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City Cast Salt Lake

Terina Ria

According to Redfin, Salt Lake City is the most 

, with Sugar House earning a special shout out for its local businesses. Sounds like a great excuse to spend a day exploring. Here’s a guide to what to eat and do in Sugar House.

 the SLC brewing operation), this restaurant is still locally owned! When the weather’s warm, grab a seat on their patio and order fried pickles for the table.

Morning, afternoon, or evening enjoy some seriously scrumptious sandos. They’re closed Mondays and Tuesdays, though, so don’t come then. My personal fave is the chopped cheese (which is like a chopped-up cheeseburger on a hoagie).

Come for the burgers, and stay for the shakes. Hot tip: Order your milkshake without a lid. You’ll get two to three more inches of cold, creamy goodness.

Salt Lake’s own “School of Rock,” this nonprofit provides music opportunities to youth through affordable access to instruments, recording equipment, and music lessons. Adults can take lessons, too (the first one’s free)!

A rad skateboard/vinyl record shop that’s been a long-time staple in the Sugar House neighborhood. After grabbing a cool new record and tuning up your board, head to Fairmont skatepark. Salt Lake City recently released the final design for 

The go-to shop in Sugar House for vintage and costumes for more than 30 years!

According to Redfin, Salt Lake City is the most neighborly city in the country, with Sugar House earning a special shout out for its local businesses. Sounds like a great excuse to spend a day exploring. Here’s a guide to what to eat and do in Sugar House.

Visit These Sugar House Businesses

Everything to know about Salt Lake City neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Salt Lake Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Crisp fall weather is the perfect time to indulge in cheesy goodness, so here are some of the best cheese-based eats around the city, according to Hey Salt Lake readers.

Kicking off the classics is the grilled cheese sandwich and soup on the lunch menu at 

, recommended by reader Jeri T. The sando comes with both Vermont white cheddar and orange cheddar, accompanied by a roasted tomato and fennel soup.

Jeanette M. shouts out the sandwich and soup combo at 

. It looks like they use a panini press, an excellent way to elevate a grilled cheese.

Turn the flavor up to 11 with the Kimcheese from 

, sent in by Amanda H. It’s not on their current menu, but it does come back from time to time.

This is usually relegated to the kids menu, but I respect when restaurants turn it into a proper adult meal.

The first recommendation comes from Candace L., who loves the mac ‘n cheese at 

. It comes with smoked cheddar and Gruyère cheese, topped with everything pretzel crumbs, and served on a cast iron skillet.

Then there’s the loaded mac and cheese from 

, served with bacon, jalapeños, bread crumbs, and onion straws. “Nothing beats beer cheese and pasta when you're sad and/or in dire need of carbs,” says Audra C.

And we can’t forget about the whopping nine options at 

. Several of you mentioned the lobster mac and cheese and I concur.

A lot of us are mourning the cheese fries at Training Table, but Ashley W. recommends the ones from 

Zach S. wants you to try the cacio e pepe at 

. As someone who’s attempted to make this at home, big respect to any chef who gets it right. I hear the 

Lastly, Shannon K. loves the ham & cheese empanada from 

. and Devlin N. raves about the Paneer Tikka with homemade cheese at 

Big thanks to those of you who sent us recommendations. You’re the best 🩵

These are the best cheesy and cheese-based meals around Salt Lake City.

The Best Cheese Meals in Salt Lake City

The Best Cheesy Meals in Salt Lake City

Find the best of everything that Salt Lake City has to offer.

Salt Lake’s Best

Salt Lake's Best

The local propaganda trend is hitting on TikTok, so Hey Salt Lake editor Terina Ria, host Ali Vallarta, and executive producer Emily Means shared the Utah propaganda they are and aren’t buying into on an episode of the 

Terina says: "Propaganda I’m not falling for is 

. Because propaganda I do fall for is food safety. Pasteurization, people. It was introduced over a hundred years ago for a reason. We need it. It helps us. Anytime that I've gotten sick from food, it's always felt like the biggest betrayal. I am usually a sucker for a wellness trend, but raw milk is just something that I cannot get behind.”

