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• Cover illustration by Clint Burlap

• Clint Burlap
• Hearty eating at the Hog Wallow Pub

Best Aprés-Ski
The Hog Wallow Pub
Aprés the local way at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Those in the know avoid the dreaded "red snake" of traffic by bouncing before the late-afternoon rush, opting to head down for post-ski drinks at Hog's. The roaring fireplace and hand-carved wooden beams conjure cozy cabin vibes, and the menu features hearty dishes like slow-roasted pork, ribs and smoked wings. Good luck eating that well at the resort.
thehogwallow.com
2. Cotton Bottom Inn
3. Porcupine Pub & Grille

Best African Restaurant
Mahider Ethiopian Restaurant & Market
When your mouth gets bored and lonely, a remedy can be found at Mahider Ethiopian Restaurant. Offering authentic dishes with often surprising seasoning combinations, Mahider might also provide you with your next new comfort food. Large enough to feed its broad customer base, Mahider is also small enough to make you feel like you've just personally discovered it.
mahiderethiopian.com
2. Kafe Mamai
3. Balabe

Best All You Can Eat Restaurant
Chuck-A-Rama
Chuck-A-Rama is one of those local spots that is so uniquely Utahn that we can't help but fall in love with it. Its inspiration comes from the worlds of pioneer heritage, Boy Scouts and an abiding love for putting gravy on everything that speaks directly to Utahns' souls. And who doesn't love the Chuck's thematic menus? Visiting on Italian Day is one of the best things about living in the Beehive State.
chuck-a-rama.com
2. Mr. Shabu
3. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

Best American Diner
Ruth's Diner
In a mere six years, Ruth's Diner will be 100 years old. This is a restaurant that has served almost ten decades' worth of Utah diners, and it's not showing any signs of stopping. With mile-high biscuits, an excellent woodsy patio and a chocolate malt pudding to die for, Ruth's Diner may just be the best American diner in the country, let alone Utah.
ruthsdiner.com
2. Vertical Diner
3. Over the Counter Cafe

Best Appetizer Menu
Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen
Proving they can hang with the likes of their sister locations in the Bourbon Group, Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen serves up some tasty eats to begin your meal, or order several and graze. Try the deviled eggs with duck cracklings or the loaded potatoes with bacon and hollandaise; your palette will thank you.
franklinaveslc.com
2. Prohibition
3. The Bayou

Best Bar Bathroom
Quarters Arcade Bar (Downtown Salt Lake City)
Oftentimes, the bathroom is the real and almighty judge of an establishment's character, effort and cleanliness. Lucky for them, Quarters Arcade Bar hits these checkpoints with high marks all around. Even if you haven't had the pleasure of powdering your nose at the downtown location, you've certainly seen the bright neon lights reflecting pink across the mirror that reads, "Don't Let The Bastards Get You Down." Here, here!
quartersslc.com/downtown
2. Lake Effect
3. Prohibition

Best Bar in Salt Lake County
A Bar Named Sue
If you are venturing outside of downtown, A Bar Named Sue has a good crowd that isn't too loud to socialize. With 26 beers on tap, it is a great place for a low-key drink and live music. There are also karaoke nights, free bar games, UFC and weekly events with cash prizes. Truly a bar that has it all.
abarnamedsue.com
2. Prohibition
3. The Hog Wallow Pub

Best Bar Bingo
A Bar Named Sue
Breaking Bingo takes place Thursday nights at 8 p.m. at A Bar Named Sue. There is up to a $3,000 Jackpot, which is a chance to win some serious money. With their large selection of beers on tap, this is the best place to come with some friends on a weeknight if you are feeling lucky.
abarnamedsue.com
2. Good Spirits Bar & Grill
3. Why KiKi

Best Bar in Downtown Salt Lake City
Lake Effect
This is not your regular bar—you won't find a selection of alcohol like theirs anywhere else in the city! Plus, we're all about their regular local music celebrations on the main level. Elevate your nightlife experience in "Church," their heavenly club upstairs where cocktails are your holy elixir and dancing is the divine ritual, or "The Rabbit Hole," their enigmatic basement speakeasy, where the atmosphere keeps you happily lost in time.
lakeeffectslc.com
2. Why KiKi
3. The Green Pig Pub

Best Bar Menu
White Horse Spirits & Kitchen
Dominating the top spot for their elevated bar menu once again, White Horse Spirits & Kitchen boldly goes where other bar menus do not. From the fried stuffed olives filled with chorizo, almonds and cream cheese to the Oyster Po' Boy, go for the food and stay for the food.
whitehorseslc.com
2. Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen
3. The Bayou

• Courtesy photo
• Pizza at Red Rock Brewing

Best Brewery Food
Red Rock Brewing (Fashion Place Mall)
With a delicious beer already in hand, the good folks at Red Rock Brewing know that there's something else that may enter your thoughts: food. On this, they've got you covered. Red Rock at Fashion Place offers full plates of goodness plus smaller items. What complements a glass of beer better than some beer-battered pickle chips or blistered shishito peppers? Well, spiral cut fries! Or roasted Brussels sprouts. Or multiple other delightfully-noshable treats.
redrockbrewing.com
2. Squatters Pub Brewery
3. Bohemian

• Courtesy photo
• Spinach artichoke dip

Best Brewpub
Squatters Pub Brewery
A local favorite with award-winning beers in a casual atmosphere. It can fill up quickly, so make a reservation and bring a group of friends. The happy hour food and drinks are well worth the price. Make sure to try the cheese curds, fried pickles, Brussels sprouts and sweet potato fries.
saltlakebrewingco.com/squatters
2. Red Rock Brewing (Downtown Salt Lake City)
3. Hopkins Brewing Company

