Along with an extensive food and bar menu, more than a dozen racing cars can be found at Garage Grill. (Peri Kinder/The City Journals)
Part racing museum, part local hangout, the Garage Grill in Herriman provides the perfect pit stop for auto enthusiasts and foodies. Fast cars literally line the walls of the restaurant, provided by Steve Pruitt, Garage Grill’s owner and race team owner.
A 1983 Porsche 911 Turbo Kremer is suspended over the host stand at the Garage Grill in Herriman, an autothemed restaurant for anyone who loves fast cars. (Peri Kinder/The City Journals)
One of the most popular auto-themed dining establishments in the country, Garage Grill revs up the county’s dining scene, providing menu items that keep fans racing back for more. General Manager Robin Shields said people come to Garage Grill to see the cars but stay for the fabulous food options.
“The main attraction is the experience itself because so many of the cars you just can’t find anywhere else,” she said. “You see people walking around all the time with their cameras out and it’s really fun.”
Customers can view more than a dozen cars displayed in the dining area and browse vintage memorabilia found throughout the restaurant. Popular cars include Jimmy Buffett’s 1963 Ford Falcon Spirit, a 1983 Porsche 911 Turbo Kremer, a 1995 Lamborghini Diablo and a McLaren MP4-24 F1. Cars are rotated frequently, so there’s always something new to experience.
Open seven days a week, Garage Grill serves lunch and dinner, along with brunch on Saturday and Sunday until 2 p.m. The bar menu includes products from Salt Flats Brewery, sold exclusively at the restaurant. Save the Lake Pilsner, Deuce Coupe Copper Lager and the award-winning Bonneville Bourbon are just a few of the beers and spirits offered at Garage Grill.
“Since we focus on our Salt Flats spirits and beers, we do weekend specials,” Shields said. “We switch off between our two locations, on which chef gets to create the special. I would say our High Octane Bloody Mary is probably my favorite cocktail.”
The food menu is an ode to racing terms with start-your-engines appetizers that include McLaren spinach dip, Piston Rings (onion rings with sriracha aioli) and the customer favorite Enzo sushi nachos with crab salad, ahi tuna, habanero-eel sauce and spicy mayo.
For lunch or dinner, Garage Grill offers sandwiches, like the Apex BBQ brisket or Formula 1 grilled cheese. Wood-fired burgers include the spicy Hot Lap and the favored Mustang.
“I would say our Mustang burger is by far the most popular burger,” Shields said. “It includes our BBQ brisket and an onion ring, and it’s delicious.”
Entrees include Top Gear mac and cheese, Pit Wall pistachio salmon, Hairpin Thai coconut pasta and the Quarter-Mile shrimp tacos. There’s also a selection of sushi, salads, bowls and desserts, like the Layin’ Rubber lava cake or Autocross bread pudding.
For those over 21 looking for some fun, Garage Grill opens its club floor on Thursday through Sunday nights. The club features TVs, shuffleboard and the chance to meet new friends.
“It’s got a whole different atmosphere up there,” Shields said. “Weekends are fun because you get that whole buzzy energy going on in the restaurant and the club is open as well. It adds a whole different level to the experience.”
Garage Grill is located at 12547 Herriman Auto Row but has a second location in Draper at 1122 E. Draper Parkway. For a full menu or more information, visit TheGarageGrill.com.
“One of my favorite parts is when people come in and they’ve never been here before, and they get so excited,” Shields said. “People should come to the Garage Grill for the experience and the service. Plus, the food is great.”