2026 FABBY Readers’ Choice Awards
This is our 22nd Fabby Awards. Thank you to all of those who took the time to vote for your favorites!
Restaurants
Most Fabulous Inexpensive
The Other Place Restaurant
Comfort food without the sticker shock, The Other Place delivers generous plates, friendly banter, and a come-as-you-are dining room. Packed full of gays on Sunday morning and after Salt Lake Men’s Choir rehearsals.
Most Fabulous After-hours
Dee’s Family Restaurant
When everything else is closed, Freaky Dee’s keeps the lights on until 2 a.m. weekend nights with burgers, sandwiches, pancakes, hash browns, and endless coffee. Let’s go to Dee’s! That’s what daddy says. And the FABBY voters agree.
Most Fabulous Breakfast
Penny Ann’s
Penny Ann’s turns mornings into a party with fluffy pancakes, cinnamon French toast, and fast, hot coffee. It is bright, busy, and perfect for fueling errands, road trips, or lazy weekends all year.
Most Fabulous Vegan
Vertical Diner
Vertical Diner proves vegan can be craveable: comfort classics, rotating specials, and desserts that vanish. The vibe is relaxed, the portions generous, and the menu welcoming to everyone who wants flavor first today and always.
Most Fabulous Contemporary
Dodo
The Dodo was, without doubt, the largest, strangest dove ever to have lived. Once a local favorite on 9th East, the Dodo now occupies a prime location on 21st South and 14th East, overlooking the tall pines and cottonwood trees, flower gardens, and wide green lawns of Sugar House Park, plus a stunning sunset view of Mount Olympus. Oh! And the food, especially the desserts, is good too!
Most Fabulous Park City
Riverhorse On Man
Riverhorse On Main brings Park City elegance without feeling stiff: thoughtful cooking, confident wine service, and a dining room made for celebrations. Book it after the slopes, or anytime you want a special night out.
Most Fabulous Asian
Takashi
Takashi is downtown energy and precise sushi, with inventive rolls, fresh fish, and shareable plates that keep the table buzzing. Sit at the bar, order boldly, and make a Tuesday feel like a party again.
Most Fabulous Mexican
Red Iguana
Red Iguana is worth the wait, serving rich mole sauces, bright salsas, and plates that hit every comfort note. Bring friends, split everything, and leave with leftovers and a new favorite craving for later, too. Can’t wait? Head around the corner to Red Iguana II.
Most Fabulous Mediterranean
Laziz
Laziz delivers fast Mediterranean flavor with shawarma, herbs, and sauces that punch up every bite. It is easy for takeout, quick dinners, and pre-show fuel, with bright, modern vibes throughout downtown most nights too.
Most Fabulous Italian
Caffe Molise
Caffe Molise does Italian with warmth: house-made pasta, cozy lighting, and a patio that feels like a getaway. Order wine from an impressive list, share a starter, and settle into a conversation that lasts past dessert every time here.
Most Fabulous Steak
Ruby River
Ruby River keeps steakhouse cravings simple: solid cuts, hearty sides, and a relaxed room where you can actually talk. Bring a big appetite, skip the fuss, enjoy the bucket of peanuts, and enjoy a dependable night out with friends.
Most Fabulous BBQ
R&R Barbecue
R&R Barbecue is a locally owned chain of restaurants all about smoke, sauce, and speed: brisket, ribs, and sides built for sharing. Ideal for feeding a crowd after games, concerts, or long hikes, with plenty of napkins on hand.
Most Fabulous Brew Pub
Squatters Brew Pub
Whether your squatting at the airport, or downtown SLC, or in the Park City area, the Squatters Mug Club is a must. The best beers in town served with the best food in the surroundings of a beautiful historic building. We go for brunch and the $3 mimosas and bloody marys. But that’s just how we are.
Most Fabulous Coffee
Tie:
Sugar House Coffee
Sugar House Coffee Garden feels like a neighborhood living room: strong espresso, sweet pastries, and plants everywhere. Perfect for reading, laptop time, or a quiet catch-up, with a steady stream of friendly regulars daily.
Coffee Garden
Grunge-meets-latte vibe in the heart of 9th & 9th on Harvey Milk Boulevard, always buzzing, rarely predictable. Killer brews, flaky pastries, and couches full of artists, students, and that one weird regular you secretly love.
Most Fabulous Seafood
Market Street Grill
Market Street Grill brings the coast to Utah with oysters, chowder, and reliably fresh seafood. It works for business lunches or celebrations, with attentive service and classic preparations that never try too hard. In my day, this was the place to see and be seen at Sunday Brunch.
