Clay and I (and the two boys) just got back from a little fall getaway to Salt Lake City and Park City and SHEEESH! I had missed that place! So many great memories living there while going to college. I went to school at the University of Utah and those were some of my best years. The fall time there especially gets me feeling all nostalgic. I wanted to share a bunch of our favorite spots! We were only there for a few days and I was LONGING to just stay for a month and go back to each of our favorite spots. Alas, we couldn’t. haha So writing them down to share with YOU is making me feel a little less sad about that. ????
When writing this little Salt Lake City guide, I didn’t really realize how much FOOD I have been missing! We moved away from Salt Lake about 4 years ago… and when thinking back on EVERYTHING I wanted to share, most of it was the FOOD. HA! I also have to mention we stayed in Park City at the Marriott Mountainside Resort and it was SO nice! Right next to Main Street and Park City resort… the best location.
We were also there for Halloween… which explains Ezra’s batman mask. 🙂 I had never done Park City Main Street for Halloween in all the years I lived in Utah and I can’t believe I missed this! It was so much fun… everyone went ALL in costume and walked store to store where people were handing out candy. It was so cute. Also, it was during the day! Perfect for small kids AND you get to actually see everyone’s costumes! 
EATS
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Park Cafe
A Salt Lake City favorite! Be prepared to wait for weekend brunch. But don’t fret! It’s right across the street from Liberty Park. Take a stroll while you wait.
Gourmandise
Hit up this spot for lunch. The Balsamic Blueberry Grilled Cheese or the Cauliflower Tabbouleh. You will NOT be disappointed. But save room for dessert! That’s what this place is REALLY about.
Sawadees Thai Restaurant
This place will always have a spot in my heart. ???? This is where Clay and I had our second date. Where he ordered his food a #13 on a scale of #1-#10 spiciness. They did not refrain. He was SWEATING bullets and just trying to get through the meal. He thought he was being funny? Or impressive? It worked though, totally broke the ice… (or fire?) Anyway, this place is crazy good. Get the pineapple cashew fried rice and pad Thai. YUM!
Cafe Rio
This is just a Utah staple. 100% NON authentic Mexican food but 100% tasty. I get the pork tostada every time. Extra cilantro, house dressing.
Red Iguana
Rated best Mexican joint in SLC
Happy Sumo
Some of the best sushi I have ever had.
Eggs in the City
We used to stop by this place on the way up the mountain to snowboard… really great breakfast.
Eva
The best little tapas place! I was obsessed with this place in college… Clay would never go with me because he “hates small food” ???? But it is my faaaaaavorite. GO!
The Robin’s Nest
Best Sandwich in SLC IMO. I used to work in the Wells Fargo Building across the street and would walk here just about every day. It is UNREEEEAL.
The Pie
The famous University of Utah / SLC pizza joint.
Best Coffee Houses/Desserts
Gourmandise
This should also go here in the dessert section. Yummy pastries and baked goods… get the eclair or fruit tart!!!
Hatch’s Chocolates in the Avenues
The best hot chocolate in the state. Seriously… I’m pretty sure they won that award. Get it with peppermint, its unreal. Also, just the chocolate in general… handmade chocolates, chocolate covered oranges, chocolate marshmallows, you name it. The caramel apples are also ????????.
Eva’s Bakery
Cutest storefront and super yummy treats!
Nostalgia (Coffee House)
Best coffee house vibe for sure.
Les Madeleines
I used to go here with a girl friend of mine and just chat and chat. It is sooo good. Try the Kouing Aman. Wow.
Getting Out
9th and 9th in Sugarhouse
A quaint little corner with some really cute shops. The Children’s Hour is one of my favorites. A cute, eclectic shop, not just for kids!
City Creek Mall
Here you will find your basic mall shops but in a not so basic setting. Set right downtown across from temple square, this open air mall has a stream running through it. So pretty!
Park City Main Street
Park City is just a short 20-30 minute drive up the canyon from Salt Lake City. There is so much to do here, but my favorite is browsing downtown Main Street. Go walk through The Mercantile, Prospect or Flight Boutique… all my favorites.
Olympic Park
The Utah Olympic Park is a winter sports park built for the 2002 Winter Olympics… go check out all of the actives, especially the downhill tubing run and Alpine Slide. Great for adults + kids!
The “Heber Creeper”
We took Ezra on the train and he LOVED it! It is an old train set in beautiful Heber Valley. Take the train around the lake while listening to a fiddler and maybe even take part in a “train robbery”. HAHA! And if you are visiting in the winter time, be sure to check out tickets to do the Polar Express! It sounds magical. Santa Clause, pajamas, snow, hot chocolate… I know Ezra would be LOSING HIS MIND with excitement. 🙂
Ensign Peak
Get the best view of Salt Lake City from this gorgeous hike! Sits right above The Avenues, my old neighborhood… such a BEAUTIFUL setting.
Temple Square
Get to know the history of the city and what makes Salt Lake really special! Beautiful, serene, you won’t want to miss it.
Thanksgiving Point
A nonprofit complex housing gardens, an interactive farm, cafes, shops & the Museum of Ancient Life… so much to do here. They also have a Museum of Natural Curiosity especially for kids!
Happy and safe travels to you! I’d love for you to add your favorites in the comments section below!
Hahahaha I used to work at that dinosaur museum. And I agree, one of the best things about Utah is the food! I am still on the hunt for somewhere that has as good of food as Utah. New York City definitely does, but I hate living there so there’s that haha. Also thank you for all these recommendations! Just added a bunch more to my list 🙂