Eat Your Braveheart Out at The Bruce

The Bruce
169 S Rio Grande St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 456-4252 | brucepub.com
Sunday–Saturday 10:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.

When you walk into The Bruce, you might get a sense of deja vu like you’ve been there before… Or, you’ll walk in and know that you’ve been there before and think to yourself, “Why is Bout Time Scottish-themed now?” Whatever the case may be, I suggest diving in kilt-first and embracing the Caledonia vibes. 

I dipped my toe in at first by trying out the Celtic Nachos ($15)—Pub chips topped with ranch dressing, shredded cheese, crispy bacon, corned beef, green onions and sour cream. Now, I’m going to be brave and controversial with the following statement: Do yourself a favor and only use the sour cream as a last resort when trying these because in my opinion, corned beef and sour cream aren’t necessarily a match made in pub food heaven, but they can maybe be used on some chips that don’t have corned beef on them. The ranch had a freshness to it that had me believing that it was made in house… Or did they fool me? Regardless, it’s a win-win when you start eating these. The crispness (that’s a fun word to say fast) of the chips was excellent. Corned beef brought a solid, salty flavor to an already salty pub staple that wasn’t overpowering. Anyone can wrap their head around Celtic Nachos being delicious, right? DUH DOY, next dish.

If someone would’ve told me that the Tattie Drottle Soup ($6) would have been my favorite thing I try at The Bruce, and that it would lead to me daydreaming eating it while atop a castle in the Scottish Highlands, I would’ve said, “Get out of my FUCKING way so I can try it.” Tattie Drottle is the truth. The shit. The best, truly. The Tattie Drottle has chunks of potatoes and carrots, with leeks and onions in a creamy garlic broth… and that’s it. That’s all it needs. It doesn’t have to impress you with anything else because Tattie knows that she is something everyone can enjoy. This soup is so simple and flavorful at the same time—I mean, I’m craving it in a 105 degree historic heatwave the likes of which Utah rarely sees! If that doesn’t sell you on trying Tattie Drottle, I don’t know what will. 

Under the “Favorite Dishes” portion of The Bruce’s menu, you’ll see the main event, some of the finest entrees Scotland has to offer. Maybe you’ll try a Steak & Ale Pie ($16) or the Fish N’ Chips ($17), or you’ll go for the Bangers & Mash ($15) like I did. It’s a dish I always find aesthetically and visually pleasing. The green peas add a nice contrast to the gravy, mash and bangers, and boy oh boy, the bangers were BANGIN’ (forgive me, I couldn’t help myself). Cutting into them, they were smooth and grilled just right. By themselves, the bangers would be excellent pub fare, but when you combine them in a bite with tasty mash, rich gravy and peas with a snap, you’ll realize this is how bangers are supposed to be enjoyed. 

Don’t worry, Bout Time regulars, you won’t have to shout to people you know that “the Scottish are coming and they’re taking over!” The Scottish food is there for those that want to try it, and while you absolutely should, The Bruce still has plenty of traditional pub favorites—salads, apps, sandwiches, burgers and all the beer and brews you could ask for. Knowing that those are still available, I implore you to branch out. Look for the flag of Scotland on the menu when you go; that indicates the traditional dishes. To paraphrase one of my favorite fictional Scots, Professor McGonagall, “Have a Tattie Drottle, Potter!” (or whatever your name is).

Read more bar/pub food reviews:
Bar Nohm: Setting the Bar High in Central 9th
Craft Canyon Dining: Emigration Brewing Co.