Most Fabulous Beer Selection
The Bayou
The Bayou is a beer lover’s playground, packed with taps and bottles that reward curiosity. Grab a table, order something new, and snack while the playlist and conversation carry you late into the night easily.
Most Fabulous Burgers
Lucky 13
Lucky 13 gets its lucky 13th FABBY for building burgers with attitude: stacked patties, creative toppings, and fries that demand sharing. It is loud, fun, and satisfying, whether you are celebrating a win or just feeding a craving after work.
Most Fabulous Sandwiches
Moochies
Moochies delivers no-nonsense sandwich joy: warm, overstuffed subs, plenty of peppers, and quick service. Perfect for lunch breaks, road trips, or late cravings when you want something filling and familiar right now, always here.
Most Fabulous Pizza
Pie Pizzeria
From a graffiti-strewn dungeon a stone’s throw from the UofU to seven locations from Ogden to South Jordan, the home of the Zappi is just pure, gooey yum. Hand-tossed dough, in-house sauces and dressings, the same way they’ve done it for 45 years. Fun fact: the original campus location has been a pizza joint since 1965, when it was Bimbo’s.
Most Fabulous Bakery/Pastries
Gourmandise
Gourmandise is pastry temptation perfected: croissants, cakes, and a display case that makes decisions impossible. Settle in with coffee, split a tart, and let dessert lead the conversation. Alongside the massive pastry display, they offer an impressive dinner menu.
Most Fabulous Food Truck
Tacos Daddy
Tacos Daddy brings street food swagger with tortillas loaded high, bright salsas, and flavors that hit fast. Track them down, eat standing up, and call it the best kind of dinner plan for busy nights. See them at Club Try-Angles on Sunday afternoons.
Most Fabulous Wine Selection
BTG
When BTG opened, Michael Aaron thought he had died and gone to Heaven. Our favorite thing to do is the flights with tastes of three to five wines. How else can you enjoy a $50 bottle of wine if not an ounce or so at a time? Also serving food, this is a great date night, or a “where should we go now?” night. Downstairs from Caffe Molise.
Most Fabulous “Salads”
Aubergine
Aubergine makes salads with real personality: crisp greens, bold toppings, and dressings that actually show up. It is quick, clean, and satisfying when you want something lighter that still feels like lunch.
Most Fabulous Brunch
Eggs in the City
Eggs in the City is weekend comfort with creative omelets, buttery classics, and a steady buzz. Bring friends, bring an appetite, and plan your day over coffee. These longer warm temps make the patio a great option.
Most Fabulous New Restaurant
Junah
Junah crashes Italian comfort into Japanese precision off Harvey Milk Boulevard with fearless fusion, sexy plating, and date-night swagger. Handmade pastas meet umami punch, wrapped in a moody room built for adventurous appetites and confident hospitality.
BARS
MOST FABULOUS ALL-GAY-EVERY-DAY BAR
Club Try-Angles
Goddammit, Gene! Twenty-four New Year’s Eves deep and still standing. Try-Angles feeds you on holidays, strips you to your underwear once a month, and hosts Beer Church like it’s a sacred rite. No press releases. Just community, chaos, and chosen family, served with confetti.
MOST FABULOUS BAR FOR THE BUCK
Club Try-Angles
The coldest, cheapest beer in Salt Lake City and cocktails priced like it’s still 2009. If you somehow manage to go broke here, that’s not inflation. That’s a you problem.
MOST FABULOUS NIGHT CLUB
Milk+
Big. Loud. Queer as hell. MILK+ brings sprawling dance floors, an outdoor patio, themed nights, and a kitchen that refuses to serve sad bar food. The Mexi Bowl alone deserves a residency. Wine Wednesdays, Karaoke Sundays—pace yourself.
MOST FABULOUS IRISH PUB
Piper Down
Bangers, mash, brunch, poker, live music—repeat daily. Piper Down somehow hosts an event every damn day and still feels like home. Warm, welcoming, and aggressively LGBTQ-friendly. Sláinte, aiteacha!
MOST FABULOUS BEER BAR
Beer Bar
Yes, it’s literally called Beer Bar. Yes, that feels like cheating. But when your mission is a “love letter to the beer of the world,” we’ll allow it. Consider this category answered and properly toasted.
MOST FABULOUS WINE BAR
BTG (By The Glass)
When BTG opened, Michael Aaron thought he’d been raptured. Wine flights let you flirt with expensive bottles without committing to the whole relationship. Add solid food and a sexy vibe, and suddenly you’re staying for “just one more.”
