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.

For many, being served a meal outside feels just a little more special and festive than eating indoors. But following this last year of eating restaurant food out of to-go boxes, we’re anticipating that this season’s return of patio dining will be particularly sweet. Following is a round-up of downtown Salt Lake restaurant patios, decks and sidewalks where you can partake in a fantastic meal or cocktail in the great outdoors. Cheers!       

Upscale Patios, for Date Night or a Girls Night Out 

Exceptional Italian fare with a thoughtfully curated wine list served against the backdrop of a verdantly elegant patio is what you’ll find on the lovely patio at Caffé Molise (404 S. West Temple). Though the opening of its neighbor, the Broadway Cinemas is still TBD, the team at the Copper Onion (111 E. Broadway) are now serving the elevated comfort food they are so well known for both inside and outside on the covered patio.  

Plenty of greenery gives the brick-walled patio at Current Fish & Oyster (279 E. 300 South) a distinctly hip and modern vibe. The seafood-centric menu, well-assembled wine list and creative cocktails there are pretty impressive, too.  

Though certainly outside, the intimate back patio at Eva (317 S. Main St.), festooned with hanging plants and string lights, is a charming backdrop for the well-executed small plates and drinks served there. Scheduled to open nearer to Mother’s Day. 

Bars, Brewpubs and Other Casual Joints

There’s nothing quite like sitting outside in the sun on a balmy day and sipping a perfectly poured pint. If that sounds like heaven to you, then you’ll love the Beer Bar (161 E. 200 South). 

The wooden-slat walled patio at the Copper Common (Broadway & Edison Streets) is an ideal place to quaff a Mountain Medley (the house’s riff on a Moscow Mule) and nibble on an order of roasted beets or a spicy pizza while you watch the world go by on Broadway.

Ginger Street (324 S. State St.) paints a pretty wide brush in terms of the Southeast Asian cuisine you’ll find on the menu at this fun, energetic spot, including dumplings, pad Thai and a French dip/ban mi sandwich mashup.

See and be seen at Gracie’s (326 S. West Temple) fun rooftop deck, where the party is always just getting started. What’s more, an ample and well-executed dinner menu makes Gracie’s an ideal destination for more than just-drinks.   

Though you can get Sunday brunch, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks at the Green Pig Pub (31 E. 400 South), most people go for drinks and one of the Green Pigs many themed event nights, which include trivia, karaoke and a blues jam.

Whether their claim of “the largest outdoor patio in downtown SLC” is true or not, the patio at The Ivy (55 W. 100 South) certainly is roomy, allowing plenty of space to stretch out and partake in one of the mixologists creative cocktails or something from the enticing dinner and small plates menu.

The Staten Island-esque vibe at Maxwell’s East Coast Eatery/Fat Kid Pizza (357 S. Main St), gratefully located in the heart of downtown SLC, is all about hospitality, old school Southern Italian fare and good times. Watch for the outdoor dining to reopen here when the exterior construction is completed later this summer. 

A canopy and hanging flower baskets make sitting on the small sidewalk patio at Red Lotus Bistro (329 S. State St) a lovely way to spend your midday or evening meal. Doing so while sipping this eatery’s kumquat basil seed refresher makes the experience even better.   

A staple of the downtown brewing and dining scene since 1994, Red Rock Brewery (254 S. 200 West) offers consistently tasty fare and expertly crafted beer served on a comfortable, family-friendly patio.  

Those in the know head down to The Gateway to gather around the firepits in front of the hip Seabird Bar & Vinyl Room (7 S. Rio Grande). There you can sip seasonal craft cocktails (or beer and wine) whilst listening to vinyl-recorded tunes.   

The lavash wrap sandwiches, aka doners, are the cornerstone of the satisfying menu at Spitz (35 Broadway). When you go, however, arrive hungry, and consider getting an order of the to-die-for Berliner Fries, too. Along with a cold draft beer or glass of icy sangria, of course.

The enclosed back patio at Squatter’s (147 W. 300 South)—the first brewpub to open in Salt Lake City in 1989—is the ideal setting for sampling a flight of craft beers alongside an order of their famous fish and chips. What’s more, well-behaved dogs are welcome on Squatter’s patio, too.

You’ll forget you’re dining downtown at Stoneground’s (249 E. 400 South) private and protected patio, where you can nosh on New York-style pies and housemade pasta.

