Squatters: The New Version of the Old Standby

Squatters: The New Version of the Old Standby
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Squatters started in 1989 as a great idea imported from Europe—a brewpub—and they did it well. Bangers and mash were among the first things on the menu, and the beer was, by today’s standards, so-so, but it was better than the sad brews others were making at the time. Popular right from the start, Squatters brought a whole retinue of imitators: brewpubs with their own, great beer and versions of pub food. None have become part of the DNA of Salt Lake in the way Squatters has. The first three restaurants out of my mouth when I talk Salt Lake eating to strangers looking for a place are Red Iguana, Market Street and Squatters.  … read more

To the Housewarming Party: East Liberty Tap House

To the Housewarming Party: East Liberty Tap House
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East Liberty Tap House sits at the sunset end of 9th East and 9th South. It started as rumors—initially conceived as a neighborhood bar, a symbol of Salt Lake’s progress. Here it is, not a full bar, but a tavern tucked inside a bright, tightly furnished, little restaurant.

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Tosh’s Ramen

Tosh’s Ramen
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Tosh’s Ramen is a church to worshippers of a passing time, where secrets are revealed in bowl after steaming bowl of flesh, water and wheat. The keeper of the flavor’s secret, Toshio Sekikawa, holds his congregation in thrall.

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The Rest

The Rest
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The Rest is my “why Salt Lake is great” restaurant/bar of choice right now, which might be a problem, as it is so small and so special. I almost hate to share it with anyone new—not for fear that it will go away, but that there won’t be any room left for me. … read more

Skewered Thai: A Nice, New Old Place

Skewered Thai: A Nice, New Old Place
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I love restaurants in re-purposed houses. So much emotional work is done with this simple setting—you are an invited guest, you are home again, you are part of an ongoing history. Skewered Thai’s space is like a home turned church, turned restaurant. … read more