Embark on a culinary journey through Utah’s vibrant food scene! Discover four exceptional restaurants that made my recent birthday celebration truly unforgettable. From delectable donuts to spicy hot chicken, authentic street tacos, and irresistible cookies, these are the must-try spots that will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to explore the best places to eat in Utah!
PIN THIS ULTIMATE UTAH FOOD GUIDE FOR LATER!
As a passionate food enthusiast, my love for both home-cooked meals and dining out runs deep. For years, I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my culinary adventures, both local and far-flung, right here on Taste and Tell. Today, I’m thrilled to take you on a slightly different, yet equally delicious, journey.
Last month, my birthday rolled around, but with our yard undergoing a major transformation for new sod, a traditional celebration just wasn’t in the cards. Instead of postponing the joy entirely, I decided to dedicate my entire birthday to one simple, glorious pursuit: eating exactly what I wanted, all day long. This meant revisiting a long-time favorite and finally exploring some exciting new establishments that had been lingering on my “must-try” list. It was a day purely dedicated to indulging my palate, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate.
And of course, I brought you all along for the ride! Not only will you find every detail and mouth-watering photo right here in this blog post, but you can also experience the entire adventure visually. I’ve launched a new, two-part video series to accompany this foodie tour. In part one, you’ll join me as I navigate through these incredible dining experiences. Then, in part two (which will be released next Monday), I’ll create a recipe inspired by one of the delightful dishes featured in the first video. It’s an exciting new way to share my culinary inspirations and discoveries with you all!
I genuinely hope you enjoy this video series and remember to check back for part two. Filming this was an absolute blast, and I’m incredibly excited to kick off this new format with such a delicious adventure. Make sure you’re following me on YouTube and Facebook, where these videos will be released!
Unforgettable Bites: My Ultimate Utah Restaurant Tour
Utah’s culinary landscape is surprisingly diverse and constantly evolving, offering everything from classic comfort food to innovative dining experiences. My birthday expedition was a testament to this, showcasing a mix of beloved local gems and exciting new discoveries. These four spots truly stood out, earning their place on my list of must-visit destinations for anyone looking to savor the best of Utah’s food scene.
Lehi Bakery: A Donut Lover’s Paradise
It’s no secret to regular readers that I consider myself a true donut addict – and, I’ll admit, a bit of a donut snob. So, when it comes to the best places to satisfy a sweet craving in Utah, Lehi Bakery consistently ranks among my top three. This iconic local institution is famous for its legendary square donuts, which are an absolute revelation. Their unique shape ensures a perfect crust-to-fluffy-interior ratio, with a delicate glaze that’s simply irresistible. My husband and daughter are completely enamored with their maple bars, a classic treat that never disappoints with its sweet, sticky topping and soft dough.
However, for me, the buttermilk bar is the undisputed star. It’s a donut I find myself craving at all hours, its rich, tangy flavor and dense yet tender texture making it utterly addictive. And let’s not forget the old-fashioned donut – another masterpiece of simple perfection. I’ve made countless trips to Lehi Bakery over the years, and each visit only solidifies its position as a cherished favorite. It was the absolute ideal spot to kick off my birthday feast, providing that perfect blend of nostalgic charm and unparalleled deliciousness that only a truly great bakery can offer. If you’re searching for authentic, mouth-watering donuts in Utah, Lehi Bakery is an essential stop.
Lehi Bakery
172 W Main Street
Lehi, UT
Pretty Bird: Nashville-Style Hot Chicken in Salt Lake City
Pretty Bird had been at the very top of my culinary wish list for a considerable time. Its location isn’t always the most convenient for a family outing with kids, so despite my eager anticipation, a visit had remained elusive. That is, until my birthday. I managed to convince two of my sisters and my mom to join me for a special lunch trip to Salt Lake City, and it truly became the highlight of my day. The company was absolutely stellar, but the food? Oh, the food was simply sublime. It exceeded every expectation I had, proving to be everything I had dreamed of and more.
