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.

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 

The other day Pago on Main had a ½ hour wait for lunch. Sad face, right? But in this case, we’re happy for them–having a busy lunch service downtown means people are returning to their offices–and that is great news for the urban core’s retail and F&B outlets.

As the kids say, “this is going to be Gucci…”
West Quarter is the massive development on the block of Royal Wood Office Plaza (btw, even when new, there was nothing royal about it). Construction is happening in phases, but eventually there will be residential, retail, restaurants, and in October, the first tower to open will be Le Méridien. Kitty-corner from Vivint Arena, this upscale, design-focused international hotel brand will bring 144 guestrooms and Adelaide Restaurant and Bar, a farm-to-table concept. Our eyes lit up like Christmas morning when–near the end of the press release–these two magical words appeared: rooftop bar. 

Our hearts just grew three sizes! Now you have our full attention. 

Rooftop bars are sexy, they cultivate cool vibes. Do you know how often conventioneers ask where they can find a rooftop bar?! Oh… wait, press release, what now? You buried the lede? Now there are not one, but two rooftop bars at West Quarter!!! Another lounge will be perched atop Element, a longer-stay hotel brand from Westin. 

Journey with us, drink in hand (Grey Goose up a little dirty, three blue-cheese stuffed olives) as we watch the sun dip below the Great Salt Lake from the outdoor garden on the 13th floor. Email us if you’d like to be invited, we’ve already set a Google calendar alert.

Speaking of ascending, Pulp on Gallivan Avenue has permanently closed. Wait, no, they are launching a new concept,  Ascent Kitchen. It isn’t all about us, but this is a two minute walk from our office, so we’re happy this lively little space with great service will return. We spy an expanded menu with very yummy-looking Orange Kitchen, Thai Peanut Chicken Salad, and more. 

Oh Village Baker, how we miss your Meatball Sandwich. The space in the handsome 111 Building will soon be the new home of ALPHA Coffee. Sounds macho. Can’t wait. 

Next door, City Creek Center has set a date for The Capital Grille of March 25th to open this emporium of steak! Owned by Darden Restaurants, we hope this opens the door for more of their platforms to our market, including Seasons 52, Eddie V’s, and Yard House. 

Eva’s Bakery has expanded  into McKay Diamond & Jewelry. (Don't worry McKay, moved .01 miles to Regent Street. Even better: Eva’s plans to keep and refurbish the iconic neon sign).The new space will serve the grab-and-go crowd with faster coffee service, and rumor has it that ice cream is on its way!  

Have you been to the Winter Market at The Gateway? From 10-2 every Saturday, this bustling community experience is a healthy, wholesome way to start your weekend. Aziza, owned by Menna Rashwan, is new to the market and her Egyptian desserts, including kunafa cups and baklava are insanely good… we almost don’t want to let this secret out of the bag. For real. 

We can be frank about this: we welcome the triumphant return of J.Dawgs to downtown! Get your buns moving to their new location in City Creek, facing Temple Square in the Kirton McConkie building. This is a real weiner! On these chili days, we relish their reemergence downtown. We’re going to ketchup with them soon and often!