Road-Trip Restaurant: Glenwood Springs’ Slope & Hatch

The Destination: Slope & Hatch

The Odometer: 157 miles from Denver

Glenwood Springs’ iconic and massive pools—they contain more than one million gallons of water—have been the main attraction in this Western Slope town for, well, forever. However, as we outlined in Moveable Feasts last year, there is a growing foodie scene in town that is just as effective at drawing in visitors. After a long afternoon spent basking in the warm waters, my family was ready for a belly-filling meal. With still-wet hair, we came across Slope & Hatch on Seventh Street.

The restaurant occupies the tiny space where Grind used to serve burgers to the pool crowds (Grind moved to 701 Grand Street). Owner Derek Bray pulled from two of his loves—skiing and fishing—for the eatery’s name and focused on a simple menu that features street food fare, mainly tacos and hot dogs, both of which are oh-so appropriate after a swim session. We ordered the crispy fish tacos with avocado, pico de gallo, and agave vinaigrette ($9) and the BLT hot dog, which is smothered—really, you can barely see the bun in the photo above—with cheddar, bacon, lettuce, and pico de gallo ($9).

Both were so tasty that my husband and I spent the entire meal rotating plates so we could sample both. Even better, our toddler couldn’t stop munching on the fish tacos and pico de gallo (parenting win!). All of which means that the next time we stop in Glenwood Springs for a dip, we’ll swing by Slope & Hatch for a bite, too.

Next Time: I’m intrigued to try the 7th Street Strawberry Cocktail (strawberries, agave, bourbon, ginger beer, and club soda).

208 Seventh St., Glenwood Springs, 970-230-9652, slopehatchgws.com