2021 FABBY AWARDS

QSaltLake Magazine’s 18th annual FABBY AWARDS. Thank you to the many people who voted this year. These awards are the LGBTQ community’s “Best of” restaurants, bars, businesses, organizations, and people in the valley. You won’t find national chains here, because we firmly believe in supporting local businesses.

MOST FABULOUS RESTAURANTS

MOST FABULOUS Inexpensive Restaurant

THE OTHER PLACE

A unique comfort-food restaurant that is family-oriented from bone-to-bone. Greek and American favorites in a warm, friendly space. Don’t forget to grab your QSaltLake Magazine on the way out the door!

MOST FABULOUS After-Hours Restaurant

DEE’S

Dee’s has been a favorite after-bar hangout since Michael Aaron wasn’t even old enough to get into bars. So ... that’s like 100 years! Always open, locally owned. Friendly (mostly) and very inclusive staff. Let’s go to Dee’s! That’s what daddy says.

MOST FABULOUS Contemporary Restaurant

CAFÉ NICHE

Now serving brunch and lunch as they try to staff for dinner again. Niche is a true neighborhood eatery that emphasizes supporting local farms and food purveyors for the best ingredients around. Our fave is the savory niche croque madame.

MOST FABULOUS Vegetarian/ Vegan Restaurant

VERTICAL DINER

This “extreme cuisine” restaurant knows what they are doing. I was sitting at the bar there one morning and overheard a chef question a server on an order, because they’d overheard the customer say they were allergic to an ingredient that was in what they ordered. That’s service.

MOST FABULOUS Ogden Restaurant

NO FRILLS DINER

No Frills had to close their 12th Street location and are currently knee-deep in construction of a 25th Street downtown diner. We are there opening day.

MOST FABULOUS Asian Restaurant

TAKASHI

This amazing LGBTQ-friendly establishment has been taking home Fabby awards for years, and thankfully so. Every review site says they are the best sushi in town, but their staff (and their Asian pork carnitas) and their cocktail bar, Post Office Place, next door are just a few reasons to head on over.

MOST FABULOUS Greek/Mediterranean Restaurant

THE OTHER PLACE

While they often win the “Inexpensive Restaurant” Fabby, it’s their food (and plenty of it) that brings people back again and again. Watch for the Salt Lake Men’s Choir after-rehearsal dinner on Thursday nights.

MOST FABULOUS Italian Restaurant

CAFFÉ MOLISE

Michael Aaron went to opening night of Caffe Molise in 1993 back when it was next to Dinwoody Park. It’s been his favorite restaurant since then. Now at the old “The Bay” location on 4th South and West Temple, it’s just more grand and delicious than it ever was. Pollo alla Gratella is his fave.

MOST FABULOUS Wine Selection

BTG

When BTG opened, Michael Aaron thought he had died and gone to Heaven. Our favorite thing to do is to go for the flights with tastes of three or four wines. How else can you enjoy a $50 bottle of wine if not an ounce or so at a time? Also serving food, this is a great date night, or a “where should we go now?” night. Downstairs of Caffe Molise.

MOST FABULOUS Steakhouse

RUBY RIVER

Peanut shells and movie stars at this local “rustic” favorite. Ye haw! Everything from Steak & Avocado Egg Rolls to Gorgonzola New York Steak, how can you go wrong?

MOST FABULOUS Beer Selection

THE BAYOU

Buzzy eatery and bar offering Cajun-inspired fare & pub grub plus so many beers you could spend a week deciding. Just pick one and get out of our way.

MOST FABULOUS Barbecue

R&R BARBECUE

“Utah’s Best Competition BBQ Team” has won nine grand championships, so you know they are serving up the best barbecue to ever hit you in the lips. Don’t forget the peach cobbler or you’ll forever regret it.

MOST FABULOUS Soups

CAFÉ ZUPAS

Founded in Provo and now spreading across the country, this restaurant is about freshmade, healthy food made from good quality ingredients. And, by gosh, it tastes good, too.

MOST FABULOUS Restaurant for Breakfast

EGGS IN THE CITY

We were worried when Eggs in the City moved out of their home on 13th South, but when we went to the new Millcreek location, we found that it took us less time to get there. And the inside space is upgraded and the patio more spacious. All with the same food and people we always loved.