Conveniently located next door to Bar-X, the sidewalk patio at Taqueria 27 (149 E. 200 South) is a popular spot to sit under the cheery red umbrellas for margaritas, tacos and an order of housemade chips and smashed-to-order guacamole. 

String lights and pro DJs light up most nights on the huge outdoor patio at Twist Bar & Bistro (32 Exchange Place), located on the historic Exchange Place cul-de-sac. 

For a neighborhood-tavern vibe with satisfyingly excellent food, head straight to Poplar Street Pub (242 S. 200 West)—the perfect spot to watch the game, even from outside on the big outdoor patio. 

Herbivores have no dilemma about where to go for vegan fare, well-made cocktails and live music in downtown SLC: the patio at Zest Kitchen & Bar (275 S. 200 West).

Fast Casual

Precious few eateries in Utah can claim the food-institution status enjoyed by Caputo’s Market & Deli (314 W. 300 South), where you can knock out some grocery shopping after you sit on the Pioneer Park-facing patio eating your yummy made-to-order deli sandwich.  

If you haven’t been to downtown’s midblock thoroughfare between Main and State (bookended by 100 and 200 South), it’s high time you paid Regent Street—aka good-eats alley—a visit. There you can indulge in a delectably drippy fried chicken sandwich and can of rosé at Pretty Bird Hot Chicken (146 Regent St); good-for-you acai bowls, smoothies and toasts at Honest Eatery (115 Regent Street) and authentic Mexican street food at Maize Tacos (135 Regent Street)—all three of which offer sidewalk seating.

In case it’s been a while since you’ve visited downtown, be prepared for lots of change when you do go. Most of the laundry list of construction projects planned prior to the pandemic are now underway, including the Convention Center Hotel, The Revival, Paperbox Lofts and many more.

While each one of these projects is sure to deepen downtown Salt Lake City’s unique vibrancy, one in particular—now under construction at 255 South State Street—promises a welcome trifecta: affordable housing, activated public spaces and preservation of one of downtown Salt Lake City’s only remaining single-family homes.

On a recent Wednesday in late March 2021, as I peered over the construction fencing surrounding the 255 South State site, I saw construction workers busily directing a fleet of backhoes moving earth and detritus around a lot-sized hole in the ground.  Illinois-based Brinshore Development is now well underway since initiating construction in January 2021.  While I might have expected more progress, Whitney Weller, Brinshore senior vice president, explained that before her company could hang one steel beam to begin raising their project, the site required some serious reclamation. 

In 2012, a previous developer had broken ground at 255 South State on a mixed-use development—an effort that was eventually abandoned in 2015. A subsequent building analysis revealed the structural system was unstable and would have to be demolished. And so when the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City purchased the property at auction and selected Brinshore, along with KTGY Architects + Planners, to take another stab at redeveloping it, erasing the past developer’s mistakes became part of the deal. “Though there were many challenges to overcome with the site, David Brint (Brinshore principal) has spent a good deal of time in Utah and loves it there,” Weller said, “and Salt Lake City has a lot going for it, with a great food scene and an abundance of local partners to work with, which were all draws for us.”

Brinshore’s plans for 255 South State call for a modern 190-unit mid-rise and high-rise community featuring affordable, workforce and market-rate housing.  The ground-level will feature a pedestrian walkway with live/work units for entrepreneurs, community gathering space and retail and food concepts designed by Plowshare Partners, a venture between local restaurateur Ryan Lowder of the Copper Kitchen, Copper Onion, Copper Common and The Daily Café, and James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur Zakary Pelaccio.  According to Keith McCloskey, LEED AP, associate principal at KTGY, these uses will be packaged within a contemporary aesthetic—utilizing galvanized steel awnings and detailing, aluminum paneling and brick facades—that will both set off and complement downtown’s rich architectural diversity. “255 South State will add a modern twist to the downtown business district’s skyline by combining the elegant look of contemporary glass and sleek metal with the industrial feel of an artist loft community,” McCloskey said.

But what is sure to be 255 South State’s most defining element is its open-to-the-public paseo—a wide, plaza-like walkway tucked between the project’s eight-story south tower and 12-story north tower. This space will not only create an inviting connection between State Street to the west and the edgy Edison Street commercial area, home to Campos Coffee and Diabolical Records, to the east, but will be a vibrant destination in of itself. An amphitheater, open-air dining and “Artisan Alley” are a few of the features along this walkway, which travels through the development on a visually pleasing diagonal. The focal point of the paseo’s eastern end is the charming Cramer House, an 1890-era brick building where Danish immigrant Christopher Cramer lived and sold the flowers he grew in gardens that once populated the block. Brinshore will restore the Cramer House, which has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982, to use an event space or unique dining concept.

