Hey everyone, Hitting up Utah this summer with the in-laws and going to be about an hour outside of SLC (Eden). Just trying to figure out what I'm getting myself into... Epic, Squatters, Uinta? Bottle shops in the area? Pubs/Restaurants? I'm also going to be road tripping north to Jackson Hole and/or Yellowstone at some point during the week. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers! Joe
Tip #1: Get out of Utah as fast as you can. Tip #2: When in Jackson drink as much Melvin Brewing as you can at Thai Me Up restaurant.
I just rolled through Utah and spent some time at Epic's The Annex...it's a nice space (obviously much bigger than the hole in the wall tasting room at their main facility) and you can get tasters without having to get an entree. The merch and bottle selection are better at the brewery though.
Not sure what is distributed in your state but The Beer Hive (my favorite), Beer Bar, and The Bayou have extensive bottle list that you can't find anywhere else in Utah. Bit pricy though.
Joe, I live in Eden and while there's a couple of decent restaurants in the valley, the closest "beer civilization" is going to be Ogden, about 20 minutes away. There you will find the best beer selection (by Utah standards) at Slackwaters (great food as well) and the Barrelhouse. Roosters is a local brew-pub that's worth visiting as well. There is no such thing as a traditional bottle shop in Utah, all sales of 4.0+ ABV beer is through State liquor stores or at the brewery (like Epic and Red Rock in SLC). While you're in Eden, though, you need to hit the Shooting Star Saloon (in Huntsville, the next town over). While the beer selection sucks, it is the oldest continuously operating bar west of the Mississippi and is worth a quick stop. Let me know when you are in town and if you have time we can share something out my cellar. Tim
I agree with Utahcraft and Benish's suggestions. I also think going to Bohemian Brewery in the Salt Lake Valley (Midvale to be exact), Desert Edge Brewery in SLC's Trolley Square area, Avenue's Proper, and Wasatch Brewery (which is near Epic's Annex). You will find some good choices in Utah! Have a good time, it's beautiful there and great sunshine!
A timely post with good info. I'm currently in Lehi for the day, leaving tomorrow morning. Looking at the suggestions from Jsteez, which would you recommend if I only have time to check out one place? I'm leaning towards Bohemian as I can definitely appreciate a good lager and it's closer to me, but Avenue's Proper has a very interesting looking taplist as well. edit - open to any other suggestions if anyone has a rec for the one brewpub one should visit in the SLC area.
Is there a FB page or a beer swap site for SLC? I am flying in next week and could bring in some beers from the DC area to trade for some local stuff. Any info would be great.
For what it's worth, I hit Bayou (good tap selection if you're looking to try Utah beers, seems most people go there for the bottle selection though) then Avenues Proper (pretty unique house beers though they were hit or miss, good food though).
Message me if you want to meet up for a bottle share. I'm outside downtown so a little bit of a distance. Just moved here from CA. Beautiful state but a shock when it came to beer here. No such thing as a bottle shop unfortunately unless you count the state owned store as such. On that note, bottle share anyone who responded? Looking for beer buddies!
Wow, thanks for the invite @utahcraft and the information. I'll be sure to reach out (and carve out time!) when we get a little closer to the trip (end of July). I appreciate all the input everybody! @indian_pale_ale I'd love to meet up for a bottle share. I'll make sure I pack a few beers to bring.
IPA, let me know what you want me to bring and what you may have stockpiles for trade. I am going to be headif to Dugway. So apparently driving isn't an issue. I can get DFH and Bells Two Hearted plus some other locals here. Let me know what you are interested in picking up. And meeting for a pint would be cool too.