Shades Brewing has officially opened its new brewery and taproom at 1405 S. 300 West in Salt Lake City’s Ballpark neighborhood after experiencing construction delays.
The new venue boasts a comprehensive list of craft beers brewed onsite, a craft cocktail and mocktail menu, and an elevated food menu designed to enhance the overall experience, according to Trent Fargher, the chief operating officer.
With 50 taps available, Shades Brewing plans to maintain a rotating selection of beers, providing patrons with the opportunity to sample something new on each visit.
The establishment also offers beer to go and beer flights, allowing customers to enjoy a variety of flavors.
Shades Brewing officially opened its doors on April 4 and has exciting plans for the future, including the addition of east and west patios as well as a rooftop patio.
An innovative design feature will include a garage door that can be raised to create an “inside-outside” bar, serving patrons both inside the brewpub and on the east patio.
“We want to make it a community space, so that everybody’s welcome,” said Fargher.
“Doesn’t matter if you’re 21, if you’re 81 or older, you’re welcome in the space.”
Shades Brewing originated as Shades of Pale in Park City in 2010, initially functioning strictly as a production brewery.
In 2014, Shades moved to South Salt Lake, where it began operating as a brewery and taproom serving snacks.
Later this year, the production brewery will be relocated to Evanston, Wyoming, where it will focus on brewing beers for grocery and liquor stores, as well as for the out-of-state market.
This move will also include plans to open a second brewpub.
The new brewpub at 300 West will serve as Shades’ “research and development” facility, allowing the brewery to experiment with new beer types.
Located in a building known as the Engine Block, which was once a repair shop for industrial machinery, the brewpub reflects its history with a vibrant yellow crane displayed near the bar.
During a recent visit to Shades Brewing on a Wednesday evening, the food and drink offerings did not disappoint.
The mocktail, Stripped Geared Mule ($9), made with a refreshing combination of pineapple, lime, lemon, mint, and ginger beer, was a standout.
This unique blend was a delightful surprise for the palate.
Before the main courses, the pub pretzel ($8.50) was enjoyed, accompanied by a cheddar sauce made with Shades Brewing’s award-winning K1 Golden Sour.
For the main dish, one guest opted for the smash burger featuring two American wagyu patties, melted cheese, and caramelized onions, which received high praise.
However, the dish chosen by the dining companion ultimately won the night in terms of flavor, compelling a return visit to explore more menu items.
Future visits will likely include trying their New Haven-style pizza, which Fargher claimed are the only ones of their kind in the state.
These Connecticut-style pizzas are distinguished by their crispier, crunchier texture in comparison to New York-style pizza, as well as robust flavor.
Shades Brewing operates from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the week, extending hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Brunch is available from 10:30 a.m. on Sundays.
In other food news, a small building in Sugar House, previously home to various bakeries and coffee shops, will soon change hands.
The blue building at 1751 S. 1100 East, which recently housed Brownies! Brownies! Brownies!, will become the new home for Hruska’s Kolaches, relocating from its current location at 2030 S. 900 East.
Meanwhile, several establishments have recently closed in the Salt Lake City area.
The brewery responsible for Utah-born brands Squatters Craft Beers and Wasatch Brewery will cease operations in Utah, as it closes the Salt Lake City brewery at the end of May.
Additionally, The Ruin, a downtown bar at 159 S. Main St., announced its closure on April 5 via Instagram, leaving behind hints of future projects for SLC.
Frankie & Essl’s, a breakfast sandwich spot near Liberty Park, also confirmed through an Instagram post that it will not be reopening following a flood incident.
In the world of drinks, the owners of Prohibition in Murray revealed plans for a new bar, Repeal, slated to open on April 29.
Situated in the basement of the Walker Center at 19 E. 200 South in downtown Salt Lake City, Repeal will serve as a jazz club and cocktail bar, taking over the space previously occupied by Bourbon House until 2023 and known years ago as D.B. Cooper’s.
image source from：https://www.sltrib.com/artsliving/food/2025/04/17/utah-eats-going-inside-new-shades/