Finally, thanks to its almost dead-center locale in downtown Salt Lake City, future residents of this exciting new development will enjoy steps-away access from the Gallivan Plaza TRAX station, multiple downtown performance venues, museums, grocery stores restaurants and nightlife.  

Downtown Salt Lake City’s 255 South State development is scheduled for completion by early 2023. For progress updates, visit brinshore.com.

Shop, eat and gift local this holiday season with Downtown Dollars! Featuring dozens of downtown bars, restaurants and retailers. This electronic gift card can be spent at many of your favorite downtown merchants and is a great gift for your besties (including you!). Simply show your eGift Card on your mobile device at participating retailers to use.

Bonus Bucks are funded by a Shop In Utah grant and can be spent just like Downtown Dollars at all participating businesses. Click the button below to purchase your Downtown Dollars and browse participating businesses. 

*The Bonus Bucks offer expires 12/31/2020, or when available funds run out. Purchased Downtown Dollars do not expire, but the extra Bonus Bucks must be spent by 5/31/2021.

Don’t see your favorite downtown business listed? Have them contact to enroll as a participating business!

Buy Downtown Dollars!

FAQ

How can I purchase Downtown Dollars and receive Bonus Bucks?
Click on the "Buy Downtown Dollars" button above. When you purchase your Downtown Dollars in eligible amounts, you will automatically receive Bonus Bucks to spend at your favorite merchants.

How does the Bonus Bucks pricing structure work?
Purchase $50 or more in Downtown Dollars, get $10 in Bonus Bucks!

Where can I spend Downtown Dollars?
Downtown Dollars can be spent at any participating downtown business. You can view the list and map HERE. More businesses are being added all the time! Click here to add your business.

How can I purchase Downtown Dollars and Bonus Bucks for someone else or give them as a gift?
When purchasing Downtown Dollars, you enter the recipient’s name and email address to send directly to them to redeem, or you can send the eGift Card to yourself and forward the information to them. You have the option to send your original Downtown Dollars purchase and the extra Bonus Bucks to separate recipients.

Do Downtown Dollars and Bonus Bucks expire?
The purchased value of your Downtown Dollars do not expire. Bonus Bucks must be used by 05/31/2021 After 12 months of inactivity, a $3 fee will occur monthly.

Fall is making its presence known in Downtown SLC, but the cooler temperatures do not mean the retail openings are slowing down. We’ve got plenty of new activity going on, and expect to see even more going into the holiday season. Of course, we are still in the middle of a pandemic, and these establishments are opening up with safety precautions in mind from the get-go. 

Don’t forget our retail and restaurants need your business now more than ever. You can learn more about Shop In Utah offers from some downtown businesses making it even easier for you to support them. Keep an eye out for some new opportunities we’ll be launching soon!

Recently Opened

Café Juniper | 29 East 400 South

This coffee shop is nestled just off of Main Street below Exchange Place. In addition to a classic menu of hot (and cold) drinks, Juniper offers an array of goodies from local artisans. With doughnuts from Mad Dough and pies from Pie Party, you’ll definitely want to save room for a treat to accompany your coffee!

Curry Up Now | 152 East 200 South

We’ve been patiently waiting for the opening of Curry Up Now downtown so we could see what the franchise out of the Bay Area has to offer. The innovative menu is worth checking out, with Indian spins on everything from burritos to poutine. The fast-casual setting makes it perfectly accessible whether you’re looking for a date spot or just some tasty food after a night at the bars. You’ll also want to check out the incredible mural on the side of the store.

Fat Boy Phillies | 400 South & State Street

The second location of this cheesesteak joint has been a long time coming. The original location in Murray is hugely popular, and now you can get your fill of the Philly sandwich downtown as well. As the name suggests, you shouldn’t expect too many healthy options here, but if you’re looking to satisfy a late-night craving, this may just hit the spot.

