Contemporary American Dining Excellence: Cliff Dining Pub's Spectacular Mountain Views

When you pull into the parking lot at Cliff Dining Pub on Draper Gate Drive, the first thing that hits you isn't the impressive building or the buzz of weekend energy—it's the view. Perched high in the Draper foothills, this contemporary American restaurant commands one of the most spectacular vistas in Utah's Salt Lake County, stretching across the entire valley below. But what really makes this place special isn't just where it sits; it's the story of four friends who turned their dream of bringing sophisticated comfort food to their neighborhood into reality.

"The food and service were exceptional! I had the blackened salmon! Our server Katrina was very attentive. I would definitely recommend Cliff Dining Pub," shares one recent OpenTable reviewer, capturing exactly what locals have discovered since 2016.

Four Friends, One Vision: The Story Behind Cliff Dining Pub

The story of Cliff Dining Pub begins with friendship—specifically, the friendship between Jason Lewis and Wendy Moler-Lewis, along with partners Matt and Nikki MacKay, who are friends from Draper that have created a dining experience for Draper and her neighbors. This isn't some corporate restaurant expansion; it's what happens when locals who genuinely care about their community decide to create something special right in their own backyard.

Jason Lewis spends his days as Dr. Jason Lewis, passionately reconstructing smiles in his dental practice. Wendy, a former attorney, now helps run their practice. The MacKays bring their own entrepreneurial energy—they own Pro Image Sports stores at Traverse Mountain shopping centers and beyond, while Nikki dedicates herself to keeping children safe through her work with the Utah Foster Care Foundation. Both the Lewis' and MacKay's are raising their families in Draper and you will find them involved in many local activities.

What these four friends recognized was something missing in their own neighborhood—a place where Draper residents could enjoy expertly crafted comfort food without having to drive downtown. This quartet of Draper-based entrepreneurs conceptualized both restaurants as a place for Draper residents to kick back with a variety of comfort-food favorites, expertly-made cocktails and a killer view of the Salt Lake Valley.

The vision they landed on? Reimagining the American cookbook for a new generation.

The Contemporary American Experience at Cliff Dining Pub

Walking into Cliff Dining Pub, you immediately understand what "contemporary American cuisine" means in practice. The Cliff Dining Pub specializes in interpreting the American cookbook for a new generation—sushi from Los Angeles, pastas from our urban cores, sandwiches as diverse as our homes, and steak from the Heartland. This isn't fusion for fusion's sake—it's thoughtful cooking that reflects how Americans actually eat today.

The 3,000-square-foot patio is where the magic really happens. As the sun sets over the Salt Lake Valley, casting golden light across the Wasatch Mountains, you understand why the view from the patio is beautiful at sunset, and diners can enjoy great wines and delicious food, such as the miso halibut and the volcano sushi roll. The indoor space has its own appeal too—rustic chic décor that feels upscale without being stuffy, perfect for everything from family dinners to date nights.

But let's talk about what really draws people back: the food. The kitchen team has mastered that delicate balance between comfort and sophistication that defines great contemporary American cooking.

Signature Dishes That Define Draper's Dining Scene

The Blackened Salmon That Everyone Talks About

Of all the dishes that have earned Cliff Dining Pub its reputation, the blackened salmon stands out as something special. Seared cajun-spiced Atlantic salmon over garlic mashed potatoes and prosciutto-wrapped asparagus finished in a fresh lemon butter sauce—it's technique-driven cooking that doesn't show off, just delivers incredible flavors.,

"Blackened Salmon: Firm with a slight bit of moistness. My niece enjoyed it very much. It was very tasty & great flavoring" notes one satisfied customer, while another adds, "Tender, tasty and a very nice flavor to it. Loved their horseradish sauce. The mashed potatoes were tasty. Real potatoes." That last detail—"real potatoes"—tells you everything about Cliff's commitment to doing things right.

The Cliff Burger: American Comfort Perfected

If the blackened salmon represents the restaurant's sophisticated side, the Cliff Burger is pure American comfort elevated. The buttered brioche bun houses a monstrous, cooked-to-order beef patty, more of that thick bacon, a vulgar amount of melty American cheese and a lovely fried egg with just a bit of runny yolk. City Weekly's food critic called it "a textbook example of what a good pub burger should be," and when you try it, you'll understand why.