MOST FABULOUS Bakery/Pastries

GOURMANDISE

It all started in downtown Salt Lake 15 years ago on 300 East. A bakery with a new name we couldn’t pronounce, but pastries and cakes we couldn’t resist. Now also in Draper and at the SLC Airport, a new location in Utah County is promised soon.

MOST FABULOUS– Mexican Restaurant

CHILE TEPIN

In the historic Crane Building, Chile-Tepin (named after the “mother of all peppers”) is a local, family owned Mexican Restaurant in heart of downtown. Carlos and his family have a passion for recreating memories of hometowns in Sonora and Colima through recipes which have been handed down through generations.

MOST FABULOUS Seafood

MARKET STREET GRILL

Shrimp on a skewer. Whiskers on a catfish. Mussels on the hot date across from you. They even have shrimp in their awesome bloody mary. Go when the salmon are running, or go next door for oysters of a million varieties.

MOST FABULOUS Sandwiches

MOOCHIES

From the back of a pottery studio to four locations from downtown to Lehi, Moochies is about meatballs and a damned fine Philly Cheesesteak. Guy Fieri says the meatball sub will ‘’knock your head off.’’ But don’t worry. No heads are truly harmed at Moochies.

MOST FABULOUS Brew Pub

SQUATTERS

Whether your squatting at the airport, or downtown SLC, or in the Park City area, the Squatters Mug Club is a must. The best beers in town served with the best food in the surroundings of a beautiful historic building. We go for brunch and the $3 mimosas and bloody marys. But that’s just how we are.

MOST FABULOUS Local Coffeehouse

COFFEE GARDEN

Don’t forget to bring your laptop and backpack to this onestop bean counter that’s been dazzling for decades. Sit inside or out, and don’t forget the scones, croisssants, and quiche.

MOST FABULOUS Salads

PULP LIFESTYLE KITCHEN

A smoothie and juice bar won for best salads. Okay. I’m in. Pulp began as a juice bar in the Gym at City Creek known for good, healthy ingredients with no added sugar. They expanded into a full healthy menu and, voila! Best salad Fabby.

MOST FABULOUS Pizza

PIE PIZZERIA

From a dungeon a stone’s throw from the UofU to six locations from Ogden to South Jordan, the home of the Zappi is just pure, gooey yum. Hand-tossed pizza dough, sauces and dressings made in-house, the same way they’ve done it for 40 years.

MOST FABULOUS Burger Joint

LUCKY 13

If there is an award out there for best burger in Utah, Lucky 13 has won it multiple times. This is their 9th Fabby. Of course our favorite is the nut butter burger. Although one day we hope to wrap our lips around the Big Benny.

MOST FABULOUS PARK CITY Restaurant

NO NAME SALOON

The best place to try to get a seat during Sundance is the No Name Saloon and its Annex Burger next door. Bourbon, beer, and bison are all on the menu. Also turkey burgers and veggie burgers for those so inclined. Me? Fish tacos. I know, I know!

MOST FABULOUS New Restaurant

THE IVY

In the space that Caffe Molise once occupied, The Ivy opened up earlier this year, even leasing the Dinwoody Park that we loved to sit in back in the day. The Ivy is a modern American bar and restaurant that offers guests an eclectic American cuisine.

MOST FABULOUS REASON TO EAT IN DAVIS COUNTY

FUJI SUSHI

Yes, this is a reader’s choice category, and we are going to give it a try. Why not? Fuji Sushi in Centerville had Bento box and teriyaki bowl lunches, and enough dinner options and appetizers to keep anyone happy. Then there is the list of 195 sushi offerings. Alright, I lost count, but lots!

Most fabulous Japanese Restaurant

KYOTO

Over 30 years in business and an Salt Lake City institution. Tremendous tempura shrimp and classics like katsu, sukiyaki and teriyaki. The odd location on 11th E and 13th south doesn’t distract those in the know of a great gem in the city.

MOST FABULOUS BARS & CLUBS

MOST FABULOUS All-Gay-Every-Day Bar

CLUB TRY-ANGLES

It seems this category is nicely tossed between our two allgay-every-day bars. It’s so polite. Club Try-Angles is run by a cantankerous man and his husband. I’ll let you decide who is whom. With themed Friday nights and Underwear Night on the 3rd Saturday, plus Beer Church Bingo on the first Sundays. There’s always something going on at Try-Angles.

