If you like to travel then you’re probably no stranger to the overwhelming desire to find the best local restaurants in any town you visit. Part of experiencing a destination and culture is trying the food — but not just any food, the best food! You’ll look on Zomato, Trip Advisor, Yelp or other review sites to find the top rated eateries, but knowing which restaurants have withstood the test of time tells you which spots are as local as it gets. Here are some of the oldest restaurants in Salt Lake City that are worth a visit.
The Roof Restaurant and The Garden Restaurant – 1914
The Roof Restaurant and The Garden Restaurant are located on the tenth floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building with the most amazing view of Temple Square and Salt Lake City. Both restaurants evolved from the The Roof Gardens restaurant which first opened in 1914 atop the Hotel Utah. This restaurant functioned in many different capacities over the years until finally in 1993, after the renovation of the Hotel Utah into The Joseph Smith Memorial Building, both The Roof Restaurant and The Garden Restaurant opened in their current capacities. Both restaurants are award-winning and highly-favored, with The Roof Restaurant serving a one-of-a-kind fine dining buffet and The Garden Restaurant serving traditional American cuisine amongst a garden setting with a retractable glass roof. Click here to learn more.
Lamb’s Grill – 1919
Source: Lamb’s Grill
This fine-dining establishment is Utah’s oldest continually operating restaurant. With most of the restaurant unchanged since 1939, the antiques from all over the word give it a one-of-a-kind feel. And if you’re looking for a high-class restaurant known as a gathering spot for lawyers, politicians and business people alike, this is the place. They serve classic American dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including everything from eggs benedict to their 1919 Burger to a grilled rack of lamb. Click here to learn more about Lamb’s Grill.
Ruth’s Diner – 1930
Source: Ruth’s Diner
Ruth’s Diner was first opened in 1930 as Ruth’s Hamburgers and has since continued the spirited legacy Ruth herself first created — the history of this place is just as good as the food! This iconic restaurant is located up Emigration Canyon in a renovated 1930’s trolley car. Their popular All-American and southwest breakfast items are delicious and served all day, every day. They have a cozy, beautiful patio to be enjoyed during the warmer season and they often have events and live music. Learn more about Ruth’s Diner here.
Lion House Pantry – 1931
Built in 1856, the Lion House was home to Utah’s first governor and LDS leader Brigham Young. With a desire to preserve the home, it has been used in various ways over the years. In 1931 the home turned into a social center equipped with a delicious cafeteria. For years since then, that cafeteria turned into what is now known as The Lion House Pantry Restaurant, serving home-style American dishes in a setting reminiscent of “grandma’s house”. Keeping with the atmosphere of the home, many of the dishes served in this cafeteria style restaurant are scrumptious family favorites of the chefs. Click here to learn more about the Lion House Pantry.
New Yorker Restaurant – 1978
Built in 1906 under the direction of prominent architect R.K.A. Kletting, this building was known as The New York Hotel. After extensive remodeling in the 1970s, it is now home to the New Yorker Restaurant, Market Street Grill and Market Street Oyster Bar. The New Yorker Restaurant was the first of these restaurants to open in 1978. They’re a premier dining establishment known for their refined American cuisine and comfort food served in a casual, yet elegant setting. This is the spot to get delicious contemporary seafood, premium steaks and an amazing atmosphere. Click here to learn more.
Market Street Grill – 1980
Source: Market Street Grill
As the sister restaurant to the New Yorker, Market Street Grill opened in 1980 with the same beautiful history. If you love seafood, then this is the place to be. Rated as “Utah’s most popular seafood concept,” they have award-winning menu selections and fresh seafood markets where you can purchase fresh fish from around the world to cook at home! They serve delectable non-seafood items as well and their restaurant is reminiscent of the 1930s to bring a fun, upbeat setting to the atmosphere. Click here to learn more about Market Street Grill.
Red Iguana – 1985
Source: Red Iguana
Ramon and Maria Cardenas started sharing their passion for Mexican cuisine with the Salt Lake Valley in 1965 at the Casa Grande. Twenty years later, they opened the Red Iguana which became an instant success and a favorite for locals and tourists alike. They have unique, yet traditional Mexican recipes that have been passed down through the family. Now the Cardenas children are continuing the legacy of the Red Iguana and their food continues to draw local and national attention. Click here for more information.
We hope you’ll enjoy one of these long-standing Salt Lake City restaurants. If you want to learn more about the amazing restaurant scene in Salt Lake City, visit our blog 10 Downtown Quick Bites Under $10.
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