Hello! You are probably here because you are attending Nerdtacular 2026 and looking for a good place to eat. Below is a collection of places to eat (plus a few bonus attractions) that Rosekitty and I (Ktdata) recommend. We had a few requirements for a place to be featured on this list:
- Travel time to the location must be 15 minutes or less via car, public transportation (usually TRAX) or walking from the Nerdtacular hotel.
- We have personally visited and recommend the location.
- This list is organized from closest to the Nerdtacular hotel to the farthest.
Note that this list isn’t the be all and end all of delicious places to eat in Utah. If you are willing to travel farther or if you are looking for something more specific, don’t hesitate to reach out to me in person at Nerdtacular or on Discord (@Ktdata).
There is a Google Maps list of all these places right here.
Now onto the list!
Eva’s Bakery
Address: 155 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Hours: All Week: 7:30 AM–3:30 PM
Website: https://www.evasbakeryslc.com/
Google Maps Link
This is a great spot for breakfast/lunch. French style bakery that is really popular. This is Ktdata/Rosekitty & Johnson approved. Vegetarian/Vegan options available.
Siegfried’s Delicatessen
Address: 155 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Hours: Sunday: Closed Monday-Thursday: 9 AM–6 PM Friday-Saturday: 9 AM-9 PM
Website: http://www.siegfriedsdelicatessen.com/
Google Maps Link
Looking for some German food? This is my go to place for schnitzel! A quick walk from the hotel and you can get your own!
Eclair French Pastry City Creek
Address: Outside the City Creek Food Court, 50 S Main St Suite 140A, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Hours: Sunday: Closed Monday-Thursday: 9 AM–8 PM Friday-Saturday: 9 AM-9 PM
Website: http://www.eclairfrenchpastry.com/
Google Maps Link
Another walkable French bakery (cut through the mall to get there faster!). I like their fruit tarts and of course they have delicious eclairs of various flavors! They also have cheesecake that is better than the ones from a specific factory that is nearby.
Market Street Grill
Address: 48 W Market St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Hours: Sunday: 10 AM-3 PM/4 PM-9 PM Monday-Thursday: 11:30 AM–3 PM/5 PM-9 PM Friday: 11:30 AM-3 PM/5 PM-9:30 Saturday: 10 AM-3 PM/4 PM-9:30 PM
Website: https://www.marketstreetgrill.com/
Google Maps Link
Looking for clam chowder or some seafood? Market Street Grill is the place to be! They source their fresh fish from all over the US. Note their split service hours and let me know if you get some fresh oysters! This is a Ktdata/Rosekitty and Redfraggle3(Amy) approved place!
Takashi
Address: 18 W Market St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Hours: Sunday: Closed Monday-Friday: 11:30 AM–2 PM/5:30 PM-10 PM Saturday: 5 PM-10 PM
Website: http://takashisushi.com/
Google Maps Link
This is, in my opinion, one of the best sushi restaurants in Salt Lake City. It is pretty pricey (it’s sushi after all), and you will need to make reservations during their lunch service. Still worth a stop if you are looking for a fancier dinner!
Squatters Pub Brewery
Address: 147 W Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Hours: Sunday: 10:30 AM-10 PM Monday-Thursday: 11:30 AM–10 PM Friday: 11:30 AM-11:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM-11 PM
Website: https://www.squatterspubs.com/
Google Maps Link
Squatters is an Utah original brewery! Make sure you check out their beers (my favorite is their Full Suspension Pale Ale) if you like a good beer. Even if you don’t like beer, their food is fantastic. On the weekends, they have a brunch menu in addition to their regular one. Vegan options are available.
Crown Burgers
Address: 118 N 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Hours: Sunday: Closed Monday-Saturday: 10 AM–9 PM
Website: https://crown-burgers.com/
Google Maps Link
Pastrami on a hamburger! Need I say more? Also make sure you get some Fry Sauce for your fries (Utah likes to claim that it was invented here). If you are looking for Gyro, they have them too! This is similar to Apollo Burger down below, but still a little bit different. I think they used to be all owned by the same family, but it seems like there was a split sometime back.
Sizzurp Soda Lab
Address: 150 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Hours: Sunday: 12 PM-5 PM Monday-Wednesday: 12 PM–6 PM Thursday-Saturday: 12 PM-8 PM
Website: https://sizzurpsodalab.com/
Google Maps Link
I broke the rules a little bit on this one as I haven’t been to place. However, people were interested in trying out a dirty soda. This one is the closest to the Nerdtacular hotel. Most of the more well known chain dirty soda shops are a little farther out (Thirst is listed below but you also have Swig, Fizz and Sodalicious).
The Break Sports Grill
Address: 140 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Hours: Sunday: 10 AM-10 PM Monday-Friday: 11 AM–12 AM Saturday: 10 AM-12 AM
Website: https://thebreakdowntown.com/
Google Maps Link
As seen on Frogpants shows! You probably have heard Scott mention The Break before, this isn’t the exact location but the food is still the same. Enjoy the view of the Delta Center (home of the Utah Jazz and Mammoth) across the street!
