Step foot into this bright, urban bar on Main Street and you may just find panelist Stuart Melling perched at the counter, noshing on a daily special and chatting it up with the staff. Stuart is “treated like family every time I visit,” and therein lies the magic of Felt: a beacon of warmth and hospitality in a downtown area defined by high-volume weekend barhoppers and frantic service wells. Of course, the craft cocktails, smartly curated wines and fusion-style menu from Chef Travis Herbert are as much to credit for this Main Street establishment, the latter of which panelist Lydia Martinez says has “elevated the bar food scene in Salt Lake City in a way that is unique and phenomenal.” Mellings’ enthusiastic endorsement is this: “Best crab cakes in the state, a Thai green curry supporting lobster ravioli, elk burger and tartares of all varieties—crazy on paper but every bite is perfect.” feltslc.com
Side Dish
Felt’s culinary team keep the menu fresh with globetrotting flavors, the liquid offerings are similarly updated by Richard Romney and his mixology wizards.
This year’s 2026 Dining Awards is a showcase of the best experiences across Utah’s foodscape, and a reminder that each recommendation is a promise. A human-to-human promise. An assurance that a restaurant we say is amazing, is amazing. As you consider your next celebratory meal or casual weeknight outing, here’s your menu of Salt Lake’s 2026 gustatory darlings. The food is thoughtful, the hospitality is warm and the chefs care deeply about the dishes on your table.We promise.
