Ruth's Diner

Address: 2100 Emigration Canyon, Salt Lake City, UT 84108. 801.582.5807.

Review: Ruth's is a (or is it "an"? I can't ever remember) historic restaurant located in Emigration Canyon a couple miles north of Salt Lake. You're reminded of Ruth's historic nature upon entering when you see the sign that says "Ruth's is the second oldest restaurant in Utah," and when you see the picture of Ruth (hint: she was old when the picture was taken eons ago, and she apparently like wearing moo moos while cooking). Of course, history means nothing when it comes to taste. For example, the oldest restaurant in Salt Lake is simply not good. So, how does Ruth's stack up when it comes to taste? Let's see.

The first item Ruth's treats you to is their biscuits.

I was duly impressed with this, the ultimate of farinaceous foods. These big, rustic biscuits possess a slight sweetness that made them good without any accompaniment. When you add complimentary butter and raspberry jam, the experience is enhanced. I will say, these biscuits are a little more bready than other biscuits (as in, they've been worked so more gluten develops), but that slight breadiness works perfectly well.

Post biscuits, I had me a pot roast sandwich, which came with thick-sliced pot roast, tomatoes, lettuce, and swiss cheese on a ciabatta roll.

Honestly, I ordered this sandwich because I don't particularly like pot roast or swiss cheese. I figured if Ruth's could make me like this sandwich, it was a pretty good joint. And like it I did. The pot roast is the star. It's nicely thick, not dry at all, and full of great pot roast flavor. Very impressive. The other elements give a necessary lightness to the sandwich, but they don't overtake the pot roast flavor. The bread is a bit softer than it should have been. A bit more heartiness would have complimented the meaty pot roast. In any case, this was a very nice sandwich.

(Note: the fries were just okay. In fact, they were a bit limp.)

My wife had the caprese sandwich.

It seems whenever this sandwich is on a menu, my wife orders it. According to her, this is one of the best she's had.

In all, a very enjoyable experience. Some elements could have been stronger, but the food was quite good. And, as I understand it, Ruth's breakfasts are better than its lunches and dinners. If that is indeed the case, I can't wait for breakfast.

Rating: 7/10 (5/10 is average) - subject to change after breakfasting.