Best Bar Patio
The Hog Wallow Pub
Maybe it's the misters, maybe it's the mules, but the patio at The Hog Wallow always seems to feel about 10 degrees cooler than the rest of the city on sweltering days. You can find a secluded table tucked among the pines on its mutli-level patio, and listen to the waterfall babbling in the background.
thehogwallow.com
2. Gracie's
3. Ivy & Varley

Best Barbecue Restaurant
Pica Rica BBQ
This well-regarded St. George restaurant is known for big portions, which come accompanied by an absolutely masterful set of sides, including mac 'n' cheese, potato salad and Spanish rice, among other options. With St. George being a popular daytrippin' location for Salt Lakers, this spot's built a dedicated clientele of locals and those willing to travel a bit for some amazing BBQ fare.
picaricabbq.com
2. Pat's Barbecue
3. Charlotte-Rose's Carolina BBQ

Best Brazilian Restaurant
Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse
Gostoso Demais! A good Brazilian steakhouse—or "churrascaria"—will change the way you look at meat, with its frenzy of tableside offerings, sizzling hot and cut fresh from a skewer. And nobody has done it better for longer on this side of the equator than Rodizio Grill. Pro tips: put some farofa on your feijoada; try the chicken heart; and never say "no" to the grilled pineapple.
rodiziogrill.com/salt-lake-city
2. Braza Grill
3. Tucanos Brazilian Grill

Best Bread Bakery
Vosen's Bread Paradise
Visit Vosen's downtown location or catch them at the Downtown Farmer's Market for the best bread money can buy. You'll find staples like sourdough rounds, French baguettes and rolls, but their niche is German loaves and pastries. Think more varieties of rye than you've ever seen in your life alongside salt pretzels, bratwurst buns and croiliners—a cross between a croissant and a berliner—filled with raspberry jam or maple.
vosen.com
2. Table X Bread
3. Great Harvest Bread Co. (Holladay)

Best Breakfast
The Park Cafe
The Park Cafe understands that to create comfort, there's no use in reinventing the wheel. Instead, perfect the way it turns. Hot coffee pipes in pots, eggs are fried to yolky perfection and placed atop a warm bed of hashbrowns, onions and peppers. Berry preserves sit proudly on every table, just waiting to coat warm sourdough toast. This isn't a place you visit once and forget about: you come back again and again.
theparkcafeslc.com
2. Eggs In The City
3. Ruth's Diner

Best Breakfast in the Canyon
Ruth's Diner
What's better than breakfast? A breakfast enjoyed amidst the crisp air and natural slopes of Utah's Emigration Canyon, that's what. Considering that Ruth's Diner combines two delightful things into a single experience and does it supremely well, it's a wonder that we aren't all lined up outside that historic diner's trolley car entrance every morning for a bite of sweet or savory—but always scenic—perfection.
ruthsdiner.com
2. Silver Fork Lodge And Restaurant
3. Emigration Brewing Co.

Best Brewery
Templin Family Brewing
T. F. Brewing poured its first beer in 2018, but in a short time it's made quite a name for itself. From its award-winning flagship Granary Kellerbier to its more recent libations, T.F. Brewing has excelled in the German way of making beer. All their brews are fermented in an open-air style, 15-barrel brewhouse attached to the tap room. Plus, they have food trucks and a dog-friendly patio. We'll prost to that!
tfbrewing.com
2. Fisher Brewing Company
3. Bohemian Brewery

Best Brunch: Bar
Prohibition
Fresh, inventive and mysterious. We have so many adjectives to describe Prohibition, but perhaps most simply of all, it's delicious. This speakeasy boasts a great brunch—and if you've spent five minutes in Utah, you'd know brunch is set at a high bar. Some of our favorites include the Bourbon Caramel French Toast or the chilaquiles. We also recommend you pair it with one of their many exciting and creative brunch cocktails.
prohibitionutah.com
2. Why KiKi
3. Handle Bar

• Courtesy photo
• Powdered sugar beignets

Best Brunch: Casual
Sunday's Best
Bursting from the creative minds of Michael McHenry and Tyler Stokes, Sunday's Best strives to be the popping, vibrant place that had been so desperately craved in Utah for quite some time. Open daily for brunch, Sunday's Best curates their menu seasonally to keep pace with the shifting trends among brunch-goers. A staple at the restaurant is the powdered sugar beignets, served with housemade jam.
brunchmehard.com
2. Oasis Cafe
3. Roots Cafe

Best Brunch: Special Occasion
The Grand America Hotel
Experience the artistry of chef-led cooking and carving stations, savor a specially curated selection for young gourmets, and indulge in luxurious desserts displayed in a tempting array that is not to be missed, no matter how full you are from other foods. It is only for special occasions, no?
grandamerica.com
2. Urban Hill
3. Mar Muntanya

Best Chef
Chef Tyson Peterson, Mar Muntanya
As a Utah native, chef Tyson Peterson brings nostalgia from his Utah roots into his work, like the funeral croquettes that he fuses with a Northern Spanish flair. Along with the appealingly familiar, you will find cultural inspirations from the Basque Country and Catalonia harmoniously incorporated into the menu as well—all of it composed by Peterson with finesse.
mar-muntanya.com
2. Giuseppe Mirenda, Antica Sicilia
3. Nick Zocco, Urban Hill

