Este Pizzeria
For fans of New York-style pizza—the type you get by the slice or as a whole pie—there’s really no alternative to Este Pizzeria. The crust is just right. The sauce is just right. The cheese is just right. In fact, everything about Este is just right, from delicious appetizers like breaded cheese ravioli to the gluten-free and vegan pizza options. But remember: Don’t ask for pineapple on your pizza and don’t wear BoSox gear.
2021 Windsor Ave., Salt Lake City, 801-485-3699; 156 E. 200 South, Salt Lake City, 801-363-2366, EstePizzaCo.com
2. The Pie Pizzeria
3. Settebello
Best Rock & Roll Food Truck
Lewis Bros. Food Truck
Food truckin’ tastes good, sure, but the Lewis brothers make it sound good. Helmed by longtime local rockers Oliver (Tolchock Trio) and Charlie (The Rubes), the truck serves up David Chang-inspired cuisine, like banh mi Asian sandwiches and kimchi hot dogs at lunch and into the wee hours of the night, outside of bars and venues whose stages the brothers have graced in the past.
801-835-3828, Twitter: @LewisBrosFood
Gourmandise the Bakery
For longer than most of us can remember, Gourmandise has provided Salt Lakers with a little taste of Paris, via made-from-scratch breads, pastries, desserts, cakes and more. In warm weather, it’s hard to beat a breakfast panini, quiche or croissant out on the sun-drenched patio. At lunch and dinner, the French country picnic plate, full of farm-fresh veggies, dipping delights and French bread, is the way to go.
250 S. 300 East, Salt Lake City, 801-328-3330, GourmandiseTheBakery.com
2. Tulie Bakery
3. Kneaders Bakery & Cafe
Best “If You Must” Smoke
Samak Smoke House & Country Store
This must-stop roadhouse, on Mirror Lake Highway heading toward the Uintas, smokes its own cheddar cheese (which tops the burgers down the road at The Notch, owned by the same folks), mozzarella, beef and turkey jerky, salmon and, the best offering, trout. On Sundays, as you head down from the mountains, you can smell the barbecue; trust your nose and stop.
1937 E. Mirror Lake Highway, Kamas, 435-783-4880, SamakSmokeHouse.com
Best Celebration of Mormon Muscle
Porter's Place
One of the first converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and bodyguard to church founders Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, Porter Rockwell is now one of Mormonism’s black sheep. But for Porter’s Place owner Bob Trepanier, Rockwell’s legend is worth celebrating. At this Old West steakhouse, the walls are adorned with Rockwell memorabilia and replicas of the four photos of the man that are known to exist. There’s even a souvenir shop, where, after consuming a (nonalcoholic) drink of the house, like sarsaparilla or an old-timey “cure-all,” customers can purchase a documentary or postcards.
24 W. Main, Lehi, 801-768-8348, PorterRockwellUtah.com
The Bayou
While you’re enjoying some live music and one of the many, many beers on tap at The Bayou, you might find yourself with a serious case of the munchies. If so, The Bayou’s variety of Cajun- and Creole-inspired appetizers is sure to satisfy. Popcorn crawfish, fried Cajun seafood balls, savory alligator cheesecake and Cajun corn dogs will transport you to the South, and there are also lots of classic pub-grub favorites like Buffalo wings, Southwest artichoke cheese dip and chipotle hummus. The Bayou’s creamy, zesty garlic-chipotle aioli is so addicting, you’ll want to dunk everything on the menu into it—not just the fries it comes with.
645 S. State, Salt Lake City, 801-961-8400, UtahBayou.com
2. Eva
3. Finca
Best Reason for Sticky Hands
Wasatch Pops & Snow Shack
If you heard someone talking about a dish called a “strawberry balsamic black pepper” such-and-such, you might assume it’s a salad—certainly not a popsicle; those only come in flavors like purple and green. Wasatch Pops & Snow Shack is flipping the popsicle paradigm on its stick with inventive flavors like coconut with fresh lime juice and mint & pineapple serrano, made with all-natural and organic syrups and ingredients. Wasatch Pops’ green pop’s hue comes from the cucumber, cilantro and citrus ingredients, not from additives like Green 5. Check out the main shop, or look for Wasatch Pops’ vintage Airstream trailer in the summer at farmers markets around town. With popsicles this good, why can’t it be summer year-round?
3981 S. Wasatch Blvd., Salt Lake City, 801-842-9167, Facebook.com/WasatchPops
Log Haven
At this sprawling, yet cozy, log mansion located on National Forest and in Millcreek Canyon, romance is certainly in the crisp, clean air. Not only has Log Haven been the scene of countless marriage proposals—usually over a plate of Chef Dave Jones’ creative cuisine—but many couples return to the scene to say their vows. Log Haven is proud not only of the traditional weddings it hosts, but also of the many girl-girl and boy-boy ceremonies. It’s one-stop shopping: a gorgeous spot to propose, get hitched and celebrate anniversaries for years to come.
6451 E. Millcreek Canyon Road, Salt Lake City, 801-272-8255, Log-Haven.com
2. Forage
3. Fresco
Sweet Tooth Fairy
With nine locations statewide, you’re never too far from one of these sugary wonderlands. And you can’t go wrong with the mother of all sweets: cupcake shakes, which are blended cups of cake and ice cream. First, choose a Sweet Tooth Fairy cupcake—there are dozens, from standbys like cookies & cream and marble chocolate to monthly themed offerings like Easter-egg sugar, all topped off with creamy, inches-thick frosting. Then, have it blended—frosting, toppings and all—with a few scoops of ice cream. Finally, enjoy the richest, thickest, creamiest shake you’ve ever had, truly a life-changing experience.
Multiple locations, TheSweetToothFairy.com
2. Gourmandise the Bakery
3. Cakewalk Baking Company