Gather Fine Wood | 133 South Rio Grande Street

This recent addition at The Gateway offers a selection of beautiful wood creations, from furniture to knives. Their store is a showroom of unique works of art, or you can go next door to HallPass to experience their creations. If you’re looking for a masterpiece to add to your home or business, Gather has your answer. Keep an eye out for some small private group showings or make an

Mortar & Pestle | 152 East 200 South

This bar concept is brought to you by the folks behind Curry Up Now. Featuring a separate entrance off Edison Street, Mortar & Pestle is outfitted with cozy seating perfect to reserve for a work event or other small gathering. You’ll have access to some of the delicious food from Curry Up Now as well as a curated selection of Indian-inspired craft cocktails.

On the Blade Barber Co. | 11 East 400 South

The need for a good haircut certainly doesn’t go away with the pandemic. This new barbershop is perfectly located just off Main Street, making it an easy spot to schedule an appointment during your workday. 

Wild Coyote Tattoo | 217 East Broadway

I missed this one in our last roundup, but Wild Coyote opened this downtown location on July 4. For now, they are requiring all clients to wear a mask and schedule an appointment, making it the perfect spot if you’re looking for some quarantine ink. Take a look through their social media pages to see work from some of their artists.

Opening Soon 

Graffiti Bao | 153 South Rio Grande Street

HallPass at The Gateway is partnering up with fellow Vegas-based concept Graffiti Bao. The menu is expected to feature a variety of bao buns, dumplings, and rolls along with an assortment of entree options. Graffiti Bao’s chef will also be joining the HallPass team to help update some of the other existing concepts in the food hall, making the experience even better than ever.

The Ivy | 55 West 100 South

One of Downtown SLC’s best patios was lost when Cafe Molise moved to their new location. Well, it looks like it’s coming back to life with The Ivy. Brought to you from the team behind Soundwell, this is sure to be a restaurant experience worth checking out.

Niccoli’s | 270 South 300 East

After years of renovations and changed plans, we can’t wait for this space to finally see some action. We’re still learning more about Niccoli’s, but it bills itself as an “Italian Restaurant & Market.” We’re looking forward to seeing how it comes together!

The Varley | 63 West 100 South

Historically a bar space, this newcomer shares a back-of-house with The Ivy. The Varley is also a concept from the Soundwell team, so there’s a chance we’ll see some live shows and other interesting activations here. More details to come.

Do you know of a new business I missed? Got a tip of one getting ready to open? Let me know at

Downtown SLC Open Streets - Closed For Fun

Join us for a Downtown SLC Open Streets from 6-10 p.m. each Thursday, Friday and Saturday, September 17th through October 10th. 

Downtown SLC Open Streets will animate the spacious Main Street corridor with expanded patio service areas for restaurants accompanied by buskers and artist activations in various locations from Exchange Place to City Creek Center. This is not a street festival or a block party, but rather an expansion of Main Street pedestrian options to allow residents and visitors the space to enjoy the energy of downtown.

Parts of Main Street will be closed to automobile traffic and open to physically distanced urban fun. We are excited to welcome people downtown for safe shopping, dining, buskers, and pop-up performances.

133 restaurants and bars and over 100 local and downtown-only retailers are open for business. Open Streets is not only an invitation to enjoy Main Street but downtown at large.

Physical distancing, face coverings, frequent disinfecting and other safety guidelines are requested. Restaurants and shops require facemasks upon entry. $2 parking is available in the parking garage located on Gallivan Avenue thanks to the Wasatch Group. City Creek Center offers complimentary parking for the first two hours. 

Open Late! Enjoy nearby bars and restaurants during Open Streets:

Bambara
Bangkok Terrace
Beerhive
Blue Iguana
Bourbon House
Carson Kitchen
Chakra Lounge
Chettinad House
Chili Tepin
Copper Common
Copper Onion
Dave & Busters
From Scratch
Ginger Street
Gracie's
Green Pig
Hall Pass
Himalayan Kitchen
Itto Sushi
Jackalope Lounge
Junior's Tavern
Kaze Sushi
Keys on Main
Lake Effect
Mali Thai
Market Street Grill + Oyster Bar
Michelangelo's on Main
Monkeywrench
Nacho Daddy
Padeli's
Pallet
Pleiku
Poplar Street Pub
Post Office Place
Quarters
Ramen 930/Cupbob
Red Door
Red Lotus Bistro
Red Rock
Rich's Burgers
Sicilia Pizza Kitchen
Spitz
Squatter's
Stoneground
The Melting Pot
Twist

Open Streets is a partnership between Salt Lake City, the Downtown Alliance and THE BLOCKS to sustain downtown restaurants and retailers