Apollo Burger
Address: 379 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Hours: Sunday: Closed Monday-Wednesday: 7 AM–10 PM Thursday-Saturday: 7 AM-12 AM
Website: https://www.apolloburger.com/
Google Maps Link
This is similar to Crown Burger above, but they also have breakfast (which is pretty decent)! If you are eating in and getting a burger, make sure to ask for a bottle of Tobasco sauce. Add some Tobasco right between the lettuce and burger, there’s something about it that brings it all together. Check out Quarters Arcade and Bar next door if you are visiting after 4PM.
Chinese Bistro
Address: 133 Regent St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Hours: Sunday: Closed Monday-Saturday: 11 AM–8:30 PM
Website: https://chinesebistroonline.com/
Google Maps Link
Why hasn’t the Asian guy recommended an Asian place yet (most of the better places are farther away from downtown)? If you are looking for authentic Chinese food nearby, this is the go to place! The chili oil wontons are definitely something to consider. Rosekitty highly recommends the chicken wings… warning they come with a set of gloves.
Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
Address: 260 S 200 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Hours: Sunday: 12 PM-9 PM Monday-Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
Website: http://settebello.net/
Google Maps Link
Looking for some Neapolitan style pizza? This place is for you (also check out the gelato)! Gluten free options are available. It is also near by Poplar Street Pub (where Smoke Monster will be taking place), so it might be a good dinner place on Wednesday.
Red Rock Brewing
Address: 254 S 200 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Hours: Sunday: 10:30 AM-11 PM Monday-Thursday: 11 AM–11 PM Friday: 11 AM-12 AM Saturday: 10:30 AM 12 AM
Website: https://redrockbrewing.com/
Google Maps Link
Great brewery food that has something for everyone. There are vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. This is also right next door to Poplar Street Pub (where Smoke Monster will be taking place).
Bruges Belgian Bistro
Address: 336 W 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Hours: Sunday: 9 AM-2 PM Monday-Thursday: 9 AM–8 PM. Friday-Saturday: 9 AM-9 PM
Website: https://brugeswaffles.com/
Google Maps Link
I don’t know how authentic Belgian this is BUT OMG LOOK AT THE FACES ON THE CINNAMONSTER AND WAFFLE MONSTER! They are too adorable and are tasty too! They have both sweet and savory waffles. Note this is a tiny location, there’s just enough room to get in and order, grab one of the tables outside to eat!
Maize
Address: 151 Regent St Suite G, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Hours: Sunday: Closed Monday: 11 AM-4 PM Tuesday-Saturday: 11 AM–9 PM
Website: http://maizetacos.com/
Google Maps Link
This is a Carter Johnson recommendation, I’ve never personally been there. Shrimp and Fish tacos are what Carter liked and I saw lobster on blue corn tortillas… I might need to give them a visit during Nerdtacular!
Wanyen
Address: 378 W Broadway Suite 115, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Hours: Sunday: 12 PM-9 PM Monday: Closed Tuesday-Thursday: 12 PM–9 PM Friday-Saturday: 12 PM-10 PM
Website: https://www.wanyenslc.com/
Google Maps Link
Looking for some Asian inspired ice cream? They have scoops and also full dessert dishes, my favorite is mango sticky rice and ice cream. If you are brave, try the durian flavor!
Spitz Mediterranean Street Food
Address: 35 E Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11 AM-9 PM Friday-Saturday: 11 AM-10 PM
Website: https://spitz-restaurant.com/mediterranean-food-downtown-salt-lake-city-restaurant-bar/
Google Maps Link
I broke bread with Scott at one of these, he didn’t know when to swipe the card. They got gyro, wraps, and bowls. Vegan and gluten free options available.
ROCTACO
Address: 248 S Edison St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Hours: Sunday: Closed Monday-Thursday: 11 AM-9 PM Friday-Saturday: 11 AM-10 PM
Website: https://www.roctaco.com/
Google Maps Link
This is a Carter Johnson recommendation, I’ve never personally been there.
HallPass
Address: 153 S Rio Grande St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11 AM-9 PM Friday-Saturday: 11 AM-11 PM
Website: http://www.hallpassslc.com/
Google Maps Link
It’s a food hall! I personally recommend the lobster rolls at Codspeed and Rosekitty likes Hog & Tradition BBQ. Unfortunately the prices for the food at this place has gone up, so expect that when going in. Also while you are the Gateway, check out Dr. Volt’s (see below).
Dr. Volt’s Comic Connection/The Nerd Store
Address: 79 S Rio Grande St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Hours: Sunday: 12 PM-6 PM Monday-Saturday: 10 AM-9 PM
Website: https://drvolts.com/
Google Maps Link
Ok this is technically isn’t food… but comics are food for the nerd soul right? This is the comic shop I regularly visit. In addition to comics, they have TCGs, toys, board games, and puzzles! If you ever have any questions, the staff there is super friendly and helpful. Make sure you tell them Kevin sent you!