MOST FABULOUS BAR THAT GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Club Try-Angles
Love lives here. Gene gives back endlessly, supports fiercely, and would absolutely give you the Cookie Monster T-shirt off his back. Emotionally? Yes. Physically? Let’s all agree to keep it on.
Shopping
MOST FABULOUS Book Store
Under the Umbrella Bookstore
If queer joy had a retail footprint, this would be it. Under the Umbrella is cozy, mighty, and stacked with LGBTQ+ stories you actually want to read. Add drag story hours, book clubs, and queer-made goodies, and suddenly you’re “just popping in” for two hours.
Runners up: King’s English, 9th & 9th Book and Music Gallery
MOST FABULOUS Local Shop for Clothing
MOST FABULOUS SHOES
MOST FABULOUS Underwear
Spark
Gay-owned, sustainably minded, and sparkling harder than your ex’s revenge outfit. Spark dresses you from underwear to interview-ready, club-wear to cufflinks. They even expanded into women’s clothing because excellence refuses to be contained. Also yes, your VCR probably needs cleaning.
Runners up: Iconoclad, The Otherside Thrift Boutique
MOST FABULOUS Place to Buy Drag/Halloween Attire
Pib’s Exchange
A fever dream of wigs, boots, costumes, and the occasional mysterious $20 bill in a pocket. Pib’s is chaotic, iconic, and exactly where you go when your look needs to scream louder. Posh? Absolutely. Subtle? Never.
MOST FABULOUS Consignment/Gently Used Clothing
Iconoclad
The crown jewel of festival fashion and the unofficial outfitter of Burning Man fantasies. Iconoclad mixes new, secondhand, and “where has this been all my life?” pieces into a glittery playground for maximalists and style adventurers alike.
MOST FABULOUS Jeweler
9th & 9th Jewelers
Turning gems into main-character energy since forever. From hand-mined stones to lab-grown diamonds, this family-run shop crafts bold, beautiful pieces meant to last—and be bragged about. Future heirloom unlocked.
Most Fabulous Florist
Little Gay Garden
Yes, the name is perfect. June grows flowers with Pride, literally, cultivating stunning organic blooms alongside her partner and dogs. Whether you need bouquets, garden help, or just proof that gay joy grows well in Utah soil, Little Gay Garden delivers.
MOST FABULOUS Gift Store
MOST FABULOUS Adult Toy Store
Cahoots
If you’ve ever blushed walking into a store, it was probably here. Cahoots starts you off with cheeky gifts and then gently, or not so gently, ushers you into the adult section. Equal parts playful, unhinged, and iconic. Don’t bring your mom … unless you have that mom.
SERVICES
MOST FABULOUS Attorney
Christopher Wharton
Chris Wharton shows up for the community like it’s a full-time side hustle—pro bono work, real representation, and actual impact. He fights for folks who might otherwise get ignored, chairs the Salt Lake City Council, and yes, we wish he fixed our potholes, too. Call him anyway; he’d probably try.
MOST FABULOUS Flea Market
Urban Flea Market
It’s not about fleas. It’s about vibes. This year-round, second-Sunday ritual at The Gateway is part shopping spree, part social scene, part “I didn’t plan to buy this, but here we are.” Come for the browsing, stay for the people-watching.
MOST FABULOUS Place to Get Pierced
Koi Piercing
Koi has been professionally poking holes in Utah bodies since 1997, long before FABBYs were a twinkle in our publisher’s eye. Clean, skilled, and iconic, they’ve earned their legend status one perfectly placed piercing at a time.
MOST FABULOUS Tattoos
Cory Harris, Loyalty Tattoo
The reviews don’t lie: Cory Harris is wildly talented and somehow makes being stabbed repeatedly feel like a pleasant experience. Clients rave about his kindness, his skill, and his openness to doing more dog tattoos, which we fully support.
Most Fabulous Radio Station
X96
Utah’s original alternative station, broadcasting rebellion since before radio was technically invented (don’t fact-check us). With Radio From Hell in the mornings, X96 continues to soundtrack your commute, your angst, and your coming-out montage.
MOST FABULOUS Barber
God Shave the Queen
George Michael Duven (yes, we get it) came in hot and never slowed down. From charity events to flawless fades, he keeps the community looking sharp—and offers manscaping services for all your… regions. Bonus points for being easy on the eyes.
