The gold standard for the best local hot spots around Salt Lake City. Utah Stories readers and contributors have carefully selected our favorite local spots for restaurants, goods and services. You can trust this guide to find the best of local Utah.
When specified, the top three reader favorites are ranked and placed in order. When not specified, the order is incidental.
Updated 20 November 2014
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Vegetarian Dining
Fine Dining
Cheap And Good
Brew Pubs
Delis
Specialty Subs
Gourmet Burgers
Sushi Restaurants
Asian Cuisine
Indian Cuisine
Thai Food
Pizza
Mexican Food
Canyon Dining
BBQ
Bakeries
Quaint Coffee
Big Bars
Neighborhood Bars
Live Music
Night Life
Organic Products
Law Firms
Unique Gifts
Theaters
Urban Apparel
Music Stores
Grocers
Women’s Apparel
Men’s Fine Apparel
Auto Dealers
Bookstores
Home Improvement
Custom Signs
Outdoor Adventure
Restaurants
vegetarian
- Sage’s Cafe
234 W 900 S.
Amazing veggie tacos - Oasis Cafe
151 South, 500 East
Soups, salads, great ambiance - Omar’s Rawtopia
2148 Highland Drive
Fresh, local power food - Vertical Diner
2280 South, West Temple - Cafe Solstice
275 South 200 West
- Frisch Compassionate Eatery
145 East 1300 South
- Mazza
Amazing Middle Eastern cuisine at 9th and 9th
1515 South 1500 East & 912 East 1300 South - Cucina Toscana
Authentic Tuscan fare in visually dramatic atmosphere
307 W Pierpont Avenue (240 S) - Eva
Great tapas, live music, and backyard patio
317 S Main St. - The Olive Bistro
Amazing food and service; an authentic French Bistro
169 S Main St. - Tin Angel Cafe
Using all the best local ingredients, a foodies delight!
365 W 400 S - Lamb’s Grill Cafe
Utah’s oldest restaurant with great food and service
169 S Main St. - Wild Grape Bistro
A great selection of wines from all over the world
481 E South Temple - The Dodo Restaurant
Delicious food; superb specialty hot drinks
1355 E 2100 S - Faustina
300 South, 454 East SLC
(801)746-4441 - Martine Cafe
22 East, 100 South SLC
(801) 363-9375 - Toscana
307 W Pierpont Ave. SLC - Olive Bistro
57 W 2005 SLC - The Copper Onion
111 E Broadway
(801)355-3282 - Pallet
237 S. 400 W
801-935-4431 - Bodega/The Rest
331 Main Street
(801)532-4042 - Valter’s Osteria
173 W Broadway
(801)521-4563
Voting on this section will begin on September 11th. Winners will be announced at the beginning of October. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Blue Plate Diner
A classic Utah eastery with huge breakfast entres
2041 S 2100 E - Coachman’s Diner and Pancake House
A Utah dining institution for a good reason
1301 S State St. - Judge Cafe and Grill
Try their smoked trout salad and gumbo; best in town
8 E Broadway (300 S) - Millies Burgers
No frills, no fuss; just tasty burgers
2092 S 1000 E - Over the Counter Cafe
Great food on the cheap
2343 E 3300 S - Cowboy Grub
Great home-style cooking; meatloaf and pies
(New Location Below Opening Soon)
3336 S 2300 E Millcreek - The Park Cafe
604 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Great food and an amazing location - Finn’s Cafe
1624 S 1100 E, Salt Lake City
Excellent food and service in a casual, modern cafe setting.