MOST FABULOUS Irish Pub

PIPER DOWN

Bangers and mash, a bloody mary bar, Saturday and Sunday brunch with buck-fitty mimosas, taco Tuesdays, how can you go wrong? There’s an event damn near every single day. And as LGBTQ friendly as they come. May the road rise up to meet you.

MOST FABULOUS Afternoon Bar

SUN TRAPP

Ever had a day that just starts out bad and goes down from there? Or, you just want to hang with the LGBTQs and day drink. No judgment. Sun Trap opens at 1pm most days, and at 11am Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Get your drink on in the afternoon with your friends.

MOST FABULOUS Sports Bar

GREEN PIG

This establishment makes your tail curl (just go with it!). Great food, great mingling, and great community watching: LGBTQ and all other walks of life. From Sunday and Monday football to karaoke to trivia. Or just sit back with a cocktail on the rooftop bar.

MOST FABULOUS Lounge

PROHIBITION

So, our readers are driving to Murray for a fabulous lounge. With an incredible menu featuring Moonshine Cherry Wagyu Steak, Bacon & Breadcrumb Encrusted Salmon, and daily soup creations, I guess I can see why. They also have fresh squeezed craft cocktails and 16 local draft beers (and 60 bottled beers). They say they ”dare raise the bar in your night life experience.”

MOST FABULOUS Bar for the Buck

CLUB TRY-ANGLES

The coldest and cheapest beer in all of Salt Lake City, not to mention all of their cocktail prices. If you go broke here, you have a problem.

MOST FABULOUS Beer Bar

BEER BAR

Isn’t it kind of cheating to name yourself after a Fabby category? Well, it’s about love, they say. “Beer Bar is a love letter to the beer of the world. Our goal is to bring some of that world, and that love, to you all.” Well, that says it all.

MOST FABULOUS Wine Bar

BTG

When BTG opened, Michael Aaron thought he had died and gone to Heaven. Our favorite thing to do is to go for the flights with tastes of three or four wines. How else can you enjoy a $50 bottle of wine if not an ounce or so at a time? Also serving food, this is a great date night, or a “where should we go now?” night. Downstairs of Caffe Molise.

MOST FABULOUS Cocktails

UNDER CURRENT

Under Current is an upscale casual downtown neighborhood bar headlining an original and classic cocktail program. They feature seasonal craft cocktails with a tropical and Amari-driven touch, a unique spirit collection, oysters and small bites. They also offer a selection of seasonal beer and wine. Fabulous.

MOST FABULOUS Bar that Gives Back to the Community

CLUB TRY-ANGLES

Love is always in the air at Try-Angles, and Gene, the owner, is not only driven to support the community in very special ways, but he will also take the Cookie Monster T-shirt off his back for you. But please have him leave it on.

MOST FABULOUS Monthly bar event

BEAR NIGHT AT TRY-ANGLES

The nicest people you might meet in the LGBTQ community would be the Bears. Likely larger. Likely hairy. And Likely with a smile on their face, waiting to give a great big ... wait for it ... bear hug. Bear night is like that. First Fridays at Club Try-Angles.

MOST FABULOUS Park City Bar

NO NAME SALOON

A popular biker bar on historic Main Street in Park City is also a welcoming establishment to the LGBTQ community: staff and patrons, alike. Good times!

MOST FABULOUS Ogden Bar

SAND TRAP

One patron of the FABBY award-winning bar in Ogden said: “As someone who likes to occasionally drink a few brews and embarrass himself in public by singing karaoke terribly, the Sand Trap is my place.” Don’t we all?

MOST FABULOUS Dive Bar

COTTON BOTTOM INN

For more than 50 years the property at 6252 S. Holladay Boulevard has been the site of the iconic Cotton Bottom Inn, a small, cozy bar known for its no-frills environment and garlic cheeseburgers. The Bar X Group is taking it over and giving it some zhuzhing. They say they want to preserve its iconic name and feel while bringing new life, amenities and patrons to the area, including a larger outdoor area and 3,000 new square feet of dining. We hope they don’t polish it up too much.

