Portions revised 20 Feb 22
Note: Grades for the best meals are rated B+ to A+. All others are not highly recommended. (Note: we've also removed over 60 restaurants we've tested that are now out of business, and transferred them to our site, "Best Utah Restaurants Out of Business.")
Additional food items are in individual categories such as those on our other sites like Best Hot Dogs in Utah, Best Burgers in Utah, etc.
(Most tests 2011-2019, some up through 2021; while the best foods from tests in 2020 and 2021 are in the site Bucket List.)
(Also see "Best Restaurants in Park City," and "Park City Restaurants in Detail" for 30 additional restaurants we graded, not on the list below.)
A short list of some of the best places overall are right below:
Salt Lake Valley:
Elegance: Le Caille (mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, S.E. Salt Lake Valley), The Roof (downtown SLC). Franck's, Holladay (S.E.. Salt Lake Valley),
Upscale casual: Charleston, Copper Onion, Pago, Copper Common, Settebello, The Garden Restaurant (all in Salt Lake)
Casual: Blue Plate Diner, Original Pancake House (both in Sugarhouse)
Utah Valley:
Elegance: Block Restaurant (Provo)
Upscale casual: Black Sheep (Provo), Sundance - Foundry and Tree Room (at Provo Canyon), Harvest (at Thanksgiving Point), Communal (Provo), Station 22 (Provo), Slate (at Provo Marriott), Lemon Grove (Provo), La Dolce Vita (Provo), Pizzeria 712 (Orem), Oregano (Provo)
Casual: Chubby's (Pleasant Grove), Cubby's (Provo), Mama Chu's (Orem), Brassa Grill (Provo), Gurus (Provo), El Tropical (Provo)
Park City:
Casual: Windy Ridge Cafe, O'Shucks, Jupiter Lanes cafe (at bowling alley), Wasatch Brew Pub, 501 Main, Eating Establishment (north room by window best casual seating in the city), Flannigans, Purple Sage
Upscale casual: Riverhorse, Cafe Terigo, 412 Bistro, Wahso Asian Grill, Farm at The Canyons in Park City, Bangkok Thai, Burgers and Bourbon (at Montage Hotel), Taliskers, Zoom, Silver, Chimayo, Shabu
Heber Valley (including Midway):
Upscale casual: Blue Boar Inn (Midway), Simon's Restaurant at the Homestead (Midway), Snake Creek Grill (Heber)
Casual: Matty's Bistro (Midway), Spin Cafe (Heber), Claimjumper, Tarahumara, Midway
The DETAILED LIST below is NOT a list of the best restaurants in Utah. It is a list of the BEST FOOD ITEMS (plus mediocre ones) in Utah restaurants. (A restaurant may have 20 bad items and 2 great items. This list shows those we tested. (You're definitely taking a chance ordering other things on the menu than those listed below.)
Please keep checking back - we upgrade regularly!
See our other posts - we break down the best restaurants by category as well, in more detail, such as "Best Fish and Chips in Utah," "Best Wings in Utah," "Best BBQ in Utah," "Best Mexican Food in Utah," etc.
We have tested nearly every restaurant in Utah County and many in Salt Lake, Summit, Davis, Weber, Cache, and Wasatch Counties, plus the counties of Southwestern Utah. At many we have tried everything - or nearly everything - on the menu. By contrast, newspaper reviewers and people who rate restaurants on sites like Yelp typically make judgments based on only one meal, which we feel may not be as accurate or fair.
Note that most restaurants everywhere have items that are Bs, Cs, and Ds. Only a relatively few have an A item. Even the best places usually have no more than a few A items.
The items with a star (*) are the Best Overall Eating Establishments on the list below. The list is in alphabetical order.
Reminder: Bold- faced means items scoring B+ or higher.
A
Abergine, Lehi, Provo
2018, August:
humus C
pita bread C-
trip tip steak B+
grilled chicken B/B+
rice C-/C
salad B-/B
cheese bread B++
A Little Taste of Britain, Layton
a. fish and chips (B+, one of better ones in Utah - see our site, "Best Fish and Chips in Utah.")
APG's (A. Beuford Gifford's) Bar and Grill, Provo
a. ABG Classic Double with bacon (bun A, charbroiled angus B+, bacon A-. American cheese. CUSTOM ORDER IT WITH MAYO, avocado, and red onion, lettuce, tomato) B+
b. ditto with spicy chiptole aioli on it, which normally comes with it (at least when we had it), dropped the grade down to a B-
c. Hickory Burger (with cheddar and bacon) they make their own BBQ sauce, which grades a B+, but we're not fans of BBQ sauce on burgers, because it clashes with the flavor of the buns, tomato, onions, lettuce, etc. B
Note: they have great custom sauces (they make their own).
a. fries B-
b. papa burger (lettuce, tomato, onion, meat C+, bun B-), with fry sauce, B
Andinita (Columbian/Venezuelan), SLC
a. hot dog (with mild green picante, coleslaw and cilantro): A
a-1. hot dog alone (they should switch to Nathans or Oscar Mayer beef) B
b. pork chop, regular C+
c. pork chop smoked B+
d. fruit drinks A-, with sweetened condensed milk (we believe it is): A
e. fried plantain C+/B- -
f. salted white rice B-
g. potato salad and chicken B/B+
h. ribs (some parts dry) B
i. ribs with avocado sauce B+
j. beef soup C+
k. beef in the soup tender parts B+, dry parts C-
l. reyna pepiada: chicken salad sandwich with avocado (exotic potato and much avocado, carrots, cilantro, mayo, a little shredded chicken) B+
m. ham and cheese sandwich, fried scone like bread B
n. ham and cheese sandwich with handmade corn pancake B+, with avocado sauce B+/A-
o. passion juice drink with milk A
p. mango juice drink with milk A
Antonella's, Orem
2017, rev 2021
fruit tart, with or without chocolate sides B+
NO LONGER MADE: chicken salad sandwich, needs more grapes, pecans, and celery; great pulled chicken/mayo, and bread B+
GONE: butter cookies and caramel filling B+
Burger (bun A, sirloin ground meat B). total: B/B+. with bacon: still B/B+
pastrie with raspberry B-
pastrie with cheese C-
chocolate cuprache? C-
mango smoothies A
capresse vegano sandwich on ciabatta bread (ask for 2x basil) A
ciabatta bread B+/A-
key lime tart C
marharita pizza B-
vege pizza B-
burger with pasticetas (buns), lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayo B/B+
with or without cheese: B/B+
with or without bacon B/B+
bun for burgers A
sirloin burger meat B
black forest cake C
cannoli C
Appleby's, national chain
The only 2 things on their menu even coming close to a B+ (though we haven't tested the salads) are:
a. shrimp scampi linquini with (alfredo sauce B-/B; or porodoro sauce B-). total B/B+
b. turkey bacon avocado sandwich with green goddess dressing B/B+
a. salted caramel choc chip cookie B-
b. triple chocolate chip cookie B-/B
Note: the 3 smoked sandwiches below were served on a Monday morning and the meats were warmed up; it is possible they are always served that way and come from their company already smoked, but if they could be served fresh they would be much better.
c. pork belly sandwich on a bun B
d. pork belly alone (this is an A item at better restaurants, but for fast food its passable) B
e. smoked brisket sandwich (two years ago it was a B+, perhaps served fresher or the meat was better then) B-/B
f. brisket alone C
g. BLT (bun C+, bacon A-/A) total B+
h. smoked turkey sandwich, with cheddar, onion rings, mayo: bun B; turkey alone B/B+; total B+
i. philly cheese steak sandwich (Bun C, steak B) total B-
2014:
a. chicken salad sandwich (Note: we've tested over 2 dozen chicken salad sandwiches: this is among the best. (See our site, "Best Chicken Salad Sandwiches in Utah" A-/A (if croissant, it would be an A). Best item on their menu: seasonal, with small chunks of pecans, apple chunks, chicken chunks, mayo sauce, leaf lettuce, wheat bread: A
b. Caramel shake - seasonal. C++
c. chicken salad wrap (the thick wrap brings it down) B-
d. turkey bacon sandwich (club) C-/C
e. brisket sandwich (meat B, bun B+, sauce B/B+, and onion strings below the top bun and mayo above the bottom bun) total B+
BYU Legends Grill, Provo
Beginning in 2015, the cafe was switched to be "performance based" for athletes, rather than being competitively taste-based. Lacking for taste is use of many fats and butters plus oils.
2018, Sep:
VERY LOW PRICES:
bowtie pasta with marinara sauce D+/C-
shrimp fajitain tortillas B
shrimp alone C
breaded cod C
Spanish rice D-
brownie with choc frosting C-
coconut shrimp B/B+ (if hot: A-)
salmon B
pork chop: dark meat (has only a few bites) B+, white meat C-
prime rib B+ (if hot: B)
pasta with marinara sauce B-
pasta with alfredo sauce C
buttered corn B-
choc chip cookie B+
a. oatmeal B+
b. bacon B
c. sausage patty C
d. french toast - thick multi-grain B-/B
e. bisquit B-/B
f. gravy B/B+
g. combined bisquit and gravy: B/B+
h. omelette alone - several layers, too think and overcooked grade C
i. omelette with avocado and mushroom and cheddar/swiss - all inside. needs cheese outside also and lots more and m ore avoc and mushroom. B-/B
m. mash B/B+
n. with loaded items A-
o. green beans with bacon B-
p. smoked sausage B-
q. with mash B/B+
r. ribs without sauce, when hot: B/B+
s. ribts, hot, with sauce B
t. brisket, wet end, portions range in grade, because of varying degrees of tenderness, from B- to B+
u. brisket, dry C
v. pulled pork, internal meat B-
w. pulled pork, external meat A-
x. meatballs B, with BBQ sauce B-
BYU Museum of Art Cafe, Provo
a. Chicken Club sandwich (focacia bread, mayo on top slice, tom, lettuce, bacon B+, grilled chicken with pepper C, dried tomato sauce on bottom B) Total A-
b. Harvest turkey (turkey B+, thick sliced green apple, provolone, lettuce, no tomato, on croissant; cinnemon cream B-); Total (too strong of cinnemon flavor) B
c. ditto, with grape added B/B+
d. chocolate mousse cake B+/A-
e. choc mousse part alone B++
f. caprese sandwich C+
THESE 3 ITEMS MAY BE AT BYU's MOA CAFE or elsewhere, such as Garden Cafe or Lionhouse Cafe in SLC:
a. Hunter Chicken Pasta (penne, alfredo, mozz, mushroom, bacon, basil - similar to Three Cheese Tortilini at Savory and Sweet) B/B+
b. NO LONGER SERVED IN 2018: chicken pot pie B
c. pablano fresca (this may be the same as 2018's turkey poblano sandwich (contains the following ingredients, from the bottom to the top: ciabatta bread, orange colored sauce, lettuce, turkey slices, tomato, poblano strips, avocado strips, orange sauce, ciabatta) B+
BYU Scoreboard (WSC, BYU campus), Provo
a. belgian waffle alone B+
b. ditto w.ith liquidy beries, unsweet B
c. belgian waffle with berries and cream A
d. belgian waffle with whipped cream only A-
e. ditto with syrup only B/B+
f. french toast C+
g. scramble with bacon in it and hash, onion, greepn pepper, cheese B
h. omellette: mushroom and cheddar (cheap, stringy cheddar), then omelette layers B/B+
i. breakfast sandwich (sourdough, utoasted, tomato, little amount white cheese, scrambled egg, round deli ham B-/B, orangey hot sauce) C. If not ham C+
i. chricken craisin croissant (chicken salad) A- -
j. burger (bun too thick C) total C+/B-
BYU Skyroom Buffet
a. vegetables + amazing view (one of four best, along with Blue Boar Inn, Midway an Garden Restaurant (and the Roof) in SLC
b. flourless choc cake B+/A-
c. bread pudding B/B+
d. 7 layer brownie A
e. turkey breast B+/A-
f. fish and chips B-
Back 40, Heber
fried chicken A
mash A-
mash with gravy B/B+
gravy alone (mushroom) B/B+
veggies (red pepper, corn pieces) A-
meatloaf B/B+
ribs D+
slaw B-
Bailey's Best Sandwiches, Orem
2016:
a. all vege/cheese (onion, spinach, mayo, cheddar, cabbage, lettuce, tomato, carrot, sprouts, cucumber, red peppers - all but olives, mustard, and jalapenos. B/B+
b. tuna salad sandwich: special dressing, mayo, white chunk tuna, sweet red pepper, provolone, sprouts, lettuce, tomato: B/B+
best dressing: red wine, vinegar, olive oil, greek oregano. 2nd best: turkish, 3rd beest: French, Mexican only.
Bajio Grill, national chain
2016, OCTOBER:
a. quesadillos IN ORDER:
green chile quesadillo B/B+, with tomato B++
sweet chicken and green chile quesadillo B/B+, same grade with tomato
b. lime chicken
b-1. honey chicken B-
c. shredded beef C-/C
d. black beans B/B+
e. pinto beans B-
f. white sweet lime rice (best of the 4 major chains in Utah) B
b. cheese enchilada, with flour tortilla and mild green sauce and melted cheese atop) (red sauce is hot) A-
c. Mexican rice C
e. chicken green chile enchilada B
f. refried beans (tasted canned but a bit better) C++
g. black beans C+
h. green chile sauce (best of the 4 major Mexican chains in Utah) B/B+
i. sweet lime rice B
j. MEXICAN PIZZAS:
Note: Mexican pizzas are best if they have refried beans, perhaps onions, no rice or perhaps a LITTLE Mexican rice, no corn. Optionally add pico and sour cream - ithey don't change the grades below for those two options:
1. asada Mexican pizza A-
2. shredded beef Mexican pizza B+
3. sweet pork Mexican pizza B/B+
4. honey chicken Mexican pizza B
5. lime chicken Mexican pizza B
6. onion on Mexican pizzas: B
7. corn on Mexican pizzas: D
8. Mex pizza with no meat B/B+
2015:
a. shrimp taco (sauteed, taco shell too thin, with mango sauce) B+
b. cheese enchilada (probably corn tortilla) C vs. B-/B second time
2009:
d. corn A
e. refried beans D vs.C- second time
f. black beans C-
g. pork enchilada B
h. lime queso enchildada C
i. unsweet white rice C
j. Mexican rice B-/B
Bam Bams BBQ, Orem
2018:
ribs (buy when open at 11 A.M.) B+
wet end brisket (ditto) B+
2014:
a. chopped beef (spicy) B/B+
b. pinto beans (spicy) C
c. slaw B+
d. potato salad B-/B
e. wet brisket, first trip A, second trip (April 2014) C+ to B+ depending on tenderness of each portion, third trip 2015: B+
f. pulled pork B- -, 2015: C+
g. turkey C+
h. ribs: first visit: ribs alone C, with tangy sauce C-, with sweet sauce C+; second visit (Apr 2014) ribs alone B-, with tangy sauce B-, with sweet sauce B); third visit 2015 B
i. dry brisket (flavor B) C+/B-
2013, Au gust:
wet end brisket: first test: A, second test, different day C+
lean brisket B - -
slaw B++
ribs (hot or roo m temp) C
turkey C
chopped beef B/B+
pulled pork C
a. duck leg with ginger sauce (a much runnier, less sweet honey ginger sauce than the Bangkok Thai in Park City, yet is good. (Unfortunately you have to get a half duck). B+
b. duck leg alone: B
c. duck breast with ginger sauce: B-/B
d. duck breast alone (flavor B, texture C): C+
e. ditto with honey ginger sauce B
f. pad thai C-
Baskin Robbins, national chain
a. #2 chocolate shake (after Smashburger's Haagen Das, although latter uses vanilla ice cream and choc syrup unfortunately, since HD's chocolate is the best!) B+
b. #1 butter pecan ice cream in U.S. A
Beans & Brews, Sandy
a. Swiss ham bagel (ham C, egg C+/B-, bagel C-). total B-
b. puff pastry (alone: B; with egg and spinach, swiss, and sundried tomato:) B/B+
c. shortbread C+
d. shortbread with chocolate C+
e. sausage egg sandwich on ciabatta (egg C+, sausage C-, ciabatta bun B+), total C+
Belgian Waffle and Omelette Inn, Sandy
Note: We've tried numerous items there - they have a great omelette per below, but so far no other items rated higher than a C+. We will keep trying other items.
a. a top 2 omelette in the state - avocado, mushroom, and cheese blend omelette A-
b. western omelette (bacon D+) C++
c.cinnamon walnut french toast C++
WE WILL NEXT TRY GARBAGE HASH and eggs.
Best Ribs and Chicken, Salt Lake City
(that's the name of restaurant)
a. rice A
b. chicken leg B-/B, thigh B-
c. bread B+/A-
d. pork rib C+
Betos/Ranchito (same chain), multiple locations in Utah
SEE BELOW UNDER RANCHITO FOR THE RATINGS.
Beyond Glazed, Riverton
Note: We've tried most donuts there; this is the one rating B+ or above:
a. maple bacon donut - best "assorted" donut we have had anywhere. A
v. pulled chicken 2015: C?
w. ham 2015: C
x. creamed corn 2015: A
y. shredded potato with cheese 2015: C-
Black Bear Diner, Provo and regional chain
1. Navaho taco trio:
a. red chile beef navaho taco (red chile sauce, cheddar jack, crema, black olives, lettuce, tomatoes, cotija, green onion pieces: A
b. bbq pork navaho taco (maple and bay leaf bbq sauce, cheddar jack, red cabbage, jicama, red onion, cotija, radish: A-
c. green chile pork navaho taco (braised pork, green chile sauce, cheddar jack, creme, lettuce, red onion, cilantro, __?: B+
2. steak taco: balsamic vinegar, glzed beef, carmalized onion, bleu cheese, cilantro, radish, crema, pinto beans, cilantro lime___?: B
3. pinto beans B/B+
4. sheep burger B/B+
5. relleno chimichanga B/B+
6. Black Sheep Navaho Taco B/B+
7. Navaho taco alone A
8. deluxe bison burger A/A+ (best burger in the state so far: medium rare bison A-, bun A, reduction sauce with sugar added A)
9. how jowls tacos A
10.
2013:
a-c. Navaho taco trio:
1) regular navaho taco A
2) red chile beef taco (olives make it better) B
3) green chile pork taco A+
d. southwestern street corn #1 corn in the state (seasoned corn on the cob). A
e. spicy shrimp in polenta (amazing - their version of shrimp and grits) A+
f. ribeye steak with chimichuri butter (#1 best steak in Utah under $30; unfortunately served only occasionally) A-
g. "sheep wings" A- (see our site, Best Wings in Utah; this place is in Top 3)
h. Nanniskadii A
i. Posole, too spicy C+
j. green chile stew B
k. pork chop sandwich (grades an A except for the pork, which is C++ as the pork is too thick and white, but at least it's charbroiled; consists also of pasilla chile, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, adobo mayo, in nanniskadi bread) B+
l. shrimp and grits B/B+ (old recipe better with much better sauce and ingredients: it was an A)
m. frittes B/B+
BURGERS:
a. custom burger - custom order it with same dressing as the pork chop sandwich. Amazing. grade A
b. black sheep burger (with fire-roasted pasilia chile, cheddar, red onion, tomato, lettuce, abodo mayo, wrapped in nanniskadii, hand-pressed ground beef). A+
c. bleu burger (bleu, carmamelized onion,s bacon, cabernet sauvignon reduction, mayo, wrapped in nanniskadi bread) A
d. goat burger (goat cheese, roasted garlic, portobello mushroom slices, fire roasted red bell peppers, arugula, adobo mayo, nanniskadi bread) A
DESSERTS
a. chocolate mousse (formerly A+ but chef moved who made it; now it's B)
b. cactus pear mousse (formerly A)
c. white chocolate mousse (formerly B/B+)
d. #1 carrot cake in state (not served anymore as of winter 2015)
e. honey-butter frybread A+
* Blue Boar Inn, Midway
a. Fish and Chips B+
b. house salad B+
c. prawns and creamy polenta with breaded, soft boiled egg B+
d. pork cheek risotto, with herbs. The chef makes it different ways - this is his original way: grade B. (he now does a citrus version)
* Blue Plate Diner, Sugarhouse
Note: We have tested nearly everything on the menu. These are most of our favorites; we are still compiling our notes.
2011-2016:
a. eggs florentine benedict (still on menu?) A
b. pulled pork sandwich (smoked in-house) A
c. cheese and tomato sandwich (it used to come with it, now the tomato is optional; we like it better than adding avocado, which we have here, both alone and with tomato) A
d. meat loaf, first time in July 2008 C-, second time B -
e. meatloaf sandwich B -
f. n/a
g. omelette: mushroom, avocado, spinach, first time C+, second time B
h. benedict: avocado, mushroom, spinach, first time in July 2008 A-, second time A
i. baked potato B
j. mash (mashed potatoes) C-
k. fries, unseasoned (unusual shape!) B+
l. fries, seasoned B-
m. reuben sandwich (local corned beef, smoked in-house here). This sandwich would be an A if they did 2 things: provided option of cole slaw instead of sour kraut, like some of the best deli's in the eastern U.S. do (as well as Feldman's Deli in Sugarhouse), and grilled the rye with butter, and changed the rye from marbled rye). Note that the kraut here is very good. B+
n. TRY THIS SANDWICH; IF NOT ON MENU, REQUEST IT: turkey, cranberry, tomato, lettuce, mayo
o. TRY THIS SANDWICH; IF NOT ON MENU, REQUEST IT: rye, provolone, portabello, tomato, mayo
2008, August:
tofu vege scramble B+
grilled cheese and avocado A
tuna melt with provolone cheese C-
chile verde pork breakfast burrito C+ (better with no pork and no black beans: needs more cheese, tomato, and scrambled eggs inside)
2008, July:
Reuben portabello sandwich C+
portabello and humus sandwich C+
BLT with sliced avocado sandwich D+
turkey avocado and sprouts sandwich A
grilled cheese and tomato A+
turkey, cranberry (or cream?), tomato, lettuce mayo sandwich A
french toast (too much cinnamon) B-
blueberry belgian waffle C-
chicken fried steak B+, including eggs and gravy A-
hueveos rancheros lobiana B
corned beef hash and 3 eggs D
buttermilk biscuits and gravy D
gravy alone for biscuits A
bacon breakfast sandwich or chile verde (notes unclear) D
hot turkey sandwich D
roast turkey dinner D
spaghetti and meatblals C
vegetarian chile soup C+
eggs benedict with salmon B-
Benedict, vege, sausage, and tomao A- (but sausage weak)
benedict with tomato and avocado A-
OUT OF BUSINESS: * Blue Street BBQ, American Fork
Feb 2018
Best overall BBQ in Utah!
Important: order Friday or Saturday 5 PM for best bbq!
a. St. Louis sticky ribs: A (but on Tuesday morning: C-
b. wet end brisket B+ (but on a Tuesday morning: B
sauces:
hot C-
regular B
SEP 2017
peach cobbler C-
pecan pie C
Baby Back rib with glaze (room temp) B+
BBQ chicken thigh B+/A-
chicken leg C+/B-
kielbasa C
green beans with bacon B+
mac and cheese C+/B-
fries B
Texas toast A+
Bohemian, SLC
a. chocolate cake C++
b. slaw B+
c. fish and chips B
Bona Vita, Lehi
a.spaghetti popotte (spag. with meatballs) B/B+
b. pasta with marinara sauce B
c. meatballs B/B+ (our fave in the state, but it's very subjective!)
d. al lsalmone B-/B
e. salmon alone B-/B
f. served with salmon, not counting the salmon: fettucini with brocoli, capes, and garlic in light cream sauce B/B+
g. mazzo pizza (their signature pizza: olive oil, fresh tomato, garlic, red onions, basil, aged buffalo mozzarella, balsamic glaze) B++
Brassa Grill, Provo
Note: we tested many items there - all were good, none a B+ except:
b. lengua burrito B+
c. steak taco B/B+?
d. steak burrito with chipotle mayo B+
e. whole rotisserie chicken B
Brickoven Pizza Restaurant, Provo
(This was an icon in 1960's Provo as Heaps o' Pizza; unfortunately they demolished the cool atmospheric interior to make it a "nicer" restaurant.)
2917, January:
a. clam chowder (canned flavor) B/B+
2016:
a. cheesesteak sandwich (steak B/B+, bun B/B+) total B/B+
b. margharita pizza B+
c. vege pizza B
d. cheese pizza C+/B-
e. spaghetti with tomato sauce B/B+
f. spaghetti with sausage sauce B/B+
g. spaghetti with meat and garlic B
h. meatball C
OUT OF BUSINESS: Broke Eatery, Provo
Note: the chef/owner has an amazing story. Go there and read the newspaper article about him and his cafe. He's also an executive chef elsewhere. The menu changes daily.
2016, October:
a. not on menu, but a rotating special:
BBQ chicken (baked chicken with BBQ sauce): a very nice glaze using a very nice sauce: B+
b. fries dusted with cajun powder, alone B
c. fried with yellow/pickle sauce B+
d. yellow sauce alone A
e. burger, crumbly meat, like sloppy joe B; bun B; house sauce B+; total: B/B+
f. jambalaya B/B+
Bruges Waffles, Sugarhouse (SLC) and Provo
Note: for any waffle, we recommend the one used for sandwiches, rather than the leige waffle. In any case, even the leige is better than the two waffles at Waffle Love. The fresh cream here blows away the whipped Darigold cream at Waffle Love as well, and certainly beats out the canned whipped cream served there and at all local ice cream places.
2016:
a. leige waffle alone B+
b. leige with fresh cream A-/A
c. leige with only sliced strawberries B+/A-
d. lege with fresh cream and strawberries A
e. sandwich waffle alone A
f. sandwich waffle with fresh cream A+
g. sandwich waffle with sliced fresh strawberries alone B+
h. sandwich waffle with strawberries and cream A+
i. fresh cream A+
j. Freakendel sandwich B+
k. Freakendel dog alone B+/A-
l. bagette alone B-
m. frites (fries, double-cooked). B+
Note their fryer may be the only Belgian made frite maker in the U.S., at the Provo location. White real frites rate high, it's hard to beat good ole McDonalds and Sizzler fries. See our site, "Best fries in Utah."
n. andalouse sauce B+
o. fry sauce B+
Note they have over a dozen sauces for their frites.
2014:
a. leige waffle B+
b. NO LONGER SERVED: gluten free square waffle (lite) B
c. sandwich waffle alone A-
d. lamb dog C
e. tan sauce A-
f. Freakendel with any of 3 sauces A (We revised our grade in 2016)
g. Freakendel alone A- (We revised our grade in 2016)
h. salmon sandwich B
i. turkey avocado waffle sandwich A-
j. (turkey alone: C)
k. Tuna lime-curry sandwich B
Bucket O'Crawfish, West Valley
a. #2 best catfish in state, after Sea Bears' catfish fish and chips in Bounitful. (Order a side of garlic sauce! We've tried all the sauces and this one is best.) A-
b. catfish, plain B++
c. catfish with tartar B
d. catfish with lemon pepper B
e. catfish with mild cajun C+
f. catfish with jalepeno C
g. wings, plain B
h. wings, with tartar sauce C
i. wings, with garlic butter B+
j. wings, lemon pepper B
k. wings, mild cajun C+
l. seasoned fries B
We've tested all their wings side by side, several times. Best, in order:
(in parenthesis are grades at Costa Vida for you to compare the same items)
October 2016, comparing all Mexican places in Provo-Orem. These are the grades here:
a. cheese enchilada with medium green chile sauce C/C+
b. cheese enchilada with red smoky sauce C+/B-
c. chile relleno alone B-
d. chile relleno with smoky red sauce B-/B
e. lime rice C-
f. pinto beans C+/B-
(no refried beans there)
August 2016:
a. key lime pie B (compares to Costa Vida A)
b. chile relleno with beef B-/B
c. cheese enchilada B
d. black beans D+/C-
e. pinto beans C-
f. rice D+/C-
g. pico salad C-
h. tortillas C
EARLIER:
b. cheese enchilada: plain C/C+, with medium green chile sauce C+/B-, with red smoky sauce C+ (compares to Costa Vida plain: B-, with medium green chile sauce B/B+, with raspberry sauce B/B+)
c. black beans B- (Costa Vida B)
d. lime rice C- (Costa Vida C)
e. pork relleno with green sauce C+/B-
f. chocolate flan B, plus cream only B, plus strawberries only B, plus both strawberries and cream A-
g. coconut flan B+/A-
h. tres leches B (compared to Costa Vida C+), plus strawberries and cream A- (compared to Costa Vida's tres leches with strawberries and cream B)
i. pinto beans B-
OUT OF BUSINESS: * Cafe 300, Provo
a. French Toast (great) A
b. #1 (tie) best Fish and Chips in state (only on Fridays after 5 PM) B+
c. Top 5 best Fried Chicken in state (only occasionally served) A
d. #1 (tie) St. Louis Ribs in state (only occasionally served). Great rub but not very tender. A-
e. #1 best omelette in state - avocado, mushroom, and cheese blend omelette (a custom omelette you have to request) A
f. top 3 Boston clam chowder in state (behind Lionhouse Pantry and Eating Establishment) A
g. #1 (tie) best mashed potato and gravy, turkey gravy ONLY (must request turkey gravy) A
h. #2 (tie) best potato salad in state (behind Five Star, tied with Pat's) B +
i-j. #1 best "Play Misty for Me" (not on menu - you have to request and describe it:) - sausage gravy over bacon over eggs-over-easy, over whole wheat toast A
k. onion rings. B+
l. asparagus. A-
m. potato au gratin. A-
n-p. biscuit, first visit B; gravy A+, combined B+, second visit (Dec 2013) combined B+
r. pancakes. A
s. BBQ pulled pork sandwich. WITH NO SAUCE: A.
T. BBQ pulled pork sandwich: WITH SAUCE: C+
u. custom item: "Play Misty For Me" A (WE WILL ADD RECIPE HERE.)
v. German choc cake A-
w. berry cheesecake B-/B
x. plain cheesecake B-
y. omelette: tomato, onion, green pepper, mushroom, and cheese blend (slightly sauteed veges) total B
z. vege-cheese omelette (this may be the same one as above) B
aa. omelette: tomato, spinach, and cheese blend "the works": C+/B-
bb. custom made omelette: red pepper, green pepper, onion, mushroom, spinach, tomato - sautee all 6 veges to be soft except tomato - it should have very slight crunch; request their cheese blend) A
cc. cheeseburger (meat B) total B
dd. bleu cheese burger (no sauce, but request tomato, lettuce, bleu cheese, and mayo with the bleu!) B+
ee. pork chops C
ff. roll B
gg. custom made chicken salad sandwich on goagie with blue berries and cream cheese: A
hh. lasagna B-
ii. salad B-
jj. garlic french bread A
kk. canoli (pastry too thick for our tastes) C-
ll. fries B (team of 4 average: B-/B)
mm. beans, like chili B-
nn. tomato-spinach-cheddar omellete A
oo. BBQ tri tip sandwich (sauce D) total B-
pp. roasted turkey, cheese and avocado sandwich B
qq. club sandwich B-
rr. fries B-
ss. custom grilled chicken salad sandwich: grilled breast, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, mixed baby green, and blueberry cream cheese on bread A
tt. choc cake B-
uu. corned beef hash and eggs A
vv. chicken salad sandwich (rarely served, not on menu) with craisens, pecans and special sauce A+
ww. chicken salad sandwich on menu: C
Callie's Cafe, Orem
(Also see "Best Restaurants in Park City," and "Park City Restaurants in Detail" for 30 additional restaurants we graded, not on the list below.)
A short list of some of the best places overall are right below:
Salt Lake Valley:
Elegance: Le Caille (mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, S.E. Salt Lake Valley), The Roof (downtown SLC). Franck's, Holladay (S.E.. Salt Lake Valley),
Upscale casual: Charleston, Copper Onion, Pago, Copper Common, Settebello, The Garden Restaurant (all in Salt Lake)
Casual: Blue Plate Diner, Original Pancake House (both in Sugarhouse)
Utah Valley:
Elegance: Block Restaurant (Provo)
Upscale casual: Black Sheep (Provo), Sundance - Foundry and Tree Room (at Provo Canyon), Harvest (at Thanksgiving Point), Communal (Provo), Station 22 (Provo), Slate (at Provo Marriott), Lemon Grove (Provo), La Dolce Vita (Provo), Pizzeria 712 (Orem), Oregano (Provo)
Casual: Chubby's (Pleasant Grove), Cubby's (Provo), Mama Chu's (Orem), Brassa Grill (Provo), Gurus (Provo), El Tropical (Provo)
Park City:
Casual: Windy Ridge Cafe, O'Shucks, Jupiter Lanes cafe (at bowling alley), Wasatch Brew Pub, 501 Main, Eating Establishment (north room by window best casual seating in the city), Flannigans, Purple Sage
Upscale casual: Riverhorse, Cafe Terigo, 412 Bistro, Wahso Asian Grill, Farm at The Canyons in Park City, Bangkok Thai, Burgers and Bourbon (at Montage Hotel), Taliskers, Zoom, Silver, Chimayo, Shabu
Heber Valley (including Midway):
Upscale casual: Blue Boar Inn (Midway), Simon's Restaurant at the Homestead (Midway), Snake Creek Grill (Heber)
Casual: Matty's Bistro (Midway), Spin Cafe (Heber), Claimjumper, Tarahumara, Midway
The DETAILED LIST below is NOT a list of the best restaurants in Utah. It is a list of the BEST FOOD ITEMS (plus mediocre ones) in Utah restaurants. (A restaurant may have 20 bad items and 2 great items. This list shows those we tested. (You're definitely taking a chance ordering other things on the menu than those listed below.)
Please keep checking back - we upgrade regularly!
See our other posts - we break down the best restaurants by category as well, in more detail, such as "Best Fish and Chips in Utah," "Best Wings in Utah," "Best BBQ in Utah," "Best Mexican Food in Utah," etc.
We have tested nearly every restaurant in Utah County and many in Salt Lake, Summit, Davis, Weber, Cache, and Wasatch Counties, plus the counties of Southwestern Utah. At many we have tried everything - or nearly everything - on the menu. By contrast, newspaper reviewers and people who rate restaurants on sites like Yelp typically make judgments based on only one meal, which we feel may not be as accurate or fair.
Note that most restaurants everywhere have items that are Bs, Cs, and Ds. Only a relatively few have an A item. Even the best places usually have no more than a few A items.
The items with a star (*) are the Best Overall Eating Establishments on the list below. The list is in alphabetical order.
Reminder: Bold- faced means items scoring B+ or higher.
A
Abergine, Lehi, Provo
2018, August:
humus C
pita bread C-
trip tip steak B+
grilled chicken B/B+
rice C-/C
salad B-/B
cheese bread B++
A Little Taste of Britain, Layton
a. fish and chips (B+, one of better ones in Utah - see our site, "Best Fish and Chips in Utah.")
APG's (A. Beuford Gifford's) Bar and Grill, Provo
a. ABG Classic Double with bacon (bun A, charbroiled angus B+, bacon A-. American cheese. CUSTOM ORDER IT WITH MAYO, avocado, and red onion, lettuce, tomato) B+
b. ditto with spicy chiptole aioli on it, which normally comes with it (at least when we had it), dropped the grade down to a B-
c. Hickory Burger (with cheddar and bacon) they make their own BBQ sauce, which grades a B+, but we're not fans of BBQ sauce on burgers, because it clashes with the flavor of the buns, tomato, onions, lettuce, etc. B
Note: they have great custom sauces (they make their own).
d. 5 cheese sandwich (strong cheese, with typically flattened grilled panini bread) B-
e. garlic sauce C+/B-
WINGS:
f. buffalo B
g. cranberry bourbon B++
h. honey chipotle B+
A & Wa. fries B-
b. papa burger (lettuce, tomato, onion, meat C+, bun B-), with fry sauce, B
Andinita (Columbian/Venezuelan), SLC
a. hot dog (with mild green picante, coleslaw and cilantro): A
a-1. hot dog alone (they should switch to Nathans or Oscar Mayer beef) B
b. pork chop, regular C+
c. pork chop smoked B+
d. fruit drinks A-, with sweetened condensed milk (we believe it is): A
e. fried plantain C+/B- -
f. salted white rice B-
g. potato salad and chicken B/B+
h. ribs (some parts dry) B
i. ribs with avocado sauce B+
j. beef soup C+
k. beef in the soup tender parts B+, dry parts C-
l. reyna pepiada: chicken salad sandwich with avocado (exotic potato and much avocado, carrots, cilantro, mayo, a little shredded chicken) B+
m. ham and cheese sandwich, fried scone like bread B
n. ham and cheese sandwich with handmade corn pancake B+, with avocado sauce B+/A-
o. passion juice drink with milk A
p. mango juice drink with milk A
Antonella's, Orem
2017, rev 2021
fruit tart, with or without chocolate sides B+
NO LONGER MADE: chicken salad sandwich, needs more grapes, pecans, and celery; great pulled chicken/mayo, and bread B+
GONE: butter cookies and caramel filling B+
Burger (bun A, sirloin ground meat B). total: B/B+. with bacon: still B/B+
pastrie with raspberry B-
pastrie with cheese C-
chocolate cuprache? C-
mango smoothies A
capresse vegano sandwich on ciabatta bread (ask for 2x basil) A
ciabatta bread B+/A-
key lime tart C
marharita pizza B-
vege pizza B-
burger with pasticetas (buns), lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayo B/B+
with or without cheese: B/B+
with or without bacon B/B+
bun for burgers A
sirloin burger meat B
black forest cake C
cannoli C
Appleby's, national chain
The only 2 things on their menu even coming close to a B+ (though we haven't tested the salads) are:
a. shrimp scampi linquini with (alfredo sauce B-/B; or porodoro sauce B-). total B/B+
b. turkey bacon avocado sandwich with green goddess dressing B/B+
c. fries (B+A-) (among best in state)
d. spinach avocado cheese dip (possibly spinach artichoke dip) with chips. Among best we've found. Even the chips are great. A
e. chocolate mousse D+/C-
f. ribs, plain C+/B-
g. ribs with sweet and spicy sauce: C+/B-
h. ribs with honey sauce B-
i. chicken tenders B-
j. brew put pretzels and beer cheese dip. Pretzels B-/B
k. chicken tenders alone B-, with bacon B
l. mac and cheese alone B-/B
m. mac and cheese with chicken tenders B
n. cedar salmon C-, but with cheese sauce: C+
o. veges, mostly steamed spinach (that come with salmn, but not the salmon) B+
p. slaw B/B+
q. Mexican rice B-/B
r. gravy B/B+
s. chicken fried steak C-
t. with gravy C+
u. with mash B-
v. mash alone: B+
w. mash with gravy A-
x. sliders (sesame bun B, beef C, sauce B-, bacon B-/B, onion ring) combined: B-
y. pretzels C+
z. pretzel sauce: B
aa. pretzel plus sauce: C+/B-
bb. onion blossom B+/A-
cc. cedar salmon with white wine and lemon artichoke spread C
dd. artisan grilled chicken (thick piece alone C+) ciabatta (alone C-) with white wine artichoke spread (alone C-). total C+
ee. turkey bacon and avocado sandwich with green goddess dressing (bacon B-/B, green doggess dressing C). total B/B+
ff. sweet and sour Asian wings B
gg. honey BBQ wings B-/B
hh. choc mousse D+/C-
ii. fries A-
Apple Spice Junction, multiple locations
(tried many sandwiches and most soups there)
a. Deluxe BLT (bacon C-) total B/B+
b. egg salad sandwich (egg salad alone A-) with avocado and lettuce
on sourdough bread B+
c. chile (sour-like with cheese on top with mild ground beef, not spicy) B/B+
d. chicken salad croissant (cashews are not the right choice they make) B/B+
e. loaded baked potato soup B/B+
f. baja chicken tortilla soup B+
g. turkey cran pen sandwich (with lettuce, cranberry-jalapeno jelly, turkey sliced deli style (B-/B alone), cucumber, swiss, white bread) B/B+
h. choc chip cookie c
Next 3 are sandwich breads:
i. multi grain bread B
j. honey wheat white C
k. sourdough bread (too thick) B-
l. granny apple turkey sandwich on honey wheat (it's like white bread in color and texture) C+
j. ditto with white sauce B/B+
k. herb roasted chicken sandwich on 9 grain bread C
Arbys, multiple locations
2016:d. spinach avocado cheese dip (possibly spinach artichoke dip) with chips. Among best we've found. Even the chips are great. A
e. chocolate mousse D+/C-
f. ribs, plain C+/B-
g. ribs with sweet and spicy sauce: C+/B-
h. ribs with honey sauce B-
i. chicken tenders B-
j. brew put pretzels and beer cheese dip. Pretzels B-/B
k. chicken tenders alone B-, with bacon B
l. mac and cheese alone B-/B
m. mac and cheese with chicken tenders B
n. cedar salmon C-, but with cheese sauce: C+
o. veges, mostly steamed spinach (that come with salmn, but not the salmon) B+
p. slaw B/B+
q. Mexican rice B-/B
r. gravy B/B+
s. chicken fried steak C-
t. with gravy C+
u. with mash B-
v. mash alone: B+
w. mash with gravy A-
x. sliders (sesame bun B, beef C, sauce B-, bacon B-/B, onion ring) combined: B-
y. pretzels C+
z. pretzel sauce: B
aa. pretzel plus sauce: C+/B-
bb. onion blossom B+/A-
cc. cedar salmon with white wine and lemon artichoke spread C
dd. artisan grilled chicken (thick piece alone C+) ciabatta (alone C-) with white wine artichoke spread (alone C-). total C+
ee. turkey bacon and avocado sandwich with green goddess dressing (bacon B-/B, green doggess dressing C). total B/B+
ff. sweet and sour Asian wings B
gg. honey BBQ wings B-/B
hh. choc mousse D+/C-
ii. fries A-
Apple Spice Junction, multiple locations
(tried many sandwiches and most soups there)
a. Deluxe BLT (bacon C-) total B/B+
b. egg salad sandwich (egg salad alone A-) with avocado and lettuce
on sourdough bread B+
c. chile (sour-like with cheese on top with mild ground beef, not spicy) B/B+
d. chicken salad croissant (cashews are not the right choice they make) B/B+
e. loaded baked potato soup B/B+
f. baja chicken tortilla soup B+
g. turkey cran pen sandwich (with lettuce, cranberry-jalapeno jelly, turkey sliced deli style (B-/B alone), cucumber, swiss, white bread) B/B+
h. choc chip cookie c
Next 3 are sandwich breads:
i. multi grain bread B
j. honey wheat white C
k. sourdough bread (too thick) B-
l. granny apple turkey sandwich on honey wheat (it's like white bread in color and texture) C+
j. ditto with white sauce B/B+
k. herb roasted chicken sandwich on 9 grain bread C
Arbys, multiple locations
a. salted caramel choc chip cookie B-
b. triple chocolate chip cookie B-/B
Note: the 3 smoked sandwiches below were served on a Monday morning and the meats were warmed up; it is possible they are always served that way and come from their company already smoked, but if they could be served fresh they would be much better.
c. pork belly sandwich on a bun B
d. pork belly alone (this is an A item at better restaurants, but for fast food its passable) B
e. smoked brisket sandwich (two years ago it was a B+, perhaps served fresher or the meat was better then) B-/B
f. brisket alone C
g. BLT (bun C+, bacon A-/A) total B+
h. smoked turkey sandwich, with cheddar, onion rings, mayo: bun B; turkey alone B/B+; total B+
i. philly cheese steak sandwich (Bun C, steak B) total B-
2014:
a. chicken salad sandwich (Note: we've tested over 2 dozen chicken salad sandwiches: this is among the best. (See our site, "Best Chicken Salad Sandwiches in Utah" A-/A (if croissant, it would be an A). Best item on their menu: seasonal, with small chunks of pecans, apple chunks, chicken chunks, mayo sauce, leaf lettuce, wheat bread: A
b. Caramel shake - seasonal. C++
c. chicken salad wrap (the thick wrap brings it down) B-
d. turkey bacon sandwich (club) C-/C
e. brisket sandwich (meat B, bun B+, sauce B/B+, and onion strings below the top bun and mayo above the bottom bun) total B+
f. fish and chips - C
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES - MAY NO LONGER BE SERVED:
g. breakfast croissant with bacon and swiss (egg is hard and fake, a D), croissant is good, a B-, bacon is real but a C, swiss is too strong). C+
h. ditto with no swiss cheese: B-
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES - MAY NO LONGER BE SERVED:
g. breakfast croissant with bacon and swiss (egg is hard and fake, a D), croissant is good, a B-, bacon is real but a C, swiss is too strong). C+
h. ditto with no swiss cheese: B-
Archibalds, South Jordan
2018: (many items from 2012 no longer served):
a. fish and chips, cod only now: B-
b. mash potatoes alone: B
c. turkey gravy C+/B-
d. combo mash and turkey gravy B/B+
e. bundt chocolate cake C
2012:
Note: We've tested many items here - these are the best ones.
a. #2 carrot cake (behind Black Sheep, which is not currently served) A-
b. #1 best fried green tomatoes A
c. best and only fried breaded avocado A+
d. fish and chips - cod B/B+, halibut C
[See our site on best fish and chips in Utah (and Vegas, and L.A.).]
2018: (many items from 2012 no longer served):
a. fish and chips, cod only now: B-
b. mash potatoes alone: B
c. turkey gravy C+/B-
d. combo mash and turkey gravy B/B+
e. bundt chocolate cake C
2012:
Note: We've tested many items here - these are the best ones.
a. #2 carrot cake (behind Black Sheep, which is not currently served) A-
b. #1 best fried green tomatoes A
c. best and only fried breaded avocado A+
d. fish and chips - cod B/B+, halibut C
[See our site on best fish and chips in Utah (and Vegas, and L.A.).]
e. breaded tilapia. best tilapia in state. B+
f. potato salad B+
g. slaw (too mayo-y) B/B+
h. blackened salmon B
i. flat iron steak C
j. parm crusted halibut C+
k. rice pilaf C+
l. mash C-
j. sour dough bread B-
k. veges C+
l. country fried steak B
m. dip with chips C+
n. pot roast, with potato, carrots; gravy alone B+, total (best in state) B+
o. prime rib (meat quality B-) total C
p. beef stroganoff C+/B-
q. almond chicken croissant B
Asado's Argentinian Cafe and Grill, Orem
a. milanesa stead sandwich (meat B-, bun B-, thin breaded steak). total B/B+
b. Asado Burger: grisly meat B-/B, bun A-, cheese, peppers, lettuce B/B+; burger with chimi churi sauce B/B+
Art City Trolley Cafe, Springville
a. wings with honey BBQ sauce B/B+
b. baked beans B
c. baby back ribs with honey BBQ sauce C+
d. Hawaiian burger (pretzel bun A, fresh pineapple not sweet yet, lowered grade somewhat as it make the burger sour) total B-
e. garlic rosemary fries (greasy but the fresh herbs are wonderful) A-
f. onion rings C
g. corn fritter (hushpuppies with corn kernals inside, and bits of green and red veges) B+
Atlantis Burger, Woods Cross and Magna
a. cheeseburger - best low priced chargrilled burger B+
Avenues Proper, SLC
May 2018:
fish and chips C-/C
fries C/C+
tartar sauce B/B+
Avenue Bakery, The, American Fork
This is a cafe and donut shop. See our ratings for their donuts at our file, "Best Donuts in Utah." Very friendly staff when we visited there.
a. Italian steak (the marinara lowers the grade on this one) B
b. chicken artichoke on ciabatta C
Bf. potato salad B+
g. slaw (too mayo-y) B/B+
h. blackened salmon B
i. flat iron steak C
j. parm crusted halibut C+
k. rice pilaf C+
l. mash C-
j. sour dough bread B-
k. veges C+
l. country fried steak B
m. dip with chips C+
n. pot roast, with potato, carrots; gravy alone B+, total (best in state) B+
o. prime rib (meat quality B-) total C
p. beef stroganoff C+/B-
q. almond chicken croissant B
Asado's Argentinian Cafe and Grill, Orem
a. milanesa stead sandwich (meat B-, bun B-, thin breaded steak). total B/B+
b. Asado Burger: grisly meat B-/B, bun A-, cheese, peppers, lettuce B/B+; burger with chimi churi sauce B/B+
Art City Trolley Cafe, Springville
a. wings with honey BBQ sauce B/B+
b. baked beans B
c. baby back ribs with honey BBQ sauce C+
d. Hawaiian burger (pretzel bun A, fresh pineapple not sweet yet, lowered grade somewhat as it make the burger sour) total B-
e. garlic rosemary fries (greasy but the fresh herbs are wonderful) A-
f. onion rings C
g. corn fritter (hushpuppies with corn kernals inside, and bits of green and red veges) B+
Atlantis Burger, Woods Cross and Magna
a. cheeseburger - best low priced chargrilled burger B+
Avenues Proper, SLC
May 2018:
fish and chips C-/C
fries C/C+
tartar sauce B/B+
Avenue Bakery, The, American Fork
This is a cafe and donut shop. See our ratings for their donuts at our file, "Best Donuts in Utah." Very friendly staff when we visited there.
a. Italian steak (the marinara lowers the grade on this one) B
b. chicken artichoke on ciabatta C
BYU Baseball stadium, Provo
2018
a. hot dog (meat B, bun C) total, alone: B, with ketchup and onion B/B+
b. polish dog (meat B+, bun C), total with ketchup and onion B+
c. cheeseburger (bun B+, meat B-) total: B
BYU Legends Grill, Provo
Beginning in 2015, the cafe was switched to be "performance based" for athletes, rather than being competitively taste-based. Lacking for taste is use of many fats and butters plus oils.
2018, Sep:
VERY LOW PRICES:
bowtie pasta with marinara sauce D+/C-
shrimp fajitain tortillas B
shrimp alone C
breaded cod C
Spanish rice D-
brownie with choc frosting C-
coconut shrimp B/B+ (if hot: A-)
salmon B
pork chop: dark meat (has only a few bites) B+, white meat C-
prime rib B+ (if hot: B)
pasta with marinara sauce B-
pasta with alfredo sauce C
buttered corn B-
choc chip cookie B+
duck l'orange (tastes much like rotisserie chicken) B
prime rib C+
ribeye steak: B- (some bites B, others C: dry); (best eaten with bites of fat for both flavor and moisture)
salmon B
sweet and spicy chicken wings C- (boneless, lacking moisture and flavor)
broiled lamb chops B-/B (needs to be served hot for higher grade)
mash B-
with butter B/B+
with gravy C-
gravy alone D
carrots B-
2016: NO LONGER SERVED:
a. wet end brisket B- to B+ depending on the various bites within the serving
b. pulled pork A-
c. loaded mash A-
2014: (old menu till 22 April 2014, before they remodeled and upgraded their menu): a. oatmeal B+
b. bacon B
c. sausage patty C
d. french toast - thick multi-grain B-/B
e. bisquit B-/B
f. gravy B/B+
g. combined bisquit and gravy: B/B+
h. omelette alone - several layers, too think and overcooked grade C
i. omelette with avocado and mushroom and cheddar/swiss - all inside. needs cheese outside also and lots more and m ore avoc and mushroom. B-/B
m. mash B/B+
n. with loaded items A-
o. green beans with bacon B-
p. smoked sausage B-
q. with mash B/B+
r. ribs without sauce, when hot: B/B+
s. ribts, hot, with sauce B
t. brisket, wet end, portions range in grade, because of varying degrees of tenderness, from B- to B+
u. brisket, dry C
v. pulled pork, internal meat B-
w. pulled pork, external meat A-
x. meatballs B, with BBQ sauce B-
BYU Museum of Art Cafe, Provo
a. Chicken Club sandwich (focacia bread, mayo on top slice, tom, lettuce, bacon B+, grilled chicken with pepper C, dried tomato sauce on bottom B) Total A-
b. Harvest turkey (turkey B+, thick sliced green apple, provolone, lettuce, no tomato, on croissant; cinnemon cream B-); Total (too strong of cinnemon flavor) B
c. ditto, with grape added B/B+
d. chocolate mousse cake B+/A-
e. choc mousse part alone B++
f. caprese sandwich C+
THESE 3 ITEMS MAY BE AT BYU's MOA CAFE or elsewhere, such as Garden Cafe or Lionhouse Cafe in SLC:
a. Hunter Chicken Pasta (penne, alfredo, mozz, mushroom, bacon, basil - similar to Three Cheese Tortilini at Savory and Sweet) B/B+
b. NO LONGER SERVED IN 2018: chicken pot pie B
c. pablano fresca (this may be the same as 2018's turkey poblano sandwich (contains the following ingredients, from the bottom to the top: ciabatta bread, orange colored sauce, lettuce, turkey slices, tomato, poblano strips, avocado strips, orange sauce, ciabatta) B+
BYU Scoreboard (WSC, BYU campus), Provo
a. belgian waffle alone B+
b. ditto w.ith liquidy beries, unsweet B
c. belgian waffle with berries and cream A
d. belgian waffle with whipped cream only A-
e. ditto with syrup only B/B+
f. french toast C+
g. scramble with bacon in it and hash, onion, greepn pepper, cheese B
h. omellette: mushroom and cheddar (cheap, stringy cheddar), then omelette layers B/B+
i. breakfast sandwich (sourdough, utoasted, tomato, little amount white cheese, scrambled egg, round deli ham B-/B, orangey hot sauce) C. If not ham C+
i. chricken craisin croissant (chicken salad) A- -
j. burger (bun too thick C) total C+/B-
BYU Skyroom Buffet
a. vegetables + amazing view (one of four best, along with Blue Boar Inn, Midway an Garden Restaurant (and the Roof) in SLC
b. flourless choc cake B+/A-
c. bread pudding B/B+
d. 7 layer brownie A
e. turkey breast B+/A-
f. fish and chips B-
Back 40, Heber
fried chicken A
mash A-
mash with gravy B/B+
gravy alone (mushroom) B/B+
veggies (red pepper, corn pieces) A-
meatloaf B/B+
ribs D+
slaw B-
Bailey's Best Sandwiches, Orem
2016:
a. all vege/cheese (onion, spinach, mayo, cheddar, cabbage, lettuce, tomato, carrot, sprouts, cucumber, red peppers - all but olives, mustard, and jalapenos. B/B+
b. tuna salad sandwich: special dressing, mayo, white chunk tuna, sweet red pepper, provolone, sprouts, lettuce, tomato: B/B+
best dressing: red wine, vinegar, olive oil, greek oregano. 2nd best: turkish, 3rd beest: French, Mexican only.
Bajio Grill, national chain
2016, OCTOBER:
a. quesadillos IN ORDER:
green chile quesadillo B/B+, with tomato B++
sweet chicken and green chile quesadillo B/B+, same grade with tomato
b. lime chicken
b-1. honey chicken B-
c. shredded beef C-/C
d. black beans B/B+
e. pinto beans B-
f. white sweet lime rice (best of the 4 major chains in Utah) B
b. cheese enchilada, with flour tortilla and mild green sauce and melted cheese atop) (red sauce is hot) A-
c. Mexican rice C
e. chicken green chile enchilada B
f. refried beans (tasted canned but a bit better) C++
g. black beans C+
h. green chile sauce (best of the 4 major Mexican chains in Utah) B/B+
i. sweet lime rice B
j. MEXICAN PIZZAS:
Note: Mexican pizzas are best if they have refried beans, perhaps onions, no rice or perhaps a LITTLE Mexican rice, no corn. Optionally add pico and sour cream - ithey don't change the grades below for those two options:
1. asada Mexican pizza A-
2. shredded beef Mexican pizza B+
3. sweet pork Mexican pizza B/B+
4. honey chicken Mexican pizza B
5. lime chicken Mexican pizza B
6. onion on Mexican pizzas: B
7. corn on Mexican pizzas: D
8. Mex pizza with no meat B/B+
2015:
a. shrimp taco (sauteed, taco shell too thin, with mango sauce) B+
b. cheese enchilada (probably corn tortilla) C vs. B-/B second time
2009:
d. corn A
e. refried beans D vs.C- second time
f. black beans C-
g. pork enchilada B
h. lime queso enchildada C
i. unsweet white rice C
j. Mexican rice B-/B
Bam Bams BBQ, Orem
2018:
ribs (buy when open at 11 A.M.) B+
wet end brisket (ditto) B+
2014:
a. chopped beef (spicy) B/B+
b. pinto beans (spicy) C
c. slaw B+
d. potato salad B-/B
e. wet brisket, first trip A, second trip (April 2014) C+ to B+ depending on tenderness of each portion, third trip 2015: B+
f. pulled pork B- -, 2015: C+
g. turkey C+
h. ribs: first visit: ribs alone C, with tangy sauce C-, with sweet sauce C+; second visit (Apr 2014) ribs alone B-, with tangy sauce B-, with sweet sauce B); third visit 2015 B
i. dry brisket (flavor B) C+/B-
2013, Au gust:
wet end brisket: first test: A, second test, different day C+
lean brisket B - -
slaw B++
ribs (hot or roo m temp) C
turkey C
chopped beef B/B+
pulled pork C
NOW CLOSED: Bandera's Brisket (food truck and AF)
March 18, 2017::
bbq sauce B
pulled pork C-, with sauce B-
rib A- (August 2017: A)
wet end brisket B (August 2017: A), eaten with 1/2 fat per bite: A (the smoked flavor in the fat is amazing)
Bangkok Grill, Orem
Note: Duck here is roasted, then deep fried.March 18, 2017::
bbq sauce B
pulled pork C-, with sauce B-
rib A- (August 2017: A)
wet end brisket B (August 2017: A), eaten with 1/2 fat per bite: A (the smoked flavor in the fat is amazing)
Bangkok Grill, Orem
a. duck leg with ginger sauce (a much runnier, less sweet honey ginger sauce than the Bangkok Thai in Park City, yet is good. (Unfortunately you have to get a half duck). B+
b. duck leg alone: B
c. duck breast with ginger sauce: B-/B
d. duck breast alone (flavor B, texture C): C+
e. ditto with honey ginger sauce B
f. pad thai C-
Baskin Robbins, national chain
a. #2 chocolate shake (after Smashburger's Haagen Das, although latter uses vanilla ice cream and choc syrup unfortunately, since HD's chocolate is the best!) B+
b. #1 butter pecan ice cream in U.S. A
a. Swiss ham bagel (ham C, egg C+/B-, bagel C-). total B-
b. puff pastry (alone: B; with egg and spinach, swiss, and sundried tomato:) B/B+
c. shortbread C+
d. shortbread with chocolate C+
e. sausage egg sandwich on ciabatta (egg C+, sausage C-, ciabatta bun B+), total C+
Belgian Waffle and Omelette Inn, Sandy
Note: We've tried numerous items there - they have a great omelette per below, but so far no other items rated higher than a C+. We will keep trying other items.
a. a top 2 omelette in the state - avocado, mushroom, and cheese blend omelette A-
b. western omelette (bacon D+) C++
c.cinnamon walnut french toast C++
WE WILL NEXT TRY GARBAGE HASH and eggs.
Best Ribs and Chicken, Salt Lake City
(that's the name of restaurant)
a. rice A
b. chicken leg B-/B, thigh B-
c. bread B+/A-
d. pork rib C+
Betos/Ranchito (same chain), multiple locations in Utah
SEE BELOW UNDER RANCHITO FOR THE RATINGS.
Beyond Glazed, Riverton
Note: We've tried most donuts there; this is the one rating B+ or above:
a. maple bacon donut - best "assorted" donut we have had anywhere. A
Big Al's
CATERING ONLY NOW; RESTAURANT CLOSED.
2015:
CATERING ONLY NOW; RESTAURANT CLOSED.
2015:
a. pulled pork B
b. sausage (best BBQ sausage in state) B+
c. chicken B-
d. wet end brisket B+
e. baby back ribs (only warm) C-
f. ham C/C+
g. turkey B
g. turkey B
h. bacon B/B+
i. slaw B/B+
j. potato salad B
k. herbed cream corn A
l. au gratin potato C-
m. roll B+
n. beans with sloppy joe beef C+
o. mac and cheese B-
p. . SAUCES:
tangy C+
sweet B
BEFORE 2015:
a. Garlic Texas toast (butter-margarine blend [normally we hate margarine], best Texas toast in the state!) A
b. pecan pie C
c. ribs (if old D+)
d. ribs, first time (Dec 2011) fresh A, second time (Jan 2012, one hour old) B, third time (Sep 2013) C; fourth visit (May 2015) C-
e. cheese brisket sandwich B-
f. brisket, dry end C-/C
g. brisket, true wet end, first time freshly smoked B+, second time, day old B- (dry parts D+), third time, wet and dry cut from same slice C+, fourth time (Sep 2013) C, fifth time 2015: B+
h. smoked sausage (among best in Utah) B+, with hot sauce A-
i. pulled pork: first visit C-/C, second visit B-, third visit (Jan 2012) freshly made B, fourth visit (2012) served only warm C+, fifth visit (2014) C, sixth visit (2015) C?
j. grandma's mac and cheese first visit: A-; 2nd visit: 2014: B-/B
k. creamy corn B++
l. cheesy potato B+
m. Aunt Doris' dill potato salad A-
n. poppyseed coleslaw A- -, second visit 2015: B
o. smoked turkey breast (Jan 2012) room temp C+, served freshly made B-
p. onion strips, if served hot A
q. baked beans B, second visit 2015: A-
r. SAUCES: Dec 2011-Jan 2012
tangy, first visit (Dec 2011) A-, second visit (Jan 2012) B+
sweet B++
hot B++
Revised: Sep 2013: all sauces C
s. pecan pie C
t. BBQ burger with bacon and pulled pork, alone C-, adding onion, lettuce, tomato B
u. turkey 2015: Bv. pulled chicken 2015: C?
w. ham 2015: C
x. creamed corn 2015: A
y. shredded potato with cheese 2015: C-
Black Bear Diner, Provo and regional chain
a. California bacon benedict (English muffin not a good brand so the muffin is a grade D, eggs small, needs big slice of fresh tomato; ingredients: bacon, avocad, spinach, grilled tomato slices) overall: B
b. shasta scramble (needs bigger quantity of veges; good vege combo: avocado, red and green peppers, onions, spinach, tomato, jack cheese) B+/A-
c. hashbrowns D+/C-
d. kitchen potatoes B
e. baby back ribs, with sauce C-
f. rib sauce B-
g. meatloaf alone B-/B
h. meatloaf with gravy B/B+
i. dark gravy alone B-
j. mash B-
k. mash with dark gravy (the synergy of the two make it better) B+
l. country gravy C
m. mash with country gravy C
l. onion rings C
m. green beans C
n. cornbread C+
o. chicken noodle soup (cheap, cubed chicken) C-
p. banana cream pie C-
q. apple cinnamon cream pie D
r. bacon A-
s. sausage link A-
t. scrambled eggs B-
u. french toast C
v. bear claw french toast, with blackberry filling B
w. fish and chips (pre-battered, never as good as when they batter it themselves. We have tested nearly every place in Utah that batters their own fish for fish and chips. See our site, "Best Fish and Chips in Utah") C-
x. brocolli cream soup C+
y. corn bread muffin d+
z. marinara sauce b-
aa. spaghetti noddles c+
bb. combo of spag and marinara sauce: c+
cc.ribeye steak c+
dd. garlic bread D
ee. potato salad c+
ff. slaw b
gg. bacon A-
hh. sausage links A-
ii. trout alone C-
jj. trout with tomato and herbs - frozen with crust probably C
kk. vege topping for trout (olive oil, tomato, onion, cut olives, capers) B/B+
ll. combo of trout with veges C+
mm. corn cob D+
mm. potato and white gravy C
nn. corned beef hash B- ?
oo. bear claw french toast B
pp. thick cut french toast C-
qq. Fiesta burger (brioche bun B+, with Mama Burn bacon ranch dressing, burger meat B+, black bean and corn mix, pepper jack cheese, red onion, lettuce, crunchy tortilla strips, guac) B+
* Black Sheep, Provo
2018:b. shasta scramble (needs bigger quantity of veges; good vege combo: avocado, red and green peppers, onions, spinach, tomato, jack cheese) B+/A-
c. hashbrowns D+/C-
d. kitchen potatoes B
e. baby back ribs, with sauce C-
f. rib sauce B-
g. meatloaf alone B-/B
h. meatloaf with gravy B/B+
i. dark gravy alone B-
j. mash B-
k. mash with dark gravy (the synergy of the two make it better) B+
l. country gravy C
m. mash with country gravy C
l. onion rings C
m. green beans C
n. cornbread C+
o. chicken noodle soup (cheap, cubed chicken) C-
p. banana cream pie C-
q. apple cinnamon cream pie D
r. bacon A-
s. sausage link A-
t. scrambled eggs B-
u. french toast C
v. bear claw french toast, with blackberry filling B
w. fish and chips (pre-battered, never as good as when they batter it themselves. We have tested nearly every place in Utah that batters their own fish for fish and chips. See our site, "Best Fish and Chips in Utah") C-
x. brocolli cream soup C+
y. corn bread muffin d+
z. marinara sauce b-
aa. spaghetti noddles c+
bb. combo of spag and marinara sauce: c+
cc.ribeye steak c+
dd. garlic bread D
ee. potato salad c+
ff. slaw b
gg. bacon A-
hh. sausage links A-
ii. trout alone C-
jj. trout with tomato and herbs - frozen with crust probably C
kk. vege topping for trout (olive oil, tomato, onion, cut olives, capers) B/B+
ll. combo of trout with veges C+
mm. corn cob D+
mm. potato and white gravy C
nn. corned beef hash B- ?
oo. bear claw french toast B
pp. thick cut french toast C-
qq. Fiesta burger (brioche bun B+, with Mama Burn bacon ranch dressing, burger meat B+, black bean and corn mix, pepper jack cheese, red onion, lettuce, crunchy tortilla strips, guac) B+
* Black Sheep, Provo
1. Navaho taco trio:
a. red chile beef navaho taco (red chile sauce, cheddar jack, crema, black olives, lettuce, tomatoes, cotija, green onion pieces: A
b. bbq pork navaho taco (maple and bay leaf bbq sauce, cheddar jack, red cabbage, jicama, red onion, cotija, radish: A-
c. green chile pork navaho taco (braised pork, green chile sauce, cheddar jack, creme, lettuce, red onion, cilantro, __?: B+
2. steak taco: balsamic vinegar, glzed beef, carmalized onion, bleu cheese, cilantro, radish, crema, pinto beans, cilantro lime___?: B
3. pinto beans B/B+
4. sheep burger B/B+
5. relleno chimichanga B/B+
6. Black Sheep Navaho Taco B/B+
7. Navaho taco alone A
8. deluxe bison burger A/A+ (best burger in the state so far: medium rare bison A-, bun A, reduction sauce with sugar added A)
9. how jowls tacos A
10.
2013:
a-c. Navaho taco trio:
1) regular navaho taco A
2) red chile beef taco (olives make it better) B
3) green chile pork taco A+
d. southwestern street corn #1 corn in the state (seasoned corn on the cob). A
e. spicy shrimp in polenta (amazing - their version of shrimp and grits) A+
f. ribeye steak with chimichuri butter (#1 best steak in Utah under $30; unfortunately served only occasionally) A-
g. "sheep wings" A- (see our site, Best Wings in Utah; this place is in Top 3)
h. Nanniskadii A
i. Posole, too spicy C+
j. green chile stew B
k. pork chop sandwich (grades an A except for the pork, which is C++ as the pork is too thick and white, but at least it's charbroiled; consists also of pasilla chile, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, adobo mayo, in nanniskadi bread) B+
l. shrimp and grits B/B+ (old recipe better with much better sauce and ingredients: it was an A)
m. frittes B/B+
BURGERS:
a. custom burger - custom order it with same dressing as the pork chop sandwich. Amazing. grade A
b. black sheep burger (with fire-roasted pasilia chile, cheddar, red onion, tomato, lettuce, abodo mayo, wrapped in nanniskadii, hand-pressed ground beef). A+
c. bleu burger (bleu, carmamelized onion,s bacon, cabernet sauvignon reduction, mayo, wrapped in nanniskadi bread) A
d. goat burger (goat cheese, roasted garlic, portobello mushroom slices, fire roasted red bell peppers, arugula, adobo mayo, nanniskadi bread) A
DESSERTS
a. chocolate mousse (formerly A+ but chef moved who made it; now it's B)
b. cactus pear mousse (formerly A)
c. white chocolate mousse (formerly B/B+)
d. #1 carrot cake in state (not served anymore as of winter 2015)
e. honey-butter frybread A+
* Blue Boar Inn, Midway
a. Fish and Chips B+
b. house salad B+
c. prawns and creamy polenta with breaded, soft boiled egg B+
d. pork cheek risotto, with herbs. The chef makes it different ways - this is his original way: grade B. (he now does a citrus version)
* Blue Plate Diner, Sugarhouse
Note: We have tested nearly everything on the menu. These are most of our favorites; we are still compiling our notes.
2011-2016:
a. eggs florentine benedict (still on menu?) A
b. pulled pork sandwich (smoked in-house) A
c. cheese and tomato sandwich (it used to come with it, now the tomato is optional; we like it better than adding avocado, which we have here, both alone and with tomato) A
d. meat loaf, first time in July 2008 C-, second time B -
e. meatloaf sandwich B -
f. n/a
g. omelette: mushroom, avocado, spinach, first time C+, second time B
h. benedict: avocado, mushroom, spinach, first time in July 2008 A-, second time A
i. baked potato B
j. mash (mashed potatoes) C-
k. fries, unseasoned (unusual shape!) B+
l. fries, seasoned B-
m. reuben sandwich (local corned beef, smoked in-house here). This sandwich would be an A if they did 2 things: provided option of cole slaw instead of sour kraut, like some of the best deli's in the eastern U.S. do (as well as Feldman's Deli in Sugarhouse), and grilled the rye with butter, and changed the rye from marbled rye). Note that the kraut here is very good. B+
n. TRY THIS SANDWICH; IF NOT ON MENU, REQUEST IT: turkey, cranberry, tomato, lettuce, mayo
o. TRY THIS SANDWICH; IF NOT ON MENU, REQUEST IT: rye, provolone, portabello, tomato, mayo
2008, August:
tofu vege scramble B+
grilled cheese and avocado A
tuna melt with provolone cheese C-
chile verde pork breakfast burrito C+ (better with no pork and no black beans: needs more cheese, tomato, and scrambled eggs inside)
2008, July:
Reuben portabello sandwich C+
portabello and humus sandwich C+
BLT with sliced avocado sandwich D+
turkey avocado and sprouts sandwich A
grilled cheese and tomato A+
turkey, cranberry (or cream?), tomato, lettuce mayo sandwich A
french toast (too much cinnamon) B-
blueberry belgian waffle C-
chicken fried steak B+, including eggs and gravy A-
hueveos rancheros lobiana B
corned beef hash and 3 eggs D
buttermilk biscuits and gravy D
gravy alone for biscuits A
bacon breakfast sandwich or chile verde (notes unclear) D
hot turkey sandwich D
roast turkey dinner D
spaghetti and meatblals C
vegetarian chile soup C+
eggs benedict with salmon B-
Benedict, vege, sausage, and tomao A- (but sausage weak)
benedict with tomato and avocado A-
OUT OF BUSINESS: * Blue Street BBQ, American Fork
Feb 2018
Best overall BBQ in Utah!