Best Chinese Restaurant
Mandarin
For nearly 50 years, this culinary treasure in Bountiful has provided consistently delicious food and a diverse menu that fills you up without weighing you down. Their servers are bright, informed and have great suggestions based on what you have liked in the past. This iconic spot is a community staple and you need it in your mouth right now.
mandarinutah.com
2. Shanghai Café
3. Hong Kong Tea House

Best Cidery
Second Summit Hard Cider Co.
Two words: pickleball courts. Where else can you play everyone's new favorite sport and enjoy local hard ciders on draft? Not to mention tons of local beers, cider cocktails and non-alcoholic offerings alongside house-made paninis and flatbreads. And if pickleball isn't your thing, Second Summit also hosts game nights, including trivia, bingo and cornhole leagues, live music and community events.
secondsummitcider.com
2. Mountain West Cider
3. Scion Cider Bar

• Courtesy photo
• Some happy guests at HandleBar’s patio

Best Dog-Friendly Patio Bar
HandleBar
Located in a scenic pocket of the Marmalade neighborhood, HandleBar has found the perfect place for a dog-friendly bar, located juuuust far away that even a couple of noisy canines aren't going to upset the neighbors. Generally, though, folks bring well-behaved dogs to this venue, which features a big patio. Add in a solid food menu and a full-service bar and you've got yourself a very solid dog- (and human-)friendly experience.
handlebarslc.com
2. Second Summit Hard Cider Co.
3. The Brickyard Bar

Best Dance Club
Why KiKi
Why Kiki revolutionized what it means to dance in downtown Salt Lake. Spearheading the silent disco movement, they turned an otherwise ordinary DJ set into a scene from Saturday Night Fever. Pumping music you can control—and therefore can never get bored of—Why Kiki will keep your cup full and your moves fast and loose. This club is for everyone: so be yourself, put on your red shoes and dance away the blues.
whykikibar.com
2. Area 51
3. Sky SLC

Best Dive Bar
Duffy's Tavern
This is a bar that feels welcoming to Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z alike. It has cozy booths, darts, pool tables and a friendly staff and crowd. Not only are the drinks inexpensive (which is important these days), but the sandwiches at Duffy's Tavern are really up to the hype.
duffystavernslc.com
2. Cheers 2 U
3. Dick N' Dixie's

Best DJ
DJ Bangarang
Bangarang is a well-known face in our community. You can catch him DJing downtown at Sky SLC and London Belle, as well as in Park City at the Downstairs PC and The Cabin PC. His open-format style and versatile mixing means there is something for everyone to dance along to! Keep up with his busy schedule on social media.
IG: @bangarangthedj
2. DJ Sheade
3. DJ Matty Mo

Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant
Hell's Backbone
Dining on farm-raised food at Hell's Backbone is an entirely different experience from the norm—one that's deeply connected to the land. Jen Castle and Blake Spalding have truly crafted something extraordinary in this corner of Utah. Before you leave, be sure to stop by their charming stand, where they offer an array of homemade goods to take with you.
hellsbackbonegrill.com
2. Urban Hill
3. Arlo Restaurant

• Courtesy photo
• Loaded chicken cheese fries

Best Food Truck
Cluck Truck
Hatched in 2018, the Cluck Truck has been making local foodies excited about its simple yet satisfying menu ever since. With a handful of wraps and a few different fry options, the Cluck Truck packs a lot of punch in a smaller menu, with fans finding their great products at food truck meet-ups and outside of local brewpubs. There's some magic on every plate that comes out of the Cluck Truck mobile kitchen.
clucktruckutah.com
2. Salt City Barbecue
3. Bacio D' Italia Food Truck

Best Fine Dining
Urban Hill
Urban Hill's Executive Chef Nick Zocco was recognized as a finalist this year for Best Chef by the James Beard Foundation, though taking home a Best Fine Dining win by thousands of Best of Utah voters ekes out honors in our book. Zocco ascribes a touch of brilliance to his creations, and it's no surprise that Urban Hill has shot up into the top-tier lists of restaurants in Utah so quickly.
urban-hill.com
2. Antica Sicilia
3. Table X

Best Food Hall
HallPass
This upscale food court has so many different options. You can try skinnyFATS, which has a mix of fried and healthy food (such as fried pickles); Blaze of Thunder for southern fried chicken; or Hog & Tradition for Dominican BBQ just to name a few! When visiting the Gateway check out their entire selection and bring the whole family because there is something here for everyone.
hallpassslc.com
2. Woodbine Food Hall
3. Chinatown Supermarket

Best Food Influencer on Social Media
SLCFoodie
Garnering thousands of engagements on their Instagram through their 200,000-plus followers, @SLCFoodie is constantly on the hunt to shine a spotlight on Utah eateries—it's a great resource for Utahns to find the deserving hole-in-the-wall or, at minimum, make your mouth water while you doom scroll. Not on Instagram? You can find SLCFoodie every Tuesday on Fox 13 for a segment.
2. Gastronomic SLC
3. Phoking

Best French Restaurant
La Caille
Take one serving of Pyrenees estate, add a soupcon of Loire valley and a dash of Utahn ingenuity, and you have La Caille Restaurant. The experience begins before you enter the manse by strolling through its sumptuous grounds. Inside, La Caille presents French decor that, while whimsical, isn't overdone, a bar and a winery that feature regular offerings as well as La Caille's own Estate Chareau Rose and Enchante.
lacaille.com
2. Laurel Brasserie & Bar
3. Delice Bakery & Cafe

