Every year the list is different. We don’t do categories, we don’t fill in forms, we don’t count votes. We just pick our brains and everyone else’s for the coolest, newest and unexpected superlatives in the Beehive State. Every year we surprise ourselves and are delighted at the discoveries. You too will be surprised and delighted. And, no doubt, disgruntled. Because we left out one of your favorites. Let us know. Go to saltlkemagazine.com and give us your two cents.
Camper Reparadise – Okay, Camper Reparadise doesn’t actually make these trailer homes—but they do RE-make them so their vintage charms shine like new. From refurbishing the kitchens to polishing the outside, the experts here make the old new again. Hit the road, Jack. camperrepearadise.com
Best Way to Bulk Up, Hello!Bulk Markets – Let’s be logical. It’s really astounding how little power we believe we actually have. A straw here, a bottle of shampoo, a disposable coffee lid there. If the sum of all that stuff we so casually use and dispose of were piled up on your bed, well, you couldn’t sleep there. Owner Jamaica Trinnaman (yes, of course she’s a woman) created Hello!Bulk Markets to kick back at the piles of trash which are polluting our world. Bring or buy reusable containers to weigh out just about everything you’d find at a grocery store: coffee beans, spices, laundry soap and gummy bears. 355 N. 500 West, SLC, 385-775-4191 hellobulkmarkets.com
Best Place to Buy a Hookah and a Pound of Lamb, Shahrazad Market – A complete Middle Eastern grocery, lifestyle store, caterer, delivery service and restaurant. The first thing you notice when you walk into this modest space is the head-filling exotic aroma. Spices are the soul of Middle Eastern cooking and at Shahrazad they’re sold by the pound, used in the cooking and permeate the atmosphere of the store. Breathe deep, have a seat and enjoy lunch before shopping for pristine halal meat and fresh-baked breads. 1616 W. 2100 South, SLC, 801-972-3468, shahrazadslc.com
Best Effort to Cross the Great Divide, The West Side Festival – The SLC prejudice against the West side of the city is so strong that some West side city leaders talk seriously about splitting the city. The West Side Festival organizers and participants want to heal the breach another way. The organization Restore North Temple and the River District Chamber combined forces to present the Westside Festival in June, bringing together artists, food, music and people to celebrate this mysteriously unappreciated part of our city. Watch out for a repeat next year: restorenorthtemple.com/westsidefestival
Best Reason to Skip the Swedish Meatballs, Walker Edison Furniture – A hidden gem for those on a home furnishing budget. Their ready-to-assemble furniture is sold by big-name retailers like Target and Amazon. And you know, they sell those cool fireplace TV consoles. The issue is with their returns—once built, pieces cannot be resold as new merchandise. With a fully loaded warehouse, the returned furnishings are steeply (make an offer) discounted. Just load it and go, no assembly guide or Allen wrench needed. 4350 W. 2100 South, SLC, 801-433-3008, walkeredison.com
Best Place to Get your Head Cut, Cutthroat Barbershop – Cutthroat owns its westside location with pride. Think of it like a graffitied junkyard chop shop only for hair. Despite his gruff exterior and the Sweeney Todd vibe of his shop’s name, owner Mike Canales is a real sweetie. 2851 S. Redwood Rd., West Valley City, 385-242-7523, cutthroatbarbershopslc.com
For more of our Best of the Beehive winners click here.