Important: order Friday or Saturday 5 PM for best bbq!
a. St. Louis sticky ribs: A (but on Tuesday morning: C-
b. wet end brisket B+ (but on a Tuesday morning: B
sauces:
hot C-
regular B
SEP 2017
peach cobbler C-
pecan pie C
Baby Back rib with glaze (room temp) B+
BBQ chicken thigh B+/A-
chicken leg C+/B-
kielbasa C
green beans with bacon B+
mac and cheese C+/B-
fries B
Texas toast A+
Bohemian, SLC
a. chocolate cake C++
b. slaw B+
c. fish and chips B
Bona Vita, Lehi
a.spaghetti popotte (spag. with meatballs) B/B+
b. pasta with marinara sauce B
c. meatballs B/B+ (our fave in the state, but it's very subjective!)
d. al lsalmone B-/B
e. salmon alone B-/B
f. served with salmon, not counting the salmon: fettucini with brocoli, capes, and garlic in light cream sauce B/B+
g. mazzo pizza (their signature pizza: olive oil, fresh tomato, garlic, red onions, basil, aged buffalo mozzarella, balsamic glaze) B++
Brassa Grill, Provo
Note: we tested many items there - all were good, none a B+ except:
b. lengua burrito B+
c. steak taco B/B+?
d. steak burrito with chipotle mayo B+
e. whole rotisserie chicken B
Brickoven Pizza Restaurant, Provo
(This was an icon in 1960's Provo as Heaps o' Pizza; unfortunately they demolished the cool atmospheric interior to make it a "nicer" restaurant.)
2917, January:
a. clam chowder (canned flavor) B/B+
2016:
a. cheesesteak sandwich (steak B/B+, bun B/B+) total B/B+
b. margharita pizza B+
c. vege pizza B
d. cheese pizza C+/B-
e. spaghetti with tomato sauce B/B+
f. spaghetti with sausage sauce B/B+
g. spaghetti with meat and garlic B
h. meatball C
OUT OF BUSINESS: Broke Eatery, Provo
Note: the chef/owner has an amazing story. Go there and read the newspaper article about him and his cafe. He's also an executive chef elsewhere. The menu changes daily.
2016, October:
a. not on menu, but a rotating special:
BBQ chicken (baked chicken with BBQ sauce): a very nice glaze using a very nice sauce: B+
b. fries dusted with cajun powder, alone B
c. fried with yellow/pickle sauce B+
d. yellow sauce alone A
e. burger, crumbly meat, like sloppy joe B; bun B; house sauce B+; total: B/B+
f. jambalaya B/B+
Bruges Waffles, Sugarhouse (SLC) and Provo
Note: for any waffle, we recommend the one used for sandwiches, rather than the leige waffle. In any case, even the leige is better than the two waffles at Waffle Love. The fresh cream here blows away the whipped Darigold cream at Waffle Love as well, and certainly beats out the canned whipped cream served there and at all local ice cream places.
2016:
a. leige waffle alone B+
b. leige with fresh cream A-/A
c. leige with only sliced strawberries B+/A-
d. lege with fresh cream and strawberries A
e. sandwich waffle alone A
f. sandwich waffle with fresh cream A+
g. sandwich waffle with sliced fresh strawberries alone B+
h. sandwich waffle with strawberries and cream A+
i. fresh cream A+
j. Freakendel sandwich B+
k. Freakendel dog alone B+/A-
l. bagette alone B-
m. frites (fries, double-cooked). B+
Note their fryer may be the only Belgian made frite maker in the U.S., at the Provo location. White real frites rate high, it's hard to beat good ole McDonalds and Sizzler fries. See our site, "Best fries in Utah."
n. andalouse sauce B+
o. fry sauce B+
Note they have over a dozen sauces for their frites.
2014:
a. leige waffle B+
b. NO LONGER SERVED: gluten free square waffle (lite) B
c. sandwich waffle alone A-
d. lamb dog C
e. tan sauce A-
f. Freakendel with any of 3 sauces A (We revised our grade in 2016)
g. Freakendel alone A- (We revised our grade in 2016)
h. salmon sandwich B
i. turkey avocado waffle sandwich A-
j. (turkey alone: C)
k. Tuna lime-curry sandwich B
Bucket O'Crawfish, West Valley
a. #2 best catfish in state, after Sea Bears' catfish fish and chips in Bounitful. (Order a side of garlic sauce! We've tried all the sauces and this one is best.) A-
b. catfish, plain B++
c. catfish with tartar B
d. catfish with lemon pepper B
e. catfish with mild cajun C+
f. catfish with jalepeno C
g. wings, plain B
h. wings, with tartar sauce C
i. wings, with garlic butter B+
j. wings, lemon pepper B
k. wings, mild cajun C+
l. seasoned fries B
Buffalo Wild Wings, national chain
WINGS:We've tested all their wings side by side, several times. Best, in order:
a. lemon pepper dry rub B+/A-
b. salted caramel BBQ sauce (new, experimental, likely gone by now) B+/A-
c. salt and vinegar dry rub B/B+
d. desert heat dry rub B/B+
e. buffalo dry rub B
f. chipotle cherry dry rub B
THE REST OF THESE ARE SAUCE-BASED, as is the second best one - "b" above:
THESE NEXT 4 ARE CLOSE ENOUGH TO SWITCH AMONG THEMSELVES:
g. Azian Zing sauce B/B+
h. mild buffalo (one of two best traditional buffalo wings we've found, along with the medium buffalo at Wing Shak in A.F.) B/B+
i. Parmasian Garlic: B/B+
j. Thai Curry wings B/B+
k. cherry chipotle (experimental) sauce B
l. Jammin' Jala : B-
m. jerk B-/B- -
n. Honey BBQ: B - -
o. Caribbean Jerk: B - - -
p. Medium buffalo: B - - - -
q. Teriyaki: C+
r. Sweet BBQ: C
s. Spicy Garlic: C-
NON-WINGS:
u. bleu burger A-
v. burger with ranch dressing B+
w. burger with southwest ranch C+
x. choc cake B
y. choc cake with ganache B+
Burger King, national chain
Note: we've tested most things here over the years; below is just a few:
a. Whopper B
b. hot dogs (even though they are all beef) D+/C-
c. fish sandwiches C or D
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES - some may no longer be served:
d. croissant with egg, cheese and bacon (croissant is better than most B, bacon is thin and microwaved D, egg is 2 patties, from a mix and scrambled C+) total B-
e. croissant with sausage (sausage alone C+) C+
f. croissant with ham, egg, and cheese B-
g. omelette sandwich (long sesame bun, bacon, sausage, and 2 patties of egg) C-
Burger Supreme, Provo
2017
burger (meat quality C, flavor B+, overall meat B/B+, bacon B, bun B). total: B/B+
burger with bacon B
chocolate shake C (see our site, "Best Shakes in Utah")
fries: C
C
Cafe Rio, regional chainb. salted caramel BBQ sauce (new, experimental, likely gone by now) B+/A-
c. salt and vinegar dry rub B/B+
d. desert heat dry rub B/B+
e. buffalo dry rub B
f. chipotle cherry dry rub B
THE REST OF THESE ARE SAUCE-BASED, as is the second best one - "b" above:
THESE NEXT 4 ARE CLOSE ENOUGH TO SWITCH AMONG THEMSELVES:
g. Azian Zing sauce B/B+
h. mild buffalo (one of two best traditional buffalo wings we've found, along with the medium buffalo at Wing Shak in A.F.) B/B+
i. Parmasian Garlic: B/B+
j. Thai Curry wings B/B+
k. cherry chipotle (experimental) sauce B
l. Jammin' Jala : B-
m. jerk B-/B- -
n. Honey BBQ: B - -
o. Caribbean Jerk: B - - -
p. Medium buffalo: B - - - -
q. Teriyaki: C+
r. Sweet BBQ: C
s. Spicy Garlic: C-
NON-WINGS:
u. bleu burger A-
v. burger with ranch dressing B+
w. burger with southwest ranch C+
x. choc cake B
y. choc cake with ganache B+
Burger King, national chain
Note: we've tested most things here over the years; below is just a few:
a. Whopper B
b. hot dogs (even though they are all beef) D+/C-
c. fish sandwiches C or D
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES - some may no longer be served:
d. croissant with egg, cheese and bacon (croissant is better than most B, bacon is thin and microwaved D, egg is 2 patties, from a mix and scrambled C+) total B-
e. croissant with sausage (sausage alone C+) C+
f. croissant with ham, egg, and cheese B-
g. omelette sandwich (long sesame bun, bacon, sausage, and 2 patties of egg) C-
Burger Supreme, Provo
2017
burger (meat quality C, flavor B+, overall meat B/B+, bacon B, bun B). total: B/B+
burger with bacon B
chocolate shake C (see our site, "Best Shakes in Utah")
fries: C
C
(in parenthesis are grades at Costa Vida for you to compare the same items)
October 2016, comparing all Mexican places in Provo-Orem. These are the grades here:
a. cheese enchilada with medium green chile sauce C/C+
b. cheese enchilada with red smoky sauce C+/B-
c. chile relleno alone B-
d. chile relleno with smoky red sauce B-/B
e. lime rice C-
f. pinto beans C+/B-
(no refried beans there)
August 2016:
a. key lime pie B (compares to Costa Vida A)
b. chile relleno with beef B-/B
c. cheese enchilada B
d. black beans D+/C-
e. pinto beans C-
f. rice D+/C-
g. pico salad C-
h. tortillas C
EARLIER:
b. cheese enchilada: plain C/C+, with medium green chile sauce C+/B-, with red smoky sauce C+ (compares to Costa Vida plain: B-, with medium green chile sauce B/B+, with raspberry sauce B/B+)
c. black beans B- (Costa Vida B)
d. lime rice C- (Costa Vida C)
e. pork relleno with green sauce C+/B-
f. chocolate flan B, plus cream only B, plus strawberries only B, plus both strawberries and cream A-
g. coconut flan B+/A-
h. tres leches B (compared to Costa Vida C+), plus strawberries and cream A- (compared to Costa Vida's tres leches with strawberries and cream B)
i. pinto beans B-
OUT OF BUSINESS: * Cafe 300, Provo
a. French Toast (great) A
b. #1 (tie) best Fish and Chips in state (only on Fridays after 5 PM) B+
c. Top 5 best Fried Chicken in state (only occasionally served) A
d. #1 (tie) St. Louis Ribs in state (only occasionally served). Great rub but not very tender. A-
e. #1 best omelette in state - avocado, mushroom, and cheese blend omelette (a custom omelette you have to request) A
f. top 3 Boston clam chowder in state (behind Lionhouse Pantry and Eating Establishment) A
g. #1 (tie) best mashed potato and gravy, turkey gravy ONLY (must request turkey gravy) A
h. #2 (tie) best potato salad in state (behind Five Star, tied with Pat's) B +
i-j. #1 best "Play Misty for Me" (not on menu - you have to request and describe it:) - sausage gravy over bacon over eggs-over-easy, over whole wheat toast A
k. onion rings. B+
l. asparagus. A-
m. potato au gratin. A-
n-p. biscuit, first visit B; gravy A+, combined B+, second visit (Dec 2013) combined B+
r. pancakes. A
s. BBQ pulled pork sandwich. WITH NO SAUCE: A.
T. BBQ pulled pork sandwich: WITH SAUCE: C+
u. custom item: "Play Misty For Me" A (WE WILL ADD RECIPE HERE.)
v. German choc cake A-
w. berry cheesecake B-/B
x. plain cheesecake B-
y. omelette: tomato, onion, green pepper, mushroom, and cheese blend (slightly sauteed veges) total B
z. vege-cheese omelette (this may be the same one as above) B
aa. omelette: tomato, spinach, and cheese blend "the works": C+/B-
bb. custom made omelette: red pepper, green pepper, onion, mushroom, spinach, tomato - sautee all 6 veges to be soft except tomato - it should have very slight crunch; request their cheese blend) A
cc. cheeseburger (meat B) total B
dd. bleu cheese burger (no sauce, but request tomato, lettuce, bleu cheese, and mayo with the bleu!) B+
ee. pork chops C
ff. roll B
gg. custom made chicken salad sandwich on goagie with blue berries and cream cheese: A
hh. lasagna B-
ii. salad B-
jj. garlic french bread A
kk. canoli (pastry too thick for our tastes) C-
ll. fries B (team of 4 average: B-/B)
mm. beans, like chili B-
nn. tomato-spinach-cheddar omellete A
oo. BBQ tri tip sandwich (sauce D) total B-
pp. roasted turkey, cheese and avocado sandwich B
qq. club sandwich B-
rr. fries B-
ss. custom grilled chicken salad sandwich: grilled breast, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, mixed baby green, and blueberry cream cheese on bread A
tt. choc cake B-
uu. corned beef hash and eggs A
vv. chicken salad sandwich (rarely served, not on menu) with craisens, pecans and special sauce A+
ww. chicken salad sandwich on menu: C
Callie's Cafe, Orem
rev: 28 Nov 2020
a. Killer Hash Browns A-
b. The pancakes rate a B/B+ IF YOU ADD BUTTER BLEND (no longer real butter unfortunately). Otherwise, a B-
c. sausage links D+
d. Hash browns alone B/B+
e. biscuit C/C+, with butter B, with grape jam B, with strawberry jam B-
f. with gravy combined C-
g-h. n/a
i. pancakes with banana B/B+
j. pancakes with syrup B
k. tomato bean corn soup C-
l. mac and beef and tomato soup B-
m. pork chop: dark meat by bone C/B+, white C-
n. bacon cheeseburger (beef B, bacon C, bun C/B-, thick tomato and mayo help), total: B/B+
o. French toast C
p. with syrup C-/C
q. chicken fried steak (batter B), too thin: B-
r. with white gravy B-
s. white gravy alone: C+
t. brown gravy alone D+
u. pork chop C-
v. tomato beef mac soup C-
a. Killer Hash Browns A-
b. The pancakes rate a B/B+ IF YOU ADD BUTTER BLEND (no longer real butter unfortunately). Otherwise, a B-
c. sausage links D+
d. Hash browns alone B/B+
e. biscuit C/C+, with butter B, with grape jam B, with strawberry jam B-
f. with gravy combined C-
g-h. n/a
i. pancakes with banana B/B+
j. pancakes with syrup B
k. tomato bean corn soup C-
l. mac and beef and tomato soup B-
m. pork chop: dark meat by bone C/B+, white C-
n. bacon cheeseburger (beef B, bacon C, bun C/B-, thick tomato and mayo help), total: B/B+
o. French toast C
p. with syrup C-/C
q. chicken fried steak (batter B), too thin: B-
r. with white gravy B-
s. white gravy alone: C+
t. brown gravy alone D+
u. pork chop C-
v. tomato beef mac soup C-
w. pumpkin pie,s easonal C-
Cancun Cafe, SLC (Mexican)
Note: Overall this is a very nice place with great service, friendly staff, good food.
a. cheese enchilada B-/B
b. rice (with tomato pieces) B+
c. beans (fluid texture A, flavor C) total B-
d. salsa A
e. relleno B- -
Captain Len's BBQ, formerly on State St., SLC, then in Alpine, now a very good food truck
2005, December (when on State Street)
a. slaw A-
potato salad A
baked beans B
brisket A+
BBQ chicken A-
sauces:
original B+
rocky mountain B-
Texan B+
UPDATE: Several years later at his cafe in Alpine, UT, our grades for some items were somewhat lower.
Caputo's, SLC
Note: This is the best place in Salt Lake Valley for chocolate bars, a huge variety of gourmet chocolates, and great deli items; also the best place for several up-scale European butters and the best olive oils in the state, among numerous other things.
a. cheeselover sandwich (swiss, smoked gouda, provolone, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, olive oil, balsamic vinegar - heated C+
b. salmon sandwich (poached salmon, lettuce, tomato, olive oil, balsamic vinegar) B
Carl's Jr., national chain
Note: We've tested most items here over the years; none of their burgers rate above a C except the one noted below:
a. WHEN THEY HAVE IT: best fast food fish sandwich in state - charbroiled cod (the very best 3 are at Sammy's Bistro, Park city, the salmon sandwich at the Harvest at Thanksgiving Point and NOW GONE: Gloria's Little Italy, Provo) A-. But when serving battered fish for sandwiches, they have cheap fried fish.
b jalapeno burger d+
c. NO LONGER SERVED: The Natural (one of best fast food burgers in Utah) B+. or with bacon also B+
graded alone: meat: B, bacon B/B+. This burger is much better without their cheap cheese!. Bun B+
d. fried fish sandwich: C or D
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES; some may no longer be served:
e. sunrise croissant (egg B, sausage D+, croissant is microwaved and bunlike but OK grade C, cheese is cheap American: D) total C. Another visit: D
f. sourdough breakfast sandwich (sourdough texas toast, microwaved which ruins it make the bread a D, bacon is pre-cooked, microwaved, thin grade D, egg B, cheese is cheap strong American grade D-) total D
g. breakfast burger: beef and scrambled egg with hash browns in it. The fake-smoke taste of burger dropped it to a C. total: C-
Carrabba's Italian Restaurant
2017, January:
cheesecake A (see our site, "Best cheesecakes in Utah")
veal marsala A-, with a little gorgonsola sauce A
veal chop B, with spicy butter B-, with gorgonzola sauce instead B/B+
sauteed spinach A-
mash B/B+
margherita pizza (sprinkled on crust to too-sharp cheese) C
brulee ricota cheesecake B/B+
mini cannoli B/B+
chocolate dream (very thin later of C grade mousse, mostly whipped cream and chocolate cake): total grade B+
tilapia, chargrilled, with tomato and basil: B++
pork tenderloin with fig sauce B+
veal marsala with a little gorgonzola sauce A
sauteed spinach (with veal marsala) A-
pork chop with a little goat cheese: B+
pork chop with goat cheese, cream sauce, and veges B
proscuitto-wrapped pork tenderloin with port wine fig sauce:
pork alone: B
proscuitto alone: C+B-
pork with proscuitto: B-
pork with fig sauce B+ (order extra fig sauce as it comes with too little!)
fig sauce alone: A-/A
pork chop with grill seasoning; get it with gorgonzola sauce on side; this goes great with marsala cream sauce.
pork chop alone: flavor B+A-, texture C+, total B/B+. Note: tender bites B+
pork chop with marsala B+
Note: that is much better than Romano's pork chop with fig jam and marsala.
pork chop: tender bites with marsala sauce A-
pork chop: tender bites with marsala sauce ad gorgonzola sauce A
marsala sauce alone A-
gorgonzola sauce alone C- (but it's great as a compliment to the marsala!)
tilapia, chargrilled, alone B
tilapia with balsamic B/B+
tilapia with balsamic and tomato B+
tilapia with balsamic, tomato, and basil B++
asparagus B/B+ (better at Romanos)
2014:
a. top 3 pork chops in state after Copper Onion (Copper Onion is by far the best at an A) in SLC, and Romano's, national chain. At Carrabba's: chop 1: B+, chop 2 (drier, white meat) C+; another visit: chop 1, drier B-, chop 2, moist A-. So, they range from C+ to A-.
a. pork chop marsala?, second visit: A-/A
b. wings. These are good, but check out our site: "Best Wings in Utah" - Wingnutz and Wing Shak lead the way by far, and some decent dry rubbed wings (and only one good sauced wing) at Buffalo Wild Wings. Here, it is: B/B+
NOTE ON TILAPIA: Only a few places in the state (mostly Italian, along with Chiles) serve very good tilapia, as it has an earthy flavor, but good sauces and seasonings mask it at good places. See grades on other tilapia dishes above in 2016: Here:
e. tilapia with red pepper, olives, and green basil lentils B+
f. tilapia (later, another visit, with different recipe): hazelnut, herb-crusted with red pepper slices and basil leaves, with cream topping B+
g. hazelnut, herb-crusted tilapia with cream sauce alone, at this later visit B/B+
h. hazelnut, herb-crusted tilapia, alone B
i. spinach B
j. green beans B+
k. crab cakes C?
l. tenderloin, brushuto wrapped A-
ITEMS TO COMPARE TO OTHER ITALIAN PLACES:
a. marinara sauce (see "Best Italian Restaurants in Utah" for a comparison of this and other food items to other places) B
b. pomodora sauce (cheesy) B-
c. ragu alla bolognese (meat sauce) B++
d. salsa rosa (red and white) sauce ("Five cheese in marinara") C
e. pic pac (tested separately than these sauces) B+
f. spicy tomato and parm B
e. SANDWICH: steak (mushroom sauce A-, bread B-/B, sirloin C++) total C+/B-
f. SANDWICH: capresse, first test B+, second visit C+/B-
g. spagatti noodles B
h. SOUP: minestrone soup B
i. soup - Italian sausage-lentil, first visit B+, second visit B-
j. soup - chicken-pasta-vege A-
DESSERTS:
a. mousse cake: one item with two parts: choc mousse C- -, choc cake B = total rating C
b. see 2017 for cheesecake
BREAD:
a. wheat bread B
Casa Peru - West Valley
a. roasted chicken B+
b. green rice B/B+
c. fried rice (best in Utah, Chinese style): Kikoman soy sauce, red pepper, green pepper, green onion, msg, chicken cooked with 1/4 tsp of garlic and 1/4 tsp ginger, egg) A+
d. chicha morada drink (too strong clove flavor) B+/A-
e. yellow sauce over potatoes B/B+
Casa Salsa, Springville
2018, Sep:
a. cheese enchilada (needs melting cheese inside) C+/B-
b. rice C+/B-
c. beans C+/B-
d. chips A-
* Charlie Boy's BBQ Truck (for Catering). Book at 801-427-0600
a. great chicken and ribs - all from a catering company - very mild flavor A
Charlie's Grilled Subs, nationwide
2016:
a. hot club sandwich B/B+ (compared to Kneaders B-, and Zubs B+/A-)
b. hot vege sandwich (compared to Kneaders, with avocado, B/B+, and Zubs B, and DP Cheesesteak's hot vege B+). Contains: lettuce, tomato, mayo, sauteed oion green pepper, mushrooms. Bun: B/B+. Total: B/B+. 2017 test: A-
c. cold vege sub: bread B+. Sandwich contains: sauteed mushrooms, green peppers, raw onions, olives, avocado, onion, mushroom, provolone, lettuce, tomato, sprouts, mayo, oil, vinegar. Total B+ (next time get: no vinegar, cold red onion - not sauteed; everything else the same.
Cheesecake Factory, national chain
Note: We have tried most of their 30+ cheesecakes, including all their chocolate ones, and all their non-cheesecake cakes. These are their only 3 notable desserts.
2015:
a. key lime pie (A-) (BUT NUMERO UNO IS AT COSTA VIDA)
REGULAR CHOC CAKES
a. raspberry chocolate cake B
b. tower truffle B+ (cake alone C)
c. Linda's Fudge Cake B - - (cake alone C)
d. Black out cake B - -
e. choc tuxedo cream B
f. 8 layer choc cake, yellow, nut topping B-/B
g. choc chip topping, 8 layer: B-/B
h. another cake with chocolate chip topping and mousse or choc frosting between layers: B++
i. 50th anniversary (German Chocolate with coconut) B
j. Chris's (2 white layers of 1/2 inch and 2 chocolate layers of 1/2 inch) C+/B-
CHEESECAKES
a. Godiva Cheesecake B+
b. plain B
c. Chocolate mousse cheesecake (upper 1/3 is darker; shavngs on top) B+
d. pineapple upside down cheesecake C-, with cream B-/B
e. Hershey's with almonds (top half regular choc cake, lower half Hershey's choc cheesecake) B
f. mango key lime cheesecake C-
2016, OCTOBER: DESSERTS:
a. banana cheesecake B-, added with real banana slices B/B+
2016, OCTOBER:
MEALS:
red potatoes mashed B/B+, with real butter B+/A-
carrots B+
lemon herb roasted chicken B+
white bread B, with butter B/B+
wheat/molasses bread B/B+, with butter B+
fish and chips B - -
fries C+/B-
salad B
Chef Gao, Orem
a. pork belly C+B-
b. spicy boiled fish with cucumber, carrot, black fungus, pan fried, with white sauce with cabbage in spicy sauce: too spicy-hot B
c. fish fillet with black bean sauce, green pepper and onions B+
d. saute pan fried fish fillet with veges B/B+
Chen's Noodle House, Orem
a. lo mein D-
b. fried rice C
c. foo young D-
Chicken Express, Salt Lake City
a. ric B
b. chicken (smoky flavor): leg B, thigh B+
c. pork rib C-
d. beef rib (best are at Goodwood BBQ) B-
e. bread B-/B
Chick Fillet, national chain
2018:
a. chocolate shake: 2nd best for fast food place after Smashburger: B/B+
b. chicken tenders (better than Zaxbys) B-/B
c. sandwich: (bun B, chicken A-), with no sauce, plain: A-
Note: Tested all national chain fast food places in Utah serving chicken sandwiches. This place was number one. See our site, "Best chicken sandwiches in Utah."
2017:
BREAKFAST ITEMS:
b. multi-grain bagel with chicken, egg, and cheese B/B+
c. same with no chicken C+/B-
d. same with no egg B?
e. folded egg alone B-
f. scrambled egg alone (in the platter below) B-/B
g. multi-grain bagel alone B-
h. sausage-egg-cheese bisquit B+
i. sausage alone B-
j. bisquit alone B-
l. Platter:
1. scrambled eggs - graded above
2. sausage - graded above
3. sausage with gravy B+
4. bisquit alone - graded above
5. bisquit with margarine B/B+
6. gravy alone B-/B (better than KFC)
7. bisquit with gravy B
8. eggs with gravy B
Chick's Cafe, Heber
a. bean and ham soup B-
b. pork chop B+, and A- with applesauce
c. chicken fried steak C-
d. mash B
e. gravy (brown, packet type) C+/B-
f. scone B/B+
g. cheese burger (meat B). total: B
h. roast beef D+/C-, with gravy B
i. fried chicken (but hard crust) B-
j. bean and macoroni soup C+
Chiles, national chain
The only high-rated things there (we haven't tested the salads), all in 2014:
a. mashed potatoes B+/A-
b. mash with black pepper gravy (gravy alone B, mash alone B+/A-) total B+
c. California turkey club toasted sandwich (sub out the mayo for cilantro mayo) B+
d. loaded baked potato soup B+
e. skillet chocolate chip cookie B+
f. tilapia, parmasan crusted. B++
g. tilapia, mango salsa B+
h. black beans with peppers B - -
i. tilapia, grilled, for mano plate, fish alone: B++
j. rice B
k. baked tilapia alone C++
l. baked tilapia with cheese B
m. baked tilapia with orange color garlic sauce B++
n. short beef rib enchilada B-
o. short beef rib enchilada with ancho chile sauce B/B+
p. cheese enchiladas C
q. rice with corn B-
r. black beans with pico atop B-
s. bacon avocado chicken sandwich with cilantro pesto mayo on pretzel roll. (bacon B, mayo B+, pretzel roll C+) total C
t. California turkey club toasted sandwich with cilantro mayo (on wheat with much thin deli turkey) B+
June 2010 BBQ items there (likely unchanged since then, though they have introduced other flavors of ribs that have come and gone):
a. original ribs C+
b. dry rub ribs C-
c. Texas whiskey ribs B
d. slaw C
China Cafe, Springville
a. vege egg foo young C+
b. lemon chicken C+
c. vege fried rice B-
Chinatown, Provo
a. eggplant (#1 in state) A
b. fried rice C
c. egg foo young A
(The) Chocolate, Orem
a. choc cake with milk chocolate frosting A-
b. "Brooklyn Blackout," with dark chocolate ganache frosting A-
c. "Cherib" - milk chocolate cake milk with chocolate frosting B
d. Husband - yellow cake with chocolate frosting B+
Note: several other cakes we've tried there - peanut butter, etc. All rated B or lower.
Chom Burger, Provo
2018:
a. regular burger: B+ (bun B+, meat B/B+)
b. fries B/B+c. breakfast sandwich with guac and green chiles on bun: A
c. green chile burger B
d. breakfast sandwich: sausage, egg, and cheese on bun: B+
2017:
a. bacon, egg, cheese on potato bun B-
Christopher's, SLC
a. lobster corn dogs (tempura batter and frozen lobster meat) grade B
b. Delmonico steak (theirs was like choice grade sirloin but with much grizzle and not at all tender, cooked stove top) B-
c. creamy mashed potato (garlic-y, as perhaps half are, but most others aren't in the same league as this one - excellent) A
d. creamed corn B
Chubby's, Pleasant Grove
(Not to be confused with Cubby's of Orem, below)
a. Custom order: Pepper Jack Mushroom Bacon burger (ORDER THE SWISS MUSHROOM BACON BURGER AND REPLACE Swiss with Pepper Jack). (ALSO ADD their own onion sauce! (B) Under $7.00 burger only) (beef C+, bun B+, with butter inside it: A, cheap iceberg lettuce) total B
a-1. regular cheeseburger (meat C-). total: B
b. shrimp po boy sandwich A
c. decent hushpuppies (soul food) B
d. red beans and rice A-
a. Hot cocoa (darker version, better than the milk choc cocoa. They use Cafe A'More, made by Belagio.
Colosimo Sausage, SLC
a. carrot cake D-
b. apple pie E
SANDWICHES AND SAUSAGES ALONE:
c. n/a
d. polish C-
e. chorizo C+, second time D+
f. Garlic brats A
g. Mild Italian A
h. hot Italian B+
i. reg. bratworst C- -, second time C
j. Polish C
Communal, Provo
2016:
a. n/a - no longer serving their great bone-in fried chicken
b. mashed potatoes A+
c. butterscotch pudding A
2011-2015:
We've tried many things there over the years. They change their menu often per the seasons. In the past, with different chefs:
d. salmon with cream sauce (2011) A
e. meatloaf B-, with sauce B+
Plus many other items, including sandwiches:
f. 3 great ones + 1 very good one:
1. Heirloom Tomato & Avocado (also has sprouts and cucumber, on good wheat bread and amazing creamy herb dressing that makes this sandwich come alive! A
2. Slow Roasted Pleasant Creek Beef. (Actually, this is an A grade sandwich due to everything but the beef, which is a C. The great bun, amazing herb dressing sauce, carmelized onions (done right!) and melted white cheddar make this amazing.
3. Turkey cheese panini ("Turkey Cuban Panini"). (Actually it's grilled ciabatta, not Cuban "hoagie" bun, nor is it "flatttened." (Miami is my old stomping grounds. Had many a Cuban sandwich.) If you get it as a half sandwich plus side salad thrown into the sandwich (high quality greens) for only $10, it shoots from an A to an A+.
4. Christensen's Berkshire Pork Nah Mi (a tropical pork sandwich). The Asian flavor on this sandwich is too odd for many people. Pork marinated in herbs is a B/B+. As a sandwich with cilantro and pickled vegs and Asian mayo, it's a B/ B+
g. Burger B/B+. Garlic mayo. toasted bun C+. spring mix, tomato , pickle. meat: B. (Note: This is one of our Top 6 restaurants in Utah Valley (along with Chef's Table, Station 22, Black Sheep, Harvest, and Sundance), but the burgers aren't spectacular.
Copper bar (old Plum Alley), Salt Lake City
a. braised pork belly sandwich (on steamed bun) A
* Copper Onion - we plan to test other items here
ALL TESTS: 2014
a. best pork chops in state A
b. tied for best chocolate pudding in state, using valrhona chocolate (along with Ruth's Diner, which uses a lighter chocolate) A
c. n/a
d. roast wagyu bone marrow, from pleasant creek ranch B+
e. cured pork fat, alone C
f. cured pork with crusty bread B- -
g. cured pork with crusty bread and clover honey A-
Corner Bakery Cafe (Utah chain)
Cancun Cafe, SLC (Mexican)
Note: Overall this is a very nice place with great service, friendly staff, good food.
a. cheese enchilada B-/B
b. rice (with tomato pieces) B+
c. beans (fluid texture A, flavor C) total B-
d. salsa A
e. relleno B- -
Captain Len's BBQ, formerly on State St., SLC, then in Alpine, now a very good food truck
2005, December (when on State Street)
a. slaw A-
potato salad A
baked beans B
brisket A+
BBQ chicken A-
sauces:
original B+
rocky mountain B-
Texan B+
UPDATE: Several years later at his cafe in Alpine, UT, our grades for some items were somewhat lower.
Caputo's, SLC
Note: This is the best place in Salt Lake Valley for chocolate bars, a huge variety of gourmet chocolates, and great deli items; also the best place for several up-scale European butters and the best olive oils in the state, among numerous other things.
a. cheeselover sandwich (swiss, smoked gouda, provolone, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, olive oil, balsamic vinegar - heated C+
b. salmon sandwich (poached salmon, lettuce, tomato, olive oil, balsamic vinegar) B
Carl's Jr., national chain
Note: We've tested most items here over the years; none of their burgers rate above a C except the one noted below:
a. WHEN THEY HAVE IT: best fast food fish sandwich in state - charbroiled cod (the very best 3 are at Sammy's Bistro, Park city, the salmon sandwich at the Harvest at Thanksgiving Point and NOW GONE: Gloria's Little Italy, Provo) A-. But when serving battered fish for sandwiches, they have cheap fried fish.
b jalapeno burger d+
c. NO LONGER SERVED: The Natural (one of best fast food burgers in Utah) B+. or with bacon also B+
graded alone: meat: B, bacon B/B+. This burger is much better without their cheap cheese!. Bun B+
d. fried fish sandwich: C or D
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES; some may no longer be served:
e. sunrise croissant (egg B, sausage D+, croissant is microwaved and bunlike but OK grade C, cheese is cheap American: D) total C. Another visit: D
f. sourdough breakfast sandwich (sourdough texas toast, microwaved which ruins it make the bread a D, bacon is pre-cooked, microwaved, thin grade D, egg B, cheese is cheap strong American grade D-) total D
g. breakfast burger: beef and scrambled egg with hash browns in it. The fake-smoke taste of burger dropped it to a C. total: C-
Carrabba's Italian Restaurant
2017, January:
cheesecake A (see our site, "Best cheesecakes in Utah")
veal marsala A-, with a little gorgonsola sauce A
veal chop B, with spicy butter B-, with gorgonzola sauce instead B/B+
sauteed spinach A-
mash B/B+
margherita pizza (sprinkled on crust to too-sharp cheese) C
brulee ricota cheesecake B/B+
mini cannoli B/B+
chocolate dream (very thin later of C grade mousse, mostly whipped cream and chocolate cake): total grade B+
tilapia, chargrilled, with tomato and basil: B++
pork tenderloin with fig sauce B+
veal marsala with a little gorgonzola sauce A
sauteed spinach (with veal marsala) A-
pork chop with a little goat cheese: B+
pork chop with goat cheese, cream sauce, and veges B
proscuitto-wrapped pork tenderloin with port wine fig sauce:
pork alone: B
proscuitto alone: C+B-
pork with proscuitto: B-
pork with fig sauce B+ (order extra fig sauce as it comes with too little!)
fig sauce alone: A-/A
pork chop with grill seasoning; get it with gorgonzola sauce on side; this goes great with marsala cream sauce.
pork chop alone: flavor B+A-, texture C+, total B/B+. Note: tender bites B+
pork chop with marsala B+
Note: that is much better than Romano's pork chop with fig jam and marsala.
pork chop: tender bites with marsala sauce A-
pork chop: tender bites with marsala sauce ad gorgonzola sauce A
marsala sauce alone A-
gorgonzola sauce alone C- (but it's great as a compliment to the marsala!)
tilapia, chargrilled, alone B
tilapia with balsamic B/B+
tilapia with balsamic and tomato B+
tilapia with balsamic, tomato, and basil B++
asparagus B/B+ (better at Romanos)
2014:
a. top 3 pork chops in state after Copper Onion (Copper Onion is by far the best at an A) in SLC, and Romano's, national chain. At Carrabba's: chop 1: B+, chop 2 (drier, white meat) C+; another visit: chop 1, drier B-, chop 2, moist A-. So, they range from C+ to A-.
a. pork chop marsala?, second visit: A-/A
b. wings. These are good, but check out our site: "Best Wings in Utah" - Wingnutz and Wing Shak lead the way by far, and some decent dry rubbed wings (and only one good sauced wing) at Buffalo Wild Wings. Here, it is: B/B+
NOTE ON TILAPIA: Only a few places in the state (mostly Italian, along with Chiles) serve very good tilapia, as it has an earthy flavor, but good sauces and seasonings mask it at good places. See grades on other tilapia dishes above in 2016: Here:
e. tilapia with red pepper, olives, and green basil lentils B+
f. tilapia (later, another visit, with different recipe): hazelnut, herb-crusted with red pepper slices and basil leaves, with cream topping B+
g. hazelnut, herb-crusted tilapia with cream sauce alone, at this later visit B/B+
h. hazelnut, herb-crusted tilapia, alone B
i. spinach B
j. green beans B+
k. crab cakes C?
l. tenderloin, brushuto wrapped A-
ITEMS TO COMPARE TO OTHER ITALIAN PLACES:
a. marinara sauce (see "Best Italian Restaurants in Utah" for a comparison of this and other food items to other places) B
b. pomodora sauce (cheesy) B-
c. ragu alla bolognese (meat sauce) B++
d. salsa rosa (red and white) sauce ("Five cheese in marinara") C
e. pic pac (tested separately than these sauces) B+
f. spicy tomato and parm B
e. SANDWICH: steak (mushroom sauce A-, bread B-/B, sirloin C++) total C+/B-
f. SANDWICH: capresse, first test B+, second visit C+/B-
g. spagatti noodles B
h. SOUP: minestrone soup B
i. soup - Italian sausage-lentil, first visit B+, second visit B-
j. soup - chicken-pasta-vege A-
DESSERTS:
a. mousse cake: one item with two parts: choc mousse C- -, choc cake B = total rating C
b. see 2017 for cheesecake
BREAD:
a. wheat bread B
Casa Peru - West Valley
a. roasted chicken B+
b. green rice B/B+
c. fried rice (best in Utah, Chinese style): Kikoman soy sauce, red pepper, green pepper, green onion, msg, chicken cooked with 1/4 tsp of garlic and 1/4 tsp ginger, egg) A+
d. chicha morada drink (too strong clove flavor) B+/A-
e. yellow sauce over potatoes B/B+
Casa Salsa, Springville
2018, Sep:
a. cheese enchilada (needs melting cheese inside) C+/B-
b. rice C+/B-
c. beans C+/B-
d. chips A-
* Charlie Boy's BBQ Truck (for Catering). Book at 801-427-0600
a. great chicken and ribs - all from a catering company - very mild flavor A
Charlie's Grilled Subs, nationwide
2016:
a. hot club sandwich B/B+ (compared to Kneaders B-, and Zubs B+/A-)
b. hot vege sandwich (compared to Kneaders, with avocado, B/B+, and Zubs B, and DP Cheesesteak's hot vege B+). Contains: lettuce, tomato, mayo, sauteed oion green pepper, mushrooms. Bun: B/B+. Total: B/B+. 2017 test: A-
c. cold vege sub: bread B+. Sandwich contains: sauteed mushrooms, green peppers, raw onions, olives, avocado, onion, mushroom, provolone, lettuce, tomato, sprouts, mayo, oil, vinegar. Total B+ (next time get: no vinegar, cold red onion - not sauteed; everything else the same.
Cheesecake Factory, national chain
Note: We have tried most of their 30+ cheesecakes, including all their chocolate ones, and all their non-cheesecake cakes. These are their only 3 notable desserts.
2015:
a. key lime pie (A-) (BUT NUMERO UNO IS AT COSTA VIDA)
REGULAR CHOC CAKES
a. raspberry chocolate cake B
b. tower truffle B+ (cake alone C)
c. Linda's Fudge Cake B - - (cake alone C)
d. Black out cake B - -
e. choc tuxedo cream B
f. 8 layer choc cake, yellow, nut topping B-/B
g. choc chip topping, 8 layer: B-/B
h. another cake with chocolate chip topping and mousse or choc frosting between layers: B++
i. 50th anniversary (German Chocolate with coconut) B
j. Chris's (2 white layers of 1/2 inch and 2 chocolate layers of 1/2 inch) C+/B-
CHEESECAKES
a. Godiva Cheesecake B+
b. plain B
c. Chocolate mousse cheesecake (upper 1/3 is darker; shavngs on top) B+
d. pineapple upside down cheesecake C-, with cream B-/B
e. Hershey's with almonds (top half regular choc cake, lower half Hershey's choc cheesecake) B
f. mango key lime cheesecake C-
2016, OCTOBER: DESSERTS:
a. banana cheesecake B-, added with real banana slices B/B+
2016, OCTOBER:
MEALS:
red potatoes mashed B/B+, with real butter B+/A-
carrots B+
lemon herb roasted chicken B+
white bread B, with butter B/B+
wheat/molasses bread B/B+, with butter B+
fish and chips B - -
fries C+/B-
salad B
Chef Gao, Orem
a. pork belly C+B-
b. spicy boiled fish with cucumber, carrot, black fungus, pan fried, with white sauce with cabbage in spicy sauce: too spicy-hot B
c. fish fillet with black bean sauce, green pepper and onions B+
d. saute pan fried fish fillet with veges B/B+
Chen's Noodle House, Orem
a. lo mein D-
b. fried rice C
c. foo young D-
Chicken Express, Salt Lake City
a. ric B
b. chicken (smoky flavor): leg B, thigh B+
c. pork rib C-
d. beef rib (best are at Goodwood BBQ) B-
e. bread B-/B
Chick Fillet, national chain
2018:
a. chocolate shake: 2nd best for fast food place after Smashburger: B/B+
b. chicken tenders (better than Zaxbys) B-/B
c. sandwich: (bun B, chicken A-), with no sauce, plain: A-
Note: Tested all national chain fast food places in Utah serving chicken sandwiches. This place was number one. See our site, "Best chicken sandwiches in Utah."
2017:
BREAKFAST ITEMS:
b. multi-grain bagel with chicken, egg, and cheese B/B+
c. same with no chicken C+/B-
d. same with no egg B?
e. folded egg alone B-
f. scrambled egg alone (in the platter below) B-/B
g. multi-grain bagel alone B-
h. sausage-egg-cheese bisquit B+
i. sausage alone B-
j. bisquit alone B-
l. Platter:
1. scrambled eggs - graded above
2. sausage - graded above
3. sausage with gravy B+
4. bisquit alone - graded above
5. bisquit with margarine B/B+
6. gravy alone B-/B (better than KFC)
7. bisquit with gravy B
8. eggs with gravy B
Chick's Cafe, Heber
a. bean and ham soup B-
b. pork chop B+, and A- with applesauce
c. chicken fried steak C-
d. mash B
e. gravy (brown, packet type) C+/B-
f. scone B/B+
g. cheese burger (meat B). total: B
h. roast beef D+/C-, with gravy B
i. fried chicken (but hard crust) B-
j. bean and macoroni soup C+
Chiles, national chain
The only high-rated things there (we haven't tested the salads), all in 2014:
a. mashed potatoes B+/A-
b. mash with black pepper gravy (gravy alone B, mash alone B+/A-) total B+
c. California turkey club toasted sandwich (sub out the mayo for cilantro mayo) B+
d. loaded baked potato soup B+
e. skillet chocolate chip cookie B+
f. tilapia, parmasan crusted. B++
g. tilapia, mango salsa B+
h. black beans with peppers B - -
i. tilapia, grilled, for mano plate, fish alone: B++
j. rice B
k. baked tilapia alone C++
l. baked tilapia with cheese B
m. baked tilapia with orange color garlic sauce B++
n. short beef rib enchilada B-
o. short beef rib enchilada with ancho chile sauce B/B+
p. cheese enchiladas C
q. rice with corn B-
r. black beans with pico atop B-
s. bacon avocado chicken sandwich with cilantro pesto mayo on pretzel roll. (bacon B, mayo B+, pretzel roll C+) total C
t. California turkey club toasted sandwich with cilantro mayo (on wheat with much thin deli turkey) B+
June 2010 BBQ items there (likely unchanged since then, though they have introduced other flavors of ribs that have come and gone):
a. original ribs C+
b. dry rub ribs C-
c. Texas whiskey ribs B
d. slaw C
China Cafe, Springville
a. vege egg foo young C+
b. lemon chicken C+
c. vege fried rice B-
Chinatown, Provo
a. eggplant (#1 in state) A
b. fried rice C
c. egg foo young A
(The) Chocolate, Orem
a. choc cake with milk chocolate frosting A-
b. "Brooklyn Blackout," with dark chocolate ganache frosting A-
c. "Cherib" - milk chocolate cake milk with chocolate frosting B
d. Husband - yellow cake with chocolate frosting B+
Note: several other cakes we've tried there - peanut butter, etc. All rated B or lower.
Chom Burger, Provo
2018:
a. regular burger: B+ (bun B+, meat B/B+)
b. fries B/B+c. breakfast sandwich with guac and green chiles on bun: A
c. green chile burger B
d. breakfast sandwich: sausage, egg, and cheese on bun: B+
2017:
a. bacon, egg, cheese on potato bun B-
a. lobster corn dogs (tempura batter and frozen lobster meat) grade B
b. Delmonico steak (theirs was like choice grade sirloin but with much grizzle and not at all tender, cooked stove top) B-
c. creamy mashed potato (garlic-y, as perhaps half are, but most others aren't in the same league as this one - excellent) A
d. creamed corn B
Chubby's, Pleasant Grove
(Not to be confused with Cubby's of Orem, below)
a. Custom order: Pepper Jack Mushroom Bacon burger (ORDER THE SWISS MUSHROOM BACON BURGER AND REPLACE Swiss with Pepper Jack). (ALSO ADD their own onion sauce! (B) Under $7.00 burger only) (beef C+, bun B+, with butter inside it: A, cheap iceberg lettuce) total B
a-1. regular cheeseburger (meat C-). total: B
b. shrimp po boy sandwich A
c. decent hushpuppies (soul food) B
d. red beans and rice A-
e. fries B-
f. slaw A
g. fish and chips C/C+
h. ribs (3 days old; if newer they're probably better) B, with sauce A
i. pulled pork sandwich with BBQ sauce C++
j. Carolina pork sandwich with sauce A-
k. ditto with no sauce B
l. shrimp po boy sandwich A
j. pulled pork alone C
k. pulled pork with sauce C++
l. jumbalaya B-
m. baked beans with meat B
n. mac and cheese B+
Chuck-a-rama, chain (only 3 items we grade high)
a. rolls A-
b. bread pudding B+
c. cinnemon bun A
d. mac and chees D+/C-
e. mash D+
f. ribs (flavor B-, tough) D
g. bbq chicken leg B
h. spaghetti with meat sauce B
i. pot roast (on Chuck Wagon Wednesdays) (meat C, veges plus liquid B), overall B- -
j. baked beans B
k. au gratin potato (cuped potato, onions, and ham) B
l. squash B-
m. squash B-
n. green beans C+/B-
o. corn D+
p. sticky bun B
q. lemon herb roasted chicken C-
r. polish sausage C-
s. oriental salad C-
t. broc salad B/B+
u. oriental lo mein with snap paas, carrots, and ham B-/B
v. fried ric with carrot and green bits B-/B
w. onion ring C+
x. dressing C+
y. potato salad D/D+
z. chicken soup (tough chicken) D
aa. vege chowder (bits of carrot and broc) B-
bb. sliced carrots B
cc. bbq wings C+/B-
dd. fries B+
ee. scone B-/B
ff. fried chicken B++
gg. white roll B+
hh. wheat roll B
DESSERTS:
ii. fudge brownie (too sweet) C++
jj. choc cake C
kk. white cake with strawberry filling C+/B-
ll. choc pudding cake cake G-
mm. carrot cake B-
nn. bread pudding B-
oo. lemon yellow cake with strawberry frosting C-
pp. oatmeal cookie C
Cinnabon, national chain
a. regular cinnabon rolls (too sweet, but very nice cinnamon spice) B-
Claim Jumper, Heber City
2014:
a. baked potato B
b. best Delmonico steak (in Utah it is defined as prime rib finished off on the grill); (tender parts A, tough parts B+) total A-
c. ribeye, boneless C+ to A- (portions near bone rate A-) to C+/B- (tough inner parts), to grade B (outer portion)
d. baked potato B
e. fish and chips C+
f. bacon burger, no sauce C+
g. burger with mushrooms B
h. burger bun alone B/B+
i. bacon for burger B-/B
j. burger meat B-
Coffee Pod, Provof. slaw A
g. fish and chips C/C+
h. ribs (3 days old; if newer they're probably better) B, with sauce A
i. pulled pork sandwich with BBQ sauce C++
j. Carolina pork sandwich with sauce A-
k. ditto with no sauce B
l. shrimp po boy sandwich A
j. pulled pork alone C
k. pulled pork with sauce C++
l. jumbalaya B-
m. baked beans with meat B
n. mac and cheese B+
Chuck-a-rama, chain (only 3 items we grade high)
a. rolls A-
b. bread pudding B+
c. cinnemon bun A
d. mac and chees D+/C-
e. mash D+
f. ribs (flavor B-, tough) D
g. bbq chicken leg B
h. spaghetti with meat sauce B
i. pot roast (on Chuck Wagon Wednesdays) (meat C, veges plus liquid B), overall B- -
j. baked beans B
k. au gratin potato (cuped potato, onions, and ham) B
l. squash B-
m. squash B-
n. green beans C+/B-
o. corn D+
p. sticky bun B
q. lemon herb roasted chicken C-
r. polish sausage C-
s. oriental salad C-
t. broc salad B/B+
u. oriental lo mein with snap paas, carrots, and ham B-/B
v. fried ric with carrot and green bits B-/B
w. onion ring C+
x. dressing C+
y. potato salad D/D+
z. chicken soup (tough chicken) D
aa. vege chowder (bits of carrot and broc) B-
bb. sliced carrots B
cc. bbq wings C+/B-
dd. fries B+
ee. scone B-/B
ff. fried chicken B++
gg. white roll B+
hh. wheat roll B
DESSERTS:
ii. fudge brownie (too sweet) C++
jj. choc cake C
kk. white cake with strawberry filling C+/B-
ll. choc pudding cake cake G-
mm. carrot cake B-
nn. bread pudding B-
oo. lemon yellow cake with strawberry frosting C-
pp. oatmeal cookie C
Cinnabon, national chain
a. regular cinnabon rolls (too sweet, but very nice cinnamon spice) B-
Claim Jumper, Heber City
2014:
a. baked potato B
b. best Delmonico steak (in Utah it is defined as prime rib finished off on the grill); (tender parts A, tough parts B+) total A-
c. ribeye, boneless C+ to A- (portions near bone rate A-) to C+/B- (tough inner parts), to grade B (outer portion)
d. baked potato B
e. fish and chips C+
f. bacon burger, no sauce C+
g. burger with mushrooms B
h. burger bun alone B/B+
i. bacon for burger B-/B
j. burger meat B-
a. Hot cocoa (darker version, better than the milk choc cocoa. They use Cafe A'More, made by Belagio.
Colosimo Sausage, SLC
a. carrot cake D-
b. apple pie E
SANDWICHES AND SAUSAGES ALONE:
c. n/a
d. polish C-
e. chorizo C+, second time D+
f. Garlic brats A
g. Mild Italian A
h. hot Italian B+
i. reg. bratworst C- -, second time C
j. Polish C
Communal, Provo
2016:
a. n/a - no longer serving their great bone-in fried chicken
b. mashed potatoes A+
c. butterscotch pudding A
2011-2015:
We've tried many things there over the years. They change their menu often per the seasons. In the past, with different chefs:
d. salmon with cream sauce (2011) A
e. meatloaf B-, with sauce B+
Plus many other items, including sandwiches:
f. 3 great ones + 1 very good one:
1. Heirloom Tomato & Avocado (also has sprouts and cucumber, on good wheat bread and amazing creamy herb dressing that makes this sandwich come alive! A
2. Slow Roasted Pleasant Creek Beef. (Actually, this is an A grade sandwich due to everything but the beef, which is a C. The great bun, amazing herb dressing sauce, carmelized onions (done right!) and melted white cheddar make this amazing.
3. Turkey cheese panini ("Turkey Cuban Panini"). (Actually it's grilled ciabatta, not Cuban "hoagie" bun, nor is it "flatttened." (Miami is my old stomping grounds. Had many a Cuban sandwich.) If you get it as a half sandwich plus side salad thrown into the sandwich (high quality greens) for only $10, it shoots from an A to an A+.
4. Christensen's Berkshire Pork Nah Mi (a tropical pork sandwich). The Asian flavor on this sandwich is too odd for many people. Pork marinated in herbs is a B/B+. As a sandwich with cilantro and pickled vegs and Asian mayo, it's a B/ B+
g. Burger B/B+. Garlic mayo. toasted bun C+. spring mix, tomato , pickle. meat: B. (Note: This is one of our Top 6 restaurants in Utah Valley (along with Chef's Table, Station 22, Black Sheep, Harvest, and Sundance), but the burgers aren't spectacular.
Copper bar (old Plum Alley), Salt Lake City
a. braised pork belly sandwich (on steamed bun) A
* Copper Onion - we plan to test other items here
ALL TESTS: 2014
a. best pork chops in state A
b. tied for best chocolate pudding in state, using valrhona chocolate (along with Ruth's Diner, which uses a lighter chocolate) A
c. n/a
d. roast wagyu bone marrow, from pleasant creek ranch B+
e. cured pork fat, alone C
f. cured pork with crusty bread B- -
g. cured pork with crusty bread and clover honey A-
Corner Bakery Cafe (Utah chain)
rev. 9 Aug 21
2021 notes:
maple pecan bar C+
choc chp cookie B/B+
lemon bar B+
lemon bundt cake B
double choc cake B-/B
garlic bread B/B+
French bread B
Before 2021 with 2021 tests added:
a. turkey harvest sandwich C
b. mac and 3 cheese, with bacon and tomato; -- bacon lowers grade. B-
b-1. roasted potatoes C
.BREAKFAST SANDWICHES WITH SCRAMBLED EGGS:
c. Anaheim panini, on strong sourdough grilled bread (B/B+). Strong sourdough detracts.
d. smoked bacon and cheddar panini B. But with salsa that comes on the side B/B+
e. commuter breakfast croissant (bacon egg cheese) A-A. With avocado A. With salsa that comes on the side A-/A
f. avocado and spinach power flat (has strong wheat wrap, and cheddar and swiss) C+. but if dipped in salsa: B-
g. eggs alone that come in each of these sandwiches: B+
h. bacon that comes in these sandwiches: B+
i. buttermilk pancakes A, best in Utah along with Left Fork Grill
PASTAS:
1. chicken carbonara (with bacon, crumbs, peas, cream sauce) (chicken alone C, bacon alone C. Total: C-
2. linguine and meatballs. meatballs alone C, linguini and marinara B-. total: B-
PASTRIES:
1. twisted lemon hand pie C+/B-
2. blueberry hand pie B
3. vanilla whoppie pie B-?
4. cinnemon roll B
5. chocolate muffin B
6. cinnamon creme cake B-/B
7. apricot walnut ragalach C
8. fudge brownie B
9. chocolate bundt cake C+
10. cinnamon roll B
LUNCH SANDWICHES:
1. D.C. Chicken salad (sliced almond, cranberry, celery, green apple, raisens. B/B+)
2. ham and swiss with mustard on pretsel sandwich (ham C-, pretsel C-) C
3. turkey sandwich B-/B
GONE: 4. caprese sanwich B+
GONE: 5. philly steak sandwich A-
BREAD
garlic butter bread C+
SOUPS:
Cream of broccoli B-
chicken tortilla B+
chicken noodle C+/B-
roasted tomato basil B/B+
GONE: sriracha black bean A
Big Al's Chile B-
loaded potato soup C-
Costa Vida, regional chain
(in parenthesis is comparison to Cafe Rio)
2016:
a. best key lime pie in state (see the list under our site "Best Pies in Utah") (grades higher than Cafe Rio's grade B). A
b. cheese enchilada with green sauce: plain B-, with medium green chile sauce B/B+, with raspberry sauce B/B+ (Cafe Rio is plain C/C+, with medium green chile sauce C+/B-, with red smoky sauce C+)
c. black beans first time rated C, second time (Cafe Rio B-)
d. rice C (Cafe Rio lime rice C-)
e. refried beans C+/B-
2014:
e. tres leches C+ (compared to Cafe Rio B), plus strawberries and cream B (compared to Cafe Rio's tres leches with strawberries and cream A-)
f. mango shrimp taco A/B+ (best in state we've found)
g. shrimp enchilada A-/A
Cracker Barrel, multiple locations
2021
b. mac and 3 cheese, with bacon and tomato; -- bacon lowers grade. B-
b-1. roasted potatoes C
.BREAKFAST SANDWICHES WITH SCRAMBLED EGGS:
c. Anaheim panini, on strong sourdough grilled bread (B/B+). Strong sourdough detracts.
d. smoked bacon and cheddar panini B. But with salsa that comes on the side B/B+
e. commuter breakfast croissant (bacon egg cheese) A-A. With avocado A. With salsa that comes on the side A-/A
f. avocado and spinach power flat (has strong wheat wrap, and cheddar and swiss) C+. but if dipped in salsa: B-
g. eggs alone that come in each of these sandwiches: B+
h. bacon that comes in these sandwiches: B+
i. buttermilk pancakes A, best in Utah along with Left Fork Grill
PASTAS:
1. chicken carbonara (with bacon, crumbs, peas, cream sauce) (chicken alone C, bacon alone C. Total: C-
2. linguine and meatballs. meatballs alone C, linguini and marinara B-. total: B-
PASTRIES:
1. twisted lemon hand pie C+/B-
2. blueberry hand pie B
3. vanilla whoppie pie B-?
4. cinnemon roll B
5. chocolate muffin B
6. cinnamon creme cake B-/B
7. apricot walnut ragalach C
8. fudge brownie B
9. chocolate bundt cake C+
10. cinnamon roll B
LUNCH SANDWICHES:
1. D.C. Chicken salad (sliced almond, cranberry, celery, green apple, raisens. B/B+)
2. ham and swiss with mustard on pretsel sandwich (ham C-, pretsel C-) C
3. turkey sandwich B-/B
GONE: 4. caprese sanwich B+
GONE: 5. philly steak sandwich A-
BREAD
garlic butter bread C+
SOUPS:
Cream of broccoli B-
chicken tortilla B+
chicken noodle C+/B-
roasted tomato basil B/B+
GONE: sriracha black bean A
Big Al's Chile B-
loaded potato soup C-
Costa Vida, regional chain
(in parenthesis is comparison to Cafe Rio)
2016:
a. best key lime pie in state (see the list under our site "Best Pies in Utah") (grades higher than Cafe Rio's grade B). A
b. cheese enchilada with green sauce: plain B-, with medium green chile sauce B/B+, with raspberry sauce B/B+ (Cafe Rio is plain C/C+, with medium green chile sauce C+/B-, with red smoky sauce C+)
c. black beans first time rated C, second time (Cafe Rio B-)
d. rice C (Cafe Rio lime rice C-)
e. refried beans C+/B-
2014:
e. tres leches C+ (compared to Cafe Rio B), plus strawberries and cream B (compared to Cafe Rio's tres leches with strawberries and cream A-)
f. mango shrimp taco A/B+ (best in state we've found)
g. shrimp enchilada A-/A
Cracker Barrel, multiple locations
2021
pancakes B+ (they also sell their mix, which I, the editor made and found to be the same)
French toast B- (with butter and maple syrup B+
bacon B-/C+
sausage B-
meatloaf B, with ketchup atop B/B+
meatloaf sandwich C+, bun C-
stuffing B
white gravy C+
turkey and gravy B/B+
mash B-
mash and turkey gravy B/B+
mash and white gravy B-
dumplings and gravy B=
dumplings alone C
biscuits B-
cornbread C+
2019
southern fried chicken (batter too crispy-hard): B/B+
seasoned corn on the cob B
corn muffin C-
biscuit B, with butter: B+
mash potatoes alone: B/B+, with brown gravy B+
brown gravy alone B/B+
dumplings B/B+
cornbread dressing A, with gravy A (but ask for extra gravy)
hashbrown casserole B/B+
whole corn B+
2017:
jams:
strawberry: B
blackberry A
grape A
french toast B/B+
bacon B
cod, battered, thin portions B
cod, battered, thick portions B/B+
haddock, thin, grilled B- -
haddock, thick C
tartar sauce B+/A-
mash and beef gravy B/B+
mash and white gavy B+
green beans B/B+ (texture C+, flavor B+)
hot biscuit B+/A-
pot pie with crust (similar to Marie Calendar frozen) C+ (crust alone B+)
pot pie with dumplings on side B
catfish pecan crusted with orange marmalade B+/A-
turkey alone C - -
turkey with gravy C/C+ (texture D+, flavor B/B+); they need much more.
turkey with gravy and cranberry B/B+
turkey with gravy and cranberry and dressing B
dressing (texture C-) alone: B-/B
mash B+
mash and brown gravy A
mash and white gravy A-
dressing (only on Monday and Thursday), needs much more gravy: B+
dressing with gravy B+
dressing with gravy and cranberry B
sweet potato (for turkey) with pecans B/B+
trout B-/B (texture from frozen and being overcooked C-)
chicken (white meat) and dumplings: together B+
chicken alone (white meat) B-
dumplings alone B+/A-
dumplings and gravy B+/A-
slaw A-
fried chicken liver B-
meatloaf B-/B, plus 1/2 inch topping of ketchup B/B+
turnip greens and bacon B/B+
ham B-
pinto beans with pork chunks and ham:
pinto beans alone B - -
pork chunks and ham alone C-
combo B
vanilla ice cream B+
coke-chocolate cake B, with vanilla ice cream B+
fries C+
mac and cheese B/B+
corn muffin C/C+
maple jam bacon burger with colby (mayo is better than the jam) (no maple flavor)
(bun B/B+
meat B
bacon for burger: A-
bisquits B/B+
bisquits with butter B/B+
sweet whole baby carrots A
hashbrown casserole A
ribeye B-/B
2016 and earlier:
a. catfish has nice breading, but not fresh like Bucket O'Crawfish. Order it with eggs as a breakfast); don't get the Friday special version. (Best at Sea Bears in Bountiful, Bucket O'Crawfish in West Valley, and place on main street, Park City) B/B+
b. whole corn A
c. chicken BLT C
d. biscuit B+
e. steak fries B-
f. mash B, with white gravy B+
g. mash with dumpling gravy A-
h. country ham (salty and tough) C+
i. meatloaf C++
j. chicken and dumplings (chicken C, dumplings B+) total B
k. slaw B
l. turnip greens C
m. french toast C, but adding their syrup B+
Crown Burger, SLC locations
a. burger (meat taste B, quality C-) total burger package B+
b. fries B
c. choc shake C+
Cubby's, Provo (similar spelling to Chubby's above, but different restaurant)
Note: We tested most of their menu - these were our 3 favorites:
a. trip tip sandwich, if you order medium rare B+
b. "Dragonslayer" burger with blue cheese (buffalo sauce, spring mix, remove carmalized onions, add tomato, mild bleu cheese inside meat, smoky meat B+) total A-
c. another version of Dragonslayer, turned into reg. burger: lettuce, tomato, raw onion, no cheese, no bacon B
d. Houdini burger (customized with no cheese, no bacon, but with its regular mushrooms (deli like bread is not best for a bun; the ground steak lacks flavor, perhaps not enough fat) B
2017:
burger: bun B+, bacon B+, meat B-/B, total: B
second visit: bun B, meat B-, total: B
2016:
a. fish sandwich, using house-battered cod B
b. cod fish and chips: B- - -
c. fried chicken C
d. cheeseburger C+
e. pot roast sandwich C
f. burger (good bun: B, meat B-) total: B
Current Fish and Oysters, SLC
2018
a. fish and chips: rockfish B/B+ but fresh fish a day or two old with slight alcohol smell/flavor
b. choc torte C+
c. apple torte: buttery pastry shell with flower, poppy seeds, great apples, yell cream B+
d. hummingbird: roasted pineapple with mango buttercream (B++ alone) layers in spice cake. total: B/B+
e. slaw B-
f. mash A-, with whipped butter of herb flavor) A-
2017
a. fish and chips as mahi: battered fish (chewy, dense fish but fresh: B+
b. clam chowder, too strong of herb taste B
Curry Fried Chicken, SLC
* D.P. Cheeesesteaks, multiple locations
Note: We tested all combinations of their sandwiches. These were our faves:
a. philly cheesesteak A (with cream cheese)
b. garlic cheesesteak A- (sometimes too much garlic sauce)
c. cheesesteak with mild red peppers, onions, cheese whiz or melted provolone A-
d. hot vege sandwich B+
Note: our favorite peppers in order here are:
1. sweet red bell pepper. banana pepper (but vinegary)
IF THEY HAD IT: 3. Green bell peppers
4. cherry pepper
5. jalapeno pepper (note that jalapeno peppers can rate above banana peppers above, depending on the source.
Note 2: mushrooms generally subdue the flavor of red bell peppers and onions on cheesesteaks, but it's subjective.
Dairy Queen, chain
a. chili dog (bun C, dog B, chile B-/B; total: B
b. burger (it used to be better when chargrilled) B
c. choc shake B-
Dalton's, Payson
a. country fried steak with gravy B+/A- (second best in state after Texas Roadhouse). The gravy is weak - a C+. country fried steak alone B/B+
b. fish and chips (cod) - top 5 in Utah Valley: B/B+
c. onion rings B+/A-
d. chocolate chip cookie B+
e. oatmeal choc chip cookie B+
f. ribs, oven cooked C+
g. ribs with sauce B-
h. sauce alone B/B+
i. slaw C-
j. ribeye steak C-
k. chicken noodle soup C+/B-
l. garlic mashed potatoes with gravy B+/A-
m. roll C-
n. choc cake D+
o. all pies C-
p. fries B
q. coconut cream pie C-
r. banana cream pie C-
s. green pepper beef soup B
t. baked potato B
de la Rosa, Provo
cafe opened 2016
2016, December test:
a. grilled chicken (one of best in state! marinated and chargrilled
leg A
thigh A/A+
b. corn tortillas (among best in state) B+/A-, another visit: B-
c. rice A- (another time B), another time: B+/A-
d. pinto beans (best in state) B+, another time A-
e. sauces:
dark red sauce, fairly hot B+, second visit: B/B+
red sauce C+
green sauce B-, second visit A-
f. pork (needs seasoning and chargrilling) C-
g. Alambre con Queso (bulb onion, tomato, green pepper, bacon, cheese, pork (or steak or chicken - your choice) B+
h. slaw B/B+
i. cheese enchilada - cheese is unmelted in and on top, or it would rate an A-. cold, red sauce on top: B/B+
j. relleno, in green tomato broth A-, another time: B+/A-
k. pollo enchilada, in green sauce B/B+ (best chicken in a chicken enchilada in state)
l. rice in broth B
m. ri
Del Taco
2018:
egg and cheese burrito B++
carne asada fries C+/B-, meat C-
queso fries B
e. chorizo breakfast roller B-
f. chile cheese fries C-
g. loaded queso nachos (chips too crispy: D) C
f. loaded queso fries C+
double cheeseburger B/B+
fries, if cooked to order B+
(Note: order fries with no salt to get them cooked up fresh - in fact do that at all places that often do not serve them up freshly cooked)
Denny's, national chain
2018
vege omelette: swiss, squash, zuchini slices, mushroom, onion, tomato, spinach: C. Note: in 2017 when it was "loaded vege omelette" it was a B+, possibly with much more cheese and less strong canola oil flavor from cooking, and/or a different proportion of these ingredients.