Terina says: ”I am a sucker for the Utah scone, otherwise known as 

. I do like a British cone, but the Utah scone is just superior. I mean, you know, it's fried and the British scone is dry. I feel like everybody has their favorite spot that they get their scones growing up in Utah. For me it's always been 

 to go somewhere, it's the worst part of my day. I'm like white knuckling the steering wheel as everyone drives 90 plus miles an hour past me. And I'm like, it's 70 here, people. This highway should not exist in Salt Lake County.”

 You could argue it’s one of the most successful propaganda to come out of the state. The goal of this campaign was to prove to people around the country that you could see all five National Parks in one road trip. And the Mighty Five campaign, I pulled some numbers: It generated $1.9 billion in visitor spending directly attributable to the advertising at the time.”

Ali says: “It seems like all anyone does is complain about it. I can't remember the last time that I had a friend who went 

 and when I was like, ‘How was it’ that they didn't just start complaining or ranting about the experience, the parking, the traffic, getting up at four o'clock in the morning to, you know, eat a frozen breakfast burrito and get your ass in line. The injuries, I just, I don't get it. How fun can it be?”

➕ Thoughts on Crown Burgers, fry sauce, and more!

Utah Propaganda We Are And Aren’t Falling For

Utah Propaganda We Are (And Aren’t) Falling For

What Salt Lakers have been wondering. We break down why things in Salt Lake City are the way they are and how they work.

Salt Lake, Explained

Tan France is one of Salt Lake’s most famous, and perhaps most gracious residents. The fashion icon, designer, entrepreneur, and TV personality has lived here for the past two decades, so we just had to get 

 on all things Salt Lake City. Here are just a few of the many places and attributes he can’t get enough of: 

“Oh, it's not a rapid-fire, I'm gonna have to give you two or three. 

, actually, is my favorite. But I’m often at 

 because my son’s favorite thing is their waffles with berries.”

“Gosh, that’s a tough one. I’m going to say 

. She was my former business partner and we created a brand together called Rachel Parcell. She's an influencer and she created a clothing brand that I think is really chic.

 cookies. I only found out a year ago that the dude who owns it [...] lives in Utah, and I do love a Crumbl cookie.”

. To get to the top, it takes about three hours and it’s gorgeous. I don’t think a lot of people know about it. So you don’t pass many people on there, and that’s so nice.”

“I love how kind people are. A lot of people assume that with me being in Utah, that I get a lot of abuse. The reason why I live here is nobody's ever said anything homophobic or racist to me.

“Almost every month I will get somebody saying something disgusting to me, anywhere else. That has never happened here, and that's why I love this place so much. That makes me feel really good about myself. And I know that some people have experienced terrible hate here. But for me personally, I've been treated beautifully, and way before I became Tan France.”

Plus, Tan France rates the Jazz rebrand!

Tan France, the fashion icon, designer, entrepreneur, and TV personality has lived here for the past two decades, so we just had to get France’s recommendations on all things Salt Lake City. Check out just a few of the many places and attributes he can’t get enough of.

Rapid-Fire Thoughts With Tan France, ‘Queer Eye’ Star and Salt Laker

Make Salt Lake City better, one neighbor at a time. Find volunteering opportunities, ways to get involved and give back, and more.

City Cast Salt Lake's Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight

In this week’s food news, a queer favorite surrenders its liquor license, a queer food fest arrives, and we hear from City Cast Host Ali Vallarta about the opening of a new pop up in Flanker.

