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As the capital and most populous city in Utah, Salt Lake City is one of the Mountain West’s premier tourist destinations and most desirable places to call home. Since hosting the Winter Olympics in 2002, Salt Lake City has gained more international acclaim and become a must-see spot for travelers and adventurers from around the globe.
Listed below are some of the locally loved businesses and locations that make Salt Lake City a great place to eat, drink, play and explore.
Source: facebook.com/Oquirrhrestaurant
Best bites in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is full of passionate chefs and eager restauranteurs. Here are eight of the top spots to grab a great bite to eat in Salt Lake City.
Oquirrh
Guided by the goal of supporting local artisans, farmers and ingredients, Oquirrh specializes in locally-sourced American fare. Leveraging their relationships within the community, Andrew and Angie Fuller, the dynamic duo behind this Central City restaurant, constantly evolve their menu to reflect the season outside and the passion in the kitchen. While this is the ideal spot for a romantic date night, they also serve up a legendary brunch on the weekends starting at 10:00 AM.
Arlo
Arlo is an “elevated casual, chef-driven restaurant” in the Capitol Hill Historic District. Drawing inspiration from all around the world, Arlo’s menu is compiled of a diverse selection of cuisine styles that create a cohesive and intriguing selection of delicious dishes from American to Mexican to Italian and more. Regardless of what you’re craving, there’s something of the highest quality waiting for you on Arlo’s menu.
Yoko Ramen
Named after the ramen capital of Japan, Yokohama, Yoko Ramen specializes in its namesake dish but also churns out other delectable delights like chicken wings, gyoza and sandwiches, to name a few. Opened nearly five years ago, Yoko Ramen has solidified itself as a bonafide success in the burgeoning Central City restaurant scene. Stop in and slurp up some of SLC’s best ramen at this hotspot.
Salt and Olive
Fast casual meets fine dining in this historic building turned chic restaurant space. Salt and Olive is backed by head chef, Chef Naza and head mixologist, Cory Dudis. This dynamic duo running the show brings forty-plus years of experience to the table and that’s apparent from the moment you walk through the doors. The menu here is decidedly Italian, but due to the restaurant’s dedication to local, fresh ingredients, there’s always something new and exciting to enjoy at Salt and Olive.
Pago
Boasting two locations within the Salt Lake City limits,—one in East Central and one Downtown—Pago is a “wild to table” restaurant that focuses on utilizing fresh, local and sustainable ingredients. Pago’s menu is season-driven and always changing to reflect what’s fresh and available. Pago partners with local artisans, farmers and more to collect the highest-quality ingredients and employs passionate folks to put them to use.
Pretty Bird Hot Chicken
With two locations in Salt Lake City, one in Park City and a fourth in Midvale, Pretty Bird is beloved all throughout Utah, and with good reason. Pretty Bird Hot Chicken is just darn good, no other way to say it. If you’re going to make a living off of fried chicken sandwiches you better make them good because the competition is stiff. Pretty Bird holds up to and outdoes the competition in a deep field by frying up one of the tastiest birds on a bun you’ll ever have the pleasure of putting in your mouth.
Nomad Eatery
Located within Unita Brewhouse Pub, Nomad Eatery provides all your classic bar bites, but what sets them apart is that they’re executed to perfection. Loaded fries, wings and burgers are just some of the highlights that grace the menu of this inviting gem tucked away near the airport in the Glendale neighborhood.
Table X
Table X is, you guessed it, another restaurant on this list that prioritizes the use of locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Fine dining without the fuss is the overall vibe at this unique yet classically appealing space. Table X serves a tasting menu in which every dish, from the bread to the final bite, is thoughtful, intentional and downright delicious. A truly one-of-a-kind experience from beginning to end, Table X is as much an adventure as it as an undeniably tasty meal.
Source: facebook.com/alibislc
Four great places to get a drink in Salt Lake City
While not known as a drinking town, Salt Lake City still has its fair share of hip watering holes to help you cut loose.
Alibi Bar and Place
Alibi Bar and Place is your everyday neighborhood bar on an elevated level. With a rotating offering of live music and DJs on a daily basis, cocktails made with fresh ingredients, local craft beers and an expertly curated wine list, Alibi is a great place to let happy hour turn into a great night out.
Seabird
Craft cocktails, craft beer and vinyl are what you can expect at Seabird, a downtown cocktail bar with a killer patio. This hip hangout is warm, welcoming and always serving up great vibes alongside creative cocktails made with love. Ideal for a nightcap after a long day or your first drink on a Friday afternoon, Seabird is a safe bet for a great time.
Post Office Place
Located smack dab in the center of Salt Lake City, Post Office Place is an elegant bar and eatery. Boasting a menu full of creative small plates and sensational cocktails, Post Office Place is the type of spot that asks you to expand your comfort zone and open your eyes to something new. Whether that’s trying chicken liver mousse (you won’t regret it) for the first time or dipping your toe into the complex world of Japanese whiskey, you’re in for a treat when you walk through the Post Office Place doors.
