Crested Butte The Slogar

While visiting my husband’s cousin Nathan in Crested Butte Colorado, he touted the amazing fried chicken at a local eatery named The Slogar Bar & Restaurant. I thought, “how good can fried chicken be?” Nathan then informed us that the restaurant only served a few other items such as ribs and everything was family style. Plus, it was open from 5-9:30pm five nights a week, and reservations were essential.

As a restaurant writer back in LA, that all sounded pretty crazy to me. I like family style, but just a few items? how could any restaurant survive serving just 3 items? And being open for just 4.5 hours per day seemed more confusing. However, I appeased Nathan by saying “I guess we should try it.” I didn’t really expect to go, but my husband loves fried chicken and was like a dog with a bone. Needless to say, I finally agreed, and the three of us arrived at The Slogar on a weeknight at 5:15pm to a lively restaurant.

Crested Butte The Slogar Bar & Restaurant

The History of The Slogar

Before I even speak of our meal, I’d like to fill you in on the restaurant’s historic past. It turns out that The Slogar is located in the second oldest structure in Crested Butte. It was built in 1882 and was originally the Slogar family home. The Kochevar family, whose building is actually the oldest in town, owned a bar on what is now known as Elk Ave. The mountain town of Crested Butte began as a mining town in the 1880s. So, it attracted a large influx of immigrants. Seeing a business opportunity, the Slogar family opened a boarding house on their property. Between the Kochevar’s bar and the Slogar boarding house, these businesses became very popular. In 1976, after years of nonuse, the owners transformed the building into a restaurant.

In 2018, longtime Crested Butte residents Ian Scott and Ayla Scott bought The Slogar. Ian is traditionally trained as a French Chef. While Ayla is a talented mixologist. The couple actually met in the restaurant, and they also own a catering company called Grease & Glitter.

The Slogar Food Review

We arrived at 5:15pm and the joint was jumpin’ – the bar was packed. Apparently the restaurant is attracts guests with its cocktails in addition to having an excellent wine list. We met some locals who regularly dine there. Richard’s cousin Nathan of course ran into friends. It’s always a family affair at The Slogar. We even got to meet Chef and Owner Ian Scott. Unfortunately, his wife Ayla was out of town at the time.

Once we were seated, the dinner unfolded quite rapidly. I ordered a wine, as our food began to arrive. I chose an earthy red (Marqués de Cáceres Rioja, Spain) with dark berry and notes of leather. It was delicious.

The classic caesar salad (or as they call it Cezar) was on point, as was the coleslaw. Next the three-course family style meal continued. A server placed a large basket of fried chicken in front of my husband. I saw his eyes widen, as he tried to wait for our server to leave before diving in. I on the other hand was even more excited about the sides – mashed potatoes, collard greens, gravy, and super soft hot biscuits, honey butter and jam.

Mouthwatering Fried Chicken & Tasty Sides

Of course, that was before I tasted the fried chicken. It was indeed “pretty amazing” as Nathan told us. It has a beautiful crunch that gives way to the tender moist chicken. A subtle spice flooded my mouth. Wow, ok, now I taste what Nathan was raving about. In addition, the mashed potatoes and gravy were also stupendous.

My two other favorite sides were the collard greens and the warm biscuits. Who can resist a warm soft biscuit…omg! The collard greens had a beautiful maple sweetness to them. This was combined with a savory onion and garlic flavor which made for a perfect union of savory and sweet.

Finally, we each enjoyed an ice cream sammie – a simple and sweet ending to a fun meal. Ok – I agree with Nathan Bilow…The Slogar Restaurant makes some amazing fried chicken. If you are visiting Crested Butte, make a reservation for this must-dine at restaurant. The Slogar Bar & Restaurants, 517 2nd Street, Crested Butte, CO; https://www.slogarcrestedbutte.com/