Ruth’s Diner: Food and character has kept restaurant alive for 80 years

Published: November 3, 2009Topics: Dining, Food, Utah

By Jake Trumbo
For Now Utah

Eighty years in the restaurant business is a very, very long time. It takes something out of the ordinary to keep a place afloat for such an impressive lifespan, and in the case of Ruth’s Diner, that something has as much to do with character as it does the food.

Ruth Evans, the original owner, was a character herself, recalled by those who knew her as a salty-tongued dame with a lively personality. In 1930, she hauled a trolley car up Emigration Canyon and converted it into a diner selling burgers and beers to hungry guests. It’s now the second oldest restaurant in Salt Lake and has become a landmark as well as a great spot to eat.

“It’s like sitting in history,” remark new owners Erik and Tracy Nelson whose newly remodeled and expanded establishment is still anchored by the old trolley car. They take their role not only as owners but caretakers seriously, and even admit that at times they can still feel Ruth’s presence about the place.

Ruth’s Diner still serves burgers and beer, but it has especially come into its own as the place to go for a home-cooked breakfast. More than a dozen awards from local publications grace the walls, most of which bestow the honor of “Best Breakfast.” Erik Nelson thinks it has a lot to do with the Mile High Biscuits made from scratch which Ruth’s has become famous for; try some in a hearty breakfast of biscuits and country gravy made the old fashioned way.

On weekend mornings, the dining room and cool, shady outdoor patio are positively packed with patrons looking to start their day with one of the popular varieties of Eggs Benedict or maybe the deliciously sweet Pecan Cinnamon Roll French Toast. But don’t be discouraged by the wait or the fact that you’re not an early riser; breakfast is served until 4 p.m.

“Especially now, people are looking for that comfort food,” says Tracy Nelson, and they’ve done their best at Ruth’s to keep things recognizable and make sure the menu is always full of old favorites. One simple yet delicious entrée, Grandma Claire’s Baked Mac & Cheese was even featured on the Food Network’s Diners Drive-Ins and Dives. Guy Fieri helped prepare a batch of the rich, creamy pasta dish on the air and the staff can always tell when the episode has been replayed because of a spike in orders for people who saw the show and just have to try it for themselves.

During the summer, Ruth’s features a popular Thursday night BBQ and live music five nights a week. Over the years there have been some changes, but the Nelsons know that people “want it to be the way they remember” and Ruth’s Diner still exudes that same charm and diner feel captured by the neon pink flamingos in the restaurant’s logo. Folks not only share a meal, they share their history and stories when visiting Ruth’s. It’s high time you made a visit to relive old memories or perhaps create some new ones.