This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The basement bar in the Walker Center parking tower in downtown Salt Lake City has been transformed from the dark Monks, to the lighter, cleaner Bourbon House, complete with new furnishings.
The large bar offers whiskey shots for $4 (Maker's Mark and Jameson), cocktails and beer. The bar's signature Pickleback shot ($4) is a drink to add to your bucket list.
Sundays at Bourbon House include brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a serve-yourself bloody Mary bar and football, soccer and baseball on the flat-screen televisions hanging around the bar.
"We're regulars during football season. It's a nice, laid-back atmosphere and there are a lot of TVs," said customer Sloan Roberts, who suggests trying Chad's Balls, bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and sausage and served with ranch ($7).
"It's a little less crowded. And it's a really great place to come if you're from Philly because the owner is from Philadelphia. It's like home away from home," said Philadelphia Eagles fan Matt Kane.
At brunch, try The Breakfast, a $10 plate that includes one of everything: biscuits and gravy, hash browns, a side of meat, an egg and toast.
The regular menu offers a variety of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads and some vegan options. Operating manager Jason LeCates suggests the Juicy Lucy burger, which is cheese stuffed between two quarter-pound ground chuck beef patties, served with your choice of a side dish. The $9 burger is offered as a two-for-one special on Wednesdays.
"Many of our menu items came as suggestions from friends and family," LeCates says. "I've also spent my fair share of time watching the Food Channel and 'Man vs. Food.' "
Music is another draw at this downtown club, which includes a mix of karaoke, live music and a weekly DJ, including live blues bands on Saturdays after 10 p.m. Sunday nights are Soul Nights, beginning at 9 p.m., featuring DJ Street Jesus, who spins "super chill funk and soul music," according to LeCates. "You can kick back and listen or get up and cut a rug."
To suggest a club to be featured in our Bar Exam column, email features@sltrib.com. —
Where • 19 E. 200 South (in the basement of the Walker Center parking tower below Kinkos/FedEx); 801-746-1005
Open • Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
Online • bourbonhouseslc.com
Events • Saturday, Sept. 22, Chalula performs at 10 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 23, is funk and soul night with DJ Street Jesus performing at 9 p.m.; Thursday, Sept. 27, karaoke begins at 9 p.m.