Best Sports Bar in Utah: How Bout Time Pub & Grub Brought Scratch Cooking Back to Game Day

There's this moment during a phone call that changed everything for Joe Fraser. It was the late 1990s, and Fraser was sitting at a wine lunch with friends when his phone rang with news about how poorly his Ruby Tuesday franchise was performing. He hung up, looked out the window, and noticed a corner spot available for lease. That split-second decision—to walk away from corporate chains and build something better—became the foundation for what's now Utah's best sports bar experience.

Today, Bout Time Pub & Grub operates locations across the Wasatch Front, from Ogden to Provo, serving up what one customer calls "truly the best wings in the state." But what makes this local sports bar chain different isn't just the wall-to-wall TVs or the 50+ beers on tap. It's what happens in the kitchen every single day.

The Scratch Kitchen Revolution at Utah's Premier Sports Bar

When Fraser got his start in the restaurant business back in 1977, everything was made from scratch. By the late '90s, as an owner of Ruby Tuesday franchises in Utah, he watched that philosophy disappear—replaced by pre-made frozen foods and corporate shortcuts. "Gone were the days when food and sauce were made from scratch," Fraser explained in recounting the Bout Time origin story.

That wine lunch phone call was the final straw. Saddled with significant debt but determined to return to those original roots, Fraser called Rusty, the property owner, about leasing that corner spot for his bar dream. With help from friends, Fraser found himself the owner of the first Bout Time Pub & Grub in West Jordan in 2009.

The commitment to scratch cooking became non-negotiable. Walk into any Bout Time location today and you'll find something remarkable: no microwaves. The freezer is the size of a residential refrigerator. "The only thing frozen is onion rings because it's better than what I can make myself," Fraser has said.

That's not marketing speak. One customer reviewing the West Jordan location captured it perfectly: "Best burger I've had in a long time! Good service, clean comfortable restaurant." Another regular at the Herriman spot noted, "They have awesome garlic fries and the pickle chips and dip are great"—both made fresh daily in their scratch kitchens.

What Makes Bout Time the Best Sports Bar in Utah

Here's what you need to understand about the craft beer and sports bar scene in Utah: you can find places with lots of screens, and you can find places with decent pub food. Finding both, executed at a high level, with local ownership and genuine scratch cooking? That's rare.

Bout Time wins local awards not by accident. City Weekly named them "Coldest Beer" in 2011. KSL's A-List voted them "Best Nightlife/Sports Bar" in 2012 and 2013. Readers consistently choose them as Utah's best sports bar because the experience delivers on multiple levels.

The Wings Everyone Talks About

One customer put it plainly: "My #1 Bar for Sunday football! While I'm a sucker for the breaded wings! Truly they are the best wings in the state just make sure you get breaded!"

Bout Time smokes their own wings. Let that sink in. Most sports bars buy pre-made wings and toss them in sauce. Here, they're smoking them in-house, offering both traditional bone-in and breaded styles, then finishing with house-made sauces ranging from classic buffalo to more adventurous flavors.

A regular reviewer noted: "The wings were incredible!" while another mentioned coming back specifically "for more wings" after attending a concert at USANA Amphitheater.

Burgers That Actually Taste Like Burgers

One international visitor reviewing the Decker Lake location had high praise: "The hamburger was spectacular. Actually one of the best I've ever had."

The difference? Fresh, never frozen beef patties cooked to order. Hand-cut fries. House-made sauces including their signature fry sauce that customers describe as "quite tasty" and "perfect."

The menu features creative takes like the B.A.B.B. burger and the Chubby Burger—which uses two grilled cheese sandwiches instead of a bun. But even the straightforward garlic burger earns devotion: "Fresh HOT fries and their very unique house fry sauce (HINT: order extra)."

The Fish & Chips Utah Locals Love

A generous portion of beer-battered cod fillets, deep fried golden brown, served with tartar sauce and hand-cut potato chips. Multiple reviewers cite the fish and chips as a standout, with one noting, "I've always liked Bout Time—especially their fish tacos."

The beer batter makes the difference. Using their extensive draft selection, the kitchen creates a crispy coating that stays crunchy while keeping the fish tender inside.

The Irish Nachos Nobody Expected

Here's a menu item that keeps coming up in reviews: Irish Nachos. Instead of tortilla chips, they start with hand-cut potato chips, pile on ranch dressing, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon, then top with sour cream and parsley.

One group reviewing their lunch experience said the Irish Nachos "were fun and different, reminded me of loaded potato skins." Another customer noted they're "too good to pass up" even when you're already ordering entrees.

Craft Beer Selection That Rivals Dedicated Breweries

With 50+ beers on tap, Bout Time bridges the gap between craft beer destinations and traditional sports bars. Their rotating tap list emphasizes local Utah breweries—Uinta, Wasatch, Epic, Proper, Squatters—while also featuring seasonal offerings and regional favorites.

One customer appreciated the depth: "Great selection of beers and cider! And look at those nachos!" The emphasis on Utah craft beer connects Bout Time to the state's thriving brewing scene while maintaining the accessibility of a neighborhood sports bar.

The draft system is designed to serve beer ice-cold, earning them that City Weekly "Coldest Beer" award. As one reviewer put it simply: "Good burger, clean bar and cold beer at a great price."

The Family-Friendly Sports Bar Utah Needed

Here's where Bout Time breaks from sports bar stereotypes. Despite the 21+ bar atmosphere at some locations, the brand positions itself as genuinely family-friendly dining where you can catch the game with everyone from your kids to your grandparents.

"Best bar in Utah! I come here to watch all my ufc fights. Love this place and the burgers and fries are great!" one customer shared, while another noted bringing friends for what turned into a comfortable group dining experience: "Great for watching the game or just having a drink with friends!"

