Bailey's Restaurant & Patio - 5.0

You are going to love Bailey's because it's great food and better people.

From the outside this was one of the most unassuming places I've ever been. First off, like me, you've driven past this a million times on State Street and never thought anything of it. Secondly, I hate to brag but I'm kind of in the know about food things. It's rare that someone tells me about a place that I haven't looked into or heard other food bloggers talking about. But, when my uncle told me about this awesome "Mom & Pop" sandwich shop with the nicest owners ever—and I'd never heard of it—I became intrigued.

Bailey's is owned and ran by Utah locals and husband/wife duo, John and Irene. John's Greek and Irene is Japanese and together they are making authentic East Coast style subs. Half of the building is Bailey's and the other half is a Juice N' Java owned by one of John's good friends. Now I'm telling you, the food is great. But, I was fully satisfied before I even sat down. These people are some of the nicest people I've ever met and they really care about their food and their people.

Pastrami with a spicy and a sweet pickled egg

John knows most of his customers by name. And if he doesn't, he will. When my friend Sam and I came in to order we felt like old friends within about five minutes. WE LOVE JOHN! He was super helpful and super funny. He has the perfect personality to own a delicious sandwich shop with his wife. I've only been once and I feel like I'm apart of their family. I know they actually want me to come back because I felt it! Now that is how you run a business.

  

The Pastrami on Italian

In 1975, John went to New Jersey for a couple months to learn the sandwich business before coming back to Utah and starting Bailey's. These aren't like most sandwiches you find in Utah people. Look at that thinly sliced pastrami, the sharp swiss cheese. The subs are also served with oil and vinegar which I highly recommend dousing your sandwich with. Everything came together for good in my mouth. There was nothing that stopped my from enjoying the sandwich, the meat was wonderful, the bread was soft enough to swallow with enough bite to hold the oil and vinegar with integrity, and the peppers, olives, and tomatoes all gave their own spice to my bites.

Bailey's Best and a spicy pickled egg

Sammy ordered the Bailey's Best and loved it. This is Bailey's most popular sandwich because you can't find anything like it for miles and miles. The proscuitto and other italian meats with equally romantic names have to be shipped in from the east coast.

Spicy pickled egg

 One thing you definitely don't find too often in Utah are pickled eggs. John said when they first started he could hardly sell any at all. He actually had to start cutting them up and giving out pieces for customers to try! But once they starting selling they haven't stopped. Now Bailey's is selling pickled eggs by the gallons! In fact, as John was briefing us on the history of the pickled eggs a man came in—a man John knew of course—and bought a gallon for him and his "bearded friends."

They may seem scary but put on your big boy (or girl) panties and give one a try. They sell spicy, mild, or sweet eggs and are traditionally served with pretzels and peppers. John also told us he likes to put a little olive oil and salt and pepper on his, so duh, we did too. I'm a spicy lover and also really enjoyed the sweet eggs as well. John said the sweet eggs aren't even close to his best seller, but Irene loves them so he has to keep them around. Good man.

If you and I were sitting down together and you asked me where you should go to lunch, you can bet your bottom dollar I'd tell you to try out Bailey's. Eating is the best, but when you find people and places like Bailey's it's a game changer. You're never going to want to go to a chain restaurant again.

Tell John I sent you and that I say hello!

Kayla