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The Garage on Beck reopened on July 4, less than a month after a fire destroyed part of its patio.
Today, it's difficult to tell that flames threatened to engulf the bar on June 9. An enlarged photograph of the fiery scene is hung near the entrance as a reminder.
The inside of the neighborhood bar is still intact with two full bars and a kitchen. Only half the patio is usable, but an expanded, full-size version is set to open Aug. 8.
Rebuilding after the fire presented the opportunity to create a better patio with a larger stage for more live shows, plus more seating and inviting plants, said owner Bob McCarthy. "We're going to fly to Oregon to buy a 40-foot London Plain tree and stick it out there to bring some light back to the patio," he said. "By next year people need to say, 'It is better than ever.' "
But more than anything, The Garage is celebrating its survival, McCarthy said. "You cannot kill this bar. In the end this will be a very positive thing."
The fire even prompted head chef Liz Guerrero to redesign the menu. "We have this opportunity to take this business to the next level," she said. One of the best times for customers to try new dishes is during the bar's weekend brunch, served Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"We have a Red Eye biscuits and gravy, and we do a Bloody Mary chop steak — American classics with a twist," Guerrero said. The menu also includes gluten-free and vegan dishes.
Regulars don't have to worry: The signature fried pickles and Mormon funeral potatoes are still on the menu.
On the third Sunday of August and September, bargoers will hear the Groove Garden music series hosted by DJ Jesse Walker from 3-8 p.m. It's the one time during the month that the bar's usual Americana tunes are swapped for dance music.
"Sometimes we'll start out the party with rare groove and funk and build it into more danceable disco and electro," said Walker, who selects three or four DJs to spin throughout the five-hour party.
The range of music brings in people from all walks of life from hipsters to rockers to bikers. "It's what makes it fun," McCarthy said.
And that variety is a big draw for regulars like Mike Dickson. "I like the mixed crowd," he said.
There are other draws, according to customer Steve Young. "I feel like I don't have to get dressed up to come here," Young said. "It's real people with real jobs. And the food is amazing."
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The Garage on Beck
The historic bar has had three fires since 1940, the latest on June 9. But the bar has rebuilt and plans to open a larger patio on Aug. 8.
Where • 1199 N. Beck St., Salt Lake City; 801-521-3904
Open • Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Upcoming events • Harry Lee, Friday, July 27, at 9 p.m., $5; Whiskey Fish, Saturday, July 28, at 9 p.m., $5; Groove Garden DJ dance party, Sunday, Aug. 19, at 3 p.m., free.