- Uinta Brewery
Small pub attached to Utah’s biggest brewery
1722 Fremont Dr. (2375 W) - Wasatch Brew Pub
A Park City Institution; superb food and beer
250 Main Street Park City - Red Rock Brewing Co.
Utah’s most awarded brew pub: taste why
254 S 200 W - Bohemian Brewery
94 East, 7200 South, Midvale (801) 566-5474
Czech’s know–Amazing food, amazing beer - Squatters
147 West Broadway SLC (801) 363-2739
A downtown institution–simply great - Epic Brewery
825 South State Street, Salt Lake City
Salt Lake’s newest brewery is a huge hit - The Desert Edge Pub
Trolley Square 600 S 700 E
Since 1973, hand-crafted beer and great food - The Annex
1048 E 2100 S Suite 110
(801)742-5490 - Avenues Proper
376 8th Ave. Suite C
(385)227-8628
- Robin’s Nest
311 South Main Street SLC (801) 466-6378
You will love their sandwiches & service - Toasters
151 West 200 South Salt Lake City (801) 328-2928
European Style–great sandwiches - Nostalgia
248 East 100 South South SLC (801) 532-3225 - Tony Caputo’s Market and Deli
Italian Style sandwiches and beautiful huge selection
314 W 300 S - Granato’s
Utah’s oldest and always delicious Italian deli and market
1391 S 300 W
- Jonis Deli
52 East 1700 South (801) 466-6662
Long searching for the best phili cheese steak in SLC — Joni’s wins, without dispute. Sorry Food Network, but you have missed the true champion. - Grove Market
1906 South Main Street
Huge and delicious $10 sandwiches. Share with a friend or satisfy even the largest appetite. Grove’s has been around for over 60 years. Huge selection of hot sauce. - Grinders 13
1618 S State St
Mmmm– A grinder day, is a good day.
- Crown Burger
The Crown Burger cannot be touched in value
377 E 200 S - Rich’s Mighty Fine Burgers and Grub
SLC’s tastiest street food; try the Blue Bacon Buffalo Burger
30 E Broadway #100 - Cotton Bottom Inn
2820 E 6200 S SLC
(801) 273-9830
- Burger Bar
5291 S 1900 W Roy, UT
(801)825-8961 - Lucky 13
135 W 1300 S SLC
(801)487-4418 - Poplar Street Pub
242 S 200 W
(801)532-2715
- Takashi
18 West, Market Street
(801) 519-9595 - Tsunami Sushi
2223 Highland Drive, Sugar House
(801) 519-9595
7628 Union Park Ave. Midvale
(801)676-6466 - Ahh Sushi
22 East, 100 South
((801) 359-6770) - Naked Fish Bistro
67 West, 100 South SLC
(801) 595-8888 - Sapa
722 S State.
A Utah Stories reader favorite! - Simply Sushi
180 W 400 S
(801)746-4445 - Ichiban Sushi & Japanese
336 S 400 E
(801)532-7522
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Cafe Trang
200 S 307 W
The freshest Chinese/Vietnamese in downtown SLC - Rice Basil
2335 E Murray Holladay Rd. Holladay
New Asian cuisine at its best! Fresh and delicious. - J Wong’s Asian Bistro
163 West, 200 South SLC
(801) 350-0888 - Sampan
675 East, 2100 South SLC
(801) 467-3663
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Himalayan Kitchen
73 East 400 South, SLC
801-328-2077 - Bombay House
7726 Campus View Dr. #120 West Jordan
(801) 282-0777 - Star of India
55 East 400 South, SLC
801-363-7555
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Thai Lotus
212 E 500 S
Fresh curry that makes you feel happy - Thai Siam
1435 South State Street, SLC
(801) 474-3322 - Chanon Thai Cafe
278 East 900 South Salt Lake City
Fantastic, authentic Thai. A local favorite.
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Este Pizza
156 East, 200 South, SLC
(801) 363-2366 - The Pie
1320 East, 200 South, SLC
(801) 582-0193 - Settebello Pizza
Great Italian-style brick oven pizza
260 S 200 W - Salt Lake Pizza and Pasta
Great buffalo chicken pizza
1063 E 2100 S
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Alamexo
268 S State St.
(801)779-4730 - Red Iguana
736 West North Temple SLC
Killer Mexican Food! - Cafe by Rico
545W 700 S, SLC (801) 433-9923
SLC’s best kept secret for incredible Mexican! - Blue Iguana Restaurant
165 South, West Temple, SLC (801) 533-8900
You’ll like the food and the price!
