Salt Lake City’s Top 5 Food & Drink Spots: A Local’s Guide

So, you’re headed to Salt Lake City and wondering where to find some seriously amazing food and drink, huh? As I was saying, forget any preconceived notions; this isn’t just about fry sauce (though we really, really, love it!). We have this surprisingly varied culinary scene. Very few places really stand still, you know? As a matter of fact, SLC has something for every palate, as well as, from cozy cafes to stylish cocktail bars. Here are my top five spots to check out, clearly with some insights I’ve gained from many years of happily eating and drinking my way around town, too it’s almost!

1. Red Iguana: A Taste of Authentic Mexican Flavor

If there is just one restaurant that always comes up in any conversation about great food in Salt Lake, as a matter of fact, that’s got to be Red Iguana. Apparently, this family-owned establishment basically serves up some of the most authentic and, I have to say, downright delicious Mexican cuisine this side of the border. What I mean is, you might have to deal with long wait times – yet, it is entirely worth it, too it’s almost. I mean, you just need to try their moles, which are, of course, made from scratch daily and they’re really just a symphony of flavor in every single bite! Arguably, you won’t find this depth of savory complexity at the chain restaurants that much. Instead, there is just so much love in this spot. Basically, it comes through in everything they prepare. Don’t forget that the combination plates basically allow you to sample several moles at once. If you can’t decide, which, let’s be honest, you probably won’t be able to. Right, don’t miss the chance to grab a refreshing horchata or agua fresca. You’ll need that with their spicy options.

2. Pago: Farm-to-Table Freshness and Local Charm

Now, let’s switch gears to something, kind of, farm-fresh and, to be honest, that’s Pago. Right, if you want to experience what’s called that local food scene, I mean, this is it. So, they source basically all their ingredients from nearby farms and producers, too it’s almost. It really gives you a true taste of Utah. I’m just saying, the menu is constantly shifting. Yet, it is dependent on what’s in season, so, there’s always something kind of exciting and, well, new to try. That’s how you discover stuff you love. You know, you might want to check out the house-made pasta basically which is always a winner, as I was saying. Also, they are incredibly particular about the quality. Similarly to wine, if you ask them for pairing, like, their staff knows so much about, honestly, their selections, arguably, and what complements each dish perfectly that it is very amazing. Really, Pago is a fantastic choice if there is just any, like, special occasion, like, a date night or maybe you are, you know, you’re basically trying to impress someone. First, this is the kind of place where you basically just sit back, take a break, savor every single bite, okay? Right, I mean, you really understand what fresh actually means.

3. Bar X & Beer Bar: Double the Fun, Double the Flavor

So, why choose when you can just basically have it all, anyway? Basically, Bar X & Beer Bar are basically side-by-side establishments, honestly, which offer, basically, completely different experiences. Honestly, the both happen to be owned, still, by the same people (one of which is Ty Burrell from Modern Family). It is an odd coincidence, huh? I have to say, if you’re basically in the mood for craft cocktails in an atmosphere that, kind of, feels stylish as well as relaxed, well, Bar X is absolutely, seriously, your place. In fact, these guys know their stuff; so, these bartenders can make classic cocktails incredibly as well as, come up with their original creations too. The next door, to be honest, Beer Bar, does not hold back on serving, actually, an incredible range of beers from, basically, all around the world. If that is your style, right? Right, their sausages are all handmade and they are truly very, pretty amazing. Alright, grab a brat, you know, just basically pick a beer from their very long list, as well as, you’re basically all set. So, I usually bounce in the middle. Alright, from fancy cocktails to tasty brews. It’s all available.

4. Caputo’s Market & Deli: An Italian Food Lover’s Paradise

You want to get the actual tastes in Italy with, apparently, no plane ticket needed? I mean, if so, Caputo’s is absolutely where it’s at! You see, as a matter of fact, this amazing deli is, actually, an absolute gold mine of, basically, artisanal cheeses, okay?, you know cured meats, alright?, handmade chocolates, kind of, incredible olive oils, seriously, I could literally proceed forever, of course! The subs? Right, don’t even, I mean, get me even started on how awesome they are. You need, just, absolutely, try “The Caputo,” that, well, that really, has basically their signature sandwich which happens to be stacked with just this delicious combination of Italian meats. But it’s pretty much my usual to make, still, a trip for his pantry staples from them, still. And they happen to be stocked really well with a long list of things from, well, from the best balsamic vinegar to some great, too, it’s almost pasta. Right, basically Caputo’s has you kind of completely covered whether or not what I mean is you’re searching for an awesome lunch spot or maybe just to elevate you are doing some shopping on food, very!

5. Pretty Bird Chicken: Nashville Hot Chicken That Sings

Ok, alright, here it comes! If you’re kind of hunting for something that’s actually got this kind of a spicy kick, basically Pretty Bird Chicken truly needs, you know, a place on just kind of your list. It seems that, this is, you know, a popular spot. Well, as a matter of fact, I can tell you. I mean, with this particular emphasis that seems pretty strong at them delivering, as I was saying, those delicious Nashville-style hot chicken. So basically, if you can get to select your level on heat which seems like its coming with this ‘ mild” that happens to be “extra hot,” thus, truly, just to prepare these lips! Anyway, don’t forget to complete that actual dish right? I mean, by getting kind of one on his sides too, actually. So this will often range just to come with some incredible slaw also. Like seriously. You could also just get this with mac which tends, though I swear, could be with pretty tasty. If anything, very awesome is what I say on all on his tastes so you can totally have it, more or less, just for some meal, yet if there may be, possibly it must to just be that for quick thing you grabbed just prior kind of this on, you know, your way back home? Well just get one of those chickies out, pretty!