Simple and to the point might be the M.O. for some folks in Salt Lake, but not so for the culinary minds flocking there to concoct the “next best” food hot spot. The city likes to get creative with everything from burgers to potato casseroles, and they do it oh-so-well. These are some of the places you definitely shouldn’t miss when you’re in the Beehive capital. Slide through our image gallery and page down for fuller descriptions. [metaslider id=97176009] Rich’s Burgers-n-Grub 30 East Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84111; (801) 355-0667 Take Rich’s Burgers-n-Grub. The shop opened nine years ago, and while it’s a haven for locals, visitors might miss it because of its understated placement in a small storefront. From the crowd-pleasing mac ‘n’ cheese burger to the show-stopping garlic burger (delicious, but not a good date night choice), it’s impossible for these guys to make anything less than an incredible burger. Rich himself walked us through how their signature sandwich gets made. (Note: Napkin required for viewing) Pago 878 900 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84102; (801) 532-0777; pagoslc.com Not to be overshadowed are some of the city’s loftier sites like Pago (), located in the Sugar House neighborhood of Salt Lake City. Some might liken the area surrounding Pago to the East Nashville or Mission District of Salt Lake, and it’s clear why — with its farmers markets, vintage thrift stores and bike shops. In a similar vein, Pago specializes in local, farm-to-table cuisine, featuring a menu that rotates with the seasons. (Editor’s note: If you get there before the summer/fall menu sets in, the pork sugo and arctic char are the way to go.) While Pago’s got a substantial wine offering, don’t overlook their cocktails. They make some of the best in town. MORE: The Hippest Bars in Salt Lake City Bambara 202 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101; (801) 363-5454 The Hotel Monaco’s fine dining Bambara offers a luxe outlet for those travelers looking to indulge. Did someone say blue cheese potato chips? Yes, yes we did. While you’re there, take a walk around the hotel itself and soak in the interesting design of the famous space. The Garage on Beck 1199 Beck St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103; (801) 521-3904 Who would have thought that a dish popularized by funerals—yes, funerals —would become a staple of local cuisine? In Mormon tradition, a casserole referred to as “funeral potatoes” is one of the dishes brought to the home of a fellow church-goer in mourning. Once you try them, it will become clear why restaurants have tried their hand at creating unique versions. The winner in our eyes? The Garage. Their take involves frying the casserole in balls and serving them with another Salt Lake City specialty known as “fry sauce.” The Garage’s menu offers three different kinds (including a vegetarian option!), but we’re partial to the classic. In the warmer months, you can even eat them outside in the bar/restaurant’s ample outdoors space. Eva’s Bakery 155 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101; (801) 355-3942 If you have a sweet tooth (heck, if you have a savory tooth), look out for Eva’s Bakery. You’ll wonder how anyone manages to have just one of their famous kouign-amann (pronounced queen ah-MAHN) buns. (Editor’s note: if you do figure it out, let us know how.) For more personalized must-dos in Salt Lake, check out our “build your own itinerary” tool. Here’s an interactive map with a complete roundup of the gnoshes we highly recommend. Click on the tablet icon in the top left corner to reveal the full list, and click on each one for location details.
