Nine. That’s the number of days temps reached or exceeded 100 degrees last month in Salt Lake City. And we’re not done yet. If history is any indication, we’ll likely get another 10 days of hot weather before summer 2023 is in the rearview. But have no fear. Following is a compilation of fun and festive ways to stay cool while embracing summer’s sweet second half.

Sip an icy cocktail

The margarita, Aperol spritz, sangria, pina colada or a paloma are all popular steamy-day sippers. But why not try a seasonal cocktail custom-made by a local mixologist? Something like Alibi Bar & Place's Trail of Joy, a refreshing combination of pisco, sake, rinquinquin (peach liqueur), lemon, and honey. Alibi Bar & Place, open daily, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Open your mind in air-conditioned comfort at UMOCA

SLC’s de facto center for contemporary expression just opened three fantastic new exhibitions: A Greater Utah, a sweeping and powerfully thought-provoking display of nearly 30 Utah artists’ work selected by six guest curators, each hailing from a different region of the state; Left Time, a video piece by Steven Stallings-Cardenas examining the often stifling limitations of the modern workplace; and Ben Sang’s Gut Set, a collection of place-specific items that Sang describes as “artifacts of an embodied experience of living in Utah.” UMOCA, 20 S. West Temple, open Wednesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., $10 suggested donation

Indulge in summer’s favorite dessert

This is what we’re daydreaming of during summer’s dog days: a cup of soft serve topped with acute and crunchy fish-shaped waffle cookie from Doki Doki Japanese Dessert Café, 249 E. 400 South, Monday to Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; a scoop of vegan tea & biscuits, lavender, rocky road, or banana brownie ice cream (we promise you won’t miss the dairy!) from Monkeywrench, open Monday – Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, noon to 11p.m.; a homemade cinnamon waffle cone stuffed with white chocolate cashew ice cream from Rockwell Ice Cream, 115A Regent St, Monday – Thursday, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. 11 p.m.; or a generous scoop of Nutella gelato from Capo Gelateria Italiana, 260 S. 200 West, open Monday – Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.

Get your science on at Clark Planetarium

Admission to the well-done exhibits there is always free of charge, of course. You can also buy a ticket to catch a film in the planetarium’s IMAX 3D theatre or Hansen Dome Theatre. But for something really special, grab tickets to one of the planetarium’s monthly Night Vision shows, alive show when educators or guest speakers unleash the Dome Theatre's suite of advanced modeling and multimedia tools to explore a range of astronomical topics. This month’s Night Vision shows, on August 11 and 12th, will explore Comets and Meteor Showers.

Catch a cool breeze from a rooftop bar

Even on SLC’s hottest days, cool air from the Wasatch Mountain Range wafts down from higher altitudes to cool off the valley floor once the sun goes down. Position yourself to take advantage of this natural phenomena by taking a sundown seat at one of downtown’s cool rooftop bars: Gracie’s, 326 S. West Temple, Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Van Ryder, atop the Le Meridian Hotel, 131 S. 300 West, Tuesday –Saturday, 5 p.m. to midnight, Sunday, 5 to 10 p.m.; or Green Pig Pub, 31 E. 400 South, 11 a.m.to 2 a.m., daily.

Splash around in The Gateway’s Olympic fountain.

We dare you to resist walking through the cool, dancing spray of water making up this snowflake-shaped fountain at The Gateway outdoor mall. This family-friendly plaza where the fountain is located is furnished with tables with umbrellas and turf inviting hanging out and staying awhile. 15 Rio Grande St, open Thursday through Sunday until 9 p.m., fountain closes at 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesdays for Goat Yoga and Sunset Yoga, respectively.

Take a spin on a GREENbike

Nothing invokes a sense of summery freedom more succinctly than pedaling a bike while the wind whips through your hair. GREENbike, Salt Lake City’s bike share, allows you to pedal traditional two-wheelers or pedal-assited e-bikes for next to nothing—your ticket to ride a GREENbike starts at just $3 for 60 minutes. More than a dozen stations dot the downtown core. Download the share’s handy app to find out what’s available at each station in real time. 

Catch a ride downtown on TRAX

Instead of getting in your oven-like car after a long and leisurely morning at the Downtown Farmer’s Market or an evening of cutting a rug at the Gallivan Center’s Big Band Dance Night, consider catching a ride home in cool comfort on UTA’s TRAX, S-Line or Frontrunner. Around trip fare for an adult is just $5. What’s more, by doing so you can feel good in knowing you helped keep Salt Lake’s air just a little cleaner. 

