The Angry Goat Pub & Kitchen

Picture Washington Boulevard in the 1950s – neon signs aglow, classic cars cruising the strip on weekend nights, and shoppers flocking to downtown’s department stores. The one-story brick building at 2570 Washington Blvd dates back to 1949, born in that postwar boom era. For decades, this unassuming storefront saw various businesses come and go as Ogden’s fortunes shifted. (It was even a steakhouse at one point, according to old licensing records.) By the early 2000s, the space was ripe for new life – and in 2017, that’s exactly what it got when The Angry Goat Pub & Kitchen opened its doors.

The Angry Goat’s arrival marked a revival for the building and the surrounding block. Ogden’s downtown was experiencing a renaissance of locally-owned eateries and bars, and the Angry Goat fit right in. Its name may be tongue-in-cheek (no, there isn’t actually an angry goat mascot lurking inside), but the mission was earnest: create a laid-back 21+ pub with an elevated food and drink experience. As co-owner Scott Schlisman explained, “We’ve got a really comfortable vibe… That’s why I wanted to call it a kitchen and pub. We’re really about the food”. In other words, this wasn’t going to be just a bar – it would be a gastropub where the building’s next chapter would be written in scratch-made grub and craft brews.

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Step inside the Angry Goat and you’ll be struck by a warm, inviting atmosphere mixing exposed brick and wood with quirky decor (yes, there are goat motifs on the walls). The layout is open with plenty of seating and a long, welcoming bar – “the place is very nice, open with lots of seating and a full bar,” as one reviewer noted. That cozy-yet-social vibe is very much by design. The owners and team wanted a space that felt “laid-back 21+… good food, cold drinks, and easy vibes”, to quote their mantra. Regulars often comment on the friendly service and the fun touches in the decor (spot the hidden goat artwork during your visit!).

What truly sets the Angry Goat apart is its dedication to quality. The pub offers a massive drink selection – over 200 craft beers from near and far, plus a full array of wines and spirits. Whiskey or local IPA, you name it, they probably have it. But as Schlisman emphasized, the Goat is as much about the food as the booze. The kitchen goes beyond standard pub fare, using top-notch ingredients like 44 Farms beef and Mary’s free-range chicken to craft elevated versions of classics. All the menu items are made from scratch daily. You’ll find burgers, hearty salads, soups, and creative sandwiches, but also unexpected specials and chef’s creations. One signature item even nods to the bar’s name – the “Angry Goat Balls,” addictive fried risotto balls that have become a cult favorite appetizer. In short, this is comfort food with a gourmet twist, served in a casual setting.

The owners’ local roots also shine through. The Angry Goat is locally owned and operated, and the team takes pride in being part of Ogden’s community fabric. Don’t be surprised if one of the owners or the long-time general manager stops by your table to say hello – they’re hands-on and passionate about the place. That community focus comes out in little ways: walls decorated with art by local artists, taps featuring plenty of Utah craft brews, and support for local causes and events. The result is a pub that feels distinctly Ogden. As one write-up aptly put it, Angry Goat “caters to the 21+ crowd” with a lively, locals-friendly atmosphere and really “good food” to back it up.

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While the Angry Goat is a popular evening hangout (especially for an after-work drink or catching a game on the TVs), many Ogdenites know it best for its weekend brunch. In fact, the Goat has developed a bit of a legend around its Sunday brunch special: the “Big Bloody Mary.” This colossal concoction is only served on Sundays from 10am–2pm, and it’s more than just a drink – it’s practically an entire meal in a glass. The house-made Bloody Mary comes topped with a waffle, bacon-wrapped asparagus, hash browns and other rotating bites – an over-the-top garnish stack that turns heads (and definitely fills you up). As one patron put it, “The Big Bloody Mary is a complete meal in itself!”. Pair that with the Goat’s $5 fresh-squeezed mimosas and hearty brunch plates (the breakfast burger and huevos rancheros are favorites), and you’ve got a perfect start to a Sunday Funday. It’s no wonder the Angry Goat is “known for its killer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays”, drawing loyal crowds on weekend mornings.

In recent years, the Angry Goat quite literally raised the bar – by opening a rooftop patio and bar. This new rooftop space has quickly become one of the hottest spots in town for open-air dining and drinking. Up on the roof, you can sip a pint while taking in views of the city skyline against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains. Come at sunset and you’ll understand why Ogden folks love their patios. The Angry Goat’s rooftop is outfitted with shade canopies to keep the summer sun at bay (but retract to reveal those gorgeous dusk colors). In the evenings, string lights and maybe a live acoustic musician create a chill vibe under the stars. It’s a pretty great place to unwind. In fact, the rooftop patio has two personalities: on lively weekend nights it’s buzzing with conversation and clinking glasses, while on mellow Sunday mornings it’s a serene spot to enjoy your brunch. Pro tip: the front sidewalk patio downstairs is another nice option – perfect for street-level people-watching along Washington Blvd., if rooftop isn’t your thing. Either way, patio season at the Angry Goat is not to be missed. (I also found out the hard way, this past Sunday, that they don’t have space on the rooftop bar for drip coffee, and carrying it up the stairs is a hazard. So, if you are there for brunch and require hot coffee, and not cold brew, pick the street-level patio. Or, as my waiter jokingly suggested, go down stairs to drink it really quick so you can still eat on the patio upstairs.)

Speaking of people-watching, the Goat’s location provides a uniquely Ogden spectacle now and then. If you time your Sunday visit just right, you might catch the sounds of an outdoor church service that gathers by the Municipal Building across the street – meaning you could be munching French toast on the roof while faint church service in the background. It’s an only-in-Ogden experience that regulars get a kick out of. And indeed, “great for people-watching along Washington Blvd.” is often mentioned as a perk of the Angry Goat scene. From bikers cruising by to Farmer’s Market crowds in summer, there’s always something to see in this part of downtown, and the Goat gives you a front-row seat.

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After several years in business, the Angry Goat Pub & Kitchen has firmly cemented itself as one of Ogden’s favorite hangouts. Its formula of crave-worthy food, extensive drinks, friendly service, and a fun atmosphere keeps both locals and visitors coming back regularly. Whether you’re dropping in for a quick lunch (their weekday lunch menu is underrated!), meeting friends for trivia and pints on a weeknight, or making it your weekend brunch tradition, the Goat delivers. The vibe manages to be both “lively” and relaxed, striking that just-right balance that a neighborhood pub should have. And importantly, the quality has stayed consistently high – you know you’re going to get a good meal and a cold beer every time, which can’t be said of every bar in town.

In highlighting The Angry Goat, we also highlight a slice of Ogden’s ongoing story. Here’s a mid-century building that once saw the golden age of “cruising the ’Vard,” now repurposed into a modern gathering spot for the community. The owners took a chance on downtown Ogden and created something special: a pub where the past and present mix as smoothly as the cocktails. Patrons might come for the 200+ beers or that famous Bloody Mary, but they stay for the camaraderie and character that the Goat fosters. If you haven’t visited in a while (or ever), consider this your invitation. Stop in for a bite, grab a seat on the roof or at the bar, and soak up the unique charm. The Angry Goat Pub & Kitchen isn’t just a place to eat and drink – it’s an Ogden experience, one that leaves you smiling and already planning your next return visit. See you at the Goat!

Until next time,

Raw, weird, and local.