• Courtesy photo
• The Saganaki by Manoli’s

Best Greek Food
Manoli's
As a James Beard Award semifinalist and winner of this category last year as well, Manoli's continues to dominate for a good reason. From seasonal shareable bites that appeal to all types of eaters to house-made soft serve ice cream, you can't go wrong with anything on this menu. All dishes are made from scratch.
manolison9th.com
2. Greek Souvlaki
3. The Other Place Restaurant

• Clint Burlap
• Chicken makhani

Best Indian Restaurant
Mumbai House
When you walk into Mumbai House, you are met with delicious aromas that will simply make your mouth water. They boast a tasty lamb dhaba and chicken curry that use old traditions in preparation of these dishes. The dark, intimate space and welcoming service makes it a great place for a romantic date!
mumbaihousecuisine.com
2. Bombay House
3. Saffron Valley

Best Gentlemen's Club
Molly's Gemini Room
Molly's wishes you to know it's not an old-fashioned strip club, but something more elevated. Though geared towards gentlemen, it's a female-owned establishment, where "respect, fun, and safety move hand in hand." Offering a Renaissance-like vibe, Molly's isn't the same kinda club your grandpop visited after working in the Carbon County mines. It's a modern joint, though the appeals are universal and time-tested, to be sure.
mollysgeminiroom.com
2. Duces Wild
3. Trails

Best German Restaurant
Siegfried's Delicatessen
Nothing embodies the phrase "sehr gut" better than this casual deli/import store located within the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Whether it's the meats, the spaetzle, the sauerkraut or the pastries you're after, you will neither leave this venerable establishment disappointed, nor will you go unfilled. Seriously, how lucky can we be to have had this treasure in our midst since 1971?
siegfriedsdelicatessen.com
2. Weller's Bistro
3. Bohemian Brewery

Best Health-Conscious Cuisine
Vessel Kitchen
When other fast-casual restaurants were churning out variations on rice bowls and taco salads, Vessel gambled on making a balanced meal. How many of us have turned to Vessel when we're on the lookout for something to break our burger and pizza habits? This local spot has redefined the landscape by crafting dishes that are not only tasty, but put all our moms at ease by making sure we eat our veggies.
vesselkitchen.com
2. Aubergine Kitchen
3. Zest Kitchen & Bar

Best Hotel Restaurant
Bambara
When a restaurant is so good that diners go nuts for its potato chips, then it's already set a pretty high bar for itself. Luckily, constant innovation and commitment to quality are two of the driving forces behind Bambara's success. Just like the Hotel Monaco itself, Bambara prides itself on cultivating a classic aesthetic with a modern spin—and you literally can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
bambara-slc.com
2. Laurel Brasserie & Bar
3. Mar Muntanya

Best Indian Lunch Buffet
Himalayan Kitchen
Himalayan recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary, a testament to the love Utahns have for this welcoming establishment. The traditional Indian and Nepalese eatery is full of flavors, mouth-watering aromas, warm naan and sizzling Tandoori grills. The sizable lunch buffet has all of the Indian favorites and other delicious must-try house specialties.
himalayankitchen.com
2. Saffron Valley (South Jordan)
3. Kathmandu Grill

Best Italian Restaurant
Sicilia Mia
"When Sicilia Mia first opened in 2014, there was nobody with a traditional Italian menu," chef Giuseppe Mirenda told City Weekly earlier this year. "We kind of raised the bar a bit for everybody to follow." That's certainly an understatement, as Sicilia Mia's delectable offerings—from arancinette appetizers to seafood to housemade meatballs and, of course, plenty of amazing pasta—continue to delight diners a decade later.
siciliamiautah.com
2. Caffé Molise
3. Fratelli Ristorante

Best Japanese Restaurant
Sapa
Traditional dishes share space with amazing fusion cuisine—and a gorgeous setting—at Sapa. Whether your taste runs to classic sushi rolls or nigiri offerings, or you like getting adventurous with a squid salad, or you want to try out something like wok-seared filet mignon, Sapa combines all of the best Asian flavors under one roof. You can even have an "all you can eat" sushi roll experience during mid-week happy hour.
sapabarandgrill.com
2. Takashi
3. Kyoto Japanese Restaurant

Best Karaoke
Highlander Pub
Liquid courage can take the edge off one's first-time fears of singing in public, but it isn't always necessary at Highlander Pub. They're always willing to help you sort through an enormous music collection to find something in the right key. And the patrons? Supportive and welcoming, they don't care if you are a trained opera singer or have a voice only a mother could love. At Highlander, you've found your people.
highlanderutah.com
2. OMG! Karaoke With Queen Chanty
3. Drag Karaoke W/ Sequoia @ Blue Gene's

• Courtesy photo
• Performers at Why KiKi

Best LGBTQ+ Bar
Why KiKi
Why KiKi has fabulous drag shows, including drag bingo nights! They also host great drag brunches, and have a silent disco downstairs to switch it up. Truly a safe place for our queer community and all those who love a good time with a few racy items on the menu. Check out the outside for a come-as-you-are beach bar.
whykikibar.com
2. The Sun Trapp
3. M I L K +

Best Korean Barbecue
KOU-Korean BBQ Of Utah
The Korean BBQ experience is interactive, allowing customers to cook the meat themselves on grills built into the tables. The dining experience at KOU goes a step further with offerings of high-quality bulgogi, pork and chicken. The communal dining atmosphere is exciting and enjoyable here. Plus, they offer a discounted all-you-can-eat happy hour price until 4 p.m.
thekou.com
2. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
3. OMBU Grill

