Leave it to the Austinites behindClark’s Oyster Bar to finally open a good Tex-Mex restaurant in the mountains. Ideal for a post-ski lunch or dinner feast, slide into a booth for some sizzling steak arrachera and achiote chicken fajitas with warm tortillas, garlic jalapeno butter, and queso fundido. If you’ve thoroughly thawed out, they have a machine cranking out frozen margaritas, but they also have more than 60 kinds of mezcal and tequila if you’re done shivering for the day.

The sound of sizzling rib-eye fajitas waft through the second-story dining room and vibrant bar where Mexican art and an impressive wine program elevate the unexpected Tex-Mex menu. Ask the in-house sommelier to recommend affordable Spanish or Mexican wines to pair with the grilled Spanish octopus with bay-leaf aioli and pickled Fresno chilies. Dine during the day to appreciate the hand-carved wooden chairs, paintings, and festive dishes and tile imported from Mexico.

Las Montanas had big shoes to fill when it took over the beloved Jimmy’s space in 2022. But this cozy Tex-Mex spot has quickly become a staple in its own right. The menu consists of sizzling fajitas and cheesy enchiladas perfect for a chilly winter night after a long day on the mountain.

The Texas Legends and Wildcatters party presented by MML Hospitality and Panacea Collective returned with a bang, taking place at Las Montañas, with Ranch Waters flowing. I toasted with fellow host Greg Haynes Johnson in honor of the late Kevin Williamson, founder of my favorite beverage and a former co-host of this event. Legends and guest chefs also included Autumn Rich, TJ Mathias, Kristina Weiss, Larry McGuire, Tom Moorman, Chris Shepherd, Saera Mardanbigi, Edgar Rico, and Lou Lambert.

Upstairs in the former Jimmy’s location is Las Montañas, a restaurant featuring Mexican food and cocktails. It has a color interior with “familiar Mexican elements such as arched door openings, weathered wood detailing, bright tile, and rustic furniture.” I went for lunch after reading good reviews. I really enjoyed the al pastor shrimp tacos and the great service.

Las Montanas: Dine on their upstairs outdoor patio and be prepared to enjoy some of the best Mexican delights that Aspen has to offer. Delicious margaritas, tabletop sizzling fajitas and house made tortillas as well as ceviches and grilled steaks and seafood are just a few examples of what you can enjoy with views of the surrounding mountains.

Las Montañas is a popular newcomer to the Aspen dining scene, but it is already considered one of the best restaurants in Aspen for Mexican food. Las Montañas is easy to find, having moved into the space where Jimmy’s used to be. If you’ve been around long enough to watch Aspen restaurants come and go, you probably miss La Cocina.

The recent opening of Las Montañas brings everything you love about Tex-Mex to the mountain setting of downtown Aspen. Enjoy your favorite bites alongside frozen cocktails, cold beers and agave spirits in the Mexican-inspired space. Opened by the same group that owns Clark’s Oyster Bar, this venue is sure to please the taste buds.

Serving Tex-Mex cuisine, Las Montañas greets its guests with a cozy atmosphere ideal for post-ski lunch or dinner. The sizzling steak and achiote chicken fajitas are a must-try, perfectly complemented by their selection of frozen margaritas and an extensive range of mezcal and tequila.

MEXICANThis bright cantina in the storied space formerly occupied by Jimmy’s serves the best fajitas around, plus Tex-Mex tacos, tostadas, salads, and happy hour specials with Jimmy’s famous margarita. 205 S Mill St, 970-429-5255, lasmontanasaspen.comL, D, $$–$$$

Offering a rich tapestry of Mexican flavors, Las Montañas is a favorite among those seeking spicy, zesty meals. This friendly establishment serves a varied menu, from timeless classics to contemporary Mexican dishes, all crafted from fresh, quality ingredients.