Cajun Chicken Pasta: Comfort with a Kick

The kitchen's signature Cajun chicken pasta showcases exactly what contemporary American cooking can be. Blackened chicken served over cavatappi pasta tossed with the Cliff's signature creamy Cajun sauce, mixed bell peppers, zucchini, onion, mushroom and corn, topped with crispy tortilla strips—it's familiar flavors combined in ways that feel both comforting and exciting.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers: Starting Strong

Don't sleep on the appetizers here. The bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños have earned a devoted following. "These peppers are plump, juicy and flavor-forward; yes, there's the obligatory kick, but these beauties really let you taste the jalapeño flavor. Oh, and did I mention they're stuffed with velvety cream cheese and wrapped in thick, smoky bacon?" It's the kind of dish that makes you reconsider what bar food can be.

Live Music and Mixology: More Than Just Dinner

What sets Cliff Dining Pub apart in Draper's restaurant scene is the complete experience they've created. Weekly entertainment schedules can be found on our website cliffdiningpub.com or on our Facebook Page @cliffdiningpub. We have a resident DJ every Saturday night from 9:30-12:30 and live music on Wednesday nights and Friday nights.

The bar program deserves its own recognition. Our bar features hand-crafted classics and the best of the new mixology. Whether you're sipping a craft cocktail while watching the sunset from the patio or enjoying local beers like Kiitos Double IPA with your burger, the beverage program feels thoughtfully curated rather than thrown together.

The Draper Dining Community Connection

What really resonates about Cliff Dining Pub is how deeply connected it feels to its community. This quartet of Draper-based entrepreneurs conceptualized both restaurants as a place for Draper residents to kick back with a variety of comfort-food favorites, expertly-made cocktails and a killer view of the Salt Lake Valley. When locals describe the restaurant, you hear genuine affection—this isn't just a place to eat, it's become part of the fabric of Draper's social life.

"Amazing service we showed up with several more people than we had reserved and they were able to accommodate without too much hassle. The table service was great and the food was bonkers, the prime rib is delicious, perfectly cooked with a great jus and homemade horseradish sauce," shared a February 2025 reviewer, highlighting both the food quality and the kind of flexible, accommodating service that builds community loyalty.

The restaurant has earned recognition beyond just neighborhood appreciation. After hearing about how Cliff Dining Pub snagged a Reader's Choice Award for Best Non-downtown Restaurant this year, it rose to the top of my list of places to check out, noted Salt Lake City Weekly's food critic, cementing its reputation across the broader Salt Lake dining scene.

Planning Your Visit to Cliff Dining Pub

Cliff Dining Pub sits at 12234 S Draper Gate Drive in Draper, perfectly positioned to take advantage of those spectacular mountain and valley views that have become the restaurant's signature feature. The restaurant operates under both restaurant and bar licenses, making it family-friendly while still offering the full bar experience for adults.

When to Go: Reservations are recommended due to its high demand. The patio is absolutely magical during sunset hours—plan accordingly if you want that golden-hour Instagram shot with your dinner. For a quieter experience, if you're looking for a more peaceful ambiance, you can let the host know your preference upon arrival.

What to Order: Start with those bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers and the spinach artichoke dip (which guests consistently rave about). For mains, you can't go wrong with the blackened salmon, Cliff Burger, or the Cajun chicken pasta. The Stroganoff is a popular choice, and the sushi nachos are also a favorite among diners.

The Insider Knowledge: If you visit, I highly recommend asking for Sophie as your server. She truly goes above and beyond to ensure you have everything you need. The restaurant can get lively in the evenings, especially with live music, but that energy is part of what makes it special.

Why Cliff Dining Pub Matters to Utah's Food Scene

In an era when restaurant concepts often feel calculated and corporate, Cliff Dining Pub represents something authentically local—friends who saw what their community needed and delivered it with genuine care and considerable skill. Cliff Dining Pub offers "exceptional" food and service in a vibrant, lively setting with spectacular views.

The contemporary American approach here isn't about chasing trends; it's about reflecting how Utah families actually want to eat—comfort food made with real skill, familiar flavors elevated thoughtfully, and an atmosphere that welcomes everyone from families celebrating birthdays to couples on date night to friends gathering for weekend brunch.

Bottom Line: Cliff Dining Pub has become Draper's dining destination because it delivers on every level—spectacular views, expertly executed contemporary American cuisine, genuine hospitality, and that increasingly rare feeling of being somewhere that truly cares about its community. Whether you're craving that perfectly executed blackened salmon or just want to watch the sunset over the Salt Lake Valley with a craft cocktail in hand, this is where Draper goes to celebrate.

Ready to experience contemporary American dining at its finest? Visit Cliff Dining Pub at 12234 S Draper Gate Drive in Draper, Utah. Reservations recommended at (801) 617-8600 or through OpenTable. Follow @cliffdiningpub for the latest live music schedules and seasonal menu updates.