Runners-up: Puck the Barber, Josh Lucero
MOST FABULOUS Kennel/Pet Boarding
Dog Grooming
The Dog Den
This is not doggy jail. The Dog Den delivers structured play, stress-free handling, and serious puppy professionalism. Certified staff, balanced playgroups (size does matter), and happy, tired dogs—sniffing optional but encouraged.
MOST FABULOUS Insurance Agent
Jon Jepsen, Sentry West
Jon Jepsen doesn’t just sell insurance—he shows up. Boards, commissions, volunteering, founding member of the Human Rights Commission… and still finds you the right policy. If being a decent human were insurable, Jon would underwrite it.
Runner-up: Ben Pehrson
MOST FABULOUS Real Estate Agent
Babs De Lay
Babs sold the first property to the Mormon pioneers as they handcarted into Salt Lake City. That’s a long time. They’re on every commission, know every block, and basically are city hall. When Babs talks real estate, listen.
MOST FABULOUS Church
First Baptist Church
A church that actually means “all are welcome.” Hosting queer choirs, drag-adjacent mayhem, and endless LGBTQ events, First Baptist walks the walk. Pastor Curtis marries couples, hangs at the Pride Center, and tells dad jokes. Consider yourself warned.
MOST FABULOUS Car Dealership
Mark Miller Subaru
Love is love, dogs are family, and Subarus are forever. Mark Miller Subaru has backed Pride for years, has racked up national awards, and rescues homeless dogs like it’s their calling. We trust anyone who sells cars and saves dogs.
MOST FABULOUS Wedding Officiant
Christopher Scuderi
Possibly the hardest-working minister in the valley, Christopher has been officiating same-sex weddings since before it was legal, and still wakes up at the crack of dawn for Easter services. Weddings, funerals, blessings—he does it all with heart.
MOST FABULOUS Financial Institution
Mountain America Credit Union
Nearly a million members, billions in assets, and zero shady vibes. Mountain America helps people build real financial futures without talking down to them—which already puts them ahead of the game.
MOST FABULOUS TV News
Fox 13 News
Ignore the “Fox” panic. Fox 13 consistently shows up with solid reporting, actual integrity, and respectful coverage of Utah’s LGBTQ community. Journalism? In this economy? We’ll take it.
Most Fabulous Massage
Cory Beldon, The Massage Guy
Equal parts healer and muscle whisperer. Cory’s intuitive, deeply trained, and focused entirely on you — easing pain, melting stress, and restoring balance with deep tissue, myofascial, and Swedish magic. He is also genuinely kind, calm, and very good at what he does.
MOST FABULOUS Financial Planner
Tracey Dean
Fiduciary, financial badass, and everyone’s favorite “convention wife.” Tracey Dean puts clients first, always, while navigating investments with energy, clarity, and trustworthiness. Your money has never felt safer or more loved.
MOST FABULOUS Caterer
Lux Catering & Events
Lux has fed the community in every sense—donating thousands in food and services, leading in sustainability, and operating as a certified LGBT Business Enterprise. Ethical, generous, and delicious? That’s a three-course win.
Most Fabulous Photographer
Cat Palmer
From punk icons in L.A. to powerhouse portraits in SLC, Cat Palmer captures soul, story, and edge. Mentored by Ansel Adams’ lineage and driven by community advocacy, Cat delivers headshots with personality—and purpose.
ARTS
MOST FABULOUS Theater Company
Plan-B Theatre Company
Small stage, big impact. Plan-B delivers sharp, original plays by Utah playwrights only — no imports, no filler, all substance. Socially conscious, fiercely local, and unapologetically inclusive, this company proves new work can be intimate, urgent, and damn good.
MOST FABULOUS Art Museum
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
Born as the scrappy Art Barn and now holding court downtown, UMOCA believes in art right now. Bold, challenging, and occasionally confusing in the best way, it champions contemporary voices and reminds us culture is a living, breathing thing.
MOST FABULOUS Music Event of the Year
Kilby Court Block Party
Over 25 years of indie cred and still throwing the loudest birthday party in town. The Kilby Court Block Party stacked legends and future icons, including New Order, Beach House, Weezer, and Justice, and proved once again that SLC shows up for music.
FABULOUS Musician
Spencer Sanders
Heart on sleeve, soul in the sound. Spencer Sanders blends genres and emotions with ease, delivering queer stories of love, loss, and resilience that hit hard and linger long. Almanac is just the beginning, and we’re already listening closely.
