the octopus and the seasonal watermelon salad. If you prefer a solid, traditional meal, you might opt for the steakhouse, but if you're looking for creative combinations of textures, flavors, and presentations, 7908 is the place to be! A fun fact: 7908 is also the elevation of Aspen. Enjoy your visit!

We took our group of eight out for dinner after a day of skiing, and the atmosphere was fantastic—located beneath where the Paragon nightclub from the 1980s used to be. The drinks were inventive and playful; my Old Fashioned was served in a flask tucked inside a cut-out medical dictionary, while my wife's was presented in a popcorn tub with a straw. We ordered a variety of dishes, and everything was exceptional. Chef Brian, whom we followed during last season’s Top Chef, came out to greet us, adding a delightful touch to the evening. While it is on the pricier side, it aligns with my expectations for Aspen and is definitely worth it. In the 1960s and 70s, the Mall was bustling with nightlife, but over the years, it transformed into a collection of real estate offices and high-end boutiques that seemed to exist just to claim a presence in Aspen. It’s refreshing to see the return of a lively dining and nightclub scene, and I hope this trend continues.

The appetizers were outstanding, especially the warm ricotta and steak tartare. The main courses were good, though slightly pricey. I found the halibut to be a bit underwhelming. The service was attentive—perhaps a bit too loud at times—but the staff was very knowledgeable and attentive to food allergies.

Our service was very attentive, but we felt rushed through our meal. Our entrees arrived before we even had a sip of our cocktails, and while I had wanted to enjoy a glass of wine with my meal, I had to wait to order wine which came as I was mid-way through dessert. The dining room was mostly empty, so we didn't feel that we were keeping other guests from dining. The food was excellent, just didn't have the time to enjoy our dining experience. Not worth the expensive meal.

Food was amazing, servers are knowledgeable. Savored each bite!