Best Latin/South American Restaurant
Arempas
For lovers of Venezuelan food, this laidback eatery offers authentic and delicious food options. Along with their specialities like arepas and cachapas, there are also many vegetarian options. Arempas has large portions, which makes it well worth the price and practically guarantees that if you go, it will not be your last time. Open until 10 p.m., so it even makes it a great late-night bite to eat.
arempas.com
2. Las Botellas
3. El Rocoto Peruvian Restaurant

Best Local Fast Food Franchise
Crown Burgers
There are plenty of local burger joints that Utah can be proud of, but none of them have been as influential to Utah's culinary identity as Crown Burgers. The restaurant's fry sauce and its signature pastrami burger are Utah originals, often finding their way to national best burger lists all over the internet. The fact that Crown Burgers has been this good since 1978 makes it nothing short of a local legend.
crown-burgers.com
2. The Pie Pizzeria
3. Hires Big H

Best Mexican Restaurant
Red Iguana
This family-run Mexican restaurant is best known for its different kinds of mole. It is genuinely the closest moles to Puebla or Oaxaca you will find in Salt Lake City. There are also gluten-free options and a kid's menu. This is a great place for your next birthday party or family outing.
rediguana.com
2. La Casa Del Tamal
3. Chile-Tepin

• Courtesy photo
• VIOLET’s Mahi Mahi Sando

Best Neighborhood Restaurant
VIOLET
Tucked quaintly amongst houses and small business, VIOLET brings food aplenty to anyone who happened upon a neighborhood stroll. Adding quirky twists to otherwise run-of-the-mill snacks—like pickled beet deviled eggs and Captain Crunch-fried french toast, burnt butter pancakes or mahi-mahi sandos—they provide a perfect cap and exciting alternative to an otherwise dog day Saturday morning on the same old street.
violet-slc.com
2. Oquirrh Restaurant
3. The Dodo Restaurant

Best Middle Eastern Restaurant
Mazza
For more than 20 years, Mazza has been a dazzling gem in the community as the go-to Middle Eastern cuisine. A must-try during any Mazza visit are the Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs, which are seasoned and braised in their signature tomato pomegranate sauce. Along with the impressive food fare, Mazza has an extensive imported wine and beer list.
mazzacafe.com
2. Laziz Kitchen
3. Alhambra Shawarma

Best Neighborhood Bar
Dick N' Dixie's
The appeals of Dick N' Dixie's are many. There's a fantastic selection of liquors on the back bar and a beer list that goes waaaay beyond the average corner bar. Though late nights are fun, the happy hours are really special, as local wags talk about books and state politics, music fans kill time before shows at Urban Lounge and billiards are shot. Welcoming and unpretentious, this is a top-flight tavern.
dickndixies.com
2. Handle Bar
3. The Hog Wallow Pub

Best New Bar
Felt Bar & Eatery
Rich Romney was Takashi's general manager and right-hand man for decades, assisting the restaurant in opening Post Office Place. Now, Romney is ready to kick off the training wheels, fulfill his passion and open the city's latest bar, Felt Bar & Eatery. The eclectic menu has a global influence and offers stunning presentations, while the craft cocktails are totally unique and creative. Congratulations, Rich!
feltslc.com
2. Second Summit Hard Cider Co.
3. HK Brewing Collective Taproom & Bar

Best New Restaurant
Koyoté
Before Koyoté hit the scene, Utahns were doing quite well for themselves when it came to ramen. So well, in fact, that we all lost our collective minds when we experienced this north Salt lake gem for the first time. How a place could be this good right out of the gate was beyond any of us—but we sure have enjoyed slurping noodles at Kotyoté's bar.
koyoteslc.com
2. VIOLET
3. Matteo Ristorante Italiano

• Josh Scheuerman
• Talib Kwali

Best Nightclub for Live Music
Urban Lounge
Let's just state the obvious here: there are a variety of great music rooms in town and your choice of a favorite may come down to your preferences for elbow room or general booking policies. Urban Lounge offers all the needed elements of a fine venue, with friendly staff, an impressive calendar of artists, outdoor shows on occasion and, most importantly, a sound system that fills the room without a tinnitus warning attached.
theurbanloungeslc.com
2. Sky SLC
3. Soundwell

Best Nightclub DJ Line-Up
Sky SLC
Sky SLC has been a music venue with consistently great DJ lineups for more than a decade. They always host the biggest DJs in the electronic music industry and have invested in great speakers and visuals for an all-around fun night out with friends. The newer rooftop bar has added to the overall vibe of the venue. Stay in the loop of who is playing there and go check it out yourself!
skyslc.com
2. Why KiKi
3. M I L K +

Best Ogden Bar
Harp and Hound
Harp and Hound touts itself as "Ogden's hippest original speakeasy," and who doesn't want to hang out in a speakeasy like it's 1924 instead of 2024? This upscale gastropub will have you coming back again and again for their large menu selection (including vegan options), great service and premium cocktails. It's the perfect place for a hearty dinner or delightful brunch.
harphound.com
2. Funk 'n Dive Bar
3. Brewski's

Best Ogden Dive Bar
Funk 'n Dive Bar
While bar-hopping in O-town, you have a few options, but be sure to include Funk 'n Dive while you're out and about. It has everything you could need for a great night out: scrumptious food, top-notch service and lively atmosphere. Come hang out in a cool, historical building and enjoy weekly events like poker and trivia, or a live show from great local talent.
funkanddive.com
2. Brewski's
3. Shooting Star Saloon

Best Ogden Restaurant
Tona Sushi Bar and Grill
Historic 25th Street is home to many great eateries, but if you're in the mood for sophisticated and innovative Japanese cuisine, look no further than Tona. It never disappoints with its top notch service, cozy location and, of course, the fantastic food. With plenty of dishes to choose from, Tona will have you coming back again and again to try something new, or to reorder your favorite.
tonarestaurant.com
2. Slackwater
3. The Sonora