MOST FABULOUS Musical Group
Salt Lake Men’s Choir
Forty-two holiday concerts and counting, and somehow still getting better. As Utah’s largest member-supported arts org, SLMC keeps tradition alive while filling stages with more voices than ever and pews with more butts than ever, reminding us that community harmony is a powerful thing.
MOST FABULOUS Dance Company
Ballet West
Older than some of us, hotter than most. Ballet West has been raising the bar since 1963, blending classical excellence with modern energy. Under Adam Sklute, this company continues to evolve and still makes it look effortless.
MOST FABULOUS Theater Production of the Year
Bat Boy: The Musical
Camp. Chaos. Surprisingly tender. Salt Lake Acting Company’s long-awaited revival of Bat Boy proved lightning can strike twice. With standout performances, big heart, and feral energy, this cult classic roared back, and audiences happily followed it into the cave.
People
MOST FABULOUS Bartender
Seth Shoemaker, Club Try-Angles
Everyone loves Seth—and the vote count was unhinged. He pours drinks with a smile that survives even the busiest nights, keeps the vibes immaculate, and is aggressively easy on the eyes. Frankly, we want to put him on the mantle and protect him at all costs.
MOST FABULOUS TV News Reporter
Ben Winslow
We’re considering retiring this category until Ben retires to Palm Springs. His constant stream of news on TV and online hits that perfect balance of smart, snarky, and rock-solid reporting. Also a proud promoter of UTA’s Capitol Connector, possibly just to save his fab socks on the uphill walk. Journalism and practicality.
MOST FABULOUS Leader of an LGBT Group
Liz Pitts, Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
Powerhouse, policy nerd, and lifelong community builder. Liz Pitts took the Chamber from scrappy to statewide, now leading over 300 member businesses and plotting Utah’s first LGBTQ+ Visitor Center. From Pride Fest to the White House, she shows up, speaks truth, and gets things done—no small feat in this state.
Most Fabulous Ally
Most Fabulous Ally
Bronwyn Newport
Housewife, hell-raiser, and unapologetic ally. Bronwyn Newport uses her Bravo-sized platform to loudly back trans rights, call out hypocrisy, wave Pride flags where they’re “not allowed,” and show up—from the Supreme Court steps to ballroom-rooted chants of “Protect the Dolls.” Reality TV, but make it resistance.
MOST FABULOUS QSaltLake Columnist
Christopher Katis
Former kid-avoider turned gay dad extraordinaire. Chris Katis has been charming readers with Who’s Your Daddy since 2009, busting stereotypes and celebrating queer parenthood with humor, heart, and zero apologies. Well, almost zero.
Organizations
MOST FABULOUS Political Group
Stonewall Democrats
Utah Stonewall Democrats amplify LGBTQ voices statewide, mobilizing voters and allies while advocating equality, inclusion, and representation—and hosting the annual “Oh No They Didn’t” event after each Utah Legislative session.
MOST FABULOUS Group for Youth
Utah Pride Center Youth Drop-In
The Youth Drop-In Center at the Utah Pride Center is a lifeline—raw, real, and unapologetically affirming—where LGBTQ+ youth find safety, chosen family, vital resources, and the freedom to survive, heal, and thrive.
MOST FABULOUS SOCIAL GROUP
blackBOOTS Salt Lake City
blackBOOTS Salt Lake City is a sex-positive social and educational group for adult men (21+) into Leather, kink, BDSM, and fetish, building safe, inclusive community with social events, workshops, Leather Church, and education through their blackBOARD program.
MOST FABULOUS Sports Group
Stonewall Sports SLC
Stonewall Sports of Salt Lake City keeps LGBTQ+ play fierce and fun—an inclusive, low-cost nonprofit league where everyone can join, compete, make friends, give back, and celebrate community through sports and social events.
Most Fabulous Health Group
UAF Legacy Health
UAF Legacy Health is where queer Utah gets real care — bold, affirming, and unapologetic — delivering primary, mental, and gender-affirming healthcare plus HIV services that put dignity, access, and community first.
Most Fabulous Annual Event
Utah Pride Festival and Parade
The Utah Pride Festival is the unstoppable celebration of queer joy—vibrant, loud, and full of love, uniting community, art, and resistance in the heart of Salt Lake City every year.
Most Fabulous Monthly event
Morning Wood Party
The newly organized Morning Wood Party brought out all its forces to win this award. They call themselves Utah’s cheekiest monthly LGBTQ+ event, bringing inclusive, sexy vibes and playful energy where gay men gather for unforgettable mornings of community, connection, and hard‑to‑forget times.
