Mint House Guidebook
Food scene
Hand’s down our favorite sushi spot, this place does not take reservations. The best tactic is to show up before their 5pm opening time and wait outside in the forming line. The impact of covid has made it somewhat easier to get seating but time will tell how that changes moving into the recovery. For spicy lovers the TnT roll sauce is not a joke, definitely order it and enjoy. The Post Office Place next door is an alternative which still allows ordering from Takashi’s menu.
18 W Market St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
156 personas locales recomiendan
Takashi
18 W Market StHand’s down our favorite sushi spot, this place does not take reservations. The best tactic is to show up before their 5pm opening time and wait outside in the forming line. The impact of covid has made it somewhat easier to get seating but time will tell how that changes moving into the recovery. For spicy lovers the TnT roll sauce is not a joke, definitely order it and enjoy. The Post Office Place next door is an alternative which still allows ordering from Takashi’s menu.
18 W Market St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
The Copper Onion: Dubbing its food style “New American fare” I’d say it’s a great example of the nuance of modern American restaurants. Not afraid to blend flavors from other cultures, it offers a great ambience, patio, excellent service and is a great option if you can only pick one place to go. Reservations encouraged. If you can’t get a spot or want something more casual, The Copper Common’s next door has a smaller but still good menu and more of a bar vibe.
111 E Broadway #170, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
152 personas locales recomiendan
The Copper Onion
111 E BroadwayThe Copper Onion: Dubbing its food style “New American fare” I’d say it’s a great example of the nuance of modern American restaurants. Not afraid to blend flavors from other cultures, it offers a great ambience, patio, excellent service and is a great option if you can only pick one place to go. Reservations encouraged. If you can’t get a spot or want something more casual, The Copper Common’s next door has a smaller but still good menu and more of a bar vibe.
111 E Broadway #170, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Nothing is normal here. They do some very interesting things with dairy based ice creams.
169 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
18 personas locales recomiendan
Normal® Ice Cream
602 S 700 ENothing is normal here. They do some very interesting things with dairy based ice creams.
169 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
T. F. Brewing: “Templin Family '' called TF by locals. The parking around here can be tricky, but this brewery is worth it. With a large outdoor space with fire pits and a large long table/bench set up inside (harry potter vibe?). It is a great spot for a drink and the various food trucks featured outside provide rotating options, a different one tends to take up the spot each night.
936 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
40 personas locales recomiendan
T. F. Brewing
936 S 300 WT. F. Brewing: “Templin Family '' called TF by locals. The parking around here can be tricky, but this brewery is worth it. With a large outdoor space with fire pits and a large long table/bench set up inside (harry potter vibe?). It is a great spot for a drink and the various food trucks featured outside provide rotating options, a different one tends to take up the spot each night.
936 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Campos Coffee SLC: You cannot beat the campos coffee options (there are a few around) for simple but satisfying breakfast and some amazing coffee and vibes.
228 S Edison St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
23 personas locales recomiendan
Campos Coffee Roastery & Kitchen
228 S Edison StCampos Coffee SLC: You cannot beat the campos coffee options (there are a few around) for simple but satisfying breakfast and some amazing coffee and vibes.
228 S Edison St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Finn’s Café: (Liberty Wells) This Scandinavian influenced fixture of Salt Lake is a great breakfast or lunch option. Vine covered patio and solid benedicts beckon. You know you are in the right place by the white-diner vibe and circular windows. Can get a little crowded since this is a local favorite spot.
1624 1100 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
41 personas locales recomiendan
Finn's Cafe
1624 1100 EFinn’s Café: (Liberty Wells) This Scandinavian influenced fixture of Salt Lake is a great breakfast or lunch option. Vine covered patio and solid benedicts beckon. You know you are in the right place by the white-diner vibe and circular windows. Can get a little crowded since this is a local favorite spot.
1624 1100 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Hub and Spoke: (Liberty Wells) A newer addition to SLC, there’s little you can do wrong here. From “Boozy Milkshakes” to some top-notch vegan skillets and excellent coffee this American restaurant is a delight decked in rustic metal and succulents.
1291 S 1100 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
60 personas locales recomiendan
Hub and Spoke Diner
1291 S 1100 EHub and Spoke: (Liberty Wells) A newer addition to SLC, there’s little you can do wrong here. From “Boozy Milkshakes” to some top-notch vegan skillets and excellent coffee this American restaurant is a delight decked in rustic metal and succulents.
