The Hatch

Rotisserie & Bar

I visited the town of Paso Robles, CA not knowing where to really start our weekend getaway. In just a few hours of walking around and popping into some local tasting rooms and breweries, I felt hooked. The entire city seems to be filled with hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.

On the first night in Paso, we were beyond ready for dinner, but slightly overwhelmed with the bustling city and numerous local places available to eat. I had heard about The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar from some friends and decided we should go give it a try. The outside of the Bar was simple, nestled between a café and a winery tasting room. Upon entering, you can see a full-service bar to your left, which certainly caught my attention because I’m on vacation and very much wanted a drink. The rest of the restaurant consisted of beautiful wood tables and modern metal stools for sitting. The whole restaurant and bar felt quaint and inviting. Our group of eight was quickly seated at a high-rise table and greeted by staff.

I started to read the menu but was not sure what to order. The waiter approached the table and offered a “family style” service. This essentially meant that the menu was open, and that the chef would prepare both entrees and side dishes to share with the entire table. This allowed our table the opportunity to taste several things on the menu without having to commit to just one dish. Additionally, the cost difference was nominal, so I was very much ready to see the pairings they were going to arrange for us. The chef asked what our three top “must haves” were on the menu, and we quickly selected, chicken, steak, and pasta. The rest was left to the kitchen.

The first dish brought to our table was a butterleaf salad, topped with avocado, feta cheese, various pickled and raw vegetables, and a refreshing vinaigrette. The next dish was presented in a miniature hot skillet and consisted of fire-roasted hen of the woods mushrooms, which had a pretty smoky taste, but was complimented very well with the side sauce. A second miniature skillet quickly followed with hot honey, brown butter, and sea salt corn bread. It was probably the best corn bread I have ever had, and I guarantee I gained five pounds eating it. The next dish that followed was possibly my favorite, although I did have many favorites. It was Carbonara fresh Pasta with seared pork belly bacon pieces, English peas, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, and a pinch of heaven. I am not even a huge pasta person, but this was comfort food that made your entire day better in just one bite.

The next phase of our dinner were entrees, brought out one after the other. The first meal to share at our table was perfectly cooked Flat Iron Steak with onion-bacon jam and some type of crispy red potatoes on each end, presented on a rustic wood serving platter. It was tender and seasoned well. The next meal brought was the Rotisserie chicken with a side of coleslaw and two sauces that were perfected by the restaurant, providing a complimenting spice to the chicken. I will be frank in saying this was not the typical supermarket rotisserie chicken that makes you slightly gag, but you eat anyway because it’s cheap and a quick meal. This was rotisserie on a different playing field—the chicken was so tender and so full of flavor that the table went silent.

The dishes were all noticeably simple, just like the ambience of the restaurant, but very beautiful. The tastes of each dish were captivating and rich. You did not leave this restaurant unless you were well fed and happy. I knew that I was growing full, but I had to taste everything on the table and no, I did not turn down dessert. The chef again brought our table two generous desserts of his choosing, both of which were crowd pleasers. The first dessert brought was freshly prepared cinnamon donuts with a raspberry jam and the second dessert was chocolate cake topped with vanilla ice cream plated on drizzled sea salt caramel. I tried both because I am positive I was born with a second stomach dedicated to desserts of every kind—particularly chocolate. Both were enjoyable and worth the extra calories.

The service at this restaurant was exceptional and the chef’s choices for our meal selections, pairings, and the overall presentation of dishes were crafted in a way that will have me coming back. I am not sure how I did not know this place existed, but now I do and you do as well. What’s even better is the pricing at this restaurant is extremely reasonable—a perk not usually provided to finer dining and is seemingly uncommon when venturing out to eat. It’s sometimes the simplest things that make the best memories and The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar was very simple, likely because the food speaks for itself. Plus, it’s more than a meal, it’s an experience you’ll definitely want to share with your family and friends the next time you’re in Paso Robles.

WEBSITE

https://www.hatchpasorobles.com/

LOCATION

835 13th Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446

HOURS
Sunday–Wednesday: 4:30–9 pm
Thursday: 4:30–10 pm
Friday–Saturday: 4:30–11 pm

Reservations can be made online. For parties of 7 or more, call The Hatch at (805) 221-5727

Street Parking Available

Casual Attire