Dipping a Toe into One of Downtown's Coolest Blocks
Denver has LoDo. In Austin, it’s Sixth Street. L.A. boasts Culver Boulevard. And here, one of downtown Salt Lake City’s hippest locales is a block bordered by 200 South, 200 East, East Broadway (300 South) and State Street, known simply by the alley that bisects it from north to south, Edison.
You probably already know about Edison’s dense concentration of murals, an ever-changing, open-air gallery of local and international street art and graffiti lending this block its unique aesthetic. (El Mac & Retna’s Ave Maria—arguably Salt Lake City’s most-photographed public art piece—is there high on the east side wall of the Fice Gallery & Boutique building.) Pairs of old shoes hanging from overhead cables and fire escapes add to Edison’s distinctly urban vibe. But it’s Edison’s mostly independent shops, restaurants and bars that give this area artistically gritty soul.
A handful of proprietors, like Gallenson’s Gun Shop, Diabolical Records and Fice, have called Edison home for a decade or more. Several new businesses have taken up residence there recently, adding to an eclectic vibe not found elsewhere in Utah’s capital city.
Restaurants
What began as a food truck in the San Francisco area, is now the country’s fasted growing Indian-inspired fast-casual restaurant chain, Curry Up Now (152 E. 200 South). (Utah locations include another in Midvale.) Approachable Indian street food is the rule here. Think slightly Americanized versions of pani puri, samosas, vada pav, daha puri and much more.
When you’re craving a wide slice of pizza, made with a characteristically thin, hand-tossed crust and dripping with gooey mozzarella—a la New York City—make a beeline to the locally owned Este Pizzeria (156 E. 200 South). Note: the wings, Stromboli and calzones there are as good as the slices.
One of SLC’s friendliest, most inclusive coffee shops—The People’s Coffee (200 E. 200 South)— relocated to Edison in May. Walk into this inviting and airy space—with high ceilings and whimsical green-stained chevron-pattern hardwood flooring—any time of the day, and you’ll likely find hours have passed when you finally tear yourself away to leave.
Made-to-order guacamole; creative, seasonally-inspired tacos; and tasty cocktails made with fresh ingredients is what you can expect at Taqueria 27 (149 E. 200 South). Dine inside this modern, minimalist space or outside on the umbrella-shaded patio.
Proving that everything tastes better when wrapped in a tortilla, the ingredients used within Roc Taco’s (248 S. Edison) “freestyle” tacos—defined as having “zero restrictions in the flavors and techniques employed”—run the gamut from Korean short ribs, Daikon radish and chicken tikka masala to Cuban carnitas, grilled Mahi Mahi and citrus tabbouleh. When you go, be sure to try one of Roc’s deliciously creamy batidas—the citrus avocado is a local fave.
The time is now to get a final fix of the expertly roasted beans, café eats and friendly ethos at Campos Coffee (228 S. Edison). The owners announced they are closing all of Campos’ North American operations July 15, 2021, including the charming café on Edison. Campos very quickly became a popular destination for locals and visitors. Numerous other craft restaurant operators are considering what they could bring to this unique location. Stay tuned for what’s next for this lovely downtown space.
Bars
From the moment you pass beneath the old-timey, light-bulb façade into Bar X (155 E. 200 South), the focus of this hip, speakeasy-esque watering hole is crystal clear: relaxing with an expertly made cocktail. Rows and rows of illuminated bottles serve as a backdrop against which a team of pro mixologists create anything your palate is desiring.
Hard booze not your jam? No worries. You’ll find 30 beers are on tap and hundreds more in cans and bottles next door to Bar X at the Beer Bar (155 E. 200 South), dubbed by its owners as “a love letter to the beer of the world.”
The third in Edison’s Second South tavern trifecta is Johnny’s on Second (165 E. 200 South), a gratefully divey, come-as-you-are bar where you can get a beer and a shot for $4. Just the place to spend an afternoon sitting on the sidewalk patio sipping a cold one or inside watching the game and shooting pool.
Though the dinner offerings are fantastic, where Copper Common (corner of Broadway and Edison) shines is as one of downtown’s most inviting places to meet up with friends. Cozy up in one of the intimate booths inside or sit outside on the patio, verdantly festooned with potted herbs, flowers and lush plants. Not-to-be-missed events at Copper Common include Taco Tuesdays ($6 margaritas) and the no-cover Copper C’mon patio concert series on Friday and Saturday nights.