2016
new buttermilk pancakes, plain: B+ (top 2 in state with Left Fork Grill in Midvale)
honey jalapeno bacon, spicy hot: B+/A-
wheat pancake B
blueberry pancake B/B+
sausage B+
pecan pie B
pumpkin pie D
cheesecake C+
2016
Note: We've tested most items on their menu. This list includes our favorites and a few others.
a. NO LONGER SERVED: Vege-cheese omelette A (probably same ingredients as in 2013, below)
a-1. loaded vege omelette minus zuccini and squash (with only fresh spinach, tomato, onion, mushroom, all sauteed:) B+
b. apple pie French Toast (seasonal) B+/A-
c. avocado BLT B
d. brown sauced burger (tom, mush, o, sweet brown sauce, cheddar, bacon, burger B- -) total B+
e. avocado, bacon, egg burrito B+
f.n/a
g. french toast B, adding their apple syrup B+/A-
h. fish and chips C-, second time: haddock D+ (but with batter grading C+ and haddock D)
i. grits although instant grits, they are good. They used to serve them with butter, but now they have only margarine - a big reason to no longer get them there.) B+
j. hashbrowns - better than most B
k. scrambled eggs with cheese, or with veges and cheese B+
l. banana nut bread french toast with walnuts (in the same league as this same dish as Ruth's Diner in SLC) A
m. shri jalapeno burger (meat b-) b/b+
n. new buttermilk pancakes from scratch b+
o. red potatoes b+
p. Philly omelette (sauteed muschrooms, onions, peppers, and prime rib pieces) A-
q. Apple pie French Toast (seasonal). It's really an apple crisp. It goes from a B to a B+/A- with fruit toppings.
r. Their standard French Toast rates a B, It is pulled up to a B+/A-
s. Grand Slamwich: mayo, maple spice spread, American cheese, shavedham, bacon, sausage, scrambled egg, potato, bread. C-
t. Moons Over My Hammy sandwich: ham, scrambled eggs, swiss and American cheese, grilled sourdough. B+
u. tilapia ranchero B
v. Georgia peach french toast B
2013, August:
w. NO LONGER SERVED: vege cheese omelette (cheese, sauteed veges: mild red pepper, onion, fresh spinach, mushrooms, dried tomato) A-
Der Wiernerschintzel, national chain.
a. Only the new Chicago Big City angus all beef dog garners a B+ there.
b. The other two Big City Dogs get decent grades: L.A. with bacon gets a B/B+
c. N.Y. with chile B-
d. reg. chile dog C
e. Polish sandwich B/B+
f. regular hot dog D
g. beef hot dog B-/B
h.Polish sausage B
i. chile alone C-
Dickie's Pit BBQ, national chain
a. n/a
b. roll B/B+
c. ribs, first visit (March 2011) C-, second visit (2014) D
d. wet brisket (served only chopped) B-
e. mac and cheese C+/B-, with sauce C-, 2nd visit (2014) B++
f. sauce alone for mac and cheese C
g. green beans (with bacon, onion, garlic), first visit March 2011 B/B+, second visit 2014 A, third visit (Apri 2014) B/B+, 4th visit (2014) A-/A
h. Dickie's BBQ sauce C
i. cheddar sausage D-
j. polish sausage D
k. hot links D
SAUCES:
k. original B
l. hot B
m. sweet B+
n. potato baked casserole B-
o. fried okra B-
p. slaw B
q. baked beans (canned tasting) B- -
r. potato salad (whipped) B/B+
s. brisket (butter end) (2014) C++
t. pulled pork (2014) B, with sauce B, 2nd visit (aolso 2014) C/C+
u. pecan pie D, 2nd visit (2014) C
Dona and Mary's Mexican, Orem
2016:
a. chile relleno, anaheim pepper B/B+
b. cheese enchiladas:
with green sauce C+
with red sauce B-/B
c. rice B/B+
d. refried beans B
2014:
a. beans (nice flavor and runny) A-
b. rice A-
c. cheese enchilada D+
d. pork ribs D-
e. sausage breakfast burrito C-
f. sauce C
Dominoes, national chain
27 May 21:
southern fried chicken (batter too crispy-hard): B/B+
seasoned corn on the cob B
corn muffin C-
biscuit B, with butter: B+
mash potatoes alone: B/B+, with brown gravy B+
brown gravy alone B/B+
dumplings B/B+
cornbread dressing A, with gravy A (but ask for extra gravy)
hashbrown casserole B/B+
whole corn B+
2017:
jams:
strawberry: B
blackberry A
grape A
french toast B/B+
bacon B
cod, battered, thin portions B
cod, battered, thick portions B/B+
haddock, thin, grilled B- -
haddock, thick C
tartar sauce B+/A-
mash and beef gravy B/B+
mash and white gavy B+
green beans B/B+ (texture C+, flavor B+)
hot biscuit B+/A-
pot pie with crust (similar to Marie Calendar frozen) C+ (crust alone B+)
pot pie with dumplings on side B
catfish pecan crusted with orange marmalade B+/A-
turkey alone C - -
turkey with gravy C/C+ (texture D+, flavor B/B+); they need much more.
turkey with gravy and cranberry B/B+
turkey with gravy and cranberry and dressing B
dressing (texture C-) alone: B-/B
mash B+
mash and brown gravy A
mash and white gravy A-
dressing (only on Monday and Thursday), needs much more gravy: B+
dressing with gravy B+
dressing with gravy and cranberry B
sweet potato (for turkey) with pecans B/B+
trout B-/B (texture from frozen and being overcooked C-)
chicken (white meat) and dumplings: together B+
chicken alone (white meat) B-
dumplings alone B+/A-
dumplings and gravy B+/A-
slaw A-
fried chicken liver B-
meatloaf B-/B, plus 1/2 inch topping of ketchup B/B+
turnip greens and bacon B/B+
ham B-
pinto beans with pork chunks and ham:
pinto beans alone B - -
pork chunks and ham alone C-
combo B
vanilla ice cream B+
coke-chocolate cake B, with vanilla ice cream B+
fries C+
mac and cheese B/B+
corn muffin C/C+
maple jam bacon burger with colby (mayo is better than the jam) (no maple flavor)
(bun B/B+
meat B
bacon for burger: A-
bisquits B/B+
bisquits with butter B/B+
sweet whole baby carrots A
hashbrown casserole A
ribeye B-/B
2016 and earlier:
a. catfish has nice breading, but not fresh like Bucket O'Crawfish. Order it with eggs as a breakfast); don't get the Friday special version. (Best at Sea Bears in Bountiful, Bucket O'Crawfish in West Valley, and place on main street, Park City) B/B+
b. whole corn A
c. chicken BLT C
d. biscuit B+
e. steak fries B-
f. mash B, with white gravy B+
g. mash with dumpling gravy A-
h. country ham (salty and tough) C+
i. meatloaf C++
j. chicken and dumplings (chicken C, dumplings B+) total B
k. slaw B
l. turnip greens C
m. french toast C, but adding their syrup B+
Crown Burger, SLC locations
a. burger (meat taste B, quality C-) total burger package B+
b. fries B
c. choc shake C+
Cubby's, Provo (similar spelling to Chubby's above, but different restaurant)
Note: We tested most of their menu - these were our 3 favorites:
a. trip tip sandwich, if you order medium rare B+
b. "Dragonslayer" burger with blue cheese (buffalo sauce, spring mix, remove carmalized onions, add tomato, mild bleu cheese inside meat, smoky meat B+) total A-
c. another version of Dragonslayer, turned into reg. burger: lettuce, tomato, raw onion, no cheese, no bacon B
d. Houdini burger (customized with no cheese, no bacon, but with its regular mushrooms (deli like bread is not best for a bun; the ground steak lacks flavor, perhaps not enough fat) B
c. "three cheese sandwich" (really a BLT with cheese on cranberry bread; we recommend you delete the carmelized onion) B/B+
Culver's, multiple locations in Utah, out of WI
Note: We tested most of the items on their menu.Culver's, multiple locations in Utah, out of WI
2017:
burger: bun B+, bacon B+, meat B-/B, total: B
second visit: bun B, meat B-, total: B
2016:
a. fish sandwich, using house-battered cod B
b. cod fish and chips: B- - -
c. fried chicken C
d. cheeseburger C+
e. pot roast sandwich C
f. burger (good bun: B, meat B-) total: B
Current Fish and Oysters, SLC
2018
a. fish and chips: rockfish B/B+ but fresh fish a day or two old with slight alcohol smell/flavor
b. choc torte C+
c. apple torte: buttery pastry shell with flower, poppy seeds, great apples, yell cream B+
d. hummingbird: roasted pineapple with mango buttercream (B++ alone) layers in spice cake. total: B/B+
e. slaw B-
f. mash A-, with whipped butter of herb flavor) A-
2017
a. fish and chips as mahi: battered fish (chewy, dense fish but fresh: B+
b. clam chowder, too strong of herb taste B
Curry Fried Chicken, SLC
a. curry fried chicken. First time was B- - and cooked in old oil perhaps, or for too long, resulting in the batter being too dark and the spices too strong. Second time it was lighter colored and had much milder spices): 2nd time: B-/B. 3rd time Feb 2014 B+. 4th time: Jan 2016: B
b. lintel and rice B+
c. salad with green sauce B/B+
d. samose (potato turnover) C
e. swarma dormer wrap (chicken in it C-/C white meat only) total: B+
f. fish kabob wrap (fish only C-/C, cilantro sauce A) total: B
g. tandoora chcken C-/C
h. Podedoms? - lentil wafer crisps C
Db. lintel and rice B+
c. salad with green sauce B/B+
d. samose (potato turnover) C
e. swarma dormer wrap (chicken in it C-/C white meat only) total: B+
f. fish kabob wrap (fish only C-/C, cilantro sauce A) total: B
g. tandoora chcken C-/C
h. Podedoms? - lentil wafer crisps C
* D.P. Cheeesesteaks, multiple locations
Note: We tested all combinations of their sandwiches. These were our faves:
a. philly cheesesteak A (with cream cheese)
b. garlic cheesesteak A- (sometimes too much garlic sauce)
c. cheesesteak with mild red peppers, onions, cheese whiz or melted provolone A-
d. hot vege sandwich B+
Note: our favorite peppers in order here are:
1. sweet red bell pepper. banana pepper (but vinegary)
IF THEY HAD IT: 3. Green bell peppers
4. cherry pepper
5. jalapeno pepper (note that jalapeno peppers can rate above banana peppers above, depending on the source.
Note 2: mushrooms generally subdue the flavor of red bell peppers and onions on cheesesteaks, but it's subjective.
Dairy Queen, chain
a. chili dog (bun C, dog B, chile B-/B; total: B
b. burger (it used to be better when chargrilled) B
c. choc shake B-
Dalton's, Payson
a. country fried steak with gravy B+/A- (second best in state after Texas Roadhouse). The gravy is weak - a C+. country fried steak alone B/B+
b. fish and chips (cod) - top 5 in Utah Valley: B/B+
c. onion rings B+/A-
d. chocolate chip cookie B+
e. oatmeal choc chip cookie B+
f. ribs, oven cooked C+
g. ribs with sauce B-
h. sauce alone B/B+
i. slaw C-
j. ribeye steak C-
k. chicken noodle soup C+/B-
l. garlic mashed potatoes with gravy B+/A-
m. roll C-
n. choc cake D+
o. all pies C-
p. fries B
q. coconut cream pie C-
r. banana cream pie C-
s. green pepper beef soup B
t. baked potato B
de la Rosa, Provo
cafe opened 2016
2016, December test:
a. grilled chicken (one of best in state! marinated and chargrilled
leg A
thigh A/A+
b. corn tortillas (among best in state) B+/A-, another visit: B-
c. rice A- (another time B), another time: B+/A-
d. pinto beans (best in state) B+, another time A-
e. sauces:
dark red sauce, fairly hot B+, second visit: B/B+
red sauce C+
green sauce B-, second visit A-
f. pork (needs seasoning and chargrilling) C-
g. Alambre con Queso (bulb onion, tomato, green pepper, bacon, cheese, pork (or steak or chicken - your choice) B+
h. slaw B/B+
i. cheese enchilada - cheese is unmelted in and on top, or it would rate an A-. cold, red sauce on top: B/B+
j. relleno, in green tomato broth A-, another time: B+/A-
k. pollo enchilada, in green sauce B/B+ (best chicken in a chicken enchilada in state)
l. rice in broth B
m. ri
Del Taco
2018:
egg and cheese burrito B++
carne asada fries C+/B-, meat C-
queso fries B
e. chorizo breakfast roller B-
f. chile cheese fries C-
g. loaded queso nachos (chips too crispy: D) C
f. loaded queso fries C+
2016:
#3 best strawberry shake (after fresh June shakes at Taco Amigo, Orem, and Smashburger's Haagen Daz shakes) A-double cheeseburger B/B+
fries, if cooked to order B+
(Note: order fries with no salt to get them cooked up fresh - in fact do that at all places that often do not serve them up freshly cooked)
Denny's, national chain
2018
vege omelette: swiss, squash, zuchini slices, mushroom, onion, tomato, spinach: C. Note: in 2017 when it was "loaded vege omelette" it was a B+, possibly with much more cheese and less strong canola oil flavor from cooking, and/or a different proportion of these ingredients.
2016
new buttermilk pancakes, plain: B+ (top 2 in state with Left Fork Grill in Midvale)
honey jalapeno bacon, spicy hot: B+/A-
wheat pancake B
blueberry pancake B/B+
sausage B+
pecan pie B
pumpkin pie D
cheesecake C+
2016
Note: We've tested most items on their menu. This list includes our favorites and a few others.
a. NO LONGER SERVED: Vege-cheese omelette A (probably same ingredients as in 2013, below)
a-1. loaded vege omelette minus zuccini and squash (with only fresh spinach, tomato, onion, mushroom, all sauteed:) B+
b. apple pie French Toast (seasonal) B+/A-
c. avocado BLT B
d. brown sauced burger (tom, mush, o, sweet brown sauce, cheddar, bacon, burger B- -) total B+
e. avocado, bacon, egg burrito B+
f.n/a
g. french toast B, adding their apple syrup B+/A-
h. fish and chips C-, second time: haddock D+ (but with batter grading C+ and haddock D)
i. grits although instant grits, they are good. They used to serve them with butter, but now they have only margarine - a big reason to no longer get them there.) B+
j. hashbrowns - better than most B
k. scrambled eggs with cheese, or with veges and cheese B+
l. banana nut bread french toast with walnuts (in the same league as this same dish as Ruth's Diner in SLC) A
m. shri jalapeno burger (meat b-) b/b+
n. new buttermilk pancakes from scratch b+
o. red potatoes b+
p. Philly omelette (sauteed muschrooms, onions, peppers, and prime rib pieces) A-
q. Apple pie French Toast (seasonal). It's really an apple crisp. It goes from a B to a B+/A- with fruit toppings.
r. Their standard French Toast rates a B, It is pulled up to a B+/A-
s. Grand Slamwich: mayo, maple spice spread, American cheese, shavedham, bacon, sausage, scrambled egg, potato, bread. C-
t. Moons Over My Hammy sandwich: ham, scrambled eggs, swiss and American cheese, grilled sourdough. B+
u. tilapia ranchero B
v. Georgia peach french toast B
2013, August:
w. NO LONGER SERVED: vege cheese omelette (cheese, sauteed veges: mild red pepper, onion, fresh spinach, mushrooms, dried tomato) A-
Der Wiernerschintzel, national chain.
a. Only the new Chicago Big City angus all beef dog garners a B+ there.
b. The other two Big City Dogs get decent grades: L.A. with bacon gets a B/B+
c. N.Y. with chile B-
d. reg. chile dog C
e. Polish sandwich B/B+
f. regular hot dog D
g. beef hot dog B-/B
h.Polish sausage B
i. chile alone C-
Dickie's Pit BBQ, national chain
a. n/a
b. roll B/B+
c. ribs, first visit (March 2011) C-, second visit (2014) D
d. wet brisket (served only chopped) B-
e. mac and cheese C+/B-, with sauce C-, 2nd visit (2014) B++
f. sauce alone for mac and cheese C
g. green beans (with bacon, onion, garlic), first visit March 2011 B/B+, second visit 2014 A, third visit (Apri 2014) B/B+, 4th visit (2014) A-/A
h. Dickie's BBQ sauce C
i. cheddar sausage D-
j. polish sausage D
k. hot links D
SAUCES:
k. original B
l. hot B
m. sweet B+
n. potato baked casserole B-
o. fried okra B-
p. slaw B
q. baked beans (canned tasting) B- -
r. potato salad (whipped) B/B+
s. brisket (butter end) (2014) C++
t. pulled pork (2014) B, with sauce B, 2nd visit (aolso 2014) C/C+
u. pecan pie D, 2nd visit (2014) C
Dona and Mary's Mexican, Orem
2016:
a. chile relleno, anaheim pepper B/B+
b. cheese enchiladas:
with green sauce C+
with red sauce B-/B
c. rice B/B+
d. refried beans B
2014:
a. beans (nice flavor and runny) A-
b. rice A-
c. cheese enchilada D+
d. pork ribs D-
e. sausage breakfast burrito C-
f. sauce C
Dominoes, national chain
27 May 21:
a. pizza: extravaganzza on thin crispy crust B-/C+
wings:
a. garlic parm B+
b. jalapeno mango B-/B
c. plain (same as bare, baked wings in 2016 possibly) C+
d. bbq C-
e. mild buffalo C+/B-
March 2021:
a. veggi pizza B-?
2016:
a. steak sandwich (steak C-. bun B+), total B
b. veggie pizza B-
c. cheese pizza C+
d. fancy cheese pizza (best of the chains)
e. their best wings (we tried them all): bare, baked wings B++
Don Pedros, Heber
2018:
a. chips, C
b. relleno B+
c. rice B+
d. beans B+/A-
e. cheese enchilada B+
f. salsa A-
g. seafood enchilada C-
h. seafood chimi B
i. chicken chimi B-
j. horchata C+
k. seafood burrito (with cheese, onion, tomato, cilantro, and carrot; with mediocre blend of lower quality shrimp, crab, fish, and scallops) alone B-, with guac B/B+
l. bean cheese dip C+/B-
m. ground beef enchilada (enchilada de la casa: with onion, oregano, cotija cheese):
1. alone: C+/B-
2. smothered with ranchero sauce B-
3. smothered with dark red sauce B+
TRY: vege enchilada (has cheese?), chile relleno burrito
Dunkin Donuts, SLC
a. glazed (better than most) B-/B
b. apple fritter (very soft) B-/B
E
Egg and I, SLC
b. turkey cranberry sandwich C
Note: some items may no longer be served:
a. sausage sandwich D+ (sausage alone D+)
b. veggie pizza B-
c. cheese pizza C+
d. fancy cheese pizza (best of the chains)
e. their best wings (we tried them all): bare, baked wings B++
Don Pedros, Heber
2018:
a. chips, C
b. relleno B+
c. rice B+
d. beans B+/A-
e. cheese enchilada B+
f. salsa A-
g. seafood enchilada C-
h. seafood chimi B
i. chicken chimi B-
j. horchata C+
k. seafood burrito (with cheese, onion, tomato, cilantro, and carrot; with mediocre blend of lower quality shrimp, crab, fish, and scallops) alone B-, with guac B/B+
l. bean cheese dip C+/B-
m. ground beef enchilada (enchilada de la casa: with onion, oregano, cotija cheese):
1. alone: C+/B-
2. smothered with ranchero sauce B-
3. smothered with dark red sauce B+
TRY: vege enchilada (has cheese?), chile relleno burrito
Dunkin Donuts, SLC
a. glazed (better than most) B-/B
b. apple fritter (very soft) B-/B
E
Egg and I, SLC
a. Seasonal
Benedict A+ Jan 2016, consisting of:
1. sauteed
spinach
2. sauteed onion pieces
3. sauteed spinach
4. bacon
pieces on top
5. cooked
canned green chile
6. sliced
fresh avocado
7. jalapeno
cornbread (thin sliced)
8. hollandaise
sauce
9. poached
eggs
b. turkey cranberry sandwich C
c. bisquit B
d. gravy B+
e. biscuit and gravy combo A-
f. sausage C-
g. grilled potatoes A
h. grits C+
i. chicken apple walnut sandiwch: chicken, apples, walnuts, celegry, green onion, mayo, lettuce, tgomatto, grilled raisen bread B-
j. above sandwich filling (no bread) B/B+
k. tomato herb sandwich B-
l. french toast (similar to Joe's Cafe, Orem) C/C+
m.bacon B-
n.Parisian benedict (shredded swiss, ham, tiny sliced pieces of portabella mushroom, croissant (too think), poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, green onion, Total: B
o. potato soup C++
Einstein Bagels, multiple locationsl. french toast (similar to Joe's Cafe, Orem) C/C+
m.bacon B-
n.Parisian benedict (shredded swiss, ham, tiny sliced pieces of portabella mushroom, croissant (too think), poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, green onion, Total: B
o. potato soup C++
Note: some items may no longer be served:
a. sausage sandwich D+ (sausage alone D+)
b. chicken salad sandwich (lettuce, tomato, red onion, tiny amount of sliced almond, little amount dried apricot, too much celery, tough dry chicken, white dressing, multi-grain bread) B+
c. choc chip cookie B
d. n/a
e. potato salad B-
f. peanut butter and jelly bagel C+
g. ditto with cream cheese B+
2016:
(First, the Notes:
1. they only have scrambled eggs from a carton: B-/B if in the morning when it's fresher; in the afternoon it's a C-.
2. Their egg white patty is B-/B.
3. Their bacon, while applewood, is pre-cooked and rates only a B-, but better than most fast food places.
4. wheat thin bagel B-
5. white thin bagel B-/B
Grades for 2016 food items:
h. egg bacon cheddar plain bagel sandwich C
i. eggs florentine bagel sandwich (spinach on top, baked in bagel), bacon, eggs cheese) B/B+
j. french toast bagel sandwich (french toast bagel, eggs, bacon, maple schmear - too sweet) B
k. french toast bagel sandwich if most of maple schmear taken off (since it's too sweet) B+
l. asparagus and mushroom egg white sandwich (with asparagus and roasted tomato spread and honey wheat thin-tastic bagel (bagel alone: B/B+). Total: A-/A
m. cheesy bacon egg sandwich (cheesy bagel alone C+). total: B
n. Santa Fe (hot spicy) with eggs, turkey sausage, Asiago bagel (rates a B, like overcooked cheese). Total: B
o. Southwest Egg White (with cream cheese) on white thin bagel. B+
p. Bacon and avocado egg white: if hot: B-. If room temp: B
q. hot dog on asiago bagel B+, with pickle B++
r. Hebrew national hot dog the way they cook it (better than most places) B/B+
r. asiago bagel alone B/B+
s. potato salad B/B+
t. green chile club (bagel sandwich) (turkey slices B). total: B++
u. green chile bagel alone: A-
v. bacon, egg, cheddar, tomato panini: B+
Possibly no longer served:
w. challah with cheddar and ham and eggs (challah B, cheddar A-, ham B-, eggs) total B+
x. 9 grain bread with cheddar and ham B
y. 9 grain bread with swiss and ham C
z. vegi and egg panini (tomatos, mushcrooms, spinach, cheese, requested no spicy tomato spread) B+
aa. egg bacon cheddar bagel: with cheese asiago C+
bb. ditto: with bacon (thin) C
cc. ditto, with egg alone C+
dd. spinach and egg and tomato panini B-
ee. egg and spinach panini C+
ff. bacon panini C
El Chihuahua, SLC
(old test from 1996)
a. rice C
b. beans B-
c. cheese enchilada C+
d. chile relleno C+
e. chips B-
f. salsa B-
El Gallo Giro, Provo
2018, September:
relleno B/B+
cheese enchilada, small B++
leg B
thigh B/B+
rice B/B+
refried beans B+
flour tortilla B++
slaw B/B+
c. choc chip cookie B
d. n/a
e. potato salad B-
f. peanut butter and jelly bagel C+
g. ditto with cream cheese B+
2016:
(First, the Notes:
1. they only have scrambled eggs from a carton: B-/B if in the morning when it's fresher; in the afternoon it's a C-.
2. Their egg white patty is B-/B.
3. Their bacon, while applewood, is pre-cooked and rates only a B-, but better than most fast food places.
4. wheat thin bagel B-
5. white thin bagel B-/B
Grades for 2016 food items:
h. egg bacon cheddar plain bagel sandwich C
i. eggs florentine bagel sandwich (spinach on top, baked in bagel), bacon, eggs cheese) B/B+
j. french toast bagel sandwich (french toast bagel, eggs, bacon, maple schmear - too sweet) B
k. french toast bagel sandwich if most of maple schmear taken off (since it's too sweet) B+
l. asparagus and mushroom egg white sandwich (with asparagus and roasted tomato spread and honey wheat thin-tastic bagel (bagel alone: B/B+). Total: A-/A
m. cheesy bacon egg sandwich (cheesy bagel alone C+). total: B
n. Santa Fe (hot spicy) with eggs, turkey sausage, Asiago bagel (rates a B, like overcooked cheese). Total: B
o. Southwest Egg White (with cream cheese) on white thin bagel. B+
p. Bacon and avocado egg white: if hot: B-. If room temp: B
q. hot dog on asiago bagel B+, with pickle B++
r. Hebrew national hot dog the way they cook it (better than most places) B/B+
r. asiago bagel alone B/B+
s. potato salad B/B+
t. green chile club (bagel sandwich) (turkey slices B). total: B++
u. green chile bagel alone: A-
v. bacon, egg, cheddar, tomato panini: B+
Possibly no longer served:
w. challah with cheddar and ham and eggs (challah B, cheddar A-, ham B-, eggs) total B+
x. 9 grain bread with cheddar and ham B
y. 9 grain bread with swiss and ham C
z. vegi and egg panini (tomatos, mushcrooms, spinach, cheese, requested no spicy tomato spread) B+
aa. egg bacon cheddar bagel: with cheese asiago C+
bb. ditto: with bacon (thin) C
cc. ditto, with egg alone C+
dd. spinach and egg and tomato panini B-
ee. egg and spinach panini C+
ff. bacon panini C
El Chihuahua, SLC
(old test from 1996)
a. rice C
b. beans B-
c. cheese enchilada C+
d. chile relleno C+
e. chips B-
f. salsa B-
El Gallo Giro, Provo
2018, September:
relleno B/B+
cheese enchilada, small B++
leg B
thigh B/B+
rice B/B+
refried beans B+
flour tortilla B++
slaw B/B+
2016, September:
relleno C/C+
cheese enchilada, small B++
rice B-
refried beans B+/A-
chips B
salsa A
2015
a. shrimp taco B/B+
b. grilled chicken: leg: B-, thigh B-, breast B-
El Mexicano, Orem
Note: very rarely serves enchiladas
2016:
baked chicken, unseasoned, cooked with broc and potatoes C+/B- WEDNESDAYS ONLY
rotisserie chicken, marinated and seasoned B-/B DAILY
rice B-
refried beans A-
potatoes with choriso and peppers and cactus and tomato and crumbly white cheese B OCCCASIONALLY SERVED
relleno with sauce of potato, onion, carrot, celery B++ TUESDAYS - get when freshly made 10:30 A.M.
meatballs, containing rice, same sauce as spaghetti below C+/B- SERVED ON NO SPECIFIC DAYS, comes with same vege sauce as relleno
meatballs and spaghetti combo B-
spaghetti (flat noodles but they call it spaghetti) with cheese and very little tomato sauce and thin ham pieces B-/B VARIOUS TUESDAYS OR WEDNESDAYS
pork B+ DAILY
2015:
a. refried beans (nice, runny) A-
b. tortas B
c. cabesa (cow's face) B+
Note: This is part of the Mi Ranchito "chain," with similar menu and recipes. See our note at "Mi Ranchito" for more details on the chain.
2016
a. rice B+/A-
b. refried beans B+/A-
c. relleno B++
d. cheese enchilada B+/A-
e. chips B/B+
f. salsa A-
El Pollo Loco, national chain
2018, Sep
leg B-
thigh B
rice C-
mash alone B-
gravy alone B-
combo B-/B
2015
a. thigh B-
b. leg B+
c. breast C+
d. shrimp taco C
e. shrimp enchilada C
f. mashed potatoes and gravy B+
g. shrimp enchilada, includes inside it corn, green sauce; first time C, second time B-
h. guac cream B+
i. rice C
j. shrimp taco (inside it is slaw, corn, mango), first time C, second time B/B+
k. shrimp alone B
l. black beans B-/B
m. mash alone B/B+
n. gravy alone A-
El Salvador, Provo
2016:
a. Pollo ence bollado ("chicken with sauteed medley," which is fried chicken in red sauce with onion, green pepper, tomato):
thigh A-
leg B-
rice-stew medley (overcooked in order to cook thigh right): B
rice alone C (first time C/C+)
refried beans, runny B (first time D+)
dark meat B+/A-
huevos rancheros with salsa B+
fried plantain A
BEFORE 2014:
a. beans C+
b. rice B+
c. NO LONGER SERVED: cheese enchilada B-
d. chips D+
e. salsa B
f. NO LONGER SERVED: chile relleno B+
g. fried fish C
h. shrimp enchilada B
i. lengua (beef tongue) stew B+
m. hot atol drink A-
n. chicken and pork papoosa B-
o. chicken and bean papoosa B+
p. slaw C-
q. avocado taco with sliced beet, radish (B+); (feta cheese is strong); total: B
r. masa (sope) alone B/B+
El Tapatio, Payson
2017:
a. relleno A
b. cheese enchilada B+
c. rice: B+/A-
d. beans A-
OUT OF BUSINESS: El Tropical (Dominican), Provo
Alex the owner is a first rate chef, a former sous chef at a top restaurant.
a. Die Dreaming drink (order it like a milkshake - not with ice!) mango drink.A
b. goat, in juisado (vege stew with carrots, tomao, onion, and cilantro) thick broth B+/A- EVERY OTHER SATURDAY, SO CALL FIRST
c. pigs feet and tripe stew - every other Saturday - light years better than the Mexican version, posole - found at numerous Mexican cafes in the state. A- stew, A as just pigs' feet. SERVED EVERY OTHER SATURDAY, SO CALL FIRST; second time (perhaps tired of it): B-/B
d. ox tails stew, minus ox tails, eaten with rice, makes this dish sing; grades: stew alone (with rice): B+. SATURDAYS ONLY
e. ox tails alone (not much meat in ox tails, but the stew gives it a much better flavor than most places that serve it - this is only place in Utah we've seen it). B. SATURDAYS ONLY
e.-1. ox tails and stew (guisado (tomato, peppers, onion): B+/A-
f. pollo a la brasa - IF HE PREPARES IT 3 DAYS, it's one of the best in Utah, competing with the several Peruvian places in the state that make it - we've had them all several times. Not as spicy as some but very good and tender. When he marinated it only overnight, a C+/B-; if 3 days: A-
Note: his marinade consists of a wonderful blend of herbs: fresh oregano, fresh garlic, olive oil, achiote paste, cilantro, and salt and pepper.
f. Sopa de pollo (stewed pollo) - dark meat is especially good. Kinda like boiled chicken but seasoned. Grade: ?. SERVED MONDAY-SATURDAY
g. yellow rice with Dominican peas A-. SATURDAYS ONLY
-h. garlic fish (when it was cheap sea bass, now he uses better swai): total: B-/B
i. garlic sauce for fish: B/B+
i-2. REQUEST THIS: enchilada (green) sauce for fish B/B+ (better than garlic sauce)
j. cheap sea bass, bony C-
k. coconut fish (when it was cheap sea bass, now he uses better swai): total: B/B+
l. coconut sauce for fish: B++
m. pinto beans B-/B
n. rice with seafood B-
o. fried plantains C (order them ripe!) B
p. fried chicken, no longer served with bone-in, when they did, this was the grade: C-/C p-2. p-2. newer fried chicken (chicharron de pollo sin hueso), more moist and better now: (small pieces, boneless); with garlic and oregano, salt, lemon juice, with tropical sauce. new grade: B/B+
q. pollo guisado (chicken in red sauce - herb combo, marinated!) B/B+
r. "die dreaming" (morir sonando) citrus drink - order without ice to make it more like a shake, but is usually too thin to be like a shake). A. SERVED MONDAY-SATURDAY
s. madura (sweet) Plaintains (fully mature, ripe) A. SERVED MONDAY-SATURDAY
t. regular plantains (as at all places, not ripe enough) C+. SERVED MONDAY-SATURDAY
u. fried pork chop C+
v. Red Snapper marinated with oregano, olive oil, garlic, and pepper, with green enchilada sauce. We could not taste flavor of marinade: C
w. riki taki (cuban) B-, with pickle B (Pork in it B/B+, ham in it B, cabbage and Carribbean sauce (not his tropical sauce and is actually thousand island dressing), with roasted tomato, mayo and secret spices. Total: C+/B- This is a Dominican sandwich but also Cuban.
x. fried rice with onion pieces, needs egg and veges: C+
y. snapper fish with coconut sauce B-
z. snapper with garlic sauce B-
z-1. snapper with green sauce over it B/B+
z-2. snapper with enchilada sauce B/B+
z-3. penine (pork), big chunks B/B+
z-4. pork and sauce B
z-5. pork, sauce, with tomato and onion B/B+
z-6. fries B+
z-7. pollo tropical, with only seasoning as carde do pollo, with flour: B+
z-8. purple-colored rice (caused by black beans), and chic peas B/B+, with guisada B+
z-9. moro de guanoloe: rice and chic peas B+/A-, with:
z-10. pollo a la braza B/B+
z-11. breaded fish B/B+
z-12. rice B+
z-13. pinto beans B/B+
z-14. chicharron de pollo sin hueso (boneless fried thighs) (this rpelaced heir fried chicken) B
Z-15. white wine battered fish A- -
z-16. fish and chips B+ Call with 24 hours notice: swai, onion, garlic, salt and better - request no Adobo. Request Polygamy Porter in advance for the batter, if you want the best batter. A-
(If fish batter is made with Heinekin: B/B+)
z-17. biztec empanizado: breaded thin beef steak C-
z-18. tomatiuo sauce with cilantro and mayo (his tropical sauce) A-
z-19. mofon guitos: fried plantains stuffed with garlic sauce and shrimp B+/A-
z-20. monfongo de camerones: fried mashed banana with garlic, plus shrimp in coconut sauce with chicken broth: aolne C-, with sauce B-, with sauce and shrimp B+
z-21. quipes: fried bulgar roll with ground beef C/C+
z-22. chimichurri hamburger (no flavor of chimichurri) B+
Enliten, Provo
Even Stevens, national chain
2017:
aa. pork belly A-
bb. bacon A-/A
cc. sausage B-
dd. burrito grande with sausage B/B+
ee. breakfast sandwich with bacon, house maple glaze,,cheddar, Hawaiian bun B+
a. stuffed French toast C+
b. brioche French toast C
c. capreezy sandwich (mozz, basil pesto, tomato, arugula, balsamic glaze, sourdough) B/B+
Jr. grilled cheese sandwich B-
d. mahi fish sandwich banh mi style (fish alone B-), total B
e. sprang chicken sandwich (chicken alone, tender and moist, A-), plus provolone bacon, avocado tomatoes, cucumbers, greens, honey mustard, multi-grain bread, total B+
f. weekly special: "PBLT" sandwich - pork belly lettuce and tomato: "double send pork" means the pork belly was sent through the over twice to make it crispier than normal (otherwise, their pork belly sent through only once is not cooked enough!). Sandwich (meat alone A-). total grade: A-
g. Mihami vice sandwich: roasted pork, mustard, Swiss, pickle spears, baguette: carnita (pork) B+, ham B/B+, bun A-, combo B+/A-
h. jackfruit torta (sandwich): bun B+, jackfruit alone C-/C, total (with radish and guac) B/B+
i. humazin vegan sandwich (with orange colored sauce, roasted red pepper hummas, roasted tomato spread, avocado, red onion, arugla, house vin, cucumber, tomato, wheat ciabatta bun; bun B+, total B+
j. pork banh mi sandwich (soy glazed pork, garlic roasted jalapenos, pickled slaw, cucumbers, cilantro, brava aioli, baguette). A-
k. do gouda sandwich, shaved new york steak, smoked gouda, sweet onion marmelade, red onions, greens, sourdough bread B+
l. baked mac and cheese with bacon, chopped tomatoes, and parsley B++
m. tomato basil bisque B++
n. turkey day sandwich (turkey, havarti,cran-peno jelly, roasted tomato spread, cucumbers, greens, French bread). turkey meat B+, spicy red sauce lowers total grade. B
o. pot roast dip sandwich: turkey pot roast, Swiss, red onion, jalapeno jelly. meat B/B+ (flavor B+, texture B), with au jus B++, sourdough or bagette? bread A, jalapeno jelly B++. total B+
q. graduate fast burrito: scrambled egg, sausage, cheddar, tots, house sauce, ssriracha, tomatoes, onions, spinach B
F
O'Falafel, etc., Sugarhouse (SLC)
a. beef B
b. black-eyed peas and spinach B
c. game hen C+
d. rice C
e. hot sauce (good flavor, too hot for most) C
Famous Daves, national chain
2018:
St. Louis ribs, nice glaze B-/B
flat end brisket, with fat on top (they have to wet end) C+
bites with no fat: C
burnt end B
fries, hot with skin B
Texas toast C+
cornbread muffin (cake-like) B. Get with real butter for B+
roast chicken (favorite in Utah) B++; 2nd visit 2018, May: B-
BBQ chicken, using rich and sassy sauce, which is a B/B+). total B+.
2nd visit 2018, May: B- -
mac and cheese, with corn in it, and cheap cheese sauce B/B+
rib tips with sauce C, with no sauce B
catfish fingers B+, with tropical sauce B-, with thousand island dressing like sauce B+
garlic red mash B-/B, with real butter B/B+
burger with pulled pork: beef B, bu B-, pulled pork C, jalapeno bacon B, combo: B, plus lettuce, pickle and tomato B/B+
mashed potatoes with butter A
bread pudding B
banana pudding B
brownie dessert C
2007-2011:
a. roast chicken, first visit (Dec 2007) B+, second visit (May 2010) C+, third visit (2011) B+, 4th visit 2017: A-/A (see 5th and 6th visits above in 2018)
b. BBQ chicken, first visit (Dec 2007) A-, second visit (May 2010) B, third visit (2011) A-, 4th visit 2017: A-/A (see 5th visit above in 2018)
c. 2011 visit: mac and cheese (with jalapeno, 4 cheeses, and corn) B++, 2017 visit: B+ (see updated grade in 2018 above)
d. #4 baked beans, first visit (2010 B+, second visit (2011) A -
e. #5 best wings "80 Proof" A - -
f. corn, creamed (2007 and 2011) B+
g. green beans, first visit (2007) B-, second visit (2011) A -
h. In 2011: #1 best cornbread B+ (in 2017 as corn muffins it graded A; see revised grade above in 2018)
i. #10 best mashed potatoes (garlic mashed) B+
j. N/A
k. "80 proof" ribs (candied glaze but tough), first visit (2010) B-, second visit (2011) C+
l. regular ribs, first visit (2007) (flavor C-, tender pieces B-, tough pieces D) total C, second visit (2010) tough B-, third visit (2011) B
m. big fries A-
BBQ SAUCES (also at stores):
n. Sweet and Zesty B+
o. Sweet and Sassy B
p. Devil's Pit C++
q. Texas Pit D+
r. cream sauce for fish B+
s. marmalade sauce for catfish A-
2007 TEST:
t. onion rings B+
u. catfish C+
v. buffalo wings B-
w. chicken tenders B-
x. muffin B-
y. green beans B-
z. slaw A-
2011 test:
aa. Georgia chopped pork C-, with sauce C
bb. brisket, first visit (2007) C+, second visit (2011) (C+ tenderness, B+ flavor) total B
cc. rib tips B-
dd. BBQ wings (with 80 proof) A- -
ee. hot link sausage C
ff. garlic red skin mashed potatoes B+
2007, June:
ribs B
bbq chicken C+
brisket B-
pulled pork B-
slaw C+
mash B-
beans B-
corn, old D
muffin D
Feldman's Deli, Salt Lake City
a. meatloaf b-/b
b. meatloaf with gravy b
c. gravy alone b/b+
d. mash b/b+
e. mash and gravy b+
f. meatloaf with mash b/b+
g. chicken salad sandwich (too much chicken, but we're not fans of white meat) (filling alone b). Adding tomato, pickle and red onion and rye make it: b+
h. BEST SANDWICH: Rachel sandwich (house recipe grilled rye bread with pastrami and slaw and housemade thousand island dressing and Swiss) A
i. rachel with ungrilled bread A-/A
j. Jewish salami sandwich, comes with mustard on rye: B (but if you customize it and take out 3/4 of the meat and add slaw it's an A-)
k. salami alone B-/B
l. fries B+
m. potato salad B+
n. rye bread (made to their specifications) A+
o. marinated beef tongue B+
p. ham A-
q. Hemmingway sandwich (rye ungrilled, slaw, thousand island, white cheese, ham, beef tongue) B+/A-
r. rachel combo (pastrami and corned beef, slaw, thousand island, white cheese, grilled rye) (we believe the corned beef lowers the grade) B+
s. slaw B+/A-
t. pastrami (best we ever had!) B+/A-
u. corned beef B-
v. plumb cake B
w. cheesecake (from Carnegei Deli, NYC) B-
x. carrot cake (ditto) B
Five Guys, national chain
brisket section with layer of fat down middle (wet end). A-
2016:
French bread B-
corn bread C, with butter B+
wet end brisket B/B+
chicken thigh, deboned B+
pulled pork B+
mash B+
brunswick stew B
creamed corn A
slaw, vinegary B
cookie B-
BBQ house sauce B+
BBQ sweet sauce B-
2011-2015:
a. mashed potatoes (herbed) A-/A
b. #1 best potato salad (strong pickle flavor), first visit (March 2011) B+, second visit (Dec 2013) A -
c. #1 best French bread A-
d. boneless, skinless chicken thigh B++ (in March 2011 it was whole pieces, graded at B+)
e. St. Louis ribs, first visit (2011) B-, second visit (Dec 2013) (similar flavor to Joe Morley's St. Louis ribs) B; (2015) ham-like, glazed B-
f. pulled pork, plain (2011 and 2013 same grades): (tender, but no smoke flavor to it) B, with sauce B-, with white sauce B-; 2015: A-
h. brisket, wet end, first visit (March 2011) B-/B, second visit (Dec 2013) A; third visit (2015) 1/2 dry B/B+; 1/2 wet end A-
i. brunswick stew C/C+
j. smoked beans B+
k. slaw (too strong mayo), first visit (2011) C, second visit (Dec 2013) C+/B-
l. mac and cheese C+/B-; 2015 B
j.chicken thighs, now boneless A
k. Texas toast C+
l. beans A-
SAUCES:
m. sweet C++
n. house C++
o. white (tested in 2011) C-
Note about white sauce: Many places try to copy the original, Big Bob Gibson's Alabama white sauce. This site's editor was raised where Gibson made white sauce famous at his own BBQ joint, and his is the only one I've had that is made right, but kudos to Five Star for trying to make it. And it's not bad.) C-
Fong Chinese, American Fork
2018, June:
house fried rice B+
creamy walnut chicken B-
won ton soup B-/B
lo mein C
2016:
a. walnut shrimp (tested at 5 PM; Chinese places typically have much better food before noon, when freshly cooked!) C+
Franck's, Holliday
a. fried chicken, highly spiced and herbed B
b. meatloaf B
c. maple soup A+
d. salad B
e. beef tartar A
f. butterscotch creme bruele A
g. tartar sauce A
h. cherry tomato soup A-
i. fish and chips with local steelhead trout and hefeweizen beer batter A
j. Mexican salad tortilla A
Freddy's, Midvale, Draper (national chain)
2018:
grilled chicken sandwich: (needs mayo, they only have bad Heinz packet mayo); meat B/B+; total B
fried chicken sandwich (using tenders); meat with too much batter C-/C, bun B/B+, with lettuce. total: C+
2017:
a. Freddy's Steakburger, chain, only one in Utah: Midvale. Great buttered bun, great pickle, with cheddar-mont cheese as best cheese there, Meat, thin but nicely seasoned: B+, butter toasted bun B+. Total: B+/A-
b. fish and chips (best fast food fish in Utah, but Red Robbins has best national chain fish and chips; see our site, "Best Fish and Chips in Utah") B-/B
c. fish sandwich B
d. fries (very thin) C+/B-
e. fries with their seasoning B-/B
f. hot dog alone (non-beef): B-/B
g. newer Vienna brand beef dog B-
h. hot dog bun alone B++
i. Hatch's green chile A-
j. hot dog with Hatch's green chile B+
k. older regular chile alone B-
l. bun B++
m chile dog B-/B
n. hot dog with bun B
o. mint shake (not one of their 3 frozen custard "concrete" flavors) B - -
G
Galilee Grill, Orem
a. lentil soup C-
b. jibnah (cheese) pizza B+
c. eggplant pistachio pizza B/B+
d. fries with a little bit of herbs B-/B
e. pizza: "breakfast" (labnah and za'atar) - pizza with yogurt and herbs: B-/B
f. Nazareth omelette: 3 eggs (not fluffy), onion, garlic, mint: B+
g. pita bun B
h. lamb meat, ground B-/B
i. pita with lamb meat B/B+
j. tilapia fish fillets with herb dry toppings B
k. lamb burger in pita with condiments C+
l. turkish (veges, bone in) B
m. lamb shank (chewy) C
n. leg of lamb (chewy, dry) D+
o. yellow rice A-
p. reddish brown rice B/B+
q. fish with side salad, croutons and sauce A-
r. side salad: lettuce, pickles, cabbage B-
s. fries C+
t. creamy "mud" with shank B, with pita bread B+
u. ditto with lamb B-/B
DESSERTS:
a. namurah B
b. kanefa (red) C+
Gandolphos, Provo
2013-2016:
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES:
a. Breakfast sandwich on Kaiser bun: pastrami, eggs, and American cheese (as much as we dislike American cheese) A- -
b. Breakfast sandwich on Kaiser bun: bacon, egg, American cheese, and sausage B+
c. bacon, cheese and egg only: B-
d. sausage, egg and cheese only B. Another time: B+ (sausage alone B-)
e. Pastrami and american cheese and egg A- -
f. loco: chili pepper, egg, sausage, no cheese, pico de gallo B
g. Crew - egg, bacon, sausage sub, no cheese B-/B
h. egg and sausage on sub B
i. egg and bacon only on sub B-/B
j. bacon, egg, cheddar, tomato pannini B+
LUNCH SUBS:
Note: We've tried several others - the bottom two are our faves:
a. Italian ham, egg, marinara, no cheese C+/B-
b. Brooklyn Bridge (Turkey, bacon, provolone, lettuce, tomato, mayo) B+
c. Hampton (Turkey, swiss, avocado, lettuce, tomato, may) B+
HOT DOGS:
(See our site, "Best Hot Dogs in Utah")
Garage Grill, Draper
2018, June-Aug:
fish and chips, fresh halibut B/B+
mash C-
gravy C-
combined mash and gravy C-
mac and cheese, 3 cheese and ale B/B+
ditto with king crab legs B+
king crab legs alone in cheese sauce B+/A-
slaw B-/B
primavera B-/B
margharita pizza alone C+, with balsamic sauce C+/B-, pizza plus garlic B-, pizza plus balsamic sauce and garlic B
* (The) Garden Restaurant, downtown Salt Lake City
Note: coupled with interior decor, it has one of the best views in the state (yet is casual!). #2 in The Roof across the hall, and #3, but much different, is Blue Boar Inn, Midway (if sitting outside)
a. One of top meatloafs in state (B+), with demiglaze A (only one better is Ruth's Diner)
b. meatloaf sandwich B/B+
c. caprese panini (pesto too strong) C
d. American burger (meat B, brioche roll B-). total: B
e. chicken salad croissant (filling B). Needs more fruit in the filling. total: B+/A-
THE croissant DOWNSTAIRS AT NAUVOO CAFE IS BETTER AS IT HAS MORE FRUIT; OTHERWISE IT SEEMS TO BE THE SAME. Both are among the top places for Best Chicken Salad Sandwiches IN THE STATE. SEE OUR SITE FOR ALL THE BEST ONES: "Best Chicken Salad Sandwiches in Utah"
f. apple pie grilled cheese B-
g. classic chocolate cake C+/B-
h. peach cobbler C+/B-
i. molten choc cake B
j. caramel creme brulee A+
k. sweet baby pork chop A-
l. artichoke chicken with cheese B
m. roast beef B-
n. salmon B- -
o. herbed chicken B-
p. corn C-
q. chocolate cake with white layer B
r. mash B/B+?
s. slaw B/B+
t. tartar sauce B
u.English fries B-
v. Fish and chips (fresh fish alone is A-; batter is tempura, not beer batter B-/B) total grade B/B+
Global Grill, Heber City
June 2020:
a. bolognese bowl A
b. Indonesian bowl B-
c. Cuban bowl B+
d. India bowl C+
Golden Corral, national chain
AUGUST 2017:
BREAKFAST:
sausage gravy B-
bisquit alone B/B+
combo B/B+
french toast B - -
blueberry pancakes B - -
plain pancakes D+C-
strawberry crepe C/C+
peach waffle C+
waffle alone C -
grits C+, with butter spread (they have to real butter there): B
sausage line C-
bacon, not freshly made C-/C
chorizo scramble, warm C
chorizo scramble with burrito and cheese B+
cinemon roll, cold C-/C
corn beef hash, canned C-
cheese has browns C
smothered burrito with pico: chorizo tomato, onion, eggs, green pepper,, cheese B+
chorizo eggs in it alone B+
steak pieces, hot B+
warm B/B+
cold C
cold fresh donut C+
cold 1/2 hour old donut C-
steak fries B-
scrambled egg B-/B
LUNCH:
roasted aneheim chile, hot C
runny, refried beans C-
oatmeal C
chopped cooked onion and green pepper mix B-
fried chicken wing, hot B/B+
dinner roll alone C-/C, with butter spread C+
chicken fried steak alone C, with gravy C-/C
Spanish rice with corn in it C-/C
2015-2016:
Note: We've tested nearly every item multiple times. These are the only A's we've found.
a. mac and cheese with bacon (B+, one of only a few great ones in state we've found)
b. Saturday mornings only: scrambled eggs A
c. Saturday mornings only - bacon candy A
d. Saturday mornings only - deep fried bacon A
e. mashed potatoes (no gravy in rating) B+
f. n/a
g. mandarin orange chicken (flavor B+ but too spicy hot) B
h. squash B-/B
i. fried rice B
j. turnip greens B
k. green beans B-/B
l. pinto beans in sauce B+
m. Chinese chicken thigh with spices B+
n. jalapeno cornbread C+
o. cheese enchilada C+B-
p. Mex rice B+
q. Mex beans C
r. baked beans B+
s. corn cake - is really cornbread, moist, with corn inside A
t. cornbread, dry B
u. smoked sausage B/B+
v. augratin potatoese C
w. rice pllaf B-
x. baked tilapia C+/B-
y. n/a
z. kettle beans B/B+
aa. baked beans B-/B
bb. fried chicken:
thigh B/B+
leg B
cc. fish and chips C
dd. Mexican rice C+
ee. Chinese rice C+/B-
s. SEASONAL RIBS
1. hickory and brown sugar KC Masterpiece sauce glazed onto baby back ribs B+
2. chipotle KC Masterpiece ribs B-/B
3. original KC Masterpiece C+/B-
4. normal bbq sauce ribs D+
5. ribs with Kikkomon "Teriyaki baste and glaze with honey and pineapple" sauce: in late summer 2015: B+; in spring 2016 with lower quality rib meat: C-
t. SEASONAL SEAFOOD SPECIAL, SPRING 2015:
1. popcorn shrimp C-
2. fried shrimp B-/B
3. salmon fillet with glaze B
4. fried catfish B+
5. baked fish B++, seasoned, plus spinach
2013, August:
hot garlic wings C
sirloin steak C+
fried chicken B
southern fried fish C+
fried shrimp C
mash B++ (but by 2017, not nearly as good!)
spinach C
green beans C
baby back ribs C+
BBQ chicken D+
Good Move Cafe, Provo
2018, April:
a. fish and chips:
fish: fresh cod! (rare in Utah): B. (Fish alone A-, batter C+/B-; combined B)
b. chips (fries) C+
Goodwood BBQ, Utah chain
2018, Sep:
brisket, not true wet end, although it was supposed to be: C+
chicken, bone in: C+B-
slaw B
baked beans B
baby back ribs C/C+
st. louis ribs B
beef ribs B-/B, with C- BBQ glaze
mash B/B+
white gravy C-
combo B-
Carolina pork sandwich:
pulled pork, marinated, alone: B
sandwich with pickle and slaw: B+
2014:
a. best beef ribs in state, first test: dry to fattier bites range form B- to B/B+, average B; second test (Apr 2014) A. (cooks over applewood with Shriver's spice rub for 90 min, no set temperature, till bone sticks out of meat. Their sauce is secret but includes apple vinegar and black pepper)
b. mashed potatoes with cream gravy B++ (mash alone, Apr 2014, B-)
c. gravy alone C
d. #1 (tie) best sweet potatoes B/B+ and 2 other visits: A -
e. 2nd best Delmonico steak (in Utah it is prime rib finished off on the grill; other regions of the country define Delmonico differently. #1 is at Claimjumper, Heber) At Goodwood: A- (tender parts) to C+ (tougher part) (made as prime rib, then finished off on the grill for 20 seconds by broiling with sauce on it)
f. ribeye steak B/B+ (tender part) to B- - (tough part)
g. baked beans B/B+
h. rice pilaf, first visit B, second visit C+, third visit B/B+
i. burger (meat flavor B+, meat texture B-, meat total B; bun B-/B; bacon, chewy C+/B-) total B/B+
j. chicken fried steak (grizzly flank steak C-) total C+
k. ditto with gravy and mash B-
l. garlic mash with cream gravy B
m. mash alone B
n. dark meat smoked chicken, first test (June 2010) B, second test early 2014 B/B+, third test (Apr 2014) B+
o. brisket (tough) C+
p. slaw B-
q. potato salad B
r. mac and cheese (american cheese) B-/B
s. Texas toast C+
t. pulled pork (not Carolina pulled pork, which is supposed to be better), (June 2010) B++
u. apple turkey C++/B-
v. BBQ sauce C++/B-
w. baby back ribs, first visit (2010) C-, second visit (2014) B, third visit (Apr 2014) B/B+
x. St. Louis ribs B
y. salmon D
z. lemon cream sauce for salmon (mostly herbs) C-/C
aa. salmon with lemon cream sauce combined D+
bb. cornbread B+
cc. chile (a little brisket, no beans, smoky; with corn, tomato, green pepper, red onion, basil, and perhaps chile powder) B+
dd. Mike's chicken tortilla soup B+
Gourmandise, SLC
DESSERT PASTRIES:
2018
a. chocolate raspberry mousse, white and choc cake layers with 1/4 inch fluffy raspberry mouse B+
b. passion fruit mousse, 2 thin layers of 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch layers of white cake. B/B+
c. jalousse cup: top of 1 inch choc cream pudding, then 1/2 inch choc cake, then 1/8 inch raspberry jam, then 1/4 inch cream and 1/4 inch choc cream and 1/4 inch choc cake. BB+
d. cheese cake with berries C
d. pallehin: 1/2 inch chocolate mousse top, then 1/3 inch hazlenut crunch, then 1/2 inch choc cake C-
2017
pecan roll, room temp C, warmed B
chocolate mousse B+
chocolate decadent cake C+/B-
tartiette mixed fruit (fruit and custard tart - normally one of our favorite pastries, but not great here) C
passion fruit mousse cake B
chocolate mousse cake B
dusty chocolate mousse cake C-
berry layered cake with mousse bottom B/B+
"Mille Feuille straberre" (gold topped, layered, croissant style cake and cream and strawberries B+
Great China, Orem
a. lemon chicken (#1 in state) A-
b. egg plant C+
c. lo mein B+
d. vege fried rice B-
e. vege egg foo young A-
f. orange beef B-
Great Harvest Bread Co., national chain
Note: sandwiches tested at Provo location; all or some locations may serve them.
SANDWICHES
(Note: best served on their very good whole wheat, as their cracked wheat is fairly tasteless)
a. chicken salad sandwich (needs smaller chicken chunks for higher grade) B+
b. cheese sandwich (on cracked wheat) C+, dipped in tomato soup B/B+
c. classic turkey sandwich (too much mustard) B-
d. cranberry turkey sandwich B+
e. turkey sandwich B+
SOUPS
a. tomato basil soup B-
b. chicken noodle C/C+
SPECIALTY BREADS
a. frosted coconut bread C+
b. lemon poppy seed bread B+
c. cinnemon bread C+
d. cinnamon roll C+
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES
a. sausage, egg, and cheese B/B+
b. bacon, egg, and cheese C+
c. ham, egg, and cheese B-B
d. all 3 meats combined B
Great Steak Sandwich Co., Provo
(Not same as national chain, Great Steak, with several in Utah)
2016:
a. clam chowder: B
b. chicken fried steak B+, with gravy B+
c. gravy alone C
2013:
a. clam chowder B+
b. chicken fried steak, first visit B+/A -, second visit (Dec 2013) alone A, sausage gavy A-, total A
d. mash (B+, gravy, black peppery A+) total A
e. Philly cheesesteak sandwich. C+
Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, Orem
2017:
a. lemon chicken A-
b. wings B/B+, with sweet and sour B+
c. beef and broccoli (tender!) B/B+
d. everything else in the buffet: C-
Grinders, SLC
tested in 1994; could be same restaurant today or a different one with this name
a. turkey and fresh avocado sandwich, with sprouts, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, onions: D/C
b. grilled cheese sandwich C
c. "Diner chicken-cheese" sandwich: cheese, tomato, lettuce, grilled onions: C/B
wings D/C
* Gurus, Provo
a-1. Philly French Toast (#3 best in state, after Cafe 300 (UPDATE: Cafe 300 is OUT OF BUSINESS) and IHOP's brioche bananas foster and brioche cinnemon (NO LONGER made there) B++
a-2. French toast: almond and cornflake coated, cream cheese, wholegrain B+
a-3. same french toast with blueberry jam A-
a-4. traditional French toast B-/B
a-5. traditional French toast with butter and strawberry jam B/B+
b-1. Cowboy Benny, with biscuits, per the menu, C. But sub out the bisquits for toasted whole wheat bread, get runny egg yolk eggs, and have them add more than their usual portion of sausage for: A
b-2. Cowboy Benny, as served on menu (with bisquit and hard eggs) B
b-3. biscuit alone C+/B-
c. Breakfast burrito (eggs, cheese, small chorizo sausage, rice, a few black beans - needs more, ranchero sauce, lettuce, pico sauce and sour cream. A-
d. pan-seared salmon rice bowl (B+/A-)
e. Three Cheese Tortilini A
f. Chicken corn tortilla soup (B+)
g. Blue cakes (blueberry pancakes), alone B+, with blueberry jam and butter A-
h. Breakfast quesidilla (if no feta cheese: B/B+). with feta cheese: B/B+
i. Omelette wrap: if no bacon, it's B+
j. Omelette wrap, per menu, with bacon B-/B
k. customized omelette: cheddar, tomato, spinach, mushrooms B+ if much cheese (B - - if low amount of cheese)
l. soup, dark red beans B+
m. soup, yellow, with chicken B-
relleno C/C+
cheese enchilada, small B++
rice B-
refried beans B+/A-
chips B
salsa A
2015
a. shrimp taco B/B+
b. grilled chicken: leg: B-, thigh B-, breast B-
El Mercadito, Payson
a. pork skin B
b. pork skin with sauce C-
c. pap. with beans only B
d. pap. with beans and cheese A-
e. relleno, poblano (cheese unmelted) B
f. rice B/B+
g. beans (nice and runny) A--
h. scrambled eggs with onion, jalapeno, tomato B+
a. pork skin B
b. pork skin with sauce C-
c. pap. with beans only B
d. pap. with beans and cheese A-
e. relleno, poblano (cheese unmelted) B
f. rice B/B+
g. beans (nice and runny) A--
h. scrambled eggs with onion, jalapeno, tomato B+
Note: very rarely serves enchiladas
2016:
baked chicken, unseasoned, cooked with broc and potatoes C+/B- WEDNESDAYS ONLY
rotisserie chicken, marinated and seasoned B-/B DAILY
rice B-
refried beans A-
potatoes with choriso and peppers and cactus and tomato and crumbly white cheese B OCCCASIONALLY SERVED
relleno with sauce of potato, onion, carrot, celery B++ TUESDAYS - get when freshly made 10:30 A.M.
meatballs, containing rice, same sauce as spaghetti below C+/B- SERVED ON NO SPECIFIC DAYS, comes with same vege sauce as relleno
meatballs and spaghetti combo B-
spaghetti (flat noodles but they call it spaghetti) with cheese and very little tomato sauce and thin ham pieces B-/B VARIOUS TUESDAYS OR WEDNESDAYS
pork B+ DAILY
2015:
a. refried beans (nice, runny) A-
b. tortas B
c. cabesa (cow's face) B+
d. mole chicken (best mole in Utah) A-
e. pipian chicken C
f. beans B
g. rice B
h. carnitas (pork) and buche (stomach lining) tacos (not on menu) B
i. buche - pig stomach - better at some other places C; second time B
j. papoose (cheese and pig skin in thick tortilla, with slaw and red sauce served) A
k. goat in red sauce (tough) D, second time D+ (to to El Tropical for great goat)
l. lamb (too many tough portions) C+
l-1 lamb in red sauce B
m. beef in red sauce B+
n. grilled chicken, grilled and served with yellow peppers, green peppers, and onion slices B
o. rib pieces in green sauce C-
p. rotiserie chicken B-
q. ribs C-
r. ribs in brown sauce C
s. brown sauce alone B-
t. red sauce alone A-
u. oxtail with green sauce B
El Mexsal, Provoe. pipian chicken C
f. beans B
g. rice B
h. carnitas (pork) and buche (stomach lining) tacos (not on menu) B
i. buche - pig stomach - better at some other places C; second time B
j. papoose (cheese and pig skin in thick tortilla, with slaw and red sauce served) A
k. goat in red sauce (tough) D, second time D+ (to to El Tropical for great goat)
l. lamb (too many tough portions) C+
l-1 lamb in red sauce B
m. beef in red sauce B+
n. grilled chicken, grilled and served with yellow peppers, green peppers, and onion slices B
o. rib pieces in green sauce C-
p. rotiserie chicken B-
q. ribs C-
r. ribs in brown sauce C
s. brown sauce alone B-
t. red sauce alone A-
u. oxtail with green sauce B
Note: This is part of the Mi Ranchito "chain," with similar menu and recipes. See our note at "Mi Ranchito" for more details on the chain.
2016
a. rice B+/A-
b. refried beans B+/A-
c. relleno B++
d. cheese enchilada B+/A-
e. chips B/B+
f. salsa A-
El Pollo Loco, national chain
2018, Sep
leg B-
thigh B
rice C-
mash alone B-
gravy alone B-
combo B-/B
2015
a. thigh B-
b. leg B+
c. breast C+
d. shrimp taco C
e. shrimp enchilada C
f. mashed potatoes and gravy B+
g. shrimp enchilada, includes inside it corn, green sauce; first time C, second time B-
h. guac cream B+
i. rice C
j. shrimp taco (inside it is slaw, corn, mango), first time C, second time B/B+
k. shrimp alone B
l. black beans B-/B
m. mash alone B/B+
n. gravy alone A-
El Salvador, Provo
2016:
a. Pollo ence bollado ("chicken with sauteed medley," which is fried chicken in red sauce with onion, green pepper, tomato):
thigh A-
leg B-
rice-stew medley (overcooked in order to cook thigh right): B
rice alone C (first time C/C+)
refried beans, runny B (first time D+)
dark meat B+/A-
huevos rancheros with salsa B+
fried plantain A
BEFORE 2014:
a. beans C+
b. rice B+
c. NO LONGER SERVED: cheese enchilada B-
d. chips D+
e. salsa B
f. NO LONGER SERVED: chile relleno B+
g. fried fish C
h. shrimp enchilada B
i. lengua (beef tongue) stew B+
m. hot atol drink A-
n. chicken and pork papoosa B-
o. chicken and bean papoosa B+
p. slaw C-
q. avocado taco with sliced beet, radish (B+); (feta cheese is strong); total: B
r. masa (sope) alone B/B+
El Tapatio, Payson
2017:
a. relleno A
b. cheese enchilada B+
c. rice: B+/A-
d. beans A-
OUT OF BUSINESS: El Tropical (Dominican), Provo
Alex the owner is a first rate chef, a former sous chef at a top restaurant.
a. Die Dreaming drink (order it like a milkshake - not with ice!) mango drink.A
b. goat, in juisado (vege stew with carrots, tomao, onion, and cilantro) thick broth B+/A- EVERY OTHER SATURDAY, SO CALL FIRST
c. pigs feet and tripe stew - every other Saturday - light years better than the Mexican version, posole - found at numerous Mexican cafes in the state. A- stew, A as just pigs' feet. SERVED EVERY OTHER SATURDAY, SO CALL FIRST; second time (perhaps tired of it): B-/B
d. ox tails stew, minus ox tails, eaten with rice, makes this dish sing; grades: stew alone (with rice): B+. SATURDAYS ONLY
e. ox tails alone (not much meat in ox tails, but the stew gives it a much better flavor than most places that serve it - this is only place in Utah we've seen it). B. SATURDAYS ONLY
e.-1. ox tails and stew (guisado (tomato, peppers, onion): B+/A-
f. pollo a la brasa - IF HE PREPARES IT 3 DAYS, it's one of the best in Utah, competing with the several Peruvian places in the state that make it - we've had them all several times. Not as spicy as some but very good and tender. When he marinated it only overnight, a C+/B-; if 3 days: A-
Note: his marinade consists of a wonderful blend of herbs: fresh oregano, fresh garlic, olive oil, achiote paste, cilantro, and salt and pepper.
f. Sopa de pollo (stewed pollo) - dark meat is especially good. Kinda like boiled chicken but seasoned. Grade: ?. SERVED MONDAY-SATURDAY
g. yellow rice with Dominican peas A-. SATURDAYS ONLY
-h. garlic fish (when it was cheap sea bass, now he uses better swai): total: B-/B
i. garlic sauce for fish: B/B+
i-2. REQUEST THIS: enchilada (green) sauce for fish B/B+ (better than garlic sauce)
j. cheap sea bass, bony C-
k. coconut fish (when it was cheap sea bass, now he uses better swai): total: B/B+
l. coconut sauce for fish: B++
m. pinto beans B-/B
n. rice with seafood B-
o. fried plantains C (order them ripe!) B
p. fried chicken, no longer served with bone-in, when they did, this was the grade: C-/C p-2. p-2. newer fried chicken (chicharron de pollo sin hueso), more moist and better now: (small pieces, boneless); with garlic and oregano, salt, lemon juice, with tropical sauce. new grade: B/B+
q. pollo guisado (chicken in red sauce - herb combo, marinated!) B/B+
r. "die dreaming" (morir sonando) citrus drink - order without ice to make it more like a shake, but is usually too thin to be like a shake). A. SERVED MONDAY-SATURDAY
s. madura (sweet) Plaintains (fully mature, ripe) A. SERVED MONDAY-SATURDAY
t. regular plantains (as at all places, not ripe enough) C+. SERVED MONDAY-SATURDAY
u. fried pork chop C+
v. Red Snapper marinated with oregano, olive oil, garlic, and pepper, with green enchilada sauce. We could not taste flavor of marinade: C
w. riki taki (cuban) B-, with pickle B (Pork in it B/B+, ham in it B, cabbage and Carribbean sauce (not his tropical sauce and is actually thousand island dressing), with roasted tomato, mayo and secret spices. Total: C+/B- This is a Dominican sandwich but also Cuban.
x. fried rice with onion pieces, needs egg and veges: C+
y. snapper fish with coconut sauce B-
z. snapper with garlic sauce B-
z-1. snapper with green sauce over it B/B+
z-2. snapper with enchilada sauce B/B+
z-3. penine (pork), big chunks B/B+
z-4. pork and sauce B
z-5. pork, sauce, with tomato and onion B/B+
z-6. fries B+
z-7. pollo tropical, with only seasoning as carde do pollo, with flour: B+
z-8. purple-colored rice (caused by black beans), and chic peas B/B+, with guisada B+
z-9. moro de guanoloe: rice and chic peas B+/A-, with:
z-10. pollo a la braza B/B+
z-11. breaded fish B/B+
z-12. rice B+
z-13. pinto beans B/B+
z-14. chicharron de pollo sin hueso (boneless fried thighs) (this rpelaced heir fried chicken) B
Z-15. white wine battered fish A- -
z-16. fish and chips B+ Call with 24 hours notice: swai, onion, garlic, salt and better - request no Adobo. Request Polygamy Porter in advance for the batter, if you want the best batter. A-
(If fish batter is made with Heinekin: B/B+)
z-17. biztec empanizado: breaded thin beef steak C-
z-18. tomatiuo sauce with cilantro and mayo (his tropical sauce) A-
z-19. mofon guitos: fried plantains stuffed with garlic sauce and shrimp B+/A-
z-20. monfongo de camerones: fried mashed banana with garlic, plus shrimp in coconut sauce with chicken broth: aolne C-, with sauce B-, with sauce and shrimp B+
z-21. quipes: fried bulgar roll with ground beef C/C+
z-22. chimichurri hamburger (no flavor of chimichurri) B+
Enliten, Provo
a. raspberry mousse C-
b. mango mousse C
c. chocolate mousse C
d. fruit cheesecake C+
e. chocolate cake C++
f. panna cotta, alone D, with fruit C+/B-
g. fruit tart (cream filling A) A
h. caprese grilled cheese (provolone, mozz and tomato with pesto spread on focaccia) C+
i. grilled cheese please (cheddar, provolone and mozz on white bread) C-
j. turkey and avocadeo BLT (pulled turkey A, herb focaccia bread C-, little guac, weak, thin tomato) total C++
k. chicken salad sandwich (chicken, grapes, celery, apple, almonds in "a creamy dressing on a bed of mixed greens" but nothing glues the ingredients together. Cream sauce OK. Herbed focaccia bread alone C- -. Has whole grapes - should be sliced, the chunky chicken and apple chunks are too big, too much celery) total B-
Epic Casual, Midvale
2010, November:
a. crab cakes B
b. tomato basil brie C+
c. kids' fettucini alfredo chicken:
char grilled chicken A-
fettucini B
mashed potatoes B+
chicken marsala
chicken C
mushroom with sauce B
d. risoto with shrimp and mushrooms:
risoto C-
shrimp A
mushrooms B-
note: smoky bacon too strong for this casserole dish, plus creamy rice not like fried rice.
Ernie's Sports Grill, Orem
b. mango mousse C
c. chocolate mousse C
d. fruit cheesecake C+
e. chocolate cake C++
f. panna cotta, alone D, with fruit C+/B-
g. fruit tart (cream filling A) A
h. caprese grilled cheese (provolone, mozz and tomato with pesto spread on focaccia) C+
i. grilled cheese please (cheddar, provolone and mozz on white bread) C-
j. turkey and avocadeo BLT (pulled turkey A, herb focaccia bread C-, little guac, weak, thin tomato) total C++
k. chicken salad sandwich (chicken, grapes, celery, apple, almonds in "a creamy dressing on a bed of mixed greens" but nothing glues the ingredients together. Cream sauce OK. Herbed focaccia bread alone C- -. Has whole grapes - should be sliced, the chunky chicken and apple chunks are too big, too much celery) total B-
Epic Casual, Midvale
2010, November:
a. crab cakes B
b. tomato basil brie C+
c. kids' fettucini alfredo chicken:
char grilled chicken A-
fettucini B
mashed potatoes B+
chicken marsala
chicken C
mushroom with sauce B
d. risoto with shrimp and mushrooms:
risoto C-
shrimp A
mushrooms B-
note: smoky bacon too strong for this casserole dish, plus creamy rice not like fried rice.
Ernie's Sports Grill, Orem
a. Champ breakfast sandwich with bacon, sausage, ham, and eggs B
Even Stevens, national chain
2017:
aa. pork belly A-
bb. bacon A-/A
cc. sausage B-
dd. burrito grande with sausage B/B+
ee. breakfast sandwich with bacon, house maple glaze,,cheddar, Hawaiian bun B+
a. stuffed French toast C+
b. brioche French toast C
c. capreezy sandwich (mozz, basil pesto, tomato, arugula, balsamic glaze, sourdough) B/B+
Jr. grilled cheese sandwich B-
d. mahi fish sandwich banh mi style (fish alone B-), total B
e. sprang chicken sandwich (chicken alone, tender and moist, A-), plus provolone bacon, avocado tomatoes, cucumbers, greens, honey mustard, multi-grain bread, total B+
f. weekly special: "PBLT" sandwich - pork belly lettuce and tomato: "double send pork" means the pork belly was sent through the over twice to make it crispier than normal (otherwise, their pork belly sent through only once is not cooked enough!). Sandwich (meat alone A-). total grade: A-
g. Mihami vice sandwich: roasted pork, mustard, Swiss, pickle spears, baguette: carnita (pork) B+, ham B/B+, bun A-, combo B+/A-
h. jackfruit torta (sandwich): bun B+, jackfruit alone C-/C, total (with radish and guac) B/B+
i. humazin vegan sandwich (with orange colored sauce, roasted red pepper hummas, roasted tomato spread, avocado, red onion, arugla, house vin, cucumber, tomato, wheat ciabatta bun; bun B+, total B+
j. pork banh mi sandwich (soy glazed pork, garlic roasted jalapenos, pickled slaw, cucumbers, cilantro, brava aioli, baguette). A-
k. do gouda sandwich, shaved new york steak, smoked gouda, sweet onion marmelade, red onions, greens, sourdough bread B+
l. baked mac and cheese with bacon, chopped tomatoes, and parsley B++
m. tomato basil bisque B++
n. turkey day sandwich (turkey, havarti,cran-peno jelly, roasted tomato spread, cucumbers, greens, French bread). turkey meat B+, spicy red sauce lowers total grade. B
o. pot roast dip sandwich: turkey pot roast, Swiss, red onion, jalapeno jelly. meat B/B+ (flavor B+, texture B), with au jus B++, sourdough or bagette? bread A, jalapeno jelly B++. total B+
q. graduate fast burrito: scrambled egg, sausage, cheddar, tots, house sauce, ssriracha, tomatoes, onions, spinach B
F
O'Falafel, etc., Sugarhouse (SLC)
a. beef B
b. black-eyed peas and spinach B
c. game hen C+
d. rice C
e. hot sauce (good flavor, too hot for most) C
Famous Daves, national chain
2018:
St. Louis ribs, nice glaze B-/B
flat end brisket, with fat on top (they have to wet end) C+
bites with no fat: C
burnt end B
fries, hot with skin B
Texas toast C+
cornbread muffin (cake-like) B. Get with real butter for B+
roast chicken (favorite in Utah) B++; 2nd visit 2018, May: B-
BBQ chicken, using rich and sassy sauce, which is a B/B+). total B+.