• Clint Burlap
• Old-school fare at Hires Drive-In

Best Old-School Drive-In
Hires Big H
Founded in 1959, the period in which American drive-ins enjoyed their greatest cultural cachet, Hires offers all the expected (and desired) menu items of its kin: burgers, dogs, ice cream, root beer and chili. And, in theory, you could go to Hires and not order fries with a side of fry sauce, but what fun would that be? This place is authentic, the real deal.
hiresbigh.com
2. Iceberg Drive Inn (3900 South)
3. Millie's Burgers

Best Old-Timey Cafe
Left Fork Grill
Free of the needless flash and frills of more modern eateries, this Salt Lake City diner nevertheless offers food that appeals to hungry layperson and gourmet alike. Whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, you will find their classic home cooking to be both tasty as well as filling. Just make sure you leave enough room for one of their pies!
leftforkgrillslc.com
2. Midvale Mining Cafe & Catering
3. Virg's

Best Park City Bar
No Name Saloon
Year after year, No Name Saloon rises to the top of the mountain in the competitive Park City bar pecking order. It's easy to see why—it's inviting for visitors and locals alike, and the vast space is ideal for any outing. The warmer months are a blast on the terraces and rooftops, while the indoor facilities are cozy and inviting during the winter.
nonamesaloon.com
2. High West Distillery
3. O'Shucks Bar & Grill

Best Pizza: Ogden
Lucky Slice Pizza
The year: 2012. The place: Ogden's Historic 25th Street. The food: some of the best damn pizza around town. What started as a hole-in-the-wall spot in downtown Ogden has become a staple for multiple cities as they continue to sling delicious 'za to the fine residents of Utah. You can't go wrong with their delectable NY-style pizza, bomb wings and delicious desserts.
theluckyslice.com
2. Slackwater
3. The Pie Pizzeria (Ogden)

Best Pizza: Park City
Este Pizza Park City
Experience the essence of authentic New York style pizza in the heart of Park City at Este Pizza. The hand-tossed, thin-crust pizzas have quality baked into every bite. Our favorite is the Italian Flag, a ricotta and pesto striped pie topped with fresh garlic, oregano and mozzarella cheese. Along with the in-store offerings, Este has "take and bake" lasagnas and pizzas for an easy home meal.
estepizzaparkcity.com
2. Maxwell's
3. Davanza's

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• Baja striped bass and herb salad at Table X

Best Restaurant in the Salt Lake Valley
Table X
Table X has an open kitchen, so you can watch the culinary squad work their magic right in front of you. Chef Mike blends old-school techniques with fresh, contemporary spin like a pro. And the menu? Don't get too comfortable, because it's constantly evolving to showcase whatever's in season. Pro tip: If you can snag a seat in the garden, you're basically living your best life.
tablexrestaurant.com
2. Urban Hill
3. Valter's Osteria

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• Familial elegance at Urban Hill

Best Restaurant Atmosphere
Urban Hill
The key to building a top-shelf restaurant in the heart of a bustling dining scene? Family. Proprietor Brooks Kirchheimer says, "We want a family atmosphere to extend to our associates and guests, to ensure a fun, inviting, amazing experience for all." With sister restaurant Hearth and Hill shoring things up in Park City, Urban Hill's incredible team has become the standard of excellence in both locales.
urban-hill.com
2. Antica Sicilia
3. Kimi's Chop & Oyster House

Best Pizza: Salt Lake Valley
The Pie Pizzeria
Honest question: How many current U of U students wanted to enroll there because it was so close to The Pie's location? I'm sure the answer wouldn't be very surprising at all. With its solid track record of consistency, seasonal pizzas and world class dine-in vibes, The Pie has been—and will hopefully continue to be—one of our local comfort food fixtures for years.
thepie.com
2. Bricks Corner
3. Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana

Best Pizza: Utah County
Via 313 Pizza
The only sad thing about this pizza is that it is not available everywhere. We have heard of Chicago deep dish, but this was the first time we had heard of Detroit-style pizza. We crave it and dream about it. And for you gluten-free & vegan folks, they have you covered—this pizza tastes so delicious and fluffy you'll ask your server multiple times if it is actually gluten-free.
via313.com
2. Brick Oven
3. Fat Daddy's Pizzeria

Best Place for Late-Night Grub
Pie Hole
Pie Hole offers up food from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., covering the key 16 hours a day in which people want (make that need) a bit of sustenance. Who among us hasn't seen a Japanese punk band at the International Lounge, only to realize you forgot to grab dinner on the way there? This is the moment in which Pie Hole shines, an oasis of sights, sounds and smells.
pieholeutah.com
2. Arempas
3. Betos Mexican Food (Millcreek)

Best Restaurant in Downtown SLC
Urban Hill
With a James Beard Foundation 2024 Best Chef finalist nomination for Nick Zocco, this upscale American and international regional cuisine eatery by restaurateur Brooks Kirchheimer has made a lasting impression on diners. It is the perfect ambiance for special occasions or just a Tuesday night out. Don't sleep on the wood-fired steaks.
urban-hill.com
2. Takashi
3. The Copper Onion

Best Restaurant in Park City
Hearth and Hill
Since its 2017 inception, Hearth and Hill has quickly climbed the leaderboard of best restaurants not only in Park City, but all of Utah. The rapid ascension for Hearth and Hill can be attributed to many factors, such as their promise to source locally to enrich the community, treat patrons like family, and oh, have a damn delicious menu. The Scallion Pork Gyoza, Iberian Pork Chop and Vegetable Farro are some of our favorites.
hearth-hill.com
2. Handle
3. Grub Steak

