Bluebird singing familiar tune for many Logan residents
The Bluebird Restaurant has been a landmark on Logan’s Main Street for more than 81 years.
Carla Olsen, general manager for seven years, said the Bluebird was established in 1914 and moved to its current location on Main Street in 1924.
Through the years, it has swapped owners four times and is currently run by the Xu family from Canton, China.
Olsen said the menu has been though many changes over time and the only item from the original menu still being served is the minced ham sandwich with Neuberger mustard.
Along with many classic American standbys such as prime rib, real mashed potatoes and fruit pies, there are several Asian-inspired dishes on the menu.
Olsen said the most popular dish is Bluebird chicken – battered and deep-fried chicken pieces in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Although the owners and the menu may have changed, one thing has stayed the same.
“Everything is homemade,” Olsen said. “There’s nothing fancy, it’s just simple. I think that’s what makes it good.”
David Higley, a senior majoring in public relations, seems to agree, since he said he eats at the Bluebird about once a month. He said he likes to order the 6 ounce sirloin steak with sweet and sour chicken. He said it costs him about $7.25.
“It’s a good deal.” Higley said. “They give you big portions. Along with an entrée, you get soup or salad, your choice of potato, a vegetable, a roll with butter and really good jam.”
Items on the dinner menu range in price from about $6.50 to $12. Lunch items are significantly less.
Olsen said you can get a full lunch at the Bluebird cheaper than what you would pay for a combo meal at many fast food restaurants.
Olsen said that the owners keep the prices low because they want to provide people with fine dining at an affordable price. They also value the business of their patrons and want to have repeat customers.
“We have a lot of regulars,” Olsen said.
Leah Wood has worked at the Bluebird as a server for about three months and said she has already gotten to know some customers that come in daily.
She said she has worked at several other resturants, but none of them have been quite like the Bluebird.
“The Bluebird is by far my favorite,” Wood said. “The co-workers are like family and I love the atmosphere.”
Wood said she loves the antique feel of the resturant. There is an old time soda fountain where people can sit on a stool and order an ice cream treat or try an Ironport soda.
Across from the soda fountain is a large glass case full of hand-dipped chocolates for sale.
Not only does Wood appreciate the nice atmosphere and friendly people she also likes the food and has tried almost everything on the menu.
Wood said that her favorite menu item is the Monterey chicken. It is a chicken breast covered with mozarella cheese, avacado, shrimp and crab meat.
She said that other customer favorites include the prime rib and the strawberry chicken.
Wood said that sometimes customers are hesitant to order Chinese food at The Bluebird however but they shouldn’t be.
The Bluebird is a popular place for parties especially during the holidays.
Olsen said the resturant can hold about 400 people when it is at capacity and during the Christmas season, that is not uncommon. Most of the rooms are already booked with holiday parties.
“Reservations are recommended,” Olsen said.
The Bluebird is located at 19 North Main in Logan.
It is open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is closed Sundays.
-nnaylor@cc.usu.edu
The Bluebird restaurant located at 19 North Main, in downtown Logan was opened in 1914 and has been popular with Logan residens ever since.
Leah Roper measures oout candy for a customer at the Bluebird in Logan.