It’s hard to grasp the character and sense of place that little, hole-in-wall bars bring to a locale. But that indescribable appeal is just what you’ll find inside the chic and cozy Mortar & Pestle (152 E. 200 South). With the same ownership as Curry Up Now, much of the signature cocktails menu is Indian-inspired and all are made with fresh ingredients and housemade syrups.
Shops
In a world where digital music is king and record stores are an endangered species, somehow Diabolical Records (238 S. Edison) has managed to thrive, thanks in large part to its curated selection of indie music on vinyl and tape. Watch for the store’s free weekly concerts with local and touring bands to return in September 2021.
Anchoring the edgy street ambiance endemic on Edison is Fice Gallery & Boutique (160 E. 200 South), stockists of a huge selection of hard-to-find sneakers and artist-driven t-shirts and hoodies. Fice has also built a brand on hosting community-building events, like the monthlong art sale it held in February to mark Black History month and benefit Hoods in the Woods.
Russian immigrant William Gallenson founded Gallenson’s Gun Shop (166 E. 200 South) as a tailor shop on the nearby Regent Street in 1916. Nine years later he changed his business model from men’s clothing to guns and ammo. After a series of moves throughout the downtown area, Gallenson’s landed on Edison in 1990, where it remains Utah oldest firearms dealer.
Tattoo Parlors
Named for the term of endearment owner Taylor Millet’s mother gave him as a child, Sailor Taylor Tattoo (215 S. Edison St) has been a defining presence on Edison since it opened in 2015. In addition to one of Salt Lake’s most revered sources for fine art-quality tattoos, Sailor Taylor also offers original jewelry, art pieces and piercing within its rococo-style parlor. (Fun fact: The red light next to Sailor Taylor’s door is an artifact from the year Millet ran a speakeasy out of his tattoo parlor—open, when the light was on, from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.)
Formerly Cathedral Tattoo, Edison’s Mercy Tattoo (180 S. 200 East), is a definitively hip tattoo parlor employing a staff or young and up-and-coming artists who specialize in American traditional, Japanese Traditional and fine-line tattooing.
Living
Though many of the buildings on Edison and its environs house living spaces above the street-level businesses, theRandi (218 S. 200 East), when completed later this year, will be Edison’s first luxury-level apartment building. The 61 for-rent condos there range from one to three bedrooms within 478 to 2,208 square feet.
Valentine's Day - Downtown Gift and Dining Deals
Ditch the chalky conversation candy hearts this Valentine's Day and head downtown where you'll find top-notch shopping and dining deals to enjoy with friends and loved ones! In addition to scoring some unique gifts and mouth-watering meals, you'll be showing love to our local downtown retailers, it's a win-win. Scroll down to browse downtown SLC's Valentine's Day offers.
Blue Iguana SLC:
Valentine's Special - Paella for $15 per person. Offer valid from Feb 12th-Feb 15th. Various drink specials.
Caputo's Market & Deli:
-Ultimate Date Night - a Caputo's Online Intro to Chocolate class, or any of our other in-person or online classes.
-Downtown location will host The Petal Coop Grab n' Go Flower cart on Feb 13-14. Beautiful bouquets using fresh, local flowers - pick up your chocolate and your flowers in one stop!
-Utah Craft Chocolate Covered Strawberries - Caputo's in-house pastry chef is creating a limited-edition treat just for Valentine's Day - strawberries dipped in three kinds of chocolate, each from a different Utah craft chocolate maker: Solstice, Amano, and Ritual Chocolate. Each Caputo's location will offer the berries, Feb 12-14.
-Special Valentine's Day-themed Artisan Support Pack starting this Friday, Feb 5 - artisan cheese, chocolate, and more to create the perfect date night in.
-Cheesemongers are always ready to help create the perfect cheese + charcuterie board for an intimate night in. Or, choose one of Caputo's gorgeous composed boards!
-Filled chocolate bonbons by Blue's Chocolates, using local chocolate maker Solstice Chocolate for the exterior.
Charlie Chow's:
Free dessert with purchase of an entree.
City Creek Center:
-Kendra Scott - All the Heart Eyes! From Hearts and Arrows to the stone of love, jewelry that will make her say “be mine”. Come shop the Valentine’s Day heart collection today!
Kendra Scott + Children's Service Society: Supply Drive. Bring a donation to the Kendra Scott at City Creek Center & receive 20% off your entire purchase. See the list below for details.
Personal Items needed: toilet paper, paper towels, deodorant, chapstick, Kleenex, diapers, wipes, baby supplies, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush/paste, etc.
