In recent years, Salt Lake City has become a foodie mecca. Dining options range widely from the eclectic to the traditional. No matter your fancy, you can find a delicious place to nosh with friends and family. With warming temperatures comes a warming desire to dine alfresco.
The restaurants in Salt Lake oblige this seasonal desire by opening up their patios shaded with umbrellas or pergolas and lined with flower boxes and ornate fencing. Whether it’s a quick lunch during the work day or an evening out with your partner in crime or a meet up with old friends, here is a list of some of the very best in patio dining that Salt Lake has to offer:
Café Niche (American Contemporary) is a quaint, neighborhood establishment near the heart of downtown on 779 E Broadway (300 S). They offer a nice variety of locally sourced and sustainable fare for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The pricing is reasonable and the wait staff is plentiful and pleasant. The Niche patio is an organic extension to the building with a covered paver and grass dining area. The tables are wrought iron and add to the homey backyard feel of this establishment. See TripAdvisor reviews>>
(photo credit Yelp.com)
Caffee Molise (Italian) is located in downtown Salt Lake City on 55 W. 100 S. is within an easy walk from the Salt Palace. The charm of this historic building that is covered in ivy continues to the beautiful patio. It is especially nice in the evening when they light it up. Cafe Molise also provides a live band on select nights. See the Yelp reviews>>
Eva (Mediterranean) 317 S Main St
Avenues Proper 376 8th Ave
Faustina is an award winning restaurant tucked away on 454 E Broadway (300 S). Their menu’s boast locally sourced food that is artistically presented by friendly and informed staff. The patio at Faustina is hidden from the busy street and is surrounded by large trees and a garden that is well kept and full of beautiful flowers. Lights are strung up overhead, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for the evening diners. While the pricing at Faustina may be a little high for the budget minded; their offerings of lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are a nice treat from time to time. Check out our review of Faustina here.
Save money: DealPickle.com has occasional bargains on gift certificates for Faustina that can save you as much as $25.00.
Gracie’s is a renowned gastropub on 326 S West Temple. Their patio is large and filled with plenty of seating with optional shade from the sun. The menu at Gracie’s has options for everyone including their signature nachos and renowned curry burger at reasonable prices. During the summer months they feature live local bands inside or on the patio to enhance the outdoor dining experience. Gracie’s is a licensed bar so you must be 21 years or older to enter.
Plum Alley 111 E. Broadway
Pallet (American Bistro) 237 S. 400 W.
Pig & A Jelly Jar – This trendy little restaurant is a great place for brunch and is well known for it's chicken and waffles. The small street side patio is best enjoyed on cooler days.
Save money: Save $5.00 off your purchase with the coupon offer found here.
The Green Pig is a sports bar that offers something rare in Salt Lake; a roof top bar for patrons to gaze down on 31 E 400 S. During the warmer months, the rooftop patio features live music and its own bar in addition to plentiful seating under twinkling strings of lights and views of the city and county buildings. The food at The “Green Pig is traditional pub fare of wings, nachos, and burgers at prices that won’t break the bank. Add in a beer served in one of their old Port O’Call mugs and enjoy the summer sunshine. The Green Pig is a licensed bar so you must be 21 years or older to enter.
Desert Edge Brewery at the Pub (Pub, Brewery)Â is a local brewery located on the second floor in Trolley Square. This hidden gem offers up fresh made sandwiches, pasta salads and even goat cheese quesadillas. The Desert Edge Brewery crafts all of its beer on site and even offers seasonal brews. The patio at Desert Edge is open and spacious, with ample sunshine for both lunch and dinner dining. The biweekly specials and a menu full of locally sourced ingredients make this place a must try.
La Caille – 9565 S. Wasatch Boulevard in Sandy. Okay, not quite Salt Lake, but I have not been to this restaurant for years, when I was treated at a company dinner party sometime in the '90's. I've heard so much about the new menu that, it made my bucket patio list. Stay tuned for a review.
Lucky 13 (American Pub/Burgers) is a bar and grill located just south of the Salt Lake Bee's Stadium, Smith's Ballpark, on 1300 S. Their outdoor patio is large and offers both covered and uncovered seating. During some of the hotter months, the patio features a mister to help keep things nice and cool. Lucky 13 is widely known for their burgers. Whether you have a hankering for a classic cheeseburger, are in need of some vampire fighting garlic or just want some smoked Applewood smoked bacon, you are in for a treat. They often feature specials that make dining here even more of a treat. Lucky 13 is a licensed bar so you must be 21 years or older to enter.
