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Murray • The best reason to stop by The Veranda, a new social club in Murray, is the establishment's namesake — an enticing patio that on a warm summer night oozes romance.

Plenty of trees shade the patio, which offers a view of a flowing creek where a young beaver can be seen building a nest.

The Veranda, in the old Rivers restaurant near 900 East and Van Winkle Expressway, opened about a month ago. It feels like a high-end social club, thanks to the establishment's hardwood floors and open staircase. There are soft Italian tunes over the loudspeakers and a piano waiting to be played. The Veranda also offers pool tables and a jukebox with thousands of songs.

Despite the elegant look, the drinks are affordable: Draft beers start at $3, and cocktails made with well liquors are only $4.

If you want to stay away from the bar scene, visit Veranda between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. and enjoy the homemade Italian food prepared by chef and Naples native Franceso Montino.

"It was inspired by things I make at home," said Montino, who also is the chef/owner of Per Noi Trattoria in Salt Lake City.

Signature dishes include ravioli spinaci ($10.95) filled with spinach and ricotta cheese and tossed in butter-sage sauce with a hint of tomato, and grilled salmon ($14.95), which comes with a pasta pomodoro.

All desserts are $3.95. The tiramisu is the traditional favorite, but the cannoli and panna cotta also are popular.

For those who don't want to sit on the veranda, more private dining is available in the lower section of the restaurant, between the outside stage and the pool tables upstairs. Inside, dim lights and candle flames reflect on the tables, enhancing the mood.

After 9 p.m., Veranda offers a late-night bar-style menu of cheeseburgers and chicken fingers.

After only a month in business, Tom Foulger likes what Veranda has to offer.

"The food is really good and it's a casual atmosphere where you can meet friends," he said.

The Veranda

Fine dining meets nightlife at this new social club. Try the Italian food and dance on the patio overlooking a flowing creek.

Where • 4760 S. 900 East, Murray; 801-268-1399

Open • Monday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Details • Karaoke night is Thursday; the house DJ plays top 40 music on Friday; there's live music by local bands on Saturday, said manager and bartender Greg Jarvis.