-Kay Jewelers - 25% - 50% off the entire store. See store for details. February 4 – 15.
-L’OCCITANE - Free gift with purchase of $120 now through 2/16/21. Buy any fragrance from the woman’s line, and pair it with a lotion, receive FREE shower gel and hand cream ($32 value), 2/5 – 2/13. See store for details
Morgan Jewelers - February 4 – February 27. Shop in-store and save up to 60% off on select merchandise and 25% off on Seiko watches!
Curry Up Now:
Downtown location. The offer is a 25% discount for Valentine's Day total bill. Does not include alcohol. Must mention code "V14". Offer NOT available online.
Especially For You Flowers:
Stunning Roses, Mixed Valentine Arrangements, Custom Designed for Your Valentine. Order Early, We Deliver Valley Wide and Offer Curbside Service for Your Convenience. Romantic Flower Packages, Flowers, V-Chocolates Heart, Handwritten Valentine Card and Rose Petals. Call for Prices.
The Gateway:
-Bath and Body Works - Mix & Match Body Care: Buy 3, Get 2 Free. Or Buy 2, Get 1 Free all month. Valentines items and scents available now
-‘Bout Time Pub & Grub - Buy one meal, get one of equal or lessor value for free on Valentine’s Day
-Dave & Buster’s - Buy $20 and get $20 in gameplay on Valentine’s Day.
-Dreamscapes - Dine and Dream Special, February 14th only. $5 off each Dreamscapes ticket (up to 2 tickets) for every receipt from any Gateway restaurant.
-Fleming’s - Valentine's Day Lunch Menu February 13 - 14. Click here to see details.
-Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center - Fotona 4D laser facial - usual price $1500. Valentines special $1299. Male (Gainswave) and Female (ThermiVa) rejuvenation 15% off - call for details.
-Gradient - Offering a "LOVE YOUR SKIN" package that includes skin consultation, clay mask, custom facial steamer, custom made toner, custom made facial oil. All for $55 vs. actual value of $75 (25% off). Offer valid from February 11-14.
-Mystery Escape Room - 20% off tickets with the code 'LOVE20' from February 10-16. Only valid for bookings with a minimum of four tickets
-MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company - Couple's Special. Feb 12th - 14th. 2 pizzas or 2 calzones, 2 side salads and 2 soft drinks. Dine-In only. 20% off all Take-Out for the month of February.
-The Store Fine Foods Market & Deli - Selection of Valentine’s candy, cookies, etc. Heart-shaped Filet Mignon and other meat items.
-Tresor Jewelers - February 1st-February 15th, 40-50% off select items. Free small gift with any purchase. Free jewelry cleaning and inspection.
-Tucanos - February 13th – February 16th. Click here to see details.
-Urban Arts Gallery - Valentine’s Day Art Sale, February 14th Only. 20% off all art
-White Agent Bridal Boutique - Feb 1st – February 15th, 15% off select dresses. Free piece of jewelry with purchase of any dress.
Settebello Pizzeria:
Valentine's Day Special - Share an insalata, choose two pizzas from the menu, share a gelato - $40.
Stoneground Italian Kitchen:
Click here to view Stoneground's offer.
Takashi/Post Office Place:
For the first time ever, Takashi will be open on Sunday! That's right, this February 14, Takashi will be offering curbside take-out with some "lovely" specials available! OR, diners over 21 may enjoy a romantic meal at Post Office Place, which in addition to Takashi's menu will feature some potent specials to help celebrate love. Advance orders for Takashi take-out are highly recommended. (We had to cut off orders on New Year's Eve due to such high demand). Post Office Place will serve Takashi menu until 9:00, and then offer a limited menu until close.
More details to follow on Instagram: @takashi_slc or @postslc
Winter Market at The Gateway:
In addition to the freshest produce, meats and cheeses in the State, you can pick out unique handmade gifts from local artisans at the Winter Market at The Gateway. The Art & Craft Market is located in the north end of The Gateway in the old Apple space near the water fountains.
Know of a downtown business that should be added to this list? E-mail us at
Downtown SLC Deals & Discounts - Explore Shop in Utah Offers
Support some of your favorite downtown SLC businesses while saving some dough thanks to the Shop in Utah Grant Program! Shop in Utah offers support for local businesses such as restaurants, bars, retailers, cultural performance groups, fitness studios and hotels while providing discounts to their customers. Pick up some take-out, book a staycation and even get free money at vendors like the Downtown SLC Farmers Market. Check out the full list of participating downtown businesses below and learn more about Shop in Utah here.