We ordered both the mild and the medium chicken, and after sampling each, we all unanimously agreed that the medium spice level offered the perfect balance. It delivered a delightful kick of heat that complemented the chicken’s flavor without overpowering it. In fact, a gentleman at the table next to us warned that the “hot” option was so intense it masked the taste of the chicken itself. The chicken at Pretty Bird is cooked to absolute perfection – wonderfully crispy on the outside, incredibly juicy and tender on the inside, and seasoned impeccably. Every component of the sandwich, from the soft bun to the crisp pickles, harmonizes beautifully. They also feature a seasonal side dish; during our visit, it was a fantastic Mexican corn concoction with black-eyed peas, which we all adored. Pretty Bird has definitely carved out a permanent spot in my cravings, and I’m already planning my next return to this exceptional Salt Lake City establishment. It’s a definite contender for the best hot chicken in Utah.
Pretty Bird
146 Regent Street
Salt Lake City, UT
Mi Angel Street Tacos: A Lucky Discovery
As I detailed in the accompanying video, my initial plan for dinner involved a different taco spot in Salt Lake City. However, the traffic that day was notoriously bad, and I was determined not to spend my birthday battling gridlock. So, with a spontaneous change of plans, I headed south, hoping to find a particular taco truck I’d often seen parked in a gas station lot. It felt like a bit of a gamble, as I wasn’t sure if the truck would even be there, let alone if the food would live up to my taco cravings.
Fortunately, my gamble paid off! The Mi Angel Street Tacos truck was exactly where I hoped it would be. I eagerly ordered a carne asada burrito, some carne asada tacos, and a few chicken tacos to bring home for my family’s dinner. Upon tasting, we all collectively agreed that the carne asada was outstanding. The burrito, in particular, was a revelation – perfectly seasoned, tender meat wrapped in a warm tortilla, creating a harmonious burst of flavor. The carne asada tacos were equally delightful, showcasing the authentic simplicity and deliciousness of true street food. While none of us disliked the chicken tacos, they simply couldn’t compete with the superior flavor and texture of the carne asada. This unexpected discovery turned out to be a delightful surprise, proving that sometimes the best food experiences are found off the beaten path, right in a gas station parking lot. Mi Angel Street Tacos offers some of the most authentic and satisfying tacos in Utah, a true hidden gem!
Mi Angel Street Tacos
https://www.facebook.com/miangelstreettacos/
Crumbl Cookies: The Sweetest End to a Culinary Day
Whether it’s a national phenomenon or a particular craze here in Utah, dedicated cookie shops are currently all the rage. These establishments specialize in one thing: cookies, and they do it incredibly well. One of the features I absolutely adore about several of these cookie shops is their delivery service. Imagine: hot, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies brought right to your doorstep. It’s a dangerously convenient indulgence, isn’t it?
Prior to my birthday, I hadn’t actually tried any of these specialized cookie shops. But as the evening drew to a close, and I was comfortably settled in, the thought of driving anywhere else felt unappealing. Cookie delivery, however, sounded like the perfect, effortless end to a day of gastronomic delights. I placed my order, and before long, a box of warm, aromatic cookies arrived.
Even after a full day of eating, I was so delightfully stuffed that I couldn’t even manage to finish an entire cookie – though, to be fair, they are impressively large! These aren’t your average cookies; they are substantial, decadent, and incredibly satisfying. But they were, without a doubt, the perfect sweet ending to my birthday feast. As someone who absolutely loves a gooey cookie, these warm, soft, and slightly underbaked treats earned a resounding two thumbs up from me. If you’re looking for a delightful dessert experience or a convenient sweet treat in Utah, Crumbl Cookies is a must-try. Their delivery service adds an extra layer of luxury to an already fantastic product.
Crumbl Cookies
Multiple Utah Locations – delivery and walk-in available
https://crumblcookies.com/
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And that, my friends, was my birthday! Each of these four incredible establishments – Lehi Bakery, Pretty Bird, Mi Angel Street Tacos, and Crumbl Cookies – earned a well-deserved spot on my list of must-try places to eat in Utah. This culinary adventure was incredibly fun and fulfilling, and I’m already brimming with excitement to bring you more delicious discoveries in the future. I hope this guide inspires your next food exploration in Utah!