Aspen after hours: Ajax Tavern, J-Bar and Cloud Nine
BADLAP editorial
Fireworks above snow-covered Aspen. Photo: Adam Rinehart / Photo license.
Ajax Tavern is right there when you finish on Aspen Mountain. J-Bar gives you a burger and a saloon evening in town. Those are the two we would build an Aspen afternoon around. Save Cloud Nine for a Highlands day when you have a reservation and time for an on-mountain meal.
Ajax Tavern: stay beside the gondola
Ajax Tavern sits at the base of Aspen Mountain beside the Silver Queen Gondola. The resort describes indoor seating and a mountainside patio. Start here when you finish on Ajax; you are already at the gondola.
Stay for a drink or make it a meal. Ask about table availability on busy dates.
J-Bar: the town evening
At Hotel Jerome, J-Bar has craft beer, cocktails and burgers in a historic saloon setting. The Old West interior is part of the draw. Come for a burger and stay at the bar.
Cloud Nine: build the day around it
Cloud Nine is on Aspen Highlands, near the top of its namesake lift. Aspen Snowmass's après guide calls for reservations. Settle access and the return when booking.
Confirm the season's service and access requirements, especially for anyone not skiing. Keep alcohol for after your skiing is finished.
Our shortlist favors Ajax Tavern for the immediate post-ski gathering and J-Bar for dinner in town. Cloud Nine is a separate outing. For a later night, choose a dated event before making plans around a show.
Updated October 15, 2026. Confirm seasonal opening, reservations and event times with the venues.
Plan the skiing: Aspen: four mountains, two very different après plans. More nights out: the After Hours guides.