Situated in the picturesque Rocky Mountains, Glenwood Springs, Colorado is an ideal base camp for adventurers, foodies and travelers seeking hot springs relaxation and a diverse range of attractions. Located 160 miles west of Denver, Glenwood Hot Springs has been a hot springs mecca since the opening of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort on July 4, 1888, not long after the town was founded.
While none of the restaurants in the community date as far back as Glenwood Hot Springs, many are in beautifully restored historic buildings downtown and longtime places like Doc Holliday’s Saloon & Restaurant makes it feel like you are stepping back into the Wild West. Located on a compact stretch of Seventh Street in downtown, Restaurant Row is at the heart of Glenwood Springs’ best culinary offerings and the location of the farmers market, Market on Seventh, on Tuesdays from 4-8 p.m. until Sept. 10. There is also live music in this area on Fridays from 4:30-7:30 p.m. until Sept. 20.
We’ve assembled a Glenwood Springs dining guide that highlights several of the resort’s partner businesses and other favorite local options throughout the community.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
Not only does Glenwood Hot Springs Resort offer pure relaxation, the world’s largest hot springs pool also has dining and snacking options that will keep your crew happy while enjoying the family-friendly Sopris Splash Zone, indulging in the new Yampah Mineral Baths, swimming laps and hanging out in the historic Grand Pool, and soothing tired muscles in the 104-degree Therapy Pool.
There is no chance swimmers and soakers will go away hungry or thirsty. The poolside Grill and Snack Bar make it easy to grab everything from smoothies, cappuccinos and fountain drinks to nachos, sandwiches, salads, fries, ice cream and root beer floats. Red Brick Eats food truck is open on the west end of the pool during summer and serves up pizza, salad, snacks, ice cream and beverages.
While drinking plenty of water is key when soaking in the pure geothermal waters that flow from the on-site Yampah Spring, it’s hard to beat indulging in a cold brew on a sunny day or after a bike ride and soak. The Grill serves both wine and beer, including the brand new Yampah Mineral Baths Lager, a microbrew crafted by Casey Brewing and Blending, which has a taproom only a block away in downtown. On the can’s label is a photo of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s historic sandstone bathhouse overlooking the pool and a bit about the resort’s history. The lager is brewed with 100% German pilsner malt and Hallertau hops.
All the exploring and adventuring makes fueling up with a hearty breakfast key. Fortunately, all overnight stays at the Lodge at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort include not only unlimited access to the mineral hot springs during business hours but also complimentary made-to-order hot breakfast.
Casey Brewing Taproom, Glenwood Springs
Food & Drink Highlights
While visiting Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, it’s fun to wander around to explore the coffee houses, breweries, distilleries and restaurants that help make Glenwood Springs a memorable and tasty place to visit, and most are within easy walking distance.
First, we’ll start with four outstanding choices that are among Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s partners, all located nearby. Casey Brewing and Blending is focused on bringing back Old-World brewing techniques with 99% of the ingredients being from Colorado. Owner Troy Casey ferments and ages the beer in vintage oak barrels to create truly distinct flavors that are unfiltered.
Located in the heart of downtown Glenwood Springs on Grand Avenue, Casey Brewing Taproom serves up award-winning sours along with IPAs, lagers and stouts both inside and on the patio. Food isn’t served at the taproom, but customers are invited to bring in food from surrounding restaurants.
When offering romance packages throughout the year, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort pairs hot springs soaking and stays at the Lodge with dinner at The Pullman or Riviera Supper Club and Scratch Kitchen, both located on Restaurant Row. The Pullman specializes in innovative twists on New American comfort food and creative cocktails that are delivered to guests in an attractive industrial-style space or on the front patio with heaters for when mountain evenings cool off.
Located only few doors down, Riviera Supper Club and Scratch Kitchen specializes in seasonal menus that are designed by Owner/Executive Chef Travis Owen around fresh and local ingredients. This landmark dining establishment has cool neon signs, an extensive wine list, inventive cocktails, and an outdoor patio.
Like Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Hotel Colorado was established by Walter Devereux in the late 1800s. Not only does the hotel send many guests to the hot springs, but they also offer one of the most inviting outdoor spaces to enjoy food and drink. In addition to the spacious front courtyard that is open in summer and fall, there is a full-service restaurant, bar and coffee house in this historic beauty that opened in 1893.
Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse, Glenwood Springs
Other Great Culinary Options
A Glenwood Springs dining guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning some of the other great downtown restaurants. In fact, you could do a dine-around by stopping for a drink and appetizers at one place, continuing for the main meal at another, and wrapping up for dessert at a third. Consider Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse, Smoke Modern Barbecue, CO Ranch House and The Italian Underground. For a brewery/bar atmosphere, head to Glenwood Canyon Brewpub and Native Son. Slope and Hatch is an ideal quick option with tacos, hotdogs and snacks ordered at the counter along with a selection of cocktails and more.
Farther afield is Underbelly Burger Co. and 19th Street Diner, which are enjoyable options for families and all ages. Russo’s, Rocky Mountain Pizza and Uncle Pizza are among the various choices for a tasty pie, and don’t skip the ice cream and frozen yogurt for dessert at local favorites like Sundae, The Chocolate Moose, Kaleidoscoops and Pinwill’s Frozen Yogurt.
Speaking of sweet treats, Glenwood Springs has bakeries! Don’t miss Annie’s Cafe & Bakery near Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and Sweet Coloradough Bakery & Café, where you also can order a cup of joe. Mingle with the locals at coffee houses like Sacred Grounds, Wild Coffee and Deja Brew and grab breakfast or lunch with your caffeine fix at The Bluebird Cafe.
After a day of relaxing in the mineral hot springs or testing out the local trails and attractions, something stronger is what you might be seeking from a Glenwood Springs dining guide. We’ve already mentioned Casey Brewing and Blending and Glenwood Canyon Brewpub, so let’s move on to something stronger. Stoneyard Distillery Spirits Tasting Room has a menu of cocktails that showcase their vodka, gin, hazelnut coffee cream liqueur and more made from Colorado beet sugar.
If indulging in ethnic food is one of your favorite vacation pastimes, Glenwood Springs has you covered! Rosie’s Little Bavarian Restaurant serves both German and American fare as well as pastries, and there is a selection of Mexican, Nepalese, Indian, Japanese and other delicious fare throughout the community.
A helpful new tool for creating your own Glenwood Springs dining and activity guide is Visit Glenwood Springs’ new interactive 3-D map developed by Wander. The map can be accessed on smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs to assemble a list of activities, pin notable locations and plan the details of your trip, including restaurants.
We hope this Glenwood Springs dining guide sampler has been helpful. Happy eating, drinking and soaking!