The portions are generous—multiple reviews mention this—making it practical for families. The menu accommodates various dietary preferences with vegetarian options, salads, and healthier choices alongside the indulgent pub favorites.

Game Day Atmosphere Done Right

Walking into Bout Time during game day means encountering what one customer described as "more TVs than tables." Every angle offers a view of sports action, whether it's NFL Sunday, March Madness, UFC fight nights, or college football rivalry games.

The atmosphere balances high-energy sports viewing with actual conversation capability. Unlike some sports bars where music overwhelms everything, most locations manage sound levels that let you both watch the game and talk with your table.

"Nothing's better than a great establishment filled with enthusiastic sports fans, fresh beer on tap and delicious Bloody Mary's made to perfection," one customer shared. That captures the vibe: energetic without being overwhelming, social without sacrificing your ability to actually watch sports.

Beyond the greatest hits, the menu offers surprises. The Hat Trick—three skewers each of beef, chicken, and shrimp, grilled or fried—earns consistent praise. "The Hat Trick is fantastic," one reviewer noted. "The shrimp doesn't even need sauce, but the dish comes with four sauces."

The Reuben sandwich gets mentioned repeatedly. The turkey avocado sandwich. The breakfast burrito that one customer described as "IT WAS HUGE. A very tasty burrito."

The parmesan pretzel. The firecracker shrimp. The fresh-baked jumbo pretzel served with queso. These aren't afterthoughts—they're menu items developed by a team that actually cares about execution.

From West Jordan to the Wasatch Front

That first location in West Jordan in 2009 was just 1,600 square feet. Sixteen years later, Bout Time has grown to multiple locations across Utah and even expanded into Colorado, all while remaining locally owned and operated.

The growth strategy reflects Fraser's original vision: "take care of the people that take care of us." He chooses to grow the business from within, promoting team members and maintaining the scratch kitchen standards across all locations.

Each neighborhood pub maintains its own character while delivering consistent quality. The Vineyard location. The Sandy spot. The Bluffdale pub with "more TVs than tables." The Tooele location that locals call "the premier bar in town but the best place to eat as well."

Utah-Owned, Wasatch Front Proud

In an era of corporate sports bar chains, Bout Time stands out as genuinely local. Founded by Joe and Paula Fraser with a vision to create "the kind of place they would want to hang out at," the brand has stayed true to Utah while growing strategically.

This matters more than you might think. Local ownership means understanding Utah's unique dining culture, navigating the state's evolving alcohol laws with grace, and investing in the communities they serve.

One customer summed up the appeal: "I have loved Bout Time since they opened originally." That loyalty comes from consistency—knowing that whether you're in West Jordan or Ogden, you'll get the same scratch-made quality and genuine hospitality.

The Sports Bar That Shouldn't Exist (But We're Glad It Does)

Conventional wisdom says you can't compete with Buffalo Wild Wings and Applebee's as an independent. You can't maintain scratch kitchens across multiple locations. You can't offer 50+ beers on tap without brewery backing. You can't grow from 1,600 square feet to locations across two states while staying debt-free and locally owned.

Joe Fraser proved conventional wisdom wrong.

That phone call during wine lunch—the moment he saw the corner property and decided to build something better—created what's become Utah's premier sports bar destination. Not through corporate playbooks or frozen shortcuts, but through hand-cut fries, smoked wings, and the belief that people deserve better than pre-made food with their game day beer.

Planning Your Visit to Bout Time Pub & Grub

Current Locations Across Utah:

West Jordan (Original Location): Jordan Landing area
Sandy: Multiple locations including one near South Towne
Vineyard: 568 N Mill Rd, serving the Utah County area
Bluffdale: Multiple TVs, full scratch menu
Tooele: 615 N Main St, voted best in town
Additional locations in Ogden, Provo, and throughout the Wasatch Front

Hours: Most locations open daily 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM (verify specific location hours)

What to Order:

First-timers: Get the breaded wings with any sauce and Irish Nachos to share
Burger fans: Try the garlic burger or B.A.B.B., both cooked to order with hand-cut fries
Beer lovers: Ask about the rotating tap list featuring local Utah craft breweries
Fish & chips devotees: Beer-battered cod with hand-cut chips
Groups: The Hat Trick shareable or combination platters

Best Times to Visit:

Game days (obviously): Arrive early for big games to secure good viewing spots
Happy hour: Daily specials and deals
Weekday lunch: Less crowded, full menu available
Late night: Kitchen serves until close at most locations

Parking: Varies by location; generally ample parking at all spots

Good to Know:

Some locations are 21+ only; check specific location policies if bringing family
Utah's new ID law requires scanning for all alcohol purchases (January 2026)
Take-out and online ordering available at most locations
Growlers available for draft beer to-go at Utah locations

Follow Them: @bouttimepub on Instagram for specials, events, and game day announcements

Why Bout Time Matters to Utah's Food Scene

Sixteen years after that corner spot in West Jordan opened, Bout Time represents something bigger than great wings and cold beer. It's proof that local ownership can compete and win against corporate chains. That scratch cooking can scale without compromising quality. That Utah's sports fans deserve better than frozen food and generic experiences.

When you walk into any Bout Time location—whether it's your neighborhood regular or a new spot you're trying—you're experiencing Joe Fraser's answer to that phone call moment. The one where he looked out the window and decided to build something better.

The wings are smoked in-house. The fries are hand-cut. The 50+ beers include the best of Utah's craft brewing scene. And the atmosphere balances high-energy sports viewing with genuine hospitality.

That's not just the best sports bar in Utah. That's how game day is supposed to feel.

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