Mrs. Behrens is a very talented musician and teacher. As a principal and teacher many of my classroom students have taken lessons from her. She has helped many students become very successful. She has also taught one of my own children. She is to be highly commended as piano teacher for all ages.
5. Steve’s Guitars
Address: 19 N 4th St, Carbondale, CO 81623 , Basalt , Colorado , United States
Steve is a chill guy. I hang out around his venue.
This venue is incredible!! The acoustics, the wall to wall guitars, and the comfortable theater seats. Great place to see local musicians leaving it all on stage. Also able to meet Steve, and he is a genuinely beautiful soul with a passion to share this space and enjoy good music. Our little mountain town is lucky to have this venue, what a gem.
It’s ok
Intimate, beautiful guitar display. Fun nice place to get to know musicians upclose. Byob.
Intimate venue blanketed in an eclectic collection of guitars. Great for solo or small acts to play in, especially warm acoustics.
This place chronically doesn’t pay their musicians who play there. 50% cut of door sales?? No response when folks try to collect their earnings?? Support local music – not this place.
6. Willits Town Center LLC
Address: 723 E Valley Rd Unit 200, Basalt, CO 81621 , Basalt , Colorado , United States
It’s a nice little “village”. Everything you need including a park that lets you walk by Roaring Fork river.
Best place to eat.
We live in Willits and sell real estate here and absolutely love this part of town. We love how walkable this community is, how close it is to the best grocery stores, shops, restaurants, and bars in the Roaring Fork Valley, plus all of the RTFA bus stop access. This was an extremely well planned and well designed community and we would recommend anyone buy or sell in this area if they are new to living in the Roaring Fork Valley but don’t want to pay Aspen prices. Thank you for developing such a beautiful master planned vibrant community!
Some good places, but there need to be some better places
One stop shop for most needs. Whole Foods, Starbucks, Sports Bar, Mexican food, Asian Food, Italian Food, Sea Food, A small fountain and park for the kids to play in, TACAW Art center and the new Steadman Clinic. Willits has turned into a hot spot in the mid valley.
7. Bookbinders Basalt
Address: 760 E Valley Rd, Basalt, CO 81621 , Basalt , Colorado , United States
Good, independent bookstore with a broad collection.
Adorable! Smaller selection of high-quality reads. Still carries more titles than you could read in a lifetime!
Lady that helped me was pretty cool. Inquired about a book they didn’t have last week. They were able to order it. Called me as soon as it arrived. Pickup was fast and easy. Thank you.
Very unfriendly staff when I purchased a book for someone for Christmas. They stuck the receipt in the bag (instead of handing it to me and letting me know I would need it to return it) and when I came back to exchange (not return) the book they said the receipt is required and their computer system isn’t “sophisticated” to look up anything. Beyond frustrating. They’ve lost me as a customer.
8. Basalt Firearms
Address: 231 Midland Ave, Basalt, CO 81621 , Basalt , Colorado , United States
Knowledgeable and honest staff. Being young and relatively new to firearms I expect to be patronized, but these guys made me feel welcome and obviously had an extensive knowledge on the firearms they were selling. Good prices too would expect more of a price gouge in this valley but their prices are fair
Very good service and good prices.
Muy buen servicio buenos precios armas de buenas marcas y buenos accesorios para cacería 100% recomendable
i have had VERY good interactions at Basalt Firearms, sold one gun to them, and definately will buy one at some point. i have gone there with friends (new gun owners) to help them purchase their first gun, and have had nothing but great experiences, i did not even say a word as Larry and (the old guy, sorry dont remember your name) were absolutely honest and helpful. they steered my friend to a practical, great skeet gun. they did not try to sucker him into a fancy gun, nor did they treat him like a newbie.
it is very rare in this area to have fair prices on ANYTHING especially firearms. Not to mention the used guns that go through there. (i missed buying a BEAUTIFUL nickel plated S&W 357 and am still kicking myself.. the price was more than right…)
i have read the negative reviews on them and conclude that they are to be taken with a grain of salt. i would wager IF this even happened, they may have prompted some of it themselves with their own behavior. some folks just look for problems then write a negative review.
