Outdoor Table for Four: SLC Patios Worth the Wait
Food
Four patios, countless calories and zero regrets. Whether you’re brunching in a canyon, schnitzeling downtown, lingonberry-ing with the locals or cheesesteaking for your life, these patios are serving up some forking great options.
Ruth’s Diner
ruthsdiner.com
Get yourself up Emigration Canyon Drive and take part in a traditional diner experience that’s unlike any other at Ruth’s Diner. Not only was Ruth Evans a handsome woman (the website’s words, not mine) she was a one-of-a-kind spirit whose diner was bound to succeed. Seriously. It opened in 1930 but was shut down, so Ruth bought a trolley car to move her diner up to where it’s been since 1949. That alone makes the establishment worth trying. When you’re seated outside under the natural shade of the tall canyon trees, biting into warm, fluffy, buttery, syrupy pancakes ($12.50) and your server Charlie fills up another fresh, hot cup of coffee ($4), you’ll be glad you did. With a wide menu full of Day and Evening delights, there’s something for everyone at Ruth’s Diner.
Siegfried’s Delicatessen
siegfriedsdelicatessen.com
Downtown SLC is increasingly becoming the place to be. Siegfried’s Deli has been there since 1971. Boasting itself as the only German restaurant within the city limits of Salt Lake, it gives off the vibe of a bodega. Besides “German bodega” being a solid band name, the city staple serves up tasty sandwich selections including reubens, salamis, turkeys and the like. Where this place shines brightest is the Hausmannskost, or traditional German cuisine. I highly recommend the schnitzel ($8.50-$14). Whether it’s on a plate or in sandwich form, you cannot go wrong. They also make their sausages ($12-$13) fresh EVERY DAY FROM SCRATCH. Maybe you get some with a side of potatoes ($5) and spaetzle with gravy ($5) while enjoying the closed off outdoor patio and feel like you’ve been transported to Berlin?? Yeah, maybe you will. Or, you’ll order what you want when you go, and you’ll still enjoy the experience immensely.
Finn’s Cafe
finnscafe.net
Originally opening in 1952, Finn’s Cafe brings a Scandinavian flair with their fare. Do Norwegian waffles ($12) with cardamom and lingonberries (yum) sound good? How about a Benedict Royale ($19) where you get smoked salmon with two poached eggs on toasted English muffins (hell yes) topped with Finn’s own Hollandaise sauce? Or maybe even Chilaquiles ($15, drooling, oh my God) with chorizo? Yeah, you didn’t see that dish coming, did ya?? Outdoor seating is tucked away with rose bushes and plenty of shade covering. The variety and quality that Finn’s Cafe offers knows no bounds. Plus, the husband and wife duo of Finn and Vickey are always thrilled to chat with regulars and newcomers… and Vickey collects fresh rosemary from their garden (ADORABLE) for the house vinaigrette! Have a good doggo that wants to join? Don’t fret, out on that patio, you’re all set.
Moochie’s Meatballs and More
moochiescheesesteak.com
Look, I get it, you’re a well-informed foodie who’s heard of Moochie’s before and the fact they were featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives… so why the fuck haven’t you been yet?? Moochie’s is the Philly cheesesteak TRUTH in Utah — bar none. Let me drive the point home further: If my life depended on it — like, if there was a villain twirling his mustache saying, “I’ll let you live if you can procure a sensational cheesesteak!” — I’d bet it all on Moochie’s. I’m talking about a hot, gooey, meaty, cheesy miracle of a sandwich ($7.19 for 6” or $13.49 for 12”) so delicious it could convert a Philly purist mid-bite. If the only way I live is by blowing someone’s mind with a cheesesteak, Moochie’s isn’t just my Hail Mary — it’s my full-blown resurrection. Also, the fried ravioli ($3.99) will blow you away, too.
Read more SLUG reviews of local eateries:
Hot Off the Skillet: Breakfast with a Venezuelan Twist
Hungry Hearts: Utah Eateries that Feed the Soul