2nd visit 2018, May: B- -
mac and cheese, with corn in it, and cheap cheese sauce B/B+
rib tips with sauce C, with no sauce B
catfish fingers B+, with tropical sauce B-, with thousand island dressing like sauce B+
garlic red mash B-/B, with real butter B/B+
burger with pulled pork: beef B, bu B-, pulled pork C, jalapeno bacon B, combo: B, plus lettuce, pickle and tomato B/B+
mashed potatoes with butter A
bread pudding B
banana pudding B
brownie dessert C
2007-2011:
a. roast chicken, first visit (Dec 2007) B+, second visit (May 2010) C+, third visit (2011) B+, 4th visit 2017: A-/A (see 5th and 6th visits above in 2018)
b. BBQ chicken, first visit (Dec 2007) A-, second visit (May 2010) B, third visit (2011) A-, 4th visit 2017: A-/A (see 5th visit above in 2018)
c. 2011 visit: mac and cheese (with jalapeno, 4 cheeses, and corn) B++, 2017 visit: B+ (see updated grade in 2018 above)
d. #4 baked beans, first visit (2010 B+, second visit (2011) A -
e. #5 best wings "80 Proof" A - -
f. corn, creamed (2007 and 2011) B+
g. green beans, first visit (2007) B-, second visit (2011) A -
h. In 2011: #1 best cornbread B+ (in 2017 as corn muffins it graded A; see revised grade above in 2018)
i. #10 best mashed potatoes (garlic mashed) B+
j. N/A
k. "80 proof" ribs (candied glaze but tough), first visit (2010) B-, second visit (2011) C+
l. regular ribs, first visit (2007) (flavor C-, tender pieces B-, tough pieces D) total C, second visit (2010) tough B-, third visit (2011) B
m. big fries A-
BBQ SAUCES (also at stores):
n. Sweet and Zesty B+
o. Sweet and Sassy B
p. Devil's Pit C++
q. Texas Pit D+
r. cream sauce for fish B+
s. marmalade sauce for catfish A-
2007 TEST:
t. onion rings B+
u. catfish C+
v. buffalo wings B-
w. chicken tenders B-
x. muffin B-
y. green beans B-
z. slaw A-
2011 test:
aa. Georgia chopped pork C-, with sauce C
bb. brisket, first visit (2007) C+, second visit (2011) (C+ tenderness, B+ flavor) total B
cc. rib tips B-
dd. BBQ wings (with 80 proof) A- -
ee. hot link sausage C
ff. garlic red skin mashed potatoes B+
2007, June:
ribs B
bbq chicken C+
brisket B-
pulled pork B-
slaw C+
mash B-
beans B-
corn, old D
muffin D
Feldman's Deli, Salt Lake City
a. meatloaf b-/b
b. meatloaf with gravy b
c. gravy alone b/b+
d. mash b/b+
e. mash and gravy b+
f. meatloaf with mash b/b+
g. chicken salad sandwich (too much chicken, but we're not fans of white meat) (filling alone b). Adding tomato, pickle and red onion and rye make it: b+
h. BEST SANDWICH: Rachel sandwich (house recipe grilled rye bread with pastrami and slaw and housemade thousand island dressing and Swiss) A
i. rachel with ungrilled bread A-/A
j. Jewish salami sandwich, comes with mustard on rye: B (but if you customize it and take out 3/4 of the meat and add slaw it's an A-)
k. salami alone B-/B
l. fries B+
m. potato salad B+
n. rye bread (made to their specifications) A+
o. marinated beef tongue B+
p. ham A-
q. Hemmingway sandwich (rye ungrilled, slaw, thousand island, white cheese, ham, beef tongue) B+/A-
r. rachel combo (pastrami and corned beef, slaw, thousand island, white cheese, grilled rye) (we believe the corned beef lowers the grade) B+
s. slaw B+/A-
t. pastrami (best we ever had!) B+/A-
u. corned beef B-
v. plumb cake B
w. cheesecake (from Carnegei Deli, NYC) B-
x. carrot cake (ditto) B
Five Guys, national chain
29 May 21
fries B (see our site, "Best Fries in Utah")
choc shake B (see our site, "Best Shakes in Utah")
burger: (see our site, "Best Burgers in Utah")
fries B (see our site, "Best Fries in Utah")
choc shake B (see our site, "Best Shakes in Utah")
burger: (see our site, "Best Burgers in Utah")
two best:
a. little hamburger with onion pickle, mayo lettuce tomato: B+
b. little hamburger with lettuce, tomato, grilled mushrooms, grilled onions, green peppers, mayo B+
DON'T GET CHEEESE: CHEAP AMERICAN CHEESE RUINS THESE BURGERS.
DON'T GET bacon, overcooked B-, but even if not, it ruins above burgers
DON'T GET bacon, overcooked B-, but even if not, it ruins above burgers
meat B/B+
bun B/B+
bun B/B+
Five Star BBQ, Orem:
a. ribs (must buy when they open at 11 A.M.), A- brisket section with layer of fat down middle (wet end). A-
2016:
French bread B-
corn bread C, with butter B+
wet end brisket B/B+
chicken thigh, deboned B+
pulled pork B+
mash B+
brunswick stew B
creamed corn A
slaw, vinegary B
cookie B-
BBQ house sauce B+
BBQ sweet sauce B-
2011-2015:
a. mashed potatoes (herbed) A-/A
b. #1 best potato salad (strong pickle flavor), first visit (March 2011) B+, second visit (Dec 2013) A -
c. #1 best French bread A-
d. boneless, skinless chicken thigh B++ (in March 2011 it was whole pieces, graded at B+)
e. St. Louis ribs, first visit (2011) B-, second visit (Dec 2013) (similar flavor to Joe Morley's St. Louis ribs) B; (2015) ham-like, glazed B-
f. pulled pork, plain (2011 and 2013 same grades): (tender, but no smoke flavor to it) B, with sauce B-, with white sauce B-; 2015: A-
h. brisket, wet end, first visit (March 2011) B-/B, second visit (Dec 2013) A; third visit (2015) 1/2 dry B/B+; 1/2 wet end A-
i. brunswick stew C/C+
j. smoked beans B+
k. slaw (too strong mayo), first visit (2011) C, second visit (Dec 2013) C+/B-
l. mac and cheese C+/B-; 2015 B
j.chicken thighs, now boneless A
k. Texas toast C+
l. beans A-
SAUCES:
m. sweet C++
n. house C++
o. white (tested in 2011) C-
Note about white sauce: Many places try to copy the original, Big Bob Gibson's Alabama white sauce. This site's editor was raised where Gibson made white sauce famous at his own BBQ joint, and his is the only one I've had that is made right, but kudos to Five Star for trying to make it. And it's not bad.) C-
Fong Chinese, American Fork
2018, June:
house fried rice B+
creamy walnut chicken B-
won ton soup B-/B
lo mein C
2016:
a. walnut shrimp (tested at 5 PM; Chinese places typically have much better food before noon, when freshly cooked!) C+
Franck's, Holliday
a. fried chicken, highly spiced and herbed B
b. meatloaf B
c. maple soup A+
d. salad B
e. beef tartar A
f. butterscotch creme bruele A
g. tartar sauce A
h. cherry tomato soup A-
i. fish and chips with local steelhead trout and hefeweizen beer batter A
j. Mexican salad tortilla A
Freddy's, Midvale, Draper (national chain)
2018:
grilled chicken sandwich: (needs mayo, they only have bad Heinz packet mayo); meat B/B+; total B
fried chicken sandwich (using tenders); meat with too much batter C-/C, bun B/B+, with lettuce. total: C+
2017:
a. Freddy's Steakburger, chain, only one in Utah: Midvale. Great buttered bun, great pickle, with cheddar-mont cheese as best cheese there, Meat, thin but nicely seasoned: B+, butter toasted bun B+. Total: B+/A-
b. fish and chips (best fast food fish in Utah, but Red Robbins has best national chain fish and chips; see our site, "Best Fish and Chips in Utah") B-/B
c. fish sandwich B
d. fries (very thin) C+/B-
e. fries with their seasoning B-/B
f. hot dog alone (non-beef): B-/B
g. newer Vienna brand beef dog B-
h. hot dog bun alone B++
i. Hatch's green chile A-
j. hot dog with Hatch's green chile B+
k. older regular chile alone B-
l. bun B++
m chile dog B-/B
n. hot dog with bun B
o. mint shake (not one of their 3 frozen custard "concrete" flavors) B - -
G
Galilee Grill, Orem
a. lentil soup C-
b. jibnah (cheese) pizza B+
c. eggplant pistachio pizza B/B+
d. fries with a little bit of herbs B-/B
e. pizza: "breakfast" (labnah and za'atar) - pizza with yogurt and herbs: B-/B
f. Nazareth omelette: 3 eggs (not fluffy), onion, garlic, mint: B+
g. pita bun B
h. lamb meat, ground B-/B
i. pita with lamb meat B/B+
j. tilapia fish fillets with herb dry toppings B
k. lamb burger in pita with condiments C+
l. turkish (veges, bone in) B
m. lamb shank (chewy) C
n. leg of lamb (chewy, dry) D+
o. yellow rice A-
p. reddish brown rice B/B+
q. fish with side salad, croutons and sauce A-
r. side salad: lettuce, pickles, cabbage B-
s. fries C+
t. creamy "mud" with shank B, with pita bread B+
u. ditto with lamb B-/B
DESSERTS:
a. namurah B
b. kanefa (red) C+
Gandolphos, Provo
2013-2016:
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES:
a. Breakfast sandwich on Kaiser bun: pastrami, eggs, and American cheese (as much as we dislike American cheese) A- -
b. Breakfast sandwich on Kaiser bun: bacon, egg, American cheese, and sausage B+
c. bacon, cheese and egg only: B-
d. sausage, egg and cheese only B. Another time: B+ (sausage alone B-)
e. Pastrami and american cheese and egg A- -
f. loco: chili pepper, egg, sausage, no cheese, pico de gallo B
g. Crew - egg, bacon, sausage sub, no cheese B-/B
h. egg and sausage on sub B
i. egg and bacon only on sub B-/B
j. bacon, egg, cheddar, tomato pannini B+
LUNCH SUBS:
Note: We've tried several others - the bottom two are our faves:
a. Italian ham, egg, marinara, no cheese C+/B-
b. Brooklyn Bridge (Turkey, bacon, provolone, lettuce, tomato, mayo) B+
c. Hampton (Turkey, swiss, avocado, lettuce, tomato, may) B+
HOT DOGS:
(See our site, "Best Hot Dogs in Utah")
They use the best meat - Nathans - but their buns need upgrading and they use too many condiments. Check out Mooya Burger for the right amount of condiments served. Rating on their 4 dogs:
a. Second City (a Chicago-style dog) B/B+
b. Traffic Jam (condiments plus cream cheese) B
c. Pastrami C
d. Coney Island (kraut) C-
DESSERT:
a. mousse cake B/B+
DESSERT:
a. mousse cake B/B+
Garage Grill, Draper
2018, June-Aug:
fish and chips, fresh halibut B/B+
mash C-
gravy C-
combined mash and gravy C-
mac and cheese, 3 cheese and ale B/B+
ditto with king crab legs B+
king crab legs alone in cheese sauce B+/A-
slaw B-/B
primavera B-/B
margharita pizza alone C+, with balsamic sauce C+/B-, pizza plus garlic B-, pizza plus balsamic sauce and garlic B
* (The) Garden Restaurant, downtown Salt Lake City
Note: coupled with interior decor, it has one of the best views in the state (yet is casual!). #2 in The Roof across the hall, and #3, but much different, is Blue Boar Inn, Midway (if sitting outside)
a. One of top meatloafs in state (B+), with demiglaze A (only one better is Ruth's Diner)
b. meatloaf sandwich B/B+
c. caprese panini (pesto too strong) C
d. American burger (meat B, brioche roll B-). total: B
e. chicken salad croissant (filling B). Needs more fruit in the filling. total: B+/A-
THE croissant DOWNSTAIRS AT NAUVOO CAFE IS BETTER AS IT HAS MORE FRUIT; OTHERWISE IT SEEMS TO BE THE SAME. Both are among the top places for Best Chicken Salad Sandwiches IN THE STATE. SEE OUR SITE FOR ALL THE BEST ONES: "Best Chicken Salad Sandwiches in Utah"
f. apple pie grilled cheese B-
g. classic chocolate cake C+/B-
h. peach cobbler C+/B-
i. molten choc cake B
j. caramel creme brulee A+
k. sweet baby pork chop A-
l. artichoke chicken with cheese B
m. roast beef B-
n. salmon B- -
o. herbed chicken B-
p. corn C-
q. chocolate cake with white layer B
r. mash B/B+?
s. slaw B/B+
t. tartar sauce B
u.English fries B-
v. Fish and chips (fresh fish alone is A-; batter is tempura, not beer batter B-/B) total grade B/B+
Global Grill, Heber City
June 2020:
a. bolognese bowl A
b. Indonesian bowl B-
c. Cuban bowl B+
d. India bowl C+
Golden Corral, national chain
AUGUST 2017:
BREAKFAST:
sausage gravy B-
bisquit alone B/B+
combo B/B+
french toast B - -
blueberry pancakes B - -
plain pancakes D+C-
strawberry crepe C/C+
peach waffle C+
waffle alone C -
grits C+, with butter spread (they have to real butter there): B
sausage line C-
bacon, not freshly made C-/C
chorizo scramble, warm C
chorizo scramble with burrito and cheese B+
cinemon roll, cold C-/C
corn beef hash, canned C-
cheese has browns C
smothered burrito with pico: chorizo tomato, onion, eggs, green pepper,, cheese B+
chorizo eggs in it alone B+
steak pieces, hot B+
warm B/B+
cold C
cold fresh donut C+
cold 1/2 hour old donut C-
steak fries B-
scrambled egg B-/B
LUNCH:
roasted aneheim chile, hot C
runny, refried beans C-
oatmeal C
chopped cooked onion and green pepper mix B-
fried chicken wing, hot B/B+
dinner roll alone C-/C, with butter spread C+
chicken fried steak alone C, with gravy C-/C
Spanish rice with corn in it C-/C
2015-2016:
Note: We've tested nearly every item multiple times. These are the only A's we've found.
a. mac and cheese with bacon (B+, one of only a few great ones in state we've found)
b. Saturday mornings only: scrambled eggs A
c. Saturday mornings only - bacon candy A
d. Saturday mornings only - deep fried bacon A
e. mashed potatoes (no gravy in rating) B+
f. n/a
g. mandarin orange chicken (flavor B+ but too spicy hot) B
h. squash B-/B
i. fried rice B
j. turnip greens B
k. green beans B-/B
l. pinto beans in sauce B+
m. Chinese chicken thigh with spices B+
n. jalapeno cornbread C+
o. cheese enchilada C+B-
p. Mex rice B+
q. Mex beans C
r. baked beans B+
s. corn cake - is really cornbread, moist, with corn inside A
t. cornbread, dry B
u. smoked sausage B/B+
v. augratin potatoese C
w. rice pllaf B-
x. baked tilapia C+/B-
y. n/a
z. kettle beans B/B+
aa. baked beans B-/B
bb. fried chicken:
thigh B/B+
leg B
cc. fish and chips C
dd. Mexican rice C+
ee. Chinese rice C+/B-
s. SEASONAL RIBS
1. hickory and brown sugar KC Masterpiece sauce glazed onto baby back ribs B+
2. chipotle KC Masterpiece ribs B-/B
3. original KC Masterpiece C+/B-
4. normal bbq sauce ribs D+
5. ribs with Kikkomon "Teriyaki baste and glaze with honey and pineapple" sauce: in late summer 2015: B+; in spring 2016 with lower quality rib meat: C-
t. SEASONAL SEAFOOD SPECIAL, SPRING 2015:
1. popcorn shrimp C-
2. fried shrimp B-/B
3. salmon fillet with glaze B
4. fried catfish B+
5. baked fish B++, seasoned, plus spinach
2013, August:
hot garlic wings C
sirloin steak C+
fried chicken B
southern fried fish C+
fried shrimp C
mash B++ (but by 2017, not nearly as good!)
spinach C
green beans C
baby back ribs C+
BBQ chicken D+
Good Move Cafe, Provo
2018, April:
a. fish and chips:
fish: fresh cod! (rare in Utah): B. (Fish alone A-, batter C+/B-; combined B)
b. chips (fries) C+
Goodwood BBQ, Utah chain
2018, Sep:
brisket, not true wet end, although it was supposed to be: C+
chicken, bone in: C+B-
slaw B
baked beans B
baby back ribs C/C+
st. louis ribs B
beef ribs B-/B, with C- BBQ glaze
mash B/B+
white gravy C-
combo B-
Carolina pork sandwich:
pulled pork, marinated, alone: B
sandwich with pickle and slaw: B+
2014:
a. best beef ribs in state, first test: dry to fattier bites range form B- to B/B+, average B; second test (Apr 2014) A. (cooks over applewood with Shriver's spice rub for 90 min, no set temperature, till bone sticks out of meat. Their sauce is secret but includes apple vinegar and black pepper)
b. mashed potatoes with cream gravy B++ (mash alone, Apr 2014, B-)
c. gravy alone C
d. #1 (tie) best sweet potatoes B/B+ and 2 other visits: A -
e. 2nd best Delmonico steak (in Utah it is prime rib finished off on the grill; other regions of the country define Delmonico differently. #1 is at Claimjumper, Heber) At Goodwood: A- (tender parts) to C+ (tougher part) (made as prime rib, then finished off on the grill for 20 seconds by broiling with sauce on it)
f. ribeye steak B/B+ (tender part) to B- - (tough part)
g. baked beans B/B+
h. rice pilaf, first visit B, second visit C+, third visit B/B+
i. burger (meat flavor B+, meat texture B-, meat total B; bun B-/B; bacon, chewy C+/B-) total B/B+
j. chicken fried steak (grizzly flank steak C-) total C+
k. ditto with gravy and mash B-
l. garlic mash with cream gravy B
m. mash alone B
n. dark meat smoked chicken, first test (June 2010) B, second test early 2014 B/B+, third test (Apr 2014) B+
o. brisket (tough) C+
p. slaw B-
q. potato salad B
r. mac and cheese (american cheese) B-/B
s. Texas toast C+
t. pulled pork (not Carolina pulled pork, which is supposed to be better), (June 2010) B++
u. apple turkey C++/B-
v. BBQ sauce C++/B-
w. baby back ribs, first visit (2010) C-, second visit (2014) B, third visit (Apr 2014) B/B+
x. St. Louis ribs B
y. salmon D
z. lemon cream sauce for salmon (mostly herbs) C-/C
aa. salmon with lemon cream sauce combined D+
bb. cornbread B+
cc. chile (a little brisket, no beans, smoky; with corn, tomato, green pepper, red onion, basil, and perhaps chile powder) B+
dd. Mike's chicken tortilla soup B+
Gourmandise, SLC
DESSERT PASTRIES:
2018
a. chocolate raspberry mousse, white and choc cake layers with 1/4 inch fluffy raspberry mouse B+
b. passion fruit mousse, 2 thin layers of 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch layers of white cake. B/B+
c. jalousse cup: top of 1 inch choc cream pudding, then 1/2 inch choc cake, then 1/8 inch raspberry jam, then 1/4 inch cream and 1/4 inch choc cream and 1/4 inch choc cake. BB+
d. cheese cake with berries C
d. pallehin: 1/2 inch chocolate mousse top, then 1/3 inch hazlenut crunch, then 1/2 inch choc cake C-
2017
pecan roll, room temp C, warmed B
chocolate mousse B+
chocolate decadent cake C+/B-
tartiette mixed fruit (fruit and custard tart - normally one of our favorite pastries, but not great here) C
passion fruit mousse cake B
chocolate mousse cake B
dusty chocolate mousse cake C-
berry layered cake with mousse bottom B/B+
"Mille Feuille straberre" (gold topped, layered, croissant style cake and cream and strawberries B+
Great China, Orem
a. lemon chicken (#1 in state) A-
b. egg plant C+
c. lo mein B+
d. vege fried rice B-
e. vege egg foo young A-
f. orange beef B-
Great Harvest Bread Co., national chain
Note: sandwiches tested at Provo location; all or some locations may serve them.
SANDWICHES
(Note: best served on their very good whole wheat, as their cracked wheat is fairly tasteless)
a. chicken salad sandwich (needs smaller chicken chunks for higher grade) B+
b. cheese sandwich (on cracked wheat) C+, dipped in tomato soup B/B+
c. classic turkey sandwich (too much mustard) B-
d. cranberry turkey sandwich B+
e. turkey sandwich B+
SOUPS
a. tomato basil soup B-
b. chicken noodle C/C+
SPECIALTY BREADS
a. frosted coconut bread C+
b. lemon poppy seed bread B+
c. cinnemon bread C+
d. cinnamon roll C+
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES
a. sausage, egg, and cheese B/B+
b. bacon, egg, and cheese C+
c. ham, egg, and cheese B-B
d. all 3 meats combined B
Great Steak Sandwich Co., Provo
(Not same as national chain, Great Steak, with several in Utah)
2016:
a. clam chowder: B
b. chicken fried steak B+, with gravy B+
c. gravy alone C
2013:
a. clam chowder B+
b. chicken fried steak, first visit B+/A -, second visit (Dec 2013) alone A, sausage gavy A-, total A
d. mash (B+, gravy, black peppery A+) total A
e. Philly cheesesteak sandwich. C+
Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, Orem
2017:
a. lemon chicken A-
b. wings B/B+, with sweet and sour B+
c. beef and broccoli (tender!) B/B+
d. everything else in the buffet: C-
Grinders, SLC
tested in 1994; could be same restaurant today or a different one with this name
a. turkey and fresh avocado sandwich, with sprouts, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, onions: D/C
b. grilled cheese sandwich C
c. "Diner chicken-cheese" sandwich: cheese, tomato, lettuce, grilled onions: C/B
wings D/C
* Gurus, Provo
a-1. Philly French Toast (#3 best in state, after Cafe 300 (UPDATE: Cafe 300 is OUT OF BUSINESS) and IHOP's brioche bananas foster and brioche cinnemon (NO LONGER made there) B++
a-2. French toast: almond and cornflake coated, cream cheese, wholegrain B+
a-3. same french toast with blueberry jam A-
a-4. traditional French toast B-/B
a-5. traditional French toast with butter and strawberry jam B/B+
b-1. Cowboy Benny, with biscuits, per the menu, C. But sub out the bisquits for toasted whole wheat bread, get runny egg yolk eggs, and have them add more than their usual portion of sausage for: A
b-2. Cowboy Benny, as served on menu (with bisquit and hard eggs) B
b-3. biscuit alone C+/B-
c. Breakfast burrito (eggs, cheese, small chorizo sausage, rice, a few black beans - needs more, ranchero sauce, lettuce, pico sauce and sour cream. A-
d. pan-seared salmon rice bowl (B+/A-)
e. Three Cheese Tortilini A
f. Chicken corn tortilla soup (B+)
g. Blue cakes (blueberry pancakes), alone B+, with blueberry jam and butter A-
h. Breakfast quesidilla (if no feta cheese: B/B+). with feta cheese: B/B+
i. Omelette wrap: if no bacon, it's B+
j. Omelette wrap, per menu, with bacon B-/B
k. customized omelette: cheddar, tomato, spinach, mushrooms B+ if much cheese (B - - if low amount of cheese)
l. soup, dark red beans B+
m. soup, yellow, with chicken B-
Note: This is one of 4 best pancake places in Utah, along with #1: Left Fork Grlll in Midvale, 2. Original Pancake House (SLC). 3. Gurus. 4. Denny's. These 4 places have unusually tasty, moist pancakes, unlike other places. (Black Bear Diner is moist but tastes bad.)
m.. Bananas Foster pancakes - it comes with a great, very mild foster sauce - not strong like most are. (A-)
n. grilled salmon C-
o. thai peanut pasta bowl (I, the editor, was one of 4 to grade it high): B+
H
(The) Habit, chain
2017:
burger B+ among best burgers under $6 (in 2017) along with Mooya (Provo) and Freddy's (Midvale), all 3 are chains.
fries B/B+
chocolate shake B
about 2014:
a. golden chicken sandwich (chicken alone B-/B), total B/B+
b. burger (meat alone B, bun alone B/B+); one of top 4 in state under $7: B+
c. mushroom burger B/B+
Harmons - grocery story chain in Utah
summer special: chile roast burger with guac and roasted chile peppers: meat B-, their own hamburger buns introduced in 2017: A; bacon B+. total: b/b+
* Harvest, at Thanksgiving Point
2018, Sep:
a. burger with bacon and cheddar, tomato, lettuce, onion: (chargrilled meat alone B/B+, bacon B, bun B+), total: B/B+
2014:
a. #2 best fish sandwich in the state (after Sammy's Bistro, Park City): fresh Salmon sandwich A (however, while not eaten again in 2018, it did not look as good)
b. NO LONGER SERVED IN 2018: Bison burger (remove bleu cheese - too strong for some as it is medium-strong. Melted gruiere cheese - nice touch. High quality A grade meat: Best bison burger we've had in the state, followed by Snake Creek Grill in Heber City and Slate Restaurant in Provo). (Grades: bison A, bacon A, grilled bun A, leaf lettuce, good, grilled mushrooms, tomato, gruiere cheese, but it has no special house sauce.) A
c. chicken pot pie A+
d. pork chop (boneless, texture/toughness average; Italian sauce) C+
e. loaf of wheat bread A
f. meat loaf (third best after Ruth's Diner and The Garden Restaurant) A-
g. lemon herb roasted chicken:
leg and thigh (skin alone A-, meat texture/toughness B-) total B+
breast alone (skin alone A-/A, breast with no skin C-) total B+
h. crispy buttermilk fried chicken, white available only (tenderness A, crust B+, gravy covering it A-) total B+
i. honey wheat bread A
j. mash A-
k. baby potato with skin (needs butter on the side) B
ROASTED VEGES:
l. squash B+/A
m. green beans B+
n. broccoli B-
o. mushroom A
p. red pepper A
q. onion B-
DESSERTS: All B's, with some variations:
r. carrot cake
s. cheese cake
t. chocolate cake
u. chocolate pecan pie
v. creme bruele
Holiday Lanes, Heber
a. cheese burger C
b. hot dog C
c. chile dog B-
d. chile B+
Holy Grill BBQ, Pleasant Grove
28 June 2018:
a. pulled pork B/B+
b. Texas Toast B/B+
c. ribs alone: B+/A-
d. chicken thigh C-
e. wet end brisket (too little seasoning flavor) B-/B
f. mac and cheese B
baked beans B
SAUCES:
orange krush B+
vinegar based C+
mustard based B
2017:
a. pulled pork B+
b. Texas toast B+
c. ribs with vinegar-based sauce B/B+
with mustard majestic sauce B/B+
ribs with bbq sauce B+
ribs with orange crush sauce B+
with st. elmo fire B
with grim reaper sauce B
ribs with dry rub only: B
d. chocolate cake B/B+
e. lean brisket B-/B
f. wet end brisket alone B/B+
wet end brisket with bbq sauce B
wet end brisket with orange crush sauce B+
wet end brisket with vinegar sauce B+
g. peach cobbler (peaches and granola) B
Homestead Resort, Midway
SEE STEVENS RESTAURANT AT THE HOMESTEAD, below
Honey Baked Ham shop, national chain
a. chicken salad sandwich B+
(filling alone B/B+)
b. ham and turkey sandwich B+
c. ham alone B/B+
Hoppers, Midvale
2018, July
cod fish and chips B (batter B+/A-, fish frozen, not fresh)
cod with house tartar sauce B+
garlic mash potato B
slaw B+
sourdough roll B/B+, with butter B+, with pimento spread B+
margharita pizza (served like Godfather's Pizza, with cheese on top, melted over the veges) B
Hotel Hyatt snack bar in lobby, SLC
2016, December:
a. cheesecake with no graham crust C+
b. cheesecake from Lucks B+
Hruskie's Kolaches, Provo, American Fork (best are bold faced)
2016:
a. fried rice with dried carrot and peas B/B+
b. duck thigh (marinated but not tender and skin soggy) B/B+
c. duck leg B-
d. pollo a la brassa: chicken leg and thigh B/B+
La Casita, Springville
Note: Their signature method of serving is with tons of melted cheddar cheese over items - very good.
a. Huevos Rancheros A-
b. chile relleno B+
c. cheese enchilada B+
d. rice B+
e. refried beans B+
La Costa, American Fork
a. chicken chimi B+
b. cream sauce with chimi (request extra) (A-)
c. Mexican pizza (if with meat it's a C) with no meat: B+
d. salsa A-
e. rice B
f. beans B/B+
g. bean dip B++
La Costa, Sandy
a. chips A
b. salsa A-
c. verde enchilada C-
d. relleno C
e. cheese enchilada B- -
La Dolce Vita, Provo
a. breaded orange roughy. B
b. breaded halibut (number one halibut in state). B+
ITEMS TO COMPARE WITH OTHER ITALIAN RESTAURANTS:
a. marinara sauce (second best of the B's) B
b. pomodora sauce N/A
c. ragu alla bolognese (meat sauce) (ragu) B/B+
d. arrabiata NA
e. salsa rosa sauce (red and white) B+
f. alfredo sauce B- -
g. bread C+/B-
h. minestrone soup (best in state) B+
i. spaghetti noodles A-
DESSERTS:
a. choc mousse cake (mousse C-) total B-
b. canoli B/B+
La Fountain (formerly La Fuente) (Mexican, Utah chain)
a. chile relleno (interesting orange colored sauce and similar taste and veges in sauce to El Azteca's relleno sauce, but better at Azteca) first visit B/B+, second visit 2013 C
b. relleno sauce (not the relleno) 2013 A-
b. cheese enchilada (low-grade cheddar cheese) first visit D, second visit 2013 B
c. beans (first and second visits) B
d. beans with salsa B+
e. rice first visit B/B+, second visit 2013 B- -
f. chile verde burrito, smothered with cheese and onion; pork is dry D, total B+
g. pork tamale, pork is B- -, total B+
h. ribs, baby back, non-smoked, in sauce C+
i. chicken chimi, chicken is B-, total B
* La Jolla Groves, Provo, the Gateway in SLC
1. Tenderloin sandwich on potato roll: B. But if you add the mixed greens side salad with pomegranite balsamic dressing A-.
1a. Beef tenderloin alone B
2. Chicken marsala sandwich C+. But with side salad inside the sandwich: B+
(The marsala chicken is decent (C+) but some of us are not white meat chicken fans.)
3. asparagus, sauteed A
4. fries A-
5. tenderloin pork, white meat, and apple sauce C+
6. tenderloin pork, dark meat, with apple sauce B+
7. small steak sandwich with mushrooms (steak alone B+, small buttered bun alone B+) total A-
8. large steak sandwich (steak alone B++, bun B+, plus lettuce, tomato, dijon aioli [light orange color]) total A
9. wheat roll alone C+
10. wheat roll with butter B+
11. white roll alone B/B+
12. white roll with butter A
13. scalloped potato (cheese strong, not tender) B-
14. carrots (tough) B-/B
15. shrimp pasta with tomato and spinach B+
16. tandgerine crme brule B-
17. triple choc mousse cake B?
18. choc bundt cake B?
La Puente, SLC
about 2014:
a. rice A-
b. beans A-/A
c. chile relleno (too much tomato sauce) C+/B-
d. ribs B/B+
e. cheese enchilada B+
2012, April:
flour tortilla, thick and soft A
ribs, with great relleno-like pork sauce: ribs are tender but oven-cooked B/B+
cheese enchilada C+
beans A
rice A-, with cheese A
relleno, with thick tomato and onion sauce A-/A
* Le Caille, SLC
(Our favorite restaurant for ambience in Utah.)
2017:
blackberry creme drink A
blackberry lemonade (too sweet) B+
pom smoothie, weak flavor C
butter (beware of black salt on it - too salty); great flavor, texture too pudding-like: A-
multi-grain bread B+
crispy duck sample B
cabbage alone (comes with duck) B+
chicken cordon bleu sample A
ditto with mustard aioli A+
ditto with whole grain cup A+
escargo (had better elsewhere) B
baguette - crispy flat crackers A-
wine jelly A-
lobster bisque A-
salad (with unusual greens) A-
french onion soup B
pink gelato or sorbet B+
lamb rack (but no sauce) B+
onions and mushrooms A
salmon A-
filet mignon B/B+
ditto with hollandaise sauce A
rice D
spinach C+
bone-in ribeye A-
mashed potatoes with crab in it B+
chocolate mousse B+/A-
small covered pastry with cream C
2015:
a. tenderloin beef B
b. Chilean sea bass (only sauteed in olive oil, needs honey and or herbs) B
c. roasted rosemary chicken breast and wing (best in Utah) A
d. braised short rib (best in Utah) B+
e. blackberry lemonade A
f. scallops (2nd best ever - first is at G&M in Lithium, MD) B+/A-
g. mussels (best ever) B+, peppers alone that came with mussels A-
h. asparagus A
i. shredded butternut squash, seasoned C+/B-
j. scallion mashed potatoes A-
k. yellow polenta A
l. bananas foster (too strong rum flavor, but best show we've seen put on with lighting it up with powdered cinnemon and then a flame around it!) C+/B-
m. chocolate marscopone (flavor A, texture B-) B/B+
n. lobster bisque B+
o. french onion soup B+
p. multi-grain bread (moist, thick) B+
q. soft butter in dish B/B+
r. foie gras (duck liver) (only 2 of us liked it of 7 who tested it; those 2 produced the grade of A- . If all 7 tester's grade were counted, it would grade at a D. One has to have a taste for it.)
La Costa, American Fork
a. chips A
b. salsa A-
c. verde enchilada C-
d. relleno C
e. cheese enchilada B- -
f. chimi B+
g. cream sauce (request extra) A-
h. Mexican pizza, regular with meat C; customize it; replace meat with beans B+
i. rice B
j. beans B/B+
k. bean dip B++
OUT OF BUSINESS: Last Course, Downtown SLC, Draper
2018:
ICE CREAMS:
a. dark chocolate ice cream B/B+ (1st time, grade D, with a strong herb in it, probably a mistake; 2nd time: B/B+)
b. maple bacon ice cream B-
c. cheddar apple pie ice cream B
d. vanilla B/B+
e. rosemary and honey B-/B
f. horchata B-/B
g. melted salted caramel B/B+
h. key lime ice cream C-
i. brownie ice cream B/B+
PASTRIES:
a. caramel apple pie (caramel sauce: A, but pie alone is only a C, highly seasoned) Total: B/B+
b. S'mores lava cake B+
c. German Chocolate Cake B+
d. coconut cream pie (filling B+) total: B+
e. peanut butter pie (filling: A-, crust C/C+, choc shavings B/B+, choc cookie on top C+) total B+
f. carrot cake (cake alone C+, cream cheese frosting C/C+, cream sauce A-/A) total: B
g. cheesecake B++, with fresh strawberry sauce: A
h: seasonal (June 2018): chocolate brownie bomb (brownie base with white choc mousse. B/B+
i. chocolate stacker B
j. chocolate caramel lava (seasonal) B-/B
k. chocolate bomb B/B+
Left Fork Grill
2017 May - 9 Aug 2021
m.. Bananas Foster pancakes - it comes with a great, very mild foster sauce - not strong like most are. (A-)
n. grilled salmon C-
o. thai peanut pasta bowl (I, the editor, was one of 4 to grade it high): B+
p. spicy szechwan rice bowl C+
q. marco polo pasta B
r. mulligatawny B-
s. coconut squash soup C-/C
t. Joe's breakfast scramble B/B+
u. croissant egg sandwich (overcooked scramble, with small bacon pieces, cheese, no tomato) C+
v. sausage, egg, cheese croissant (with veggie patty sausage; sausage alone C): B- -
w. ditto with no sausage B-
x. ditto with real link sausage B (sausage alone C+)
y. croissant breakfast sandwich C. Note this is a weird sandwich, as the items alone rate higher: crossant B+, scrambled eggs A-, bacon B+, and cheddar jack).
q. marco polo pasta B
r. mulligatawny B-
s. coconut squash soup C-/C
t. Joe's breakfast scramble B/B+
u. croissant egg sandwich (overcooked scramble, with small bacon pieces, cheese, no tomato) C+
v. sausage, egg, cheese croissant (with veggie patty sausage; sausage alone C): B- -
w. ditto with no sausage B-
x. ditto with real link sausage B (sausage alone C+)
y. croissant breakfast sandwich C. Note this is a weird sandwich, as the items alone rate higher: crossant B+, scrambled eggs A-, bacon B+, and cheddar jack).
H
(The) Habit, chain
2017:
burger B+ among best burgers under $6 (in 2017) along with Mooya (Provo) and Freddy's (Midvale), all 3 are chains.
fries B/B+
chocolate shake B
about 2014:
a. golden chicken sandwich (chicken alone B-/B), total B/B+
b. burger (meat alone B, bun alone B/B+); one of top 4 in state under $7: B+
c. mushroom burger B/B+
Harmons - grocery story chain in Utah
summer special: chile roast burger with guac and roasted chile peppers: meat B-, their own hamburger buns introduced in 2017: A; bacon B+. total: b/b+
* Harvest, at Thanksgiving Point
2018, Sep:
a. burger with bacon and cheddar, tomato, lettuce, onion: (chargrilled meat alone B/B+, bacon B, bun B+), total: B/B+
2014:
a. #2 best fish sandwich in the state (after Sammy's Bistro, Park City): fresh Salmon sandwich A (however, while not eaten again in 2018, it did not look as good)
b. NO LONGER SERVED IN 2018: Bison burger (remove bleu cheese - too strong for some as it is medium-strong. Melted gruiere cheese - nice touch. High quality A grade meat: Best bison burger we've had in the state, followed by Snake Creek Grill in Heber City and Slate Restaurant in Provo). (Grades: bison A, bacon A, grilled bun A, leaf lettuce, good, grilled mushrooms, tomato, gruiere cheese, but it has no special house sauce.) A
c. chicken pot pie A+
d. pork chop (boneless, texture/toughness average; Italian sauce) C+
e. loaf of wheat bread A
f. meat loaf (third best after Ruth's Diner and The Garden Restaurant) A-
g. lemon herb roasted chicken:
leg and thigh (skin alone A-, meat texture/toughness B-) total B+
breast alone (skin alone A-/A, breast with no skin C-) total B+
h. crispy buttermilk fried chicken, white available only (tenderness A, crust B+, gravy covering it A-) total B+
i. honey wheat bread A
j. mash A-
k. baby potato with skin (needs butter on the side) B
ROASTED VEGES:
l. squash B+/A
m. green beans B+
n. broccoli B-
o. mushroom A
p. red pepper A
q. onion B-
DESSERTS: All B's, with some variations:
r. carrot cake
s. cheese cake
t. chocolate cake
u. chocolate pecan pie
v. creme bruele
Holiday Lanes, Heber
a. cheese burger C
b. hot dog C
c. chile dog B-
d. chile B+
Holy Grill BBQ, Pleasant Grove
28 June 2018:
a. pulled pork B/B+
b. Texas Toast B/B+
c. ribs alone: B+/A-
d. chicken thigh C-
e. wet end brisket (too little seasoning flavor) B-/B
f. mac and cheese B
baked beans B
SAUCES:
orange krush B+
vinegar based C+
mustard based B
2017:
a. pulled pork B+
b. Texas toast B+
c. ribs with vinegar-based sauce B/B+
with mustard majestic sauce B/B+
ribs with bbq sauce B+
ribs with orange crush sauce B+
with st. elmo fire B
with grim reaper sauce B
ribs with dry rub only: B
d. chocolate cake B/B+
e. lean brisket B-/B
f. wet end brisket alone B/B+
wet end brisket with bbq sauce B
wet end brisket with orange crush sauce B+
wet end brisket with vinegar sauce B+
g. peach cobbler (peaches and granola) B
Homestead Resort, Midway
SEE STEVENS RESTAURANT AT THE HOMESTEAD, below
Honey Baked Ham shop, national chain
a. chicken salad sandwich B+
(filling alone B/B+)
b. ham and turkey sandwich B+
c. ham alone B/B+
Hoppers, Midvale
2018, July
cod fish and chips B (batter B+/A-, fish frozen, not fresh)
cod with house tartar sauce B+
garlic mash potato B
slaw B+
sourdough roll B/B+, with butter B+, with pimento spread B+
margharita pizza (served like Godfather's Pizza, with cheese on top, melted over the veges) B
Hotel Hyatt snack bar in lobby, SLC
2016, December:
a. cheesecake with no graham crust C+
b. cheesecake from Lucks B+
Hruskie's Kolaches, Provo, American Fork (best are bold faced)
a. chicken cilantro omellete in kolache A- -, 2017: B+
b. GONE BY 2017: sliced ham, cheese, egg, and jalapeno kolache B+/A-
c. GONE BY 2017: strawberry kolache B+/A-
d. carnitas (peppers and fried pork) A- -, 2017: B+
e. mushroom-avocado-dried tomato B-
f. bacon mushrom B
g. spinach and sausage B/B+
h. ball park (peppers and home made sausage B/B+
i. GONE BY 2017: pulled pork C+
j. (chunky) ham and egg B+
k.GONE BY 2017: sliced ham and cheese and egg and jalepeno B+/A-
l. n/a
j. brisket C+
cream cheese B-
cream cheese and black berry B
cream cheese and cinnamon B/B+
cherry B/ B+
strawberry cream cheese B+, 2017: B
Argentine empanada (ground beef, cheese, peppers,onion) C+/B-
sausage and gravy B
bacon and egg B+
ranchero (egg and peppers - red, green, yellow, onions and avocado) A, 2017: B+/A-
bacon egg jalapeno and cheese A, 2017: B
sausage, egg B/B+
cheese, sausage, egg, jalapeno B
strawberry pecan B
blueberry B-
blueberry cream cheese B+
poppy seed B-
maple pecan (too little maple flavor) B+/A-, 2017: B/B+
peach C+/B-
GONE FROM MENU BY 2017 BUT WILL DO BY SPECIAL ORDER: orange cream cinnamon B+/A-
raspberry C+
raspberry cream cheese B
Texan (hot) B+
new for 2017: sweet and sour (or spicy?) pulled pork A-
Huarche Sabrason, Provo
Note: The differences in the years is that in 2016 a test was made of all the Mexican cafes in Provo and Orem in a two week period, sometimes several per day, so a valid comparison could be made to each other.
2016, Septembeer:
a. chile relleno B/B+
b. cheese enchilada (no cheese inside, just on top, green sauce only) B
c. rice (pink) B/B+
d. refried beans (not runny enough) C+
2015:
chile relleno B
cheese enchilada (reen sauce only) B
rice B/B+
beans (needs to be runny; too dry) C+
The Hub, Heber
a. banana cream pie (like pudding) C+
b. coconut cream pie B
c. apple pie C
I
Iceberg Drive-in, Utah chain
2016:
bacon burger: meat B/B+, bun A-, bacon B, total: B+ (with no bacon, also B+)
fries C
SHAKES:
chocolate C+
strawberry, first time: C+/B-, second time C+
Iggy's Sports Grill, 1 location, in Sandy, left in Utah (down from 9)
a. margharita pizza (they call "Napoleano pizza" - not wood fired but brick oven cooked, great texture crust, and high quality cheese) B+
b. vege pizza B+
c. NO LONGER AVAILABLE: cheese enchiladas (canned sauce but great texture, etc) B+
d. chile C+/B- -
e. enchilada soup A-/A
f. prime rib sandwich (select grade beef but thick B-, toasted buttered sourdough A, cheese, mushrooms, carmelized onion A) B++
g. mash (mashed potato) B-
h. fries B+
i. meat loaf, first trip (March 2013) B, second trip C+
j. n/a
k. tartar B
l. black and bleu burger (sesame bun, glazed teriyaki sauce, bleu cream cheese, blackened burger - meat C, lettuce, tomato) total B+
j. bistro burger (no seseme bun, olives have strong bad taste, tepenade mix of bleu cheese and parm over lettuce and onions with garlic aioli and strong balsamic, plus tomato on french bun, meat C) total C-
k. hot wings C+
l. ribs C
m. veges A
n. halibut fish and chips, fish, first trip, small and overcooked C++, second trip (Mar 2013), third trip (2016), small and overcooked C++
o. Texas ribeye steak B-
p. country fried steak D+
q. Old Chicago (supreme) pizza C+
r. prime rib B-
s. fish sandwich: Big Kahuna: halibut filet, grilled on toasted bagette with tartar sauce, onion straws and lettuce B
t. banana cream pie C-
u. jumbo hot wings C+
v. ribs C
w. n/a
x. Old Chicago pizza (deep dish with marinara, two layers cheese, sausage, pepperoni, onions, peppers, and mushrooms) C+
y. prime rib B-
IHOP
2017:
a. apple fritter (donut) french toast A
b. maple bacon donut french toast (chopped bacon and cheap pancake with non-maple syrup) B+
c. strawberry donut french toast B+
d. bacon B-
e. sausage link B-/B
f. turkey scramble avocado tomato benedict on brioche with hollandaise sauce B/B+
g. red velvet pancake: plain b-, with cream cheese frosting: B/B+
h. red velvet pancake with whipped cream and butter B+
i. buttermilk pancakes C+, with butter B-/B, also with syrup B/B+
j. cheeseburger slider:
meat (strong like dog food) C-
bun B+
with cheese, total burger: B-
k. harvest nut pancake: alone B-, with butter B/B+
l. spinach, mushroom, tomato benedict with hollandaise sauce B
m. hollandaise sauce alone C-
n. turkey avodaco benny B
o. fried potatoes with onion and green pepper B-
p. hashbrowns C-
q. California scramble with cheddar and avocado B/B+
r. tuscan scramble (chopped white onion, spinach, red pepper, no cheese) B/B+. If added s. customized tuscan with cheese added: maybe a B+
t. senior omelette: thin but fluffy with flour and buttermilk and veges C
u. vege omlette with mushrooms, spinach, hollandaise sauce, tomato cubes, onions; egg part is think and many layers, not fluffy A-
2016:
a. Brioche French Toast (with one each with all 3 fruit toppings). Plain C+/B-; but with any of the 3 fruit toppings: B+/A-
b. garden stuffed crepes (swiss, scrambled eggs, fresh spinach, mushrooms, onions, topped with hollandaise sauce and tomatos) A; second time A-
c. cream cheese pancake B+
d. plain french toast C+/B-
e. brioche french toast, 3 different toppings, each one with the french toast grades out at A
f. senior omelette (made with some buttermilk in the egg batter "for extra fluffiness," with cheese and two ingredients; eggs are a C-) total C. second visit: chedar, tomato, mushroom, onions, pepper, all inside except the tomato and mushrooms) B-
g. cherry hot choc (Swiss Miss brand) C-
h. pumpkin spice waffle (add caramel sauce to make it better) A-
i. florentine eggs crepes (leave out the chicken to make it better; not the right spices for eggs) B-
j. waffle B-
k. Garden Crepes with scrambled eggs and veges inside and hollandaise on top
m. Ham and scrambled eggs, Swiss cheese is too strong and Denny's eggs are better. B-
n. omelette: spinach, swiss, onions, mushrooms, tomato on top a thin omelette with many Arby's like layers (we prefer thicker and fluffy) and holandaise sauce. A-
o. omelette: spinach, tomato, onion, hollandaise sauce: A-
It's About Thyme, Provo
a. braised beef short ribs, A flavor, C texture (it's rare to find short ribs truly tender), total: B
b. citrus chicken thigh. A flavor, C texture, total B
c. mac and chese B/B+
DESSERTS:
1. choc chip cookie B
2. choc nutella cookies B/B+
3. pecan bar (buttery and too rich) B/B+
4. peach cobbler square B/B+
5. chocoloate cake C
J
J Brian's Smoke House BBQ (food truck at Provo festival)
July 2017:
brisket B
with sauce B/B+
sauce alone B/B+
Bun B-
J Dawgs, Utah valley and Salt Lake Valley
JCW's
2018:
halibut fish sandwich, no cheddar, long pieces, batter OK, comes frozen with batter B
fish B-. total: B
2016:
a. JCW BLT (has lots of bacon) B
b. halibut fish sandwich (cheddar, no tomato) B
c. turkey avocado swiss B/B+
d. ribeye steak sandwich B
e. fish C
f. grilled cheese sandwich, with American cheese C+
g. chicken verde sandwich (breast, fajita sauce [D+], American cheese, sour cream, mild green chile) C+
Jalisco's, American Fork
a. refried beans (good flavor and runny) A-
b. chile relleno B-
c. house sauces A
Jamba Juice, national chain
Note: some of these are not on menu but once were and can still be made to order:
a. Jamba powerboost - OJ, strawberreis, raspberries, banana, sorbet, ice. B-
b. Kiwi berry burger - kiwi juice, strawberries, peaches, nonfat frozen yogurt, sorbet, ice. C
c. Coldbuster - vit. C, enchinacea, oj, peaches, banana, orange sherbet, ice. A.
d. Protein berry pizazz - 25 g protein, soymilk, strawberries, banana, agave nectar, ice. C
e. Strawberries wild - apple-strawberry juice blend, strawberries, banana, nonfat frozen yogurt, ice. B-
f. banana berry - apple-strawberry juice blend, blueberries, banana, raspberry sherbet, nonfat frozen yogurt, ice. B-
g. Razzmatazz - raspberry juice blend, strawberries, banana, orange sherbet, ice. A-
h. Cranberry craze - cranberry juice blend, strawberries, blueberries, nonfat plain yogurt, raspberry sherbet, ice. C+
i. Citrus squeeze - oj, pineapple juice, banana, strawberies, orane sherbet, ice. A
j. Peach pleasure - peach juice blend, peaches, banana, orange sherbet, ice. A-
k. Orange-A-Peel - oj, strawberries, banana, nonfat frozen yogurt, ice. A
l. Orange berry blitz - oj, blueberries, strawberries, pineapple sherbet, ice. B+
j. Orchard Oasis - peach juice blend, strawberries, banana, blueberries, pineapple sherbet, ice. B-
k. Caribbean Passion - passionfruit-mango juice blend, strawberries, peaches, orane sherbet, ice. A-
l. Mnago-a-go-go - passionfruit-mango juice blend, mangos, pineapple sherbet, ice. B
m. Aloha pineapple - pineapple juice, stawberries, banana, pineapple sherbet, nonfat plain yogurt, ice. A
n. Peenya Kowlada - pineapple juice, coconut, banana, pineapple sherbet, nonfat frozen yogurt, ice. B+
o. Chocolate Moo'd. C-
p. Peanut butter moo'd. C+ (but if only 1 squirt peanut butter it's a B!)
q. chicken noodle soup C+
Jason's Deli, Murray and SLC
a. chicken salad sandwich (with pineapple and red onion) B
b. chicken noodle soup (soup B, noodles D) total C+
c. cranberry walnut oatmeal cookie A
d. chocolate (somewhat soft) A
e. peanut brittle cookie B+
f. fudge nut brownie B
g. chili C+
h. tomato basil soup A
i. southwest chicken chili B+
j. fireroased tortilla (hot) B-
k. clam chowder C++
l. chicken salad with almonds A
m. cranberry ciabata (order reg. turkey instead of smoked turkey that comes with it, and order wheat bread instead of ciabatta bread that comess with it) B
n. smokey jack panini (smoked turkey breast, bacon, jalapeno pepper jack, tomatoes, russian dressing, house guac A, with olive oil basted french bread) B
p. veggaletta B- -
q. vege soup D+
Jersey Mike's Subs, national chain
2016:
a. brownie C-
b. chocolate chip cookie B
c. Big Kahuna cheesesteak sandwich B/B+, with chipotle mayo A-
d. beef and provolone C+
e. roast beef C/C+, with chipotle mayo C+
f. chipotle mayo cheesesteak B
Joe Morley's Smokehouse, Midvale
a. Baby back ribs: "Sugar Back Ribs" (not the other 2, "regular," ribs here). B++; second visit 2015: B, with sauce: B/B+
b. #5 best potato salad (B) (Few places have good potato salad, so we listed it, even though it's only a B.)
c. smoked whole chicken C++
d. hot sausage C- -
e. n/a
f. brisket, lean C+, 2015
f-1. brisket, wet end 2015: B/B+
g. slaw B
h. baked beans with pork and onion, first visit 2010: B+; second visit 2014: C++; third visit 2014: B+; fourth visit 2015: A-
i. spare ribs first visit C+, second visit B-, third visit B- -, fourth visit B+, fifth visit 2015: B+
j. spare ribs with sauce, fourth visit B/B+
k. pulled pork with sauce C-/C, 2015: C+
l. cooked onion C+
m. roll C+
b. GONE BY 2017: sliced ham, cheese, egg, and jalapeno kolache B+/A-
c. GONE BY 2017: strawberry kolache B+/A-
d. carnitas (peppers and fried pork) A- -, 2017: B+
e. mushroom-avocado-dried tomato B-
f. bacon mushrom B
g. spinach and sausage B/B+
h. ball park (peppers and home made sausage B/B+
i. GONE BY 2017: pulled pork C+
j. (chunky) ham and egg B+
k.GONE BY 2017: sliced ham and cheese and egg and jalepeno B+/A-
l. n/a
j. brisket C+
cream cheese B-
cream cheese and black berry B
cream cheese and cinnamon B/B+
cherry B/ B+
strawberry cream cheese B+, 2017: B
Argentine empanada (ground beef, cheese, peppers,onion) C+/B-
sausage and gravy B
bacon and egg B+
ranchero (egg and peppers - red, green, yellow, onions and avocado) A, 2017: B+/A-
bacon egg jalapeno and cheese A, 2017: B
sausage, egg B/B+
cheese, sausage, egg, jalapeno B
strawberry pecan B
blueberry B-
blueberry cream cheese B+
poppy seed B-
maple pecan (too little maple flavor) B+/A-, 2017: B/B+
peach C+/B-
GONE FROM MENU BY 2017 BUT WILL DO BY SPECIAL ORDER: orange cream cinnamon B+/A-
raspberry C+
raspberry cream cheese B
Texan (hot) B+
new for 2017: sweet and sour (or spicy?) pulled pork A-
Huarche Sabrason, Provo
Note: The differences in the years is that in 2016 a test was made of all the Mexican cafes in Provo and Orem in a two week period, sometimes several per day, so a valid comparison could be made to each other.
2016, Septembeer:
a. chile relleno B/B+
b. cheese enchilada (no cheese inside, just on top, green sauce only) B
c. rice (pink) B/B+
d. refried beans (not runny enough) C+
2015:
chile relleno B
cheese enchilada (reen sauce only) B
rice B/B+
beans (needs to be runny; too dry) C+
The Hub, Heber
a. banana cream pie (like pudding) C+
b. coconut cream pie B
c. apple pie C
I
Iceberg Drive-in, Utah chain
2016:
bacon burger: meat B/B+, bun A-, bacon B, total: B+ (with no bacon, also B+)
fries C
SHAKES:
chocolate C+
strawberry, first time: C+/B-, second time C+
Iggy's Sports Grill, 1 location, in Sandy, left in Utah (down from 9)
a. margharita pizza (they call "Napoleano pizza" - not wood fired but brick oven cooked, great texture crust, and high quality cheese) B+
b. vege pizza B+
c. NO LONGER AVAILABLE: cheese enchiladas (canned sauce but great texture, etc) B+
d. chile C+/B- -
e. enchilada soup A-/A
f. prime rib sandwich (select grade beef but thick B-, toasted buttered sourdough A, cheese, mushrooms, carmelized onion A) B++
g. mash (mashed potato) B-
h. fries B+
i. meat loaf, first trip (March 2013) B, second trip C+
j. n/a
k. tartar B
l. black and bleu burger (sesame bun, glazed teriyaki sauce, bleu cream cheese, blackened burger - meat C, lettuce, tomato) total B+
j. bistro burger (no seseme bun, olives have strong bad taste, tepenade mix of bleu cheese and parm over lettuce and onions with garlic aioli and strong balsamic, plus tomato on french bun, meat C) total C-
k. hot wings C+
l. ribs C
m. veges A
n. halibut fish and chips, fish, first trip, small and overcooked C++, second trip (Mar 2013), third trip (2016), small and overcooked C++
o. Texas ribeye steak B-
p. country fried steak D+
q. Old Chicago (supreme) pizza C+
r. prime rib B-
s. fish sandwich: Big Kahuna: halibut filet, grilled on toasted bagette with tartar sauce, onion straws and lettuce B
t. banana cream pie C-
u. jumbo hot wings C+
v. ribs C
w. n/a
x. Old Chicago pizza (deep dish with marinara, two layers cheese, sausage, pepperoni, onions, peppers, and mushrooms) C+
y. prime rib B-
IHOP
2017:
a. apple fritter (donut) french toast A
b. maple bacon donut french toast (chopped bacon and cheap pancake with non-maple syrup) B+
c. strawberry donut french toast B+
d. bacon B-
e. sausage link B-/B
f. turkey scramble avocado tomato benedict on brioche with hollandaise sauce B/B+
g. red velvet pancake: plain b-, with cream cheese frosting: B/B+
h. red velvet pancake with whipped cream and butter B+
i. buttermilk pancakes C+, with butter B-/B, also with syrup B/B+
j. cheeseburger slider:
meat (strong like dog food) C-
bun B+
with cheese, total burger: B-
k. harvest nut pancake: alone B-, with butter B/B+
l. spinach, mushroom, tomato benedict with hollandaise sauce B
m. hollandaise sauce alone C-
n. turkey avodaco benny B
o. fried potatoes with onion and green pepper B-
p. hashbrowns C-
q. California scramble with cheddar and avocado B/B+
r. tuscan scramble (chopped white onion, spinach, red pepper, no cheese) B/B+. If added s. customized tuscan with cheese added: maybe a B+
t. senior omelette: thin but fluffy with flour and buttermilk and veges C
u. vege omlette with mushrooms, spinach, hollandaise sauce, tomato cubes, onions; egg part is think and many layers, not fluffy A-
2016:
a. Brioche French Toast (with one each with all 3 fruit toppings). Plain C+/B-; but with any of the 3 fruit toppings: B+/A-
b. garden stuffed crepes (swiss, scrambled eggs, fresh spinach, mushrooms, onions, topped with hollandaise sauce and tomatos) A; second time A-
c. cream cheese pancake B+
d. plain french toast C+/B-
e. brioche french toast, 3 different toppings, each one with the french toast grades out at A
f. senior omelette (made with some buttermilk in the egg batter "for extra fluffiness," with cheese and two ingredients; eggs are a C-) total C. second visit: chedar, tomato, mushroom, onions, pepper, all inside except the tomato and mushrooms) B-
g. cherry hot choc (Swiss Miss brand) C-
h. pumpkin spice waffle (add caramel sauce to make it better) A-
i. florentine eggs crepes (leave out the chicken to make it better; not the right spices for eggs) B-
j. waffle B-
k. Garden Crepes with scrambled eggs and veges inside and hollandaise on top
m. Ham and scrambled eggs, Swiss cheese is too strong and Denny's eggs are better. B-
n. omelette: spinach, swiss, onions, mushrooms, tomato on top a thin omelette with many Arby's like layers (we prefer thicker and fluffy) and holandaise sauce. A-
o. omelette: spinach, tomato, onion, hollandaise sauce: A-
It's About Thyme, Provo
a. braised beef short ribs, A flavor, C texture (it's rare to find short ribs truly tender), total: B
b. citrus chicken thigh. A flavor, C texture, total B
c. mac and chese B/B+
DESSERTS:
1. choc chip cookie B
2. choc nutella cookies B/B+
3. pecan bar (buttery and too rich) B/B+
4. peach cobbler square B/B+
5. chocoloate cake C
J
J Brian's Smoke House BBQ (food truck at Provo festival)
July 2017:
brisket B
with sauce B/B+
sauce alone B/B+
Bun B-
J Dawgs, Utah valley and Salt Lake Valley
See our site, "Best Hot Dogs in Utah" for the run-down. Note that their meat is not good, but their buns and sauce are great!
2018:
meat alone C+
bun A
dog, bun, pickle, relish, special sauce B+
above with mayo instead B+
2016:
2018:
meat alone C+
bun A
dog, bun, pickle, relish, special sauce B+
above with mayo instead B+
2016:
a. dog with special sauce in bun A-, plus raw onions A-/A
b. dog with special sauce and kraut B+
c. polish dog with special sauce in bun B-
JCW's
2018:
halibut fish sandwich, no cheddar, long pieces, batter OK, comes frozen with batter B
fish B-. total: B
2016:
a. JCW BLT (has lots of bacon) B
b. halibut fish sandwich (cheddar, no tomato) B
c. turkey avocado swiss B/B+
d. ribeye steak sandwich B
e. fish C
f. grilled cheese sandwich, with American cheese C+
g. chicken verde sandwich (breast, fajita sauce [D+], American cheese, sour cream, mild green chile) C+
Jalisco's, American Fork
b. chile relleno B-
c. house sauces A
Jamba Juice, national chain
Note: some of these are not on menu but once were and can still be made to order:
a. Jamba powerboost - OJ, strawberreis, raspberries, banana, sorbet, ice. B-
b. Kiwi berry burger - kiwi juice, strawberries, peaches, nonfat frozen yogurt, sorbet, ice. C
c. Coldbuster - vit. C, enchinacea, oj, peaches, banana, orange sherbet, ice. A.
d. Protein berry pizazz - 25 g protein, soymilk, strawberries, banana, agave nectar, ice. C
e. Strawberries wild - apple-strawberry juice blend, strawberries, banana, nonfat frozen yogurt, ice. B-
f. banana berry - apple-strawberry juice blend, blueberries, banana, raspberry sherbet, nonfat frozen yogurt, ice. B-
g. Razzmatazz - raspberry juice blend, strawberries, banana, orange sherbet, ice. A-
h. Cranberry craze - cranberry juice blend, strawberries, blueberries, nonfat plain yogurt, raspberry sherbet, ice. C+
i. Citrus squeeze - oj, pineapple juice, banana, strawberies, orane sherbet, ice. A
j. Peach pleasure - peach juice blend, peaches, banana, orange sherbet, ice. A-
k. Orange-A-Peel - oj, strawberries, banana, nonfat frozen yogurt, ice. A
l. Orange berry blitz - oj, blueberries, strawberries, pineapple sherbet, ice. B+
j. Orchard Oasis - peach juice blend, strawberries, banana, blueberries, pineapple sherbet, ice. B-
k. Caribbean Passion - passionfruit-mango juice blend, strawberries, peaches, orane sherbet, ice. A-
l. Mnago-a-go-go - passionfruit-mango juice blend, mangos, pineapple sherbet, ice. B
m. Aloha pineapple - pineapple juice, stawberries, banana, pineapple sherbet, nonfat plain yogurt, ice. A
n. Peenya Kowlada - pineapple juice, coconut, banana, pineapple sherbet, nonfat frozen yogurt, ice. B+
o. Chocolate Moo'd. C-
p. Peanut butter moo'd. C+ (but if only 1 squirt peanut butter it's a B!)
q. chicken noodle soup C+
Jason's Deli, Murray and SLC
a. chicken salad sandwich (with pineapple and red onion) B
b. chicken noodle soup (soup B, noodles D) total C+
c. cranberry walnut oatmeal cookie A
d. chocolate (somewhat soft) A
e. peanut brittle cookie B+
f. fudge nut brownie B
g. chili C+
h. tomato basil soup A
i. southwest chicken chili B+
j. fireroased tortilla (hot) B-
k. clam chowder C++
l. chicken salad with almonds A
m. cranberry ciabata (order reg. turkey instead of smoked turkey that comes with it, and order wheat bread instead of ciabatta bread that comess with it) B
n. smokey jack panini (smoked turkey breast, bacon, jalapeno pepper jack, tomatoes, russian dressing, house guac A, with olive oil basted french bread) B
p. veggaletta B- -
q. vege soup D+
Jersey Mike's Subs, national chain
2016:
a. brownie C-
b. chocolate chip cookie B
c. Big Kahuna cheesesteak sandwich B/B+, with chipotle mayo A-
d. beef and provolone C+
e. roast beef C/C+, with chipotle mayo C+
f. chipotle mayo cheesesteak B
Joe Morley's Smokehouse, Midvale
a. Baby back ribs: "Sugar Back Ribs" (not the other 2, "regular," ribs here). B++; second visit 2015: B, with sauce: B/B+
b. #5 best potato salad (B) (Few places have good potato salad, so we listed it, even though it's only a B.)
c. smoked whole chicken C++
d. hot sausage C- -
e. n/a
f. brisket, lean C+, 2015
f-1. brisket, wet end 2015: B/B+
g. slaw B
h. baked beans with pork and onion, first visit 2010: B+; second visit 2014: C++; third visit 2014: B+; fourth visit 2015: A-
i. spare ribs first visit C+, second visit B-, third visit B- -, fourth visit B+, fifth visit 2015: B+
j. spare ribs with sauce, fourth visit B/B+
k. pulled pork with sauce C-/C, 2015: C+
l. cooked onion C+
m. roll C+
n. mash B
Joe's Cafe, Orem
This is a place that serves breakfast all the way to 4 PM, open Tue-Sat. Super friendly staff.
a. French toast B-, 2nd time: A-, 3rd time: B-
b. pancakes A-
c. Belgian waffle A- (order the blueberry one with berries and whipped cream only)
d. not the blueberry pie filling type sauce, which rates it a B
e. Belgian waffle with berries A
f. scrambled egg B+
d. hashbrowns B+/A-
e. vege Omelette (the sauteed veges really help it) A
f. grits (too sugary to be perfect) B+; 2nd time: C
g. pork chop C++
h. biscuits B-/B
i. turkey gravy (they add to bisquits) B/B+
j. combined biscuits and gravy B/B+
k. hash browns (Needs more butter flavor) B+
l. muffin D
m. hashbrowns (perfect textgure) B-/B
n. pecan and sweet potato pie C+
Joe's Crab Shack, Sandy
a. crab cake B-/B
b. stuffed shrimp B-
c. stuffed shrimp with sandwich B-/B
d. pollack fish and chips (fish only) B/B+
e. fries B-/B
f. crab stuffed mushroom B/B+
g. dirty rice D
h. steamed broccoli B-
i. red fish alone (like swordfish/snapper - dense - but overcooked, frozen) D
j. Poncharlrain mushroom B/B+
k. cream sauce with above two fish dishes C
l. breaded fried tilapia B-
m. fried shrimp B
n. baked shrimp stuffed with crab cake B+
o. crab cake C++
p. wahoo sandwich (mahi-like dense fish alone, overcooked, dry D+), blackened B
q. dirty rice (spicy hot, with bacon) B- -
r. cheesy mash B-
s. key lime pie B
t. redfish, mushroom stuffed fish with cream mushroom: fish alone D, sauce B, total C
u. king crab legs A-?
Joe Vera's Mexican Restaurant, Provo
Over the years we've tested other items there as well; this is the most recent test:
2016
a. chips B+
b. salsa A-
c. beans B/B-
d. rice C-
e. chile relleno (canned anaheim chile) C
f. cheese enchilada C-
Johnny Rocket's, SLC
a. only item tested: dark chocolate Ghiradelli shake C+
K
Joe's Cafe, Orem
This is a place that serves breakfast all the way to 4 PM, open Tue-Sat. Super friendly staff.
a. French toast B-, 2nd time: A-, 3rd time: B-
b. pancakes A-
c. Belgian waffle A- (order the blueberry one with berries and whipped cream only)
d. not the blueberry pie filling type sauce, which rates it a B
e. Belgian waffle with berries A
f. scrambled egg B+
d. hashbrowns B+/A-
e. vege Omelette (the sauteed veges really help it) A
f. grits (too sugary to be perfect) B+; 2nd time: C
g. pork chop C++
h. biscuits B-/B
i. turkey gravy (they add to bisquits) B/B+
j. combined biscuits and gravy B/B+
k. hash browns (Needs more butter flavor) B+
l. muffin D
m. hashbrowns (perfect textgure) B-/B
n. pecan and sweet potato pie C+
a. crab cake B-/B
b. stuffed shrimp B-
c. stuffed shrimp with sandwich B-/B
d. pollack fish and chips (fish only) B/B+
e. fries B-/B
f. crab stuffed mushroom B/B+
g. dirty rice D
h. steamed broccoli B-
i. red fish alone (like swordfish/snapper - dense - but overcooked, frozen) D
j. Poncharlrain mushroom B/B+
k. cream sauce with above two fish dishes C
l. breaded fried tilapia B-
m. fried shrimp B
n. baked shrimp stuffed with crab cake B+
o. crab cake C++
p. wahoo sandwich (mahi-like dense fish alone, overcooked, dry D+), blackened B
q. dirty rice (spicy hot, with bacon) B- -
r. cheesy mash B-
s. key lime pie B
t. redfish, mushroom stuffed fish with cream mushroom: fish alone D, sauce B, total C
u. king crab legs A-?
Joe Vera's Mexican Restaurant, Provo
Over the years we've tested other items there as well; this is the most recent test:
2016
a. chips B+
b. salsa A-
c. beans B/B-
d. rice C-
e. chile relleno (canned anaheim chile) C
f. cheese enchilada C-
Johnny Rocket's, SLC
a. only item tested: dark chocolate Ghiradelli shake C+
K
Kabob Stop – SLC
still to try:
mixed vege curry
lamb kabob masala
mixed kabob
lamb kabob
Dual wrap: lentils, rice in naan (regular)
TESTED:
CURRY DISHES:
B+ chicken (dark) Karahi 12.99: marinated chicken with special spices: onion, ginger, sizzled in wok
B++ owner's fave: chapii kabob masala: ground beef with tomato, onion, pom, spices, sauteed in curry, medium spicy from meat:
B+ masala sauce (no flour or sugar in it) (sold me two 1.3 cup containers full for $5 each).
