The joy of breakfast at the Silver Fork Lodge in Big Cottonwood Canyon begins when you hit the road at the mouth of the canyon. Wind past streams, rock climbers, and the massive wall of Storm Mountain and your shoulders relax. Roll down the windows and the air is fresh and thick with pine, and by the time you pull up to the door with the carved moose on it, you’re hungry. If you’re very lucky, you may have spotted a real moose along the way.
The comfy old lodge is known for a couple of things: a big, open deck lined with hummingbird-feeders that provide continuous entertainment, and sourdough pancakes from a 50-year-old sourdough starter. A recent breakfast happily confirmed that it’s still one of Salt Lake City’s best destinations for good food and friendly, efficient service. Those sourdough pancakes pack a wonderfully tangy, sour wallop. Fluffy, about a half-inch thick and eight inches across, a stack of three fills the plate and soaks up butter and maple syrup like a sponge. I like to balance them with something salty, like a side of thick bacon. Eggs Benedict Florentine arrived topped with perfectly runny poached eggs under a light Hollandaise and atop fresh sautéed spinach, with a tomato slice. Shredded hash browns on the side were flattened and sizzled to what I would consider a perfect crisp.
Silver Fork’s breakfast menu is big and tempting. So, you may think you want pancakes, but with so many options—from french toast, homemade cinnamon rolls and cheddar grits to huevos rancheros, seared trout and omelets—it’s never an easy call to make. So, multiple visits are recommended.
SILVER FORK LODGE
11332 E. Big Cottonwood Canyon
Mile Marker 13
888-649-8551
SilverForkLodge.com