1291 S 1100 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Loghaven: Millcreek’s one and only restaurant, tucked into the canyon adjacent to waterfalls, pine forest and sheer cliffs, this is a rustic wonder. The food is top notch. In the summer, request the waterfall patio and eat to the sound of alpine waterfall and birdsong, ask for a nice warm blanket and heater as the sun sets. The winter eating inside amongst the old logs and fireplaces is nothing to shrug at either. An excellent date night or celebration location. Reservations recommended.
49 personas locales recomiendan
Log Haven
6451 Mill Creek Canyon RdLoghaven: Millcreek’s one and only restaurant, tucked into the canyon adjacent to waterfalls, pine forest and sheer cliffs, this is a rustic wonder. The food is top notch. In the summer, request the waterfall patio and eat to the sound of alpine waterfall and birdsong, ask for a nice warm blanket and heater as the sun sets. The winter eating inside amongst the old logs and fireplaces is nothing to shrug at either. An excellent date night or celebration location. Reservations recommended.
Sightseeing
Located near the University, if zoos are your thing, this is a reasonable stop for kids and adults alike. I think SLC has other more unique options if your time is limited.
2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Hogle Zoological Gardens
Located near the University, if zoos are your thing, this is a reasonable stop for kids and adults alike. I think SLC has other more unique options if your time is limited.
2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Located near the University, if zoos are your thing, this is a reasonable stop for kids and adults alike. I think SLC has other more unique options if your time is limited.
2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
117 personas locales recomiendan
Clark Planetarium
110 400 WLocated near the University, if zoos are your thing, this is a reasonable stop for kids and adults alike. I think SLC has other more unique options if your time is limited.
2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Named for the canyon it sits nestled in near the University this is a great experience for all ages, featuring two Japanese gardens, a xeriscape (water-friendly) terrace, children’s garden, medicinal garden, rose garden and several beautiful walking paths and some of the best city views (the walk to the top of the xeriscape terrace is oh-so worth it). During the summer amphitheater concert tickets can be purchased and worth the sunset concerts on the mountain side. If you cannot snag a ticket, follow locals up to the adjacent butte, throw out a blanket and grab a beer for a free, albeit somewhat garbled, version of the show. Please be respectful of the wildlife on the hill and dry grass in the summer (No smoking!)
300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
229 personas locales recomiendan
Red Butte Garden
300 Wakara WayNamed for the canyon it sits nestled in near the University this is a great experience for all ages, featuring two Japanese gardens, a xeriscape (water-friendly) terrace, children’s garden, medicinal garden, rose garden and several beautiful walking paths and some of the best city views (the walk to the top of the xeriscape terrace is oh-so worth it). During the summer amphitheater concert tickets can be purchased and worth the sunset concerts on the mountain side. If you cannot snag a ticket, follow locals up to the adjacent butte, throw out a blanket and grab a beer for a free, albeit somewhat garbled, version of the show. Please be respectful of the wildlife on the hill and dry grass in the summer (No smoking!)
300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
This museum, though small, gives the Smithsonian a run for their money in quality. Utah has some of the best dinosaur bone collections and excavation sites in the country and this shows in their amazing dinosaur exhibit. The other excellent collections include a nuanced and thorough look at Utah’s Native Peoples history and the geological interest of the salt lake valley (did you know this whole thing and beyond was a giant freshwater lake at one time?!). The building itself is a treat, with impressive architecture and some of the best city views from the rooftop patio.
301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
281 personas locales recomiendan
Natural History Museum of Utah
301 Wakara WayThis museum, though small, gives the Smithsonian a run for their money in quality. Utah has some of the best dinosaur bone collections and excavation sites in the country and this shows in their amazing dinosaur exhibit. The other excellent collections include a nuanced and thorough look at Utah’s Native Peoples history and the geological interest of the salt lake valley (did you know this whole thing and beyond was a giant freshwater lake at one time?!). The building itself is a treat, with impressive architecture and some of the best city views from the rooftop patio.
301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
A sprawling mall with a central trout stream, all your shopping needs can be met under its meandering path downtown. In nicer weather the roof opens up creating a plaza feel. Also the trout are no lie, let your kids stand on natural boulders dotting the shore or peek over the many foot bridges and catch a fishy glimpse.
