This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
This time of year, people are drawn to The Hog Wallow Pub, on Big Cottonwood Canyon Road, for its lush outdoor patio, with waterfalls and secluded tables under large trees.
"Hog Wallow offers a beautiful setting you cannot find at any other bar in the Salt Lake Valley," said Beckey Draper, assistant manager and music coordinator at the neighborhood watering hole that dates back some six decades.
"It's just right," adds Bart Mann, a Los Angeles transplant who stopped by on a recent sunny weekend afternoon to enjoy a drink.
Inside — which is warm and cozy and has a cottage-like feel — is noteworthy, too.
"I like the old style. I'm from New England, so it kind of reminds me of a New Hampshire bar with the wood and the décor," said Paul Hamric, a regular customer.
It's been that way since 1947, when workers at the nearby Old Mill stopped by the converted Civilian Conservation Corps bunkhouse for a drink at the end of a hard day's work.
Since then, the bar has changed owners and names several times. It's been called The Wagon Wheel, Demete's, The Fox and Bottle Inn and D.J.'s Beer Garden. In 1997 it became The Hog Wallow Pub, named after a rapid on the Green River.
Today, it offers live music Wednesday through Saturday nights, and occasionally a national touring act stops by.
"It's always good to keep your eyes open for some of these special acts coming through," said Draper, who selects bands based on professionalism, talent, draw and style.
"We feature an eclectic style of music from funk, blues, country, bluegrass, Americana, reggae and anything that sounds good and gets the crowd dancing," she said.
When visiting Hog Wallow, be sure to arrive with an appetite.
"The bar serves pizzas, hamburgers, French dip and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches as well as nachos and quesadillas," said Draper. If you are in the mood for something on the lighter side, opt for a house salad or an order of chips and homemade salsa.
Sunday through Tuesday there's free pool, and ever day the bar offers $3 Pabst Blue Ribbon, $2 Coors and Coors Light cans and $3 well vodka, tequila and whiskey. —
The Hog Wallow pub
Live music and a one-of-a-kind patio make this a sacred retreat off Big Cottonwood Canyon Road.
Where • 3200 E. Big Cottonwood Canyon Road; 801-733-5567 or thehogwallow.com
Hours • Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. – 1 a.m.; and Friday through Sunday, 1 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Coming up • National headliner Andy Frasco & the U.N. performs Friday and Saturday, May 10-11, at 9:30 p.m. Stonefed, a traveling band from Moab, performs Friday and Saturday, May 17-18, at 9:30 p.m.