Best Restaurant in Utah County
Communal
There's something incredibly special about Communal. It's not just the dishes chef Matt Ecklemann creates, but the family style in which they're served. And when you find out he grew up in a big Irish-Italian-German family in Brooklyn, everything clicks into place. Chef Matt's favorite dish of 2024? Roasted butternut squash with candied ginger mascarpone, pepitas and a maple glaze. We love it as a side to the shareable pork chop schnitzel.
communalrestaurant.com
2. Strap Tank Brewery
3. Vegan Sun

Best Restaurant Patio
Ivy & Varley
The atmosphere is a vibe! Whether you're on a date or brunching with your girls, it's like a little hidden oasis right in the heart of downtown. Heaters are popped up for the chillier seasons, but their summertime patio is also top tier. When we visited, it was sunny and fabulous, and they opened up umbrellas for us in no time. Talk about service!
ivyandvarley.com
2. Ruth's Diner
3. Mar Muntanya

Best Returned Missionary First Stop to Eat
Crown Burgers
Regardless of where one has gone, returning from missionary service can be a particularly disorienting experience. Thankfully, Utahns have the homegrown Crown Burgers restaurants to help that former Elder or Sister get their bearings for a new chapter of their lives. Since 1978, these eateries have offered quality burgers and sandwiches with a Greek twist to generations of delighted customers, but they also provide an appropriate sense of comfort for every long-awaited homecoming.
crown-burgers.com
2. Hires Big H
3. Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican

• Clint Burlap
• Buffalo chicken salad at the Green Pig

Best Rooftop Patio
The Green Pig Pub
The views of the upstairs patio are what really set The Green Pig Pub apart from other places. There is usually live music playing, so make sure to go and get some food, drinks and relax outside even late into the night. Truly a downtown icon and a fun atmosphere for Salt Lake City.
thegreenpigpub.com
2. Fisher Brewing Company
3. Mar Muntanya

Best Romantic Restaurant
Log Haven Restaurant
If your idea of a romantic setting includes a 100-plus-year-old lodge, stone fireplaces, vintage windows, plush Persian rugs, linen place-settings, dining patios, waterfalls and stone walkways meandering through a curated natural mountain setting, then run—don't walk—to book a table at Log Haven. Long considered one of Salt Lake's finest for any occasion, Log Haven deserves its vaunted reputation.
log-haven.com
2. Antica Sicilia
3. Caffe Molise

Best Rural Tavern
Shooting Star Saloon
Whether you've just finished jumping the wake at Pineview Reservoir, shredding the slopes at Snowbasin or otherwise enjoying the landscapes of the Ogden Valley, make your way to Huntsville's center and get yourself a beer and a burger (with brats!) at the Shooting Star. This cash-only, no-frills watering hole has a history as long as the Weber River—and at least one resident ghost—so grab a booth or barstool and enjoy the vibe.
facebook.com/ShootingStarSaloon
2. Ray's Tavern
3. Back 40 Ranch House Grill

Best Seafood Restaurant
Current Fish & Oyster
Chef Zach Wojdula's seafood steals the spotlight, and trust us, it's worth the hype! Fresh, high-quality ingredients are the stars here, and the vibe is all about classic technique with a modern twist—plus, you won't feel guilty because everything's crafted with sustainability and healthy choices in mind. Our go-to? The seafood platter and ceviche—total game changers.
currentfishandoyster.com
2. Market Street Grill
3. Harbor Seafood & Steak Co.

Best Soul Food
The Bayou
There are types of food that, due to demographic/geographic quirks, are well-represented on Utah restaurant lists, but soul food and southern cooking in general is a more specialized niche. The Bayou, as the name indicates, pulls its flavors from the Delta, Gulf Coast and the kitchens of Memphis, Jackson and New Orleans. Leave room for the deep fried Twinkies for dessert.
utahbayou.com
2. Sauce Boss Southern Kitchen
3. Big South

• Courtesy photo
• Billiards at Big Willies

Best Sports Bar
Big Willies
Big Willies is a no-frills, come-as-you-are kind of bar. Whether you're catching a game on the big screen or have a game of pool of your own on their many tables, Big Willies is warm and welcome for all. While the inflation on liquor prices has seemingly affected most other establishments, Big Willies reminds us of yesteryear with well drinks below $4.
bigwillieslounge.com
2. The Green Pig Pub
3. The Brickyard Bar

Best Steakhouse
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Very high-quality food and service, this is the place to go for a special occasion like a loved one's birthday and treat yourself to some delicious steak. From the filet to the tomahawk, you cannot go wrong with what you order on their menu. Just be sure not to get caught up in ordering too many appetizers since the portions are generous, and save room for dessert!
flemingssteakhouse.com
2. Ruth's Chris Steak House
3. The Capital Grille

Best Sushi Restaurant
Takashi
Ask anyone in Salt Lake and they'll tell you Takashi is the best in town. If they don't say Takashi, it's only because they haven't been yet. When it comes to fresh fish, inventive rolls and an impressive beverage program, Takashi delivers a masterful blend of traditional Japanese techniques and creative innovation. Must-try dishes include tai tomatillo and spicy mussels with quail egg, followed by their award-winning spider roll and the Forrest Gump.
takashisushi.com
2. Sapa
3. Mint Tapas And Sushi 4 (Sugar House)

