Sugar House, one of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, has plenty of dining spots to suit every taste and budget. Established in 1853, the area was named for a sugar beet test factory of the Deseret Manufacturing Company, and it was also home to Utah’s first state prison. Th e prison was relocated and replaced by the pleasant Sugar House Park in the 1950s, initiating the burgeoning of nearby trendy restaurants, shops and nightlife. Although many businesses and residents are desirous of being part of the Sugar House zip code, the area is located within the Salt Lake City grid system and defined according to the community council as running from 500 East to Foothill Drive, and north to south from 1300 South to the city limits about 3000 South. Hop on the Trax S-Line (formerly the Sugar House Streetcar) or start your evening by working up an appetite strolling around the park’s tree-lined lanes, circling the stream and duck pond before heading off to experience one of the fine eateries sprinkled like treasures throughout this vibrant and highly accessible neighborhood. From pizzerias to pubs, casual diners to fine-dining establishments, you’ll find the ideal eatery to tantalize your taste buds.

Right in the middle of the action at the corner of 1100 East and 2100 South, is Mellow Mushroom. In this fun, gourmet pizza chain with Snowbird ski-themed interior and outdoor patio, enjoy craft beer, salads, flavorful calzones and inventive pizzas like the Rib-Eye Pie, Holy Shitake and the Thai-Dye Pie.

Trestle Tavern, located next to King’s English Bookstore, is a place that encourages conversation and community over simple meals in a European-style gastropub. Enjoy cocktails and craft beers with Smoked Trout Cakes, Pork & Smoked Cabbage Pierogies and tasty burgers in the cozy cottage or on the secluded patio.

The family-owned Per Noi Trattoria is a longstanding favorite among Italian food lovers. Loyal customers rave about the fresh pasta and gnocchi with house-made sauces, to the arancini (fried rice balls) and chicken marsala. Stop in for daily lunch specials or for a traditional dinner. Save room for dessert—the tiramisu is the best in town.

Even though breakfast is served all day, Hub & Spoke Diner isn’t your typical breakfast joint—inspired cozy comfort food, craft cocktails and boozy shakes make it a neighborhood hotspot. Creative twists on classic favorites include Shrimp & Grits, Pot Pies and the Chicken & Waffle sandwich—a tower of sweet potato waffle, fried chicken, egg and Chile Maple syrup.

Kathmandu is a local’s favorite for Nepalese and Indian cuisine. At their Highland Drive location, patrons will recognize the extensive menu of tasty vegetarian specialties and traditional dishes like Samosas, Everest Chicken, Lamb Boti Kebab and Prawn Jalfrezi—prawns cooked with tomato, onion, bell peppers, broccoli and spices.

One 0 Eight is the latest endeavor from Executive Chef and Owner James Dumas and wife Kris. Their mission—create a “Neighborhood American Bistro” offering great, reasonably-priced food within walking distance of locals in the 1300 South 1700 East area. Try the Smoked Trout Dip appetizer, the Indian Noothi Etu Bowl and a variety of tasty pastas, pizzas and grilled items on the large sunny patio.

VIAMountain Express Magazine Summer 2019
SOURCECorrinne Humphrey
Previous articleStroll the Salt Lake Art Scene – Salt Lake Gallery Stroll
Next articleThe Great Salt Lake – Not Just For the Birds