Nuch's (Italian) is  located in Salt Lake City on 2918 S. 2300 E. This tiny Italian restaurant punches a pack when it comes to taste. Our favorites on the menu include Butternut Squash Ravioli, Beet Salad, Bubble Bread and of coarse Pizza. The brick enclosed patio, where they grow fresh herbs, offers diners a quite alternative to the small dining room.
Oasis Cafe (Contemporary Casual) has a fantastic patio that offers a cozy corner complete with a water feature and fireplace. This popular restaurant is located on 151 South 500 East. They have fantastic appetizers. Try the Salmon Lox Crostini or the Grilled Shrimp with eggplant and bacon caponata. While you're there, make sure to take a look at the fabulous local art, most of which is for sale.
Save money: Check DealPickle.com for the occasional 50% off gift certificates for Oasis Cafe.
Poplar Street Pub (Pub food) is a bar and grill located at 242 S 200 W and features a large outdoor patio for your dining pleasure. There is plenty of seating for those seeking the shade and those wanting a full dose of vitamin D. The menu at Poplar features traditional pub fare as well as their Champion Series burgers. The real treat is Sunday Brunch where you can dine from 11am to 2 pm on a variety of breakfast items including an omelet bar, waffles, bacon and sausage. All of this for a reasonable price and a chance to dine in the sunshine. Poplar is a licensed bar so you must be 21 years or older to enter.
Blue Iguana (Mexican) 165 S. West Temple.
Save money: Check Groupon.com for a special offer. They are known to run them on occasion.
(Photo Credit Yelp.com)
Ruth’s Diner (American) is a Salt Lake City classic known to those across the valley as the go to eatery for a little nature dining. Located in Immigration Canyon, Ruth’s offers a variety of comfort food favorites as well as entrees from around the world. The patio is large and covered by a canopy of mature trees with lights strung up across their expansive branches to give diners a nice shady place to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Ruth’s is a must for anyone desiring a relaxing outdoor meal with friends and family.
Sapa Sushi Bar and Grill (Sushi) is an Asian fusion eatery located on 722 S State Street. Their menu features an eccentric mix of Vietnamese, Japanese and Thai cuisine that is sure to make any mouth water. The real treat is the dining atmosphere. The patio at Sapa is expansive and decorated with large houses that were imported from Vietnam and are said to be 300 years old. The gardens surrounding the houses create a dining oasis with manicured trees and beautiful flowers in an otherwise busy area and are sure to encourage a repeat trip.
The Porcupine Grill (American Traditional) –  Has two locations (3648 Ft Union Blvd and 258 S. 1300 E) While I can not speak for the University location, the outdoor patio at the location near the Cottonwood Canyons is fabulous. The mountain scenery is beautiful and the food is fantastic too.
Copper Onion 111 EÂ Broadway – One of my favorites! Going in the summer for the Watermelon Pepper Gazpacho is something I wait for every year. The patio is shady and comfortable and the food is phenomenal!
La Jolla Groves (Gateway) 162 S 400 W
Cafe Trio 680 S 900 E
Frida Bistro (Mexican) 545 W 700 S
(photo credit: Visit Salt Lake)
Cucina Toscana (Italian) 282 South 300 West. This patio is one where the doors of the building open to fully open the inside with the out which makes it so diners inside can also enjoy the outdoor vibe but still stay cool. Make sure to top off your meal with the Chocolate Panna Cotta, an amazing desert created by local blogger Amber Brady from Dessert Now and Dinner Later.
Finns Cafe 1624 S 1100 E
Pago 878 S. 900 E.
Gourmandise 250 S. 300 E.
I'm on a patio mission to visit those on the list that we haven't yet been too. Do you have a favorite restaurant with a patio in Salt Lake?
Posted by Alisha and Joani
If you missed it, you might want to check out this post here that has some great Park City dining options.
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Lori Hart says
July 13, 2015 at 9:03 amI love patio dining. As a Utah resident, I’m going to have to visit these places. I’ve been to Ruth’s and a few others, but now have lots of new options. Thanks!
Joani says
July 14, 2015 at 4:50 pmYou’re welcome. Come back and let us know which one you try and how you liked them.