There are restaurant sauces people like, sauces they remember, and then there are sauces that make a person briefly consider whether drinking directly from the ramekin would be socially acceptable. The sauce on the loaded fries at The Back Porch falls squarely into that last category.
For this month’s installment of The Dish, dinner took us to one of St. George’s newer restaurants, The Back Porch. Located at Red Cliffs Mall, the establishment boasts a Western-inspired atmosphere that is every bit as playful as the menu. From the decor to the presentation of the cocktails, there is an immediate sense that this is a spot to settle in and have a good time.
The service matches that welcoming feeling from the start. Everyone on staff is genuinely friendly, offering the kind of easygoing attention that makes a diner feel like a seasoned regular even on their first visit. It is a small touch that makes a massive difference, adding to the feeling that The Back Porch is a place to return to.
To start, a shared order of loaded fries and Frickles arrived. The fried pickle spears delivered exactly what one wants: a crunchy outside and tangy inside that are easy to keep reaching for. But those loaded fries were the first real standout. While hearty enough to share, the sensational sauce had diners going back for another bite long after they should have moved on.
For dinner I chose a lighter salmon salad that turned out to be a brilliant decision after such an ambitious start. Across the table, the Jalapeño Popper Burger made its grand entrance. If the creamy, spicy filling inside a traditional jalapeño popper is your favorite part, this burger will not disappoint. The menu describes its burgers as smashed fresh and stacked high, and this one absolutely lived up to that promise.
Then came the Old Fashioned. The cocktail itself was excellent, but its arrival stole the show. The glass arrived sitting on a custom spinning base—essentially a fidget spinner for your drink. While completely unnecessary, it was a delightful bit of fun that captures the playful spirit of the restaurant. The cowboy-inspired decor, guitars on the walls, and a full bar offer plenty to look at while eating, and a new patio is in the works for fall.
By the time dessert became an option, there simply was no room left. That did not stop a thorough study of the remaining menu to plan a second visit, however. The savory brisket options and pizzas immediately caught the eye, leaving diners with that distinct feeling that always signals a great review: knowing they absolutely must come back.