Downtown SLC Shop in Utah Offers:
AC Hotel, Salt Lake City - 50% off online prices
Array Salon - Buy a hair color service and get one free
Ballet West - 40% off tickets to Nine Sinatra Songs to the general public starting 10/13. Beginning10/9 we will exclusively offer subscribers and donors 50% off tickets to Nine Sinatra Songs.
bastille - 50% off a huge selection of inventory
Blue Iguana - Contact the business for more information
BTG Wine Bar - Contact the business for more information
Caffe Molise - Buy One Get One Free every day for lunch items
Dexterity Salon - Various service promotions and product giveaways
Downtown Alliance - Get $10 extra when you buy $50, Get $25 extra when you buy $75
Downtown Farmers Market in Pioneer Park – Urban Food Connections of Utah - $10 in Market Cash to be used at ANY market vendor
Eva - Free dessert with 2-person meal nightly
Eva’s Bakery - BOGO - promo code: SHOPINUTAH to any online orders to receive a discount
Hampton Inn Salt Lake City Downtown - 15% discount for Utah residents
Hilton Salt Lake City Center - pay for a $150 room night and you receive a $100 City Creek gift card and a $50 Spencer’s credit
Hotel Monaco - Buy one get one free package; credit for dining
LatterDayBride - 50% off all prom dresses including our sale prom
Mr. Shabu at Gateway - Make a day in advance reservation for 20% off an entire meal for parties of 4 or more
Odyssey Dance Theatre - Thriller (Capitol) & Shut Up and Dance (Kingsbury): $35 seats discounted to $17.50
Peak 45 LLC - 50% discount on all class packs and private and semi-private lesson; 30% discount on all retail
Poplar Street Pub - 15% discount any food item; $5 Monday wings special (dine-in only)
Post Office Place - SOLD OUT
Repertory Dance Theatre - 50% off performance tickets; 50% off Dance Center on Broadway drop-in classes and punch cards; 50% off digital concerts; 50% off Winter Dance enrollments made before Dec. 30, 2020
Salt Lake Power Yoga LLC - 50% discount on all class packs for both in-studio and live stream; 30% discount on all retail both in-studio and online
Smith Bespoke - 50% off $1000 suit for first time customers
Soundwell - Contact the business for more information
Sweet Rolled Tacos - Contact the business for more information
Takashi - SOLD OUT
Taqueria 27 - Buy 1 gift card online or in-store and receive a second card free at 50% of the purchased value
Toasters - for every total dollar amount spent, get a 50% gift card of that amount
Tucanos - Contact the business for more information
Utah Arts Alliance - Up to $25,000 in discounted tickets and local art
UWM Men’s Shop, Utah Woolen Mills - Contact the business for more information
Visit Salt Lake - 50% off all Connect Passes & Salt Lake Brewery Passes
Vosen’s Bread Paradise - 10% off
Whiskey Street Cocktails and Dining - 50% Off Gift Cards
White Horse Spirits and Kitchen - 50% Off Gift Cards
Zest Kitchen & Bar - Gift card discounts; Buy $25, get $5; Buy $75, get $25, etc
Know of a Downtown SLC business that should be on this list? Let us know by e-mailing
Downtown SLC's local businesses are an integral part of our local economy as they add vibrancy and walkability to our downtown streets. As businesses continue to open their doors amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of customers and staff remain top-of-mind. We asked several businesses how they're faring and what they are doing to adapt to the current situation.
We encourage you to support our local businesses during this time - be sure to check out our restaurant dining guide that features take-out, delivery and dine-in options.
How was your business impacted by COVID-19?
Salt Lake Power Yoga: We closed our business effective March 16. We went from offering 65+ Live classes a week to offering less than 20 classes on the virtual platform. We opened again with one live class per day on May 18, and are continuing to host the virtual classes.
Caputos Market & Deli: It is a challenge to describe the innumerable ways our company has been impacted by COVID-19. Entire revenue channels vanished, as our restaurant wholesale customers shut their doors, our dining rooms closed, and our popular tasting classes disappeared. Almost a hundred employees' livelihoods weighed heavily on our shoulders, while we were faced with a fraction of the ability needed to provide for them. Sales in our markets (which remained open for shopping) plummeted. So many sleepless nights. In spite of these incredible challenges, the global pandemic also presented opportunities - for example, our online grocery business skyrocketed. The strength and adaptability of our crew became widely apparent as chefs became delivery drivers and cheesemongers became packers for online orders. The 4-per week average tasting classes that disappeared soon were resurrected with online Zoom classes, now reaching people from coast to coast. To put it simply, it's been heartbreaking, indescribably stressful, but full of silver linings.
