Lunch review

When traveling, I often run into people who are still under the impression that you can’t get a drink in Utah. While I’ll admit I’m still looking for the perfect pub, I can name so many local watering holes that these misinformed people can’t help but be convinced. One of the first that comes to mind is the Porcupine Pub & Grille at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Jason and I recently met our friends Cynthia and Sean there for lunch. As I’ve mentioned before they’re new to Salt Lake and don’t really venture much past downtown, so on a snowy Saturday we met them way down south because Porcupine’s nachos were calling my name. We got the huge “half order” to start ($5.99) and were quickly digging in:

I don’t let myself eat these very often because they’re dripping with real cheddar cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. We also got a side order of chile verde with them (my first time for that), and although I’m usually pretty skeptical about chile verde at non-mexican restaurants this was quite good. All I can really say about these nachos is yum!

To compensate for all the nachos I ate, I ordered the regular house salad with shrimp for my entrée (see below, $11.98). I frequently get the Red Pepper Hummus appetizer ($7.99) for lunch though, or the Roasted Veggie Flat Bread ($8.99).

Jason ordered the breakfast special of Blueberry Pancakes (I think that was $8.99), and Sean and Cynthia both ordered the Biscuits & Gravy ($8.99).

While they all reported (and I agreed) the food was good, it wasn’t great that day, and I suppose that’s why Porcupine isn’t my perfect local (to use a British term). I have to say though that frequently the food really is top notch here, just not that day. Our family goes to brunch every other week and we often end up at Porcupine. My brother-in-law swears by the Huevos Rancheros ($9.99) or the Big Ol’ Pile of Breakfast (double order of house potatoes, four large eggs, bacon & sausage, $8.99), and my mother-in-law craves the Thai Chicken Pizza ($8.99).

There are lots of other reasons why we keep going back too. One is the service. Normally, it’s exactly what I want. Drink refills on time, food on the table when it’s hot, and the bill doesn’t get lost at the end of the meal. Another reason is the location since we live out that way, although during ski season this can be a draw back because the place is packed with skiers. That said, the balcony seating in the summer is pretty amazing. I can’t think of a better view in the city where you have such a good selection of beer (featuring 24 brews on tap, most from local brewers).

And finally, my real reason for going back again and again? Hello, my name is Corrinne and I’m a nacho-holic.

Porcupine Pub And Grille
3698 East Fort Union Blvd (7200 South), Salt Lake City, Utah 84121
(801) 942-5555
Website: www.porcupinepub.com