Visit—and celebrate—the Main Library

One of the ways the Salt Lake City Library System is celebrating its 125th birthday this year is by offering free tours of its gorgeous and architecturally significant Main Library (210 E. 400South), designed by the internationally renowned architect Moshe Safdie. These 45-minute,free tours are held on the first Wednesday of the month and begin from the A-frame sign in the library’s Urban Room (main atrium) at noon. Pre-registration is not required.

Good News/Bad News
Ramen Bar has closed (It was  recently voted as the 5th best ramen in Salt Lake County. If you’re hankering, Ramen 930 is also on the same list at 45 East Broadway). The good news: Los Tapatios Taco Grill has signed a lease for the space, between London Belle and Eva, and will bring their tasty birria-style taco to a block that brims with the beefy stew, including Santo Taco, and Monarca. Word is that Los Tapatios will be open late to satiate the boozy bar patrons on that block. 

I'm BAACK!
After an extensive reno, Bambara at Hotel Monaco reopens this week! The restaurant is once again comfortable and gorgeous, and Chef Patrick LeBeau's new modern bistro menu is filled with local flavors and ingredients. Bambara has always been a trendsetter, and with this reopening, a new era begins. In the fall, the bar will reopen, expanded and with a dedicated entrance on 200 south! 

Power Lunch is Back
Up the block, Aqua Terra has comfortably warmed into their new and stylish home inside City Creek Center. Ascend Hospitality is the Washington-state restaurant group that also owns Famous Dave’s BBQ. This is their fifth high-end concept  and their first in Utah. We’ve been asking them to open for lunch, and… tada… today we got word that it has happened. Highlights include SLC Steak Frites with bison tips, chimichurri sauce, and pickled vegetables; and Rocky Mountain Melt: a bison patty with caramelized onions, roasted mushrooms, swiss cheese on marbled rye. YUM! Check out the full menu.

Claypots Caribbean Grill (a business incubated at the Downtown Farmers Market) has opened a brick and mortar shop in one of the most unique spaces downtown. Walk through the door at 268 South Main Street… nope, don’t go to Vape On Main downstairs or the People’s Bar upstairs… head through the tiny bodega, Market on Main. Up the ramp in the back you’ll find Chef Michelle and her two kids serving simple island fare at down to earth prices. You’ll be pleased by the food… and the experience!

We’ve been interested in what is happening in the former Ginger Street space at State and Broadway. Rumors of something truly unique for SLC have been swirling. Today, Gastronomic has more details: Sayonara, from the owner of Tradition by Liberty Park, wants to replicate the feel of a back alley Tokyo bar with a highly themed restaurant and lounge… intriguing! 

Kelly Howard has signed a lease for the Bourbon House space, in the basement of the Walker Center. Howard owns Prohibition, in Murray and plans to call this location Repeal. A full remodel is in the works for a kitchen-focused concept. 

Wanting to spend less time at the bar, and more time at the barre? The GYM at City Creek is moving into the newly renovated 175 building on West Temple. This building is easy to overlook, but with ample onsite parking and City Creek Dental onsite (our fav), we think downtown residents are going to get to know the corner well.

ON THE STREET MAY

Who is ready for Water Witch Bar 2.0? The trio behind the 900 south, James Beard-nominated location are expanding downtown. A remarkable location, the hidden and historic Cramer House, part of the recently opened Aster project. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the House was built in 1890 by Christopher Cramer, a Danish immigrant who ran a floral shop. There will be significant upgrades before they’re slinging their spirits. In the meantime, you can anticipate several other developments at The Aster, including a sushi restaurant. 

Comfortable and cosmopolitan, Cupla Coffee has opened on 200 South next to Homecoming Southern Kitchen–and it is gorgeous! We wandered over on opening day and were greeted like a long-time friend. Cozy furniture, a library wall, great coffee, and genuine, friendly service. What more can you ask for? Yes, we’ll tell you: the two gooey eggs, melty cheese, and smokey bacon on a croissant. 

Doha, Dubai, and Ibiza. Coming soon to Salt Lake, STK, the international celebrity-endorsed steakhouse was teased at the ribbon cutting of phase one of The West Quarter. A clarion call of what Salt Lake residents are thirsty for, The West Quarter opens with Van Ryder, the sexy amber-lit rooftop bar and is complemented by French-themed Adalaide (don’t miss the oysters). 

