New dining and nightlife options are expanding an already impressive foodie scene in Salt Lake for both après skiers and travelers. With more than a dozen artisanal coffee roasters, close to 20 brew pubs, and a restaurant scene that embraces experimentation, Salt Lake is securing its place as a gastronomy hub of the West.
Check out these new eateries:
Hot Tables
Current Fish & Oyster: The seafood emporium, which opened in 2015, made OpenTable’s list of 100 Best Restaurants in America for 2016. The industrial-chic eatery under Executive Chef Phelix Gardner is located in what was Salt Lake’s original Ford auto dealership.
TableX: Mike Blocher, Nick Fahs, and David Barboza came together to open TableX in the Zions Park neighborhood. Signature dishes include Morgan Valley steak tartare, Christiansen Farm Berkshire pork, and Idaho rainbow trout.
HSL: Named the best new fine dining spot by the Salt Lake Tribune, HSL, under executive chef Briar Handly, offers seasonally and locally driven food ranging from beef cheek burgers to coddled duck eggs at the Salt Lake branch of Handle, a favorite in nearby Park City.
Stanza Italian Bistro & Wine Bar: Chef Logan Crew serves an array of small plates and fresh pastas, alongside an impressive wine list. The vast modern space won the Best New Atmosphere award from The Salt Lake Tribune.
The Rest: An underground speakeasy in the heart of downtown filled with taxidermy, antiques, and the inventive cooking of Chef Brendan Cagle, which includes honey-glazed beer-can chicken, fried brioche doughnuts, and even a spin on poutine. Its upstairs companion, Bodega, offers small plates and vintage cocktails.
Shaken and Stirred
Under Current: Seasonal cocktails and craft beers, as well as wine; located directly next to Current Fish & Oyster. Expect oysters and small bites.
Whiskey Street: Over 130 whiskeys can be found here (in addition to a 72-foot-long bar). The name is derived from when Brigham Young dubbed the location “Whiskey Street” in the mid-1800s due to the high population of bars.
Beer Bar: Located next door to BarX, which opened the year Prohibition was repealed in 1933. Both bars are owned by Modern Family’s Ty Burrell: it’s Salt Lake’s version of a beer garden with more than 150 beers and a menu of house-made bratwursts, local breads, and Belgian fries.
Morning Grub
The Hub & Spoke Diner Restaurateur: Scott Evans’ fourth dining establishment offers Southern-influenced breakfast favorites such as Shrimp and Grits, Kentucky Hot Brown sandwiches, and Sweet Potato Pancakes.
Publik Coffee Roasters: Known for their single-origin roasted coffee and specialty toast made with local breads and jams. The chain just opened Publik Kitchen in the 9th and 9th neighborhood with a full breakfast and lunch menu.