MOST FABULOUS Shopping

MOST FABULOUS Local Shop for Clothing

MOST FABULOUS SHOES

MOST FABULOUS UNDERWEAR

SPARK

A triple award for Spark! Shop sustainably and locally at this gay-owned, FABBY-winning clothing boutique. From undies to ties, shoes, cuff links, and more, Spark has everything you need to dress for success, and/or a hot date. Club-wear to boardroom chic, there is nothing more sparkling than Spark. They’ve expanded into a second space for women’s clothing as well. And while you are there, don’t you have a VCR that needs some cleaning?

MOST FABULOUS Book Store

KING’S ENGLISH

During this pandemic, we at QSaltLake sat back and watched the adorable Rob Eckman read stories on Facebook live. That’s just who they are — ready to be part of our lives no matter what. They have so many readings from authors Utah would like never see otherwise that they make our hamlet a nicer place to live.

MOST FABULOUS Furniture

GREEN ANT

This vintage furniture store specializing in rare and collectible mid-century modern and pop-art pieces is not for the birds. Buyand sell, babies!

MOST FABULOUS Consignment/Gently Used Clothing

ICONOCLAD

Do you love cast-off fashion? Well, then check out Iconoclad, where you will find old-school fashion-wear plus locally made art and accessories. A must for anyone who loves Burning Man.

MOST FABULOUS Place to Buy Drag/Halloween Attire

PIB’S EXCHANGE

Swimming in all types of wigs, knee-high boots, naughty nurse costumes, and, occasionally, used clothing with a 20-dollar bill in a pocket, Pib’s is posh!!

MOST FABULOUS Nursery/Garden Center

MILLCREEK GARDENS

For 65 years, Millcreek has been your favorite garden center. The sprawling nursery has everything that a Utah garden can grow, and then some. They also have extremely knowledgeable people wandering about to help.

MOST FABULOUS Antiques

HOME AGAIN

Home Again has been offering affordable home furnishings and decor since 1997 in Sugar House and 2007 in Midvale. Their consignment items are hand-picked by their staff with quality, character, and style in mind. They’re picky so you don’t have to be.

MOST FABULOUS Gift Store

CAHOOTS

You know something’s a little off when you walk into Cahoots and blush. And that’s before you get to the adult section. From risque calendars to cards and games you’d probably not show your mother... unless you have THAT mother.

MOST FABULOUS Jeweler

9TH & 9TH JEWELERS

9th & 9th Jewelers offers free overnight digital CAD renderings, price quotes, and any changes you want to your design within 24 hours. Now that deserves a Fabby!

MOST FABULOUS Adult Toy Store

CAHOOTS

While cozy, the adult section at Cahoots is a place you wouldn’t be embarrassed to walk into, especially because the staff is so helpful and, well, adult about it all.

MOST FABULOUS Florist

THE ART FLORAL

The people are what make The Art Floral so Fabby. Did you see them handing out flowers at the Utah Pride 2.0 Road Rallies? They gave out 2,000 carnations with QSaltLake in 2019. Fabby.

MOST FABULOUS ARTS

MOST FABULOUS Theater Company

PLAN-B THEATRE COMPANY

Thirty years of bringing minority voice to the valley through theater. Read 30 words from 30 Plan-B members for their 30th anniversary on their website, planbtheatre.org/30years.

MOST FABULOUS ART MUSEUM

UTAH MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

UMOCA was started by Alta Rawlins Jensen as the Art Barn Association. It was housed at the adorable building near the UofU until 1979 when it moved to the center of downtown in the Salt Palace building. They believe in the power of the art of our time.

MOST FABULOUS Music event of 2021

TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES

Twilight Concert Series brought an incredible lineup of musicians as it moved to the Gallivan Center for an abbreviated season in 2021. With the cancellation of its 2020 lineup pivoted to create Light Up Locals, an emergency relief fund for musicians in Salt Lake City who had been impacted due to COVID-19.

MOST FABULOUS Dance Company

BALLET WEST

This world-renowned dance company is as old as Michael Aaron. Started in 1963, it was the first ballet department in an American university at The University of Utah. Artistic Director Adam Sklute energized and expanded Ballet West’s remarkable repertoire since 2007. Now you can see Dracula with the live music of the Ballet West Orchestra through Oct. 30.

