Little Annie’s. Aspen, CO.

Their Motto: “We’re Open Year ‘Round, Serving Locals and Travelers from Around the Globe.” From Little Annie’s Favorites Lunch Menu: “BBQ Beef. Shredded beef brisket mounded on an onion roll with Annie’s own BBQ sauce. You’ll need a fork for this sandwich.”

I substituted the fries for mashed potatoes with gravy. I figured I needed to taste the BBQ Beef with mashed potatoes and I was not disappointed. A rich, soft, mouth-watering delight!

The place history.. quoting from their About page (http://www.littleannies.com/about.html):

THE HISTORY OF LITTLE ANNIE’S

Little Annie was the daughter of a silver miner who came to Aspen
in the late 1870’s (called Ute City back then) in search of fortune. With
all her charm, Little Annie became the darling of the town, and the
largest silver producing mine on the back side of Aspen Mountain was
named after her.

Little Annie’s Eating House established in 1972, carries on the tradition Little Annie started of pleasing people from near and far. We still remember the words Little Annie spoke around the campfire.

“Travel light in life,
Take only what you need:
a loving family,
good friends,
simple pleasures,
someone to love
and someone to love you,
enough to eat, enough to wear,
and just enough to drink
for thirst can be a dangerous thing.“

(http://www.littleannies.com/about.html)

Last year’s sad closing due to financial struggle was in the news. In October, last year also, Little Annie’s reopened with new ownership, but same awesome loyal staff. Having visited the place, we understood why the town was taken by these events. Restaurant locals come in, waiters greet them by name. As we sat there, we saw a waiter approach a guest with a smile and ask: “Feeling like Grilled Prime Rib again?” 🙂

Today, this charming place experiences yet another challenge. Next door, a new business development construction moves forward as Aspen city council and planners work on ways to protect this historically significant 20th century structure. This restaurant has been recognized by locals for their food and by historic architecture preservation entities by its historic contribution. The restaurant received the “Best Old Restaurant” award in 1998.

We ordered from the Favorites Menu, the Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich. Menu description: “Southwest marinated grilled chicken breast with Muenster cheese and a green chili, with our special Santa Fe mayo. Served on a kaiser roll.” It was bold, spicy, flavorful and their special Santa Fe mayo was the perfect complement. Fries were fresh, chunky, solid, delicious!

The most popular dessert: Annie’s Rum Pecan Bundt Cake.. We had to get extra forks. Everyone at the table had to have a bite! Absolutely tasty, moist, intensity of nutty, sweet rum flavors in every bite. Now we know “why” it is a popular dessert.