19 personas locales recomiendan
City Creek
A sprawling mall with a central trout stream, all your shopping needs can be met under its meandering path downtown. In nicer weather the roof opens up creating a plaza feel. Also the trout are no lie, let your kids stand on natural boulders dotting the shore or peek over the many foot bridges and catch a fishy glimpse.
Less a museum and more an interactive toddler play heaven it is a needed haven on rainy days or when the heat/snow drives exploration indoors. Probably best for elementary or younger (especially toddler age) it is worth the trip.
444 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
59 personas locales recomiendan
Museo Infantil Discovery Gateway
444 W 100 SLess a museum and more an interactive toddler play heaven it is a needed haven on rainy days or when the heat/snow drives exploration indoors. Probably best for elementary or younger (especially toddler age) it is worth the trip.
444 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Don’t mind the strange space-claw art outside of the odd shape of the building, this garden situated under the claw and the indoor aquarium are worth the drive south. Appealing for all ages stop by to check out penguins, colorful fish, otters and even jungle birds and a sloth or two in the rain forest section.
12033 Lone Peak Pkwy, Draper, UT 84020
264 personas locales recomiendan
Acuario del Planeta Viviente de Loveland
12033 Lone Peak PkwyDon’t mind the strange space-claw art outside of the odd shape of the building, this garden situated under the claw and the indoor aquarium are worth the drive south. Appealing for all ages stop by to check out penguins, colorful fish, otters and even jungle birds and a sloth or two in the rain forest section.
12033 Lone Peak Pkwy, Draper, UT 84020
Another great outdoor music venue (see the Red Butte entry) we also use this place to access the bed (and free!) splash pad in the city. Featuring fountains, boulders, streams and bridges this is a toddler and young kid paradise on summer days. Check the website for the days food trucks line up.
1245 E 9400 S, Sandy, UT 84094
14 personas locales recomiendan
Sandy Amphitheater
1245 E 9400 SAnother great outdoor music venue (see the Red Butte entry) we also use this place to access the bed (and free!) splash pad in the city. Featuring fountains, boulders, streams and bridges this is a toddler and young kid paradise on summer days. Check the website for the days food trucks line up.
1245 E 9400 S, Sandy, UT 84094
Often overlooked, this little aviary and garden sits nestled in liberty park. It is a cheaper activity than most, has some really quality exhibits, and scattered play structures, plenty of greenery, picnic spots and roaming peacocks!
589 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
136 personas locales recomiendan
Tracy Aviary & Jardines Botánicos
589 E 1300 SOften overlooked, this little aviary and garden sits nestled in liberty park. It is a cheaper activity than most, has some really quality exhibits, and scattered play structures, plenty of greenery, picnic spots and roaming peacocks!
589 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Similar to the Discovery Gateway this is a child play heaven. I would say this has more options for older kids (climbing structures etc) but is more out of the way. Definitely check out the website, some of the imaginative spaces are visually impressive and make an adult want to climb everything too!
3605 Garden Dr, Lehi, UT 84043
68 personas locales recomiendan
Museo de la Curiosidad Natural en Thanksgiving Point
3605 Garden DrSimilar to the Discovery Gateway this is a child play heaven. I would say this has more options for older kids (climbing structures etc) but is more out of the way. Definitely check out the website, some of the imaginative spaces are visually impressive and make an adult want to climb everything too!
3605 Garden Dr, Lehi, UT 84043
While about an hour drive away, as long as you don’t go during biting-gnat (late spring and early summer) season this is a surreal way to experience the Great Salt Lake. Nestled in the middle of the lake with glassy otherworldly water on all sides this small rock and brush island is home to (you guessed it) antelope! But also a local buffalo herd. There is a small historical site to walk through (Fielding Garr Ranch) and several levels of trails to hike. Some can be steep but the shoreline trail is a relatively flat (though rocky) meander around the shore.
4528 W 1700 S, Syracuse, UT 84075
170 personas locales recomiendan
Antelope Island
While about an hour drive away, as long as you don’t go during biting-gnat (late spring and early summer) season this is a surreal way to experience the Great Salt Lake. Nestled in the middle of the lake with glassy otherworldly water on all sides this small rock and brush island is home to (you guessed it) antelope! But also a local buffalo herd. There is a small historical site to walk through (Fielding Garr Ranch) and several levels of trails to hike. Some can be steep but the shoreline trail is a relatively flat (though rocky) meander around the shore.
