This Tiny, Hidden Gem In Utah Serves The Best Burgers Ever
By Catherine Armstrong|Published July 21, 2017
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Utahns love their burgers. In fact, we’re so crazy about them, that when we published a list of just 11 tasty burger joints back in 2015, we were swamped with reader comments telling us that we’d missed the best places, so we published this list of 20 more burger joints. Honestly? We just can’t get enough.
Here’s a little hidden gem that serves one of the best garlic burgers you’ll ever eat. Take a look!
Cotton Bottom Inn is hidden away from view on the corner of 800 E. 6200 S. in the Holladay area of Salt Lake City.
I'm not kidding. If you don't know it's there, you might drive right past. This tiny little place is hidden behind a bunch of trees, in an otherwise residential area.
First things first. This is a bar, not a restaurant (as the DABC sign on the door will inform you). It's not a place for children, and you'll have to show ID and be at least 21 years old to enter. No one's going to make you buy a beer, though...but you might want one to go with your garlic burger.
This place is really, really tiny. This photo shows most of the indoor space. If you show up on a weekend, it's likely that you'll have to wait for one of the several tiny tables or bar seating to become available. Trust us...the wait is soooo worth it!
And here's the crown jewel of Cotton Bottom Inn: The Garlic Burger. it's served up without ceremony, accompanied by a bag of potato chips and some peppers on the side.
The garlic burger is served on a hoagie-style bun, and for most people, the blend of garlic is just right. You won't get a huge hit of garlic like you find at Lucky 13, but just enough that you're going to need a breath mint afterwards.
On a summer day, the back patio is a nice dining option. The indoor seating area can be rather dark - it's like a dive bar with a good burger. But whether you sit indoors or on the patio, the service is friendly and the atmosphere is casual and relaxed.