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Ruth’s Diner
2100 Emmigration Canyon
Get to know Ruth–great food and a cozy setting. - Log Haven
6451 E Millcreek Canyon Rd
A Utah gem. Winner of dozens of culinary awards. - The Aerie
Hwy 210 Little Cottonwood Canyon (Snowbird)
Fine dining overlooking the best ski resort in the world.
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Sugar House BBQ
2207 S 700 E
Baby back ribs and homemade BBQ sauce - Pat’s BBQ
155 W Commonwealth Ave (2125 S)
Awesome smoked ribs and pulled pork - Terrapin Station
2020 East 3300 South
Best value for the best smoked ribs and brisket
- Braza Grill
5927 S State Street Murray
Fresh grilled meats, Brazillian fare, all at a great price
- Rodizio Grill
600 S 700 E Trolley Square Mall
Brazillian-style BBQ. Bring your appetite and enjoy
Bakeries and Coffee
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Elizabeth’s English Bakery
493 E 900 S Salt Lake
Teas and delicious desserts and pies - Vosen’s Bread Paradise
249 W 200 S
Their name says it all - Les Madeleines
216 E 500 S 801-355-2294
Delicious french pastries, sandwiches and specialty coffee drinks - Gourmandie’s
250 South 300 East SLC (801) 328-9022
To die for authentic French pastries! - Schmidt’s Pastry Cottage
609 East 2100 South, SLC (801) 487-3500
Eclairs, wedding cakes and great cookies - Stone Ground Bakery
1025 S 700 W (801) 886-2336
Hearty and full of grain bread - RubySnap Cookies
770 South 300 West
Sixteen gourmet flavors of cookie dough, sold baked or by the frozen dozen.
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- #1Sugar House Coffee (Our number 1 reader favorite! See results here)
1045 E 2100 S
Fresh juice, latte, espresso, and weekend live music - # 2 Cafe D’Bolla
249 E 400 S # B
Salt Lake City’s first artisan micro-roaster and siphon bar. Celebrating 10 years of business! - #3 Jack Mormon Coffee
82 E Street Salt Lake City
Home of the “Celestial Bean” - Coffee Garden
898 E 900 SLC (801) 355-3425
Local 9th & 9th hangout-try their pastries!
Ditta Cafe
1560 East 3300 South
Beautiful garden and excellent dining. - NoBrow Coffee Werks
179 W 900 S
Great coffee; great bike stop on Broadway. - Blue Star
2795 S 2300 E
Fresh juice bar, in-house roasted coffee. Get it to go after taking your dog to Tanner Park. - Cafe Niche
779 E Broadway (300 S)
Great service. Beautiful ladies serving food and coffee. - Greenhouse Effect
3231 S 900 E
Great European style crepes and specialty drinks. - Alchemy Coffee
390 East 1700 South
Your neighborhood connection for Coffee, Community, Art, Music and Magic - Red Moose Coffee Company
1693 South 900 East SLC
Specializing in gourmet coffee and amazing house-made food
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Beerhive Pub
Main Street just got a whole lot cooler; A big, gorgeous bar, full of 100’s of great beers
31 E 400S - Gracies
326 S West Temple
Great food, great atmosphere - The Bayou
645 South, State St.
100+ beers around the world - The Huka Bar
151 East, 6100 South, Murray
Cool new bar for smokers - Piper Down
151 East, 6100 South, Murray
1492 South, State Street, SLC - Johnny’s On Second
165 South 200 East
Great drink, great vibe, and great location
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Green Pig Pub
Great place to watch a game and have a pint
31 E 400 S - Fiddler’s Elbow
Watch the Utes and drink a stein in Sugar House
1063 E 2100 S - Cheers To You
315 South, Main Street, SLC (801) 575-6400
Bob offers the best ambiance! - Junior’s Tavern
30 East, 300 South, SLC (801) 322-0318
Big, inexpensive beers - Twilite Lounge
347 East, 300 South SLC (801) 532-9400
Best dive bar! - Murphy’s Bar and Grill
160 S Main Street SLC
“A Step Down in Social Clubs”
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- The Depot
400 West, South Temple, SLC (801) 355-5522
Best touring acts - Urban Lounge
241 South 500 East, SLC (801) 746-0557
(801) 359-3219 - In The Venue
200 South, 600 West SLC
(801) 359-3219 - Club Vegas
445 S 400 W SLC
A great showcase for local musicians and established bands. - The Tavernacle
201 E 300 South
Dueling pianos and social club.