The ‘80s-themed pop up bar featuring neon lights and retro flare officially opened last weekend and City Cast Host Ali Vallarta was there to get the scoop. She entered through a Pepsi machine and said 

Utah Department of Beverage Services Communications Director Michelle Schmitt told Q Salt Lake that The Sun Trapp 

. The bar closed temporarily due to a “plumbing issue” on January 7, then subsequently opened for another 10 days before closing again and going dark. Despite a rocky end, the Trapp has been an SLC staple since the early ‘90s and one of our few queer bars.

Our very own Water Witch got a shout out in Punch 

, a grub-centric celebration of community and abundance. It will take place on May 10 at Mountain West Hard Cider, but you can scoop tickets now at 10% off with code BIGMOUTH.

One Less Queer Bar in Salt Lake City

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Salt Lake City. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Salt Lake Food & Drink

Food & Drink

One thing to know about booze in Utah is there are a lot of rules. Gastronomic SLC has an 

 but here are some of the highlights that you ought to know.

Our liquor licenses are built different. You won’t be able to go to a restaurant that serves alcohol and only order a drink — you’ll need to order food (at least one item) with it. If you find yourself at a restaurant that does allow you to only order a drink, they’re operating under 

, which means no one under 21 is allowed in.

Pours are metered at 1.5 ounces, and free pours are only allowed at private events. You can, however, have a mixed drink with a primary liquor and an extra ounce of an additional liquor, so long as the secondary pour comes from a bottle clearly marked “flavoring.” For example, you could have a drink with 2.5 ounces of vodka and gin if the gin is flavored.

 in the country at 0.05%, which includes not only cars but bikes, too. Plan ahead with a designated driver, public transit, rideshare, or take a hot girl walk.

. But have no fear, there’s a sneaky workaround. Head to your nearest distillery to buy a bottle. Also, a restaurant or bar is an option if you’re looking to buy wine. The only stipulation is you must consume a portion on the premise, but then they can reseal the bottle and you can take it to go.

P.S. For all the natural wine people out there, 

 to stay updated on the whens and wheres of new natural wine shipments.

One thing to know about booze in Utah is there are a lot of rules, but here are some of the highlights that you ought to know.

What You Should Know About Buying Alcohol In Utah

A Guide to Booze In Utah

Tips and tricks for living your best Salt Lake City life, by locals, for locals.

Salt Lake Life Hacks

If you’re looking for a way to help your neighbor this weekend, the Utah Food Bank is in need of volunteers this Saturday for their 

Every year, the Utah Food Bank hosts the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive to make donating as easy as walking out to your mailbox. All participants have to do is fill a bag or box with non-perishable items and leave it by their mailbox before 9 a.m. on Saturday to be picked up by their local letter carrier.

Volunteers will be needed at various post office locations around the Salt Lake Valley to help the carriers sort through donations.

Volunteers must be 12 years of age or older and capable of moderate lifting.

Saturday, May 13 from 1-5 p.m. Sign up by 

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Salt Lake City volunteering opportunities, donation drives, and more.

Help Your Salt Lake Neighbors

Help Your Neighbors

In the 1920s/1930s, historic 25th St. in Ogden (also known as Two-Bit street) was one of 

 in America due to gambling, illegal speakeasies, and opium dens. Allegedly, it was even too rough for Al Capone.

Fast forward to today, it’s listed among the best places in the U.S. 

 concert series which begins this Saturday with 

. If you were able to snag tickets to the sold-out show, why not make a day trip out of it. Here’s what to do on Ogden’s Two-Bit Street:

A convenient way to get up north is to hop on the FrontRunner. It’s only about a 15-minute walk from the Ogden Station to the Ogden Amphitheater. If you do have a Twilight ticket, you ride for free!

Choo choo! First stop, the museum at Union Station. See old-timey modes of transportation including one-of-a-kind automobiles and big locomotives.

 Grab a sweet drink at Pearl Milk Tea Club. The smoothie bobas are popular but I’m a classic milk tea girl.

Peruse the aisles at Lavender Vinyl, a queer-owned record store with a wide selection of genres.