GREAT STORE, GREAT SERVICE and honest. also, keep an eye out for Glock Day! or any of the support days for shooting enthusiasts. buy local!
Limited ammo options but close to the Basalt range
Knowledgeable staff, large selection of weapons and accessories.
Customer service is awful
First time gun-owner here. Spent $1000 of my hard-earned money here on a gun and accessories a few weeks ago. Service then was great, I’m assuming it’s mostly because I had a wad of $100s. Walked into store yesterday looking for ammo for my new gun so I could practice with it. Seems 9mm is hard to come by. Understood, strange times. When I asked about knowledge of future deliveries, the man who answered couldn’t even be bothered to look up or address me, just a “don’t know.” Now, I understand that things probably don’t show up on their doorstep all willy-nilly, as it doesn’t happen to me and has never really happened at any of the establishments I have worked for. That’s ok. I’m sure they also don’t want a line out the door on 9mm day. Either way, love the lie. When I asked these fine gentlemen, who are clearly experts in their craft, if they had a preferred website to order from after we both determined that that was the best way for me to procure said ammo in not so many words, I got back the answer “there’s a ton.” Informative for sure. I know I’m in the minority here as I don’t have a ton of money to spend and I’m not their biggest customer by far, but as the store that popped my cherry on this whole thing I was hoping for much more than just a couple of uninterested douchebags. I 100% regret giving them my money in the first place. I love my new paperweight though! (j/k, I bought some rounds from the kind and helpful people at the co-op!)
Steep prices, TERRIBLE customer service. Go to Eagle, its worth the drive.
9. The Arts Campus at Willits
Address: 400 Robinson St, Basalt, CO 81621 , Basalt , Colorado , United States
The sound for the event was weird…BUT, friendly staff, great drinks, very smart food table.
It was really fun going and the atmosphere was really awesome. Only complaint was the how loud the music was set too. Instead of complaining the music with the instruments it felt like they were competing for the loudest. Other than that the music was fun, drinks were nice. Bouncer was nice all around good time!
At the one year mark TACAW is working through it’s opening bugs quite well. This looks to be a fabulous base for a growing cultural scene Mid-Valley.
Temporary venue. Good acts, parking. Door not well marked.
Update: New facility is lovely, sound system is a mess, deducting two stars.
10. Glenwood Music Inc
Address: 715 Cooper Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 , Basalt , Colorado , United States
They have everything you need delicious fresh food yummy
A quick stop for us. Gas for the car. Wife said restrooms were clean. Subway and liquor store nearby.
Place gets busy during peak travel hours but the staff does everything possible to get you in and out as quick as possible. Coffee does the job too. They could expand the spot indefinitely and it would still be hoppin’.
Car wash rinse didn’t work great and left soap on our car.
good selection and they have a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, its awesome!!!
Sign on the front door says all customers must wear a mask to enter. I guess this doesnt apply to employees. Out of 2 cashiers, one had hers off and the other took hers off while ringing me up. Disgusting. Dont shop here, they dont care about people, just signs on the door so they dont get fined.
The clerk let 2 people checkout before me for no reason. Right before he was about to do it again I told him, but got no apology. I won’t spend my money there again.
Car wash is very slow.
12. Cafe Bernard
Address: French Bistro Bakery Café, 200 Midland Ave, Basalt, CO 81621 , Basalt , Colorado , United States
Best dining experience in the Roaring Fork Valley. Family owned and operated.
BEST morning buns and cappuccinos on main street. The owner is the sweetest and kindest woman, working hard to upkeep and maintain the old-school vibes and traditions of Bernard himself ❤️ a must visit when we head home to the valley and a must to support in old town Basalt
This has been my go to for breakfast in basalt for over 20 years…. Something has changed, and it’s not good. I came specifically for Illy coffee only to find a latte that tasted like it was made in a gas station…. No more Illy and no more pretty colored sugar crystals. Some cost savings are penny-wise but pound foolish. I’ll go to Craft or Cece’s for my coffees now. Having said that, he omelette was great and the server was nice. Locals don’t like change and I’m sad to say that Bernard’s has gone dramatically downhill!
