After a storied 16-year run, the bell has been rung for last call at the much-loved Garage On Beck. “There are a number of different factors”, explains owner Robert McCarthy, “but ultimately, our lease is coming to an end in the not-too-distant future. Probably, the business wouldn’t be able to continue at that point. This feels like the right time to bow out gracefully, and raise a few last glasses with our regulars.”
Opening in 2008, McCarthy’s vision for the historic spot was an eclectic roadhouse, a gathering place where everybody would be welcome. That inclusive vibe would reflect the history of the bar’s location – former Swede Town – a historic area known for embracing all. “I wanted to be that bohemian bar on the edge of town, come one, come all”.
The business opened initially under the name Yellowstone Garage, a nod to the bar’s position on Route 89 (that wends its way North to Yellowstone). Taking over the reins from the former Jimax Lounge the business would make its home in a former garage (opening circa 1947); previous tenants have run the gamut, everything from a UDOT facility to an Alfa Romeo dealership.
The name wouldn’t last long mind you. A certain Bad Brad Wheeler would query out the less-than-reflective name. “You’re on Beck, why don’t you just call yourself Garage On Beck?” The rest is history, well, part of the history. Fires would wreak havoc on the business in both 2013 and 2023. Each time the bar would bounce back stronger, drawing bustling crowds for the mix of live music, one of the city’s best patios (pictured top), and yes, those deep-fried funeral potatoes.
It’s a bittersweet end for McCarthy, a serial name on the Utah hospitality scene. Arriving in Utah from upstate New York in 1992, his first Utah outing would be the nightclub Jam. The excellent Italian restaurant, Stoneground Italian Kitchen would come next in 2000. His most recent outing was the respectful update of Juniors Tavern, now known as Bobby Juniors. It’s the end of the journey for McCarthy and the Garage name moving forward. That’s not to say the story might be completely over.
“Everything is for sale”, McCarthy ends our discussion. “The sound system through HVAC to tables and chairs. Reclaimed wood, our neon lights, the lot. If someone wants to take the whole shebang, name included, it’s available.” Those in the industry who are interested should note that the sale will begin in June.
For the rest of us, circle May 31st on your diaries, that’s the last day of business for one of Utah’s most unique spots. They just don’t make ’em like this anymore folks.
Images provided courtesy of the business.
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Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you! I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC. I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have written in myopic detail about the Salt Lake City dining scene for the better part of seventeen years.
I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV. Pause those credits, yep, that’s me! I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune. I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand. What they’re saying about me: “Not inaccurate”, “I thought he was older”, “I don’t share his feelings”.
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