Step into the Bohemian Brewery’s log-cabin style restaurant, and you make think you’ve entered Willy Wonka’s version of Oktoberfest; a big boar’s head hangs on the wall, a huge fireplace sits in the dining room, and beer steins are as large as milk jugs. While the decor may be a bit over the top, the food satisfies, the wait staff is friendly, and it all works together to provide a great experience.

The Bohemian brewery got its start in 2002, just before the Olympics. It offers a varied menu focusing on Central European staples such as brats, roast pork, and schnitzel with a touch of bar food thrown in for good measure.

Food

We have been to the Bohemian 3 or 4 times and on the latest visit we mainly stayed with items authentic to the restaurant’s Czech/German roots. However, we decided to start with standard bar fair; beginning with the VERY LARGE Brew Master’s Basket (everything seems bigger here). The basket included calamari, garlic fries, bread, and roasted garlic bulbs. The calamari and fries were good but generally what you would expect from a bar and grill. The roasted garlic bulb, though, was a delicious surprise. One of my dining companions commented that it was better than what he’s had at La Caille (that’s not saying as much as it used to, but the bulb was very good). It had great flavor and a consistency that typically comes from an upscale restaurant. If you want to keep the troops happy until dinner arrives, the basket is a good choice.

Our main courses included the Pierogies & Bratwurst, Bavarian Brats & Mashed Potatoes, and the Chicken Paprikash with Spätzle. These were the most perfect combination of comfort foods I have tasted at a restaurant. The brats were cooked perfectly, with a slight hint of spice. The pierogies, which are dumplings filled with potatoes, were completely satisfying . The Chicken Paprikash, which has a sour cream and paprika sauce, defines comforting. You expect the orange paprika sauce to be overly rich and spicy, but instead it perfectly compliments the chicken breast. The sauce wraps the chicken like a blanket and provides a soft and silky texture to the meat. It was served with spätzle, which I had never tasted before. It reminded me of eating a heartier form of scrambled eggs (with a little more consistency). The spätzle’s had a flavor that was subtle but tasty and turned out to be very filling.

The most surprising aspect of the Bohemian Brewery was how well the parts of a dish complimented each other. The pierogies and mashed potatoes completed the brats. The spätzle matched well with paprika sauce and chicken. I could tell a great deal of thought has been put into each of the dishes in order to make complete meals. You don’t often find this level of pairing at an upscale restaurant, let alone a brewery.

Drinks

The Bohemian Brewery specializes, of course, in beer. They offer four beers, a Czech Pilsner, a Viennese, a Wheat, and Cherny Bock. We tried all of them expect the bock and were happy with each of them. I probably like Squatter’s beer a little better, but you might have different tastes. I would recommend that you try a few (if you drink beer) because you’ll probably find one you like. I am particularly fond of the Viennese which is a little darker than an ale and slightly malty.

The wine list leaves a lot to be desired. There’s nothing too interesting to try, but this is a brewery, so that shouldn’t be a surprise.

Ambiance & Service

This is a fun, vibrant restaurant. On the Saturday we visited, it was packed from floor to rafters with patrons. The taxidermied animals and log cabin walls tend to make the restaurant feel slightly cheesy but at least it’s interesting. The wait staff was constantly scurrying to keep up with the crowd but was attentive to our table. Our waitress was able to provide accurate descriptions of the food and provided great suggestions.

Recommendation

I have enjoyed each of my trips to the Bohemian, but this last trip was the best. Previously I ordered burgers which were fine, but the authentic European food made this visit. I would recommend the restaurant to anyone looking for comfort food, wants a hearty meal after skiing, or desires above average bar food.
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Tip #1: Don’t ask the waitress for a “big beer.” She may bring you the Manly which is served in the largest mug I have ever seen, unless of course you want that big of a beer.

Tip #2: Weekends are busy. Get there before 6:30 or after 8:00 if you don’t want to wait very long.

Bohemian Brewery
94 E 7200 S, Midvale, UT
(801) 566-5474