The new owners are working hard to keep up the high bar set by Bernard and Cathy over 20+ years. When it’s busy (weekends) expect long wait times. Mostly the menu and food are the same and very good. Details like fresh baked baguettes and pastries are no longer available.
Really cute cafe that reminded me of being in Europe but I wasn’t overly impressed with the food.
What a disappointment! We came upon this place walking in Basalt. I wish I checked the reviews before going in. It took 10 minutes to get the menu and almost an hour to get our food. I had to send back my food because the salmon was still pretty raw, so more waiting. Don’t waste your time here.
Meh.. decent but not amazing. Go to Confluence for the really good stuff if you are serious about your coffee.
Service was terrible. The waitress was rude and pushy and the atmosphere was tense and unenjoyable. The food was average at best and for that price you can find much better venues in the area
13. Mad Dog Ranch+Studios
Address: 955 Snowmass Creek Rd, Snowmass, CO 81654 , Basalt , Colorado , United States
Really super environment, but the true measure of a recording studio is the engineer who works it. Marc Meeker is at one with his gear, and understood what we were going for on our project. So we had Marc master it as well! Nobody was unhappy with that either! We recommend Mad Dog Ranch Studios and Marc Meeker. Great work on the David Walker Good album.
Awesome, transcendent, otherworldly, historic, bucolic- lotta adjectives can be used to describe Mad Dog and I think I have a character limit on this review. The whole property just oozes good vibes and the history of the place is palpable. It is just the ideal place to create. Julie, Tami, and Marc make the recording experience a dream. Cannot recommend strongly enough. If you want to record in Colorado, Mad Dog is the place.
14. Heathers Savory Pies and Tapas Bar
Address: 166 Midland Ave, Basalt, CO 81621 , Basalt , Colorado , United States
Ambiance exceeded expectations! It seems there are no bad seats here. Service was so friendly, very refreshing in comparison with Aspens food and beverage scene. Everything was delicious; looking forward to introducing others to this spot!
Fantastic service. Best food, all of it, in the valley. Consistently our go to stop when in town.
I stopped here while staying in Glenwood Springs. It is well worth driving out of your way! I ate the duck with Parmesan risotto and tried my friend’s chicken pot pie. The flavor profiles of both dishes were complex and well balanced. I have never had grilled grapes and the raspberry sauce over the duck was divine. I took a slice of coconut cream pie to go. It was so creamy with a fantastically salted crust. The crust on the chicken pot pie was so buttery and satisfying. Spend the money, take the drive, eat at Heather’s!
Heather’s is a Roaring Fork Valley classic. Great live music, a warm welcome, really good food, and a great location all make Heather’s a mid-valley must visit.
Everything but bison burger was great get pistachio cake
Good food
Tacky bartender. Same one for ages.
Very rude always. Been there 10 times. Always rude. Decided against dinner.
Super expensive for very very small portions.
I had two meals here just yesterday. Lunch was great, great service and tasty food. Returned for the music last night and some dessert and a drink. Service was horrendous. Elizabeth was incredibly slow and didn’t seem to care at all until the owner showed up then she stepped up her gam even though most of her attention was spent on the owner. Two cups of coffee took 15 minutes and by the time she brought sugar and cream they were cold. I had to go to the bar to request another cup of hot coffee. Great music though. Won’t be returning.
15. Vintage Ski World
Address: 1676 Co Rd 100 Unit N-2, Carbondale, CO 81623 , Basalt , Colorado , United States
Ordered a poster and came with a few creases in it. I immediately emailed the owner, and without hesitation he sent me a new one. The posters are very high quality and very much worth it!
