Pat's BBQ in Salt Lake City, UT 84115

Pat's Barbecue serves up some of the best BBQ around, and everything (we mean everything) is made from scratch. Pat himself is often at the restaurant, and he'll be glad to share his story and passion for BBQ with patrons. In a nutshell, Pat has over 12 years experience on the Pro National BBQ Circuit, and has several gold, silver, and bronze medals to prove it. He doesn't advertise, preferring instead to have his food do the talking, and letting happy (and full) customers help get the word out.

On the menu, choose from barbecued pork, brisket, and chicken, as well as pulled pork or beef brisket sandwiches, and a nice selection of tasty sides, including coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, red beans and rice, and mashed potatoes and gravy. Some other side dishes that are available on most days are an amazing jambalaya (served Wed-Sat) and Creole black beans served over rice. All of the meals are served with a piece of freshly baked cornbread that is moist and out of this world. Don't expect anything to be run of the mill - everything is made fresh in the kitchen, using Pat's own recipes, which he is constantly perfecting. Even the coleslaw is like nothing you've had before. Perfection! The restaurant also offers daily specials; call or stop by to see what's cooking.

Portions are huge. As one satisfied customer reported during our visit, "I didn't come here fat, but I left that way!" A children's menu is available; for under $7, kids get a side dish, corn bread, and a choice of a pork rib, a piece of chicken, a slice of brisket, or pulled pork. Honestly though, we had more than enough to share from our adult portions - I could have easily fed myself and two hungry children on my single plate of food.

Customers sit at picnic tables well supplied with paper towels, and two highchairs are available for tiny tots. Both indoor and outdoor dining are available, and diners are often treated to live music on the stage. Check the website to see who's playing. Expect to hear some exceptional blues, folk, soul, and bluegrass, performed by artists from both near and far. Some of the evening performances are ticketed; the website indicates whenever a fee applies and how to get tickets. Don't miss the open mike night, held almost every Thursday from 7pm to 9pm. You might catch some outstanding local youngsters on stage.

Besides dining in, the restaurant offers take out and catering. For Pat's BBQ in a Box catering, check the website for menu choices, print out the fax order form, fill it out and fax it in at least 48 hours in advance, then pick up the food and pig out! For 100 people or more, Pat can also bring his 'Que to you. Check the website for information and pricing.

Next Thanksgiving, consider one of Pat's smoked turkeys. He'll brine and smoke 16-pound birds for your feast; customers get to choose the wood used to smoke the bird. Call ahead to order. Turkeys cost about $60.

A visit with Pat makes it clear that he is committed to providing nothing but the best for his customers. He takes great pride in his food and recipes, and everything about the restaurant. This is a place everyone, from kids to adults, can appreciate and have not only a great meal, but also a great time.