A- gyro burger with both beef and gyro meat. (B beef meat, A bun, B/B+ gyro meat). Also has meat charbroiled, get swiss cheese (not American!), lettuce, onio, tomato, own sauce.
A- grilled fish. With Sauces: A- white cucumber sauce (has sugar in it), B+ mint sauce
B/B+ chicken tikka masala (white meat): bbq, clay oven, sauteed in curry (red)
B/B+ fish masala: tilapia spiced, grilled and curry
NON- CURRY DISHES:
B? chicken leg quarter, baked with spices
B/B+ goat biryani rice, A with cucumber sauce: special Punjabi blend of aromatic basmati rice, spices
B vege biryani rice 6/5/21
B- Burger with gyro and no beef
B/B+ burger with beef and no gyro
B/B+ beef skewers a ppetizer
B/B+ garlic naan, faint garlic, hot; B if warm on 6/5/21 (get before noon to be freshly made)
sauces alone: (also great with only rice!)
A cucumber
B/B+ mint chutney
B/B+ chile
rice dishes:
B/B+ chicken biryani
blend of basamtic rice, spices, and chicken
KFC, multiple locations
(see our site, "Best Fried Chicken in Utah")
d. slaw C
e. chicken fried steak B
f. bisquit B
f. chicken fried steak B/B+
Kaiser's BBQ, Salt Lake City
(go there on Thurs, when they do their smoking; or Fri for their prime rib sandwich)
2008-2017 tests:
a. praline pecan cookie B
b. baby back ribs - if freshly out of smoker and tender, but rarely served! So call first: A-
c. best lean brisket in state (we prefer wet brisket - they don't serve it) (flavor A+). Total, including texture: B+ (but once it was D+, tough with only OK flavor)
d. prime rib (on Fridays) C+
e. pork steak B++
f. St. Louis ribs, with sauce, if several days old, sometimes a C+. If you buy when they make it on Thursdays, it will often be a B- texture and A- flavor: Total average: B+
St. Louis ribs, with sauce.But on Thursdays, when they made it. Usually B+
g. dry end brisket (all they have); C+ at driest bites, B+ with fat in each bite
h. pulled pork, alone B-, with sauce B-, with skin B+
h-1. pulled pork sandwich, another day: D
i. chopped beef with much sauce D
j. sausage D
k. BBQ sauce C
l. slaw C-, another time B
m. pinto beans C, another time C+
n. potato salad C
o. mac and cheese B-/B
p. peach cobbler B+
q. prime rib sandwich B+
r. beef ribs (buy when made fresh on Thursdays) B
b. Club Sandwich on French Country B+
c. #5 best potato salad B
d. turkey cranberry sandwich on ciabatta (ciabatta bun B+, cranberries b+, spring mix, smoked turkey C/C+, munster, cucumber slices, honey mustard) A-
e.turkey cranberry with croissant (less ingredients: croissant B++, lettuce, cranberry A, non-smoked? turkey B+). total: B/B+
f. turkey cranberry croissant , pulled turkey B++, pastry A) total B+/A (compares to Shirley's french bread version B-)
g. cold club sandwich B- (compared to Zubs A-)
h. hot vege sandwich, with avocado B/B+ (compared with Zubs B and Charlie's Grilled Subs grade A, and DP Cheesesteak's hot vege B+)
i. "Kneader's Turkey" standard on (thick) focacia C+
j. "Kneader's Turkey" CUSTOM REQUEST IT on French country bread A-
k. cinnamon, thick french toast B
l. breakfast croissants - egg and bacon or sausage B
m. egg cheese croissant A
n. sausage egg cheese croissant (sausage alone B-) A-
o. breakfast panini (country French bread C+, cheap microwaved thin bacon D+, overcooked eggs D+, tomato C+). total: C
p. breakfast croissant (croissant alone A, egg alone C-, bacon alone D+) total A
q. ditto with Kneaders sauce on it. A
r. vege avocado sandwich A-
s. banana cream pie C
t. chicken salad croissant B/B+?
Note: we've had most desserts - no A's in the bunch.
Krispy Kreme
(see our site, "Best Fried Chicken in Utah")
a. crispy fried chicken B+
b. original fried chicken B+
c. grilled chicken: leg B-, thigh B+d. slaw C
e. chicken fried steak B
f. bisquit B
f. chicken fried steak B/B+
Kaiser's BBQ, Salt Lake City
(go there on Thurs, when they do their smoking; or Fri for their prime rib sandwich)
2008-2017 tests:
a. praline pecan cookie B
b. baby back ribs - if freshly out of smoker and tender, but rarely served! So call first: A-
c. best lean brisket in state (we prefer wet brisket - they don't serve it) (flavor A+). Total, including texture: B+ (but once it was D+, tough with only OK flavor)
d. prime rib (on Fridays) C+
e. pork steak B++
f. St. Louis ribs, with sauce, if several days old, sometimes a C+. If you buy when they make it on Thursdays, it will often be a B- texture and A- flavor: Total average: B+
St. Louis ribs, with sauce.But on Thursdays, when they made it. Usually B+
g. dry end brisket (all they have); C+ at driest bites, B+ with fat in each bite
h. pulled pork, alone B-, with sauce B-, with skin B+
h-1. pulled pork sandwich, another day: D
i. chopped beef with much sauce D
j. sausage D
k. BBQ sauce C
l. slaw C-, another time B
m. pinto beans C, another time C+
n. potato salad C
o. mac and cheese B-/B
p. peach cobbler B+
q. prime rib sandwich B+
r. beef ribs (buy when made fresh on Thursdays) B
Kneader's, multiple locations
a. turkey bacon avocado with their own sauce on FRENCH COUNTRY (not the default focacia!) A-b. Club Sandwich on French Country B+
c. #5 best potato salad B
d. turkey cranberry sandwich on ciabatta (ciabatta bun B+, cranberries b+, spring mix, smoked turkey C/C+, munster, cucumber slices, honey mustard) A-
e.turkey cranberry with croissant (less ingredients: croissant B++, lettuce, cranberry A, non-smoked? turkey B+). total: B/B+
f. turkey cranberry croissant , pulled turkey B++, pastry A) total B+/A (compares to Shirley's french bread version B-)
g. cold club sandwich B- (compared to Zubs A-)
h. hot vege sandwich, with avocado B/B+ (compared with Zubs B and Charlie's Grilled Subs grade A, and DP Cheesesteak's hot vege B+)
i. "Kneader's Turkey" standard on (thick) focacia C+
j. "Kneader's Turkey" CUSTOM REQUEST IT on French country bread A-
k. cinnamon, thick french toast B
l. breakfast croissants - egg and bacon or sausage B
m. egg cheese croissant A
n. sausage egg cheese croissant (sausage alone B-) A-
o. breakfast panini (country French bread C+, cheap microwaved thin bacon D+, overcooked eggs D+, tomato C+). total: C
p. breakfast croissant (croissant alone A, egg alone C-, bacon alone D+) total A
q. ditto with Kneaders sauce on it. A
r. vege avocado sandwich A-
s. banana cream pie C
t. chicken salad croissant B/B+?
Note: we've had most desserts - no A's in the bunch.
Krispy Kreme
See our site, "Best Donuts in Utah"
a. glazed donuts (our favorite for glazed) A
b. all assorted (are among the worst in state, however) C-
a. glazed donuts (our favorite for glazed) A
b. all assorted (are among the worst in state, however) C-
L
La Casa Peru, West Valley City2016:
a. fried rice with dried carrot and peas B/B+
b. duck thigh (marinated but not tender and skin soggy) B/B+
c. duck leg B-
d. pollo a la brassa: chicken leg and thigh B/B+
La Casita, Springville
Note: Their signature method of serving is with tons of melted cheddar cheese over items - very good.
a. Huevos Rancheros A-
b. chile relleno B+
c. cheese enchilada B+
d. rice B+
e. refried beans B+
La Costa, American Fork
a. chicken chimi B+
b. cream sauce with chimi (request extra) (A-)
c. Mexican pizza (if with meat it's a C) with no meat: B+
d. salsa A-
e. rice B
f. beans B/B+
g. bean dip B++
La Costa, Sandy
a. chips A
b. salsa A-
c. verde enchilada C-
d. relleno C
e. cheese enchilada B- -
La Dolce Vita, Provo
a. breaded orange roughy. B
b. breaded halibut (number one halibut in state). B+
ITEMS TO COMPARE WITH OTHER ITALIAN RESTAURANTS:
a. marinara sauce (second best of the B's) B
b. pomodora sauce N/A
c. ragu alla bolognese (meat sauce) (ragu) B/B+
d. arrabiata NA
e. salsa rosa sauce (red and white) B+
f. alfredo sauce B- -
g. bread C+/B-
h. minestrone soup (best in state) B+
i. spaghetti noodles A-
DESSERTS:
a. choc mousse cake (mousse C-) total B-
b. canoli B/B+
La Fountain (formerly La Fuente) (Mexican, Utah chain)
a. chile relleno (interesting orange colored sauce and similar taste and veges in sauce to El Azteca's relleno sauce, but better at Azteca) first visit B/B+, second visit 2013 C
b. relleno sauce (not the relleno) 2013 A-
b. cheese enchilada (low-grade cheddar cheese) first visit D, second visit 2013 B
c. beans (first and second visits) B
d. beans with salsa B+
e. rice first visit B/B+, second visit 2013 B- -
f. chile verde burrito, smothered with cheese and onion; pork is dry D, total B+
g. pork tamale, pork is B- -, total B+
h. ribs, baby back, non-smoked, in sauce C+
i. chicken chimi, chicken is B-, total B
* La Jolla Groves, Provo, the Gateway in SLC
1. Tenderloin sandwich on potato roll: B. But if you add the mixed greens side salad with pomegranite balsamic dressing A-.
1a. Beef tenderloin alone B
2. Chicken marsala sandwich C+. But with side salad inside the sandwich: B+
(The marsala chicken is decent (C+) but some of us are not white meat chicken fans.)
3. asparagus, sauteed A
4. fries A-
5. tenderloin pork, white meat, and apple sauce C+
6. tenderloin pork, dark meat, with apple sauce B+
7. small steak sandwich with mushrooms (steak alone B+, small buttered bun alone B+) total A-
8. large steak sandwich (steak alone B++, bun B+, plus lettuce, tomato, dijon aioli [light orange color]) total A
9. wheat roll alone C+
10. wheat roll with butter B+
11. white roll alone B/B+
12. white roll with butter A
13. scalloped potato (cheese strong, not tender) B-
14. carrots (tough) B-/B
15. shrimp pasta with tomato and spinach B+
16. tandgerine crme brule B-
17. triple choc mousse cake B?
18. choc bundt cake B?
La Puente, SLC
about 2014:
a. rice A-
b. beans A-/A
c. chile relleno (too much tomato sauce) C+/B-
d. ribs B/B+
e. cheese enchilada B+
2012, April:
flour tortilla, thick and soft A
ribs, with great relleno-like pork sauce: ribs are tender but oven-cooked B/B+
cheese enchilada C+
beans A
rice A-, with cheese A
relleno, with thick tomato and onion sauce A-/A
* Le Caille, SLC
(Our favorite restaurant for ambience in Utah.)
2017:
blackberry creme drink A
blackberry lemonade (too sweet) B+
pom smoothie, weak flavor C
butter (beware of black salt on it - too salty); great flavor, texture too pudding-like: A-
multi-grain bread B+
crispy duck sample B
cabbage alone (comes with duck) B+
chicken cordon bleu sample A
ditto with mustard aioli A+
ditto with whole grain cup A+
escargo (had better elsewhere) B
baguette - crispy flat crackers A-
wine jelly A-
lobster bisque A-
salad (with unusual greens) A-
french onion soup B
pink gelato or sorbet B+
lamb rack (but no sauce) B+
onions and mushrooms A
salmon A-
filet mignon B/B+
ditto with hollandaise sauce A
rice D
spinach C+
bone-in ribeye A-
mashed potatoes with crab in it B+
chocolate mousse B+/A-
small covered pastry with cream C
2015:
a. tenderloin beef B
b. Chilean sea bass (only sauteed in olive oil, needs honey and or herbs) B
c. roasted rosemary chicken breast and wing (best in Utah) A
d. braised short rib (best in Utah) B+
e. blackberry lemonade A
f. scallops (2nd best ever - first is at G&M in Lithium, MD) B+/A-
g. mussels (best ever) B+, peppers alone that came with mussels A-
h. asparagus A
i. shredded butternut squash, seasoned C+/B-
j. scallion mashed potatoes A-
k. yellow polenta A
l. bananas foster (too strong rum flavor, but best show we've seen put on with lighting it up with powdered cinnemon and then a flame around it!) C+/B-
m. chocolate marscopone (flavor A, texture B-) B/B+
n. lobster bisque B+
o. french onion soup B+
p. multi-grain bread (moist, thick) B+
q. soft butter in dish B/B+
r. foie gras (duck liver) (only 2 of us liked it of 7 who tested it; those 2 produced the grade of A- . If all 7 tester's grade were counted, it would grade at a D. One has to have a taste for it.)
s. raspberry sorbet (needs stronger flavor) A-
t. mushroom risoto B+/A-
La Costa, American Fork
a. chips A
b. salsa A-
c. verde enchilada C-
d. relleno C
e. cheese enchilada B- -
f. chimi B+
g. cream sauce (request extra) A-
h. Mexican pizza, regular with meat C; customize it; replace meat with beans B+
i. rice B
j. beans B/B+
k. bean dip B++
OUT OF BUSINESS: Last Course, Downtown SLC, Draper
2018:
ICE CREAMS:
a. dark chocolate ice cream B/B+ (1st time, grade D, with a strong herb in it, probably a mistake; 2nd time: B/B+)
b. maple bacon ice cream B-
c. cheddar apple pie ice cream B
d. vanilla B/B+
e. rosemary and honey B-/B
f. horchata B-/B
g. melted salted caramel B/B+
h. key lime ice cream C-
i. brownie ice cream B/B+
PASTRIES:
a. caramel apple pie (caramel sauce: A, but pie alone is only a C, highly seasoned) Total: B/B+
b. S'mores lava cake B+
c. German Chocolate Cake B+
d. coconut cream pie (filling B+) total: B+
e. peanut butter pie (filling: A-, crust C/C+, choc shavings B/B+, choc cookie on top C+) total B+
f. carrot cake (cake alone C+, cream cheese frosting C/C+, cream sauce A-/A) total: B
g. cheesecake B++, with fresh strawberry sauce: A
h: seasonal (June 2018): chocolate brownie bomb (brownie base with white choc mousse. B/B+
i. chocolate stacker B
j. chocolate caramel lava (seasonal) B-/B
k. chocolate bomb B/B+
Left Fork Grill
2017 May - 9 Aug 2021
2021 ONLY:
tuna sandwich B, tuna filling B- (5/3)
pork belly (B/B+) sandwich B+ (5/3: graded high)
meatloaf alone: B (5/3)
with brown gravy B,
with country gravy B/B+
with turkey gravy B+
open-faced turkey sandwich (cheapened by the turkey quality) B (5/19)
Dressing B++
Cranberry A-/A
Turkey meat B-
veal with lemon butter (veal C, breaded crust B+): pak B (~Jan with group, 5/19 with Steve)
Left Fork Grill mash: B, + country gravy B, or with turkey gravy B/B+, or with butter B+ (5/3)
BEST PLAIN PANCAKES
Left Fork Grill buttermilk: A (1st ~ 1/29, with Steve, Brian, Cliff; 2nd 5/3 Steve)
Left Fork Grill – Huevos Rancheros (weekends only): orange-colored sauce: A-, stewed tomato, green vege strips, prob. Cactus, crispy fried corn tortilla, onion, egg, pak A (~ 2017 alone)
Left Fork Grill:
house-made sausage B/B+ (~2017 alone + ~ Jan with group + ~ Apr with Steve)
French toast: B, with syrup added: still a B (5/3)
Left Fork Grill – bisquit alone: B-/B, + country gravy B/B+, or with turkey gravy B
turkey gravy alone A-
Left Fork Grill: country gravy B/B+
Left Fork Grill – beef barley soup – B
Left Fork Grill - chess pie C+, with whipped cream: B
Left Fork Grill –
Banana Cream pie A-
blueberry lemon cream pie B+
Blueberry, layered (also) - Left Fork Grill B+
3. pecan B+ years ago, again 8/30/21:
TESTS 2017-2021:
Huevos rancheros (the best in Utah!) (contains an orange-colored sauce A-, plus stewed tomato, green vege strips - cactus likely, onion, crispy fried corn tortilla, perfect egg.) total: A
sweet corn scramble, with white cheese, a few cubed tomato pieces, and lots of corn. total: C+ With berry jam B-. With black beans B.
buttermilk pancake A (best in state so far)
buttermilk pancake A (best in state so far)
tuna sandwich B+/A- (A filling)
bisquit alone C+
gravy A
gravy and biscuit A-
bisquit alone C+
gravy A
gravy and biscuit A-
bacon A-
vege beef soup B-
mushroom soup C/C+
sausage A
eggs A
french toast B-/A, with syrup: same grade
pulled pork sandwich meat C, soft bun A-. Total C+
Pork belly BLT sandwich, meat alone B+, total B+
red bean and hot chorizo soup B-/B
butternut soup C-
corn B/B+
mash B- one visit, B another
gravy B+/A- one visit, B/B+ another
combo mash and gravy B/B+
brocolli B+
meatloaf B, with ketchup on top B+
meatloaf with gravy B/B+
meatloaf in combo with mashed potatoes B+
turkey breast B
bread B+
stuffing B-
cranberry B/B+
beef vege soup B-
fish and chips, halibut C+, with tartar sauce (sauce alone B). combined: B-/B
fries C+
slaw, vinegary B/B+
cheddar soup A
roll B/B+
veal marsala B-
marsala alone: B
veal alone B+
veal with lemon butter B+/A-
marsala with mashed potatoes B
veal (and no marsala) with mash B/B+
PIES:
chocolate pie (like pudding) B
Blackberry pie B
raspberry cream B-/B
coconut cream B-
PIES, CONT. 2017, June:
banana cream A-
blueberry lemon cream pie B+
chocolate cream pie B
pecan B+ (top 2 with Sugarhouse BBQ)
blueberry fruit pie C+
peach B
whipped cream alone, on pies B+
all pie crusts A
Lemon Grove, Provo
2013:
a. chicken sandwich on potato roll: (chicken alone B-); total with salad inside sandwich: B+
b. tenderloin sandwich, plain B, with mustard and pom vinegrette inside sandwich (meat texture A, flavor C+). Total: A-
c. shrimp pasta and spinach B+
OUT OF BUSINESS: Leslie's Family Tree, Santaquin
a. scones A+
Note: we have tested and are looking for our notes on other items we've had there several times: roast beef, soup, mashed potatoes, and more.
* Lionhouse Pantry, downtown SLC
(We've tested most things on their menu, including desserts. Listed below are the only A's. The rest are mostly Cs, of which only a few are listed.)
2016:
a. dinner rolls A
b. salmon, has nice glaze but characteristic strong salmon flavor and the texture make it obvious it was frozen. The glaze brings it up from a C to a B
c. squash B-
d. almond with raspberry layer pie B-/B
2013:
b. great Boston clam chowder A
c. #1 best stuffing (served with Lionhouse Chicken, but the chicken is a C)
c-1. Lionhouse chicken: chicken alone C, stuffing alone A, total B+
c-2, ditto with yam gravy A
c-3 yams alone B
c-4 yam gravy alone A
c-5 yam and gravy together B+
d. #1 best pork loin (coca-cola pork loin) A
f. best turkey pot pie A
g.tomato bisque C-
h. beans and pork B+
i. Pork with pineapple dish:
pork alone B+
pork with pineapple: A-
rice C-/C
zukini B++
j. beef C-/C
k. beef with onion honey glaze A--
m. pork pot pie (pork alone in it D) A
n. sourdough bread bowl C
o. prime rib au jus D (another test C-)
p. chocolate cake with white icing layers B-
q. beef with gravy C
r. turkey with gravy C
s. sweet baby pork chops C
t. artichoke chicken C
u. salmon, both times: C
v. tap water (they need to replace water tank) D-; current water with lemon B+
w. crab stuff with mushrooms (B/B+
x. herb crusted chicken breast C-/C
y. with gravy B-/B
z. rolls A
aa. cream pies C
bb. roast beef with honey orange glaze: A- -
cc. coca cola pork loin A
2019:
dd. pork loin with pineapple glaze A (add 3 tabs butter to make better!)
sausage A
eggs A
french toast B-/A, with syrup: same grade
pulled pork sandwich meat C, soft bun A-. Total C+
Pork belly BLT sandwich, meat alone B+, total B+
red bean and hot chorizo soup B-/B
butternut soup C-
corn B/B+
mash B- one visit, B another
gravy B+/A- one visit, B/B+ another
combo mash and gravy B/B+
brocolli B+
meatloaf B, with ketchup on top B+
meatloaf with gravy B/B+
meatloaf in combo with mashed potatoes B+
turkey breast B
bread B+
stuffing B-
cranberry B/B+
beef vege soup B-
fish and chips, halibut C+, with tartar sauce (sauce alone B). combined: B-/B
fries C+
slaw, vinegary B/B+
cheddar soup A
roll B/B+
veal marsala B-
marsala alone: B
veal alone B+
veal with lemon butter B+/A-
marsala with mashed potatoes B
veal (and no marsala) with mash B/B+
PIES:
chocolate pie (like pudding) B
Blackberry pie B
raspberry cream B-/B
coconut cream B-
PIES, CONT. 2017, June:
banana cream A-
blueberry lemon cream pie B+
chocolate cream pie B
pecan B+ (top 2 with Sugarhouse BBQ)
blueberry fruit pie C+
peach B
whipped cream alone, on pies B+
all pie crusts A
Lemon Grove, Provo
2013:
a. chicken sandwich on potato roll: (chicken alone B-); total with salad inside sandwich: B+
b. tenderloin sandwich, plain B, with mustard and pom vinegrette inside sandwich (meat texture A, flavor C+). Total: A-
c. shrimp pasta and spinach B+
OUT OF BUSINESS: Leslie's Family Tree, Santaquin
a. scones A+
Note: we have tested and are looking for our notes on other items we've had there several times: roast beef, soup, mashed potatoes, and more.
* Lionhouse Pantry, downtown SLC
(We've tested most things on their menu, including desserts. Listed below are the only A's. The rest are mostly Cs, of which only a few are listed.)
2016:
a. dinner rolls A
b. salmon, has nice glaze but characteristic strong salmon flavor and the texture make it obvious it was frozen. The glaze brings it up from a C to a B
c. squash B-
d. almond with raspberry layer pie B-/B
2013:
b. great Boston clam chowder A
c. #1 best stuffing (served with Lionhouse Chicken, but the chicken is a C)
c-1. Lionhouse chicken: chicken alone C, stuffing alone A, total B+
c-2, ditto with yam gravy A
c-3 yams alone B
c-4 yam gravy alone A
c-5 yam and gravy together B+
d. #1 best pork loin (coca-cola pork loin) A
f. best turkey pot pie A
g.tomato bisque C-
h. beans and pork B+
i. Pork with pineapple dish:
pork alone B+
pork with pineapple: A-
rice C-/C
zukini B++
j. beef C-/C
k. beef with onion honey glaze A--
m. pork pot pie (pork alone in it D) A
n. sourdough bread bowl C
o. prime rib au jus D (another test C-)
p. chocolate cake with white icing layers B-
q. beef with gravy C
r. turkey with gravy C
s. sweet baby pork chops C
t. artichoke chicken C
u. salmon, both times: C
v. tap water (they need to replace water tank) D-; current water with lemon B+
w. crab stuff with mushrooms (B/B+
x. herb crusted chicken breast C-/C
y. with gravy B-/B
z. rolls A
aa. cream pies C
bb. roast beef with honey orange glaze: A- -
cc. coca cola pork loin A
2019:
dd. pork loin with pineapple glaze A (add 3 tabs butter to make better!)
ee. roast beef with honey orange glaze A- -
Little Caesars Pizza, national chain
a. cheese pizza C+?
b. pepperoni pizza B-?
2016:
WINGS:
bbq caesar B+
oven roasted, naked B
spicy bbq (buffalo and bbq) B
teriyaki C+
lemon pepper C-
2014:
WINGS:
shepard's pie (stale, hard mashed potato): C/C+
battered sausage B/B+ (sausage alone B/B+)
sausage roll B (sausage alone, different than above: D+/C-)
large fish B/B+
chips B-/B
DESSERTS FROM SHOP (British imports):
McLean's sticky toffee biscuits C+/B-
Ultimate English Maple fudge B-/B
Walker's Ecclefechan tarts C-
about 2015:
regular fish B
pineapple fritter A-
Lola's Street Kitchen, Midway
2018, Sep:
chile relleno, alone B/B+
chile relleno burrito with pinto and guac B+
blue burger: grilled onion, lettuce, tomato, gogonzola cheese B/B+, potato bread bun B/B+, meat C+; total: B/B+
choc shake (with Chef's line ice cream) C-
garlic parm fries B/B+
Los Hermanos, Provo/Lindon
2016:
a. rice C+
b. beans C+/B-
c. chile relleno (canned anneheim chile) C - -
d. cheese enchilada (similar flavor to Utah chain, Iggy's, before they changed their menu) B-/B (AS OF 2017 IT IS NO LONGER SERVED)
Los Hermanos Taqueria, Heber City
Note: This place is not connected to the Los Hermanos in Provo and Pleasant Grove.
a. best cheese enchiladas in Heber Valley and in top 2 in the state along with Mama Chu's, Orem. A
Los Rodrigues, Orem
Note: no relleno, enchilada, or rice
a. refried beans, only if requested B-/B
PASTRIES (they get from bakery)
b. pina empanada if fresh C+/B- (stale ones D)
c. flan (rather old as it tastes like the store) C-
d. baked custard C+B-
e. chicken tamale C+
f. pork tamale B+
g. cheese tamale B/B+
h. buche taco B+
i. lengua taco B
j. cabeza taco B
Lotus Garden, Provo
2016:
duck (too old and overcooked) C-/C
Also tested an earlier year:
a. crispy duck D+
b. walnut shrimp A-
Lucky H, at Little America Hotel, SLC
2016, revised grade on fried chicken 2020
Little America burger: wagu, onion mayo, pepper jack, shredded cabbage, brown gravy. Next time: leave off onion and mayo and add lettuce and tomato!
wagu meat flavor with seasoning C+/B-, texture A; total: B/B+
bun B/B+
total: B/B+
fries C
fried chicken C+/B-, too strong herbs plus white meat only now vs 2016
cold ribs C-
roast beef B-
salisbury steak C+/B-
salmon with teriyaki sauce C+
mash B+
dressing A-
turkey breast B
BBQ sauce C-
potato salad D
cheesecake B-
Lucy's New York Pizza, national chain, and in Orem
2016:
WINGS:
bbq B/B+
sweet chile B
PIZZA:
margharita pizza B
cheese B
vege (onions, peppers, black olives, mushroom, tomato (subbed out artichoke) B+
3 SUB SANDWICHES:
sandwich: angus cheesesteak (mushroom, onion, mozz): meat B-, bun B+, total: B
sandwich: meatball, marinara and melted cheese: meatball alone: C+/B-, total: B/B+
sandwich: sausage, peppers, onions, and melted cheese: sausage alone B, total B+
M
MacCool's Pub, SLC, Bountiful, Layton
1. fish and chips C
2. buffalo sheppard's pie B+
3. meatloaf B+
5. red trout B+
6. lamb shank B
7. meat loaf B/B+
Machu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant, Salt Lake City
a. rice (green onions, orange-colored bell peppers, bacon strip, chicken, egg, soy) B+
b. pollo la brassa: leg C+, thigh (moist): B-/B
Maddox, Layton (as C.B. Maddox) and Brigham City
2018, June test
a. fried chicken: (dark meat below)
wing B/B+
breast (tough, nice flavor from breading) B-
b. turkey burger C+/B-
c. rolls B-, with honey butter B+, with raspberry butter B+
d. mash potatoes and gravy:
mash alone B+
gravy alone A-
combined: A-
e.slaw B-/B
f. baked beans B-/B
g. potato salad B+/A-
h. cornpone (like corn bread) B-/B, with honey butter B/B+
PIES:
a. strawberry pie (fresh berries, sweetened, with crust only)
B+
b. banana cream pie B+
c. coconut cream pie C+
d. raspberry cream pie C+/B-
e. chocolate cream pie B-/B
2016 August test:
a. fried chicken:
leg: A-
thigh B+
b. fresh peach pie. A
c. burgers (great red sauce: like thousand island dressing but mustard instead of mayo). bun: B-/B. meat: B- (it needs more fat and seasoning); the grade for the burger minus red sauce (with just ketchup and mustard): B/B+; the grade with "red sauce:" B++
d. mash potatoes B-
e. gravy B-
f. combo mash and gravy B
g. roll: C+
h. cornpone B
i. cornpone with raspberry sauce B+
j. cornpone with honey butter B/B+
PIES: (old test, updated since, above)
k. banana B
l. coconut C
m. chocolate B+
n. raspberry B-/B
o. fresh peach (little crust on end) B
Magleby's, Provo
(possibly different-tasting between Provo and Springville, from what we've heard:)
2018:
a. fish and chips (cod, frozen and therefore rather chewy, but with great batter): B+
b. fries - "English" style battered (which is not English style) B
c. breaded halibut B+
d. chocolate cake: C (go to The Chocolate in Orem for great cake!)
e. tartar sauce B
f. cheese roll B
g. slaw C+/B-
h. haddock, when have it, one big piece like in UK, but chewy here, from being frozen. B
Magleby's, Springville
a. chicken fried steak (meat, tough, C+; batter and seasoning A, onion gravy B) total B/B+
b. mash, creamy herbed B
c. herbed squash zuchinni, A-
d. creme brule B+
e. choc cake (cake alone C-, frosting A-) B-, plus raspberry sauce B+
f. buttermilk pie B,with cream B+, with raspberry sauce B+
BREAKFASTS:
a. sausage gravy A
b. biscuit B+, plus sausage gravy A-
c. breakfast potatoes B-
d. scrambled eggs C
e. raspberry lemonade B/B+
f. fresh OJ B+A-
g. banana french toast B-/B, with banana B/B+, plus white syrup B/B+
h. reg. french toast B-/B
i. reg. french toast with cream B+
j. reg. french toast with only white syrup sauce C++
k. pancakes C
l. white omelette (asiago cheese is strong; also has tomatoes and spinach) C
2010, December:
prime rib sandwich, too thin, fried, and tough, with great tomato, lettuce, bun, and aioli mayo B-
buffet: overall C, consisting of:
roast beef C+
shrimp D++
trout, overcooked but fresh caught D
spinach, artichoke, and chicken in alfredo pasta: total B-
specifically:
pasta B+
chicken B+
very little spinach B+
too may artichokes C-
too few tomato chunks
Malawi's Pizza, Provo
a. pepperoni sausage mushroom B+
b. margarita (our fave and standard to test most places that have it) B
(individual items:)
c. sausage C+
d. pepperoni B
e. tomato sauce B+
f. mixed berries and cream dessert pizza (sweetened mixed berries with mint, mascarpone cream, and pizzetta crust): first time: A, second time: (berries if cold B+, if hot C+/B-, total for this pizza A-
g. peaches and cream pizza: B/B+, A another time
h. mac and cheese with cheese sauce B/B+
i. spaghetti and meatball:
meatball (texture C-/C, taste B/B+) total B
marinara sauce (a bit strong) C/C+
total B-/B
j. beef stroganoff:
beef B
gravy with pasta B+
total: B+
* Mama Chu's, Orem (The best of all the "Mi Ranchito" places that use the same recipes (all however with different owners), but this is the only one that does them right, with the original chef. Note that many do not use the same Mi Ranchito name, but branched out with the same food, such as Maria Bonita, Orem, Ernesto's in St. George, and numerous others).
a. chille relleno (#1 in state) A
b. cheese enchilada A
c. chicken chimichanga (A-) (only ones better are at Milagros, Orem)
c. rice A
d. beans A
Maria Bonita, Orem
Market Street Grill, 3 Salt Lake Valley locations
a. western burger (the beef is a C+/B-, bacon B-/B, cheddar C, grilled bun B++, also had tomato and Mexican green pepper) B-/B
b. fish and chips. the fish (cod): C+
c. fries: B
c. key lime pie B/B+
d. clam chowder B
e. seafood salad sandwich (too little bread - too thin) B-
f. slaw B
g. key lime pie B (see our site, "Best Pies in Utah" the Key Lime Pie Section)
Marley's Gourmet Sliders, Lindon and Provo
a. Cinnemon bun (BEST IN THE STATE, with fortunately less sugar than Cinnabon's. (BYU Creamery is #2, Cinnabon #3.) A+
b. Classic slider B+ (best of their 12 lunch-dinner sliders; we tried them all: the others are a B- down to a D)
c. Breakfast pastrami slider (with cheese and egg) B/B+
d. Breakfast burrito (eggs, fried pot, veges, bacon) B+
e. Sausage, egg, cheese slider (sausage alone B) total B+
f. Pancakes and blueberry pancakes B/B+
g. bacon, egg, and cheese (bacon alone C+/B-, scrambled egg B-) total B-
h. vege omellete (mushroom, tomato, red onion) C+/B-
i. Spanish hot salsa for the omelette C+
j. hot sauce D+
k. fried breakfast potato and cheese C+/B-
l. ditto with gravy C+
m. gravy alone C+
n. white buttery pancake syrup B+
o. plain pancake B/B+
p. plain pancake with white syrup B+
q. blueberry pancake B/B+
r. pecan pancake B
s. pecan with blueberry B
t. french toast C+
u. ditto with white syrup C-
ALL SLIDERS:
v. FAJ (steak alone C+) B-
w. ricks B-
x. classic (meat alone: charbroiled flavor B+ but C quality; bun C) total: B/B+
y. rob B-/B
z. MK D+/C-
aa, sal (fish alone D) D+
bb. lex (chicken alone C, bacon alone C-) total C
cc. filet B-/B
dd. BC (tasted is B but too thin), C+
Maxwells, SLC
Midici Pizza, Orem, SLC, national chain
2018, May:
a. margharita pizza B
b. margharita and proscutto pizza (with arugala added to the basil) C+/B-
Mi Lindo Guadalahara, Provo
2016, September:
a. chile relleno, poblano (when freshly fried 10-11 A.M., so order it then!) A-
b.cheese enchilada, unmelted white cheese inside and on top with no sauce A-
c. refried beans C+/B-
d. chorizo and beans mix C+
e. rice C
Mi Pueblo, Ogden
a. El Pastor B++ (summer Friday nights in back, ask for large slices unchopped)
Mi Ranchito, Utah chain
Note 1: Not to be confused with the "Ranchito" chain in Utah, rated further below.
The Mi Ranchito chain has some restaurants with the Mi Ranchito name, while other restaurants in the chain don't use the name. However, they all have a similar menu and recipe, such as Maria Bonita's and Mama Chu's in Orem, MexSal in Provo, and Ernesto's in St. George, plus others in the state. We feel that Mama Chu's is the best of the bunch for the items tested below. We also feel that the Orem Mi Ranchito and others using that name are the second best, and that Maria Bonitas is the weakest, at least for the menu items listed below. (Maria Bonitas in Orem does however have our favorite ambience in the chain, followed by the original Mi Ranchito, also in Orem.) The difference among the places is due to the fact they all have different owners - relatives and friends of the owner of the original restaurant started in 1982 in Orem, just north of the Scera Theater. While the menus and taste of the food items are to some extent different, the tell-tale sign that a restaurant is part of this "chain" is the combinations" section on the menus. For example, at all the restaurants in this chain, our favorite combo, "chile relleno and cheese enchilada" is #38 at every location.
Note 2: We have tested most items on the menu. The ones below are the ones most recently tested, and are from the original Orem location:
2018:
relleno B+/A-
cheese enchilada A-
rice with cheese A
rice alone: B+
beans A-
lobster quesadilla (cheese, pico de gallo, mango salsa) A
shrimp quesadilla (cheese, pico de gallo) A-
chicken enchilada covered with cheese: C-
chicken enchilada covered with mole sauce B
lobster enchilada (lacks cheese and the great veges combo in the quesadilla) C
2016:
a. rice, if not fresh cooked: B-/B; if fresh A
b. refried beans C+/B-
c. chile relleno A-
d. cheese enchilada B/B+
e. chips B
f. salsa B+
2014:
g. chimichangas (our third fave chimi in the state, after Milagros in Orem and Emmanuels in Provo) B+
Milagros, Orem
2018, July:
pork chimi B-/B
beef chimi A-
2016, September:
a. cheese enchiladas, with flour tortillas, green sauce B-/B
b. spicy (Spanish) rice C+
c. sweet rice C
c. refried beans A-
d. borracho beans C
2014:
a. best chicken chimichanga A
b. best pork chimichanga A
c. best beef chimichanga B+
d. good non-smoked baby back ribs (great citrus, candy-like glaze) B
e. vege enchilada A- -, 2015 (veges tough): total A
f. horchata drink A
g. pinto beans B-
h. black beans (among best in state) 2015: B+
i. refried beans 2016: B+
i-1. borracho beans B++
j. spicy rice B+
k honey onion B++
i. cheese enchilada B-/B
m. red enchilada sauce B
n. green enchilada sauce C-
o. sweet white rice C+, first test (2013) second test (2011) C-, third test (2015) B
o-1.spicy rice B/B+
p. chile relleno (poblano) B-
q. chips A
r. red salsa B-
s. green salsa B
t. sweet onion enchilada B/B+
u. baby back ribs (non-smoked but citrus marinated) 2015: C+
Millie's Burgers, Sugarhouse (SLC)
a. cheeseburger B
* Mimi's Cafe, national chain, multiple locations
2018 Note: they almost completely changed their menu and sadly offer very few of the items below by 2017. The bold-faced ones were (and are throughout this site), rated highly, at B+ to A+):
TESTED IN 2014:
a. baked brie with apricot chutney and tart apples (2nd best brie in the state after 412 Bisto, Park City). A
b. French toast - orange pain perdu French toast (2nd best in the state - Cafe 300 is the best). This has been renamed something like Orange/cream cheese french toast: A-
c. regular french toast C+
d. brioche french toast (possibly renamed to cinnamon french toast - it is actually a cinnamon roll dipped in egg batter) B+
e. chicken salad croissant (4th best chicken salad sandwich in state after Cafe 300, Lion House, and Arby's when they have it). A
f. petite chocolate mousse (best in state now). B+
g. clam chowder (#4 best in state, after Eating Establishment in Park City, Cafe 300 in Provo, and Lion House in SLC). A-
h. Le California Avocado BLT Omelette (jack, avocado slices; omelette with spinach alone C , plus avocado B-/B, or plus tomato only B-/B, avocade PLUS tomato B-B; above plus bacon B+
i. strawberry waffle perdu A-
j. sole meuniere (lemon sauce with capers B+/A-, sole fish alone B/B+, provencal potatoes B++, sauteed garlic spinach A-) total B+/A-
k. BBlt (lettuce, tomato, mayo, and bacon on brioche - which is egg white bread). B+
l. banana strawberry smoothie. A-
m. Five cheese sandwich with parm crust (similar to Station 22 crust ("Old School" version) but not as good.) (cheddar, jack, swiss, mozzarella on grilled garlic parm sourdough) B
n. corn chowder B-
o. tomato basil B-
p. white roll B-/B
q. mixed berry french toast, with strawberries and blueberries B
r. pomegranite berry smoothie (discontinued) A
s. ciabatta breakfast sandwich, without ham C, with ham D
t. strawberry smoothie B-
u. roasted tomato soup, alone C+, with cheese crust on top B+
v. carrot cake B/B+
w. petite seafood crepe (shrimp, scallops, spinach in creamy lobster sauce, which is bad as a sauce) C
x. meatloaf (meatloaf alone D, sauce alone C-) total C-
y. mash, with same sauce as meatloaf C-
z. poulet a l'Orange crepes B/B+
aa. pot pie nouveau (peas, carrots, onions, in creamy sauce with herbes de Provence in buttery puff pastry crust) B/B+
bb. le burger de madame (meat C, bun A) total B/B+
cc. nouveau (croissant with cream cheese, avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, and mixed greens, and Kalamata olives and pepperoncinis) C-. CUSTOMIZE IT BY DELETING the Kalamata olives and pepperonicinis: B+
dd. le french quarter (garlic parm sourdough with avocado, swiss, bacon, lettuce, tomates, onions, pickles, thousand island dressing) B-
ee. warm turkey, brie and aple on crossant B/B+
ff. turkey pesto ciabatta (grade lowered by too strong of basil-pesto mayo; also has turkey, bacon, mozzarella, tomatoes, balsamic mixed greens, avocado on ciabatta roll) B-
gg. grilled salmon and rench lentils (lentil mix C+B-, salmon alone overcooked and frozen tasting D) total C+/B-
hh. bacon apple waffle (waffle alone B, sauce C+/B-) total B
ii. croque madame waffle (ham and swiss on two herbe waffles, with mornay sauce D+, toped with fried eggs.) total B/B+, with sauce C
jj. classic waffle C+
kk. leGrande breakfast: bacon C+, pork C+/B-, bayonne-style corned beef hash B+, scrambled egg C
ll. original french toast B-/B
mm. strawberry waffle perdu (filling of cream cheese and orange marmalade on waffles - combined at B++; wafle alone B, waffle and filling on top A-, plus strawberry sauce B+, strawberry sauce alone C+)
mm. cinnamon brioche french toast B/B+
nn. crepes florentine (crepes filled with scrambled eggs, spinach, onions, tomatos, topped with French mornay sauce (sauce B+), total B+
oo. croissant sandwich (fried eggs, tomatoes, cheddar, bacon, side of dijon mustard) B/B+ alone, with mustard B/B+
pp. pomme lyonnaise benedict (hash potato on bottom rather than English muffin) bacon, sauteed spinach, tomatoes, poached egg, hollandaise; it's better with English muffin!) B
2013
BLT avocado omelette (actually a tomato-spinach omelette with these toppings: more tomatoes, bacon, avocado, cheese) C
french toast C++
fried potatoes C+
link sausage B+
oat muffin B/B+
2011
avocado BLT omelette, cooked tomato and spinach inside, on top are melted swiss, faded tomato slices, semi-ripe avocado slices. overcooked eggs: B-
pu pain french toast - real cream cheese stuffing and tiny amount of orange marmalade: B
brioche cinnemon French toast: A-
pomegranite smoothie A+
ciabetta breakfast sandwich: D+, without ham: C-
Molly's, Provo
2014 and 2015
Note: Our 2 favorite dishes there are no longer served: deep pocket beef ribs (oven cooked, glaze very good) B+. (Also not served: reg. beef ribs (bbq) C++). Other great item no longer served is the best mash and gravy in the state on Tuesdays when they made turkey.
a. baby back ribs, first time B-, second time (Dec 2013) (inside bites tender but flavorless B-/B; bites with glaze B++) total B
b. sweet potatoes, first visit (June 2010) flavor boiled away with skins off B+, second visit (either our criteria had changed or perhaps they had added more seasoning that the carrots had absorbed) A
c. BBQ smoked chicken, first time (June 2010) both dark pieces B+, second time A-, third time (Dec 2013) leg B-, thigh B++
d. braised pork D
e. stewed veges with the pork, but not including the pork for this grade A
f. Carolina pulled pork B+
g. 23 hour TX brisket first time (tender but little flavor) B , second time (tough but flavor B) total C+
h. braised beef B-
i. baked beans B+
j. brisket, wet end B+?
k. mash, first visit (June 2010) B+, second visit A
l. mushroom gravy A- -
j. green beans C+
k. tomato-basil pie, no eggs B/B+
l. bacon soup B+
m. pulled pork C
n. chicken enchilada A- -
o. baked beans (whole) B
p. carrot cake B
q. #1 best carrots, first visit (June 2010 A+, second visit A
r. tomato basil soup B+
s. French chicken in wine sauce, first time B+, second time (Dec 2013) (tough chicken C, gravy B+/A-, carrots A) total B-
t. wine sauce for French chicken B+
u. carrots A
v. mash A
w. white gravy C+
x. pot roast gravy B/B+
y. mac and cheese B
z. corn chowder B, with shrimp B+
aa. chocolate cake/cheesecake marble (little cheesecake) B-/B
Moochies, several Utah locations
a. cheesesteak sandwich (get with NO mushrooms - it was bad when we had it with mushrooms) B/B+
b. meatballs C+/B-
c. meatball sandwich B+
d. marinara sauce C+
e. spaghetti and marinara C+
Mooya Burgers, international chain with one Utah location:Provo
a. burger - seasoned and fresh, also with fresh baked buns, similar to Smashburger B+ (bun B+, chedar A-, bacon B-, sauce B+, avocado A, white onion C+). Total: B+
b. chocolate shake #3 best in Utah after Smashburger and Baskin Robbins - best fast-food style shake, using soft serve ice cream (has higher butterfat than any other soft serve we've seen) B
c. fries C
d. hot dog. They now serve Hebrew National instead of the much better Nathans they used to serve before they closed and reopened, so the beef dog could be better. The in-house, fresh baked bun (our favorite around) and condiments that we always get make it sing: sauteed mushrooms, fresh onions, tomato, a little lettuce, their Mooya (fry) sauce, and sometimes, optionally, cheddar - that's it. (Without cheese is better for most of us.) They split the dog in half lengthwise and spread it open to make it like a sandwich, which works best so theirs is not too much meat in the bite, unlike most places that are too meaty with a jumbo dog. B+
e. choc shake B
Mountain West Burrito, Provo
2016:
A. chips C+
b. rice B
c. refried beans (nice and runny) B
d. cheesy bean dip, with two layers of cheese in beans: B/B+
e. ditto with mild salsa C
f. mild salsa C
BEFORE 2016:
a. chicken chimi C-
b. steak chimi A-
c. carrots and lentils B/B+
d. cheese quesadilla A
e. bean and cheese buritto B-
f. medium sauce C
g. hot sauce A-
h. steak burrito A-
i. chips A+
j. salsa C
k.rice C-
l. pinto beans C+
N
Nauvoo Cafe, downtown Salt Lake City
a. turkey pot pie (strong rosemary herb flavor; because of that, some will not like - one of us did not) A
b. chicken salad sandwich. Cucumber helps it. Avocado and tomato are also very helpful. (See our "Best Chicken Salad Sandwiches list for the best.) A-
New York Pizza Patrol
2016:
a. Margharita Pizza B+
Nicolitalia, Provo
2018
a. Margharita Pizza (request small garlic pieces to give it the highest grade) B+
2014
b. supreme pizza C+
c. chicken parmesean C
d. primavera with spinach (not broc), tomatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms, mozz, romano cheese on pizza sauce B
e. breaded mushrooms D+
WINGS:
plain B-/B
teriyaki B-
BBQ B-
Noodles and Co., national chain
a. pad thai B
b. Alfredo MonAmore B+/A-
c. Bangkok Curry B/B+
d. Indonesian Peanut Saute C/C+
e. Thai Curry Soup B/B+
f. tomato basil bisque (basil too strong) B-
g. Chinese chicken chop salad C
h. Wisconsin Cheesesteak C+
i. Margherita Flatbread C
j. Asian salad C+
k. noodles C+
l. meatballs A-
m. flat bread C
n. spaghetti and meatballs B+
o. spaghetti and sauce alone C
p. mac and cheese B-/B
q. mac and cheese with meatballs B+
r. chicken noodle soup B
s. BBQ pork sandwich (pork alone C-, sauce D, slaw A, bun B+) total: C
New York Pizza Patrol, Draper
(some of same dishes as former NYPD Pizza)
a. margharita pizza B+
b. pasta aglio e olia pop's favorite dish
(sauteed garlic, olive oil Italian seasonings) B+
(Gone however is their amazing Wedding Soup when it was NYPD Pizza: couscous, basil, and meatballs: grade A)
0
O'Hanna's Grill, south Provo (Polynesian - not Irish!)
a. mango otai drink. A
b. fish katsu and numerous dishes: B
c. kalua pork B/B+
d. cabbage B/B+
e. fried rice with spam and egg B
f. povi masima (steamed, salted wet brisket) C+
g. kalbi ribs B+ (half were tough)
h. masubi (seaweed and spam) C+
i. fried buttermilk garlic chicken B/B+
j. macaroni B
k. corned beef has B-
l. spam fried rice B
m. banana nut pancake with coconut milk sauce A
n. french toast B
o. teriyaki beef B
p. portuguese sausage B-/B
q. sticky rice B-
(The) Old Spaghetti Factory, only 2 locations remain in Utah as of 2018
2017:
ministrone soup C-
chocolate mousse cake (over 1/4 is A- grade mousse; the rest is: chocolate cake B; chocolate frosting A-. total grade: B+
creme brulee cheesecake C
ITEMS TO COMPARE TO OTHER ITALIAN PLACES:
2013 test:
a. marinara sauce C-
b. pomodora sauce A-
c. ragu alla bolognese (meat sauce) B++++
d. salsa rosa (red and white: marinara and alfredo mixed) A
e. bread C+/B- sour loaf. + butter = B+
f. spaghetti noodles C-
g. soup C-/C
DESSERTS
h. choc mousse B+, and choc cake B+ = B+
2008 test:
i. marsala B-
j. lasagna B
k. chicken parmesan B
l. bread D
m. salad C-
n. salad dressing D
o. ministrone soup C-
p. clam sauce C+/B-
q. alfredo sauce C+
r. mushroom sauce C-
Olive Garden, national chain
2016: DESSERTS:
a. New York cheesecake B++
b. Homemade chocolate cake, with frosting and with cream C-
c. lemon cream cake (top 1/2 like lemon pudding). 1st time: C+/B-, 2nd time: B+
BREAD:
d. breadsticks C+/B-
2014-2016:
a. breaded tilapia. B/B+ (best breaded tilapia with Italian seasoning is Archibalds, South Jordan)
ITEMS HERE TO COMPARE TO OTHER ITALIAN PLACES:
a. marinara sauce B++
b. #2 Pomodora spaghetti in state (after Romano Grill) A- -
c. ragu alla bolognese (meat sauce) B+++
d. arrabiata (spicy pomodora sauce) (garlicy and spicy) B++
e. salsa rosa (red and white sauce) (Five cheese") (3rd best behind Terra Mia, Orem and Old Spaghetti Factory, national chain) A-
f. bread (sticks) B-
g. minestrone soup C-
h. spaghetti noodles D+
DESSERTS:
a. choc cake B-/B, + choc mousse A- -, total A-
b. choc cheesecake B+, + white mousse B+, total B+/A-
c. chocolate mousse alone (A - )
(See "Best Desserts in Utah" for full list.)
MEALS:
a. Italian-seasoned tilapia B/B+
180 Taco, Provo
2018:
chimi mac D+
orange shrimp taco C
2016:
buffalo chicken "stacked" enchilada C+
stacked enchilada with cheese and red sauce, custom: B
chilequeles C+
chilequeles with egg and cilantro B+
orange chile shrimp taco B/B+
Mexican rice: white with sauce and stuff over it C+
pork and beans with sauce C+/B-
mac and cheese: no mac and cheese flavor - all Mexican flavor C
One Man Band, several locations
a. breakfast sandwich with sausage D-
b. breakfast sandwich with bacon C+
c. breakfast sandwich with ham C-
f. liver and onions C+
g. sausage D
h. french toast D
i. bacon C-
j. ham D+
Original Pancake House, Sugarhouse, Draper
APRIL 2017 TEST:
a. Pecan pancake B, with maple syrup and butter B+
b. blueberry pancake B, with butter only (better with no syrup): B+
c. plain pancake B
AUGUST 2013 TEST:
a. pecan pancakes A
b. California Club Benedict (current bacon quality A-). (Formerly it was served with much more tomato, in small cubes, piled on, plus avocado, but now it only has a few slivers of tomatos. So ask the server for more tomatoes like it used to be. In 2008 when it was an A+). Now: B+
c. blueberry pancakes D
d. scrambled eggs (not fresh/real) D
e. nutella waffle B
f. belgian waffle B-
g. ditto with fruit B
h. french toast C
i. Greek omelette D
Nov 2008 test:
j. crepes D+
k. fruit topping: fresh banana, peaches, strawberries A+
k-1. above fruits plus whipped cream on waffle A+
l. thick bacon A+
m. basted egg (served cold on our test and too thick of cooked egg white) B-
AUGUST 2010 TEST:
a. swedish pancake B+
b. silver dollar buttermilk pancakes B--
c. blueberry pancakes A+
d. Belgian waffle C++
e. Sourdough pancakes B++
f. "Joe" (scramble with sausage, onion, spinach; REQUEST TOMATO on the side to add to it!) A-
g. Dutch treat with fruit variety B
h. hash browns "breakfast potatoes" A- -
i. banana foster french toast B
j. sausage links B+/A
k. buttermilk pancakes with fruit topping B+
NOVEMBER 2008 TEST:
a. crepes D+
b. belgian waffle C+/B-
c. fresh banana, peaches, strawberries and whipped cream for waffles A+
f. toast C+
g. California bendict: chopped cubed tomato, avocado, basted eggs, English muffin, great hollandaise sauce, great bacon but ask for it more crispy: A
OCTOBER 2008 TEST:
a. bacon, chicken, avocado, tiny amount of tomato, sadly, no cheese - which they need to add!) B-
b. sausage links B-
sausage patt C-
potatoes C
plain pancakes A (voted B in April 2017)
Oregano, Provo (same chef-owner as superb, former Chef's Table)
2016, December:
ribeye with fresh rosemary and sage butter (made same as at Chef's Table but a fraction of the price!) A-
New York Strip with cacao rub B/B+
bread with green sauce A
spaghetti with marinara sauce and meatballs B/B+
meatball alone C+
lasagno B
PASTA SAUCES
marinara B+
meat sauce C+
crema rosa A
Bread with pesto A
DESSERTS:
chocolate mousse (best in Utah valley) A - -, plus raspberry sauce and raspberries: same grade: A - -
cannoli C, the cram inside C+/B-
spumoni ice cream: cherry ice cream B/B+, pistachio (too strong) C-
mango cheesecake plain C, with raspberries B+/A-
Oteo (upscale Mexican), Lindon
Note: this is the follow-up restaurant to the now defunct Tortilla Bar in Orem; another one, Masa, closed as well.
a. beef taco with hanging beef tenders, sliced jalapeno (leave out unless you love the heat), shredded green apple, little sauce B+
b. beef alone, from flank steak possibly but made as tender and flavorful as fillet mignon A
c. pipil slow cooked seasoned pork taco with sliced red vege B+/A-
d. pork alone, shredded B+
e. platano macho: seared plantain, topped with feta cheese, cream, marzipan paste B+
f. molote - fried masa dudmpling atop black bean puree with salsa B
Outback, national chain
a-1. #1 crabcake in Utah. crabcake alone B/B+
a-2. hollandaise-like sauce with it: B+
a-3. crabcake with sauce B+
b. tenderloin steak (B+)
c. soup - chicken tortilla (too much black pepper, too spicy) B-
d. soup - potato cheese B
e. seasoned rice B-
f. mashed potatoes with garlic C
g. baby back ribs (slightly dry inside) B+
h. grilled chicken breast C-
i. garlic mash B-, another time: B/B+
j bone-in ribeye (beside bone A-, outer part with fat B+, lean part C) overall B/B+
k. Delmonico steak (strongly herbed, a drawback) B/B+
l. baked potato C
m. sweet potato A-
n-1. tilapia B
n-2. tilapia with Pure Lump Crab Meat B-
o. "fillet focacia sandwich" (fish?) (herbed focacia bread with provolone cheese and several chunks of meat and garlic aioli; might be higher grade of A- if the bread were not herbed) B+
p. stuffed mushrooms C?
q. steak sandwich C+?
r. potato cheese soup B-
s. pork porterhouse:
1. tenderloin part B/B+
2. NY strip part B-
t. mustard maple pork chop (no mustard or maple flavor) B+
m. cheeseburger (bun too think, rating a C; meat good quality, rating B+ but B flavor as it's not seasoned enough): B
n. marsala sirloin B
o. onion potato soup B/B+
p. citrus cooler drink (orange, lemon, lime, cucumber) A
q. citrus cooler drink made with cherry added to above: A-
r. rice D
s. bread (dark brown small loaf) B
t. lime drink B+
u. strawberry lime drink B++
v. fries A-
w. 7 layer chocolate cake B-
x. 7 layer chocolate cake with raspberry sauce B-/B
y. potato onion soulp with cheese and bacon C+
P
Paco's Taco's, Lehi, SLC
prices great here:
2018:
a. chile relleno burrito B+
b. Mexicano burrito - egg, jalapeno slices, cheese, onion, tomato B+
c. customized Mexicano burrito with green bell pepper in place of jalapeno C+
d. bean, egg, and cheese burrito (too much refried beans) B-
e. refried beans B-/B
f. rice C/C+
g. scrambled eggs with jalapeno slices, onion, tomato, covered with green rice sauce: C+ (they need a red mild sauce; their red hot sauce is too hot for many of us)
h. customized scrambled egg burrito with fajita veges (colored peppers and onions): C+
i. scrambled eggs alone B
j. scrambled eggs with burrito and salsa B+
k. scrambled eggs with burrito B
*Pago, Salt Lake City
(In March 2015 chosen on MSN as best restaurant in Utah, among "Best Restaurants in 50 States") TESTED SPRING 2014:
a. sable fish (A-)
b.fried polenta (A-: the best fried polenta in state)
c. veges with the stable fish A
d. veges with the pork tenderloin (but don't order the pork itself - only a C+/B-, even though they cook using the preferred "sous vide" method). Veges A
e. risoto with the pork tenderloin (best in state tied with The Slate, in Provo) A
Panda Express, national chain
a. rice C-
b. lo mein noodles C
c. walnut shrimp B-
d. orange chicken B-
e. Chinese spare ribs B-/B
f. mushroom chicken B
Papa Johns Pizza, national chain
a. cheese pizza C
Little Caesars Pizza, national chain
a. cheese pizza C+?
b. pepperoni pizza B-?
2016:
WINGS:
bbq caesar B+
oven roasted, naked B
spicy bbq (buffalo and bbq) B
teriyaki C+
lemon pepper C-
2014:
WINGS:
c. bacon honey mustard A- -
d. oven roasted B++
e. parm B/B+
f. teriyaki B/B+
g. lemon pepper B+
h. bbq B-/B
i. spicy bbq C+/B-
j. buffalo hot B
Little America Hotel cafe, SLC
Little Taste of Britain, Layton
2018:
wagu burger: total with onion, mayo, pepper jack, shredded cabbage, brown gravy a nice touch!: total: B/B+
bun alone: B/B+
wago burger meat alone: flavor with seasoning C+/B-, texture A, meat total B/B+
fries C
Little Taste of Britain, Layton
shepard's pie (stale, hard mashed potato): C/C+
battered sausage B/B+ (sausage alone B/B+)
sausage roll B (sausage alone, different than above: D+/C-)
large fish B/B+
chips B-/B
DESSERTS FROM SHOP (British imports):
McLean's sticky toffee biscuits C+/B-
Ultimate English Maple fudge B-/B
Walker's Ecclefechan tarts C-
about 2015:
regular fish B
pineapple fritter A-
Lola's Street Kitchen, Midway
2018, Sep:
chile relleno, alone B/B+
chile relleno burrito with pinto and guac B+
blue burger: grilled onion, lettuce, tomato, gogonzola cheese B/B+, potato bread bun B/B+, meat C+; total: B/B+
choc shake (with Chef's line ice cream) C-
garlic parm fries B/B+
Los Hermanos, Provo/Lindon
2016:
a. rice C+
b. beans C+/B-
c. chile relleno (canned anneheim chile) C - -
d. cheese enchilada (similar flavor to Utah chain, Iggy's, before they changed their menu) B-/B (AS OF 2017 IT IS NO LONGER SERVED)
Los Hermanos Taqueria, Heber City
Note: This place is not connected to the Los Hermanos in Provo and Pleasant Grove.
a. best cheese enchiladas in Heber Valley and in top 2 in the state along with Mama Chu's, Orem. A
Los Rodrigues, Orem
Note: no relleno, enchilada, or rice
a. refried beans, only if requested B-/B
PASTRIES (they get from bakery)
b. pina empanada if fresh C+/B- (stale ones D)
c. flan (rather old as it tastes like the store) C-
d. baked custard C+B-
e. chicken tamale C+
f. pork tamale B+
g. cheese tamale B/B+
h. buche taco B+
i. lengua taco B
j. cabeza taco B
Lotus Garden, Provo
2016:
duck (too old and overcooked) C-/C
Also tested an earlier year:
a. crispy duck D+
b. walnut shrimp A-
Lucky H, at Little America Hotel, SLC
2016, revised grade on fried chicken 2020
Little America burger: wagu, onion mayo, pepper jack, shredded cabbage, brown gravy. Next time: leave off onion and mayo and add lettuce and tomato!
wagu meat flavor with seasoning C+/B-, texture A; total: B/B+
bun B/B+
total: B/B+
fries C
fried chicken C+/B-, too strong herbs plus white meat only now vs 2016
cold ribs C-
roast beef B-
salisbury steak C+/B-
salmon with teriyaki sauce C+
mash B+
dressing A-
turkey breast B
BBQ sauce C-
potato salad D
cheesecake B-
Lucy's New York Pizza, national chain, and in Orem
2016:
WINGS:
bbq B/B+
sweet chile B
PIZZA:
margharita pizza B
cheese B
vege (onions, peppers, black olives, mushroom, tomato (subbed out artichoke) B+
3 SUB SANDWICHES:
sandwich: angus cheesesteak (mushroom, onion, mozz): meat B-, bun B+, total: B
sandwich: meatball, marinara and melted cheese: meatball alone: C+/B-, total: B/B+
sandwich: sausage, peppers, onions, and melted cheese: sausage alone B, total B+
M
MacCool's Pub, SLC, Bountiful, Layton
1. fish and chips C
2. buffalo sheppard's pie B+
3. meatloaf B+
5. red trout B+
6. lamb shank B
7. meat loaf B/B+
Machu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant, Salt Lake City
a. rice (green onions, orange-colored bell peppers, bacon strip, chicken, egg, soy) B+
b. pollo la brassa: leg C+, thigh (moist): B-/B
Maddox, Layton (as C.B. Maddox) and Brigham City
2018, June test
a. fried chicken: (dark meat below)
wing B/B+
breast (tough, nice flavor from breading) B-
b. turkey burger C+/B-
c. rolls B-, with honey butter B+, with raspberry butter B+
d. mash potatoes and gravy:
mash alone B+
gravy alone A-
combined: A-
e.slaw B-/B
f. baked beans B-/B
g. potato salad B+/A-
h. cornpone (like corn bread) B-/B, with honey butter B/B+
PIES:
a. strawberry pie (fresh berries, sweetened, with crust only)
B+
b. banana cream pie B+
c. coconut cream pie C+
d. raspberry cream pie C+/B-
e. chocolate cream pie B-/B
2016 August test:
a. fried chicken:
leg: A-
thigh B+
b. fresh peach pie. A
c. burgers (great red sauce: like thousand island dressing but mustard instead of mayo). bun: B-/B. meat: B- (it needs more fat and seasoning); the grade for the burger minus red sauce (with just ketchup and mustard): B/B+; the grade with "red sauce:" B++
d. mash potatoes B-
e. gravy B-
f. combo mash and gravy B
g. roll: C+
h. cornpone B
i. cornpone with raspberry sauce B+
j. cornpone with honey butter B/B+
PIES: (old test, updated since, above)
k. banana B
l. coconut C
m. chocolate B+
n. raspberry B-/B
o. fresh peach (little crust on end) B
Magleby's, Provo
(possibly different-tasting between Provo and Springville, from what we've heard:)
2018:
a. fish and chips (cod, frozen and therefore rather chewy, but with great batter): B+
b. fries - "English" style battered (which is not English style) B
c. breaded halibut B+
d. chocolate cake: C (go to The Chocolate in Orem for great cake!)
e. tartar sauce B
f. cheese roll B
g. slaw C+/B-
h. haddock, when have it, one big piece like in UK, but chewy here, from being frozen. B
Magleby's, Springville
a. chicken fried steak (meat, tough, C+; batter and seasoning A, onion gravy B) total B/B+
b. mash, creamy herbed B
c. herbed squash zuchinni, A-
d. creme brule B+
e. choc cake (cake alone C-, frosting A-) B-, plus raspberry sauce B+
f. buttermilk pie B,with cream B+, with raspberry sauce B+
BREAKFASTS:
a. sausage gravy A
b. biscuit B+, plus sausage gravy A-
c. breakfast potatoes B-
d. scrambled eggs C
e. raspberry lemonade B/B+
f. fresh OJ B+A-
g. banana french toast B-/B, with banana B/B+, plus white syrup B/B+
h. reg. french toast B-/B
i. reg. french toast with cream B+
j. reg. french toast with only white syrup sauce C++
k. pancakes C
l. white omelette (asiago cheese is strong; also has tomatoes and spinach) C
2010, December:
prime rib sandwich, too thin, fried, and tough, with great tomato, lettuce, bun, and aioli mayo B-
buffet: overall C, consisting of:
roast beef C+
shrimp D++
trout, overcooked but fresh caught D
spinach, artichoke, and chicken in alfredo pasta: total B-
specifically:
pasta B+
chicken B+
very little spinach B+
too may artichokes C-
too few tomato chunks
Malawi's Pizza, Provo
a. pepperoni sausage mushroom B+
b. margarita (our fave and standard to test most places that have it) B
(individual items:)
c. sausage C+
d. pepperoni B
e. tomato sauce B+
f. mixed berries and cream dessert pizza (sweetened mixed berries with mint, mascarpone cream, and pizzetta crust): first time: A, second time: (berries if cold B+, if hot C+/B-, total for this pizza A-
g. peaches and cream pizza: B/B+, A another time
h. mac and cheese with cheese sauce B/B+
i. spaghetti and meatball:
meatball (texture C-/C, taste B/B+) total B
marinara sauce (a bit strong) C/C+
total B-/B
j. beef stroganoff:
beef B
gravy with pasta B+
total: B+
* Mama Chu's, Orem (The best of all the "Mi Ranchito" places that use the same recipes (all however with different owners), but this is the only one that does them right, with the original chef. Note that many do not use the same Mi Ranchito name, but branched out with the same food, such as Maria Bonita, Orem, Ernesto's in St. George, and numerous others).
a. chille relleno (#1 in state) A
b. cheese enchilada A
c. chicken chimichanga (A-) (only ones better are at Milagros, Orem)
c. rice A
d. beans A
Maria Bonita, Orem
Note: This is part of the Mi Ranchito "chain," with similar menu and recipes. See our note at "Mi Ranchito" for more details on the chain.
Note: We have tested other items here as well, but those below are the most recent:
2016:
a. rice (B+ flavor, but weak texture) B-
b. refried beans B+/A-
c. chile relleno B
d. cheese enchilada C
2009, July:
rice C+
beans, pinto A
chicken chimi B+
shrimp enchilada (mostly stew) A
cheese enchilada A-
chips D
salsa B-
Marie Calendars, SLC
2019:
salmon with herb garlic B
trout with monteray sauce B
alfredo fettucine B
french bread B
croissant club sandwich B
pecan pie B
sour cream lemon pie B
Note: We have tested other items here as well, but those below are the most recent:
2016:
a. rice (B+ flavor, but weak texture) B-
b. refried beans B+/A-
c. chile relleno B
d. cheese enchilada C
2009, July:
rice C+
beans, pinto A
chicken chimi B+
shrimp enchilada (mostly stew) A
cheese enchilada A-
chips D
salsa B-
Marie Calendars, SLC
2019:
salmon with herb garlic B
trout with monteray sauce B
alfredo fettucine B
french bread B
croissant club sandwich B
pecan pie B
sour cream lemon pie B
Dec 2020 pies:
choc cream B
choco satin B
Kalua cream C
lemon cream cheese B/B+
double cream lemon B
double cream blueberry B/B+
cream cheese B+ (best one)
sour cream apple B+
custard B/B+
rubarb B
Note: some of those rated C actually merge into the D category:
lasagna C
lemon chicken C
country fried steak C
tortellini C
meat loaf C
pot roast C
roast chicken C
french dip C
Mariscos, Provo and Orem
a. mixed tostada C+
b. garlic motarra (tilapia) C+
c. rice C
d. beans (ask them to leave off the strong cheese); first visit (Provo) A- ; second visit (Orem) B-
e. rice with lobster sauce C+
f. lobster (overcooked) D
g. mushroom sauce C-
h. chips C-
i. salsas red and green B
j. cheese enchilada B-
k. chips C
l. bass fish taco B
m. marlin taco (fish too highly seasoned) C+
Note: some of those rated C actually merge into the D category:
lasagna C
lemon chicken C
country fried steak C
tortellini C
meat loaf C
pot roast C
roast chicken C
french dip C
Mariscos, Provo and Orem
a. mixed tostada C+
b. garlic motarra (tilapia) C+
c. rice C
d. beans (ask them to leave off the strong cheese); first visit (Provo) A- ; second visit (Orem) B-
e. rice with lobster sauce C+
f. lobster (overcooked) D
g. mushroom sauce C-
h. chips C-
i. salsas red and green B
j. cheese enchilada B-
k. chips C
l. bass fish taco B
m. marlin taco (fish too highly seasoned) C+
Market Street Grill, 3 Salt Lake Valley locations
a. western burger (the beef is a C+/B-, bacon B-/B, cheddar C, grilled bun B++, also had tomato and Mexican green pepper) B-/B
b. fish and chips. the fish (cod): C+
c. fries: B
c. key lime pie B/B+
d. clam chowder B
e. seafood salad sandwich (too little bread - too thin) B-
f. slaw B
g. key lime pie B (see our site, "Best Pies in Utah" the Key Lime Pie Section)
Marley's Gourmet Sliders, Lindon and Provo
a. Cinnemon bun (BEST IN THE STATE, with fortunately less sugar than Cinnabon's. (BYU Creamery is #2, Cinnabon #3.) A+
b. Classic slider B+ (best of their 12 lunch-dinner sliders; we tried them all: the others are a B- down to a D)
c. Breakfast pastrami slider (with cheese and egg) B/B+
d. Breakfast burrito (eggs, fried pot, veges, bacon) B+
e. Sausage, egg, cheese slider (sausage alone B) total B+
f. Pancakes and blueberry pancakes B/B+
g. bacon, egg, and cheese (bacon alone C+/B-, scrambled egg B-) total B-
h. vege omellete (mushroom, tomato, red onion) C+/B-
i. Spanish hot salsa for the omelette C+
j. hot sauce D+
k. fried breakfast potato and cheese C+/B-
l. ditto with gravy C+
m. gravy alone C+
n. white buttery pancake syrup B+
o. plain pancake B/B+
p. plain pancake with white syrup B+
q. blueberry pancake B/B+
r. pecan pancake B
s. pecan with blueberry B
t. french toast C+
u. ditto with white syrup C-
ALL SLIDERS:
v. FAJ (steak alone C+) B-
w. ricks B-
x. classic (meat alone: charbroiled flavor B+ but C quality; bun C) total: B/B+
y. rob B-/B
z. MK D+/C-
aa, sal (fish alone D) D+
bb. lex (chicken alone C, bacon alone C-) total C
cc. filet B-/B
dd. BC (tasted is B but too thin), C+
Maxwells, SLC
a. chicken parmisan B/B+
b. spaghetti - with "mom's original marinara" B+
c. meatball - B/B+
d. philly cheesesteak C
b. spaghetti - with "mom's original marinara" B+
c. meatball - B/B+
d. philly cheesesteak C
e. BLT wrap (fish C+) total B+
f. dessert canoli A
g. focacia bread B+/A-
h. potato bacon soup A-
McCools, SLC
a.fish and chips (the fish alone is B-, batter is a B-/B, fish overall: B-
b. tartar: C+
c. meatloaf (among best in Utah) B/B+
d. buffalo shepard's pie (with buffalo, venison, and andoulle sausage, plus mash, corn, etc.) B+
e. cottage fries: C
McDonalds, chain
As most folks know, they change much of their menu and burger offerings each year or so:
2017-2018:
Sweet BBQ bacon burger: meat C+, bacon C, bun C. total: B
Maple bacon dijon burger B-
Pico/guac burger B
fish fillet sandwich B. (When it was introduced in the 70's through the 80's it was "fillet o' soul" sandwich, and an A-. Now it's a cheap fish and not as much of it; but overall sandwich flavor is similar with soft bun and tartar making up much of the flavor and texture.
sausage egg mcmuffin B+
fries: A- (apparently the same over the decades)
chocolate shake: C (see our list of "Best Shakes in Utah")
2014:
Note: some of these burgers may no longer be served:
a. bacon clubhouse burger - too much sauce - beef alone: B, bun: B-, bacon: C-/C, total: C
b. Deluxe burger C+ (with bun quality C+
c. bacon cheddar burger, with leaf lettuce, tomato (bun: B, bacon C-, beef B-, total: B/B+
d. queso burger (strong S.W. flavor) B-
e. quarter pounder BLT (bacon B+, beef B-) B-/B
f. big mac C
g. sausage egg McMuffin: best sausage around (but by 2017 it would not be as great as it was for decades, but still good); poached egg good, muffin is barely OK. total A-
h. McGriddle - fake scrambled egg, muffin too sweet, and fake maple flavor is awful but many kids love it. total: D-
McGrath's Fish House, Sandy, regional chain
a. halibut davini: linguini C+, fish B
b. marlin D
c. garlic trout A-
d. grilled catfish B-
e. wood fired salmon, topped with garlid basil butter C-
f. ribeye C+
g. baby back ris C-
h. fried oysters (best in state); recipe changed, made worse, about 2010, but they could custom-make it the old way, with Japanese panco crumbs, etc, to make it an A
i. lemon caper sole (fish only C-) total B+
j. red snapper B-
k. southern fried catfish C
l. alderplank salmon B+
m. reg. wood fired salmon B+
n. citrus honey salmon B
o. teriyaki candy glaze salmon C
p. BBQ salmon D+
q. fish and chips B-?
