With 20 years apiece of restaurant experience under their belts, Kriss Smith and Justin Gumm moved to Ogden from Alaska in September 2010 and decided it was time to open their own place.
They found the perfect site, alongside the Weber River, with a beautiful patio -- and opened Slackwater Pizzeria & Pub in June 2011. First, they remodeled the interior of the restaurant in earthy shades of greens and browns.
Smith and Gumm hired experienced chef Brady Salaz, who has worked in several high-end establishments, and the three developed a menu to include all of their favorite recipes.
"We have everything from traditional to gourmet," Smith said of the selection of thin-crust pizzas.
Some of the most popular dishes include the Chicken Marsala ($13), with marsala and creamy wild mushroom sauces, roasted chicken, a three-cheese blend and cremini mushrooms; and the Steak & Cheese ($11), with shallots, fresh red pepper and a three-cheese blend, plus Gorgonzola.
One of the more unique pizzas is the Taste of Thai ($12), with roasted chicken, shallots, jalapenos, cilantro, carrot threads and a house Thai peanut sauce.
Favorite appetizers include the Smoked Pork Chili Verde Nachos ($9), served with dry-rubbed, house-smoked pork, green chili sauce, cheese and house chimichurri cream sauce on chips; as well as the Spin & Art ($8), tortilla chips with artichoke dip.
The Mulligatawny Soup ($4) is an Indian curried cream soup with roasted chicken, tart apples, carrots, celery, onions and garlic.
The menu includes vegetarian selections such as the Tree Hugger Sandwich ($9), hummus with cucumbers, tomatoes, shallots, red peppers, avocado, mixed greens and balsamic reduction on a ciabatta roll.
For dessert, Chef Salaz has two specialties -- Brady's Bomber Cheesecake ($7.50), New York-style cheesecake topped with caramel sauce and fresh strawberries; and Cajun Delight ($7.50), layers of caramelized pecan crust, sweet cream cheese and chocolate custard, topped with whipped cream and pecans.
Slackwater also stocks 70 bottled microbrews and seven microbrews on tap, as well as 12 wines on hand ($6-$9/glass).
SLACKWATER PUB & PIZZERIA
- ADDRESS: 1895 Washington Blvd., Ogden
- HOURS: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays
- PHONE: 801-399-0637