Bruges Waffles and Frites, a tiny gem just north of Pioneer Park, might be the only place in Salt Lake City where the name of the restaurant contains almost the entire menu. Bruges serves Belgian waffles and frites (French fries), prepared under the direction of Bruges native Peter Vandamme. They also serve a "Machine Gun" sandwich (spicy lamb sausage, fries and Andalouse mayo on a baguette, featured on the Food Network program "Man vs. Food") as well as Belgian hot chocolate, coffee and occasionally Flemish stew.
Bruges waffles, or gaufres, are prepared Liege style from a yeast dough studded with sugar crystals. They are available in plain or cinnamon for $3. Toppings are extra and include Belgian chocolate, creme fraiche and a variety of fruits.
Bruges fries are served in enormous cones, and the "small" order at $3 is more than enough for two people. The fries come with your choice of mayonnaise-based sauces, a Belgian tradition that shouldn't be unfamiliar to Utahns. Their specialty is the Andalouse mayo, made with bell pepper, basil, garlic, mustard and spices. Extra sauces are $.65, and ketchup is free.
On a recent visit, I ordered the plain waffle with Belgian chocolate, strawberries and creme fraiche; while my dining companion got the fries with garlic aioli. The fruit, creme fraiche and bittersweet chocolate were good counterpoints to the dense, sweet waffle. The fries are cut medium thick, crisp and light tasting. I enjoyed them with both aioli and ketchup.
Bruges Waffles and Frites is a truly tiny restaurant with just a few seats at a small counter inside and a few more at tables out front. If you visit during cold weather, you may end up getting your food to go. The staff is friendly, and you'll likely see the large, athletic Pierre tossing balls of dough in the waffle irons, dishing out toppings, and chatting away in French.
Bruges is a delightful place to get breakfast or a snack, and to experience a little bit of Belgium in Salt Lake City.
See Bruges' "Machine Gun" sandwich featured on "Man vs. Food" with Adam Richman
Bruges Waffles and Frites
336 W. Broadway
801-363-4444