The “coming soon” sign for LemonShark Poké taunted us for months, then years. We almost gave up hope for the restaurant in The Judge Building, but happy to report the wait is over and reviews are in. The Downtown Ambassadors in the yellow jackets have named it one of their favorite lunch spots and a 4.8 rating on Google Reviews adds to the good publicity. If you’re at Gallivan Plaza, the path to poke is puny. In close proximity is Poke & Sushi Hut, Fresh Fin, and Uncle Shark!

Speaking of The Judge Building, we reported Robin’s Nest had flown the coop at their longtime roost. Thankfully, as the crow flies, they have cracked open in the DP Cheesesteak location on Broadway. People are raven about the new refuge. Don’t miss the turkey and smoked gouda.

Just barely percolating, someone is investing in the Ginger Street location at 324 South State. (Oh, how we miss those chicken tendies). Well-placed sources say it will be an elegant modern Japanese fusion restaurant. Intriguing–we will keep digging. 

Mayor Voss has opened on Edison Street. We’ve loved this airy, light-filled urban gem since Campos Coffee renovated it to rave reviews. Don’t miss the pork belly bao with cucumber and hoisin, hoisted on a soft heated bun.

Speaking of Edison Street and warm buns, HOT BUNS is expected to open in the next month. Ryan Lowder adds to his culinary empire with this walk-up hamburger concept. It is enticing since Copper Onion’s burger is widely regarded as the best in the state. 

Long time readers will surely note this writer’s interest in tiki. (Our previous installment broke the news of Neptune’s Palace coming to The Gateway in June). So, we are delighted to introduce you to Paradise Parlour, a tiki pop-up at Flanker. Renowned, globetrotting mixologist Francesco Lafranconi was commissioned to create the delicate Polynesian libations. These drinks are fun to imbibe, beautiful to look at, and incredibly sophisticated. Stuart at Gastronomic declares, “From the moment you walk through the door, it’s one of the most unique sensory experiences in Utah right now.” High praise!

ON THE STREET MARCH

This week, we plan to check-out French-themed Adelaide at Le Meridien and Homecoming Southern Kitchen on 200 and West Temple. Follow our social media for our reports! In the meantime, here are some exciting openings to look forward to:

We begin where we left off in our last On The Street column: a mysterious bar on 400 South that is promising authentic tiki drinks and animatronics in a whimsically-themed world. Well, we now have a name and date: Neptune’s Palace is working towards an early summer opening (DABS-dependent). The name truly lives up to the Willy Wonka-meets-Hunter S. Thompson vibes that we’ve heard about through the rumor mill. 

Highly-anticipated, The Local Market and Bar opened today! We got a sneak peek of the casual corner food hall with eight concepts at 310 East University Blvd and will be back soon. Highlights? Well, the bar of course, staffed with mixologists that made a fine Moscow Mule. Pop’s Burger served a deliciously moist cheesy burger on a spongy bun, and The Cereal Killerz’ has over 100 cereal styles from around the world, generously served over ice cream.      

We’re excited that the 48-year-old Junior’s Tavern, a venerable drinking hole where denizens of all salaries rub shoulders with one another, has been purchased by Bob McCarthy from longtime owner, Greg Arata. Bob owns two of our other favorite places in town: Garage on Beck and Stoneground. We’ve heard he wants to polish the place but leave the best vestiges like the beer can collection, pool table, and even the film encyclopedia (it's a great way to strike up a conversation).

Hotel Monaco opened in 1999 and it remains near the top in our rolodex of recommendations: consistent quality at Bambara, considerate cocktails at The Vault, quirky and cozy rooms. But nearby competition from newly-opened Hyatt Regency, Element, and Le Meridien have convinced the brass that a full polish is due. Scheduled to begin in April and completed by late summer, the rehaul includes all 225 rooms, Bambara gets a facelift, and (we’re most excited about this) a dramatic and moody update and expansion to The Vault. 

At City Creek Center, Ogden-founded Pearl Milk Tea Club has opened. Located near VRX Pharmacy, they will serve boba smoothies, pearl milk teas, and coffees. Also, another Utah company, Thread who makes slim wallets, will open soon next to Donovan Mitchell’s STANCE.

Brick and Mortar, a fine establishment on Edison Street has decided to cash in its chips and rebrand itself as Mayor Voss. Between the 1880’s and the 1920’s Edison Street was the heart of the Black community. Horace Voss was a influential Republican and served in the state capitol in 1903, his picture still hangs inside the senate chambers. After claiming domestic abuse and filing for divorce, Mayor Voss was murdered and the killer was caught (not his wife). For the full story, check out historian Rachel Quist’s and KUTV’s Jamie McGriff story. 

