Featured image: Samantha Labrecque Semle
Salt Lake City rewards visitors who plan tight: it’s a compact downtown ringed by mountains, which means you can move from a historic religious landmark to a craft brewery to a speakeasy in the span of a day without much drive time. Here’s how to spend a single day hitting the city’s best food, drink, and culture scenes.
Morning: Fuel Up at Eva’s Bakery
Start the day at Eva’s Bakery, a French-inspired boulangerie on Main Street known for its flaky pastries, strong espresso, and a menu that leans into breakfast and lunch classics like croque madame and quiche lorraine. It’s a small, popular spot, so an early arrival helps you beat the rush—that also sets you up to walk straight into downtown once you’re fueled up. Order a coffee and a kouign amann or cinnamon roll and grab a seat or take it to go for delish snacking.
Late Morning: Explore Temple Square
From Eva’s, it’s an easy walk to Temple Square, the heart of downtown Salt Lake City and headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Salt Lake Temple itself has been under renovation, but the grounds remain open, with manicured gardens, fountains, and historic buildings including the Tabernacle and more. A new Temple Square Visitors’ Center offers a guided walkthrough, which is worth checking if you want a deeper look at the site’s history and architecture. Even casually wandering the grounds gives you a good feel for the city’s origins and layout, since Temple Square is literally the point from which downtown addresses are measured.
Afternoon: Beer and a Wander Through the Granary District
Head south to the Granary District for a mid-afternoon pint or two at Templin Family Brewing, a German-style brewery known for slow pours and big foam. Brews are served in a big, open taproom with communal tables and an outdoor back patio. It’s a laid-back, dog-friendly spot to grab a bite from whichever food truck is parked out front that day and a few light beers.Â
Late Afternoon: Cocktails at Water Witch
From the Granary District, it’s a short walk over to Central 9th for a stop at Water Witch, one of the most acclaimed cocktail bars in Utah and a past James Beard finalist. The space is small and unpretentious—minimalist decor with an effortlessly cool, neighborhood vibe. Expect imaginative, well-balanced cocktails (the Witch Killer was one of our favorites), along with an eclectic beer and wine list. While you’re there, swing by their sister spot next door, Bar Nohm, for an easy happy-hour and pre-dinner bite before heading to your main dinner reservation.
Evening: Dinner at Urban Hill
Book dinner at Urban Hill, one of Salt Lake City’s most talked-about restaurants. The wood-fired, seasonally-driven menu runs from fluffy skillet rolls and harissa-roasted carrots to standouts like Iberian pork chop and roasted duck breast. The space itself features a glass-enclosed wine room, open kitchen, and a moody dining space. Go early for a livelier scene or later for a quieter one; either way, this is the meal to build your evening around.
Night: A Nightcap at The Rest
Cap the night with a drink at The Rest, Salt Lake City’s best-known speakeasy, tucked beneath the unassuming neighborhood bar Bodega. Tell the host at Bodega you’re headed to “the rest” and you’ll be led downstairs into a dim, Hemingway-esque basement bar lined with dark wood, vinyl records, and even an absinthe fountain. The cocktail menu is one of the most inventive in the city, and the moody, low-lit atmosphere makes it the ideal last stop—a quiet, memorable way to close out a very full day in Salt Lake City.