Awesome collection of vintage skis/ski gear, anyone in the area who considers themselves a fanatic should really stop by and check it out.
After a snag with shipping, they immediately shipped another item at their expense. The customer service was outstanding.
Great vintage ski stuff! Friendly staff and helpful with finding things.
Website is garbage
Worst experience ever
16. Campbell Audio Video
Address: 218 E Valley Rd #100, Carbondale, CO 81623 , Basalt , Colorado , United States
Awesome service. Solid mix of gear. Always something interesting.
Thank you Matt for getting my little Fender set up so well. I really do hear hints of Buddy Guy now when I play. I appreciate having you as a local resource, mentor and friend. PS..Christine says a big, deep hello.
Blue Mesa Music is Class Act store!! I have never felt so welcome in store as I did with Blue Mesa. The staff and owner are all gifted musicians whom are passionate with their profession. Blue Mesa is a “come in, kick off your shoes and play a melody or two. My family sat, played a beautiful 12 string (purchased), deep, rich Cajone (purchased), rattle (purchased) and sang (owned) for well over an hour topped off by Amelia singing and playing a song for us. Blue Mesa Music was one the highlights of Summer of 2022 !
Music is a Rx for PTSD . I got my fix here❤️
18. The Tipsy Trout
Address: 181 Basalt Center Cir, Basalt, CO 81621 , Basalt , Colorado , United States
Beautiful outdoor seating and bar right on the river in the summertime. In winter, there’s still plenty of space inside to sit at a table or belly up to the bar.
Great food casual environment
Very good chicken sandwich and fries.
Amazing views of the river and very cute place. This is a local place that you must go to if you are visiting! Can’t wait to come back. There is a very long wait here so don’t come on a time crunch. There is only one waitress, but she is doing her absolute best, they just need more people working.
Changed names and menu
Expensive food ok service great
Never ate! Waitress could not have been more rude. Before we were seated she sighed at our request to sit outside. We decided to leave and she laughed at us. No wonder place was empty and has terrible reviews!
Having service industry experience myself, I am appalled at the treatment by the owner of this establishment, Andy. The only good encounter was with the waitress, and the food was okay. But having the owner try to have the last word and call his customers inappropriate names as they leave is ludicrous. I highly suggest passing this place up.
Simply not good. Had sea bass and flavors were not appealing. Expensive as well.
19. Basalt Sunday Market
Address: 101 Midland Ave, Basalt, CO 81621 , Basalt , Colorado , United States
Aspen’s Saturday farmers market goes for blocks and has showcases lots of uptown items. I much prefer Basalt’s Sunday Market. I like the produce, the people and the music.
Basalt’s farmers’ market is smaller and more intimate. I actually had the chance to chat with the farmers. I fell in love with produce from Seed Peace. The farmers grow these unusual tomato varieties nearby. The grower explained to me the tomatoes are unusually sweet because the sugars intensify in the cold Colorado nights. These babies were expensive…and worth it!
You can purchase jewelry, clothing and flower besides food.
You can also get breakfast — Argentinian sausage and egg sandwiches cooked right before your eyes.
There are two music venues. A formal concert happens on the city green. There is a stage and chairs. Another performer sings in the middle of the market. A FREE concert!
There is plenty of parking. And the RAFTA bus stops right in front of the market if you don’t want to drive.
I had never been to downtown Basalt before. It feels like you’re in an old mining town. I want to explore more during the week.
The Sunday Farmers Market is a summer affair. It usually starts on Father’s Day in June and runs through the end of September. From 10 to 4.
Lovely spot and friendly atmosphere and great produce and hand made items..
Such a fabulous small mountain town market! Little bit of everything here…jewelry, amazing food, handmade goodies, flowers, organic produce, kids activities and even live music with 2 stages at each end! Plus ideal location in the heart of town right by the river. What is not to love? A must see on your visit to the Roaring Fork Valley in the summer.
20. Redbox
Address: 250 E Valley Rd, El Jebel, CO 81623 , Basalt , Colorado , United States