MOST FABULOUS SERVICES

MOST FABULOUS Tattoos

CORY HARRIS, LOYALTY TATTOO

The reviews are rave for the talented Cory Harris. Most talk about how it’s great to be zapped by such a nice guy. And, he wants to do more dog tats.

MOST FABULOUS Barber

FRIAR TUCK / KYLEE HOWELL

As “Utah’s queerest barbershop,” Kylee gives back to the community in a huge way; both volunteering in local LGBTQ organizations and providing free services to homeless youth. That deserves a FABBY. Kylee is expanding to downtown Helper, Utah, and is joined in Salt Lake by Kass Thomas. Give Kass a try.

MOST FABULOUS Insurance Agent

SENTRY WEST / JON JEPSEN

Jon Jepsen is a doer in this community. He volunteers on boards, was on the first Salt Lake City Human Rights Commission, and is just a nice guy. He has partnerships with so many insurance companies that he will surely find one that fits your needs.

MOST FABULOUS Real Estate Agent

BABS DE LAY

Babs was selling homes in Salt Lake before the Mormon pioneers climbed through Emigration Canyon. She’s on every city commission there is. She basically runs this town. And she knows her shit when it comes to buying and selling in Salt Lake.

MOST FABULOUS Veterinarian

ANIMAL CARE CENTER

The first time Michael walked into Animal Care Center it happened to be the week after Pride. There was a huge standard poodle with rainbow fur greeting everyone at the door. It’s true what they say, in his experience — They care about your pets as much as you do.

MOST FABULOUS Kennel/Pet Boarding

UTAH DOG PARK

The Utah Dog Park — Airport is the largest dog boarding and daycare facility in the state with over 25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor play areas. They offer 6 different zones based on size, temperament, age, and activity. All areas have easy access to the K9 grass play-yards which are gentle on dogs’ feet, safe, and clean.

MOST FABULOUS Church

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

The host of the Salt Lake Men’s Choir and the Matrons of Mayhem, as well as many other LGBT events, is also a great place to visit on Sundays. Pastor Curtis, when the Rona wasn’t around, loved to head down to the Utah Pride Center just to chat with the people there. Same-sex marriage became legal? Pastor Curtis was their marrying people. Beware of his dad jokes though.

MOST FABULOUS Attorney

CHRIS WHARTON

The Wharton in Wharton and O’Brien donates much of his time to helping the community and those in it. He’s also my city councilperson and had the pothole on my street fixed. Okay, that last part wasn’t true. But I’m sure he’d try!

MOST FABULOUS Car Dealership

MARK MILLER SUBARU

Mark Miller has been a proud Pride sponsor for many years. They know love is love and love makes a Subaru. They have the national awards to prove it. They also save homeless dogs in a big way, which is huge in my book.

MOST FABULOUS Caterer

LUX CATERING AND EVENTS

Lux has donated thousands of dollars worth of food and services to Utah’s LGBTQ community over its many years. They are the most environmentally-aware caterer in the state. They are also a certified LGBT Business Enterprise.

MOST FABULOUS Wedding Officiant

CHRISTOPHER SCUDERI

Christopher may be the hardest working minister in the valley. He even gets up for an Easter service in Park City at the crack of dawn. He’s been doing samesex weddings since before it was legal. He also takes care of funerals and healing blessings.

MOST FABULOUS Financial Planner

HANS HEATH, LGBT FINANCIAL

Hans’s background, experience, and commitment to providing clients with the resources needed to make financial decisions, can help make your financial future as successful as you need it to be.

MOST FABULOUS Place to Get Pierced

KOI PIERCING

Koi has been punching holes in human bodies since 1997 and would have been winning FABBY Awards back then if our prestigious publication had existed then.

MOST FABULOUS Travel Agent

BOB GUYMAN, THOMAS TRAVEL

Bob Guymon has been in the travel industry for over 40 years. Originally from Colorado, he also lived in Hawaii and France, and has traveled the world extensively and has always had an intense passion for travel. Plus, he’s just an all-around nice guy.

MOST FABULOUS Flea Market

URBAN FLEA MARKET

This monthly market is as much event as it is fleas. Wait. That’s wrong. The year-round market lets you shop, browse and enjoy the experience of a Sunday in downtown Salt Lake City. Second Sundays 10am–4pm.

