Everyone needs a little café they can count on. Mine is the Beehive Tea Room in downtown Salt Lake City—home of the finest tuna sandwich in town.

And, let’s be frank—Beehive is indeed a girly place. I love the eclectic décor, the Crayola crayon-green painted wooden chairs and the green linoleum floor in the front room. Red Chinese bookshelves, as well as selections of red- and greencovered hardbound books arranged in the small “study,” are like eye candy for writers who are known to hang out in cafés and procrastinate. I love the crooning 1940s music, the Bob Moss “Deseret Alphabet” carvings—the whole vibe.

Teas are, of course, a highlight. Loose-leaf, properly steeped in individual pots, the Beehive offers a full selection— from a heady chocolate-mint to delicate mint-verbena. Coffee, chai, hot chocolate and Italian sodas are also available, not to mention locally brewed beer—as are indulgent cakes and other goodies brought in from local bakers. You can also reserve space in advance and throw a full-on afternoon tea party, complete with scones, Devonshire cream and more.

But, that terrific tuna sandwich: It’s all about simplicity and quality. It’s a generous serving of chunky albacore tuna salad with Dijon mustard, crisp romaine, a bright slice of tomato and always best on whole-grain bread. I love that they trim the crusts. I can always count on it.

BEEHIVE TEA ROOM
12 W. 300 South
801-328-4700
BeehiveTeaRoom.com