4528 W 1700 S, Syracuse, UT 84075
Hiking around SLC is too much to cover. Alltrails (website/app) is a great resource as well as some books we have left around the house. Note there are several canyons and options (Millcreek, Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood). During the spring note that the canyon rivers can be quite swift and dangerous, especially in the spring though quiet areas can be found to splash in, especially in Millcreek Canyon. No dogs allowed in any canyon but Millcreek due to being watershed areas. The top hikes tend to be Lake Blanche (hard), Donut Falls (easier), Willow Lake (easier, but steep at first), and Living Room (near by, moderate). Most trails are rocky, dusty and somewhat steep in places. For a more flat hike try the Pipeline Trail. Mountain bike days can be found online. Definitely get into the canyons and enjoy finding alpine lakes, wildflowers and epic views, but always stay safe and research before you set out, though close enough to be a city park and often crowded (avoid weekends on popular trails) this is real wilderness, so wonderful and so close! In winter hiking or back country sports please be aware of avalanche risk.
Canyon Rim
Hiking around SLC is too much to cover. Alltrails (website/app) is a great resource as well as some books we have left around the house. Note there are several canyons and options (Millcreek, Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood). During the spring note that the canyon rivers can be quite swift and dangerous, especially in the spring though quiet areas can be found to splash in, especially in Millcreek Canyon. No dogs allowed in any canyon but Millcreek due to being watershed areas. The top hikes tend to be Lake Blanche (hard), Donut Falls (easier), Willow Lake (easier, but steep at first), and Living Room (near by, moderate). Most trails are rocky, dusty and somewhat steep in places. For a more flat hike try the Pipeline Trail. Mountain bike days can be found online. Definitely get into the canyons and enjoy finding alpine lakes, wildflowers and epic views, but always stay safe and research before you set out, though close enough to be a city park and often crowded (avoid weekends on popular trails) this is real wilderness, so wonderful and so close! In winter hiking or back country sports please be aware of avalanche risk.
An hour or so drive from SLC you can get into the deep wilderness for fly fishing, hiking or cross country skiing.
17 personas locales recomiendan
Uinta Mountains
An hour or so drive from SLC you can get into the deep wilderness for fly fishing, hiking or cross country skiing.
The resorts around SLC have some top-notch snow. If you need gear we tend to enjoy renting from the local REI. The resorts are Brighton & Solitude in Big Cottonwood and Alta & Snowbird in Little Cottonwood. Who can forget about the nearby Park City, Deer Valley, Powder Mountain, Sundance and Snowbasin.
129 personas locales recomiendan
Snowbird
The resorts around SLC have some top-notch snow. If you need gear we tend to enjoy renting from the local REI. The resorts are Brighton & Solitude in Big Cottonwood and Alta & Snowbird in Little Cottonwood. Who can forget about the nearby Park City, Deer Valley, Powder Mountain, Sundance and Snowbasin.
Neighborhoods
Parks: The high water mark for parks in SLC are the Sugarhouse and Liberty Parks, both feature various landscapes, trees, playgrounds, ponds, grassy spaces and running paths. Liberty Park being more downtown has more of a classic urban park vibe. Sugarhouse can be found wrapped around Parley’s Creek and is a bowl like structure. Great for winter sledding or summer strolling/picnics. Note both parks have single direction traffic, can make parking and avoiding the various pedestrians tricky but never has parking been truly hopeless.
Liberty: 600 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Sugarhouse: 1330 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
120 personas locales recomiendan
Sugar House
Parks: The high water mark for parks in SLC are the Sugarhouse and Liberty Parks, both feature various landscapes, trees, playgrounds, ponds, grassy spaces and running paths. Liberty Park being more downtown has more of a classic urban park vibe. Sugarhouse can be found wrapped around Parley’s Creek and is a bowl like structure. Great for winter sledding or summer strolling/picnics. Note both parks have single direction traffic, can make parking and avoiding the various pedestrians tricky but never has parking been truly hopeless.
Liberty: 600 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Sugarhouse: 1330 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106