Don’t Sleep on Salt Lake City- Recommendations from a Local
Salt Lake City was where I called home in the years after college. I have been back a couple times since moving away and I’m always amazed with the variety of options when it comes to food and things to do!
Hi! I’m Hayley, your bookish travel gal. I put hours of research into all my trips to make sure I visit some of the best places I can!
I started my travel Instagram (@bookmoretravels) in May of 2024. And while my insta content focuses on more bookish and nyc- I wanted another space to share all the fun places I go to!
In this post I wanted to share some of my favorite spots in the Salt Lake City area. I lived there for a couple years post college and had a great time!
Sipping my favorite martinis at The Red Door in SLC!
I vlogged my most recent back to SLC in May! I spent a week book shopping and visiting some of my favorite spots :)
Just a note-
There really are so many fun things to do in Salt Lake City. This is not a complete list. These are just a dozen of my absolute favorite things to see and do! If you want my complete guide to my favorite spots as a digital map for you to use on your travels, check out my member content for more!
Coffee/Tea
Coffee Garden
My favorite local coffee shop in Salt Lake City. Their menu is varied (including their selection of dietary friendly treats!) They have great seating and fast wifi. I like to start there before walking around the 9th and 9th area!
Tea Zaanti
Located in the Sugarhouse, this is my favorite tea shop in Salt Lake City! Their matcha lattes are the best I have ever tasted… the blueberry matcha latte especially! They also serve as a wine bar in the afternoons and evenings. It is a great place to either get some work done or meet up with friends! Check out their wine tastings and other events as well.
Restaurants
Caputo’s Market & Deli
The local Italian grocer is a mainstay in the SLC area. They have a huge selection of fine imported products and make tasty sandwiches as well. I loved going to their classes - everything for Tastes of Italy to wine pairings and more! They have several locations to check out, each with their own selection.
Monkey Wrench
I have tried a lot of vegan ice cream in my time and this is some of the best I have ever had. They have two locations- one in downtown and one near Liberty Park. They always have a selection of fun flavors. Try the lavender, tea and biscuits, or any of their seasonal flavors for a great experience!
Mr. Charlie's Chicken
This restaurant has better chicken fingers than Raising Canes- there, I said it. Plus they offer grilled chicken tenders which can be hard to find! I love their Mr. Charlie sauce and crinkle cut fries, along with some sweet tea.
Roc Taco
Roc Taco is one of my top three restaurants of all time. The atmosphere, the decor, the bopping playlist chefs kiss. This place has it all - on top of an amazing menu of fusion tacos! My go-tos are the tikka and the chancho. Their guac with pomegranate seeds is not to miss!
Vessel Kitchen
We liked this restaurant so much we had it catered for our wedding! Good wholesome food with something for everyone. Their Hash Hash bowl is a great start, but you can also build your own!
Breweries/Bars
The Red Door
This unassuming downtown bar is one of the best. They have dozens of martinis to try (okay they are not all martinis but they serve them in martini glass so it counts). My go to is the lavender martini and ginger saketini! Be careful, they can be strong!
Water Witch
Having this as our neighborhood bar was definitely a highlight. Not only do they win awards, but they also are a staple of the neighborhood. Such a cool vibe for a tiny place, and the drinks are out of this world!
Inciardi Print at City of Industry
Shopping
Bookstores!
Of course I love all the indie bookstores in the Salt Lake City area! I have so much to say about them that I have another blog post about them- read that here!
City of Industry
This store is perfect for all things crafty, cute home goods and stationery! I especially like the sticker wall with some classics! They also have an Inciardi Print Machine. This Brooklyn based artist has gained popularity with their $1 mini print vending machines around the country. The white whale print can be found here - a print of the local 9th and 9th (officially titled “Out of the Blue”) whale sculpture. I was so happy to pull it on my last visit!
Salt & Honey Market
Two floors of local and handmade products. I love shopping here for gifts and decor. They really have a little bit of everything! Go upstairs for their vintage selection and sale items. You can find some really good deals!
