The Red Onion was born at the height of the silver boom in 1892 when Tom Latta built the two-story structure on Cooper Avenue. The saloon's business came from men interested in sports of the day. Prize fighting, wrestling & cycling. Local legend has it that the upstairs operated as a brothel. At the time it was a standalone building and one of the three places in Aspen to get a meal.
Since the Latta era, patrons referred to the saloon as the 'Red Onion' which, in the verbiage of the day, meant something out of the ordinary or odd, a 'white elephant', something the likes of which could be found nowhere else on Earth'.
The Red Onion had many venerable owners to include Tom Kelleher & John Litchfield (Circa 1918 - 1946 and Werner Kuster (1953 - 1979) who initially partnered with Arnold Senn (1953 - 1967L then James Perry from 1967 at which time The Red Onion underwent one of several remodels. Prior to closing the building for structural renovation in Spring 2007 The Red Onion was owned by David 'Wabs' Walbert with his wife Ellen 'Iggy' and partner Robert 'Buddy' Nicholson (1984 - 2007).
Long time Aspen locals; brother/sister team Jennifer & Chef Tomas Colosi, former Chef/Owner of Aspen favorite Blue Maize, with partner Michael Tierney re-opened The Red Onion June 2010. The long awaited return of The Red Onion with the much missed Cuisine of Chef Tomas Colosi marks a new era in Aspen history.
We are proud and honored to bring two Aspen favorites back under one historic roof. Welcome and Enjoy.