What changes have you made to adapt to the situation over the past couple of months?
Boltcutter/Monkeywrench: The biggest change that we have made to adapt to the current situation was to design and install large panels on the storefronts of Boltcutter and Monkeywrench so that we can take orders and deliver food to our guests without having them inside of our space. We also built out online ordering platforms for Buds, Boltcutter and Monkeywrench which is not something we had available to our guests prior to COVID-19. Learning how these systems function and how to utilize them to best serve our guests has been a new challenge.
The Bourbon Group: The Bourbon Group has taken a safety/sanitation first approach. We are following all state guidelines and have taken extra steps as a company to minimize risk to our staff and guests. We ask each guest to sanitize before entering and provide them with a mask to wear while communicating with our staff. We professionally sanitize each establishment 3 times a week as well as having staff sanitize every surface every 30 min each day. We have also started to take reservations in order to be able to control our door and eliminate people having to wait for tables.
How have you adapted your operations to ensure the health and safety of your customers and employees?
Boltcutter/Monkeywrench: All of our employees work in masks, we have increased our sanitation protocols and we are not allowing any dine-in customers. We made and installed pickup windows at Boltcutter and Monkeywrench to reduce air exchange between the staff and customers and allow for contactless customer experience. We are now a cashless operation too.
Salt Lake Power Yoga: Everything was revamped. We remained closed longer than required because we didn’t feel like it was appropriate to open without thoroughly reviewing every aspect of our business, with the safety of our staff and students always at the forefront. Required masks, signage, communication, social distancing, traffic patterns inside the studio, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and limiting the capacity to a maximum of 18 students in the practice space (normally our capacity is 65 ppl) are examples of some of the pivots we have made with COVID. We have been in constant communication with the Salt Lake Health Department to ensure that we are doing everything in our power to provide a safe space for people to practice yoga.
How do you see your business continuing to develop into the future?
Caputos Market & Deli: Many of the things we put in place to survive during the pandemic will allow us to thrive long after it is over. For example, online ordering for local delivery of sandwiches executed by our own drivers rather than 3rd party delivery app will remain. Shipping of groceries via USPS and FedEx has been even more popular than local delivery. Customers can order online in all 50 states and expect free and fast shipping and the same incredible customer service they get in our physical stores. Our online sales are now larger than in-store and growing quickly! We have also moved our classes online, and while many others have also done this, ours include samples of the food shipped to your door and a truly engaging and educational experience. The response has been so incredible that we envision using Zoom to change the way specialty food is sold online. For example, why have a personal shopper, when you can talk with a cheesemonger? We are developing a virtual work station at Caputo's cheese counter where our mongers can guide online customers to delicious products that fit their preferences and needs. Just like the experience, they would get when standing at the cheese counter in Salt Lake City, but then shipped to their door anywhere in the USA!
The Bourbon Group: We have always had a high standard for sanitation and safety. We will continue to adapt, improve and implement new and better policies and practices.
Why should people start to come back to your business now they are allowed to do so?
Salt Lake Power Yoga: Now more than ever, people need the practice of yoga. The practice of coming to their mat, staying in the stillness, moving their bodies and connecting with breath, other students and their teacher. We invite everyone to practice with us, whether it is from their own home or in the studio. Local studios like Salt Lake Power Yoga will make it through this crisis with support from our incredible community. Spending your dollars on our classes or on our retail goods flows directly to the teachers you love and will help keep the light on in the studio many call home. Now more than ever, small local businesses need our support. 100% goes stays local. No franchise, or corporate contracts with this local studio!
Caputos Market & Deli: The same reason they always have - out of love for the good stuff. Many of the foods we treasure most - artisan cheese, salumi, tinned seafood - has been around for hundreds of years, through world wars, natural disasters, and other global pandemics. We are committed to doing our part to ensure these traditions continue, and continually adapting in order to share how special they are. Caputo's is built on connection to our past, our present, our future, and our customers. We hope people will come to our shops (in person and online) to experience the food traditions we strive to preserve.
Special thanks to Boltcutter, Caputos Market & Deli, The Bourbon Group and Salt Lake Power Yoga for participating. Learn more and visit these businesses by clicking the links below: