Beer is Better in the Mountains
Despite Utah’s notoriously difficult liquor laws, a number of dedicated individuals have learned how to lean into the challenge and have managed to create businesses that are nothing short of thriving. Thanks to these respected men and women you are guaranteed to be able to locate a craft beer worthy of your attention no matter where you might find yourself throughout the state.
Bohemian Brewery in Midvale
This rustic mountain lodge-inspired eatery specializes in old-world European dishes that are made from scratch daily. One of Bohemian Brewery’s most drool-worthy dishes is pierogies & bratwurst, which pairs perfectly with one of their house-made lagers that are free from any chemicals, preservatives, or artificial process enhancers. This delicious entrée features European pastry pockets filled with cheese and potatoes, the tastiest brats, along with their mind-blowing sauerkraut. You’ll also find other options like potato pancakes, bohemian schnitzel, beef stroganoff, and Moravian apple strudel.
Roosters Brewing in Layton and Ogden
One of the first seven breweries to open up in the state of Utah, Roosters has a lengthy and unique history. Kim and her husband Pete opened their downtown Ogden location in 1995, which was a major leap of after years of crime and illegal activity had all but condemned the area. Fast forward nearly 25 years and now Roosters is home to one of the first female brewers in the state, Jacquie King Wright. Their team of talented brewers has created a solid lineup of flagship beers that include a red ale, a blood orange IPA, and a blackberry cream ale to name a few. With menu items like Beehive Cheese Curds, Pepper Jack mac-n-cheese, and a buffalo burger this restaurant has some delicious grub to serve alongside their grit.
Strap Tank Brewery in Lehi and Springville
Strap Tank is one of those places where you can take anyone and they are guaranteed to find something on the menu that will excite them. Fried pickles, linguine alfredo, a prime rib sandwich, and ahi tuna provide just a glimpse into the diversity of options available. What is most noteworthy is the completely over-the-top décor. The brewery features extremely rare and vintage motorcycles, specifically the Harley-Davidson strap tank model number 2037, which is actually the restaurant’s namesake. Another unique offering that can be found at this brewery is their take on the popular hard seltzer. Using snow cones as their inspiration, Strap Tank has developed a Tiger’s Blood hard seltzer which features coconut, watermelon, and strawberry.
Wasatch Brewery in Sugar House, Park City, and SLC
If you’re looking for somewhere that is a bit more tongue in cheek, Wasatch Brewery will most definitely fit the bill. This playful brewhouse was opened by Greg Schirf in 1986 and was the very first brewery in Utah. Greg is actually the mastermind behind Utah’s change in the legislature that legalized brewpubs throughout the state. One of the most well-known beers from this establishment has got to be the Polygamy Porter. Defined by smooth chocolatey goodness, this crowd favorite has won more than 5 major awards. You can even give this beer a try in dessert form with their Polygamy Porter Chocolate Brownie!
Fisher Brewing Company in SLC
Fisher Brewing Company has quickly become a downtown favorite now that it is back in business after a 50-year hiatus. This historic business reopened as a taproom in 2017 when four friends, one of which is the great-grandson of Albert Fisher, came together to resurrect the Fisher family legacy. Albert Fisher was a German immigrant who originally opened A. Fisher Brewing in the 1800s. These boys purchased an old auto mechanic shop in the Granary District of SLC and dedicated their own sweat and tears to create the establishment where you can watch the brewers in action today. Their unique approach eliminates the need to offer tours, while also giving guests something to ogle while they enjoy their beer. To make sure the masses are safe from going hungry, Fisher has an alternating schedule of local food trucks that set up shop each day. While the four friends who brought this dream to life all enjoy IPAs, they do offer a wide variety of beers from a rye cream ale to a beet saison.