Best Thai Restaurant
Tuk Tuk's
Though it's hard to rise above all the local talent Utah has when it comes to Thai food, one visit to Tuk Tuk's is all you really need. Sure, fans of traditional Thai food will be able to find great versions of all their favorites, but it's the Tuk Tuk's special menu that will keep you coming back. Pineapple curry fried rice served in half a pineapple? Yes, please.
tuktuks-slc.com
2. Sawadee Thai Restaurant
3. Chanon Thai Cafe

Best Trivia Night
Piper Down
Get ready to test your wits with Nick, the esoteric trivia guru, and play alongside a former Jeopardy contestant! Form your dream team and come up with a clever name while the staff keeps the drinks and nachos coming. And who can resist karaoke with Jamaal afterward? Our favorite moment of the year? A guy who absolutely slayed Nicki Minaj's "Stupid Hoe." It was legendary!
piperdownpub.com
2. HK Brewing Collective Taproom & Bar
3. Hopkins Brewing Company

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• Mushroom risotto at Zest Kitchen

Best Vegetarian Restaurant
Zest Kitchen & Bar
Whether you're plant-based, reducetarian or an unrepentant carnivore looking for something new, there's no wrong choice at Zest. From the salads—packed with protein and goodies—to creative twists on dining staples like burritos, pastas, burgers and grilled "cheese" sandwiches, this is a spot worth going out of your way for, no matter your dietary preferences. zestslc.com
2. Sweet Hazel & Co. Bakeshop & Bistro
3. All Chay

Best Utah County Bar
Scorez Sports Bar
The winds of change are upon Utah Valley—sports bars and breweries are the new norm. Once inside Scorez, the only indicator that you're in Utah County is the occasional BYU Cougar apparel donned by patrons. Featuring weekly karaoke, poker tournaments, a horse shoe pit and live music, Scorez is a welcoming and energetic locale for Lehi.
scorez-sports-bar.com
2. Strap Tank Brewery
3. The Owl Bar

Best Vegan Restaurant
Vertical Diner
Vegan food has made a bold ascent in recent decades, with restaurants of all sorts introducing menu items for the vegan member of your group. But Vertical Diner has made the choice of dining out an easy one for vegans with a menu geared to their needs. From classic fare to an all-day breakfast menu, Vertical gives vegans a place to call their own while giving non-vegans plenty of tasty options to satisfy.
verticaldiner.com
2. Buds
3. Sweet Hazel & Co. Bakeshop & Bistro

Best Vietnamese Restaurant
The Pearl
From the folks who brought you the Alibi, chef Tommy Nguyen has charmed diners once again, this time with his Vietnamese street food. The pho is awesome, but the pork belly is a qualified craving. Cocktails are not an afterthought at The Pearl; indulge in a well-balanced beverage to further elevate your experience.
IG: @thepearlslc
2. All Chay
3. Mi La-Cai Noodle House

Best Country Night For A Dollar
Adam Terry / Duffy's Tavern
Adam Terry of FOUNTAINavm has created quite a concept at Duffy's. He spins lost country records from the past that deserve to be heard and if you like what you hear, you buy it from him right then and there. He's a human jukebox that lets you take home the 45 rpm record for $1. Not much more than that. Well, also cheap Coors banquets and billiards and more sad boy country tunes.
IG: @duffystavernslc, @fountainavm

Best Ogden Bistro
Table Twenty Five
Already one of the coolest city streets in all of Utah, Ogden's 25th Street became even better in 2021 when Table Twenty Five opened. Whether sitting behind a classic cocktail, a chilled local beer or a Daily Rise coffee, your day always starts and ends right amidst the ambiance of Table Twenty Five. Take your time deciding from their eclectic café-style lunch and brunch menus because you are most certainly coming back.
table25ogden.com

Best Place to Eat when there's Nothing at Home
Sushi Burrito on 8th
Look, if you're wandering around drunkenly looking for food before 11 p.m., let the loving light of Sushi Burrito on 8th be your guide. The ambience isn't the greatest, no lie, but it's hard to go wrong with a fat Volcano or Citrus roll for $10-$12. Or, call ahead and they'll whip up a fire bento box in 10 minutes.
sushiburritoon8th.com

Best Pop-up Food/Wine/Vinyl Pairing
Caviar Club
Showcasing the finer things in life all in one place, James Beards' Caviar Club combines curated vinyl records, cuisine from local chefs and good wine and spirits. These themed nights are a blast and it allows the selected DJ's to spin less-well-known tunes in an elevated and refined environment. One of the top experiences in Salt Lake City, there's just something about sitting there sipping a drink and just listening.
IG: @cvrclb

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• Urban Sailor Coffee adapted sidecar

Best Sidecar
Urban Sailor Coffee
We don't mean "sidecar" like an extra illegal pour of your favorite liquor, but the genuine Ural sidecar that has become the signature calling card for Urban Sailor Coffee—a bona fide motorcycle and sidecar adapted to sell and serve Urban Sailor's deluxe small batch roasted coffees anywhere—like at the Utah Beer Festival (ahem) and their coffee is roasted in the back space of Mountain West Cider.
urbansailorcoffee.com

Most Unexpected Programming
Leatherheads Sports Bar
Music clubs typically offer a degree of consistency in their booking policies. Be it country, rap or EDM, a certain similarity runs through the calendar of most venues. At the boisterous Leatherheads, however, there's free-wheeling fun despite an emphasis on hard rock, metal and tribute acts, with lots of decade-specific dance parties, karaoke and mid-day drag shows all finding their way onto the small, battle-tested stage of this popular Draper hangout.
facebook.com/leatherheadssportsbar