Take in some art at the Ogden Contemporary art gallery and then head to the gift shop Art Box for unique local goods.

A modern American restaurant that’s only a 10-minute walk from the concert venue. Try their beef stroganoff and the pineapple upside down cake.

Get To Know Ogden

Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, I’m sure you know someone who has a strong opinion about Brussels sprouts. We asked readers about the best spots for sprouts and here are your picks (along with a couple of my go-to’s!).

 also does a mean side of sprouts.” - Hannah T.

 on Main, makes delish Brussels sprouts! They are sauteed with cider vinegar and toasted hazelnuts and are super yummy.” - Jennafer M.

 will change your life in ways you never thought Brussels sprouts could change your life.” - Riley F.

 for sure! I don’t know if you net any actual health gain from eating them but it’s yummy so I don’t care.” - Faye N.

“My favorite place by far for sprouts is 

. They have a rotating way of preparing their Brussels sprouts, my favorite was the sweet and tangy sprouts with golden raisins and bacon. Out of this world! - Shannon

These Brussels sprouts made me like Brussels sprouts. I once looked up the ingredients on their website to see if I could make it myself but when I saw “carrot chermoula” and “urfa biber” I decided it was best to leave it to the experts.

Apparently, the crispy Brussels sprouts have been a menu staple at their restaurant 

. They’ve truly perfected it. Like its name suggests, the sprouts are perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor. While Franck’s is on the expensive side, it’s absolutely worth it when you want to treat yourself.

Send me an email

The Best Brussels Sprouts

We all do our best to eat our veggies and support our local economy as much as we can. Well, one way we can do both is through CSA boxes.

CSA stands for community supported agriculture and it’s just that, people directly supporting local farmers. Each season you can purchase a share and pick up a box of fresh produce each week. Many also offer add-ons like eggs or baked goods.

 (the right of people to control their own food systems) before and CSA is another way we can accomplish that. It moves us away from industrial agriculture, builds community, and supports biodiversity.

☑️ Sign up ASAP as each place only has a limited number of shares.

☑️ CSA boxes are a commitment. It’s quite a lot of veggies in one box (even a half share) so ask neighbors or friends to go in one. Also, make sure you can commit to picking it up each week. Most don’t deliver!

☑️It can be expensive and you usually have to pay upfront. Again, consider splitting with someone else to help with the costs.

 is a program by Salt Lake City’s International Rescue Committee. It offers 16 weeks (June 28-Oct. 11) of full share, half share, and quarter share (which is perfect for 1-2 person households). They accept SNAP/EBT payments and have a pre-packed or free choice model to choose from.

Pre-Packed: Works like a traditional CSA where boxes are pre-packed. You can 

 to find out what produce to expect that week.

Free Choice: Choose your own veggies with this option. Each week you’ll head to the Redwood Farm in West Valley to hand select what you take home.

 revitalizes urban spaces to build a thriving food culture in our community. Their season is 20 weeks of shares (that feeds roughly two to three people) from June 6-Oct. 19. They accept SNAP/EBT payments and also offer a sliding scale if needed.

food

Visit These Sugar House Businesses

The Best Cheesy Meals in Salt Lake City

Utah Propaganda We Are (And Aren’t) Falling For

Latest articles

Visit These Sugar House Businesses

The Best Cheesy Meals in Salt Lake City

Utah Propaganda We Are (And Aren’t) Falling For

Rapid-Fire Thoughts With Tan France, ‘Queer Eye’ Star and Salt Laker

One Less Queer Bar in Salt Lake City

A Guide to Booze In Utah

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Latest articles

Rapid-Fire Thoughts With Tan France, ‘Queer Eye’ Star and Salt Laker

One Less Queer Bar in Salt Lake City

A Guide to Booze In Utah

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Get To Know Ogden

The Best Brussels Sprouts

A Guide to Salt Lake CSA Boxes