MOST FABULOUS Counselor

CHAD ANDERSON

Chad makes sure you leave every session with something concrete to work on so you can notice changes in your life now, and recognize progress over time. Each client is given an individual treatment plan. Grief, trauma, abuse, addiction, LGBTQ issues.

MOST FABULOUS Wedding DJ

DJ PAULY

While most DJs just focus on music, DJ Pauly focuses on your experience. From the first planning meeting, to the last dance of the night, he works with you to deliver an amazing, stress-free party that you and your guests will never forget.

MOST FABULOUS Financial Institution

MOUNTAIN AMERICA CREDIT UNION

Nearly a million members and $13 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union assists members on the right path to help them identify and achieve their financial dreams.

MOST FABULOUS TV News

FOX 13

Don’t let the word “Fox” in “Fox 13 News” scare you. This group of professionals is the hardest-working news team in the state and regularly reports on Utah’s LGBTQ community … in a good way.

Most Fabulous Radio Station

KRCL FM 90.9

KRCL is northern Utah’s only non-profit, member-supported community radio station dedicated to broadcasting a well-curated contemporary eclectic mix of music and community information 24 hours a day. Listen to Sue Robbins for an LGBTQ take on the world.

MOST FABULOUS Organizations

MOST FABULOUS Political Group

EQUALITY UTAH

The sharp minds at Equality Utah keep our issues upfront and center in the eyes of Utah citizens and legislators. The nation looks to how EU does things to model their own campaigns.

MOST FABULOUS Group for Youth

ENCIRCLE

Encircle is a non-profit organization with the mission to bring the family and community together to enable LGBTQ+ youth to thrive. They provide drop-in hours for 12–25-year-olds, daily programs, friendship circles, and therapy services.

MOST FABULOUS SOCIAL GROUP

BLACK BOOTS

A sex-positive social and educational group for men with leather, kink, BDSM and fetish interests since 2013. black- BOOTS hosts social events, munches, workshops/classes and an award winning bar leather gear night *CODE and Leather Church on the third Sunday of each month at The Sun Trapp.

Most Fabulous Sports Group

STONEWALL SPORTS

Founded in 2018 to create an inclusive community that has fun through playing sports and giving back with a philanthropic heart, Stonewall Sports is an LGBTQ+ organization that celebrates allies and people from all walks of life. Find a sport that you love and join.

MOST FABULOUS PEOPLE

MOST FABULOUS Leader of an LGBT Group

MICHAEL SANDERS, BLACKBOOTS

Michael Sanders whisked into Salt Lake in 2008 and grabbed the bull by its... well, it wasn’t its horns. Sanders is an integral influencer in Utah’s sexual health, and leader of blackBOOTS, Utah’s fetish, kink and BDSM group. He does more than offer a place to play, he brings training and advocacy to the community. He also spearheaded the annual Utah Leather Pride and a motorcycle riding group.

MOST FABULOUS Politician for the LGBT Community

DEREK KITCHEN

Elected Salt Lake City Councilmember in 2015, and Utah State Senator in 2018, Kitchen has led the conversations of affordable housing and LGBTQ rights since he stepped into office.

MOST FABULOUS TV News Reporter

BEN WINSLOW

We’ve decided to name this category after Ben and retire it until he decides to retire in Palm Springs with the rest of them. His ever-present feeds of information both on the tube and the intertubes are engaging with just enough snark to still be uber-professional. A promoter of UTA Route 500 — the Capitol Connector. We think it’s more about protecting his socks on the walk up the hill than protecting the environment.

MOST FABULOUS Bartender

RILEY AT SUN-TRAPP

You can always find Riley with a smile on his face and a shot gun in his hand. The kind that makes drinks.

MOST FABULOUS DJ AT A GAY BAR

DJ NAOMI

DJ Naomi has set down beats in the LGBTQ scene in Salt Lake for many years, including Club Sound, Gossip!, Dimitri’s, Club Axis, and Vortex. Did you know she once called herself DJ Pink High Heel?

MOST FABULOUS QSaltLake Columnist

PETUNIA PAP SMEAR

The inventor of the Breasticle® and the proud wearer of a faux mustache, Petunia Pap Smear, aka Courtney Moser, has written 165 Tales or Peril in these pages. She is a favorite of the straight men at locations we drop off to. They clamor!