Mediterranean Deli, Salt Lake City
a. marinara sauce, in-house B
b. BLT: wheat bread, parm cheese, lettuce, tomato, thin regular bacon B-
c. chicken noodle soup B/B+
d. garlic bread C+/B-
e. lasagna: best in state (call and ask when they serve it): B+
TO TEST: clam chowder, every other Friday
Melting Pot, national chain
CHEESE FONDUES:
a. classic alpine: gruyere, raclette, fontina, white wine, garlic, nutmeg (strong): C
b. spinach artichoke: butterkase, fontina, parmesan, fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic B+
ENTREES:
a. honey orange duck: cooked in mojo sauce (caribbbean garlic, cilantro, orange, and lime: C/C+
vs. cooked in coq au vin sauce (pronounced cock-o-vaw(n). burgandy wine, herbs, spices, garlic, mushrooms: B-/B
b. atlantic salmon fillet: cooked in above mojo sauce: B+
vs. cooked in above coq au vin sauce: B+
c. Memphis style dry rub pork - in mojo sauce: C+; in coq au vin: C+/B-
d. fillet mignon (D+ grade) - in mojo sauce: C; in coq au vin: C
e. potstickers - in mojo sauce: C+; in coq au vin: C+
f. mushrooms - in mojo sauce: B-; in coq au vin: C
g. potatoes - in mojo sauce: C; in coq au vin: C
h. shrimp - in mojo sauce: B/B+, in coq au vin: n/a
MISC:
a. garlic and wine seasoning B-
b. bananas foster dessert fondue A-
c. dark chocolate dessert fondue C
Meltyway (sandwiches, soup, desserts only, in Sandy, plus food truck)
We tried them all: only one got an A, but it's worth getting!
a. NO LONGER OFFERED - THEIR BEST SANDWICH: turkey cran havarti + cream cheese (bread, whipped cream cheese, turkey, whole cranberry dressing, cheese) A
b. three cheese - cheddar, havarti, pepper jack B?
c. the italian - mozzarella, tom, basil pesto, salt and pepper B
d. bacon and tomato (bacon D) total B-
e. tomato basil soup B-
g. focacia bread B+/A-
h. potato bacon soup A-
McCools, SLC
a.fish and chips (the fish alone is B-, batter is a B-/B, fish overall: B-
b. tartar: C+
c. meatloaf (among best in Utah) B/B+
d. buffalo shepard's pie (with buffalo, venison, and andoulle sausage, plus mash, corn, etc.) B+
e. cottage fries: C
McDonalds, chain
As most folks know, they change much of their menu and burger offerings each year or so:
2017-2018:
Sweet BBQ bacon burger: meat C+, bacon C, bun C. total: B
Maple bacon dijon burger B-
Pico/guac burger B
fish fillet sandwich B. (When it was introduced in the 70's through the 80's it was "fillet o' soul" sandwich, and an A-. Now it's a cheap fish and not as much of it; but overall sandwich flavor is similar with soft bun and tartar making up much of the flavor and texture.
sausage egg mcmuffin B+
fries: A- (apparently the same over the decades)
chocolate shake: C (see our list of "Best Shakes in Utah")
2014:
Note: some of these burgers may no longer be served:
a. bacon clubhouse burger - too much sauce - beef alone: B, bun: B-, bacon: C-/C, total: C
b. Deluxe burger C+ (with bun quality C+
c. bacon cheddar burger, with leaf lettuce, tomato (bun: B, bacon C-, beef B-, total: B/B+
d. queso burger (strong S.W. flavor) B-
e. quarter pounder BLT (bacon B+, beef B-) B-/B
f. big mac C
g. sausage egg McMuffin: best sausage around (but by 2017 it would not be as great as it was for decades, but still good); poached egg good, muffin is barely OK. total A-
h. McGriddle - fake scrambled egg, muffin too sweet, and fake maple flavor is awful but many kids love it. total: D-
McGrath's Fish House, Sandy, regional chain
a. halibut davini: linguini C+, fish B
b. marlin D
c. garlic trout A-
d. grilled catfish B-
e. wood fired salmon, topped with garlid basil butter C-
f. ribeye C+
g. baby back ris C-
h. fried oysters (best in state); recipe changed, made worse, about 2010, but they could custom-make it the old way, with Japanese panco crumbs, etc, to make it an A
i. lemon caper sole (fish only C-) total B+
j. red snapper B-
k. southern fried catfish C
l. alderplank salmon B+
m. reg. wood fired salmon B+
n. citrus honey salmon B
o. teriyaki candy glaze salmon C
p. BBQ salmon D+
q. fish and chips B-?
Mediterranean Deli, Salt Lake City
a. marinara sauce, in-house B
b. BLT: wheat bread, parm cheese, lettuce, tomato, thin regular bacon B-
c. chicken noodle soup B/B+
d. garlic bread C+/B-
e. lasagna: best in state (call and ask when they serve it): B+
TO TEST: clam chowder, every other Friday
Melting Pot, national chain
CHEESE FONDUES:
a. classic alpine: gruyere, raclette, fontina, white wine, garlic, nutmeg (strong): C
b. spinach artichoke: butterkase, fontina, parmesan, fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic B+
ENTREES:
a. honey orange duck: cooked in mojo sauce (caribbbean garlic, cilantro, orange, and lime: C/C+
vs. cooked in coq au vin sauce (pronounced cock-o-vaw(n). burgandy wine, herbs, spices, garlic, mushrooms: B-/B
b. atlantic salmon fillet: cooked in above mojo sauce: B+
vs. cooked in above coq au vin sauce: B+
c. Memphis style dry rub pork - in mojo sauce: C+; in coq au vin: C+/B-
d. fillet mignon (D+ grade) - in mojo sauce: C; in coq au vin: C
e. potstickers - in mojo sauce: C+; in coq au vin: C+
f. mushrooms - in mojo sauce: B-; in coq au vin: C
g. potatoes - in mojo sauce: C; in coq au vin: C
h. shrimp - in mojo sauce: B/B+, in coq au vin: n/a
MISC:
a. garlic and wine seasoning B-
b. bananas foster dessert fondue A-
c. dark chocolate dessert fondue C
Meltyway (sandwiches, soup, desserts only, in Sandy, plus food truck)
We tried them all: only one got an A, but it's worth getting!
a. NO LONGER OFFERED - THEIR BEST SANDWICH: turkey cran havarti + cream cheese (bread, whipped cream cheese, turkey, whole cranberry dressing, cheese) A
b. three cheese - cheddar, havarti, pepper jack B?
c. the italian - mozzarella, tom, basil pesto, salt and pepper B
d. bacon and tomato (bacon D) total B-
e. tomato basil soup B-
Mexiquense, American Fork
2018, Sep:
leg B
though B
2018, May:
gringa quisadilla (pastor, cheese, onion, cilantro) B-
carna asada quesidila (cheese, lettuce, sour cream, onion) B
pirata quesadilla (steak, mushrooms, cheese, cilantro,onion) B
rice B+/A-
beans B/B+
beef ribs C+/B-, with green sauce B/B+, with red sauce C, with dark green sauce B-
relleno B+
2016:
a. grilled chicken B+
b. chile relleno B/B+
c. cheese enchilada B
d. refried beans B
e. rice B- (needs cheese!) second visit B+
f. chips B
g. salsa B
h. relleno B
i. cheese enchilada B+
j. refried beans (has cheese) B+
k. grilled chicken leg B-
l. chicken thigh B/B+
m. red enchilada sauce with beans B+
leg B
though B
2018, May:
gringa quisadilla (pastor, cheese, onion, cilantro) B-
carna asada quesidila (cheese, lettuce, sour cream, onion) B
pirata quesadilla (steak, mushrooms, cheese, cilantro,onion) B
rice B+/A-
beans B/B+
beef ribs C+/B-, with green sauce B/B+, with red sauce C, with dark green sauce B-
relleno B+
2016:
a. grilled chicken B+
b. chile relleno B/B+
c. cheese enchilada B
d. refried beans B
e. rice B- (needs cheese!) second visit B+
f. chips B
g. salsa B
h. relleno B
i. cheese enchilada B+
j. refried beans (has cheese) B+
k. grilled chicken leg B-
l. chicken thigh B/B+
m. red enchilada sauce with beans B+
Mex Italia Pizza, Provo
Note: They sell very inexpensively by the slice or whole pizzas 4 Mexican style pizzas and many Italian style. Testing the Mexican style only, in order of favorites:
a. Chicken fajita pizza, with green veges, BBQ sauce B+
b. enchilada pizza, with green sauce and chicken B
c. chorizo pizza, with chorizo and potato and green sauce B-
d. carne asada pizza, with green sauce and onion B-
Note: They sell very inexpensively by the slice or whole pizzas 4 Mexican style pizzas and many Italian style. Testing the Mexican style only, in order of favorites:
a. Chicken fajita pizza, with green veges, BBQ sauce B+
b. enchilada pizza, with green sauce and chicken B
c. chorizo pizza, with chorizo and potato and green sauce B-
d. carne asada pizza, with green sauce and onion B-
Midici Pizza, Orem, SLC, national chain
2018, May:
a. margharita pizza B
b. margharita and proscutto pizza (with arugala added to the basil) C+/B-
Mi Lindo Guadalahara, Provo
2016, September:
a. chile relleno, poblano (when freshly fried 10-11 A.M., so order it then!) A-
b.cheese enchilada, unmelted white cheese inside and on top with no sauce A-
c. refried beans C+/B-
d. chorizo and beans mix C+
e. rice C
Mi Pueblo, Ogden
a. El Pastor B++ (summer Friday nights in back, ask for large slices unchopped)
Mi Ranchito, Utah chain
Note 1: Not to be confused with the "Ranchito" chain in Utah, rated further below.
The Mi Ranchito chain has some restaurants with the Mi Ranchito name, while other restaurants in the chain don't use the name. However, they all have a similar menu and recipe, such as Maria Bonita's and Mama Chu's in Orem, MexSal in Provo, and Ernesto's in St. George, plus others in the state. We feel that Mama Chu's is the best of the bunch for the items tested below. We also feel that the Orem Mi Ranchito and others using that name are the second best, and that Maria Bonitas is the weakest, at least for the menu items listed below. (Maria Bonitas in Orem does however have our favorite ambience in the chain, followed by the original Mi Ranchito, also in Orem.) The difference among the places is due to the fact they all have different owners - relatives and friends of the owner of the original restaurant started in 1982 in Orem, just north of the Scera Theater. While the menus and taste of the food items are to some extent different, the tell-tale sign that a restaurant is part of this "chain" is the combinations" section on the menus. For example, at all the restaurants in this chain, our favorite combo, "chile relleno and cheese enchilada" is #38 at every location.
Note 2: We have tested most items on the menu. The ones below are the ones most recently tested, and are from the original Orem location:
2018:
relleno B+/A-
cheese enchilada A-
rice with cheese A
rice alone: B+
beans A-
lobster quesadilla (cheese, pico de gallo, mango salsa) A
shrimp quesadilla (cheese, pico de gallo) A-
chicken enchilada covered with cheese: C-
chicken enchilada covered with mole sauce B
lobster enchilada (lacks cheese and the great veges combo in the quesadilla) C
2016:
a. rice, if not fresh cooked: B-/B; if fresh A
b. refried beans C+/B-
c. chile relleno A-
d. cheese enchilada B/B+
e. chips B
f. salsa B+
2014:
g. chimichangas (our third fave chimi in the state, after Milagros in Orem and Emmanuels in Provo) B+
Milagros, Orem
2018, July:
pork chimi B-/B
beef chimi A-
2016, September:
a. cheese enchiladas, with flour tortillas, green sauce B-/B
b. spicy (Spanish) rice C+
c. sweet rice C
c. refried beans A-
d. borracho beans C
2014:
a. best chicken chimichanga A
b. best pork chimichanga A
c. best beef chimichanga B+
d. good non-smoked baby back ribs (great citrus, candy-like glaze) B
e. vege enchilada A- -, 2015 (veges tough): total A
f. horchata drink A
g. pinto beans B-
h. black beans (among best in state) 2015: B+
i. refried beans 2016: B+
i-1. borracho beans B++
j. spicy rice B+
k honey onion B++
i. cheese enchilada B-/B
m. red enchilada sauce B
n. green enchilada sauce C-
o. sweet white rice C+, first test (2013) second test (2011) C-, third test (2015) B
o-1.spicy rice B/B+
p. chile relleno (poblano) B-
q. chips A
r. red salsa B-
s. green salsa B
t. sweet onion enchilada B/B+
u. baby back ribs (non-smoked but citrus marinated) 2015: C+
Millie's Burgers, Sugarhouse (SLC)
a. cheeseburger B
* Mimi's Cafe, national chain, multiple locations
2018 Note: they almost completely changed their menu and sadly offer very few of the items below by 2017. The bold-faced ones were (and are throughout this site), rated highly, at B+ to A+):
TESTED IN 2014:
a. baked brie with apricot chutney and tart apples (2nd best brie in the state after 412 Bisto, Park City). A
b. French toast - orange pain perdu French toast (2nd best in the state - Cafe 300 is the best). This has been renamed something like Orange/cream cheese french toast: A-
c. regular french toast C+
d. brioche french toast (possibly renamed to cinnamon french toast - it is actually a cinnamon roll dipped in egg batter) B+
e. chicken salad croissant (4th best chicken salad sandwich in state after Cafe 300, Lion House, and Arby's when they have it). A
f. petite chocolate mousse (best in state now). B+
g. clam chowder (#4 best in state, after Eating Establishment in Park City, Cafe 300 in Provo, and Lion House in SLC). A-
h. Le California Avocado BLT Omelette (jack, avocado slices; omelette with spinach alone C , plus avocado B-/B, or plus tomato only B-/B, avocade PLUS tomato B-B; above plus bacon B+
i. strawberry waffle perdu A-
j. sole meuniere (lemon sauce with capers B+/A-, sole fish alone B/B+, provencal potatoes B++, sauteed garlic spinach A-) total B+/A-
k. BBlt (lettuce, tomato, mayo, and bacon on brioche - which is egg white bread). B+
l. banana strawberry smoothie. A-
m. Five cheese sandwich with parm crust (similar to Station 22 crust ("Old School" version) but not as good.) (cheddar, jack, swiss, mozzarella on grilled garlic parm sourdough) B
n. corn chowder B-
o. tomato basil B-
p. white roll B-/B
q. mixed berry french toast, with strawberries and blueberries B
r. pomegranite berry smoothie (discontinued) A
s. ciabatta breakfast sandwich, without ham C, with ham D
t. strawberry smoothie B-
u. roasted tomato soup, alone C+, with cheese crust on top B+
v. carrot cake B/B+
w. petite seafood crepe (shrimp, scallops, spinach in creamy lobster sauce, which is bad as a sauce) C
x. meatloaf (meatloaf alone D, sauce alone C-) total C-
y. mash, with same sauce as meatloaf C-
z. poulet a l'Orange crepes B/B+
aa. pot pie nouveau (peas, carrots, onions, in creamy sauce with herbes de Provence in buttery puff pastry crust) B/B+
bb. le burger de madame (meat C, bun A) total B/B+
cc. nouveau (croissant with cream cheese, avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, and mixed greens, and Kalamata olives and pepperoncinis) C-. CUSTOMIZE IT BY DELETING the Kalamata olives and pepperonicinis: B+
dd. le french quarter (garlic parm sourdough with avocado, swiss, bacon, lettuce, tomates, onions, pickles, thousand island dressing) B-
ee. warm turkey, brie and aple on crossant B/B+
ff. turkey pesto ciabatta (grade lowered by too strong of basil-pesto mayo; also has turkey, bacon, mozzarella, tomatoes, balsamic mixed greens, avocado on ciabatta roll) B-
gg. grilled salmon and rench lentils (lentil mix C+B-, salmon alone overcooked and frozen tasting D) total C+/B-
hh. bacon apple waffle (waffle alone B, sauce C+/B-) total B
ii. croque madame waffle (ham and swiss on two herbe waffles, with mornay sauce D+, toped with fried eggs.) total B/B+, with sauce C
jj. classic waffle C+
kk. leGrande breakfast: bacon C+, pork C+/B-, bayonne-style corned beef hash B+, scrambled egg C
ll. original french toast B-/B
mm. strawberry waffle perdu (filling of cream cheese and orange marmalade on waffles - combined at B++; wafle alone B, waffle and filling on top A-, plus strawberry sauce B+, strawberry sauce alone C+)
mm. cinnamon brioche french toast B/B+
nn. crepes florentine (crepes filled with scrambled eggs, spinach, onions, tomatos, topped with French mornay sauce (sauce B+), total B+
oo. croissant sandwich (fried eggs, tomatoes, cheddar, bacon, side of dijon mustard) B/B+ alone, with mustard B/B+
pp. pomme lyonnaise benedict (hash potato on bottom rather than English muffin) bacon, sauteed spinach, tomatoes, poached egg, hollandaise; it's better with English muffin!) B
2013
BLT avocado omelette (actually a tomato-spinach omelette with these toppings: more tomatoes, bacon, avocado, cheese) C
french toast C++
fried potatoes C+
link sausage B+
oat muffin B/B+
2011
avocado BLT omelette, cooked tomato and spinach inside, on top are melted swiss, faded tomato slices, semi-ripe avocado slices. overcooked eggs: B-
pu pain french toast - real cream cheese stuffing and tiny amount of orange marmalade: B
brioche cinnemon French toast: A-
pomegranite smoothie A+
ciabetta breakfast sandwich: D+, without ham: C-
Molly's, Provo
2014 and 2015
Note: Our 2 favorite dishes there are no longer served: deep pocket beef ribs (oven cooked, glaze very good) B+. (Also not served: reg. beef ribs (bbq) C++). Other great item no longer served is the best mash and gravy in the state on Tuesdays when they made turkey.
a. baby back ribs, first time B-, second time (Dec 2013) (inside bites tender but flavorless B-/B; bites with glaze B++) total B
b. sweet potatoes, first visit (June 2010) flavor boiled away with skins off B+, second visit (either our criteria had changed or perhaps they had added more seasoning that the carrots had absorbed) A
c. BBQ smoked chicken, first time (June 2010) both dark pieces B+, second time A-, third time (Dec 2013) leg B-, thigh B++
d. braised pork D
e. stewed veges with the pork, but not including the pork for this grade A
f. Carolina pulled pork B+
g. 23 hour TX brisket first time (tender but little flavor) B , second time (tough but flavor B) total C+
h. braised beef B-
i. baked beans B+
j. brisket, wet end B+?
k. mash, first visit (June 2010) B+, second visit A
l. mushroom gravy A- -
j. green beans C+
k. tomato-basil pie, no eggs B/B+
l. bacon soup B+
m. pulled pork C
n. chicken enchilada A- -
o. baked beans (whole) B
p. carrot cake B
q. #1 best carrots, first visit (June 2010 A+, second visit A
r. tomato basil soup B+
s. French chicken in wine sauce, first time B+, second time (Dec 2013) (tough chicken C, gravy B+/A-, carrots A) total B-
t. wine sauce for French chicken B+
u. carrots A
v. mash A
w. white gravy C+
x. pot roast gravy B/B+
y. mac and cheese B
z. corn chowder B, with shrimp B+
aa. chocolate cake/cheesecake marble (little cheesecake) B-/B
Moochies, several Utah locations
a. cheesesteak sandwich (get with NO mushrooms - it was bad when we had it with mushrooms) B/B+
b. meatballs C+/B-
c. meatball sandwich B+
d. marinara sauce C+
e. spaghetti and marinara C+
Mooya Burgers, international chain with one Utah location:Provo
a. burger - seasoned and fresh, also with fresh baked buns, similar to Smashburger B+ (bun B+, chedar A-, bacon B-, sauce B+, avocado A, white onion C+). Total: B+
b. chocolate shake #3 best in Utah after Smashburger and Baskin Robbins - best fast-food style shake, using soft serve ice cream (has higher butterfat than any other soft serve we've seen) B
c. fries C
d. hot dog. They now serve Hebrew National instead of the much better Nathans they used to serve before they closed and reopened, so the beef dog could be better. The in-house, fresh baked bun (our favorite around) and condiments that we always get make it sing: sauteed mushrooms, fresh onions, tomato, a little lettuce, their Mooya (fry) sauce, and sometimes, optionally, cheddar - that's it. (Without cheese is better for most of us.) They split the dog in half lengthwise and spread it open to make it like a sandwich, which works best so theirs is not too much meat in the bite, unlike most places that are too meaty with a jumbo dog. B+
e. choc shake B
Mountain West Burrito, Provo
2016:
A. chips C+
b. rice B
c. refried beans (nice and runny) B
d. cheesy bean dip, with two layers of cheese in beans: B/B+
e. ditto with mild salsa C
f. mild salsa C
BEFORE 2016:
a. chicken chimi C-
b. steak chimi A-
c. carrots and lentils B/B+
d. cheese quesadilla A
e. bean and cheese buritto B-
f. medium sauce C
g. hot sauce A-
h. steak burrito A-
i. chips A+
j. salsa C
k.rice C-
l. pinto beans C+
N
Nauvoo Cafe, downtown Salt Lake City
a. turkey pot pie (strong rosemary herb flavor; because of that, some will not like - one of us did not) A
b. chicken salad sandwich. Cucumber helps it. Avocado and tomato are also very helpful. (See our "Best Chicken Salad Sandwiches list for the best.) A-
New York Pizza Patrol
2016:
a. Margharita Pizza B+
Nicolitalia, Provo
2018
a. Margharita Pizza (request small garlic pieces to give it the highest grade) B+
2014
b. supreme pizza C+
c. chicken parmesean C
d. primavera with spinach (not broc), tomatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms, mozz, romano cheese on pizza sauce B
e. breaded mushrooms D+
WINGS:
plain B-/B
teriyaki B-
BBQ B-
Noodles and Co., national chain
a. pad thai B
b. Alfredo MonAmore B+/A-
c. Bangkok Curry B/B+
d. Indonesian Peanut Saute C/C+
e. Thai Curry Soup B/B+
f. tomato basil bisque (basil too strong) B-
g. Chinese chicken chop salad C
h. Wisconsin Cheesesteak C+
i. Margherita Flatbread C
j. Asian salad C+
k. noodles C+
l. meatballs A-
m. flat bread C
n. spaghetti and meatballs B+
o. spaghetti and sauce alone C
p. mac and cheese B-/B
q. mac and cheese with meatballs B+
r. chicken noodle soup B
s. BBQ pork sandwich (pork alone C-, sauce D, slaw A, bun B+) total: C
New York Pizza Patrol, Draper
(some of same dishes as former NYPD Pizza)
a. margharita pizza B+
b. pasta aglio e olia pop's favorite dish
(sauteed garlic, olive oil Italian seasonings) B+
(Gone however is their amazing Wedding Soup when it was NYPD Pizza: couscous, basil, and meatballs: grade A)
0
O'Hanna's Grill, south Provo (Polynesian - not Irish!)
a. mango otai drink. A
b. fish katsu and numerous dishes: B
c. kalua pork B/B+
d. cabbage B/B+
e. fried rice with spam and egg B
f. povi masima (steamed, salted wet brisket) C+
g. kalbi ribs B+ (half were tough)
h. masubi (seaweed and spam) C+
i. fried buttermilk garlic chicken B/B+
j. macaroni B
k. corned beef has B-
l. spam fried rice B
m. banana nut pancake with coconut milk sauce A
n. french toast B
o. teriyaki beef B
p. portuguese sausage B-/B
q. sticky rice B-
(The) Old Spaghetti Factory, only 2 locations remain in Utah as of 2018
2017:
ministrone soup C-
chocolate mousse cake (over 1/4 is A- grade mousse; the rest is: chocolate cake B; chocolate frosting A-. total grade: B+
creme brulee cheesecake C
ITEMS TO COMPARE TO OTHER ITALIAN PLACES:
2013 test:
a. marinara sauce C-
b. pomodora sauce A-
c. ragu alla bolognese (meat sauce) B++++
d. salsa rosa (red and white: marinara and alfredo mixed) A
e. bread C+/B- sour loaf. + butter = B+
f. spaghetti noodles C-
g. soup C-/C
DESSERTS
h. choc mousse B+, and choc cake B+ = B+
2008 test:
i. marsala B-
j. lasagna B
k. chicken parmesan B
l. bread D
m. salad C-
n. salad dressing D
o. ministrone soup C-
p. clam sauce C+/B-
q. alfredo sauce C+
r. mushroom sauce C-
Olive Garden, national chain
2016: DESSERTS:
a. New York cheesecake B++
b. Homemade chocolate cake, with frosting and with cream C-
c. lemon cream cake (top 1/2 like lemon pudding). 1st time: C+/B-, 2nd time: B+
BREAD:
d. breadsticks C+/B-
2014-2016:
a. breaded tilapia. B/B+ (best breaded tilapia with Italian seasoning is Archibalds, South Jordan)
ITEMS HERE TO COMPARE TO OTHER ITALIAN PLACES:
a. marinara sauce B++
b. #2 Pomodora spaghetti in state (after Romano Grill) A- -
c. ragu alla bolognese (meat sauce) B+++
d. arrabiata (spicy pomodora sauce) (garlicy and spicy) B++
e. salsa rosa (red and white sauce) (Five cheese") (3rd best behind Terra Mia, Orem and Old Spaghetti Factory, national chain) A-
f. bread (sticks) B-
g. minestrone soup C-
h. spaghetti noodles D+
DESSERTS:
a. choc cake B-/B, + choc mousse A- -, total A-
b. choc cheesecake B+, + white mousse B+, total B+/A-
c. chocolate mousse alone (A - )
(See "Best Desserts in Utah" for full list.)
MEALS:
a. Italian-seasoned tilapia B/B+
180 Taco, Provo
2018:
chimi mac D+
orange shrimp taco C
2016:
buffalo chicken "stacked" enchilada C+
stacked enchilada with cheese and red sauce, custom: B
chilequeles C+
chilequeles with egg and cilantro B+
orange chile shrimp taco B/B+
Mexican rice: white with sauce and stuff over it C+
pork and beans with sauce C+/B-
mac and cheese: no mac and cheese flavor - all Mexican flavor C
One Man Band, several locations
a. breakfast sandwich with sausage D-
b. breakfast sandwich with bacon C+
c. breakfast sandwich with ham C-
f. liver and onions C+
g. sausage D
h. french toast D
i. bacon C-
j. ham D+
Original Pancake House, Sugarhouse, Draper
APRIL 2017 TEST:
a. Pecan pancake B, with maple syrup and butter B+
b. blueberry pancake B, with butter only (better with no syrup): B+
c. plain pancake B
AUGUST 2013 TEST:
a. pecan pancakes A
b. California Club Benedict (current bacon quality A-). (Formerly it was served with much more tomato, in small cubes, piled on, plus avocado, but now it only has a few slivers of tomatos. So ask the server for more tomatoes like it used to be. In 2008 when it was an A+). Now: B+
c. blueberry pancakes D
d. scrambled eggs (not fresh/real) D
e. nutella waffle B
f. belgian waffle B-
g. ditto with fruit B
h. french toast C
i. Greek omelette D
Nov 2008 test:
j. crepes D+
k. fruit topping: fresh banana, peaches, strawberries A+
k-1. above fruits plus whipped cream on waffle A+
l. thick bacon A+
m. basted egg (served cold on our test and too thick of cooked egg white) B-
AUGUST 2010 TEST:
a. swedish pancake B+
b. silver dollar buttermilk pancakes B--
c. blueberry pancakes A+
d. Belgian waffle C++
e. Sourdough pancakes B++
f. "Joe" (scramble with sausage, onion, spinach; REQUEST TOMATO on the side to add to it!) A-
g. Dutch treat with fruit variety B
h. hash browns "breakfast potatoes" A- -
i. banana foster french toast B
j. sausage links B+/A
k. buttermilk pancakes with fruit topping B+
NOVEMBER 2008 TEST:
a. crepes D+
b. belgian waffle C+/B-
c. fresh banana, peaches, strawberries and whipped cream for waffles A+
f. toast C+
g. California bendict: chopped cubed tomato, avocado, basted eggs, English muffin, great hollandaise sauce, great bacon but ask for it more crispy: A
OCTOBER 2008 TEST:
a. bacon, chicken, avocado, tiny amount of tomato, sadly, no cheese - which they need to add!) B-
b. sausage links B-
sausage patt C-
potatoes C
plain pancakes A (voted B in April 2017)
Oregano, Provo (same chef-owner as superb, former Chef's Table)
2016, December:
ribeye with fresh rosemary and sage butter (made same as at Chef's Table but a fraction of the price!) A-
New York Strip with cacao rub B/B+
bread with green sauce A
spaghetti with marinara sauce and meatballs B/B+
meatball alone C+
lasagno B
PASTA SAUCES
marinara B+
meat sauce C+
crema rosa A
Bread with pesto A
DESSERTS:
chocolate mousse (best in Utah valley) A - -, plus raspberry sauce and raspberries: same grade: A - -
cannoli C, the cram inside C+/B-
spumoni ice cream: cherry ice cream B/B+, pistachio (too strong) C-
mango cheesecake plain C, with raspberries B+/A-
Oteo (upscale Mexican), Lindon
Note: this is the follow-up restaurant to the now defunct Tortilla Bar in Orem; another one, Masa, closed as well.
a. beef taco with hanging beef tenders, sliced jalapeno (leave out unless you love the heat), shredded green apple, little sauce B+
b. beef alone, from flank steak possibly but made as tender and flavorful as fillet mignon A
c. pipil slow cooked seasoned pork taco with sliced red vege B+/A-
d. pork alone, shredded B+
e. platano macho: seared plantain, topped with feta cheese, cream, marzipan paste B+
f. molote - fried masa dudmpling atop black bean puree with salsa B
Outback, national chain
a-1. #1 crabcake in Utah. crabcake alone B/B+
a-2. hollandaise-like sauce with it: B+
a-3. crabcake with sauce B+
b. tenderloin steak (B+)
c. soup - chicken tortilla (too much black pepper, too spicy) B-
d. soup - potato cheese B
e. seasoned rice B-
f. mashed potatoes with garlic C
g. baby back ribs (slightly dry inside) B+
h. grilled chicken breast C-
i. garlic mash B-, another time: B/B+
j bone-in ribeye (beside bone A-, outer part with fat B+, lean part C) overall B/B+
k. Delmonico steak (strongly herbed, a drawback) B/B+
l. baked potato C
m. sweet potato A-
n-1. tilapia B
n-2. tilapia with Pure Lump Crab Meat B-
o. "fillet focacia sandwich" (fish?) (herbed focacia bread with provolone cheese and several chunks of meat and garlic aioli; might be higher grade of A- if the bread were not herbed) B+
p. stuffed mushrooms C?
q. steak sandwich C+?
r. potato cheese soup B-
s. pork porterhouse:
1. tenderloin part B/B+
2. NY strip part B-
t. mustard maple pork chop (no mustard or maple flavor) B+
m. cheeseburger (bun too think, rating a C; meat good quality, rating B+ but B flavor as it's not seasoned enough): B
n. marsala sirloin B
o. onion potato soup B/B+
p. citrus cooler drink (orange, lemon, lime, cucumber) A
q. citrus cooler drink made with cherry added to above: A-
r. rice D
s. bread (dark brown small loaf) B
t. lime drink B+
u. strawberry lime drink B++
v. fries A-
w. 7 layer chocolate cake B-
x. 7 layer chocolate cake with raspberry sauce B-/B
y. potato onion soulp with cheese and bacon C+
Paco's Taco's, Lehi, SLC
prices great here:
2018:
a. chile relleno burrito B+
b. Mexicano burrito - egg, jalapeno slices, cheese, onion, tomato B+
c. customized Mexicano burrito with green bell pepper in place of jalapeno C+
d. bean, egg, and cheese burrito (too much refried beans) B-
e. refried beans B-/B
f. rice C/C+
g. scrambled eggs with jalapeno slices, onion, tomato, covered with green rice sauce: C+ (they need a red mild sauce; their red hot sauce is too hot for many of us)
h. customized scrambled egg burrito with fajita veges (colored peppers and onions): C+
i. scrambled eggs alone B
j. scrambled eggs with burrito and salsa B+
k. scrambled eggs with burrito B
*Pago, Salt Lake City
(In March 2015 chosen on MSN as best restaurant in Utah, among "Best Restaurants in 50 States") TESTED SPRING 2014:
a. sable fish (A-)
b.fried polenta (A-: the best fried polenta in state)
c. veges with the stable fish A
d. veges with the pork tenderloin (but don't order the pork itself - only a C+/B-, even though they cook using the preferred "sous vide" method). Veges A
e. risoto with the pork tenderloin (best in state tied with The Slate, in Provo) A
f. fish and chips (crisply, soda batter is OK, but fish is FRESH, one of only two places that are - the other is State Street Grill, American Fork) B
g. beet cake dessert A
h. chocolate panna cotta A
g. beet cake dessert A
h. chocolate panna cotta A
Panda Express, national chain
a. rice C-
b. lo mein noodles C
c. walnut shrimp B-
d. orange chicken B-
e. Chinese spare ribs B-/B
f. mushroom chicken B
Papa Johns Pizza, national chain
a. cheese pizza C
b. pepperoni pizza B
April 2021
c. garden vege B-
d. thin crust mushroom, tomato, onion B-
WINGS:
c. honey chipotle B
d. bbq C+++/B-
e. roasted B-
f. buffalo C
Paradise Bakery, multiple locations
Note: We tested many sandwiches and items here, including all breakfast items. This was our only one rating at least a B+. The rest were C's and B's.
a. chicken salad sandwich. Needs more fruit. too much mayo. (croissant A-); the flavor is good but has too few fruits. B+
Pat's BBQ, Salt Lake City
2015 TEST:
a. ribs B
b. pulled pork C
c. brisket, lean only B
2013 TEST:
a. beef ribs DISCONTINUED ITEM in 2011: it was #1 best beef ribs, rated A+ in April 2010) (if they bring it back - perhaps it may be on Fridays like it used to be). Now, #1 is Goodwood BBQ at various Utah locations
b. baked beans, first visit (2006) B-, second visit (2013) A - (among highest of over 40 tested)
c. mashed potatoes and meat gravy (don't get regular gravy!) A-
d. #2 (tie) best potato salad (behind Five Star, tied with Cafe 300) (B +)
e. #1 best greens - mustard greens (B+)
f. #2 best red beans and rice (B+)
g. #1 best Creole black beans and rice (B+)
h. #1 best jambalaya (B+)
i. #2 best. BBQ Sauce with meats (#1 for tasting alone) ("Sweet Heat" - not their others) A -
2011 TEST:
j. cornbread, first visit (Sep 2006) C-, second visit (Feb 2010) C+, third visit (Dec 2011) B
k. wet end brisket ("burnt ends") B+
l. dry brisket (2006) D
m. slaw, first visit (2006) C, second visit (Feb 2010) A-, third visit (Dec 2011) B+
n-o n/a
p. mustard greens B+
q. red beans and rice, first visit (April 2010) A-, second visit (Dec 2011) B+ (best)
r. meaty gravy and rice, first visit (April 2010) A-, second visit (Nov 2011) B
s. mashed potato and "meaty" gravy A
t. mashed potato and "regular" gravy for it: B+, but C++ without gravy,
u. gravy alone (canned) (April 2010) C-
v. jambalaya B+
w. rib tips B+ (hard crusty parts C)
x. creole black beans and rice B+
z. RIBS:
first visit (2006) alone B
second visit (Feb 2010, tested with various specific sauces:
alone B+
with sweet heat B++
with mild B++
with Big Powder? Brown Sugar C
with mustard sauce C+
with Big Powder? Sweet Vinegar C-
third visit (Nov 2011) C, with sauces B+
fourth visit (Dec 2011) B+, with sauces B++
fifth visit (May 2015) B-/B
aa. SMOKED CHICKEN:
thigh (2010 and 2011) C-, with sauce C+
leg (2010 and 2011) C+
breast C+, with sauce B+
bb. pulled pork, first visit (2006) C, second visit (Nov 2011) C+, with sauce C-, third visit (May 2015) C
cc. sweet potato pie B-
dd. pecan pie A (best in Utah, but no longer made?)
BBQ SAUCES (2010):
ee. mild A-
ff. mustard, first test (April. 2010) C, second test (Decd 2011) B-
gg. red, first test (April 2010) B-, second test (Feb 2011) A-, third test (Dec 2011) B
P. F. Chang, national chain
2016:
a. Northern style dry rub ribs: B, but with cumin spice B/B+
b. spare ribs with sauce C+/B-
c. beef and broccoli: texture C-, flavor B-, total: C/C+
2015:
a. orange peel shrimp A
b. chocolate decadance dome cake. A (second best in Utah we've had after Zoom in Park City) A
lemon pepper run B/B+
cajun rub B - -
hiwaiian teriyaki B-
smoky garlic B-
garlic parm B/B+
nake B-/B
spicy garlic B/B+
oney bbq B - -
wings in 2010:
cooked with these sauces:
buffalo med B - -
buffalo mild B-
spicy Asian D++
spicy BBQ C+
Cajun C-
honey bbq C+
garlic parmn A-
hot B - -
* Pizzaria 712, Orem
(Note: See our site, "Best Pizza in Utah")
2916:
a. #1 tie: Margharita Pizza, wood-fired A
b. Panna cotta, butter milk, plain B+/A-, with pomegranite A-
c. pastrami sandwich A-?
d. caprese/pesto sandwich A
e. ham and cheese sandwich (focacia too thick and cheese too strong) D+
f. braised beef B-
g. carmel oatmeal cake, pecan caramel, sweet creme fraiche C+/B-, with cream B
h. chocolate pudding, sweet cream A-/A
i. shortbread with choc pudding C+/B-
j. honeycomb ice cream sandwich: Rockwell honeycomb ice cream (B+)
choc sauce (B+), with house made ginger snap cookies (B). total package B
k. mushroom pizza A
l. sausage pizza A
m. butternut squash pizza with bleu cheese C-/D+
n. butternut squash pizza with mozzarella cheese C+
2014:
f. Panna cotta, buttermilk, lemon curd A
g. biscuit and rhubarb compote B/B+
h. bread pudding (chamomile creme anglaise, high west bourbon caramel) A
Note on bread puddings: this one and the bread puddings at the regional BBQ chain in the East, "Mission," are the only two A grade bread puddings we have discovered in the U.S.
i. mushroom pizza A
j. sausage pizza A
a. turkey pita B/B+
b. ham pita B+
c. prime rib pita C+
d. cheese steak pita C-
e. steak pita C-
f. plain white pita bread A
Pollo El Rey, SLC
2017:
grilled chicken, whole pieces B
rice C
pinto beans B+
salsa C+
mac, cold salad, spicy, B
corn tortillas C/C+
Pollo Royo, Orem, SLC
2017:
relleno with pasillo pepper, fresh and hot: B++, but if not fresh and hot: B-/B
cheese enchilada B
rice B/B+
beans B-
rotisserie chicken (made 8 AM, so get it when they open) B/B+
chicken tamale,with overcooked chicken B
fresh flour tortilla B+
red mild sauce B/B+
green mild sauce B/B+
then green sauce B
cold mac salad B
fries B/B+
Popeye's, national chain
2018:
a. spicy fried chicken (very good but better at Maddox, Communal [when they served it], and Cafe 300) B+
b. mild, regular fried chicken, almost as good as the spicy B+
c. red beans and rice (B)
d. mac and cheese C-/C
e. fried fish C
f. mash and gravy (best fast-food mash and gravy in Utah along with El Pollo Loco) B
g. sausage and egg breakfast bisquit (served at SLC sirport): sausage B-, egg B-; biscuit B-, combo B-/B
h. Cinnemon apple pie, hot B/B+
i. Ghost pepper wings, if hot and fresh, B/B+
Pretty Bird Chicken, SLC
7, 22 June 2018
a. fried chicken sandwich A
b. bone-in fried chicken A (see our site, "Best Fried chicken in Utah")
c. cider slaw C/C+
d. crinkle cut fries B++
Puro Peru, Sandy
a. #1 yellow rice, Peruvian style (you have to get it with mixed seafood). B+
b. green rice with chicken (chicken arroz con pollo (chicken B/B+, great green rice A) total A
Quisnos, only in Salt Lake Valley now for Utah
a. lobster sandwich (seasonal) (if no dressing C+, if no oil herbs and lettuce and tomato B-). grade B+
Note: Be certain to use white bread only, add butter, tomato, and lettuce on it, plus make certain they add their herbed seasoning - 5 things! (Without the butter, for example, it's a C+). We tested this same sandwich in all different combinations over a 3 day period. (We also earlier tested all sandwiches on their menu, and, as with numerous other places on this list, we found only one item with a high grade - the one listed here.)
b. prime rib philly B
c. turky bacon guac sandwich C+
d. harvest chicken salad sandwich wrap on wheat wrap (joney-dijon, apples, grapes, dried cranberries, cucumbers, tomatos, pumpkin seeds, acai vinaigrette) B- -
R
b. chicha morada drink. A
c. rotisserie chicken (one of best rotisserie chicken in Utah; however, the very best is pollo ala brasa at The Tropical, Provo and Paulino's Contigo in Salt Lake City) Here it is: B/B+
d. tropical fruit drinks (in spring 2014 - we still must test them under new owner). A
e. escabeche de pescado (breaded fish) - they use swai. B
f. ado en escabechel cubapolitano, stew - they use swai. B
g. fries: B
Robbins Nest, Salt Lake City
2017:
The egg-straordinaire sandwich (egg salad, green pepper, red onio, lettuce, melted cheddar, on toasted honey whet bread) B/B+
Rockwell Creamery, Provo
2017-2018
a. milk chocolate ice cream A-
b. dark chocolate ice cream (part of Rockwell Road) B-/B
c. mint chocolate ice cream (real mint leaves!) A
d. biscotti ice cream B
PASTRIES:
2018:
1. cinnemon bun (one of best in Utah): inner part: B+/A-, frosting A-, outer part, stale, C-), total: B+
2. brownie B-
2015:
1. hummingbird B
2. koek sisters B/B+
3. mini cheesecake B/B+
4. black forest bomb B/B+
5. peanut butter doey goey B/B+
6. carmelita B/B+
7. sticky toffee B+
8. milk tort B/B+
9. brownie B-/B
Rodizio Grill, multiple locations
a. #1 creme brulee, fruit overtones A-
b. Brazilian Raspberry Creme with vanilla ice cream (ADD A SIDE CUP OF CHOCOLATE SYRUP TO MAKE IT BETTER!). (B++ with vanilla ice cream). It was better with chocolate ice cream in 2010, rating an A)
c. Brazillian Strawberry Creme (with frozen strawberries) (ADD A SIDE CUP OF CHOCOLATE SYRUP TO MAKE IT BETTER) B++
d. Brazillian limeade (much better than Tucano's Brazillian lemonade)
e. passion fruit mousse B/B+
WE TESTED THESE AND ARE GATHERING NOTES; they range from B's to A's
F. lime mousse
g. mango brazillian creme
h. passion fruit brazillian creme
i. coconut brazilian creme B-
j. guava brazillian creme
k. pina colada (ice, ice cream, pinapple, coconut)
2010 test:
a. caramel flan B- -
b. lime pie B-
c. creme brule B+
d. chocolate cake B-
(don't get cake with banana ice cream - it's the same weak cake)
e. raspberry chocolate brazillian creme (custom request chocolate ice cream, not vanilla that comes with it) A+
f. strawberry lemonade A+
No longer available: banana Brazillian creme B-
* Romano's Macaroni Grill, national chain - no longer in Utah County but in SLC
2017, January:
a. squash and peppers B/B+
b. lamb chops with mustard cream sauce A
c. chicken parmesean B/B+
d. lasagna B+
e. alfredo fetticini pasta B
f. spinach orz. B-
g. pork chop, alone: B
h. pork chop with marsala cream sauce: B/B+
i. marsala cream sauce alone: C+
j. pork chop with fig sauce only: B-
k. pork chop with demi glaze with fig in it B
l. signature truffle mac and cheese A
2016-2017:
a. roast chicken, boneless, strongly herbed: B-
b. rosemary ribeye, flavor B/B+; tough, select grade probably, so texture gets a C-; total: C+/B-
c. bread alone B- (note: eat there, hot, because even an hour old it's not good anymore)
d. bread C, with olive oil B+
e. rosemary ribeye (select grade and tough): total C/C+ (but flavor B/B+)
f. signature ruffle mac and cheese A
2016:
PASTAS:
a. spaghetti verdi with pesto, spinach B+
b. sausage rigatoni (needs more sausage crumbles and mushrooms and cream): B+
SANDWICHES:
c. caprese sandwich B
d. Italian pulled pork and cabbage sandwich (sauce ruins it. pork alone: C, total: C
e. prosciutto grilled cheese sandwich (bun B-, meat B/B+) total: B-
SOUP:
f. Pomodoro B
BREAD:
G bread loaf, seasonal B/B+
2014, NO LONGER SERVED:
a. Veal chops, with mushrooms and cheese on top (A-)
b. Pork shank A
c. now served with different recipe, in 2017, not graded yet. This is the 2014 preparation: Chianti pork chops (grape flavor). B+ (second best in Utah after Copper Onion in SLC)
d. parmasan crusted sole, with lemon butter, capers (has heavy crust). B/B+
e. Mediterranean Branzino (cheap sea bass - NOT Chilean sea bass, which is our favorite fish! - but this is not it), with lemon chardonnay sauce B
f. olive oil C-
g. sausa batina? B+
SOME OF THESE SAUCES STILL SERVED:
COMPARE THESE ITEMS TO OTHER ITALIAN RESTAURANTS:
a. macaroni and cheese (no sauce, sparse cheese) B-
b. marinara sauce B
c. Pomodora sauce (big cherry spaghetti chunks), #1 in state, first test B+, second test A-
d. ragu alla bolognese (meat sauce) C+
e. arrabiata (spicy pomodora) B
f. pic pac sauce B- -
g. bread (herbed, salty) C- -
h. caprese B-
i. cheddar broccoli soup C-/C
j. spaghetti noodles C
k. angel hair pasta B
l. caprese panini B-
DESSERTS:
a. panna cotta (see our site "Best Desserts in Utah" for a section on panna cotta, and much better ones than this) C+/B-
b. homemade chocolate cake, with ganache, chocolate toffee, whpped cream (cake alone C+, white and chocolate syrup alone A), combo syrups with cake B+
Roof, The, SLC
2016, December:
SOUPS:
onion soup C
clam chowder B+/A-
ENTREES:
meatballs, sweet and sour A-
Italian sausage B+
sauteed peppers and onions B+/A-
DESSERTS:
creme brule B+/A- (see our site, "Best Desserts in Utah")
flan, cold B-
chocolate custard, cold B+
chocolate mousse, flavor A, texture C+, overall B+
bread pudding with caramel sauce B+
pumpkin cheese cake B/B+
chocolate ganache peppermint cake B+/A-
chocolate tart (in pastry shell) B++
jelly roll B-
chocolate squares C+
orange poppyseed A
holiday pudding and lemon sauce C+/B-
pecan pie B+
key lime pie C
Roots, SLC
house sausage B+
herb biscuit B-
poblomo gravy B+
biscuit and gravy combo C-
sausage and gravy B
biscuit, gravy, and egg B+, + sausage A-
ditto with hollandaise sauce B/B+
fried potatoes B+
Bennie:
hollandaise sauce alone B+
bacon B-
tomato A but thin!
overall: B+
Roula's Restaurant - SLC
a. lemon herb chicken (it might be better fresh; we got it 5 hours old) B-
b. herb potato wedges with sauce C+/B-
c. roll C
d. corn C
Rubio's Grill, national chain
2016, October:
a. battered fish, pollack (inside taco) B-
b. original fish taco with lime cabbage and green sauce B
c. sea bass alone (flavor alone B) C-
d. sea bass taco B/B+
e.cheese enchilada, plain (has too little, cheap cheese) C-/C
f. ditto with fire-roasted sauce C-/C
g. fire roasted sauce alone C
h. shrimp enchilada B
i. shrimp alone B
j. green sauce alone B-/B
k. Mexican rice B-
l. white lime rice B-/B
m. black beans C+
2014:
Note: as with other restaurants tested different years, a couple items below have a different grade than a different year (above); this is due to our tastes changing/improving for testing and in some cases recipes changing.
a. gourmet shrimp taco. A
b. shrimp enchilada, with red or verde sauce. A
c. chicken enchilada. B/B+
d. black beans. B+/A-
e. white rice. B+
f. cheese quesadilla. A-
g. pico de gallo. A-
h. guacamole. A
i. verde sauce. B+
j. original fish taco B/B+
k. fish taco special (with cheese and guac) B
l. verde taco A-
m. mango mahi taco C (but if with no fish and only with corn, slaw, and taco: B+)
n. tilapia taco with slaw B-
o. salmon taco C
p. mahi taco C
p. chocolate pop cake B
q. "limon" square C+
r. chicken tortilla soup B/B+
Ruby River Steakhouse, Utah chain
2017, January:
ribeye steak, choice grade B/B+
garlic mash B+
white gravy B-
mash and gravy combo: B+/A-
french bread B+
2014:
a. ribeye (great seasoning, one of best steaks under $30), grades: with fat B+, lean B-
(No bone-in option is presented at Ruby River.) This is our favorite steak under $30; best under $30 is at Oregano Grill, Provo.
b. 2014: cheesy mashed potatoes, first visit (June 2010) A-, second visit (2014) B+++
c. 2017: garlic mashed potatoes, B+, white gravy B-, total B+/A-
d. bacon cheese burger (bun B, meat B-/B, american cheese C, bacon that is chewy but with good flavor B-, tomato, leaf lettuce, Ruby sauce - yellow orange mayo B+) total: B-/B
e. onion strips B+
f. roast 1/2 chicken with bbq sauce B-
g. baked potato B+
h. sweet potato B
i. parmesean tomato D
j. pork tenderloin (alone B, with bacon B/B+, plus with mash B++)
k. baby back ribs (served with much sauce, slightly tough meat) D+
l. fish and chips C (See our site, "Best Fish and Chips in Utah" for a complete listing)
1996, April:
cinemon yam A+
baked potato, "Jacketed" A+
coconut fried shrimp appetizer A
BBQ baby back ribs C+
BBQ chicken: thigh B, leg D, total C+
prime rib D+
sourdough bread loaf C
salad with raspberry vinegrette B_
raspberry daquri drink D+
green salad B
key lime pie C+
Rumbi Grill, national chain
a. luau pork sandwich. A-. With no sauce: B+, pork alone: B/B+,
the Asian slaw and mayo pull its grade up); kahuku bbq sauce B/B+
b. dark choc cake. B+ (only dessert that deserved at least a B)
c. key lime pie C-
d. fries B/B+
e. beach burger C+
(bun: B++, meat: C with strong black pepper spice taste)
f. luau pork sandich B/B+ (pork: B)
g. volcano-blackened fish C
h. salmon alone: C
i. rumbi rice, coconut and red beans with mango passion pioli) A-
j. side caesar salad A- with sauce. alone: B/B+
k. cold mac salad B+
l. side salad with sauce. A-
m. upside down cake B-/B (with whipped cream: B/B+)
n. choc lava cake B-/B
o. maui bacon burger (no pineapple or bbq sauce; fresh bun; added tomato) B-
Rusted Sun Pizza, SLC
2016:
a. cheesecake B-
b. margharita pizza A-
Ruth's Diner, SLC
a. chocolate malt pudding (4th best after Copper Onion as #1 in Utah and Terigo's "chocolate creme brulee" in Park City and Pizzaria 712 in Orem). This one is made with semi-sweet choc, barley malt syrup, heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla) A
b. #1 meatloaf we've found in the U.S., chargrilled. A -
c-1. meatloaf with brown gravy (baked with glaze of BBQ sauce, and inside the loaf are mushroom, onion and celery (and bread or crackers or egg?), pork and beef, sliced and finished off on the gas grill for great flavor!) A+
c-2 meatloaf with country (white) gravy A
c-3 meatloaf burger B/B+
d. brown gravy alone B/B+
e. Mac and cheese B-/B
f. mac and cheese with brown gravy (on side): better
g. veges first time: B/B+ (later: winter 2016: red pepper, zuchini, onion, little cauliflouer) B+
h. rice pilaf B/B+
i. grilled salmon, overcooked, frozen C
j. salmon with red pepper sauce B+
salmon sauce alone: B+/A-
k. n/a
l. pulled pork benedict (pork alone B/B+, with sauce B+, holldandase sauce alone B+, also added is green chile cheese cornbread in place of English muffin, soft poach egg B++). . If everything: A if hot. B if only warm.
m. ditto minus the pulled pork B++
n. ditto minus the hollandase sauce B++
o. asparagus omelette (1/4 inch pieces asparagus and 1/2 inch thick diced tomato, gouda cheese, all inside the omelette) A
p. cinnamon bun: outer part B-/B, outer part with syrup B/B+, center part with syrup A-, center alone B+.
q. french toast (thick Texas toast, slight cinnamon flavor) B
r. banana walnut french toast (1/2 inch thick banana bread in egg wash). french toast alone: B-. With banana and walnut: B/B+. with syrup B+ (with syrup and no banana: B)
s. custom order: banana bread alone: A
t. hash browns (house seasoning of paprika, thyme, black pepper, and garlic) B++
u. pinto beans B
v. n/a
w. n/a
x. chicken fried steak B/B+
y. mile high bisquits and gravy B
z. halibut and chips B-
aa. stuffed pork chop (thick, good sear, but needs bone-in and dark pork meat) total B/B+
bb. stuffing for pork chop B+
cc. crab cakes C-?
dd. buffalo wings B-?
ee. potato soup C+
ff. cold pasta salad, A for those who like it; for those who don't: C+
gg. salmon BLT sandwich (ciabatta bun too chewy, als has pesto sauce, lettuce, tomato, bacon, salmon) B
hh. salmon alone (served with BLT) (too thin) A-
ii. vege sandwich (ciabatta roll B+; chipotle mayo too hot for kids) total B+
jj. vege enchiladas B-
kk. spanish rice D+/C-
ll. pinto beans and cheese C+/B-
mm. grilled asparagus B
nn. mash (mashed potatoes) B/B+
oo. raspberry creme brulee A-/A
S
Sabrosa, Orem
a. chips A-
b. salsa A
c. cheese enchilada (unmelted cheese inside, which needs to be fixed) B-
d. enchilada sauce B- (rated B second visit below, served with shrimp)
e. sopes ahogados (sope's density and thickness universally are not to our tastes and is definitely not good with eggs for this breakfast dish. Also, the flavor of this particular red enchilada sauce (B-) holds it back.
f. shredded beef (atop above sope) B
g. chile relleno, one of two best in state using poblano pepper, along with Tarahumara in Midway. A-
h. chicken enchilada B/B+
i. rice B+/A-
j. carne asada (B+ flavor, but toughness brings it down, as most asada dishes are) C+
k. refried beans B/B+
l. shrimp enchilada with cream sauce:
shrimp B-, chipotle/alfredo sauce B, cheese enchilada B with it; total: B/B+
salad with above: B/B+
all together, including salad: B+
creamy black beans B+
white rice and red sauce B-
Salt Bistro, SLC
a. turkey, cranberry, sprouts, tomato, and havarti sandwich (deli turkey B-, aioli B+/A-) A-
b. PB and J The Leo Way C+
c. ultimate grilled cheese (too much pesto) B-
d. mini mac and cheese (with crusted top) B/B+
San Marcos Taco Shop, south Provo
b. GELATOS - TESTED AUG 2010:
1. pistachio A-
2. chocolate B+
3. raspberry gelato B++
4. sweet cream A
5. risoto with balsamic C+
6. banana C++
7. coconut C-
8. mint C+
9. strawberry B
10. lemon B -
11. choc chip C+
12. tiramisu C
13. hazelnut C-
14. nuttella C
15. blackberry C+
16. cinnamon C
17. toffee choc crunch B
18. ammoretto C-
19. yogurt with berries B-
c. SORBETTOS:
20. blood orange B+
21. pineapple B+
22. mixed berry B+
23. raspberry C+
24. lemon C-
25. cantelope C-
b. smoked bacon cheddar dip A
c. #1 scones (and honey butter) in Utah (#2 is Black Sheep in Provo; #3 is Family Tree, Santaquin) A
d. brioche French Toast. alone B+. with banana foster (bananas and walnuts) B/B+
e. crunhy French Toast. Alone C+, with fruit C+, with syrup B-
f. broken yolk sandwich B/B+
g. Farmer's Omelette (bacon C+) B/B+
h. housemade corned beef B-/B
i. stuffed tomato (scrambled eggs, feta, thyme, s and p, italian sausage, spinach, tomato with no seeds, baked) A
j. hashbrowns and black pepper. BEST IN STATE A-
k. free range bison burger (bacon C+, the sauce makes it, as a light coat on lower bun) A-
l. roasted turkey blt (turkey B+) B/B+
m. angus burger (meat B, bacon C+, bun B, no sauce) B/B+
n. "really great pasta" (spinach, tomato, sausage, parm) B+/A-
o. country style apple BBQ ribs (not smoked) B+
p. cedar plank trout, C+, with skin B/B+
q. smoked trout salad (with avocado, mixed greens, orange, cirus vinegrette) B/B+
r. citrus vinegrette with salad A-
s. scones alone A-
t. scones with jam A- -
u. scones with honey butter A
v. scones with both A-
w. lalimari B+
x. crispy buffalo shrimp B/B+
y. beer battered onion rings. A
z. crispy calamari A-
aa. honey lime slaw B+/A-
bb. fresh potato chips (served with dip) A-
cc. stewed apple A-
dd. mushroom risoto A
Smashburger, national chain
a. Haagen Daz chocolate shake, best fast food shake in state (unfortunately they use vanilla ice cream and choc syrup rather than their great choc ice cream!) B+
b. strawberry shake B+
c. classic burger B/B+ (with customized Smashburger sauce: (mustard mayo). (Grades: smash sauce is mustard-mayo and grades at B, the meat is B/B+, egg bun is B) total: B/B+
d. 2017: bacon cheeseburger:
meat B/B+ (texture B-, flavor B+)
bacon C+
bun A-
total B++
* Station 22, Provo
2017:
golden griller (see cheese sandwich below) A
catfish B+
22 club A - see below
2014:
BURGERS:
a. Honest Abe (butter and mao sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheddar, buttered bun) total A-
b. Chubby Checker with their mustard mayo sauce (we prefer to remove the battered and fried onions) A
(Note: we experimented with same same burger, replacing at home their sauce with cherry pie filling B, orange marmalade B-, dreamland BBQ sauce B, Central BBQ (in Memphis) mild sauce B-; clearly their sauce is what makes it an A.
c. Golden State (sweet roasted red pepper and pesto mayo sauce, mozz cheese, insert the additionally served items of avocado, tomato, and spring mix) total A-
d. Jack Kerouac (melted brie, bacon, bourbon sauce) B
e. Adventist veggie burger (patty C) total B
SANDWICHES:
a. Club Station 22 (roasted turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickled onion, avocado, roasted garlic mayo on focaccia) A+
b. Cheese sandwich on TX Toast (order cheese sandwich "old school" - with cheese crusts on BOTH slices, not just one slice, which they have done sometimes over the years. AND add 3 slices cheese, not their other way of just one) ALSO: they have more recently added pesto mayo sauce, making it even better. BUT TELL THEM TO CUT THE AVOCADO AND ADD EXTRA TOMATO! TOTAL SCORE in 2016, same as before, if you ask for it customized: A-
c. ditto not old school, regular new style B+
d. pig n cheese sandwich, first test: pork B-, texas toast B-, green apple slices B+, cheddar cheese) total: B/B+; second test (Feb 2013) pork alone C, sandwich A-
e. chicken salad sandwich (filling too dry, focacia bread too dry also; if filling creamier, grade would be higher) B
f. Breakfast sandwich B-
g. "freedom dip" beef sandwich B+?
h. chicken sandwich with spice glaze B
i. memphis chicken sandwich (chicken B, bun and dressing A) total B+
j. the Ratatouille (vegges and spinach) on ciabatta roll C-
k. Ratatouille (veges and spinach) on focacia A
l. catfish burrito (catfish, some tomato, spring mix, peach chipotle sauce) B+
m. catfish sandwich: A
n. catfish alone (order outside of sandwich): A (now tied for best catfish in Utah, with fish and chips place, "Sea Bass" on Washington Blvd in Ogden and Boudreau's Bistro, Salem.
SOUPS:
a. Manhatten Clam Chowder (no longer available - the cook who made this left) A
b. tomato basil soup A-
c. tomato soup A-
d. potato bacon chowder C+
e. red pepper bisque (spicy hot) B-
f. mushroom cream soup A
ENTREES:
a. salmon fish and chips B
b. shrimp and grits B (best are at Black Sheep, around the corner)
c. mini corn dogs with maple pork sausage (corn in the butter - good idea) B
d. chicken and waffles (chicken B-, waffle D, sage A, topping B) total B
e. whiskey chicken with mushroom whiskey gravy (chicken alone C+/B-, cheese grits C+/B-) total C++
f. blackened mahi (nice seasoning but the fish is one we don't care for - too dense) C++
g. pot roast (gravy best part) with short rib (tough, typical) C+
h. gravy for pot roast B
SIDES:
a. #1 (tie) best sweet potatoes wedges (with Goodwood BBQ) (#1 best sweet potato fries) A
b. #1 (tie) cole slaw (when available) (A -)
c. #2 best carrot (copper penny is the name) (best is Molly's) A
d. onion rinngs B/B+
e. grilled squash (spicy) B/B+
e-1. breaded squash C
f. fries C+, second time C
g. pouline (friies with rootbeer gravy and cheese curds) C+
h. "grown up mac and cheese" C
i. battered squash C
j. succotash D
k. sauted spinach B
l. ranch beans C
m. okra A
n. collard greens B-
o. mash potatoes C-
Street Tacos Don Joaquin, Provo
2016, November:
cabeza taco B+
tripa taco A-
lengua taco B-
asada taco B
rice B
beans B+
quesadilla B
Subway, national chain
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES:
a. Ham, salami, egg on flat bread: B, with mayo B/B+. 2nd test: A-
b. Ham, salami, egg on Italian sub plain: B/B+, plus mayo B+
c. Cheese and egg on flat bread B-/B, plus mayo B-/B. 2nd test: B/B+
d. Cheese and egg on Italian sub B, plus mayo B/B+
e. Turkey, ham, bacon, egg on flat bread B-, plus mayo B-
f. Turkey, ham, bacon, egg on Italian sub B, plus mayo B/B+
g. Ham and egg on flat C. 2nd test: B
h. Ham and egg on Italian sub B, plus mayo B-
2nd test only:
i. Bacon and egg on flatbread C+
j. Steak and egg on flatbread C+/B-
k. Ham egg and cheese on Italian sub B+/A-
2011:
a. breakfast flatbread sandwich with bacon, egg, cheddar/jack, tomato and cucumber A
b. English muffin breakfast sandwich with bacon, egg, cheddar/jack, tomato, and cucumber C-
Sugarhouse BBQ, Sugarhouse (SLC)
2015 TEST:
a. ribs B-/B
b. pulled pork C-
c. brisket B+
d, mashed potatoes and gravy A
e. slaw A-
2011 TEST:
mash A
choctaw corn A-
lean brisket C-
chicken B
ribs B
stuffing C+
collard greens C
greek potatoes C+
cornbread C
2010 TEST:
a. rib ends C
b. smoked wings B
c. Memphis ribs, cold C, freshly hot B+
d. chicken, whole pieces, first visit (9 March 1010) B, second visit (18 March 2010) B+
e. jumbalaya B-
f. BBQ sauce B
g. Greek oven roasted potatos C
h. mashed potatoes and gravy A
i. slaw A-
j. baked beans B
k. cornbread B
l. Carolina pulled pork sandwich C+, with sauce B
k. Texas beef brisket sandwich C, with sauce B-
Turkey breast sandwich:
l. cornbread stffing for turkey C
m. cranberry sauce for turkey C+
n. Alabama white sauce with turkey B
o. turkey only B+
p. white sauce only B++
q. Carribbean jerked chicken sandwich C, with white sauce B+, with only tomato, lettuce, and cucumber B, with only cranberry C+
2005 TEST:
pecan pie C+
brownie D+
choc chip cookie D+
bbq sauce B
cornbread B-
beef brisket A-
pulled pork B
ribs B
dry rubbed baby back ribs B-
Dixie chicken C+
slaw A- (2017: still A-)
bbq beans B
mash and gravy A (2017: A-)
classic potato salad B-
cherry wood smoked wings B-
Summerhays Halibut and Chips, SLC
a. halibut fish and chips, first test (2011) B, second test (2014) C+
b. swai A- DISCONTINUED BY LAST VISIT IN 2014
c. grilled halibut B-
d. grilled lemon pepper halibut, when overcooked C-, when not C+
e. grilled herb crushed halibut (crust is dull and thick) C-
f. griled halibut parmesan B
g. crab cake D
h. lemon pepper swai B+ DISCONTINUED BY LAST VISIT IN 2014
i. sweet potato (needs seasoning) B-
j. sweet potato fries A-
k. clam chowder B+
l. haddock fish and chips (in 2014) C+
m. burger (in 2014) (meat C-) total C
n. reg. fries (in 2014) C-
* Sundance, Foundry Grill, Provo
a. Joe's Scramble - breakfast (spinach, large egg pieces, whiteonion chopped, mushroom, tomato - small few cubes B/B+; add Italian sausage: A- -
b. Trout Benedict - breakfast - dried salt trout C-, hollandase sauce A, fried potato B) total A-
c. chicken salad sandwich (need more fruit but has nice B grade filling, yet 1 grape only, has tomato, lettuce, celery) B
d. caprese sandwhich (very nice mile basil and pesto, uses sourdough then panini, alone B+++
e. ditto, add turkey, fresh sliced, for one of best turkey sandwiches in the the state, if not the best B++
f. beef burger (meat, cooked stove top B, no sauce, chargrilled bun on inside B+) total B/B+
(Note: this was rated in May 2013; a new chef since may have changed this burger, as new chefs come and go there and usually change the food)
g. almond french toast, alone B-/B; with syrup, maple B/B+
h. margharita pizza, with sundried tomato C+, without it B
i. vanilla bean creme brulle B?
j. house made apple pie with caramel gelato C
k. pecan tarte B?
AT THE DELI
a. sausage, egg and cheddar breakfast sandwich D
NOTE: new chef their deleted the following item as of Oct 2013. Top Two chocolate cake in state: Decadent Chocolate Flourless Cake (from prevous pastry chef, Jessica S). Now the best is at Zoom in Park City, owned by Sundance, with Calli as the pastry chef.
Also gone: #2 creme brulee A - (vanilla), sweet potato cheesecake A -
Sweets Polynesian Restaurant, Provo
Note: the kids have taken over in about 2017 and basically improved the food, mostly with new menu items.
