Salt Lake City BBQ Joint That Locals Say Delivers The Best In Utah State
In Salt Lake City, Utah, Pat’s Barbecue at 155 W Commonwealth Ave (2125 South) has earned a devoted following for serving some of the best BBQ in the Beehive State.
The smoky aroma of slow-cooked meats fills the air, drawing locals in for tender ribs, juicy brisket, and flavorful sides.
Each bite delivers rich, savory perfection that keeps visitors coming back. This hidden gem proves that Utah knows how to do barbecue the right way.
Burnt Ends Are Worth The Hype
People drive across town specifically for these little nuggets of heaven.
Burnt ends at Pat’s have crispy, caramelized edges with tender, juicy centers that practically explode with smoky flavor when you bite into them.
The kitchen smokes brisket low and slow, then takes those flavorful end pieces and gives them extra love until they reach peak deliciousness.
Fair warning though: these beauties sell out fast, sometimes by mid-afternoon.
One reviewer showed up at 4pm on a Friday only to discover they were already gone for the day.
If burnt ends are your mission, get there early or call ahead to check availability.
When you do snag an order, you’ll understand why regulars guard this secret like treasure and why some folks claim they could eat an entire tray solo.
Brisket Done Right With Proper Bark
Brisket is the true test of any barbecue joint, and Pat’s takes this challenge seriously.
When it’s fresh off the smoker, the brisket features that classic dark bark on the outside while the inside stays tender and juicy with beautiful marbling throughout.
The smoke ring tells you everything you need to know about how much care goes into the cooking process.
Reviews do mention some inconsistency, with a few customers catching slices that had been sitting a bit too long and dried out.
Timing matters here.
Your best bet is visiting during peak lunch or dinner hours when fresh batches are being sliced regularly.
Ask your server if a fresh brisket just came off, and you’ll likely get meat that melts in your mouth with every smoky, flavorful bite.
Live Music Makes Dinner A Full Experience
Pat’s isn’t just about filling your stomach; it’s about feeding your soul too.
The restaurant features a stage where local musicians perform regularly, turning dinner into an actual event rather than just another meal out.
The vibe shifts from casual dining to genuine entertainment as bands play everything from country to rock.
Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned the live music setup, noting it as a major draw for return visits.
The atmosphere becomes electric when a talented group takes the stage.
You can enjoy perfectly smoked ribs while tapping your feet to live tunes, which honestly beats staring at your phone any day.
Check their schedule before heading over if catching a show matters to you, or just roll the dice and see who’s playing that night for a fun surprise.
Location At 155 W Commonwealth Ave
Finding Pat’s is easier than you’d think once you know where to look.
Located at 155 W Commonwealth Ave in Salt Lake City, the restaurant sits in a spot that many locals admit they’ve driven past a million times without noticing.
Once you finally spot it, you’ll wonder how you missed it before.
The area fills with smoky barbecue aroma that practically guides you to the front door.
Parking is available, and the location offers both indoor and outdoor seating options for different vibes.
Some guests prefer eating outside during nice weather to soak up the early summer sunshine while others enjoy the unique indoor atmosphere with multiple dining rooms.
Either way, Commonwealth Avenue becomes your destination when that barbecue craving hits hard and only authentic smoked meat will satisfy your hunger properly.
Four Signature Sauces For Every Taste
Pat’s lets you be the boss of your own flavor journey with four distinct sauce options.
The house sweet and thin BBQ offers classic barbecue taste without overpowering the meat’s natural smokiness.
Their spicy and thick BBQ brings heat and body for those who like bold flavors coating every bite.
Carolina mustard sauce adds tangy brightness that cuts through rich, fatty meats beautifully.
Tabasco hot sauce sits ready for anyone who wants to crank up the heat even further.
What’s cool is that the pulled pork comes out unsauced, giving you complete control to mix and match until you find your perfect combination.
Some folks use all four in different ratios, creating custom blends that suit their exact preferences and making each visit a chance to experiment with new flavor profiles.
Pulled Pork Nachos With A Twist
Who says nachos have to be Mexican-style only?
Pat’s takes tender pulled pork and piles it onto crispy chips for a barbecue-meets-Tex-Mex fusion that works surprisingly well.
The real genius move comes when the server asks if you want all chips, all fries, or half and half for your base.
One customer went with the half-and-half option but immediately regretted not choosing all fries instead.
Those crispy, well-seasoned fries apparently steal the show.
The pulled pork itself comes perfectly smoked and shredded, ready to be topped with your sauce choices and whatever other fixings the kitchen adds.
It’s a fun departure from the standard meat-and-sides plate, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself if you’re feeling particularly hungry and selfish about delicious food.
Hours That Work For Working Folks
Pat’s operates Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 9 PM, giving you flexibility whether you want an early lunch or a later dinner.
They’re closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly if that’s your usual eating-out day.
The schedule works well for people with regular work hours who want quality barbecue without weird time constraints.
Opening at 10:30 means you can grab lunch before the noon rush hits.
Staying open until 9 PM accommodates evening diners who want a relaxed meal after work.
Remember that popular items like burnt ends can sell out well before closing time, so earlier visits increase your chances of snagging everything on your wish list.
You can always call ahead at 801-484-5963 to check what’s still available if you’re planning a later visit and have your heart set on specific meats.
Prices That Won’t Break The Bank
Eating at Pat’s typically runs between ten and twenty dollars per person, which is incredibly reasonable for the quality and portion sizes you receive.
This price range puts it firmly in the affordable dining category while still delivering restaurant-quality food that’s leagues beyond fast food barbecue.
You can split a three-meat plate with someone and both walk away satisfied without spending a fortune.
The value becomes even better when you consider you’re getting slow-smoked meats that take hours of preparation.
For twenty bucks or less, you can enjoy brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sausage, and sides that complement the meats perfectly.
Some reviewers did mention portion concerns occasionally, so if you’re super hungry, don’t hesitate to order generously or ask about meat weights when ordering to ensure you get what you’re expecting for your money.
Sausage And Ribs Steal The Show
While brisket and burnt ends get most of the glory, the sausage and ribs at Pat’s deserve serious recognition.
Multiple reviewers specifically called out the sausage as amazing, with one person noting it was the best item they tried during their entire visit.
The ribs fall right off the bone with minimal effort, exactly how proper barbecue ribs should behave.
The sausage has that perfect snap when you bite through the casing, releasing juicy, smoky flavors inside.
If you’re ordering a combination plate and feeling indecisive about which meats to choose, including both sausage and ribs seems like a winning strategy based on customer feedback.
They appear to have more consistent quality than some other menu items, making them reliable choices when you want to guarantee a satisfying meal without gambling on what’s freshest that particular day.