Varley
Immediately recognizable by the half-moon-shaped mirrors and shelving behind the bar, Varley is an elegant cocktail bar located in the heart of Salt Lake City. Moody decor, music that keeps the vibe going and creatively crafted cocktails prepared by a dedicated and talented staff are just a few of the things you can expect to encounter when you decide to stop into Varley.
Source: facebook.com/threepinescoffee
Staying caffeinated in Salt Lake City
There’s a lot to do in Salt Lake City. You’re going to want to stay caffeinated to get the most out of each day.
Three Pines Coffee
Minimalist decor meets maximum talent manning the machinery in this hip and airy coffee shop. Three Pines Coffee was founded with a singular idea in mind, that Salt Lake City needs great coffee shops. Due to the large LDS population, SLC has been a bit late to the craft coffee scene, but with places like Three Pines leading the charge, the future is looking bright for all the Salt Lake-based caffeine freaks. Three Pines Coffee is known for inventive espresso drinks, tasty pastries and overall quality across the board. Stop by and start your day off right.
The Daily
The Daily does three things extremely well. Those three things are coffee, pastries and an inviting atmosphere. The perfect place to perk up on a Monday morning, or kick back on a sturdy afternoon, The Daily is a great go-to coffee shop, regardless of the time of day.
Kahve Cafe
Kahve Cafe specializes in Turkish coffee. If you haven’t had Turkish coffee before, here are a few things you should know. It’s delicious, it’s strong and it has a distinct texture. If you like an intense coffee flavor, you absolutely have to try a cup from Kahve. This welcoming and well-run cafe is as authentic as it gets in SLC.
Cupla
The people behind Cupla accomplished something very unique with their shop. They managed to create an industrial space that is also undeniably cozy. Many concrete-floored, brick-walled coffee shops come off as cold and uninvited, Cupla, on the other hand, is a cozy hideout from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Salt Lake City and an ideal spot to enjoy a hot cup of joe on a cold Salt Lake Sunday.
Source: facebook.com/TavernacleSLC
Where to catch a live show in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is a hotbed of talented artists, entertainers and stellar spots to see their shows. Here are four great places to see a live show in Salt Lake City.
The Tavernacle Social Club
Dueling pianos, karaoke, comedy and drag — these are the things you think of when you think about Salt Lake City, right? If not, they should be because The Tavernacle Social Club has one of the most eclectic selections of talented performers in Salt Lake City. Shows take place stage six days a week (closed on Mondays).
Crowdsourced Comedy
Improv is one of those things that’s either really good or really bad. There isn’t much gray area when it comes to being funny. Did you laugh or not? That’s really the only question that needs answering. Luckily, the talented folks of Crowdsourced Comedy, a Salt Lake-based improv group, always coax out the laughter. Check out their website for show and class information or to book them for your next party!
Kilby Court
Kilby Court is the “longest running all-ages venue in Salt Lake City” and, as such, it has developed quite the reputation as a great place to catch a small live show in Salt Lake City. This indoor/outdoor venue features muraled walls, heavily stickered windows and a great stage. If your vibe leans a little more off the wall, Kilby Court is the spot for you.
Garage on Beck
Just north of Downtown Salt Lake, in the Rose Park neighborhood, Garage on Beck is a 21-and-over bar, grill and live music venue. Known for killer comfort food and stellar stage talent, Garage on Beck is worth the short trip outside town and offers an atmosphere entirely its own. If you’re hoping to catch a show, concerts are held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Source: facebook.com/pages/Bonneville-Shoreline-Trail
Things to do outside in Salt Lake City
You didn’t come to Salt Lake City to stay inside, did you?
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a great area for easy to moderate hikes and slightly more strenuous mountain biking. Located just under a half hour north of Downtown SLC, this recreational area exhibits the best of the pristine nature that surrounds the Crossroads of the West. Be warned though, if you go shortly after rain, you should expect very muddy and slippery conditions.
Red Butte Canyon Overlook
Red Butte Canyon Overlook is located within the Red Butte Canyon Research Natural Area a little over a half hour northeast of Downtown Salt Lake City. This protected natural recreation and research area is perfect for anyone looking to get their steps in a beautiful setting and be rewarded with a stunning view.
Millcreek Canyon
Located in the Wasatch Mountains in Millcreek, Utah south of Salt Lake City, Millcreek Canyon is a stunning recreational nature area that provides space for camping, mountain biking, hiking and more. Filled with lush greenery in the summer months and serene, snowtopped hillsides in the winter, Millcreek Canyon is a great place to soak up some of the best nature the Salt Lake City area has to offer.
International Peace Gardens
The International Peace Gardens is a botanical garden that has been benefitting the Salt Lake City area for over 80 years. The team at the Peace Gardens nurtures plants from over 28 different countries and is a true representation of some of the most interesting, unique and essential botanicals to be ever be discovered. Also, it’s just a beautiful place to walk around.
See what Salt Lake City has to offer
There’s only one way to get to know Salt Lake City and that’s to immerse yourself in the culture and find your go-to spots. Start your search with the places listed above and you’ll feel fully at home in Salt Lake City in no time.
Source: rent.com