2005 test:
kalua pork B+
bbq teriyaki chicken A-
bbq teriyaki beef C
chicken katsu A-
sweet and sour spare ribs, meat C+, with sauce B
sticky rice C
teriyaki noodles B
teriyaki sauce D-
macaroni B+
fresh pineapple A
pani pop dessert (roll of coconut cream) C+
guava cake D+
2016:
a. fresh strawberry shakes, June only A
b. fresh peach shakes, late August-September only A
c. cheese enchilada C-
d. enchilda sauce B
d. burgers, good for the price B-
e. beans alone D+
f. beans with sauce and cheese C - -
Taco Bell, national chain
NOTE: Some items may no longer be served:
2018, May:
pintos and cheese B
cheese roll u ps, with 3 cheeses, no sauce B+
cheese quesadilla with creamy jalapeno sauce B/B+
crunchwrap supreme B+
cheesey bean and rice burrito B/B+
spicy potato soft taco B-
cheesey gordito crunch C
beefy fritos burrito C
Mexican Pizza (substitute beans for the cheap meat!), customized substitution: B+
2014:
BREAKFAST ITEMS:
(Note that their eggs rate B-/B, and like all fast food chains, their menu items change almost yearly.)
a. waffle taco - breakfast - only A breakfast item
Taco-Burrito Restaurant, Spanish Fork (started in Orem)
a. chip sauce: red A-, chile verde A-, mild green sauce A
b. #1 best cheese quesadilla in state A
c. cilantro salsa for chips, etc. (request cilantro added to red chips sauce) A
d. sopapilla A-/A
e. fried ice credam C+/B-
f. chimi-cheesecake C
g. marinated pork burrito (pork A-) B-
h. relleno B/B+
i. ground beef chimi B+
j. chicken chimi (meat C+) A-
k. chicken tamale C++
l. rice B+
m. beans B
Tamale at home, Provo
2018:
relleno, with poblano and excellent spicy sauce B+
cheese enchilada C-
"golden fish" - a flat fish B-, with their red sauce B-, or with their relleno sauce B-/B, or their green sauce B/B+
rice B+
beans C-
flan B
Tapatia, Payson
a. chile relleno: #1 in Utah!
b. cheese enchilada B+/A
c. rice A
d. beans B+/A-
e. salsa A
f. chips C
f. quesadilla A
Tarahumara, Midway
BAKERY PORTION: (no longer operaing)
Tenny's Pizza, Provo, Saratoga Springs, other Utah locations
a. supreme pizza B+
b. BBQ wings B/B+
c. sweet chile sauce wings B/B+
d. omelet with marinara sauce C
Terra Mia, Orem
ITEMS TO COMPARE WITH OTHER ITALIAN RESTAURANTS:
2021:
WINGS:
c. honey chipotle B
d. bbq C+++/B-
e. roasted B-
f. buffalo C
Paradise Bakery, multiple locations
Note: We tested many sandwiches and items here, including all breakfast items. This was our only one rating at least a B+. The rest were C's and B's.
a. chicken salad sandwich. Needs more fruit. too much mayo. (croissant A-); the flavor is good but has too few fruits. B+
Pat's BBQ, Salt Lake City
2015 TEST:
a. ribs B
b. pulled pork C
c. brisket, lean only B
2013 TEST:
a. beef ribs DISCONTINUED ITEM in 2011: it was #1 best beef ribs, rated A+ in April 2010) (if they bring it back - perhaps it may be on Fridays like it used to be). Now, #1 is Goodwood BBQ at various Utah locations
b. baked beans, first visit (2006) B-, second visit (2013) A - (among highest of over 40 tested)
c. mashed potatoes and meat gravy (don't get regular gravy!) A-
d. #2 (tie) best potato salad (behind Five Star, tied with Cafe 300) (B +)
e. #1 best greens - mustard greens (B+)
f. #2 best red beans and rice (B+)
g. #1 best Creole black beans and rice (B+)
h. #1 best jambalaya (B+)
i. #2 best. BBQ Sauce with meats (#1 for tasting alone) ("Sweet Heat" - not their others) A -
2011 TEST:
j. cornbread, first visit (Sep 2006) C-, second visit (Feb 2010) C+, third visit (Dec 2011) B
k. wet end brisket ("burnt ends") B+
l. dry brisket (2006) D
m. slaw, first visit (2006) C, second visit (Feb 2010) A-, third visit (Dec 2011) B+
n-o n/a
p. mustard greens B+
q. red beans and rice, first visit (April 2010) A-, second visit (Dec 2011) B+ (best)
r. meaty gravy and rice, first visit (April 2010) A-, second visit (Nov 2011) B
s. mashed potato and "meaty" gravy A
t. mashed potato and "regular" gravy for it: B+, but C++ without gravy,
u. gravy alone (canned) (April 2010) C-
v. jambalaya B+
w. rib tips B+ (hard crusty parts C)
x. creole black beans and rice B+
z. RIBS:
first visit (2006) alone B
second visit (Feb 2010, tested with various specific sauces:
alone B+
with sweet heat B++
with mild B++
with Big Powder? Brown Sugar C
with mustard sauce C+
with Big Powder? Sweet Vinegar C-
third visit (Nov 2011) C, with sauces B+
fourth visit (Dec 2011) B+, with sauces B++
fifth visit (May 2015) B-/B
aa. SMOKED CHICKEN:
thigh (2010 and 2011) C-, with sauce C+
leg (2010 and 2011) C+
breast C+, with sauce B+
bb. pulled pork, first visit (2006) C, second visit (Nov 2011) C+, with sauce C-, third visit (May 2015) C
cc. sweet potato pie B-
dd. pecan pie A (best in Utah, but no longer made?)
BBQ SAUCES (2010):
ee. mild A-
ff. mustard, first test (April. 2010) C, second test (Decd 2011) B-
gg. red, first test (April 2010) B-, second test (Feb 2011) A-, third test (Dec 2011) B
2016:
a. Northern style dry rub ribs: B, but with cumin spice B/B+
b. spare ribs with sauce C+/B-
c. beef and broccoli: texture C-, flavor B-, total: C/C+
2015:
a. orange peel shrimp A
b. chocolate decadance dome cake. A (second best in Utah we've had after Zoom in Park City) A
c. duck roll C-/D+
d. fried rice C+/B-
e. lo mein B
f. crab fried rice B/B+
g. lo mein B/B+
h. chilean sea bass (worst in Utah) B/B+
i. hot fish (cod, battered, and too spicy-hot) B/B+
j. cheesecake A (best in Utah)
Paulino's Contigo Peruvian Restaurant, Salt Lake City
a. fried rice B/B+
b. fried swai (Asian catfish) (best is at El Tropical, Provo) C-/C
c. pollo la brasa (our fave in the state after El Tropical, and Casa de Peru, Provo. (El Tropical is best WHEN they marinate it 3 days.) Specifically here: leg: B-/B, thigh B+. overall: B/B+
Payson mexican market (find the name)
a. relleno B
b. cheese and bean papoosa B
c. ditto with sauce B
d. porkrind and cheese papoosa plain D
e. ditto with sauce A-
f. choriso quesadilla C-
g. beans A- -
h. rice B
Penny Ann's Cafe, various SLC locations
August 2017:
a. buttermilk pancakes B+
b. chicken fried steak with gravy (chopped meat alone B-, sausage gravy alone A-) total: B
c. potatoes B/B+
d. potatoes with gravy A-
ONLY 2 GREAT PIES, TRIED THEM ALL:
a. coconut cream B+/A- (crust A-) (another time graded it C--; get with no whipped cream, which is a D, but pie crusts rate a B+)
ba. chocolate cream mousse pie A
c. key lime pie C+
d. chocolate peanut butter pie B-
e. buttermilk pie C+/B-
f. banana cream C-
(if not whipped cream on the last 3, they rate a D; but the crust for all the above rate B+)
g. lemon raspberry C+
h. all other pies: C
BREAKFASTS:
i. breakfast burrito C, smothered C, chile verde sauce C+
j. pancakes with pecan and caramel sauce B
k. scrambled eggs B/B+
l. bacon B+
m. sausage link B-
n. ham C
o. rye buttered toast if hot A-
p. fried potatoes B/B+
Pho Plus Noodles, Provo
a. Ban Hi sandwich - rates an A (honey pork alone C, bun B+, brown sauce A, which pulls up the whole grade. Also has carrots, cilantro, and lettuce). total: A.
b. 7 spiced pork sandwich (7 spiced pork alone B-/B). total: B+/A-
c. katsu sandwich B-
d. orange chicken B/B+
Pier 41 Pizza, Provo
a. vege pizza C+
Pizza Hut, national chain
wings in 2017:d. fried rice C+/B-
e. lo mein B
f. crab fried rice B/B+
g. lo mein B/B+
h. chilean sea bass (worst in Utah) B/B+
i. hot fish (cod, battered, and too spicy-hot) B/B+
j. cheesecake A (best in Utah)
Paulino's Contigo Peruvian Restaurant, Salt Lake City
a. fried rice B/B+
b. fried swai (Asian catfish) (best is at El Tropical, Provo) C-/C
c. pollo la brasa (our fave in the state after El Tropical, and Casa de Peru, Provo. (El Tropical is best WHEN they marinate it 3 days.) Specifically here: leg: B-/B, thigh B+. overall: B/B+
Payson mexican market (find the name)
a. relleno B
b. cheese and bean papoosa B
c. ditto with sauce B
d. porkrind and cheese papoosa plain D
e. ditto with sauce A-
f. choriso quesadilla C-
g. beans A- -
h. rice B
Penny Ann's Cafe, various SLC locations
August 2017:
a. buttermilk pancakes B+
b. chicken fried steak with gravy (chopped meat alone B-, sausage gravy alone A-) total: B
c. potatoes B/B+
d. potatoes with gravy A-
ONLY 2 GREAT PIES, TRIED THEM ALL:
a. coconut cream B+/A- (crust A-) (another time graded it C--; get with no whipped cream, which is a D, but pie crusts rate a B+)
ba. chocolate cream mousse pie A
c. key lime pie C+
d. chocolate peanut butter pie B-
e. buttermilk pie C+/B-
f. banana cream C-
(if not whipped cream on the last 3, they rate a D; but the crust for all the above rate B+)
g. lemon raspberry C+
h. all other pies: C
BREAKFASTS:
i. breakfast burrito C, smothered C, chile verde sauce C+
j. pancakes with pecan and caramel sauce B
k. scrambled eggs B/B+
l. bacon B+
m. sausage link B-
n. ham C
o. rye buttered toast if hot A-
p. fried potatoes B/B+
Pho Plus Noodles, Provo
a. Ban Hi sandwich - rates an A (honey pork alone C, bun B+, brown sauce A, which pulls up the whole grade. Also has carrots, cilantro, and lettuce). total: A.
b. 7 spiced pork sandwich (7 spiced pork alone B-/B). total: B+/A-
c. katsu sandwich B-
d. orange chicken B/B+
Pier 41 Pizza, Provo
a. vege pizza C+
Pizza Hut, national chain
lemon pepper run B/B+
cajun rub B - -
hiwaiian teriyaki B-
smoky garlic B-
garlic parm B/B+
nake B-/B
spicy garlic B/B+
oney bbq B - -
wings in 2010:
cooked with these sauces:
buffalo med B - -
buffalo mild B-
spicy Asian D++
spicy BBQ C+
Cajun C-
honey bbq C+
garlic parmn A-
hot B - -
* Pizzaria 712, Orem
(Note: See our site, "Best Pizza in Utah")
2916:
a. #1 tie: Margharita Pizza, wood-fired A
b. Panna cotta, butter milk, plain B+/A-, with pomegranite A-
c. pastrami sandwich A-?
d. caprese/pesto sandwich A
e. ham and cheese sandwich (focacia too thick and cheese too strong) D+
f. braised beef B-
g. carmel oatmeal cake, pecan caramel, sweet creme fraiche C+/B-, with cream B
h. chocolate pudding, sweet cream A-/A
i. shortbread with choc pudding C+/B-
j. honeycomb ice cream sandwich: Rockwell honeycomb ice cream (B+)
choc sauce (B+), with house made ginger snap cookies (B). total package B
k. mushroom pizza A
l. sausage pizza A
m. butternut squash pizza with bleu cheese C-/D+
n. butternut squash pizza with mozzarella cheese C+
2014:
f. Panna cotta, buttermilk, lemon curd A
g. biscuit and rhubarb compote B/B+
h. bread pudding (chamomile creme anglaise, high west bourbon caramel) A
Note on bread puddings: this one and the bread puddings at the regional BBQ chain in the East, "Mission," are the only two A grade bread puddings we have discovered in the U.S.
i. mushroom pizza A
j. sausage pizza A
PANINI SANDWICHES:
a. pastrami, souerkraut, rockhill gouda, russian dressing A-
b. braised beef, sweet onios, mushroom, provolone: meat B-, with cheese added they are B+, but all combined: B/B+
c. hand-pulled mozzarella, pesto, sun dried tomatoes A-
d. gran biscotto ham, white cheddar C+
e. summer: corn on the cob A
f. spring: pulled beef B-
g. mac and cheese (similar to Communal, same owner) B+
Pita Pit, Provo, national chaina. pastrami, souerkraut, rockhill gouda, russian dressing A-
b. braised beef, sweet onios, mushroom, provolone: meat B-, with cheese added they are B+, but all combined: B/B+
c. hand-pulled mozzarella, pesto, sun dried tomatoes A-
d. gran biscotto ham, white cheddar C+
e. summer: corn on the cob A
f. spring: pulled beef B-
g. mac and cheese (similar to Communal, same owner) B+
a. turkey pita B/B+
b. ham pita B+
c. prime rib pita C+
d. cheese steak pita C-
e. steak pita C-
f. plain white pita bread A
Pollo El Rey, SLC
2017:
grilled chicken, whole pieces B
rice C
pinto beans B+
salsa C+
mac, cold salad, spicy, B
corn tortillas C/C+
Pollo Royo, Orem, SLC
2017:
relleno with pasillo pepper, fresh and hot: B++, but if not fresh and hot: B-/B
cheese enchilada B
rice B/B+
beans B-
rotisserie chicken (made 8 AM, so get it when they open) B/B+
chicken tamale,with overcooked chicken B
fresh flour tortilla B+
red mild sauce B/B+
green mild sauce B/B+
then green sauce B
cold mac salad B
fries B/B+
Popeye's, national chain
2018:
a. spicy fried chicken (very good but better at Maddox, Communal [when they served it], and Cafe 300) B+
b. mild, regular fried chicken, almost as good as the spicy B+
c. red beans and rice (B)
d. mac and cheese C-/C
e. fried fish C
f. mash and gravy (best fast-food mash and gravy in Utah along with El Pollo Loco) B
g. sausage and egg breakfast bisquit (served at SLC sirport): sausage B-, egg B-; biscuit B-, combo B-/B
h. Cinnemon apple pie, hot B/B+
i. Ghost pepper wings, if hot and fresh, B/B+
Pretty Bird Chicken, SLC
7, 22 June 2018
a. fried chicken sandwich A
b. bone-in fried chicken A (see our site, "Best Fried chicken in Utah")
c. cider slaw C/C+
d. crinkle cut fries B++
Puro Peru, Sandy
a. #1 yellow rice, Peruvian style (you have to get it with mixed seafood). B+
b. green rice with chicken (chicken arroz con pollo (chicken B/B+, great green rice A) total A
c. anticucho tradicional ( skewered grill cow heart squaues) B
d. arroz chaufa mixto (fried rice with chicken C-/C) and beef (C-/B) - Chinese style fried rice. total grade C+
e. Peruvian seafood rice B+
f. pescado frito (breaded fish - tilapia) C
g. beef stew with white canary bean (includes tough pieces of beef, tender pieces beef A, running white beans A- -) total B/B+
Qe. Peruvian seafood rice B+
f. pescado frito (breaded fish - tilapia) C
g. beef stew with white canary bean (includes tough pieces of beef, tender pieces beef A, running white beans A- -) total B/B+
Quisnos, only in Salt Lake Valley now for Utah
a. lobster sandwich (seasonal) (if no dressing C+, if no oil herbs and lettuce and tomato B-). grade B+
Note: Be certain to use white bread only, add butter, tomato, and lettuce on it, plus make certain they add their herbed seasoning - 5 things! (Without the butter, for example, it's a C+). We tested this same sandwich in all different combinations over a 3 day period. (We also earlier tested all sandwiches on their menu, and, as with numerous other places on this list, we found only one item with a high grade - the one listed here.)
b. prime rib philly B
c. turky bacon guac sandwich C+
d. harvest chicken salad sandwich wrap on wheat wrap (joney-dijon, apples, grapes, dried cranberries, cucumbers, tomatos, pumpkin seeds, acai vinaigrette) B- -
R&R BBQ, SLC
2018, Sep:
st. Louis ribs B
brisket (supposed wet end, but not really from what we were served - probably the fattest part of the dry end): B-/B
chicken leg and thigh B-/B
meatloaf B-
slaw B+
2017:
ribs (ham-like) B
brisket B-/B
pulled pork (dry) C+
chicken thigh, boneless C-
peach cobbler D+/C-
Ranchero Market's cafe, Provo
a. rice C+
b. refried beans (too salty but nice runny texture; if less salty it would be a B+) B/B+
c.cheese enchilada (with white crumbly cheese on top; spicy hot) B+
d. chile relleno C-
Ranchito / Betos (same chain), multiple locations:
Note 1: This is different than "Mi Ranchito," another Utah chain.
Note 2: We've tried almost everything there, many several times; below in bold are the only 5 items rating above C+:
a. Texano Burrito A- (best item there)
b. taquitos B+
c. relleno B/B+
d. relleno sauce A
e. cheese enchilada C-
f. cheese enchilada sauce B-/B
f. beans B+
g. rice A-
Red Butte Cafe, SLC
a. many dessert items - we will update this. Start with chocolate raspberry 3 layer cake and the chocolate decadent cake and the orange chocolate mousse cake - all A-'s!
b. blackened catfish sandwich (blackened catfish alone A-, but it needs more fish or less sauteed veges - spinach, poblaino, celery, red pepper - and orange colored sauce, as you can't tasted the fish) B
c. chille relleno (the most unusual relleno we've tested - adding corn, squash, and carrot inside the poblano pepper with cheese) B/B+
d. hominy and corn B
e. black beans and creme (spicy hot), flavor B+, runny texture A) total B+
f. pasta with raw spinach D
2010 test: (some if not most items below no longer served, as they change their menu often:)
a. fried rockfish C
b. seafood stuffed mushrooms C+
c. bacon scallops B
d. red rockfish with shrimp Mediterranean B++
e. clam chowder C-
f. lobster mashed potatoes B++
Oct 2002 test, updated since several times, same scores:
a. key lie pie A-
(See our site, "Best Pies in Utah" for the list of best key lime pies.)
b. crunchy fried fish C
c. fried shrimp C
d. tartar sauce A+
e. shrimp sauce A+
f. cheesy rolls C
g. clam chowder C-
h. fish and chips (sometimes updated or taken off menu) B, second time Haddock with C- - overcooked fish and C batter; total C
i. New England seafood sampler (lobster, crab, and seafood stuffed mushrooms, lightly breaded clam strips, skewer of wood grilled bacon-wrapped sea scallops) C+
j. lobster pizza (crisp thin crust pizza with langostino lobster meat, melted mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil) D, second time B+
k. New England Lobster rolls (Main lobster meat lightly tossed with creamy mayo,l celery and onion on two buttery toasted rolls) D+
l. hand battered fish and chips (haddock fillet) C+
j. catfish B++
k. fries C+/B-
l. pumpkin cup B-
m. mashed potatoes B+
n. cheese burger: meat flavor B+, but meat overall C+; with added lettuce and tomato B+
o. chocolate cake B- -
Red Robin, multiple locations
a. mac and cheese alone B+/A-, served with rib pieces A-, second visit A-/A
b. riblets alone B/B+
c. fair fish and chips, #1 national chain for fish and chips - see our site for Best Fish and Chips in Utah. (fish alone: B), batter A-/A) overall: B/B+
d. rib tips B-
e. slaw C+?
Red Rock Grill, SLC
a. creme brule (inner portion, below burnt top C++), total, with burnt top: A
b. fried polenta B/B+
c. polenta with mushroom B-
d. polenta with tomato soup B+
e. all 3 combined: polenta, mushroom, tomato soup B/B+
f. soup: Italian sausage, cabbage, potato (spicy) B/B+
g. grilled flat bread (garlic,parsley, gorgonsola) C-/C
h. wild mushroom pizza (too much carmelized onion) C
i. caprese sandwich C
j. sweet potato fries B
k. french onion/ New York steak sandwich (meat C, grilled bread with melted mozorella atop slice with french onion inside only, with parsely sprinkled on both sides of bread B++; the french onion B), total: B
l. french onion dip C+
m. fried green tomato C-
n. shrimp sauce A
o. cod fish and chips (fish alone C-, bater B-/B) total: B-
p. tomato basil soup (strong black pepper) B+
q. slaw (too vinegary) D
r. chicken (microwave texture but tender) C
s. fresh long green beans (with sauteed red peppper pieces B+/A-). total B-
t. fried portabello and cheese A- hot, B warm
u. fries B-/B
v. tartar sauce (too sweet) B-
w. stuffed portabella mushroom (with herbed cream cheese and mozzarella, lightly breaded, deep fired and served with house made crushed San Marzano tomato sauce that is very black peppery) B+
total if hot, no sauce A-
total if warm with sauce B+
total if hot with sauce A
total if warm, no sauce: B
x. peach cobbler B/B+
y. fried calamari (good batter, not tender) B/B+
Rice King, Provo
2018, Sep:
st. Louis ribs B
brisket (supposed wet end, but not really from what we were served - probably the fattest part of the dry end): B-/B
chicken leg and thigh B-/B
meatloaf B-
slaw B+
2017:
ribs (ham-like) B
brisket B-/B
pulled pork (dry) C+
chicken thigh, boneless C-
peach cobbler D+/C-
Ranchero Market's cafe, Provo
a. rice C+
b. refried beans (too salty but nice runny texture; if less salty it would be a B+) B/B+
c.cheese enchilada (with white crumbly cheese on top; spicy hot) B+
d. chile relleno C-
Ranchito / Betos (same chain), multiple locations:
Note 1: This is different than "Mi Ranchito," another Utah chain.
Note 2: We've tried almost everything there, many several times; below in bold are the only 5 items rating above C+:
a. Texano Burrito A- (best item there)
b. taquitos B+
c. relleno B/B+
d. relleno sauce A
e. cheese enchilada C-
f. cheese enchilada sauce B-/B
f. beans B+
g. rice A-
Red Butte Cafe, SLC
a. many dessert items - we will update this. Start with chocolate raspberry 3 layer cake and the chocolate decadent cake and the orange chocolate mousse cake - all A-'s!
b. blackened catfish sandwich (blackened catfish alone A-, but it needs more fish or less sauteed veges - spinach, poblaino, celery, red pepper - and orange colored sauce, as you can't tasted the fish) B
c. chille relleno (the most unusual relleno we've tested - adding corn, squash, and carrot inside the poblano pepper with cheese) B/B+
d. hominy and corn B
e. black beans and creme (spicy hot), flavor B+, runny texture A) total B+
f. pasta with raw spinach D
DESSERTS:
a. lemon merinage tart B/B+
b. three layer chocolate cake with raspberries if in season or jelly if not, plus shipped choc ganache icing A
c. carrot cake (strong spice flavor) B/B+
d. bourbon pecan pie B+
e. chocolate decadence (flourless) cake A - see "Best Desserts in Utah" for this category. Red Butte ranks near the very top!
f. seasonal fruit (we had strawberry) poppy seed cake A-
g. orange chocolate mousse cake A
Red Lobster, national chaina. lemon merinage tart B/B+
b. three layer chocolate cake with raspberries if in season or jelly if not, plus shipped choc ganache icing A
c. carrot cake (strong spice flavor) B/B+
d. bourbon pecan pie B+
e. chocolate decadence (flourless) cake A - see "Best Desserts in Utah" for this category. Red Butte ranks near the very top!
f. seasonal fruit (we had strawberry) poppy seed cake A-
g. orange chocolate mousse cake A
2010 test: (some if not most items below no longer served, as they change their menu often:)
a. fried rockfish C
b. seafood stuffed mushrooms C+
c. bacon scallops B
d. red rockfish with shrimp Mediterranean B++
e. clam chowder C-
f. lobster mashed potatoes B++
Oct 2002 test, updated since several times, same scores:
a. key lie pie A-
(See our site, "Best Pies in Utah" for the list of best key lime pies.)
b. crunchy fried fish C
c. fried shrimp C
d. tartar sauce A+
e. shrimp sauce A+
f. cheesy rolls C
g. clam chowder C-
h. fish and chips (sometimes updated or taken off menu) B, second time Haddock with C- - overcooked fish and C batter; total C
i. New England seafood sampler (lobster, crab, and seafood stuffed mushrooms, lightly breaded clam strips, skewer of wood grilled bacon-wrapped sea scallops) C+
j. lobster pizza (crisp thin crust pizza with langostino lobster meat, melted mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil) D, second time B+
k. New England Lobster rolls (Main lobster meat lightly tossed with creamy mayo,l celery and onion on two buttery toasted rolls) D+
l. hand battered fish and chips (haddock fillet) C+
j. catfish B++
k. fries C+/B-
l. pumpkin cup B-
m. mashed potatoes B+
n. cheese burger: meat flavor B+, but meat overall C+; with added lettuce and tomato B+
o. chocolate cake B- -
Red Robin, multiple locations
a. mac and cheese alone B+/A-, served with rib pieces A-, second visit A-/A
b. riblets alone B/B+
c. fair fish and chips, #1 national chain for fish and chips - see our site for Best Fish and Chips in Utah. (fish alone: B), batter A-/A) overall: B/B+
d. rib tips B-
e. slaw C+?
Red Rock Grill, SLC
a. creme brule (inner portion, below burnt top C++), total, with burnt top: A
b. fried polenta B/B+
c. polenta with mushroom B-
d. polenta with tomato soup B+
e. all 3 combined: polenta, mushroom, tomato soup B/B+
f. soup: Italian sausage, cabbage, potato (spicy) B/B+
g. grilled flat bread (garlic,parsley, gorgonsola) C-/C
h. wild mushroom pizza (too much carmelized onion) C
i. caprese sandwich C
j. sweet potato fries B
k. french onion/ New York steak sandwich (meat C, grilled bread with melted mozorella atop slice with french onion inside only, with parsely sprinkled on both sides of bread B++; the french onion B), total: B
l. french onion dip C+
m. fried green tomato C-
n. shrimp sauce A
o. cod fish and chips (fish alone C-, bater B-/B) total: B-
p. tomato basil soup (strong black pepper) B+
q. slaw (too vinegary) D
r. chicken (microwave texture but tender) C
s. fresh long green beans (with sauteed red peppper pieces B+/A-). total B-
t. fried portabello and cheese A- hot, B warm
u. fries B-/B
v. tartar sauce (too sweet) B-
w. stuffed portabella mushroom (with herbed cream cheese and mozzarella, lightly breaded, deep fired and served with house made crushed San Marzano tomato sauce that is very black peppery) B+
total if hot, no sauce A-
total if warm with sauce B+
total if hot with sauce A
total if warm, no sauce: B
x. peach cobbler B/B+
y. fried calamari (good batter, not tender) B/B+
Rice King, Provo
a. fried rice B-
Rincon Peruvian, Orem
a. swai fish in broth B/B+Rincon Peruvian, Orem
b. chicha morada drink. A
c. rotisserie chicken (one of best rotisserie chicken in Utah; however, the very best is pollo ala brasa at The Tropical, Provo and Paulino's Contigo in Salt Lake City) Here it is: B/B+
d. tropical fruit drinks (in spring 2014 - we still must test them under new owner). A
e. escabeche de pescado (breaded fish) - they use swai. B
f. ado en escabechel cubapolitano, stew - they use swai. B
g. fries: B
Robbins Nest, Salt Lake City
2017:
The egg-straordinaire sandwich (egg salad, green pepper, red onio, lettuce, melted cheddar, on toasted honey whet bread) B/B+
Rockwell Creamery, Provo
2017-2018
a. milk chocolate ice cream A-
b. dark chocolate ice cream (part of Rockwell Road) B-/B
c. mint chocolate ice cream (real mint leaves!) A
d. biscotti ice cream B
PASTRIES:
2018:
1. cinnemon bun (one of best in Utah): inner part: B+/A-, frosting A-, outer part, stale, C-), total: B+
2. brownie B-
2015:
1. hummingbird B
2. koek sisters B/B+
3. mini cheesecake B/B+
4. black forest bomb B/B+
5. peanut butter doey goey B/B+
6. carmelita B/B+
7. sticky toffee B+
8. milk tort B/B+
9. brownie B-/B
Rodizio Grill, multiple locations
a. #1 creme brulee, fruit overtones A-
b. Brazilian Raspberry Creme with vanilla ice cream (ADD A SIDE CUP OF CHOCOLATE SYRUP TO MAKE IT BETTER!). (B++ with vanilla ice cream). It was better with chocolate ice cream in 2010, rating an A)
c. Brazillian Strawberry Creme (with frozen strawberries) (ADD A SIDE CUP OF CHOCOLATE SYRUP TO MAKE IT BETTER) B++
d. Brazillian limeade (much better than Tucano's Brazillian lemonade)
e. passion fruit mousse B/B+
WE TESTED THESE AND ARE GATHERING NOTES; they range from B's to A's
F. lime mousse
g. mango brazillian creme
h. passion fruit brazillian creme
i. coconut brazilian creme B-
j. guava brazillian creme
k. pina colada (ice, ice cream, pinapple, coconut)
2010 test:
a. caramel flan B- -
b. lime pie B-
c. creme brule B+
d. chocolate cake B-
(don't get cake with banana ice cream - it's the same weak cake)
e. raspberry chocolate brazillian creme (custom request chocolate ice cream, not vanilla that comes with it) A+
f. strawberry lemonade A+
No longer available: banana Brazillian creme B-
* Romano's Macaroni Grill, national chain - no longer in Utah County but in SLC
2017, January:
a. squash and peppers B/B+
b. lamb chops with mustard cream sauce A
c. chicken parmesean B/B+
d. lasagna B+
e. alfredo fetticini pasta B
f. spinach orz. B-
g. pork chop, alone: B
h. pork chop with marsala cream sauce: B/B+
i. marsala cream sauce alone: C+
j. pork chop with fig sauce only: B-
k. pork chop with demi glaze with fig in it B
l. signature truffle mac and cheese A
2016-2017:
a. roast chicken, boneless, strongly herbed: B-
b. rosemary ribeye, flavor B/B+; tough, select grade probably, so texture gets a C-; total: C+/B-
c. bread alone B- (note: eat there, hot, because even an hour old it's not good anymore)
d. bread C, with olive oil B+
e. rosemary ribeye (select grade and tough): total C/C+ (but flavor B/B+)
f. signature ruffle mac and cheese A
2016:
PASTAS:
a. spaghetti verdi with pesto, spinach B+
b. sausage rigatoni (needs more sausage crumbles and mushrooms and cream): B+
SANDWICHES:
c. caprese sandwich B
d. Italian pulled pork and cabbage sandwich (sauce ruins it. pork alone: C, total: C
e. prosciutto grilled cheese sandwich (bun B-, meat B/B+) total: B-
SOUP:
f. Pomodoro B
BREAD:
G bread loaf, seasonal B/B+
2014, NO LONGER SERVED:
a. Veal chops, with mushrooms and cheese on top (A-)
b. Pork shank A
c. now served with different recipe, in 2017, not graded yet. This is the 2014 preparation: Chianti pork chops (grape flavor). B+ (second best in Utah after Copper Onion in SLC)
d. parmasan crusted sole, with lemon butter, capers (has heavy crust). B/B+
e. Mediterranean Branzino (cheap sea bass - NOT Chilean sea bass, which is our favorite fish! - but this is not it), with lemon chardonnay sauce B
f. olive oil C-
g. sausa batina? B+
SOME OF THESE SAUCES STILL SERVED:
COMPARE THESE ITEMS TO OTHER ITALIAN RESTAURANTS:
a. macaroni and cheese (no sauce, sparse cheese) B-
b. marinara sauce B
c. Pomodora sauce (big cherry spaghetti chunks), #1 in state, first test B+, second test A-
d. ragu alla bolognese (meat sauce) C+
e. arrabiata (spicy pomodora) B
f. pic pac sauce B- -
g. bread (herbed, salty) C- -
h. caprese B-
i. cheddar broccoli soup C-/C
j. spaghetti noodles C
k. angel hair pasta B
l. caprese panini B-
DESSERTS:
a. panna cotta (see our site "Best Desserts in Utah" for a section on panna cotta, and much better ones than this) C+/B-
b. homemade chocolate cake, with ganache, chocolate toffee, whpped cream (cake alone C+, white and chocolate syrup alone A), combo syrups with cake B+
Roof, The, SLC
2016, December:
SOUPS:
onion soup C
clam chowder B+/A-
ENTREES:
meatballs, sweet and sour A-
Italian sausage B+
sauteed peppers and onions B+/A-
DESSERTS:
creme brule B+/A- (see our site, "Best Desserts in Utah")
flan, cold B-
chocolate custard, cold B+
chocolate mousse, flavor A, texture C+, overall B+
bread pudding with caramel sauce B+
pumpkin cheese cake B/B+
chocolate ganache peppermint cake B+/A-
chocolate tart (in pastry shell) B++
jelly roll B-
chocolate squares C+
orange poppyseed A
holiday pudding and lemon sauce C+/B-
pecan pie B+
key lime pie C
Roots, SLC
house sausage B+
herb biscuit B-
poblomo gravy B+
biscuit and gravy combo C-
sausage and gravy B
biscuit, gravy, and egg B+, + sausage A-
ditto with hollandaise sauce B/B+
fried potatoes B+
Bennie:
hollandaise sauce alone B+
bacon B-
tomato A but thin!
overall: B+
Roula's Restaurant - SLC
a. lemon herb chicken (it might be better fresh; we got it 5 hours old) B-
b. herb potato wedges with sauce C+/B-
c. roll C
d. corn C
Rubio's Grill, national chain
2016, October:
a. battered fish, pollack (inside taco) B-
b. original fish taco with lime cabbage and green sauce B
c. sea bass alone (flavor alone B) C-
d. sea bass taco B/B+
e.cheese enchilada, plain (has too little, cheap cheese) C-/C
f. ditto with fire-roasted sauce C-/C
g. fire roasted sauce alone C
h. shrimp enchilada B
i. shrimp alone B
j. green sauce alone B-/B
k. Mexican rice B-
l. white lime rice B-/B
m. black beans C+
2014:
Note: as with other restaurants tested different years, a couple items below have a different grade than a different year (above); this is due to our tastes changing/improving for testing and in some cases recipes changing.
a. gourmet shrimp taco. A
b. shrimp enchilada, with red or verde sauce. A
c. chicken enchilada. B/B+
d. black beans. B+/A-
e. white rice. B+
f. cheese quesadilla. A-
g. pico de gallo. A-
h. guacamole. A
i. verde sauce. B+
j. original fish taco B/B+
k. fish taco special (with cheese and guac) B
l. verde taco A-
m. mango mahi taco C (but if with no fish and only with corn, slaw, and taco: B+)
n. tilapia taco with slaw B-
o. salmon taco C
p. mahi taco C
p. chocolate pop cake B
q. "limon" square C+
r. chicken tortilla soup B/B+
Ruby River Steakhouse, Utah chain
2017, January:
ribeye steak, choice grade B/B+
garlic mash B+
white gravy B-
mash and gravy combo: B+/A-
french bread B+
2014:
a. ribeye (great seasoning, one of best steaks under $30), grades: with fat B+, lean B-
(No bone-in option is presented at Ruby River.) This is our favorite steak under $30; best under $30 is at Oregano Grill, Provo.
b. 2014: cheesy mashed potatoes, first visit (June 2010) A-, second visit (2014) B+++
c. 2017: garlic mashed potatoes, B+, white gravy B-, total B+/A-
d. bacon cheese burger (bun B, meat B-/B, american cheese C, bacon that is chewy but with good flavor B-, tomato, leaf lettuce, Ruby sauce - yellow orange mayo B+) total: B-/B
e. onion strips B+
f. roast 1/2 chicken with bbq sauce B-
g. baked potato B+
h. sweet potato B
i. parmesean tomato D
j. pork tenderloin (alone B, with bacon B/B+, plus with mash B++)
k. baby back ribs (served with much sauce, slightly tough meat) D+
l. fish and chips C (See our site, "Best Fish and Chips in Utah" for a complete listing)
1996, April:
cinemon yam A+
baked potato, "Jacketed" A+
coconut fried shrimp appetizer A
BBQ baby back ribs C+
BBQ chicken: thigh B, leg D, total C+
prime rib D+
sourdough bread loaf C
salad with raspberry vinegrette B_
raspberry daquri drink D+
green salad B
key lime pie C+
Rumbi Grill, national chain
a. luau pork sandwich. A-. With no sauce: B+, pork alone: B/B+,
the Asian slaw and mayo pull its grade up); kahuku bbq sauce B/B+
b. dark choc cake. B+ (only dessert that deserved at least a B)
c. key lime pie C-
d. fries B/B+
e. beach burger C+
(bun: B++, meat: C with strong black pepper spice taste)
f. luau pork sandich B/B+ (pork: B)
g. volcano-blackened fish C
h. salmon alone: C
i. rumbi rice, coconut and red beans with mango passion pioli) A-
j. side caesar salad A- with sauce. alone: B/B+
k. cold mac salad B+
l. side salad with sauce. A-
m. upside down cake B-/B (with whipped cream: B/B+)
n. choc lava cake B-/B
o. maui bacon burger (no pineapple or bbq sauce; fresh bun; added tomato) B-
Rusted Sun Pizza, SLC
2016:
a. cheesecake B-
b. margharita pizza A-
Ruth's Diner, SLC
a. chocolate malt pudding (4th best after Copper Onion as #1 in Utah and Terigo's "chocolate creme brulee" in Park City and Pizzaria 712 in Orem). This one is made with semi-sweet choc, barley malt syrup, heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla) A
b. #1 meatloaf we've found in the U.S., chargrilled. A -
c-1. meatloaf with brown gravy (baked with glaze of BBQ sauce, and inside the loaf are mushroom, onion and celery (and bread or crackers or egg?), pork and beef, sliced and finished off on the gas grill for great flavor!) A+
c-2 meatloaf with country (white) gravy A
c-3 meatloaf burger B/B+
d. brown gravy alone B/B+
e. Mac and cheese B-/B
f. mac and cheese with brown gravy (on side): better
g. veges first time: B/B+ (later: winter 2016: red pepper, zuchini, onion, little cauliflouer) B+
h. rice pilaf B/B+
i. grilled salmon, overcooked, frozen C
j. salmon with red pepper sauce B+
salmon sauce alone: B+/A-
k. n/a
l. pulled pork benedict (pork alone B/B+, with sauce B+, holldandase sauce alone B+, also added is green chile cheese cornbread in place of English muffin, soft poach egg B++). . If everything: A if hot. B if only warm.
m. ditto minus the pulled pork B++
n. ditto minus the hollandase sauce B++
o. asparagus omelette (1/4 inch pieces asparagus and 1/2 inch thick diced tomato, gouda cheese, all inside the omelette) A
p. cinnamon bun: outer part B-/B, outer part with syrup B/B+, center part with syrup A-, center alone B+.
q. french toast (thick Texas toast, slight cinnamon flavor) B
r. banana walnut french toast (1/2 inch thick banana bread in egg wash). french toast alone: B-. With banana and walnut: B/B+. with syrup B+ (with syrup and no banana: B)
s. custom order: banana bread alone: A
t. hash browns (house seasoning of paprika, thyme, black pepper, and garlic) B++
u. pinto beans B
v. n/a
w. n/a
x. chicken fried steak B/B+
y. mile high bisquits and gravy B
z. halibut and chips B-
aa. stuffed pork chop (thick, good sear, but needs bone-in and dark pork meat) total B/B+
bb. stuffing for pork chop B+
cc. crab cakes C-?
dd. buffalo wings B-?
ee. potato soup C+
ff. cold pasta salad, A for those who like it; for those who don't: C+
gg. salmon BLT sandwich (ciabatta bun too chewy, als has pesto sauce, lettuce, tomato, bacon, salmon) B
hh. salmon alone (served with BLT) (too thin) A-
ii. vege sandwich (ciabatta roll B+; chipotle mayo too hot for kids) total B+
jj. vege enchiladas B-
kk. spanish rice D+/C-
ll. pinto beans and cheese C+/B-
mm. grilled asparagus B
nn. mash (mashed potatoes) B/B+
oo. raspberry creme brulee A-/A
S
Sabrosa, Orem
a. chips A-
b. salsa A
c. cheese enchilada (unmelted cheese inside, which needs to be fixed) B-
d. enchilada sauce B- (rated B second visit below, served with shrimp)
e. sopes ahogados (sope's density and thickness universally are not to our tastes and is definitely not good with eggs for this breakfast dish. Also, the flavor of this particular red enchilada sauce (B-) holds it back.
f. shredded beef (atop above sope) B
g. chile relleno, one of two best in state using poblano pepper, along with Tarahumara in Midway. A-
h. chicken enchilada B/B+
i. rice B+/A-
j. carne asada (B+ flavor, but toughness brings it down, as most asada dishes are) C+
k. refried beans B/B+
l. shrimp enchilada with cream sauce:
shrimp B-, chipotle/alfredo sauce B, cheese enchilada B with it; total: B/B+
salad with above: B/B+
all together, including salad: B+
creamy black beans B+
white rice and red sauce B-
Salt Bistro, SLC
a. turkey, cranberry, sprouts, tomato, and havarti sandwich (deli turkey B-, aioli B+/A-) A-
b. PB and J The Leo Way C+
c. ultimate grilled cheese (too much pesto) B-
d. mini mac and cheese (with crusted top) B/B+
San Marcos Taco Shop, south Provo
2017:
MEATS FOR TACOS AND BURRITOS:
chicken (dry) C - -
chorizo B
birrea B
carnita C-/C
carne asada B+
cabesa B/B+
lengua B+
al pastor B/B+
ENTREE:
enchiladas (call first, served only on Thursdays in 2017): plain B, but with other stuff added - chorizo, hot sauce, potato, meat, white cheese, cream - it's an A
Scaddies, SLC
a. burger (bun B, meat C+/B-) total: B/B+
b. fish and chips, battered Halibut, overall: C+. The batter rates a B- - but the fish is overcooked and chewy and gets a C- - .
Sea Bears, Bountiful
a. clam chowder (needs white wine added to it for better flavor) B/B+
b. tartar sauce B
c. slaw B/B+
d. krab croissant B-/B
e. steak fries B
f. hushpuppies C
g. tilapia fish and chips (best tilapia in state) A-
h. #1: catfish as fish and chips (best catfish in state; tied for best fish and chips in state - catfish) A+
i. cod fish and chips (dry, like halibut) B-
j. halibut B
k. fried oyster (must eat when freshly served, super hot) A-
l. shepard's pie (lamb and beef) B-
m. burger (great onion sauce; fresh beef but needs 80-20 for higher fat and flavor, plus needs Smashburger approach with more seasoning) B/B+
Sean's Smokehouse, Saratoga Springs
a. fries A-
b. bleu cheese burger (mild cheese, bun B-, meat B, bacon C+/B-) total: B++
c. beef brisket, lean only C+/B-
c-2 beef brisket with sauce C+
c-3 beef brisket, bites with fat B+
d. beef brisket sandwich (bun alone: B) Total: C
e. pulled pork B
f. bone-in chicken
leg B-/B
thigh B+
g. turkey B+
h. baked beans B-/B, first time 2011 B++
i. cowboy beans (chile like) C+, first time 2011 B
j. potato salad C-/C, first time 2011 B- -
k. slaw B/B+, first time 2011 A-
l. garlic toast D
m. baby back ribs with glaze (2011 ribs with sauce C-, new recipe in 2014: B+
m-1. ribs with no glaze B-
m-2. ribs with glaze and black and blue sauce (best for ribs here) B++
SAUCES:
n. black and blue (best for ribs and pork) B+
o.Tennessee holler'n sauce (tastes like KC; second best for ribs and pork) B
q. Texas smoke sauce B
r. mustard sauce B-
p. peach cobler C-; second time (2014): soft part A, crystalized crust part C-, overall B
s. lime pie cup cake 2011: lime pie center: heavy cup cake B++, lime filling A-. overall A-
t. mustard sauce 2011: B-
u. red sauce with turkey 2011 A
v. white sauce with turkey A
w. 2011: chicken with red sauce A-
x. 2011 chicken with mustard sauce B
y. 2011: chicken alone B+
z. rattle snake bits, breaded jalapeno, too salty B-
PROBABLY TESTED AT SEANS:
a. fried corn A-
INCLUDING:
WINGS:
b. spicy buffalo C+
c. buffalo B-
d. ranch A- -
e. teriyaki C+
f. sweet (fruity) sauce A
g. Angus cheeseburger: meat B- -. total B+
Se Llama Peru, Provo
2016:
a. battered shrimp B-/B
b. battered calimari B
c. fish B/B+
d. battered clam B
e. chicha mrada (strong nutmeg) C
f. yuca C-
g. fries B-/B
h. pollo a la brassa: thigh B, leg C-(not cooked enough and not good enough flavor)
i. melinesa - breaded pollo: B-/B
j. breaded steak B+
l. unbreaded steak B
2015:
a. fried seafood platter B
(consisting of:
fried shrimp B +
fried tilapia B
calamari D
fried oysters D+
assorted, undefinable urchins Cs and Bs
b. pollo a la brasa B/B+
c. chicha morada drink. (note this rated higher in 2015 when tested; both taste-testing and food prep are not always a perfect science!) A
* Settebello Pizzaria, Salt Lake City
a. #1 tie: Margharita Pizza, wood-fired AMEATS FOR TACOS AND BURRITOS:
chicken (dry) C - -
chorizo B
birrea B
carnita C-/C
carne asada B+
cabesa B/B+
lengua B+
al pastor B/B+
ENTREE:
enchiladas (call first, served only on Thursdays in 2017): plain B, but with other stuff added - chorizo, hot sauce, potato, meat, white cheese, cream - it's an A
Scaddies, SLC
a. burger (bun B, meat C+/B-) total: B/B+
b. fish and chips, battered Halibut, overall: C+. The batter rates a B- - but the fish is overcooked and chewy and gets a C- - .
a. clam chowder (needs white wine added to it for better flavor) B/B+
b. tartar sauce B
c. slaw B/B+
d. krab croissant B-/B
e. steak fries B
f. hushpuppies C
g. tilapia fish and chips (best tilapia in state) A-
h. #1: catfish as fish and chips (best catfish in state; tied for best fish and chips in state - catfish) A+
i. cod fish and chips (dry, like halibut) B-
j. halibut B
k. fried oyster (must eat when freshly served, super hot) A-
l. shepard's pie (lamb and beef) B-
m. burger (great onion sauce; fresh beef but needs 80-20 for higher fat and flavor, plus needs Smashburger approach with more seasoning) B/B+
Sean's Smokehouse, Saratoga Springs
a. fries A-
b. bleu cheese burger (mild cheese, bun B-, meat B, bacon C+/B-) total: B++
c. beef brisket, lean only C+/B-
c-2 beef brisket with sauce C+
c-3 beef brisket, bites with fat B+
d. beef brisket sandwich (bun alone: B) Total: C
e. pulled pork B
f. bone-in chicken
leg B-/B
thigh B+
g. turkey B+
h. baked beans B-/B, first time 2011 B++
i. cowboy beans (chile like) C+, first time 2011 B
j. potato salad C-/C, first time 2011 B- -
k. slaw B/B+, first time 2011 A-
l. garlic toast D
m. baby back ribs with glaze (2011 ribs with sauce C-, new recipe in 2014: B+
m-1. ribs with no glaze B-
m-2. ribs with glaze and black and blue sauce (best for ribs here) B++
SAUCES:
n. black and blue (best for ribs and pork) B+
o.Tennessee holler'n sauce (tastes like KC; second best for ribs and pork) B
q. Texas smoke sauce B
r. mustard sauce B-
p. peach cobler C-; second time (2014): soft part A, crystalized crust part C-, overall B
s. lime pie cup cake 2011: lime pie center: heavy cup cake B++, lime filling A-. overall A-
t. mustard sauce 2011: B-
u. red sauce with turkey 2011 A
v. white sauce with turkey A
w. 2011: chicken with red sauce A-
x. 2011 chicken with mustard sauce B
y. 2011: chicken alone B+
z. rattle snake bits, breaded jalapeno, too salty B-
PROBABLY TESTED AT SEANS:
a. fried corn A-
INCLUDING:
WINGS:
b. spicy buffalo C+
c. buffalo B-
d. ranch A- -
e. teriyaki C+
f. sweet (fruity) sauce A
g. Angus cheeseburger: meat B- -. total B+
Se Llama Peru, Provo
2016:
a. battered shrimp B-/B
b. battered calimari B
c. fish B/B+
d. battered clam B
e. chicha mrada (strong nutmeg) C
f. yuca C-
g. fries B-/B
h. pollo a la brassa: thigh B, leg C-(not cooked enough and not good enough flavor)
i. melinesa - breaded pollo: B-/B
j. breaded steak B+
l. unbreaded steak B
2015:
a. fried seafood platter B
(consisting of:
fried shrimp B +
fried tilapia B
calamari D
fried oysters D+
assorted, undefinable urchins Cs and Bs
b. pollo a la brasa B/B+
c. chicha morada drink. (note this rated higher in 2015 when tested; both taste-testing and food prep are not always a perfect science!) A
* Settebello Pizzaria, Salt Lake City
b. GELATOS - TESTED AUG 2010:
1. pistachio A-
2. chocolate B+
3. raspberry gelato B++
4. sweet cream A
5. risoto with balsamic C+
6. banana C++
7. coconut C-
8. mint C+
9. strawberry B
10. lemon B -
11. choc chip C+
12. tiramisu C
13. hazelnut C-
14. nuttella C
15. blackberry C+
16. cinnamon C
17. toffee choc crunch B
18. ammoretto C-
19. yogurt with berries B-
c. SORBETTOS:
20. blood orange B+
21. pineapple B+
22. mixed berry B+
23. raspberry C+
24. lemon C-
25. cantelope C-
Shirley's Bakery and Cafe, Provo
a. turkey cranberry sandwich (french bread alone B+, pulled turkey B+ - slightly behind Kneaders, dressing alone B+ but it competes with other ingredients in our opinion) total B-
Shoots (Chinese), Provo
a. eggplant A
b. lo mein B-
c. fried rice B
d. egg foo young D
e. walnut shrimp (shrimp in creamy sauce with walnuts) B+
Sidetrack Cafe, Heber
a. burger C
b. ham (not clam) chowder B+
c. chile verde stew B+
Siegfried's Deli, Salt Lake City
See our site, "Best Desserts in Utah" for a more complete list of the best places for desserts.
CAKES: Their best cakes in order:
1. black forest cake B++
2. German chocolate cake B+
3. chocolate raspberry cake B+
4. raspberry yoghurt cake B
5. chocolate hazelnut cake B- -
FOODS:
a. pork leg (order in advance and get it fresh) B/B+
b. hot dog A
c. bratworst B+
Sizzler, national chain
d. fish and chips (chewy, frozen fish is D+, batter is B++). Overall: B-
e. chips and dip A
f. St. Louis (spare) ribs B
g. flat iron steak C-
h. baked potato B-
i. parm toast B- -
j. burger (beef B/B+, bacon B but undercooked, bun B, no sauce, red o., tom. chopped lettuce) total B/B+
k. beef ribs (seasonally) B
l. chicken fried steak (cube steak but unlike most cube steak, this is somewhat tender; batter C+, gravy B-) total B
k. mash C+
l. veges D+/C-
m. chicken fried steak C-
Skippers, national chain
2018:
beer-battered fish, pre-battered, frozen C
breaded classic fish, frozen C
key lime pie C-
chicken sandwich: chicken B, bun B, total: B/B+
fries C
clam chowder C
Slab Pizza, Utah chain
Note: in early 2014 we re-visited here, and re-graded the B and A pizzas somewhat lower, likely due to our changing tastes. It's still a much better place than the chain pizza places.
a. New Mexico with red sauce (sausage, pepperoni, anaheim pepper, onions) B+
b. chile verde B++
c. "real Hawaiian" (spam, jalepenios, onion, BBQ sauce) A-
d. sausage,pepperoni, 3 veges B
e. fennel sausage and chevre (goat cheese) B- -
f. rosemary potato and bacon B
g. thai chicken B+
h. white (sausage, pepperoni, white sauce) B+
i. Philly B+
j. BBQ B+
k. buffalo C
l. vege B+
m. margharita (with parm sprinkled B-) no parm sprinkled: B
n. thai B+
MEATS:
o. their own sausage B+
p. bacon B- -
q. pepperonl D+
r. ham B
Slapfish, Lehi, national chain
fish and chips:
fish (too thin, has crispy batter): B/B+
fries C+/B-
lobster sandwich (too much mayo-like sauce on half of it: B-; for the other half with less sauce: B-/B
clam chowder C+
Slate Restaurant, Provo
a. mushroom risotto Aa. turkey cranberry sandwich (french bread alone B+, pulled turkey B+ - slightly behind Kneaders, dressing alone B+ but it competes with other ingredients in our opinion) total B-
Shoots (Chinese), Provo
a. eggplant A
b. lo mein B-
c. fried rice B
d. egg foo young D
e. walnut shrimp (shrimp in creamy sauce with walnuts) B+
Sidetrack Cafe, Heber
a. burger C
b. ham (not clam) chowder B+
c. chile verde stew B+
Siegfried's Deli, Salt Lake City
See our site, "Best Desserts in Utah" for a more complete list of the best places for desserts.
CAKES: Their best cakes in order:
1. black forest cake B++
2. German chocolate cake B+
3. chocolate raspberry cake B+
4. raspberry yoghurt cake B
5. chocolate hazelnut cake B- -
FOODS:
a. pork leg (order in advance and get it fresh) B/B+
b. hot dog A
c. bratworst B+
a. ONLY GOOD ENTREE: Cedar Plank Salmon, soy glazed B+
b. baked potato - best in the state (be sure to sub out the margarine that automatically comes with it and instead get REAL butter plus sour cream) A
c. steak fries - outstanding Ab. baked potato - best in the state (be sure to sub out the margarine that automatically comes with it and instead get REAL butter plus sour cream) A
d. fish and chips (chewy, frozen fish is D+, batter is B++). Overall: B-
e. chips and dip A
f. St. Louis (spare) ribs B
g. flat iron steak C-
h. baked potato B-
i. parm toast B- -
j. burger (beef B/B+, bacon B but undercooked, bun B, no sauce, red o., tom. chopped lettuce) total B/B+
k. beef ribs (seasonally) B
l. chicken fried steak (cube steak but unlike most cube steak, this is somewhat tender; batter C+, gravy B-) total B
k. mash C+
l. veges D+/C-
m. chicken fried steak C-
Skippers, national chain
2018:
beer-battered fish, pre-battered, frozen C
breaded classic fish, frozen C
key lime pie C-
chicken sandwich: chicken B, bun B, total: B/B+
fries C
clam chowder C
Slab Pizza, Utah chain
Note: in early 2014 we re-visited here, and re-graded the B and A pizzas somewhat lower, likely due to our changing tastes. It's still a much better place than the chain pizza places.
a. New Mexico with red sauce (sausage, pepperoni, anaheim pepper, onions) B+
b. chile verde B++
c. "real Hawaiian" (spam, jalepenios, onion, BBQ sauce) A-
d. sausage,pepperoni, 3 veges B
e. fennel sausage and chevre (goat cheese) B- -
f. rosemary potato and bacon B
g. thai chicken B+
h. white (sausage, pepperoni, white sauce) B+
i. Philly B+
j. BBQ B+
k. buffalo C
l. vege B+
m. margharita (with parm sprinkled B-) no parm sprinkled: B
n. thai B+
MEATS:
o. their own sausage B+
p. bacon B- -
q. pepperonl D+
r. ham B
fish and chips:
fish (too thin, has crispy batter): B/B+
fries C+/B-
lobster sandwich (too much mayo-like sauce on half of it: B-; for the other half with less sauce: B-/B
clam chowder C+
Slate Restaurant, Provo
b. smoked bacon cheddar dip A
c. #1 scones (and honey butter) in Utah (#2 is Black Sheep in Provo; #3 is Family Tree, Santaquin) A
d. brioche French Toast. alone B+. with banana foster (bananas and walnuts) B/B+
e. crunhy French Toast. Alone C+, with fruit C+, with syrup B-
f. broken yolk sandwich B/B+
g. Farmer's Omelette (bacon C+) B/B+
h. housemade corned beef B-/B
i. stuffed tomato (scrambled eggs, feta, thyme, s and p, italian sausage, spinach, tomato with no seeds, baked) A
j. hashbrowns and black pepper. BEST IN STATE A-
k. free range bison burger (bacon C+, the sauce makes it, as a light coat on lower bun) A-
l. roasted turkey blt (turkey B+) B/B+
m. angus burger (meat B, bacon C+, bun B, no sauce) B/B+
n. "really great pasta" (spinach, tomato, sausage, parm) B+/A-
o. country style apple BBQ ribs (not smoked) B+
p. cedar plank trout, C+, with skin B/B+
q. smoked trout salad (with avocado, mixed greens, orange, cirus vinegrette) B/B+
r. citrus vinegrette with salad A-
s. scones alone A-
t. scones with jam A- -
u. scones with honey butter A
v. scones with both A-
w. lalimari B+
x. crispy buffalo shrimp B/B+
y. beer battered onion rings. A
z. crispy calamari A-
aa. honey lime slaw B+/A-
bb. fresh potato chips (served with dip) A-
cc. stewed apple A-
dd. mushroom risoto A
Smashburger, national chain
a. Haagen Daz chocolate shake, best fast food shake in state (unfortunately they use vanilla ice cream and choc syrup rather than their great choc ice cream!) B+
b. strawberry shake B+
c. classic burger B/B+ (with customized Smashburger sauce: (mustard mayo). (Grades: smash sauce is mustard-mayo and grades at B, the meat is B/B+, egg bun is B) total: B/B+
d. 2017: bacon cheeseburger:
meat B/B+ (texture B-, flavor B+)
bacon C+
bun A-
total B++
Smokehouse BBQ, Orem
2017:
smokehouse burger:
bun B/B+
meat B/B+
bacon B-
plus greens, egg, and pickles
total: B/B+
Note: only the bun is grilled to give the burger a grille d flavor
sauces: 2 best:
sweet BBQ B
dragon blood C+
mashed potatoes C+/B-
before 2017:
2017:
smokehouse burger:
bun B/B+
meat B/B+
bacon B-
plus greens, egg, and pickles
total: B/B+
Note: only the bun is grilled to give the burger a grille d flavor
sauces: 2 best:
sweet BBQ B
dragon blood C+
mashed potatoes C+/B-
before 2017:
a. Smokehouse burger (bacon, egg, cheese, buttered bun B, raw spinach, tomato, bacon A-, sunny egg, american cheese, beef B [flavor C, texture A]) B
2010 ratings at Provo location, now in Orem:
b. St. Louis style ribs B-, later in 2012: C- -
c brisket (great flavor, tough) dry C+, wet (2012) B- -
d. smoked sausage (With red onion and green pepper, this is our fave of all smoked sausages, while the competitors don't grade higher than C's and D's) B-
e. baked beans C+
f. apple sauce (homemade, too cinnemony, but the best we've had) A-
g. slaw A-
h. mash B
i. mac and cheese B-; later in 2012 B- -
j. potato salad D++, later in 2012 B-
WHEN IN PROVO, in 2010:
k. homemade potato chips C-
REPEATS OF 5 ITEMS ABOVE, DIFFERENT GRADES in 2010:
l. mash C-
m. baked beans B- -, later in 2012 C+
n. slaw C
o. apple sauce B
p. mac and cheese B- (later in 2012 B- -)
2007:
PIZZAS (no longer offered as of 2018):
a. queen margharita: tomatoes, basil, mozz and provolone A-
b. five cheese: ricotta, parm, mozz, provolone, and bleu A-
c. mile high vegetarian B+: peppers, black olives, mushrooms, basil, tomatoes, onion, mozz, provolone, signature pizza sauce)
d. bbq pizza C-
e. meat pizza C
f. sweert and spicy thai C-
g. chicken alfredo C-
h. pesto and pork C-
i. corned beef B
Smoke Wagon BBQ, food truck occasionally in Utah, from Idaho
2018, April
a. sauce B/B+
b. ribs B+
c. pulled pork A- (best ever served in Utah!)
d. mac and cheese B
e. mac attack sandwich with mack, cheese, pulled pork, bun (B). total C+
Smokin' Apple BBQ, Lindon
2018, July:
a. ribs, room temp at 11 am (made 5pm nightly) C+
b. wet end brisket B-
c. sauce B
d. garlic mash B/B+
e. mac and cheese B
2010 - 2014:
a. pulled pork, first visit (March 2010) A, with sauce B; second visit (2010) alone B- -, with sauce B+, third visit (Dec 2013 C) fourth visit (2014) alone A -, with sauce B+
b. top 3 creamed corn (B+)
c. mac and cheese, first visit (Dec 2013) B+/A-, second visit (2014) B+
d. smoked cajun sausage (hot spicy), first visit (Dec 2013) B, second visit (2014) B - -
e. brisket, first visit (2010) B, with sauce C-; second visit (2011, before the wet and dry were mixed together and chopped up) C+, but freshly smoked wet end B+, all with sauce: A-; third visit (2014) wet and dry all chopped together: first visit (Dec 2013) B-, second visit (2014) C
f. garlic mash B
g. beans C++
h. baby back ribs, first visit (2010) alone B++, with sauce B+; second visit (Dec 2013) plain or glazed with sauce - same grade B/B+, third visit (2014) plain or glazed B/B+
March 2010:
i. chicken, grilled and chopped with added sauce, first visit (Dec 2013) C, second visit (2014) C-/D+
j. smoked cajun sausage C-
k. Eric's cheese steak sandwich B+
l. garlic smashed taters B-
m. dinner roll B-
n. sweet butter corn B+
o. baked beans, first visit (Dec 2013) B+/A-, too smoky second visit (2014) C+/B-
p. sweet corn bread B-
q. slaw B- -
r. reg. corn B
Snake Creek Grill, Heber City
a. best tenderloin pork we have found in Utah, but for our tastes, we preferred the pork shank at Romano's Macaroni Grill, and the pork chops at Copper Onion in Salt Lake City. A
b. bison burger (A-), best bison burger in the state and among best overall burgers
c. flourless chocolate cake B+?
d. creme brule B- (like pudding, not creamy enough)
b. root beer, house-made A
(same owner at Wasatch Brew Pub in Park City but different Fish and Chips recipe - don't get here.)
c.fish and chips (uses standard Hefevizen but too strong ale taste and batter soft and thick) grade C+
d. chocolate peanut butter pie (peanut butter with choc syrup) with whipped cream B/B+. pie alone B-
e. bread pudding (spongy). alone C+, with walnuts B-, with bourbon sauce B-
f. molten lava cake, in-house B-/B
GONE: State Street Grill, American Fork
LAST TRIP THERE AMONG MANY, 17 FEB 2017, a week before they closed:
a. fish and chips. The only fresh cod fish and chips at a fast food place in Utah. The batter was too hard and the fish with batter in Feb 2014 tested B-/B. But they improved it to the following: fish: B++/A-, batter: B/B+, taste: B+. Overall: B+.
b. mushroom and onion burger (meat B-) total B+
c. bleu cheese burger (strong cheese) D
2010 ratings at Provo location, now in Orem:
b. St. Louis style ribs B-, later in 2012: C- -
c brisket (great flavor, tough) dry C+, wet (2012) B- -
d. smoked sausage (With red onion and green pepper, this is our fave of all smoked sausages, while the competitors don't grade higher than C's and D's) B-
e. baked beans C+
f. apple sauce (homemade, too cinnemony, but the best we've had) A-
g. slaw A-
h. mash B
i. mac and cheese B-; later in 2012 B- -
j. potato salad D++, later in 2012 B-
WHEN IN PROVO, in 2010:
k. homemade potato chips C-
REPEATS OF 5 ITEMS ABOVE, DIFFERENT GRADES in 2010:
l. mash C-
m. baked beans B- -, later in 2012 C+
n. slaw C
o. apple sauce B
p. mac and cheese B- (later in 2012 B- -)
2007:
PIZZAS (no longer offered as of 2018):
a. queen margharita: tomatoes, basil, mozz and provolone A-
b. five cheese: ricotta, parm, mozz, provolone, and bleu A-
c. mile high vegetarian B+: peppers, black olives, mushrooms, basil, tomatoes, onion, mozz, provolone, signature pizza sauce)
d. bbq pizza C-
e. meat pizza C
f. sweert and spicy thai C-
g. chicken alfredo C-
h. pesto and pork C-
i. corned beef B
Smoke Wagon BBQ, food truck occasionally in Utah, from Idaho
2018, April
a. sauce B/B+
b. ribs B+
c. pulled pork A- (best ever served in Utah!)
d. mac and cheese B
e. mac attack sandwich with mack, cheese, pulled pork, bun (B). total C+
Smokin' Apple BBQ, Lindon
2018, July:
a. ribs, room temp at 11 am (made 5pm nightly) C+
b. wet end brisket B-
c. sauce B
d. garlic mash B/B+
e. mac and cheese B
2010 - 2014:
a. pulled pork, first visit (March 2010) A, with sauce B; second visit (2010) alone B- -, with sauce B+, third visit (Dec 2013 C) fourth visit (2014) alone A -, with sauce B+
b. top 3 creamed corn (B+)
c. mac and cheese, first visit (Dec 2013) B+/A-, second visit (2014) B+
d. smoked cajun sausage (hot spicy), first visit (Dec 2013) B, second visit (2014) B - -
e. brisket, first visit (2010) B, with sauce C-; second visit (2011, before the wet and dry were mixed together and chopped up) C+, but freshly smoked wet end B+, all with sauce: A-; third visit (2014) wet and dry all chopped together: first visit (Dec 2013) B-, second visit (2014) C
f. garlic mash B
g. beans C++
h. baby back ribs, first visit (2010) alone B++, with sauce B+; second visit (Dec 2013) plain or glazed with sauce - same grade B/B+, third visit (2014) plain or glazed B/B+
March 2010:
i. chicken, grilled and chopped with added sauce, first visit (Dec 2013) C, second visit (2014) C-/D+
j. smoked cajun sausage C-
k. Eric's cheese steak sandwich B+
l. garlic smashed taters B-
m. dinner roll B-
n. sweet butter corn B+
o. baked beans, first visit (Dec 2013) B+/A-, too smoky second visit (2014) C+/B-
p. sweet corn bread B-
q. slaw B- -
r. reg. corn B
Smokin Bones,Bountiful
a. Pulled pork B-/B
b. pulled pork with sauce B+/A-
c. lean brisket (no wet end here) C/C+
d. pulled chicken in sauce B/B+
e. baby back ribs B+/B++
f. baby back ribs with sauce B+
g. steak burger with pulled pork (used Starr ground French twist bun in 2013, perhaps a different bun when we visited there in 2016) A, and with sauce B++
h. baked "bbq beans" C++/B-
i. cornbread, with real honey butter B+
j. slaw C+
a. Pulled pork B-/B
b. pulled pork with sauce B+/A-
c. lean brisket (no wet end here) C/C+
d. pulled chicken in sauce B/B+
e. baby back ribs B+/B++
f. baby back ribs with sauce B+
g. steak burger with pulled pork (used Starr ground French twist bun in 2013, perhaps a different bun when we visited there in 2016) A, and with sauce B++
h. baked "bbq beans" C++/B-
i. cornbread, with real honey butter B+
j. slaw C+
a. best tenderloin pork we have found in Utah, but for our tastes, we preferred the pork shank at Romano's Macaroni Grill, and the pork chops at Copper Onion in Salt Lake City. A
b. bison burger (A-), best bison burger in the state and among best overall burgers
c. flourless chocolate cake B+?
d. creme brule B- (like pudding, not creamy enough)
Sonic Drive-in, national chain
Note: We've tested many things here over the years; some are OK. We're only including a breakfast sandwich here for now:
a. breakfast sandwich on a bun (egg D+, bacon C-) C-
b. sandwich with bacon, egg, and cheese on Texas Toast (toast is microwaved, C-, egg is D+, bacon is C-). total: C+
c. croissant with sausage and egg (egg is D+, croissant is a microwaved D, sausage is C) total: C-
South Fork Grill, Midvale
a. Hashbrowns B
b. Breakfast sandwich (sausage A, ciabatto bun B+ overall and A texture, scrambled egg B+) total A
Spin Cafe, Heber City
a. best Gelato in Utah. They make theirs from scratch. We have tested every flavor at every gelateria in the state - including at all Italian restaurants we have found that have a gelato bar, as well
GELATOS:
1. espresso gelato B+
2. peanut butter B
3. pistachio B-/B
4. vanilla B-/B
5. chocolate C+/B-
6. berry sorbet B/B+
7. pumpkin C+/B-
8. strawberry cheesecake gelato B-
9. peanut butter cup gelato (best in Utah) B++
10. stracciatella (best Italian chocolate chip gelato in state) A
11. ginger bread gelato (with real ginger) B+
12. vanilla bean B-/B
13. baci (best in state) A
14. double chocolate C+
15. creme brulee B/B+
16. mono loco (banana choc pecans, caramel) A
17. tamo as (coconut choc caramel) A
18. mixed berry sorbet (best in state) A
19. lemon sorbet (tart and artificial tasting) C-
20 mint choc chip A
FOODS:
b. fries with seasoning A
c. white soup B
d. spin burger (bun: A-; beef quality: B++ quality but with a certain dominant herb, flavor of meat is only a B-) total B-
e. baked beans B+
f. garlic mashed potatoes B+
g. seaside panini: : shrimp, cheese, veges, romesco sauce. sauce alone: B
h. bison burger B?
i. salmon with maple butter B?
j. pulled pork lettuce wrap B?
k. garlic potatoes B+
Note: We've tested many things here over the years; some are OK. We're only including a breakfast sandwich here for now:
a. breakfast sandwich on a bun (egg D+, bacon C-) C-
b. sandwich with bacon, egg, and cheese on Texas Toast (toast is microwaved, C-, egg is D+, bacon is C-). total: C+
c. croissant with sausage and egg (egg is D+, croissant is a microwaved D, sausage is C) total: C-
South Fork Grill, Midvale
a. Hashbrowns B
b. Breakfast sandwich (sausage A, ciabatto bun B+ overall and A texture, scrambled egg B+) total A
Spin Cafe, Heber City
a. best Gelato in Utah. They make theirs from scratch. We have tested every flavor at every gelateria in the state - including at all Italian restaurants we have found that have a gelato bar, as well
GELATOS:
1. espresso gelato B+
2. peanut butter B
3. pistachio B-/B
4. vanilla B-/B
5. chocolate C+/B-
6. berry sorbet B/B+
7. pumpkin C+/B-
8. strawberry cheesecake gelato B-
9. peanut butter cup gelato (best in Utah) B++
10. stracciatella (best Italian chocolate chip gelato in state) A
11. ginger bread gelato (with real ginger) B+
12. vanilla bean B-/B
13. baci (best in state) A
14. double chocolate C+
15. creme brulee B/B+
16. mono loco (banana choc pecans, caramel) A
17. tamo as (coconut choc caramel) A
18. mixed berry sorbet (best in state) A
19. lemon sorbet (tart and artificial tasting) C-
20 mint choc chip A
FOODS:
b. fries with seasoning A
c. white soup B
d. spin burger (bun: A-; beef quality: B++ quality but with a certain dominant herb, flavor of meat is only a B-) total B-
e. baked beans B+
f. garlic mashed potatoes B+
g. seaside panini: : shrimp, cheese, veges, romesco sauce. sauce alone: B
h. bison burger B?
i. salmon with maple butter B?
j. pulled pork lettuce wrap B?
k. garlic potatoes B+
Sportz Dogs Food Truck (CALL THEM FOR THEIR LOCATION EACH WEEK:
a. Hot dog. Call them at 801-764-0463 to learn their schedule - usually at events and farmers markets and lunch weekdays outside companies like Vivent. Now serving Nathans. They make a killer BBQ/teriyaki sauce (similar to J Dawgs, not as sweet, and better to some, plus a mustard garlic ranch sauce (we prefer the BBQ/teriyaki but it's worth trying both). They wrap their all beef dogs in a fresh scone! We recommend raw onions only at one end, and coleslaw at the other half, for the two best options. (We have found that for places not having tomato/onion/pickle/mushroom (like Mooya Burgers), just onions or just coleslaw make the best dogs, with either fry sauce - like Mooya's - consisting of half ketchup and half mayo - or brown sweet sauce like this place, J Dawgs, and Rocco's uses. HINT: Have them slice the dog in half length-wise and spread the two halves apart, per the "Hint" above, so each bite does not have so much hotdog meat. A
Sprouts deli, chain
2017:
a. own bakery apple pie B
Squatters Pub and Grill, downtown SLC
a. garlic fries.- among the best fries ever Aa. Hot dog. Call them at 801-764-0463 to learn their schedule - usually at events and farmers markets and lunch weekdays outside companies like Vivent. Now serving Nathans. They make a killer BBQ/teriyaki sauce (similar to J Dawgs, not as sweet, and better to some, plus a mustard garlic ranch sauce (we prefer the BBQ/teriyaki but it's worth trying both). They wrap their all beef dogs in a fresh scone! We recommend raw onions only at one end, and coleslaw at the other half, for the two best options. (We have found that for places not having tomato/onion/pickle/mushroom (like Mooya Burgers), just onions or just coleslaw make the best dogs, with either fry sauce - like Mooya's - consisting of half ketchup and half mayo - or brown sweet sauce like this place, J Dawgs, and Rocco's uses. HINT: Have them slice the dog in half length-wise and spread the two halves apart, per the "Hint" above, so each bite does not have so much hotdog meat. A
2017:
a. own bakery apple pie B
Squatters Pub and Grill, downtown SLC
b. root beer, house-made A
(same owner at Wasatch Brew Pub in Park City but different Fish and Chips recipe - don't get here.)
c.fish and chips (uses standard Hefevizen but too strong ale taste and batter soft and thick) grade C+
d. chocolate peanut butter pie (peanut butter with choc syrup) with whipped cream B/B+. pie alone B-
e. bread pudding (spongy). alone C+, with walnuts B-, with bourbon sauce B-
f. molten lava cake, in-house B-/B
GONE: State Street Grill, American Fork
LAST TRIP THERE AMONG MANY, 17 FEB 2017, a week before they closed:
a. fish and chips. The only fresh cod fish and chips at a fast food place in Utah. The batter was too hard and the fish with batter in Feb 2014 tested B-/B. But they improved it to the following: fish: B++/A-, batter: B/B+, taste: B+. Overall: B+.
b. mushroom and onion burger (meat B-) total B+
c. bleu cheese burger (strong cheese) D
* Station 22, Provo
2017:
golden griller (see cheese sandwich below) A
catfish B+
22 club A - see below
2014:
BURGERS:
a. Honest Abe (butter and mao sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheddar, buttered bun) total A-
b. Chubby Checker with their mustard mayo sauce (we prefer to remove the battered and fried onions) A
(Note: we experimented with same same burger, replacing at home their sauce with cherry pie filling B, orange marmalade B-, dreamland BBQ sauce B, Central BBQ (in Memphis) mild sauce B-; clearly their sauce is what makes it an A.
c. Golden State (sweet roasted red pepper and pesto mayo sauce, mozz cheese, insert the additionally served items of avocado, tomato, and spring mix) total A-
d. Jack Kerouac (melted brie, bacon, bourbon sauce) B
e. Adventist veggie burger (patty C) total B
SANDWICHES:
a. Club Station 22 (roasted turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickled onion, avocado, roasted garlic mayo on focaccia) A+
b. Cheese sandwich on TX Toast (order cheese sandwich "old school" - with cheese crusts on BOTH slices, not just one slice, which they have done sometimes over the years. AND add 3 slices cheese, not their other way of just one) ALSO: they have more recently added pesto mayo sauce, making it even better. BUT TELL THEM TO CUT THE AVOCADO AND ADD EXTRA TOMATO! TOTAL SCORE in 2016, same as before, if you ask for it customized: A-
c. ditto not old school, regular new style B+
d. pig n cheese sandwich, first test: pork B-, texas toast B-, green apple slices B+, cheddar cheese) total: B/B+; second test (Feb 2013) pork alone C, sandwich A-
e. chicken salad sandwich (filling too dry, focacia bread too dry also; if filling creamier, grade would be higher) B
f. Breakfast sandwich B-
g. "freedom dip" beef sandwich B+?
h. chicken sandwich with spice glaze B
i. memphis chicken sandwich (chicken B, bun and dressing A) total B+
j. the Ratatouille (vegges and spinach) on ciabatta roll C-
k. Ratatouille (veges and spinach) on focacia A
l. catfish burrito (catfish, some tomato, spring mix, peach chipotle sauce) B+
m. catfish sandwich: A
n. catfish alone (order outside of sandwich): A (now tied for best catfish in Utah, with fish and chips place, "Sea Bass" on Washington Blvd in Ogden and Boudreau's Bistro, Salem.
