When I met with Matt Crandall (exec chef and co-owner) to survey damages to White Horse and Whiskey Street last Fall, even I – a glass is three-thirds full type – raised an eyebrow at the optimism. A January 2026 opening? To be frank, they did what I thought wasn’t possible, which speaks volumes to the talents and operations skills of the Bourbon Group, rather than, I assume, a Robert Johnson-esque pact (a reference for the kids there).
The restaurant worked through a soft opening series of nights last week, culminating in the formal opening on Thursday, January 29th. With that, the business is back to the races, full tilt. Full menu, full bar, lunch and dinner hours. Familiar faces from the past have been rehired front and back of house, too.
In terms of the rebuild, not much has changed, albeit a slightly darker color palette, Crandall tells me. The gently illuminated library wall of liquor dominates the center of the space, looming down on the procession of bar seats. There are communal high tops, cosy tables, and two imposing wrap-around booths for larger groups. The patio will be back as soon as the weather tiptoes into patio season, which, as I’ve joked about before, will likely be March at this rate.
In a similar fashion, the menu is instantly recognizable. Egg and chips with malt vinegar powder, confited duck wings, one of the best bacon cheeseburgers in the state – all return with only a modest number of seasonal updates.
The re-opening of the 21+ brasserie-informed bar means that this hub of Main Street takes one more step to returning to its vibrant best. Neighbors Eva aren’t too far behind in joining in on the fun, while London Belle, last I heard, is eyeing 2027.
Bourbon Group’s other business, Whiskey Street, also cited 2027 as a likely return date, though cheekily suggested later 2026 might be on the cards. Based on the evidence here, I wouldn’t bet against them.
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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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