Europeans’ outdoor sidewalk cafes offer a uniquely special dining experience, that for some reason has been neglected in America and the West— probably due to the temporary delusional obsession over fast food. But now since “slow food” is becoming more popular, so are slower manners in which to enjoy food: outdoor patio dining.
In the outdoor dining arena the French especially know how to do this right. Sitting on a popular promenade under an umbrella, drinking a latte observing cyclists and walkers—while eating a pastry full of butter cream— is quite a nice way to enjoy the good life.
But we no longer need to travel to Paris to have such an experience, as Salt Lake City restaurants are finally taking advantage of our wide sidewalks and perfect summer days. Besides sidewalks, even former back-alleys are being converted to dining areas, (as photographed below at Eva, located on 317 South Main Street. Oui, it appears Salt Lakers are experiencing a veritable outdoor dining movement that is making our fine city appear much more French. C’est la vie dans Salt Lake City!
Utah Stories has picked some of our favorite outdoor dining places to share in our Go Local Guide section. It became very difficult to narrow our choices down in this section we are sorry that we couldn’t write a book to give everyone the credit they deserve.
| Bohemian Brewery Authentic German and Czech food fresh brewed beer. 94 E 7200 S | The Dodo Restaurant Delicious entrees; superb specialty hot drinks. 1355 E 2100 S |
| Diva’s Cupcakes & Coffee Amazing garden patio, fresh cupcakes, yum! 1560 E 3300 S | Tin Angel Cafe Using all the best local ingredients, a foodies delight! 365 W 400 S |
| Em’s Restaurant Very good food and beautiful patio near the capitol 271 Center Street | Eva Tapas, live music and backyard patio. 317 S Main St. |
| Squatters Where great dining and beer was born in Salt Lake City. 147 W Broadway (300 S) | Vasuvio’s Organic Cafe Organic everything. Yum! 155 S Main St. |
| Ruth’s Diner Get to know Ruth — great food & a cozy setting, huge outdoor patio tucked in Emmigration. 2100 Emigration Canyon | Bay Leaf Home style cooking open 24 hours on the weekends 159 S Main St. |
| Mazza Wonderful middle Eastern Cuisine at 9th and 9th and new patio as of last year 912 E 900 S | Blue Plate Diner A classic Utah eatery with huge breakfast entrees. 2041 S 2100 E |
| Gourmandise Simply the beautiful European pastries and desserts. 250 S 300 E | Wasatch Brew Pub A Park City institution, superb food and beer. 250 Main Street Park City |
| Roosters Roosters has made Ogden’s 25th Street worth the drive. 253 25th Street, Ogden | Red Rock Brewing Co. Utah’s most awarded brew pub: Taste why. 254 S 200 W |
| The Olive Bistro Amazing food and service; an authentic French Bistro. 57 W 200 S | Cafe Molise Delicious food, very nice setting 55 West 100 South |
| Fresco Italian Cafe Fresh, seasonal italian on a beautiful shaded patio 1513 South 1500 East | Meditrina Small Plates and Wine Bar 1394 S West Temple |