SOUPS:
a. Manhatten Clam Chowder (no longer available - the cook who made this left) A
b. tomato basil soup A-
c. tomato soup A-
d. potato bacon chowder C+
e. red pepper bisque (spicy hot) B-
f. mushroom cream soup A
ENTREES:
a. salmon fish and chips B
b. shrimp and grits B (best are at Black Sheep, around the corner)
c. mini corn dogs with maple pork sausage (corn in the butter - good idea) B
d. chicken and waffles (chicken B-, waffle D, sage A, topping B) total B
e. whiskey chicken with mushroom whiskey gravy (chicken alone C+/B-, cheese grits C+/B-) total C++
f. blackened mahi (nice seasoning but the fish is one we don't care for - too dense) C++
g. pot roast (gravy best part) with short rib (tough, typical) C+
h. gravy for pot roast B
SIDES:
a. #1 (tie) best sweet potatoes wedges (with Goodwood BBQ) (#1 best sweet potato fries) A
b. #1 (tie) cole slaw (when available) (A -)
c. #2 best carrot (copper penny is the name) (best is Molly's) A
d. onion rinngs B/B+
e. grilled squash (spicy) B/B+
e-1. breaded squash C
f. fries C+, second time C
g. pouline (friies with rootbeer gravy and cheese curds) C+
h. "grown up mac and cheese" C
i. battered squash C
j. succotash D
k. sauted spinach B
l. ranch beans C
m. okra A
n. collard greens B-
o. mash potatoes C-
* Steven's Restaurant (Homestead), Midway
a. fried chicken (among the best - see our site for Best Fried Chicken in Utah) B+
b. chicken fried steak B+ (3rd best after Texas Roadhouse and Dalton's). The braised cubed beef was a nice touch, making it the most tender of all steak cuts we've had for chicken fried steak.)
c. mashed potatoes with gravy A-
d. chicken noodle soup B+?
a. fried chicken (among the best - see our site for Best Fried Chicken in Utah) B+
b. chicken fried steak B+ (3rd best after Texas Roadhouse and Dalton's). The braised cubed beef was a nice touch, making it the most tender of all steak cuts we've had for chicken fried steak.)
c. mashed potatoes with gravy A-
d. chicken noodle soup B+?
2016, November:
cabeza taco B+
tripa taco A-
lengua taco B-
asada taco B
rice B
beans B+
quesadilla B
Subway, national chain
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES:
a. Ham, salami, egg on flat bread: B, with mayo B/B+. 2nd test: A-
b. Ham, salami, egg on Italian sub plain: B/B+, plus mayo B+
c. Cheese and egg on flat bread B-/B, plus mayo B-/B. 2nd test: B/B+
d. Cheese and egg on Italian sub B, plus mayo B/B+
e. Turkey, ham, bacon, egg on flat bread B-, plus mayo B-
f. Turkey, ham, bacon, egg on Italian sub B, plus mayo B/B+
g. Ham and egg on flat C. 2nd test: B
h. Ham and egg on Italian sub B, plus mayo B-
2nd test only:
i. Bacon and egg on flatbread C+
j. Steak and egg on flatbread C+/B-
k. Ham egg and cheese on Italian sub B+/A-
2011:
a. breakfast flatbread sandwich with bacon, egg, cheddar/jack, tomato and cucumber A
b. English muffin breakfast sandwich with bacon, egg, cheddar/jack, tomato, and cucumber C-
Sugarhouse BBQ, Sugarhouse (SLC)
2015 TEST:
a. ribs B-/B
b. pulled pork C-
c. brisket B+
d, mashed potatoes and gravy A
e. slaw A-
2011 TEST:
mash A
choctaw corn A-
lean brisket C-
chicken B
ribs B
stuffing C+
collard greens C
greek potatoes C+
cornbread C
2010 TEST:
a. rib ends C
b. smoked wings B
c. Memphis ribs, cold C, freshly hot B+
d. chicken, whole pieces, first visit (9 March 1010) B, second visit (18 March 2010) B+
e. jumbalaya B-
f. BBQ sauce B
g. Greek oven roasted potatos C
h. mashed potatoes and gravy A
i. slaw A-
j. baked beans B
k. cornbread B
l. Carolina pulled pork sandwich C+, with sauce B
k. Texas beef brisket sandwich C, with sauce B-
Turkey breast sandwich:
l. cornbread stffing for turkey C
m. cranberry sauce for turkey C+
n. Alabama white sauce with turkey B
o. turkey only B+
p. white sauce only B++
q. Carribbean jerked chicken sandwich C, with white sauce B+, with only tomato, lettuce, and cucumber B, with only cranberry C+
2005 TEST:
pecan pie C+
brownie D+
choc chip cookie D+
bbq sauce B
cornbread B-
beef brisket A-
pulled pork B
ribs B
dry rubbed baby back ribs B-
Dixie chicken C+
slaw A- (2017: still A-)
bbq beans B
mash and gravy A (2017: A-)
classic potato salad B-
cherry wood smoked wings B-
Summerhays Halibut and Chips, SLC
a. halibut fish and chips, first test (2011) B, second test (2014) C+
b. swai A- DISCONTINUED BY LAST VISIT IN 2014
c. grilled halibut B-
d. grilled lemon pepper halibut, when overcooked C-, when not C+
e. grilled herb crushed halibut (crust is dull and thick) C-
f. griled halibut parmesan B
g. crab cake D
h. lemon pepper swai B+ DISCONTINUED BY LAST VISIT IN 2014
i. sweet potato (needs seasoning) B-
j. sweet potato fries A-
k. clam chowder B+
l. haddock fish and chips (in 2014) C+
m. burger (in 2014) (meat C-) total C
n. reg. fries (in 2014) C-
a. Joe's Scramble - breakfast (spinach, large egg pieces, whiteonion chopped, mushroom, tomato - small few cubes B/B+; add Italian sausage: A- -
b. Trout Benedict - breakfast - dried salt trout C-, hollandase sauce A, fried potato B) total A-
c. chicken salad sandwich (need more fruit but has nice B grade filling, yet 1 grape only, has tomato, lettuce, celery) B
d. caprese sandwhich (very nice mile basil and pesto, uses sourdough then panini, alone B+++
e. ditto, add turkey, fresh sliced, for one of best turkey sandwiches in the the state, if not the best B++
f. beef burger (meat, cooked stove top B, no sauce, chargrilled bun on inside B+) total B/B+
(Note: this was rated in May 2013; a new chef since may have changed this burger, as new chefs come and go there and usually change the food)
g. almond french toast, alone B-/B; with syrup, maple B/B+
h. margharita pizza, with sundried tomato C+, without it B
i. vanilla bean creme brulle B?
j. house made apple pie with caramel gelato C
k. pecan tarte B?
AT THE DELI
a. sausage, egg and cheddar breakfast sandwich D
NOTE: new chef their deleted the following item as of Oct 2013. Top Two chocolate cake in state: Decadent Chocolate Flourless Cake (from prevous pastry chef, Jessica S). Now the best is at Zoom in Park City, owned by Sundance, with Calli as the pastry chef.
Also gone: #2 creme brulee A - (vanilla), sweet potato cheesecake A -
Sweets Polynesian Restaurant, Provo
Note: the kids have taken over in about 2017 and basically improved the food, mostly with new menu items.
2005 test:
kalua pork B+
bbq teriyaki chicken A-
bbq teriyaki beef C
chicken katsu A-
sweet and sour spare ribs, meat C+, with sauce B
sticky rice C
teriyaki noodles B
teriyaki sauce D-
macaroni B+
fresh pineapple A
pani pop dessert (roll of coconut cream) C+
guava cake D+
T
Taco Amigo, Orem, Pleasant Grove2016:
a. fresh strawberry shakes, June only A
b. fresh peach shakes, late August-September only A
c. cheese enchilada C-
d. enchilda sauce B
d. burgers, good for the price B-
e. beans alone D+
f. beans with sauce and cheese C - -
Taco Bell, national chain
NOTE: Some items may no longer be served:
2018, May:
pintos and cheese B
cheese roll u ps, with 3 cheeses, no sauce B+
cheese quesadilla with creamy jalapeno sauce B/B+
crunchwrap supreme B+
cheesey bean and rice burrito B/B+
spicy potato soft taco B-
cheesey gordito crunch C
beefy fritos burrito C
Mexican Pizza (substitute beans for the cheap meat!), customized substitution: B+
2014:
BREAKFAST ITEMS:
(Note that their eggs rate B-/B, and like all fast food chains, their menu items change almost yearly.)
a. waffle taco - breakfast - only A breakfast item
b. bacon egg burrito C+/B-
c. steak burrito (great sauce, and the only item with sauce) A-
d. sausage burrito, no sauce, sausage pellets) B+
e. hash browns A-
f. brown? griller C++
g. sausage quesadilla (too little sausage and eggs inside) C+
h. crunchwrap with sausage, hasbbrown pay, and egg B/B+
6. Taco Bell, national chain - 3 items only:(we tried them all)
a.waffle taco sausage
b. waffle taco bacon (A-)
c. A.M. Bacon Taco (B+)
(Some repitition possibly to above):
1. Waffle taco with sausage A
2. Waffle taco with bacon A-
3. A.M Bacon taco B+
At Taco Bell, the items go downhill from here:
4. Crunch Wrap Bacon. Voters grades ranged from C+ to B+
5. Sausage Melt. Voters' grades ranged from C- to B-
6. Egg sausage burrito. Voters grades ranged from C to B-
7. cinnebon. B-
8. egg sausage burrito. Voters grades ranged from C to B-
9. egg bacon burrito. Voters grades ranged from C to C++
10. egg steak burriot. Voters grades ranged from C to C+
11. caramel apple empanada (lunch item) C
c. steak burrito (great sauce, and the only item with sauce) A-
d. sausage burrito, no sauce, sausage pellets) B+
e. hash browns A-
f. brown? griller C++
g. sausage quesadilla (too little sausage and eggs inside) C+
h. crunchwrap with sausage, hasbbrown pay, and egg B/B+
6. Taco Bell, national chain - 3 items only:(we tried them all)
a.waffle taco sausage
b. waffle taco bacon (A-)
c. A.M. Bacon Taco (B+)
(Some repitition possibly to above):
1. Waffle taco with sausage A
2. Waffle taco with bacon A-
3. A.M Bacon taco B+
At Taco Bell, the items go downhill from here:
4. Crunch Wrap Bacon. Voters grades ranged from C+ to B+
5. Sausage Melt. Voters' grades ranged from C- to B-
6. Egg sausage burrito. Voters grades ranged from C to B-
7. cinnebon. B-
8. egg sausage burrito. Voters grades ranged from C to B-
9. egg bacon burrito. Voters grades ranged from C to C++
10. egg steak burriot. Voters grades ranged from C to C+
11. caramel apple empanada (lunch item) C
a. chip sauce: red A-, chile verde A-, mild green sauce A
b. #1 best cheese quesadilla in state A
c. cilantro salsa for chips, etc. (request cilantro added to red chips sauce) A
d. sopapilla A-/A
e. fried ice credam C+/B-
f. chimi-cheesecake C
g. marinated pork burrito (pork A-) B-
h. relleno B/B+
i. ground beef chimi B+
j. chicken chimi (meat C+) A-
k. chicken tamale C++
l. rice B+
m. beans B
Tamale at home, Provo
2018:
relleno, with poblano and excellent spicy sauce B+
cheese enchilada C-
"golden fish" - a flat fish B-, with their red sauce B-, or with their relleno sauce B-/B, or their green sauce B/B+
rice B+
beans C-
flan B
Tapatia, Payson
a. chile relleno: #1 in Utah!
b. cheese enchilada B+/A
c. rice A
d. beans B+/A-
e. salsa A
f. chips C
f. quesadilla A
Tarahumara, Midway
BAKERY PORTION: (no longer operaing)
a. margharita cheesecake A-/A
b. tres leches cake B-
c. pecan pie B-
d. Mexican choc cake (with cinammon) B/B+
e. toffee bar B-/B
f. choc chip walnut oatmeal giant cookies B+
g. ditto pecan cookies B
h. white wedding cookie (with pecans inside) B/B+
i. giant oreo cookie C+/B-
j. brownie C+/B-
k. raspberry filled square cookie C/C+
CAFE PORTION:
l. best chile relleno in Heber Valley and in top several in the state (along with El Tapatia, Payson and Mama Chu's, Orem, and a select few others. One of few great rellenos we've had that uses poblano pepper instead of annaheim pepper. A-
m. choriso egg burrito B+/A-
n. chicken (charbroiled) chimi B/B+
o. chicken tamale B?
p. pork loin and green salsa burrito B-
q. rice B-/B
r. beans C
s. vanilla flan C
t. braised lamb burrito B-/B
u. cheese enchilada C-
v. chicken tamale D+
w. charbroiled pork ribs (meat C-, red sauce B+) total: B-
x. green beans with onions B+
y. chips B
b. tres leches cake B-
c. pecan pie B-
d. Mexican choc cake (with cinammon) B/B+
e. toffee bar B-/B
f. choc chip walnut oatmeal giant cookies B+
g. ditto pecan cookies B
h. white wedding cookie (with pecans inside) B/B+
i. giant oreo cookie C+/B-
j. brownie C+/B-
k. raspberry filled square cookie C/C+
CAFE PORTION:
l. best chile relleno in Heber Valley and in top several in the state (along with El Tapatia, Payson and Mama Chu's, Orem, and a select few others. One of few great rellenos we've had that uses poblano pepper instead of annaheim pepper. A-
m. choriso egg burrito B+/A-
n. chicken (charbroiled) chimi B/B+
o. chicken tamale B?
p. pork loin and green salsa burrito B-
q. rice B-/B
r. beans C
s. vanilla flan C
t. braised lamb burrito B-/B
u. cheese enchilada C-
v. chicken tamale D+
w. charbroiled pork ribs (meat C-, red sauce B+) total: B-
x. green beans with onions B+
y. chips B
Tenny's Pizza, Provo, Saratoga Springs, other Utah locations
a. supreme pizza B+
b. BBQ wings B/B+
c. sweet chile sauce wings B/B+
d. omelet with marinara sauce C
Terra Mia, Orem
ITEMS TO COMPARE WITH OTHER ITALIAN RESTAURANTS:
2021:
a. margherita pizza - best in state of over 30 tested. For a tip, add the following to it, which do not come with it unless requested: olive oil, garlic powder, double the fresh basil, cherry tomatoes halved: A
2015:
a. marinara sauce B+ (2nd best after Olive Garden)
b. pomodora N/A
c. ragu alla bolognese (meat sauce) B- - -
d. arrabiata sauce N/A
e. #1 best salsa rosa sauce (red and white) A+
f. bread B
g.SANDWICH: Broscutto "napoli" thin ham B-
h. SANDWICH: ham "roma" A
i. #1 best spaghetti noodles A
j. angel hair pasta B
k. marinara pasta B
l. vege and marinara sauce C+
m. sausage and vege and marinara sauce B-
n. marinara sauce C
o. "Tera Mia pizza:" B
p. margharita pizza (best in Utah): A (another time B+)
q. cream white sauce with bacon and onions pizza B+
r. mushrooms and tomato pizza C+
DESSERTS:
a. creme brule (see our list "Best Desserts in Utah" for a section on Best Creme Brule) B
b. canoli C+/B- -
GELATO (Zsa Zsa's) TESTED AUG 2010:
a. melaguq B
b. mango B
c. pineapple A-, another time B-
d. mint A
e. lemon C+
f. pistachio B
g. coconut A+
h. almond (great mild flavor but artificial after taste) A-
i. chocolate B-
j. hazlenut C-
k. raspberry B+
l. white choc C-
j. watermelon A-
k. arelapa? B--
Texas Roadhouse, national chain
2021 (tastes changed and occasionally recipes do from prevous years)
b. pomodora N/A
c. ragu alla bolognese (meat sauce) B- - -
d. arrabiata sauce N/A
e. #1 best salsa rosa sauce (red and white) A+
f. bread B
g.SANDWICH: Broscutto "napoli" thin ham B-
h. SANDWICH: ham "roma" A
i. #1 best spaghetti noodles A
j. angel hair pasta B
k. marinara pasta B
l. vege and marinara sauce C+
m. sausage and vege and marinara sauce B-
n. marinara sauce C
o. "Tera Mia pizza:" B
p. margharita pizza (best in Utah): A (another time B+)
q. cream white sauce with bacon and onions pizza B+
r. mushrooms and tomato pizza C+
DESSERTS:
a. creme brule (see our list "Best Desserts in Utah" for a section on Best Creme Brule) B
b. canoli C+/B- -
GELATO (Zsa Zsa's) TESTED AUG 2010:
a. melaguq B
b. mango B
c. pineapple A-, another time B-
d. mint A
e. lemon C+
f. pistachio B
g. coconut A+
h. almond (great mild flavor but artificial after taste) A-
i. chocolate B-
j. hazlenut C-
k. raspberry B+
l. white choc C-
j. watermelon A-
k. arelapa? B--
Texas Roadhouse, national chain
2021 (tastes changed and occasionally recipes do from prevous years)
green beans with bacon B/B+
mashed potaotes B++
brown gravy B
combo mash and gravy B+
rolls A- when fresh and hot, not overcooked. B-/B if overcooked and only warm
cinamon blend spread D+
all American cheeseburger B+ (beef B/B+, bacon B/B+, bun B/B+, cheddar B)
steak fries B+ when fresh and hot, B- when very warm
2016:
1. green beans with bacon A
2. chicken fried steak B-
3. white gravy alone B-
4. brown gravy alone B-
5. mash with white gravy B-
6. mash with brown gravy B+
7. mashed potatoes alone B+
8. rolls B-
9. rolls with their plain (non cinnamon) whipped butter B/B+
10. plain whipped "butter" C-
11. cinnamon butter D
12. peach virgin daqueri C/+B-
13. BBQ roast chicken (seemed hours old or day-old): dark C, white B
14. roast chicken: dark C+, white C+/B-
Note: The roast chicken in 2014 below graded an A-, perhaps because it was freshly cooked then or possibly our testing has improved since we have tested much more chicken since then, or perhaps their recipe or source of chicken meat has changed.)
1. green beans with bacon A
2. chicken fried steak B-
3. white gravy alone B-
4. brown gravy alone B-
5. mash with white gravy B-
6. mash with brown gravy B+
7. mashed potatoes alone B+
8. rolls B-
9. rolls with their plain (non cinnamon) whipped butter B/B+
10. plain whipped "butter" C-
11. cinnamon butter D
12. peach virgin daqueri C/+B-
13. BBQ roast chicken (seemed hours old or day-old): dark C, white B
14. roast chicken: dark C+, white C+/B-
Note: The roast chicken in 2014 below graded an A-, perhaps because it was freshly cooked then or possibly our testing has improved since we have tested much more chicken since then, or perhaps their recipe or source of chicken meat has changed.)
2014 (except in 2010 where noted below):
1. roast chicken (revised above in 2016); A-
2. BBQ roast chicken C-
3. sirloin steak C
4. steak kabob C
5. ribs (in 2010) C+, second visit (2014) B
6. pork chop (first visit in 2010: flavor C+, tough texture D) total C-, second visit (2014) C+
7. grilled chicken C
8. corn kernals C
9. green beans, first visit (2010), too salty D+, second visit (2014) C-
10. seasoned rice B
11. burger: bacon and cheese B-/B
12. smokehouse burger (with BBQ sauce, bacon, and cheese) B/B+
13. country fried sirloin B
14. white gravy (but better gravy is found at Cafe 300 (now out of business)and Great Steak, both in Provo) C
14a. brown gravy C
15. prime rib (smoky) B
16. catfish (fish too thick, breading is OK) C+/B- -
17. green beans (best in Utah, with pork and bacon seasoning) A
18. peach virgin daqurie drink B-/B
19. bone-in ribeye: meat by the bone B+, lean inside B-, edges with fat C/B-
here
20. regular ribeye (2010) (texture C-, flavor B+) total B-
21. mash (mashed potatoes), first visit (2010) B-, with gravy C, second visit (2010) C++, third visit (2015) B
22. rice (2010) D
23. baked beans C+
24. steak fries A-
25. burger:
bacon B++
bun B-
beef B/B+
total: with no sauce, but with cheese: B-
26. roll 2015 B/B+
27. cinnamon butter D
Tin Roof, Sandy
a. fried cheese polenta B+/A-
b. Asian slaw (too much ginger) C+
c. asparagus (not tender, but good) B+
d. meatball (dry, soft of tasteless) B-
e. marinara B/B-
f. combined meatball and marinara B/B+
g. crab cake B-
h. fried crab cake, alone B
i. fried crab cake IMPORTANT: with jalapeno cream sauce B+
j. jalapeno cream sauce, alone A-
k. Asian ribs (mostly tough with some tender parts). overall B/B+
l. pulled pork sandwich C+
m. house bun for this sandwich (thick and dense) B-
n. pulled pork alone C
o. steak fries C
Tiburon Fine Dining, Sandy
a. salad A+
b. rolls B-
c. herb butter B+
d. chocolate almond mousse B+
e. crabcakes C
f. cc salad D
g. chilean sea bass B+
h. whiskey creme brule B
i. cheesecake C+/B-
j. cinnamon ice cream C+
Trader Joe's, SLC, other Utah locations soon
2016, December:
CHOCOLATE DESSERTS (in order):
Belgian chocolate pudding B+
Decadent chocolate cake B/B+
Pecan Chocolate Pudding B
Handmade chocolate ganache torte B-
Dark Chocolate ganache C+/B-
Handmade chocoalte ganache torte B-
Chocolate Lava Cake C+
Tony's Taco, Heber
a. beans A- (sometimes it's an A) (tied for best refried beans in Utah!)
b. rice C-
c. relleno (typically tough pablano) (first time: B-, second time: B/B+)
d. cheese enchilada C+/B-
e. chps B-
f. salsa (chunky-ish) B
g. pork tamale B-
h. chicken chimi C-/D+
i. flan B+
j. flan with cherry droppings B+/A-
Tradition mobile Cafe
2018:
a. reuben sandwich (perhaps best in Utah: corned beef is brined 8 hours and is not deli sliced, but sliced from the brisket). B/B+
b. french toast (one of best in Utah) A-
Tucanos, multiple locations
a. Amazon Smoothie (best in the state); only A item on their menu. (Note this is really a shake - and the best one we have found.)
b. Brazilian flan B-
c. Tucanos shake B/B+
V
Vanilla Bean, Orem
2017:
cheesecake B-
triple heaven, consisting of 3 layers:
1. chocolate mousse, texture C, cheap, but flavor is B+
2. chocolate cake B-/B
3. white chocolate mousse C+
total grade: B/B+
key lime parfait C+/B-
panna cotta B+
ditto with strawberries atop B/B+
frozen hot chocolate C+/B-
frozen hot chocolate, rates this high only if mostly melted B+
cookies:
oatmeal raisen C
peanut butter B-/B
chocolate chip C+
Villa Pizza, Orem mall and national chain
2016:
marinara sauce C+
spaghetti with marinara sauce C+
alfredo sauce B+
spaghetti with alfredo sauce B/B+
spaghetti with mixed sauces B+
meatball alone B-/B, with sauce B
mac and cheese with alfredo B
supreme pizza B+
Villa Magnolia Catering, West Jordan (great catered food for meetings, weddings)
a. cilantro chicken A
b. spicy chipotle sauce over chicken breast B+/A-
c. viva spaghetti (not Italian style red sauce included) B+
d. potatoes ala creme A-
e. top sirloin with bacon wrap C-
Village Inn, multiple locations
PIES,
a. lemon merangue C
b. pecan B-/B
c. banana cream (pudding like texture - a drawback) B/B+
d. coconut cream (pudding-like) C++/B-
e. chocolate peanut butter (too sweet) C-
f. peach B-
g. chocolate cream (too sweet) B
h. caramel chocolate pecan (somewhat like german chocolate) B/B+
i. cherry B-/B
j. cream cheese apple - apparently retired now at Village Inn (it used to be avail. only Nov-Dec) (the rest of Village Inn's pies are horrible): A- for this one pie.
k. apple C+/B-
FOODS
a. garden egg crepe (probably with following: grilled green peppers, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, hollandaise sauce on top, scrambled egg inside) not available late 2015) A
b. Late fall only: sour cream apple pie (one year only - 2011, apparently) A
c. BLT with egg (B+)
d. egg burrito (not available 2015: probably same ingredients as garden egg crepe above; as of 2015 they only have Santa Fe Breakfast burrito with meats, potatoes, beans, chile, etc., which we have not tested unless this is same as egg burrito f 2011) A
e. vanilla french toast (they upgraded it considerably; it used to be a C, but now they have a far better vanilla battered version) B/B+
f. multi-grain pancakes with strawberries and bananas on top (the multi-grain tastes more like a bad pumpkin pancake) C-
g. sausage benedict: poached eggs, English muffins, grilled green and red cubed bell peppers, grilled onion, pepper jack queso. A
h. CUSTOMIZED: scrambled egg fajita crepes (sub out the chicken for bacon.) It comes with grilled red and green bell peppers, grilled onions, pepper jack cheese inside, and pepper jack queso sauce on top of the crepes. A
i. sausage hash crepes (with scrambled egg and sausage hash inside, the crepe is topped with country sausage white gravy) C
j. fish and chips (their own battered Friday night version, which is different than the daily menu version pre-battered from their distributor) C-
k. fries C+
l. tartar sauce D+
m. slaw C
Virg's, Utah chain, 4 Utah locations
Their fish, depending on the day and location, can range frm C to B/B+. Averages we've noted:
a. cod fish and chips (battered cod) B- -, 2013 visit B
b. haddock fish battered B- - -, 2013 visit B-/B
c. halibut fish battered C-, 2013 visit C++
d. burger A-
e. tartar sauce B/B+
f. tots B+
g. slaw B++
h. fries B; but if hot B++
2016:
a. leige waffle, plain B/B+
b. leige with Darigold cream B/B+
c. leige with sliced fresh strawberries B/B+
d. leige with cream and strawberries B+
e. waffant waffle (croissant waffle): buttery flavor but strong baking soda aftertaste. At first it's a B+ but overall, with aftertaste, is a B-
f. waffant with cream and strawberries B/B+
2015: The plain waffle below rated higher until we tested it side by side with Bruges Waffles, a better waffle.
a. "Red Wonder" - a leige waffle with raspberries, strawberries, whipped cream, and Lotus brand biscoff spread (from San Francisco) A
b. Plain leige waffle B++ (updated in 2016 to a B/B+)
c. leige waffle with cherries, whip cream, and caramel sauce A - -
d. leige waffle with strawberries and cream A-
Wallaby's BBQ, Orem
2021:
1. roast chicken (revised above in 2016); A-
2. BBQ roast chicken C-
3. sirloin steak C
4. steak kabob C
5. ribs (in 2010) C+, second visit (2014) B
6. pork chop (first visit in 2010: flavor C+, tough texture D) total C-, second visit (2014) C+
7. grilled chicken C
8. corn kernals C
9. green beans, first visit (2010), too salty D+, second visit (2014) C-
10. seasoned rice B
11. burger: bacon and cheese B-/B
12. smokehouse burger (with BBQ sauce, bacon, and cheese) B/B+
13. country fried sirloin B
14. white gravy (but better gravy is found at Cafe 300 (now out of business)and Great Steak, both in Provo) C
14a. brown gravy C
15. prime rib (smoky) B
16. catfish (fish too thick, breading is OK) C+/B- -
17. green beans (best in Utah, with pork and bacon seasoning) A
18. peach virgin daqurie drink B-/B
19. bone-in ribeye: meat by the bone B+, lean inside B-, edges with fat C/B-
here
20. regular ribeye (2010) (texture C-, flavor B+) total B-
21. mash (mashed potatoes), first visit (2010) B-, with gravy C, second visit (2010) C++, third visit (2015) B
22. rice (2010) D
23. baked beans C+
24. steak fries A-
25. burger:
bacon B++
bun B-
beef B/B+
total: with no sauce, but with cheese: B-
26. roll 2015 B/B+
27. cinnamon butter D
Tin Roof, Sandy
a. fried cheese polenta B+/A-
b. Asian slaw (too much ginger) C+
c. asparagus (not tender, but good) B+
d. meatball (dry, soft of tasteless) B-
e. marinara B/B-
f. combined meatball and marinara B/B+
g. crab cake B-
h. fried crab cake, alone B
i. fried crab cake IMPORTANT: with jalapeno cream sauce B+
j. jalapeno cream sauce, alone A-
k. Asian ribs (mostly tough with some tender parts). overall B/B+
l. pulled pork sandwich C+
m. house bun for this sandwich (thick and dense) B-
n. pulled pork alone C
o. steak fries C
Tiburon Fine Dining, Sandy
a. salad A+
b. rolls B-
c. herb butter B+
d. chocolate almond mousse B+
e. crabcakes C
f. cc salad D
g. chilean sea bass B+
h. whiskey creme brule B
i. cheesecake C+/B-
j. cinnamon ice cream C+
Trader Joe's, SLC, other Utah locations soon
2016, December:
CHOCOLATE DESSERTS (in order):
Belgian chocolate pudding B+
Decadent chocolate cake B/B+
Pecan Chocolate Pudding B
Handmade chocolate ganache torte B-
Dark Chocolate ganache C+/B-
Handmade chocoalte ganache torte B-
Chocolate Lava Cake C+
Tony's Taco, Heber
a. beans A- (sometimes it's an A) (tied for best refried beans in Utah!)
b. rice C-
c. relleno (typically tough pablano) (first time: B-, second time: B/B+)
d. cheese enchilada C+/B-
e. chps B-
f. salsa (chunky-ish) B
g. pork tamale B-
h. chicken chimi C-/D+
i. flan B+
j. flan with cherry droppings B+/A-
Tradition mobile Cafe
2018:
a. reuben sandwich (perhaps best in Utah: corned beef is brined 8 hours and is not deli sliced, but sliced from the brisket). B/B+
b. french toast (one of best in Utah) A-
Tucanos, multiple locations
a. Amazon Smoothie (best in the state); only A item on their menu. (Note this is really a shake - and the best one we have found.)
b. Brazilian flan B-
c. Tucanos shake B/B+
V
Vanilla Bean, Orem
2017:
cheesecake B-
triple heaven, consisting of 3 layers:
1. chocolate mousse, texture C, cheap, but flavor is B+
2. chocolate cake B-/B
3. white chocolate mousse C+
total grade: B/B+
key lime parfait C+/B-
panna cotta B+
ditto with strawberries atop B/B+
frozen hot chocolate C+/B-
frozen hot chocolate, rates this high only if mostly melted B+
cookies:
oatmeal raisen C
peanut butter B-/B
chocolate chip C+
Villa Pizza, Orem mall and national chain
2016:
marinara sauce C+
spaghetti with marinara sauce C+
alfredo sauce B+
spaghetti with alfredo sauce B/B+
spaghetti with mixed sauces B+
meatball alone B-/B, with sauce B
mac and cheese with alfredo B
supreme pizza B+
Villa Magnolia Catering, West Jordan (great catered food for meetings, weddings)
a. cilantro chicken A
b. spicy chipotle sauce over chicken breast B+/A-
c. viva spaghetti (not Italian style red sauce included) B+
d. potatoes ala creme A-
e. top sirloin with bacon wrap C-
Village Inn, multiple locations
PIES,
a. lemon merangue C
b. pecan B-/B
c. banana cream (pudding like texture - a drawback) B/B+
d. coconut cream (pudding-like) C++/B-
e. chocolate peanut butter (too sweet) C-
f. peach B-
g. chocolate cream (too sweet) B
h. caramel chocolate pecan (somewhat like german chocolate) B/B+
i. cherry B-/B
j. cream cheese apple - apparently retired now at Village Inn (it used to be avail. only Nov-Dec) (the rest of Village Inn's pies are horrible): A- for this one pie.
k. apple C+/B-
FOODS
a. garden egg crepe (probably with following: grilled green peppers, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, hollandaise sauce on top, scrambled egg inside) not available late 2015) A
b. Late fall only: sour cream apple pie (one year only - 2011, apparently) A
c. BLT with egg (B+)
d. egg burrito (not available 2015: probably same ingredients as garden egg crepe above; as of 2015 they only have Santa Fe Breakfast burrito with meats, potatoes, beans, chile, etc., which we have not tested unless this is same as egg burrito f 2011) A
e. vanilla french toast (they upgraded it considerably; it used to be a C, but now they have a far better vanilla battered version) B/B+
f. multi-grain pancakes with strawberries and bananas on top (the multi-grain tastes more like a bad pumpkin pancake) C-
g. sausage benedict: poached eggs, English muffins, grilled green and red cubed bell peppers, grilled onion, pepper jack queso. A
h. CUSTOMIZED: scrambled egg fajita crepes (sub out the chicken for bacon.) It comes with grilled red and green bell peppers, grilled onions, pepper jack cheese inside, and pepper jack queso sauce on top of the crepes. A
i. sausage hash crepes (with scrambled egg and sausage hash inside, the crepe is topped with country sausage white gravy) C
j. fish and chips (their own battered Friday night version, which is different than the daily menu version pre-battered from their distributor) C-
k. fries C+
l. tartar sauce D+
m. slaw C
Virg's, Utah chain, 4 Utah locations
Their fish, depending on the day and location, can range frm C to B/B+. Averages we've noted:
a. cod fish and chips (battered cod) B- -, 2013 visit B
b. haddock fish battered B- - -, 2013 visit B-/B
c. halibut fish battered C-, 2013 visit C++
d. burger A-
e. tartar sauce B/B+
f. tots B+
g. slaw B++
h. fries B; but if hot B++
W
Waffle Love, Provo2016:
a. leige waffle, plain B/B+
b. leige with Darigold cream B/B+
c. leige with sliced fresh strawberries B/B+
d. leige with cream and strawberries B+
e. waffant waffle (croissant waffle): buttery flavor but strong baking soda aftertaste. At first it's a B+ but overall, with aftertaste, is a B-
f. waffant with cream and strawberries B/B+
2015: The plain waffle below rated higher until we tested it side by side with Bruges Waffles, a better waffle.
a. "Red Wonder" - a leige waffle with raspberries, strawberries, whipped cream, and Lotus brand biscoff spread (from San Francisco) A
b. Plain leige waffle B++ (updated in 2016 to a B/B+)
c. leige waffle with cherries, whip cream, and caramel sauce A - -
d. leige waffle with strawberries and cream A-
Wallaby's BBQ, Orem
2021:
a. dinner rolls - 2nd best in Utah (after Lion House): A-
b. mashed potatoes with cheese- 2nd best in Utah: B+
c. wings: B
2018:
a. Baby back ribs - now glazed with only 2 choices of sauce, neither of them the top 2! (but the sauce can be applied afterwards, only it is better when glazed with the sauces!)
b. beans D
c. slaw B
d. mashed potatoes and cheese A-
e. wet end brisket (request wet end): B/B+
f. rolls (like Lion House of SLC! Excellent.) A-
2016:
tri tip B++
Wasatch Grill & Deli, Heber
Note: After testing several items there, this was the best:
Wendy's, national chain
2018:
homestyle chicken sandwich (meat B, bun C): B
crispy chicken sandwich (meat B+, bun C) total B+
about 2016:
a. club flatbread (asiago ranch and honey mustard) B-/B
b. bacon burger (bacon B-, beef B) total B-/B
Whole Foods Market, SLC
UN-PREPARED FOODS:
1. uncooked salmon: (best in state we've found so far - buy to make at home): best in order: Norwegian with skin A, Atlantic with skin A, Coho with skin, King with skin; Sockeye with skin; those without skin are last) B's to A's
2. Bacon, 2018, July
a. Niman applewood smoked bacon A
b. black forest bacon A
c. . blackberry serrano A
d. double-smoked apple-cinnemon A
e. double-smoked peppered A
f. double-smoked chipotle cherry B/B+
g. double-smoked tabasco B
h. double-smoked maple B-
4. Rotisserie chickens seem to change every year or two. In 2016:
a. rotisserie chicken, smokey BBQ C+
b. rotisserie chicken, chimchuri C+
5. DESSERTS AT DELI:
2018, July:
chocolate cake B-/B, frosting B/B+, total: B/B+
chocolate cream pie B+
Gem City flourless chocolate torte C/C+
Pie in the Sky Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake C-
Best Ever Chocolate Explosion Cake:
a. chocolate cake B
b. chocolate frosting B-/B
c. chocolate mousse B
d. "Best Ever" cheesecake B++
Belgian chocolate mousse B - -
chocolate torte B/B+
TOTAL grade for "Best Ever Chocolate Explosion Cake": B+/A-
Pie in the sky cheesecake B-
Key Lime Pie from Pie in the Sky (too sweet) B
Key Lime Pie from Whole Foods Market deli (too sweet) C, later: B/B+
key lime tart C-
Lemon ice pie filling C-/C
50% whipped cream atop, alone B
total: B-
lemon ice tart D
fruit tart C - -
brownie tart (fudgie) C+/B-
chocolate frosting covered mousse tart B-
Rubicon double chocolate layer cake B-
Rubicon carrot layer cake C-
Zest chocolate hazlenut Italian torte, gluten free C-
flax 4 life muffins - wild bludeberry C-
2017, August:
Chocolate Eruption Cake B/B+ (for some reason it got lower grade when tested later and earlier)
chocolate mousse B/B+ (higher than below)
Tres leches B
Toasted almond cream cake C/C+
Chocolate parfait B+
2016, September:
chocolate cream pie B
2014:
a. Rubicon chocolate cake A-
b. triple chocolate mousse cake B+/A-
c. chocolate mousse portion of triple chocolate mousse: A-/A)
d. eruption cake: total: C (chocolate cakecenter: B-/B)
e. best ever chocolate explosion slice C+/B-
f. cheesecake part C+/B-
g. choc mousse C+/B-
h. choc cake B-
i. best chocolate milks in state, 3 brands A
j. orange glazed cheesecake A-
k. cheesecake alone C-
l. berry, apricot tart with almond cream B
m. Rubicon brand cinnemon bread (best brand, no longer there, is Greenlee) B+
n. "Best Ever" cheesecake (tied for best in state) A-
o. house-made Key Lime Pie (nice strong flavor but texture is too dense) B/B+
p. "Pie in the Sky" brand key Lime Pie (graded higher than in 2018, perhaps was less sweet in 2014) B++
Wienerschnitzel, national chain
2018, February:
deluxe with beef dog B/B+, meat alone B/B+
chile dog (with a beef dog) B+
polish dog B-, meat alone B-
* Wildfire Smokehaus, Midway
(pie recipes originate from Croshaw's Pies, St. George; bbq originated at Wild Mustang, Orem)
PIES - (similar to Wild Mustang, some different)
at Wildfire, MIDWAY:
Key Lime Pie B+ similar to the pie at Joe's Crabs, Miami Beach
Lemon Cream B+
German Chocolate C
FOODS at Wildfire (similar to Wild Mustang, some better):
a. Baby back ribs B+ (top 3 in state)
b. pulled pork B+
c. wet end brisket B
d. dry end brisket C
e. bbq chicken C+ (B+ flavor, D+ texture)
f. ranch beans C
g. shredded potatoes C+
h. slaw B+/A-
i. warmed BBQ sauce B
j. potato salad D
For comparison purposes, these were the grades at the former Wild Mustang - they are missing some of these at Wildfire, Midway.
PIES
a. Coconut Cream pie. A-
b. Coconut merange B+
c. Banana Cream pie. B
d. German Chocolate cream pie. A
e. Strawberry pie - seasonal. A- JUNE IS UTAH'S STRAWBERRY MONTH
f. Sour cream apple. A-
g. lemon merange (fake strong lemon) first test (Feb 2013) C-, second test (2014) D
h. peach B
i. chocolate cream, first test (Feb 2013) C, second test (2014) B++
j. cherry B/B+
k. pecan (needs molasses and bourbon) C
l. very berry B+
b. trout with cream sauce B+
c. parmasean cod total B+
d. stuffed salmon with sauce (these following 4 items go with either the salmon or the above cod: spinach, artichoke, cheese, panko crumbs combo A+, fish B) total B+
e. ribeye steak, medium rare (B+/A-) (A- when freshly served)
f. trout with cream sauce B+
g. best green sauce cheese enchiladas (ask them to make certain the cheese is melted - they're inconsistent). DO NOT get it with red sauce. A-
h. best steak enchilada - get with green sauce or no sauce to taste the good grilled sirloin B+
i. best smoked pork enchilada - get with green sauce or no sauce to taste the smoked pork A-
j. best sweet pork enchilada - get with green sauce B+
k. best mango salsa chicken enchilada (with roasted chicken) - get with green sauce
l. pulled pork B/B+
m. with sauce: B-
n. fish and chips: (cod: C++, batter B+, combined: B-/B
o. tartar sauce B-
p. turkey cranberry sandwich (turkey slices C+, croissant C+/B, plus mayo and cran sauce pulls grade up to B) total B
q. rolls (among best in state) B+
r. rice D
s. green beans B+
t. philly steak sandwich C
EARLIER VISIT: FEB 2013:
u. brisket C+
v. slaw B+/A-
w. BBQ sauce (better when glazed on ribs) C
x. green beans B+, yankee style A
y. ranch beans C-
z. clam chowder B-
aa. tortilla soup C
bb. ribs B+ (customized with basil leaves added in sauce B++)
cc. roasted chicken B+
dd. BBQ chicken B
ee. chicken salad sandwich (needs more grapes, apples, sauce for moisture, lighter croissant like Kneader's or more buttery like Paradise's) B+
ff. cheesesteak (sandwich): steak and everything C
Wing Coop, SLC
2011, 2nd TEST (more accurate of the two, with our first in 2010:):
South Redwood Road, SLC. We tried them all a couple times. Flavors in order:
Wing Shack, American Fork
2017:
pineapple bbq wings B/B+
BBQ B+/A-
teriyaki B+
medium buffalo b
spicy Hawaiian B/B+
lemon pepper with medium buffalo B
lemon pepper C-
2013, approx.:
garlic pepper C+
mild buffalo CV+
hot parmesan B/B+
* Wing Nutz, multiple locations
WINGS:
2017 FAVORITES BY FAR, IN ORDER:
1. combo, special request: Mango Pom Chipotle + Jalapeno Honey BBQ A
2. Mango Pom Chipotle A-/A
3. Jamango: Jamaican jerk and Mango pom chipotle A
4. chile garlic B+
5. jalapeno honey bbq B+
6. Jamaican Jerk: B/B+
Note for all burgers: Burger meat B+, flavor, not grilled B-:
a. fries C+, steak fries (this is either an earlier test with different fries, or the same test with a different style - the steak fry) B
b. Veggie scramble (has big mushroom slice, much red pepper, white onion, jack and cheddar and hollandaise sauce, but needs more tomato to bring grade up) B+/A-
c. Winger's Trash Hash (smashed hash potatoes, bacon bits, sausage, onion, peppers, red and green, jack and cheddar, 3 eggs over easy, hollandaise and coutnry gravy). With hllandaise sauce A+. With hollandaise plus white gravy A. Wth white gravy only A-
d. No longer served: "double-basted" chicken with BBQ and Original sauces combined (not smoked) B++
e. No longer served: "double-basted" chicken with teriyaki sauce B/B+
f. pancakes B
g. pecan banana pancake (fyi: items on top, not inside) B+
h. belgian waffle C+
i. biscuit B
j. sausage B-/B
k. chicken fried steak C+/B-
l. gravy alone: C- -
m. scrambled eggs B-
n. chicken and waffles (fried chicken breast strips C+, waffle C), total: C
o-s N/A
t. slaw B-
u. roasted veges B+
v. baked beans B
w.chicken and waffles: chicken C, waffles C (but in 2013 they used a different source of waffles and it rated A+ then).
x. ribs (tough but nice flavor) C? in 2014, but in 2013: B
y. melba's meatloaf (spicy) B/B+
z. plain pancakes B
aa. plain hashbrowns B
BURGERS:
(We tried them all. These burgers all have the following grade: Bun B+. Great charbroiled meat A-/A)
a. Roadhouse Burger: B+
b. Ranch Burger (you can substitute ranch dressing for the mayo to create their old Ranch Burger) B+
c. Don't get Teriyaki (is glazed with teriyaki sauce on the grill on the meat, and "island teriyaki" on the bun) B/B+)), Double sauced with amazing sauce on one bun and bootleg bbq sauce on the other bun(B-) or Wingers Sauce burger (C/C+),
* Wing Shak, American Fork
Note: We tried all their wings a couple times in 2010. Wings are jumbo and fried. The top 4 flavors listed are amazing.
a. Pineapple BBQ. A-
b. BBQ. A -
c. Teriyaki. B+
d. Medium heat Traditional buffalo. B+ (the best traditional buffalo we've found)
Z
b. beans D
c. slaw B
d. mashed potatoes and cheese A-
e. wet end brisket (request wet end): B/B+
f. rolls (like Lion House of SLC! Excellent.) A-
2016:
BABY BACK RIBS alone: B
GRADES ACCORDING TO SAUCE THEY GLAZE ON THEM:
a. sweet honey (best one to get) B+; second time A- (they no longer glaze with this sauce as of 2018!)
b. raspberry B, second time A- (they no longer glaze with this sauce as of 2018!)
c. chipotle B-
d. original B-
e. peach B-
f. zesty B-
a. sweet honey (best one to get) B+; second time A- (they no longer glaze with this sauce as of 2018!)
b. raspberry B, second time A- (they no longer glaze with this sauce as of 2018!)
c. chipotle B-
d. original B-
e. peach B-
f. zesty B-
g. dry rub (slightly above Smokin' Appple) B/B+
NON-RIBS
a. mash B++
a. mash B++
b. larger spare ribs B- -
c. slaw B- - -
d. baked beans, first visit: C-, second visit B- - -, third and fourth visits (Dec 2013 and April 2015) B-/B
e. wet end brisket A-, another time C+/B-
f. #1 best house-made soft drink: Pomegranite Limeade A
g. dry end brisket C-
h. pulled pork, first test B-; second test (Dec 2013) C+/B
i. pulled pork with sauce that comes with it B-
j. smoked sausage C+
k. shredded chipotle chicken (tough with OK sauce) C/C+
l. mashed potatoes with cheese B+, alone B/B+ (rated higher in 2018)
m. rice B/B+, with chipotle cream B/B+
n. rice with black beans B/B+
l. mashed potatoes with cheese B+, alone B/B+ (rated higher in 2018)
m. rice B/B+, with chipotle cream B/B+
n. rice with black beans B/B+
2010:
beans B-
potato salad B-
slaw B-
mashed potatoes with cheese A-
rice-beans C+
brisket, lean, tough but B flavor: B-
pulled pork, B-, with sauce B+tri tip B++
Wasatch Grill & Deli, Heber
Note: After testing several items there, this was the best:
a. cheese burger B+
b. halibut fish and chips (distributor pre-battered) C+
c. chile dog (dog C, chile B) total: B-/B
d. mac and cheese B-/B
b. halibut fish and chips (distributor pre-battered) C+
c. chile dog (dog C, chile B) total: B-/B
d. mac and cheese B-/B
Wendy's, national chain
2018:
homestyle chicken sandwich (meat B, bun C): B
crispy chicken sandwich (meat B+, bun C) total B+
about 2016:
a. club flatbread (asiago ranch and honey mustard) B-/B
b. bacon burger (bacon B-, beef B) total B-/B
Whole Foods Market, SLC
UN-PREPARED FOODS:
1. uncooked salmon: (best in state we've found so far - buy to make at home): best in order: Norwegian with skin A, Atlantic with skin A, Coho with skin, King with skin; Sockeye with skin; those without skin are last) B's to A's
2. Bacon, 2018, July
a. Niman applewood smoked bacon A
b. black forest bacon A
c. . blackberry serrano A
d. double-smoked apple-cinnemon A
e. double-smoked peppered A
f. double-smoked chipotle cherry B/B+
g. double-smoked tabasco B
h. double-smoked maple B-
4. Rotisserie chickens seem to change every year or two. In 2016:
a. rotisserie chicken, smokey BBQ C+
b. rotisserie chicken, chimchuri C+
5. DESSERTS AT DELI:
2018, July:
chocolate cake B-/B, frosting B/B+, total: B/B+
chocolate cream pie B+
Gem City flourless chocolate torte C/C+
Pie in the Sky Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake C-
Best Ever Chocolate Explosion Cake:
a. chocolate cake B
b. chocolate frosting B-/B
c. chocolate mousse B
d. "Best Ever" cheesecake B++
Belgian chocolate mousse B - -
chocolate torte B/B+
TOTAL grade for "Best Ever Chocolate Explosion Cake": B+/A-
Pie in the sky cheesecake B-
Key Lime Pie from Pie in the Sky (too sweet) B
Key Lime Pie from Whole Foods Market deli (too sweet) C, later: B/B+
key lime tart C-
Lemon ice pie filling C-/C
50% whipped cream atop, alone B
total: B-
lemon ice tart D
fruit tart C - -
brownie tart (fudgie) C+/B-
chocolate frosting covered mousse tart B-
Rubicon double chocolate layer cake B-
Rubicon carrot layer cake C-
Zest chocolate hazlenut Italian torte, gluten free C-
flax 4 life muffins - wild bludeberry C-
2017, August:
Chocolate Eruption Cake B/B+ (for some reason it got lower grade when tested later and earlier)
chocolate mousse B/B+ (higher than below)
Tres leches B
Toasted almond cream cake C/C+
Chocolate parfait B+
2016, September:
chocolate cream pie B
2014:
a. Rubicon chocolate cake A-
b. triple chocolate mousse cake B+/A-
c. chocolate mousse portion of triple chocolate mousse: A-/A)
d. eruption cake: total: C (chocolate cakecenter: B-/B)
e. best ever chocolate explosion slice C+/B-
f. cheesecake part C+/B-
g. choc mousse C+/B-
h. choc cake B-
i. best chocolate milks in state, 3 brands A
j. orange glazed cheesecake A-
k. cheesecake alone C-
l. berry, apricot tart with almond cream B
m. Rubicon brand cinnemon bread (best brand, no longer there, is Greenlee) B+
n. "Best Ever" cheesecake (tied for best in state) A-
o. house-made Key Lime Pie (nice strong flavor but texture is too dense) B/B+
p. "Pie in the Sky" brand key Lime Pie (graded higher than in 2018, perhaps was less sweet in 2014) B++
Wienerschnitzel, national chain
2018, February:
deluxe with beef dog B/B+, meat alone B/B+
chile dog (with a beef dog) B+
polish dog B-, meat alone B-
* Wildfire Smokehaus, Midway
(pie recipes originate from Croshaw's Pies, St. George; bbq originated at Wild Mustang, Orem)
PIES - (similar to Wild Mustang, some different)
at Wildfire, MIDWAY:
Key Lime Pie B+ similar to the pie at Joe's Crabs, Miami Beach
Lemon Cream B+
German Chocolate C
FOODS at Wildfire (similar to Wild Mustang, some better):
a. Baby back ribs B+ (top 3 in state)
b. pulled pork B+
c. wet end brisket B
d. dry end brisket C
e. bbq chicken C+ (B+ flavor, D+ texture)
f. ranch beans C
g. shredded potatoes C+
h. slaw B+/A-
i. warmed BBQ sauce B
j. potato salad D
For comparison purposes, these were the grades at the former Wild Mustang - they are missing some of these at Wildfire, Midway.
PIES
a. Coconut Cream pie. A-
b. Coconut merange B+
c. Banana Cream pie. B
d. German Chocolate cream pie. A
e. Strawberry pie - seasonal. A- JUNE IS UTAH'S STRAWBERRY MONTH
f. Sour cream apple. A-
g. lemon merange (fake strong lemon) first test (Feb 2013) C-, second test (2014) D
h. peach B
i. chocolate cream, first test (Feb 2013) C, second test (2014) B++
j. cherry B/B+
k. pecan (needs molasses and bourbon) C
l. very berry B+
FOODS:
a. Wild Mustang burger (great secret yellow sauce - fry sauce with a little BBQ sauce in it A, bun B+, smoked Angus A-, however meat is B- if no chargrilled flavor) total A-b. trout with cream sauce B+
c. parmasean cod total B+
d. stuffed salmon with sauce (these following 4 items go with either the salmon or the above cod: spinach, artichoke, cheese, panko crumbs combo A+, fish B) total B+
e. ribeye steak, medium rare (B+/A-) (A- when freshly served)
f. trout with cream sauce B+
g. best green sauce cheese enchiladas (ask them to make certain the cheese is melted - they're inconsistent). DO NOT get it with red sauce. A-
h. best steak enchilada - get with green sauce or no sauce to taste the good grilled sirloin B+
i. best smoked pork enchilada - get with green sauce or no sauce to taste the smoked pork A-
j. best sweet pork enchilada - get with green sauce B+
k. best mango salsa chicken enchilada (with roasted chicken) - get with green sauce
l. pulled pork B/B+
m. with sauce: B-
n. fish and chips: (cod: C++, batter B+, combined: B-/B
o. tartar sauce B-
p. turkey cranberry sandwich (turkey slices C+, croissant C+/B, plus mayo and cran sauce pulls grade up to B) total B
q. rolls (among best in state) B+
r. rice D
s. green beans B+
t. philly steak sandwich C
EARLIER VISIT: FEB 2013:
u. brisket C+
v. slaw B+/A-
w. BBQ sauce (better when glazed on ribs) C
x. green beans B+, yankee style A
y. ranch beans C-
z. clam chowder B-
aa. tortilla soup C
bb. ribs B+ (customized with basil leaves added in sauce B++)
cc. roasted chicken B+
dd. BBQ chicken B
ee. chicken salad sandwich (needs more grapes, apples, sauce for moisture, lighter croissant like Kneader's or more buttery like Paradise's) B+
ff. cheesesteak (sandwich): steak and everything C
2011, 2nd TEST (more accurate of the two, with our first in 2010:):
South Redwood Road, SLC. We tried them all a couple times. Flavors in order:
1: Honey Habanero: first visit A-, second visit B+
2: Tatanka BBQ: first visit B+, second visit B
3. Confucious (sesame chicken): B, first visit B++
4. Buffalo Classic, first visit B++, second visit B
5. spicy garlic B
6. beginner B-
7. Intermediate B-
8. chipotle canonero B- -
9. black diamond C++
10. santa tabasco C+
11. teriyaki C+
12. golden mostaza C
13. out of bounds C
14. loco lime C
15. Kansas City BBQ C-
16. garlic parm BWing Shack, American Fork
2017:
pineapple bbq wings B/B+
BBQ B+/A-
teriyaki B+
medium buffalo b
spicy Hawaiian B/B+
lemon pepper with medium buffalo B
lemon pepper C-
2013, approx.:
garlic pepper C+
mild buffalo CV+
hot parmesan B/B+
* Wing Nutz, multiple locations
WINGS:
2017 FAVORITES BY FAR, IN ORDER:
1. combo, special request: Mango Pom Chipotle + Jalapeno Honey BBQ A
2. Mango Pom Chipotle A-/A
3. Jamango: Jamaican jerk and Mango pom chipotle A
4. chile garlic B+
5. jalapeno honey bbq B+
6. Jamaican Jerk: B/B+
7. combo of Chili Garlic AND Jamaican Jerk: B/B+
8. Lemon Hotties: B
DOWN THE LIST FROM THERE ARE ALL THEIR OTHER OFFERINGS, IN THIS ORDER, TESTED 2010-2014, SOME MIGHT BE GONE:
zesty orange B
Southern Honey BBQ (different than one with no BBQ; but kids rate this A-) adult total B-
Southern hotties B-
raspberry chipotle B-
traditional B-
Southern Honey: (kids A) adults C+
chipotle BBQ C+
chipotle lime C+
Carolina mustard C
parmesan curry C-
teriyaki C-
apricot teriyaki D+
2010:
jalapeno berry (raspberry) C+
2016
BURGER (no longer on menu):
"Mother Burger:" beef, pulled pork and a sauce, with various ones we tested below:
a. pork alone B/B+
b. beef alone (A- flavor, B texture) overall B+
c. bacon B+
total with no sauce: B+
burger with sauces listed below:
a. with mayo A-
b. with southern honey bbq sauce B+
c. with blue cheese sauce B+
d. with blue cheese and southern honey bbq sauce B+
e. with mayo and southern honey bbq sauce B+
f. with blue cheese and southern honey bbq sauce B+
g. with ranch and southern honey bbq sauce A-
DESSERT:
A. CHEESECAKE WITH SIGNATURE SPECIALTY CREAM CHEESE B++
Wingers, multiple locationsSouthern Honey BBQ (different than one with no BBQ; but kids rate this A-) adult total B-
Southern hotties B-
raspberry chipotle B-
traditional B-
Southern Honey: (kids A) adults C+
chipotle BBQ C+
chipotle lime C+
Carolina mustard C
parmesan curry C-
teriyaki C-
apricot teriyaki D+
2010:
jalapeno berry (raspberry) C+
2016
BURGER (no longer on menu):
"Mother Burger:" beef, pulled pork and a sauce, with various ones we tested below:
a. pork alone B/B+
b. beef alone (A- flavor, B texture) overall B+
c. bacon B+
total with no sauce: B+
burger with sauces listed below:
a. with mayo A-
b. with southern honey bbq sauce B+
c. with blue cheese sauce B+
d. with blue cheese and southern honey bbq sauce B+
e. with mayo and southern honey bbq sauce B+
f. with blue cheese and southern honey bbq sauce B+
g. with ranch and southern honey bbq sauce A-
DESSERT:
A. CHEESECAKE WITH SIGNATURE SPECIALTY CREAM CHEESE B++
Note for all burgers: Burger meat B+, flavor, not grilled B-:
a. fries C+, steak fries (this is either an earlier test with different fries, or the same test with a different style - the steak fry) B
b. Veggie scramble (has big mushroom slice, much red pepper, white onion, jack and cheddar and hollandaise sauce, but needs more tomato to bring grade up) B+/A-
c. Winger's Trash Hash (smashed hash potatoes, bacon bits, sausage, onion, peppers, red and green, jack and cheddar, 3 eggs over easy, hollandaise and coutnry gravy). With hllandaise sauce A+. With hollandaise plus white gravy A. Wth white gravy only A-
d. No longer served: "double-basted" chicken with BBQ and Original sauces combined (not smoked) B++
e. No longer served: "double-basted" chicken with teriyaki sauce B/B+
f. pancakes B
g. pecan banana pancake (fyi: items on top, not inside) B+
h. belgian waffle C+
i. biscuit B
j. sausage B-/B
k. chicken fried steak C+/B-
l. gravy alone: C- -
m. scrambled eggs B-
n. chicken and waffles (fried chicken breast strips C+, waffle C), total: C
o-s N/A
t. slaw B-
u. roasted veges B+
v. baked beans B
w.chicken and waffles: chicken C, waffles C (but in 2013 they used a different source of waffles and it rated A+ then).
x. ribs (tough but nice flavor) C? in 2014, but in 2013: B
y. melba's meatloaf (spicy) B/B+
z. plain pancakes B
aa. plain hashbrowns B
BURGERS:
(We tried them all. These burgers all have the following grade: Bun B+. Great charbroiled meat A-/A)
a. Roadhouse Burger: B+
b. Ranch Burger (you can substitute ranch dressing for the mayo to create their old Ranch Burger) B+
c. Don't get Teriyaki (is glazed with teriyaki sauce on the grill on the meat, and "island teriyaki" on the bun) B/B+)), Double sauced with amazing sauce on one bun and bootleg bbq sauce on the other bun(B-) or Wingers Sauce burger (C/C+),
* Wing Shak, American Fork
Note: We tried all their wings a couple times in 2010. Wings are jumbo and fried. The top 4 flavors listed are amazing.
a. Pineapple BBQ. A-
b. BBQ. A -
c. Teriyaki. B+
d. Medium heat Traditional buffalo. B+ (the best traditional buffalo we've found)
e. Garlic Pepper: B
f. mild buffalo C+
g. hot parmesan C
Y
Yaki Yama, see at our site, "Park City Restaurants in Detail"f. mild buffalo C+
g. hot parmesan C
Y
Z
Zaxby's, southern chain plus Utah
2018:
grilled chicken sandwich B/B+ (grilled chicken B, fresh bun B+)
chicken club sandwich B (including: Texas toast B, bacon B-)
fried chicken sandwich ("chicken fingers sandwich"): (zax sauce alone B/B+; fried chicken B, fresh bun B+ [have also had it stale there first thing in morning: B-]) total, with fresh bun and zax sauce or with wing sauce: B/B+
fried chicken sandwich ("chicken fingers sandwich") with marinara B+
fries, with cajun seasoning B
chicken fingers with zax sauce B/B+
ditto with wing sauce B/B+
ditto with marinara B+
chicken fingers alone B
bun alone, if fresh B+
2016:
a. banana pudding shake A-
b. chocolate cake shake B/B+
c. chicken salad sandwich with lettuce and tomato (filling alone C), total: B
d. chicken tenders, fresh: B-/B; cold C-
e. chicken tenders, fresh with Zax sauce (mustard-like) B-/B
f. fried cheese bites B
g. fried cheese bites with marinara sauce, if eaten hot B+
h. Texas toast C
WINGS:
i. sweet and spicy (sauce alone: C+) B
j. BBQ B+ (see note at "k")
k. seasonal spicy honey BBQ (it's possible this one and the straight BBQ sauce were mis-labeled and mixed up) B
l. teriyaki (sauce too strong) B/B+
m. buffalo (mildest version) C/C+
Zubs (Springville and Provo)
a. wings (best wings at a pizza place) B+
b. cheesesteak sandwich B-
c. supreme pizza C
d. cold club sandwich (one of best in state) A- (compared with Kneaders B-)
e. hot club sandwich B+/A- (compared with Charlie's Grilled Subs B/B+)
f. hot vege sandwich B (compared with Kneader's with avocado B/B+ and Charlie's Grilled Subs A and DP Cheesesteak's hot vege B+)
g. cold vege sandwich (provolone too strong, customize it with jack cheese instead) and sautee the mushrooms and onions B+
Zupas, Provo
a. Wisconsin Cheddar soup A
b. Swiss onion soup A
c. New England clam chowder (texture A, weird herb gives dominant flavor) B-
d. turkey cranberry sandwich C
e. crab avocado melt sandwich C-
f. chicken enchilada chile C-
Food Trucks (plus a few in the list above)
Montana BBQ Co.
July 2015 test:
a. pulled pork A
b. macroni, nachochees, bbq sauce A-
c.st. louis ribs - toostrong fmoke flavor aftertaste. B+
2018:
grilled chicken sandwich B/B+ (grilled chicken B, fresh bun B+)
chicken club sandwich B (including: Texas toast B, bacon B-)
fried chicken sandwich ("chicken fingers sandwich"): (zax sauce alone B/B+; fried chicken B, fresh bun B+ [have also had it stale there first thing in morning: B-]) total, with fresh bun and zax sauce or with wing sauce: B/B+
fried chicken sandwich ("chicken fingers sandwich") with marinara B+
fries, with cajun seasoning B
chicken fingers with zax sauce B/B+
ditto with wing sauce B/B+
ditto with marinara B+
chicken fingers alone B
bun alone, if fresh B+
2016:
a. banana pudding shake A-
b. chocolate cake shake B/B+
c. chicken salad sandwich with lettuce and tomato (filling alone C), total: B
d. chicken tenders, fresh: B-/B; cold C-
e. chicken tenders, fresh with Zax sauce (mustard-like) B-/B
f. fried cheese bites B
g. fried cheese bites with marinara sauce, if eaten hot B+
h. Texas toast C
WINGS:
i. sweet and spicy (sauce alone: C+) B
j. BBQ B+ (see note at "k")
k. seasonal spicy honey BBQ (it's possible this one and the straight BBQ sauce were mis-labeled and mixed up) B
l. teriyaki (sauce too strong) B/B+
m. buffalo (mildest version) C/C+
Zubs (Springville and Provo)
a. wings (best wings at a pizza place) B+
b. cheesesteak sandwich B-
c. supreme pizza C
d. cold club sandwich (one of best in state) A- (compared with Kneaders B-)
e. hot club sandwich B+/A- (compared with Charlie's Grilled Subs B/B+)
f. hot vege sandwich B (compared with Kneader's with avocado B/B+ and Charlie's Grilled Subs A and DP Cheesesteak's hot vege B+)
g. cold vege sandwich (provolone too strong, customize it with jack cheese instead) and sautee the mushrooms and onions B+
Zupas, Provo
a. Wisconsin Cheddar soup A
b. Swiss onion soup A
c. New England clam chowder (texture A, weird herb gives dominant flavor) B-
d. turkey cranberry sandwich C
e. crab avocado melt sandwich C-
f. chicken enchilada chile C-
Food Trucks (plus a few in the list above)
Montana BBQ Co.
July 2015 test:
a. pulled pork A
b. macroni, nachochees, bbq sauce A-
c.st. louis ribs - toostrong fmoke flavor aftertaste. B+
