Forks, Fry Sauce & Fun: Salt Lake’s Tastiest Icons You Can’t Miss
Salt Lake City is full of surprises. Sure, you might come for the mountains or the Mormon history—but you’ll stay for the food. This place has a lineup of unforgettable bites, from savory slow-cooked mole to towering pastrami burgers and root beer floats that feel like a time machine in a frosted mug.
And just like you wouldn’t want to miss the best food stops, don’t miss seeing the city itself the right way—on a guided tour with locals who know the real stories, secret spots, and juicy details. With entertaining options like the Salt Lake Trolley Adventure Tour, a live-theater-meets-sightseeing mash-up, or the more comprehensive Ultimate Salt Lake City Tour and Tabernacle Choir Tour over at Tours of Utah, or the curated experiences with Attraction Explorers, you’ll see—and taste—the city like never before.
Now, let’s loosen that belt a notch and dive fork-first into some of Salt Lake’s most cherished food icons.
Red Iguana: Killer Mexican Food
📍 736 W North Temple
⏰ Open daily 11 AM – 9 PM (until 10 PM Fri–Sun)
If mole had a hometown hero, Red Iguana would be it. This bright, bustling Mexican restaurant is a local legend for its velvety sauces that simmer for hours and taste like magic. The Mole Negro is the MVP here—earthy, rich, spicy, and unforgettable.
Expect a wait (yes, it’s worth it), or head to the bar for the full menu without the line. Bonus: Red Iguana 2 is just down the street if you’re extra hungry or hate waiting. Either way, prepare for a flavor adventure you’ll be telling people about long after your trip ends.
Crown Burgers: Where Pastrami Is King
📍 118 N 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
⏰ Mon–Sat 10 AM – 9 PM
Let’s talk about Utah’s fast-food royalty. Crown Burgers doesn’t just make burgers—they make pastrami burgers. A thick, juicy patty stacked high with sizzling pastrami, smothered in melty cheese and topped off with Utah’s sacred fry sauce.
It’s indulgent, it’s messy, and it’s essential. Locals have been worshipping at the Crown for decades. You should too.
Ruth’s Diner: Canyon Comfort with a Side of Nostalgia
📍 4160 Emigration Canyon Rd
⏰ Thurs–Mon 8 AM – 9 PM, Fri–Sat until 10 PM
Perched at the entrance of scenic Emigration Canyon, Ruth’s Diner is part history lesson, part comfort food heaven. Housed in an old trolley car and famous for its Mile-High Biscuits, this spot mixes vintage vibes with views that’ll make your eggs taste better.
It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience. Bring your appetite and enjoy breakfast (or anything, really) on the patio while soaking in mountain air. Bonus points if you pair your morning meal with a Salt Lake Trolley Adventure Tour right after. Retro trolley + retro diner? Match made in heaven.
The Pie: Basement Pizza with Major Street Cred
📍 1320 E 200 S
⏰ Mon–Sat 11 AM – 11 PM, Sun 12 PM – 10 PM
You haven’t done late-night Salt Lake right unless you’ve huddled in the basement of The Pie Pizzeria with a slice the size of your head. The graffiti-covered walls and aroma of garlic and melted cheese set the tone for what’s about to be an epic pizza moment.
Whether you’re feeding a crew or just your own cravings, the loaded pies (including great vegan options) and gooey cheese pulls make this a must. Bonus: Perfect fuel after a city sightseeing tour if you’re still hungry from all that storytelling.
Feldman’s Deli: Big Sandwiches, Bigger Flavors
📍 2005 E 2700 S
⏰ Tues–Sat 8 AM – 8 PM
New York delicatessen meets Utah hospitality at this East Bench favorite. Feldman’s Deli serves sandwiches so stacked you might need a structural engineer to help you eat them. House-cured pastrami, corned beef, bagels, latkes, and knishes all show up with flair—and they’re as authentic as anything you’ll find in Brooklyn.
Live music and neighborly vibes round out the experience. It’s the kind of place that proves Salt Lake has soul… and sandwiches to match.
Hires Big H: Vintage Burgers & Root Beer Dreams
📍 425 S 700 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
⏰ Mon–Thurs 10:30 AM – 8 PM, Fri–Sat until 9 PM
Slip into the past with a stop at Hires Big H, a retro-style burger joint that delivers good vibes and even better grub. Their classic Big H Burger—plus a pile of fresh-cut fries and a frosty mug of their house-made root beer—is a rite of passage in these parts.
Whether you drive in, dine in, or just want a taste of that 1950s charm, Hires is a feel-good, taste-great stop for the whole family.
Don’t Just Eat Salt Lake—Explore It
Great meals make great memories—but when paired with a top-tier sightseeing tour? Now we’re talking.
Hop aboard the Salt Lake Trolley Adventure Tour for laughs, legends, and history with a side of hilarity. For a broader look at the city’s rich heritage and iconic landmarks, check out the Ultimate Salt Lake City Tour or catch the Tabernacle Choir Tour for an experience that feeds the soul. Or visit Attraction Explorers for even more guided tour options to fit your style.
Whatever your flavor, Salt Lake City’s got a table—and a tour—waiting for you. Be sure to book your sightseeing tours direct on our website for the best prices and special perks like free cancellation with 24 hours notice before the tour, for any reason.