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Urban Lounge
241 South 500 East, SLC
(801) 746-0557 - Hotel Elevate
151 West, 200 South SLC
(801) 860-7180
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Bubble and Bee Organic
602 East, 500 South, SLC (in Trolley Square)
Their products are great and addictive! Must try their soap
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Sharifi and Baron
10 West Broadway, Suite 800, SLC
They don’t chase ambulances; simply good guys - Arthur Lee Bishop
4700 S 900 E SLC (801) 266-6661
A great experienced attorney
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Game Night
2030 S 900E
The best selection of board games and puzzles - Jitterbug Antique Toys
247 E Broadway (300 S)
Old, classic, and retro toys. A 50 plus year Broadway shop. - The Red Balloon
2033 E 3300 S
A great place to shop for your kids. Smart, fun toys. - Ma and Paws Bakery
1215 E 3300 S
Great pet toys and all sorts of organic doggie treats - Cahoots
878 E 900 S
Funny birthday cards, humorous gifts, and adult toys - Hour Place Record Clocks
Record clocks make great gift
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Plan B Theatre Company
138 West 300 South SLC (801) 466-3840
(801) 297-4200 - Salt Lake Film Society
Tower Theatre 876 East 900 South, SLC
and Broadway Centre Cinemas 111 East 300 South, SLC
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Pib’s Exchange
1147 Ashton Ave (2340 S)
Great Exchange clothing, costumes - Uptown Cheapskates
353 W 200 S
Name brand clothing for one third the price - Name Droppers
2350 Parleys Way
Great close-out and consignment clothing - Uprok Records
342 S State Street, SLC
(801) 363-1523 - FICE
160 East 200 South SLC
(801)364-4722
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Graywhale
208 South 1300 East, SLC
(801) 583-3333 - Randy’s Records
900 South 300 East
(801) 364-2611
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Jade Market
353 West 200 South, SLC
(801) 521-2106 - Liberty Heights Fresh
1290 South 1100 East, SLC
(801) 583-7374
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Peach Boutique
127 W Gailey Ln. Kaysville, UT - Solissa
1950 South 1100 East, SLC
(801) 467-2909 - The Lace Place
2682 Highland Drive
(801) 474-2697 - Natural Joy Beauty
662 East Union Square, Sandy (approx 9000 South)
(801) 718-4386
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Utah Woolen Mills
59 West, South Temple, SLC
(801) 364-1851 - Mr. Mac
(801) 355-6443
(801) 364-1851
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- West Valley Auto Palza
3899 South, Redwood Road, SLC (801) 886-1700
They really won’t jerk you around.
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Ken Sanders Rare Books
268 South, 200 East, SLC (801) 521-2606
Ken knows Utah–find the best Utah books here. - Sam Wellers
607 Trolley Square
Simply the best bookstore in Utah–if everyone bought their books here, we would all be smarter.
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
England Do-it-Yourself plumbing
- 1009 E 3300 S, SLC (801) 485-3371
You can do it! (With help from these guys) - M-One Specialties, Inc.
Any serious plumbing problem solved at M1
- Salt Lake City Bolt & Nut
2212 S. West Temple S, SLC
The best there is for fasteners. - Silver Star Hardware
2327 East 3300 South, SLC (801)328-2586
Get great hardware and gifts. - Retrospect Water & Light
68 E 700 S, SLC
One of the coolest shops in SLC - Felt Lighting
1220 E 3300 S, SLC
(801)328-2586 - George’s Architectural Salvage
470 E. 900 South, SLC
Very cool shop–worth browsing
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Village Sign Smith
Dan Hardcastle
See his Go Local Landing Page
This section will be updated in 6 months from October 2014-April 2015. Click here to nominate your favorites
- Canyon Voyages
211 North Main Street, Moab, Utah 84532
Get a great adventure for an excellent price. - Moab Adventure Center
225 S Main Street Moab, UT
(435) 259-7019