Finally, late-breaking news that City Creek Center’s Chick-fil-a will be closed for renovations for a couple weeks. On the day we noticed it boarded up, mourners were discovering other food stalls at the food court, including Bocata, the pizza oven sandwich shop, as well as the venerable Taste of Red Iguana offering a daily special: mango enchiladas with rice and beans for the absurd price of $6.75. Two great local options to explore while the Chick is breaking those eggs.

Let’s crack some eggs and break some news: Curry Up Now and Mortar and Pestle are no more. The national chain that took over Cedars of Lebanon and served Indian fast casual populated the space for just two years. We’ll miss their tikka masala but are VERY excited to have locally-owned Laziz spread its wings into downtown. Kafta Burgers all around! The plan is to open in mid-September… and look for that adorable tiny bar in the back to be updated and renamed Back Door. Hey, don’t overthink it!

Across the street, a new owner is remodeling what was Cancun Cafe and is planning a Mexican restaurant featuring pescados y mariscos. Mexican del mar is a category missing in downtown, so bring on the ceviche, we’re ready!

Further down 200 comes a very intriguing new restaurant from the Bon Patt Group (owners of Chrisopher’s Prime, Fat Jack’s, and Toro Rasa). Homecoming Southern Kitchen & Bar will occupy the old Olive Garden–a very desirable space kitty corner to Hyatt Regency, which will open next month. A neon sign is up and a menu isonline, but judging by the steel framing, they have several months to go before we get to taste a Pulled Pork Melt, slicing into Prime Rib, or sample the Fried Fish Plate with hushpuppies. Oh Momma! 

We love this next story a latte. Grinding it out in the grounds of the Axis Building, Cupla Coffee is moving east of the aforementioned Homecoming! We’ve bean going for a Cupla years, espresso-ly for the lox, egg and cheese croissant, and of course those signature drinks. 

Speaking of Hyatt Regency, the new convention hotel is a gorgeous addition to the skyline. We love the renderings for the soaring, modern Lobby Bar, but even more alluring is the Catalan-influenced restaurant, Mar | Muntanya (sea and mountain). Located on the 6th floor with an outdoor terrace, it is helmed by Chef Tyson Peterson, formerly at the acclaimed Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant inside St. Regis, Deer Valley.  He recently told us to expect the menu to feature elk tenderloin, suckling pig, and the highest quality oysters. To wash it down and truly imbibe the Spanish flavors, Chef is working on a stupendous selection of sangrias as well as a gin-heavy craft cocktail menu (apparently Spaniards love gin, who knew?)

Finally, this writer recently moved into the Westgate Lofts on 200 South and what would you know? Maxwell’s Little Bar (21+) has opened directly below us, next to Vosen’s German Bakery. (We’re doomed). The adorable postage stamp space fits 30 people and offers all those beloved recipes you loved at the Main Street location. They even have a walk-up for slices! See you there soon. 

Christmas is several weeks away, but a few anticipated presents will be unveiled this week! A diverse pipeline of restaurants are set to open--from quick fare to classic French--there is a concept for every taste. Savor the holidays and head downtown to experience something magical.  

Ryan Lowder’s Copper Common reopens December 1 after a renovation of the interior and with a new menu. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher as we keep asking ourselves what was wrong with the old space. However, knowing Lowder and his desire to frequently revitalize his enterprises, we know he won’t let us down. Just keep that C.O. Burger, please! (@coppercommon)

As reported, Tamarind, the bright and colorful Vietnamese restaurant owned by two downtown lawyers, is set to open December 2 across from the Eccles Theater. They’re offering healthy, quick and flavorful Pho from a family recipe. There have been some special preview nights, we know because we walked by like Charlie Brown, having not been invited. Not jilted, just excited-- Pho-real. (@tamarindslc)

Laurel opens December 4 and is set to be the most expensive restaurant ever built in Utah--yes, more than The Mayan (bonus points for remembering). Grand America has gutted their restaurant and imagined a modern brasserie. This stunning space is on a scale rarely accomplished in Utah and an outdoor patio is expected in the spring. (@laurelslc) 

On December 8 you’ll find us at the opening of Flanker Kitchen and Sporting Club at The Gateway. We’ve been teasing this location for a couple months and are excited for the Miss Piggy, Tiki-Pena, and Rendez Vous--cocktails created by the world-renowned mixologist Francesco Lafranconi. This guy hangs with everyone from Ferran Adria to Lionel Richie. So, we’ll consider ourselves in good company next week. (@flankerslc)