Caputo’s Market & Deli
Address: 314 W 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Hours: Sunday: 10 AM-5 PM Monday-Saturday: 9 AM-7 PM
Website: https://www.caputos.com/
Google Maps Link
Looking for a good Italian sandwich? Caputo’s is the way to go! Freshly made and always delicious. They are also a fully stocked market so if you are looking for some extra fixings they got you covered too.
Sol Agave
Address: 660 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Hours: Sunday: 10 AM-8 PM Monday-Thursday: 11 AM-9 PM Friday: 11 AM-10 PM Saturday: 10 AM-10 PM
Website: https://www.solagave.com/
Google Maps Link
The butter cake here lives rent free in my head (it probably could live rent free in my tummy too). I know their meal entrees are also good, but that butter cake… you definitely have to try it. Rosekitty and I joke (and probably are half serious) that one day we are just going to go in and say “Hey we just want to dine in and just get the butter cake.” One serving of the butter cake is enough for two people. Also… did I mention their butter cake is to die for?
The Bayou
Address: 645 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Hours: Sunday: 5 PM-9 PM Monday: Closed Tuesday-Thursday: 11:30 AM-10 PM Friday: 11 AM-11 PM Saturday: 5 PM-11 PM
Website: https://www.utahbayou.com/
Google Maps Link
Technically this place is considered a bar, so no one under 21 is allowed. They will ID you as you enter, but I love this place. I always look at the menu, but there is only one thing I get… the jambalaya with shrimp and crawfish. It’s probably not as good as Kim Johnson’s jambalaya, but it is still pretty good. Half and half fries (regular and sweet potato fries mixed together), and blackened catfish are also recommended. This establishment offers a very large assortment of beers.
Thai 101
Address: 214 W 600 S A, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Hours: Sunday: 12:30 PM-9:30 PM Monday-Friday: 11:30 AM-2:30 PM/5 PM-9:30 PM Saturday: 12:30 PM-9:30 PM
Website: https://thai101slc.com/
Google Maps Link
Family owned Thai place near downtown. We recommend the Roi Et Crying Tiger (not made of actual tiger), and Sukhumvit Salmon Noodle (made of actual salmon). The good stuff is in the back of their menu. Vegetarian options available.
Buds
Address: 509 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Hours: Sunday: Closed Monday-Saturday: 11:30 AM-5 PM
Website: http://www.budsslc.com/
Google Maps Link
Sandwiches… Scott and Carter love it. Vegan friendly.
MASA Sushi AYCE
Address: 618 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11 AM-9:30 PM Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM-10:30 PM
Website: https://www.instagram.com/masasushisaltlakecity/
Google Maps Link
Made to order, all you can eat sushi. That’s right, they make the sushi when you order it, unlike some other places where it’s left out to dry until you grab it. I wouldn’t say it’s Takashi level sushi, but for all you can eat, it’s pretty good. They hand you a tablet and you can submit 3 items per person every 5 minutes. If you time it right, you might see a wild Ktdata there during Nerdtacular.
Taco Bell
Address: 621 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Hours: Open 24 Hours
Website: https://www.tacobell.com/
Google Maps Link
You might be wondering… Ktdata why are you recommending a Taco Bell? Well this isn’t just any regular Taco Bell… this is THE 6 tacos in an Office Depot parking lot Taco Bell. The Office depot is no longer there but the Taco Bell has held strong! If you just want to see the place, there are plenty of other food places in this area (including the MASA Sushi AYCE right above this).
Momo’s Gourmet Cheesecake Co
Address: 29 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Hours: Sunday-Monday: Closed Tuesday-Thursday: 3 PM-9 PM Friday-Saturday: 3 PM-9:30 PM
Website: https://momoscheesecakes.com/
Google Maps Link
Not only do we like the flavors Momo’s offers, but the sizes of the cheesecakes are great too! They range from mini to full sized cheesecakes. The flavors rotate, so make sure to check out their limited time flavors.
Thirst Drinks
Address: 38 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Hours: Sunday: 10 AM-5 PM Monday-Thursday: 8:30 AM-9:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM-10:30 PM Saturday: 9 AM-10:30 PM
Website: https://www.thirstdrinks.com/
Google Maps Link
One of the many chain dirty soda places. The options for customizing your drinks is pretty extensive. We are fans of their beignets. Watch out for the powered sugar!
Beast From The East
Address: 1702 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Hours: Sunday: 12 PM-9 PM Monday: Closed Tuesday-Thursday: 12 PM-8 PM Friday-Saturday: 12 PM-10:00 PM
Website: https://www.beastfromtheeastsandwichery.com/
Google Maps Link
As mentioned on The Monday Show! Scott and Carter are fans of this place. Note this is one of the places where if they sell out… they sell out and close up early!