It’s easy to overlook the tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurants in the Beehive State. After all, we have all kinds of amazing eateries with beautiful dining rooms. But don’t be too quick to judge the older, less flashy cafes, restaurants, and pubs – they often have some of the best food in Utah. Case in point? Cotton Bottom Inn.
If you didn’t know that Cotton Bottom Inn is hiding on the corner of Big Cottonwood Road and Holladay Boulevard, you’d miss it completely. This little hole-in-the-wall blends right in with the trees around it.
Kevin Sweeney/Google
Cotton Bottom Inn got its start back in 1966. It was owned by Helen Chlepas and her son Tony, and it quickly became a neighborhood staple.
Cybil P Child/Google Tony passed away in 2015, but Helen’s granddaughter Ashley runs the place now, so it’s still all in the family.
Don’t be shy… walk right on in! Just leave the kiddos at home — this place is a bar that only allows patrons ages 21 and older.
Bruce Vernon/Google
It’s a teeny, tiny place, and you’ll definitely feel cozy in here. It’s also a friendly, welcoming place where you can enjoy a game of pool and time spent chatting with friends.
Frederick Swetland/Google
If the weather is nice enough, you might want to claim a table on the patio, where you’ll have a little more room to stretch your legs.
SJ Howe/Google
The menu at Cotton Bottom Inn is small. It has items like grilled cheese, a hot dog, and a ham & cheese sandwich, but really… you’re here for the garlic burger.
Adam Petty/Google
And oh, what a burger it is! This place has become famous for its garlic burgers, and you’ll agree that they’re the best in the Beehive State the moment you take a bite.
Cybil P Child/Google
The burger is chock-full of minced garlic, and if you have an important job interview tomorrow, we suggest waiting ’til afterward to stop by. The garlic breath is gonna linger for a long time, trust us.
Cybil P Child/Google
It’s absolutely worth it though! This simple burger is served up on a delicious bun, with straightforward toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, mayo, and ketchup, and pickles. It comes with a side of chips, still in the bag. Nothing fancy… but pure perfection.
Colby Fabert/Google
What pairs perfectly with your garlic burger? An icy cold beer, of course! Choose from domestic classics like Coors or Blue Moon, or get a Wasatch Evolution or other local brew.
my dungeons ready/Google Cotton Bottom Inn is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday ’til 8 p.m.
Have you tried the garlic burger at Cotton Bottom Inn? Tell our readers all about it in the comments!
Kevin Sweeney/Google
Cybil P Child/Google
Tony passed away in 2015, but Helen’s granddaughter Ashley runs the place now, so it’s still all in the family.
Bruce Vernon/Google
Frederick Swetland/Google
SJ Howe/Google
Adam Petty/Google
Colby Fabert/Google
my dungeons ready/Google
Cotton Bottom Inn is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday ’til 8 p.m.
Learn more about this little Utah gem on its website, and follow Cotton Bottom Inn’s Facebook page to see what’s new there.
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Address: 6200 Holladay Blvd E, Holladay, UT 84121, USA
