Eating Well 

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Hand-held foods are typically fast and convenient. That said, some could lack in taste and flavor—think drive-thru burgers or tacos. But, fear not; depending on what you are craving, there are many local options to satisfy that hankering, and you won't have to sacrifice flavor for quick, cheap or filling.

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The street-style tacos at the Blue Poblano Craft Taquería & Burger House (473 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City, 801-883-9078) are made to order and with the freshest ingredients. All meats are flame-broiled and give each dish a smoky taste. Chef Mark Daniels cranks out some amazing food from the small cooking space in the eclectic restaurant that only seats 36. Try the al pastor tacos ($4 each) made with sweet, marinated pork, fresh pineapple, Monterey jack cheese, salsa roja, chipotle, fresh onion, cilantro, green onion and queso cotja served in a blue and white corn tortilla.

For a quick and delicious Greek meal, Yanni's Greek Express (2761 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-466-6525) has stood the test of time. For more than 20 years, its quality and service have not wavered. The chicken souvlaki with rice ($5.45) is a local favorite and is served on a stick. Try the classic or chicken gyro ($5.45) on the menu. Topped with white sauce, tomato and onion and wrapped in a soft, warm pita, it's a meal all on its own.

Pizza is one of the first foods that springs to mind when you think hand-held. The Pie Hole (344 S. State, Salt Lake City, 801-359-4653) has a few pies on the menu that are unique, (many have slices of potato and Alfredo sauce) and are downright good. Each day, the Pie Hole offers eight different varieties of pizza, including one vegan and four vegetarian. Grab a slice as you are walking by—it's fast, cheap and easy, and even comes on a paper plate. Try the Ninja ($2.64, if it's on the menu that day), a thin, extra large slice topped with pepperoni, jalapeño and pineapple. If not, you can't go wrong with the classic pepperoni ($2.41).

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Chedda Burger (26 E. 600 South, Salt Lake City, 801-448-6116) has taken its food-truck favorites and now offers them in a brick-and-mortar location. Chef Nick Watts has brought his love of gourmet burgers to the people of Salt Lake City, and the people are pleased. Priding itself on sourcing as many local ingredients as possible, Chedda Burger has taken the burger to new heights. From the Kill Me Softly burger ($8.99)—a beef patty, blue cheese, bacon, arugula and cranberry sauce all served on a Krispy Kreme doughnut—to the Old Faithful ($6.79), a beef patty, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, tomatoes, leaf lettuce and fry sauce, there is a burger for every palate. Two hands are required for these burgers, even if you cut 'em in half.

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Another obvious hand-held option is the burrito. Hector's Mexican Food (2901 E. 3300 South, Salt Lake City, 801-487-3850) is food you crave. The drive-thru makes it a fairly quick option, yet one that doesn't skimp on flavor. The breakfast burritos are hearty and the other burritos on the menu include classics like chicken and carnitas. Try the simple and delicious carne asada burrito ($5.20), a fresh tortilla stuffed with carna asada, guacamole and pico de gallo. Top each bite with red salsa, again a simple recipe, but a nice addition. Speaking of burritos, they've taken on a new look, with new ingredients. Sushi Burrito (multiple locations, SushiBurritoUtah.com) has changed the way we eat sushi. Now you can get your favorite sushi rolls, like the Vegas, and have it morphed into a larger version, aka a burrito. The freshness of the burrito is similar to a traditional sushi roll, so you are not losing a thing. Try the California Sumo ($7.99), which comes with crab salad, avocado, cream cheese, cucumber and eel sauce in a deep-fried roll.

Spitz (multiple locations, SpitzSLC.com) brought the döner to the Beehive state. The Mediterranean street-food style wrap is filled with your choice of meat, lamb, beef, chicken, mixed meat or falafel and various other fillings, making it almost necessary to eat with two hands. The fresh and flavorful combination is a taste treat. Try the classic street-cart döner ($8.25)—a wrap filled with romaine, cabbage, tomato, onion, green pepper, cucumber, garlic aioli, fried lavash chips and tzatziki.