Beehive Bar
Sad news for lovers of the onsite bar over at South Salt Lake’s Beehive Distilling. The operators of the award-winning distillery are to shutter the bar space as of March 16th. Taking to Instagram the business wrote:
“We regret to inform you that the Bechive Bar will close on March 16th. We’d like to call out a huge thank you to all of our amazing emplovees. They are truly some of the nicest and most talented people in the industry. They have been the backbone and spirit of this bar. We’ll be announcing details on the final night party, but in the meantime swing by and have your favorite cocktail made by your favorite bartenders). It would also be remiss to forget “Seth The Chef’s” food…
The space will continue to be available for private events. Beehive Distilling is is still going full steam-stay tuned for new products dropping in the near future.”
Count me among those who will mourn this one. I’ve long been a fan of the angular modern space, especially so since they launched their bar bites program back in the Summer of 2022.
Kao Thai
Another one of my personal favorites and is also now sadly closed. For my money, this Canyon Rim Thai spot was one of the best in the state, not least home to some remarkably unique preparations. Pictured top is a great example, braised short ribs in velvety curry sauce.
Likeminded fans of owner/chef Pornpimon Prathummas cooking may want to direct their attention to her current restaurant – Kin Sen Noodle Asian Bar. I penned the following story about Prathummas last year, and the surprising back story behind those short ribs…
Citris Grill
The Tribune yesterday reported on the impending closure of this Millcreek cafe. As part of the interview owner Michael Crosland confirmed March 30th would be the final date; Crosland cited post-Covid-difficulties as the driver behind the closure. The restaurant opened way back in 2004 and was known for a menu that offered dishes in both petite and hearty sizes.
Tradition
While there seems to be no official notice from the restaurant itself, multiple publications have written about the closure of Liberty Park adjacent Tradition. Opened in a formerly abandoned car garage in 2017 by Ashton Aragon and Max Shrives – the restaurant scooped up plenty of acclaim through the years. Heather L. King reviewed the restaurant favorably when it initially opened, commenting on the Southern-leaning menu. Initial reports suggested the restaurant might return at some future point. Again, as far as I can tell, no official word yet from the business owners.
Aragon and Shrives continue to partner at Sayonara, the Japanese-inspired bar that opened in the second half of 2023. Check out the following Salt Lake Magazine article for more details on that one.
Jade Market
After nearly twenty years in downtown SLC, this local market announced their impending closure on Facebook. The business wrote:
“Hello friends. After 18 awesome years, Jade is closing. We’d love to see our stuff go to good homes! Today and tomorrow, all of our inventory is 50% off, so get in here and stock up! If you’re interested in any equipment or supplies, message or email us for pricing. If you’re a nonprofit looking for donations, get in touch! It’s been a pleasure serving and getting to know you. We wish you all the best.”
Moves, closures, updates
Cubby’s Sugar House
March 9th was the last day of business for the Highland Drive (2130 S) location of Cubby’s. A new location at 759 E 2100 S is slated to open as of March 14th. The former Pizza Hut building promises both improved and accessible parking, as well as a new drive-thru option for guests.
Side Of Aloha
This Hawaiian restaurant called temporary-time on their existing Draper location at the end of February. Information provided by their marketing team confirmed the restaurant will live on, however, moving to South Jordan later this year:
“The team will be closing down operations in March in preparation for its new location at 11580 S District Main Dr. The District South Jordan, UT 84095. The new location will be a sit-down restaurant and will elevate the Side of Aloha experience featuring brunch, lunch, dinner, and a bar with specialty drinks like a Lilikoi Margarita. The bar will also have a poke and musubi bar with seating, much like popular sushi spots. Side of Aloha’s new location is set to open summer 2024.”
Pago
Brunch is no more at this 9th and 9th restaurant. Owner Scott Evans provided the following information to guests of the restaurant, confirming the change in service:
As we approach our 15th anniversary of Pago on 9th & 9th this April, we have been reflecting on what Pago is today, what it has been over the past 15 years and what we want to move towards for our next chapter.
So much has changed in the restaurant community since opening in 2009. Most of our ‘fine dining’ peers from that period are no longer in business. With our expert and veteran team, we have been fortunate to continue our growth (2023 was a record sales year!) and constantly strive to be one the best restaurants in Utah. We have been fortunate to receive numerous awards since opening (Best Restaurant/Best Wine List/Best Brunch) and continue to do so today. However, we believe the best way to take Pago into the next chapter, is to put all our energy and resources into what we do best – dinner service. In addition to our a la carte dinner menu, we added a daily 3-course tasting menu with wine pairings that evolves with the seasons. At the same time, we continue to build our cellar with up and coming producers as well as the world’s best wines.
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Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you! I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC. I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have written in myopic detail about the Salt Lake City dining scene for the better part of seventeen years.
I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV. Pause those credits, yep, that’s me! I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune. I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand. What they’re saying about me: “Not inaccurate”, “I thought he was older”, “I don’t share his feelings”.
Want to know more? This is why I am the way I am.
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