Shades Brewing expanded to downtown (actually on the same block as our office, so watch out). This boho chic location is a little hard to find unless you’re looking for it above Himalayan Kitchen at 366 South State Street. Shades Tap Room offers beer to go and is open daily 11am to 1 am. Have you tried the Plum? It’s the best sour made in Utah. (@shadestaproom) 

With a face made-for-tv, Bambara re-introduces us to Chef Jerry Pacheco. He’s ignited some of the most notable restaurants downtown, including Copper Onion, Pallet, and Avenues Bistro. While the blue cheese potato chips stay--thank God--expect a well-deserved overhaul of the menu as Pacheco leans-in to his Mexican heritage. (@bambaraslc)

Finally, Carson Kitchen unveiled a mouthwatering winter menu that we will be savoring soon. The 10 new dishes from chef/owner Cory Harwell, including a savory pork meatloaf and foie butter and jelly sound delightful. Our recommendation from past visits is to find yourself at the bar or exhibition kitchen and ask the mixologist or chefs to plie you with their talents. They’ll make you a believer. (@carsonkitchen)

We’re not playing favorites, really, but we’re over the moon for Martine’s plan to reopen. Once thought lost forever, they are revamping the menu and looking for a triumphant return in mid-November. Just around the corner, another beloved restaurant, Tin Angel at the Eccles Theater is now open before performances. 

At The Gateway, Italian Graffiti, a new high-end Italian dining concept from the partners at HallPass, are in build-out of the CPK space, eyeing a spring opening. This is the second ‘get’ for The Gateway after the announcement that Vegas nightlife impresario Sean Christie will open his first concept in the nation (under his newly-formed Carver Road brand) on the north end of the property. Expect a star-studded event when Flanker opens next month in the space that formerly housed Punch Bowl Social.  

Two lawyers are pho-filling their dreams (no groaning allowed). North of Beerhive, Tamarind will begin serving Vietnamese cuisine in the next couple weeks. Perfect timing for a big warm bowl of Pho, made with a secret family recipe. On deadline, we also noticed Poke & Sushi Hut has a banner out, south of Plieku. (Anyone know what happened to LemonShark Poke? A year and a half later, a lonely sign still beckons, ‘coming soon.’ Time is relative, we suppose).

Speaking of the lonely ‘coming soon’ sign… A long--long--time ago the space next to Undercurrent was supposed to be Oddfellows Food Hall. For months you could peer into the space and see slow to no progress. Then, over a year ago, a striking modernist sign announced that Niccoli’s would be ‘opening soon.’ The folks behind the now-shuttered Sea Salt never produced. Now, according to Stuart at Gastronomic, the space has a third operator and concept called Salt and Olive. We hope to see it ‘soon.’

Brick & Mortar has softly opened in the Campos space on Edison Street, we’re glad this airy, bright space has been activated with a youthful, energetic feel. (Oddly, Brick & Mortar is not related to Mortar & Pestle 200 feet diagonally across the street.)  

Up in City Creek Center, CoreLife Eatery across from Cheesecake Factory closed quietly sometime in the last few months, replaced by Utah’s favorite smothered pork burrito: Cafe Rio. 

We ran into Governor Cox at the grand opening of Fenice on Regent. Wonderful ambiance with a side of duck confit carbonara was perfectly rich for a rainy day. Pro Tip: sit at the counter and learn all about the food from the chefs. Downtown luminaries also attended Pago on Main’s opening and treated to boar meatballs and amazing beef tartare. Two takeaways: Fenice is 21 and over and Pago is serving until midnight on the weekends.

Here are two tropes that operators are elevating and echoing--lack of liquor licenses are slowing the opening of exciting concepts in Salt Lake City. Fourteen restaurateurs crouched at the last DABC meeting ready to pounce on just three licenses. However, perhaps a more urgent roadblock to new and existing restaurants is the labor shortage. There are a couple new concepts downtown that have not opened  their doors yet because no one is applying. And, some restaurants are shortening their hours due to this labor crisis. 

Attn: Restaurateurs! C.W. Urban, the developer of under-construction the RANDI at 200 East and 200 South, is actively looking for an operator for their prime, ground floor, corner space with giant windows. With nearly a thousand new apartments under development within a  block of this location, this spot seems like a winner.