Everyone from the top of Mt. Baldy to the bottom of Little Cottonwood knows that if you’re a true powder hound, you’ve been to P-Dog. The Peruvian Bar, affectionately known as P-Dog, has been whipping up the most–and sometimes least–memorable après-skis for generations. We asked P-Dog manager, Matt Taylor, his thoughts on everything from polar bears to tequila.
What makes P-Dog consistently the best bar this side of the Wasatch Mountains? Matt Taylor says it’s the “live music, great prices, the bartenders and just the overall feel. A classic ski bar from warm fires, views for days and all the characters involved, from ski bums to the polar bear on the wall.”
Those characters are what makes P-Dog, well, P-Dog. Matt says the beautiful thing about the people is that it’s “three quarters locals, but there’s always room for our guests at the bar.” The immediate mingling of locals and visitors can be seen trading PRs on the ring toss game (by far “the” bar game at P-Dog) and heard telling stories of the Peruvian’s founder and owner, John Cahill. Matt says they’re “stories that could be true or maybe partly true. Depends on who is telling their version.”
As the legend of John Cahill continues to peak, so does the P-Dog experience. Live music has been a special part of the bar experience for years, with bands every Wednesday and Sunday. And while Matt says all the beers are worth a try, “our margarita is pretty famous in these parts. All fresh juices and your choice of tequila…which we have quite a few to choose from.”
The plan for P-Dog this upcoming season? More of the same. “We are going to let the P-Dog be the P-Dog…music 2-3 times a week. Familiar faces at the door and behind the bar…great bartenders, entertainment, drinks along with an amazing community to be located amongst,” Matt beamed. If you’re planning a trip back to Alta this season, P-Dog is exactly how you remember it–or don’t. Matt added, “sometimes you don’t need to change a good thing.”