Hide & Seek keeps ultra-fine dining hush hush
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Pork belly at Hide & Seek. Photo: Erin Alberty/Axios
There's a good chance you haven't heard of one of Salt Lake's highest-caliber restaurants.
- Yes, but: That's part of the fun.
State of play: Hide & Seek emerged on SLC's fine dining scene about two years ago with little fanfare — apropos for a speakeasy.
- They've done minimal press, there's no sign, and a host admits guests via a secret door.
The intrigue: The speakeasy gimmick is so elaborate that it almost risks underselling just how outstanding the culinary experience is. But don't worry, the theatrics aren't there to make up for middling food.
- After an anniversary date there, my husband and I agreed it was easily a top-five meal during our combined 40 years in Salt Lake City.
What's inside: One incredibly creative mouthful after another, from the stuffed and breaded squash blossoms on red wine pearls ($15) to the pistachio-crusted lamb rack ($63).
- Chef Justen Moser frequently sends out complimentary small plates to sample, like lobster beignets on lollipop sticks or pork belly slices with apple-pomegranate foam.
Between the lines: As the prices on the menu illustrate, this is a special-occasion meal for most of us — and it's worth making dinner the main event of your night. I lingered for three hours of courses.
- Cocktails are $20 and up, but small plates are fairly affordable. If you can't swing a full meal, drinks and a snack will impress a date.
How it works: Hide & Seek is behind Bonnie & Clydes, near the bookshelf. A host lets you in — and it's a 21+ bar, so bring ID.
- The space is small, and reservations are recommended — though there was some walk-in capacity at the bar on a Friday.
- The Resy options are confusing because the restaurant's website refers to a future formal "dining room" that isn't open yet. If you reserve in the "dining area," you get a table in the speakeasy; if you reserve "bar area," you get a seat at the bar.
Pro tip: If you sit at the bar, you get to hang out with Jay the bartender, who is an artist in his own right. Some of our best flavors of the night came from him.
What's next: That new dining room will admit kids, Jay told us, so start saving up now.