We all know one, right? That person who just moved here from a big city (San Francisco, L.A., Seattle, Portland, New York), sold their house and now has a bundle of cash to spend on a home in Utah. “I can’t believe how much square footage”—you can tell they’ve been shopping awhile when they say “square footage” instead of “space”—“you can get for your money!”
And you, the long-time Salt Laker, think, “This place doesn’t seem cheap to me!” But as we watch hapless newcomers buying 5,000 square foot homes in Eagle Mountain, we can’t help have a little sympathy. Just more space to clean, right?
For this year’s Best of the Beehive, we decided that we’d not only highlight the best food, nightlife, shopping and just plain fun, but we also throw the new kids a bone and show off the best neighborhoods. (Hint: None are in Eagle Mountain.) So here it is. Our list of cool places to live, along with the best things in every neighborhood. (“Best” being subjective and all.)
Welcome to the City of Salt. In just 20 short years, we’ll let you call yourself a local.
Click on each category below for your guide to the best things to do, see, eat and drink in the best neighborhoods in Utah. Even locals might discover something they never knew about their ‘hood.
Best of the Beehive Readers Poll
We asked, you answered. In 2022, we wanted to hear from our readers about their own Utah favorites. On our website and Instagram, you shared your local love with these Beehive State favorites.
Best Brunch: Hub and Spoke Diner
Best Dining Patio: Ruth’s Diner
Best Takeout Meal: Skewered Thai
Best Coffee Shop: Coffee Garden
Best Food Truck: Cupbop, Freshies and BK Garlic Burger (Three-way tie)
Best Burger: Crown Burger
Best Pizza: The Pie Pizzeria
Best Pho: Pho Thin Famous Vietnamese Noodle House
Best Sushi: Takashi
Best Tacos: Facil Taqueria and Red Iguana (Two-way tie)
Best Vegetarian/Vegan: Zest
Best Sandwich: Grove’s Market and Feldman’s (Two-way tie)
Best Bakery: Gourmandise
Best Dessert: The Dodo
Best Bar: Lake Effect
Best Brewery: TF Brewing
Best Distillery: High West Distillery
Best Cocktails: Water Witch
Best Music Venue: Red Butte Amphitheater
Best Museum: Natural History Museum of Utah
Best Theater: Eccles Theater
Best Local Celebrity: Tan France
Best Park: Liberty Park
Best Place to Take the Kids: Hogle Zoo
Best Hike: The Living Room Hiking Trail
Best Place to Watch the Sunset: Eight Settlers
Best Pet Shop/Care: Fur R We
Best Gym: Treehouse
Best Yoga: Yoga Six, CorePower Yoga and Treehouse (Three-way tie)
Best Grocer: Harmons
Best Bookstore: King’s English Bookshop
Best Spa: Soulstice Day Spa
Best Hotel/Resort: Snowbird’s Cliff Lodge
Best Golf Course: Old Mill Golf Course and Mountain Dell Golf Course (Two-way tie)
Best Boutique: Amy’s Boutique and Hip and Humble (Two-way tie)
Best Skiing: Snowbird
Best Thrift Shop: Home Again Consignment and Gypsy Emporium Antique Mall (Two-way tie)
