Hungry after hitting the slopes? Need a quick lunch before exploring Temple Square? Salt Lake City has your fast food cravings covered. Nestled in the heart of Utah, Salt Lake City is a vibrant hub blending outdoor adventure with urban living. Its fast-paced lifestyle demands convenient and satisfying meal options, leading to a diverse and exciting fast food scene. From familiar national chains to unique local institutions, Salt Lake City offers a plethora of choices to satisfy any appetite. This guide explores some popular and lesser-known fast food options in Salt Lake City, highlighting key dishes, price points, and locations, helping you navigate the world of quick eats in this mountain metropolis.
Classic Chains with a Utah Twist
Sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like a classic. Salt Lake City boasts a full array of national fast food chains, each offering a familiar taste and predictable experience. But even within these giants of the industry, subtle variations and local favorites set the Salt Lake City experience apart. Whether you are on the hunt for a burger, chicken, or a taco, there is always a fast food joint nearby.
Burgers and Fries Forever
McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s are all prominent fixtures in Salt Lake City, offering their standard menus. However, keep an eye out for regional promotions or limited-time offers that might be unique to the Utah market. You might find that the Spicy Chicken Sandwich is a local favorite or that the seasonal Shamrock Shake is particularly sought after. For those late nights, you could always stop by and get some chicken nuggets.
When it comes to burgers, everyone has their favorite. McDonald’s iconic Big Mac and Burger King’s flame-broiled Whopper are perennial contenders. Wendy’s square patties and Frosty treats offer a different kind of appeal. In Salt Lake City, you’ll find these classics readily available, often with the added bonus of stunning mountain views from the drive-thru.
Clucking Good Chicken Choices
Chick-fil-A’s famously polite service and delicious chicken sandwiches have made it a beloved option in Salt Lake City. The lines might be long during peak hours, but the satisfaction is well worth the wait. KFC offers its signature fried chicken, with family-sized buckets perfect for sharing. Raising Cane’s, with its focus on chicken fingers and Cane’s sauce, has also gained a strong following.
Utah’s Favorite Menu Items: Keep an eye out for promotional deals or special menu items unique to the Salt Lake City area. Sometimes, regional variations can surprise and delight.
Deals and Value Menus: Many chains offer value menus or app-based deals that can help you save money. Check the app or website of your favorite chain to see what promotions are available.
Locations: You’ll find these chains throughout Salt Lake City and the surrounding suburbs, with convenient locations near major roads and shopping centers.
Tacos and Mexican Fiesta
Taco Bell and Del Taco are popular choices for quick and affordable Mexican-inspired fare. From tacos and burritos to nachos and quesadillas, these chains offer a wide range of options to satisfy your craving for south-of-the-border flavors.
Local and Regional Fast-Food Gems
While national chains offer familiarity and convenience, Salt Lake City’s true fast food character shines through in its local and regional gems. These spots offer unique flavors, time-honored traditions, and a taste of Utah’s culinary identity.
Crown Burger: The King of Pastrami Burgers
No discussion of Salt Lake City fast food is complete without mentioning Crown Burger. This local institution is famous for its signature pastrami burger, a towering creation featuring a juicy beef patty piled high with flavorful pastrami, cheese, onions, and their special sauce. It is a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Brief history and local significance: Crown Burger has been serving Salt Lake City for decades, becoming a beloved part of the city’s food culture. The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and generous portions has earned it a loyal following.
Other menu highlights (fries, shakes, etc.): While the pastrami burger is the star of the show, Crown Burger also offers a variety of other delicious options, including classic burgers, sandwiches, fries, onion rings, and milkshakes.
Training Table: A Taste of Nostalgia
Training Table is another Salt Lake City favorite, known for its unique special sauce and craveable burgers. The restaurant’s retro atmosphere and friendly service add to its charm.
Focus on their special sauce: The key to Training Table’s appeal is its signature special sauce, a creamy and tangy concoction that perfectly complements their burgers and fries.
Brief history and local significance: Training Table has been a part of the Salt Lake City community for many years, offering a taste of nostalgia and comfort.
Other menu highlights (fries, shakes, etc.): In addition to burgers, Training Table offers a variety of other classic fast food items, including sandwiches, fries, onion rings, and shakes.
Hires Big H: A Root Beer Float Dream
Hires Big H is a Utah staple known for its classic drive-in atmosphere and delicious burgers, onion rings, and homemade root beer. The restaurant’s retro design and friendly carhops transport you back to a simpler time.
A Utah staple known for its unique atmosphere: Hires Big H is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. The classic drive-in atmosphere and friendly service make it a beloved destination for families and burger enthusiasts.
Menu highlights: burgers, onion rings, root beer. Hires Big H is known for its juicy burgers, crispy onion rings, and refreshing homemade root beer.
Historical significance in Salt Lake City: Hires Big H has been a part of the Salt Lake City community for decades, serving up delicious food and creating lasting memories.
What Makes Them Special: These local spots stand out for their unique flavors, locally sourced ingredients (where possible), and commitment to quality. They offer a taste of Salt Lake City that you won’t find anywhere else.
Price Range: Prices at these local gems are generally comparable to national chains, offering a great value for the quality and experience.
Must-Try Items: Don’t miss the pastrami burger at Crown Burger, the special sauce burger at Training Table, and the root beer float at Hires Big H.
Fast-Casual Options: A Step Above
For those seeking a slightly more elevated experience without sacrificing speed and convenience, Salt Lake City offers a variety of fast-casual restaurants. These spots emphasize fresh ingredients, customizable options, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Cafe Rio Mexican Grill: Freshness in Every Bite
Cafe Rio Mexican Grill is a popular chain known for its fresh and flavorful Mexican cuisine. The restaurant’s customizable burritos, salads, and tacos allow you to create your perfect meal.
Popular menu items: burritos, salads, tacos. Cafe Rio’s burritos are a standout, filled with your choice of meat, beans, rice, and fresh toppings.
Zupas: Soup, Salad, and Sandwich Heaven
Zupas is a great choice for those seeking a lighter and healthier meal. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches, all made with fresh ingredients.
Sandwiches, soups, and salads. Zupas’s tomato basil soup and chicken pesto sandwich are perennial favorites.
Costa Vida: Southwest Sensations
Costa Vida is an excellent option for satisfying your Mexican cravings, but with a focus on coastal cuisine. Their delicious sauces make it an overall fantastic choice.
Popular menu items: burritos, salads, tacos. Costa Vida is an awesome place to grab some of your favorite Mexican foods with a special twist on flavors.
Fresh Ingredients and Customization: These fast-casual restaurants prioritize fresh ingredients and customizable options, allowing you to create a meal that perfectly suits your taste.
Healthier Choices: Fast-casual options often offer healthier choices, such as salads, grilled chicken, and vegetarian options.
Atmosphere: The atmosphere at fast-casual restaurants is typically more relaxed and inviting than traditional fast food chains, with comfortable seating and pleasant decor.
Unique or Niche Fast Food: Expanding Your Palate
Salt Lake City’s diverse population and culinary scene have led to the emergence of unique and niche fast food options catering to specific diets, tastes, and cultural preferences.
Expanding Palates: Explore new flavors with Middle Eastern shawarma, Asian-inspired noodle bowls, or globally inspired street food.
Dietary Considerations: Find vegan and vegetarian options at dedicated plant-based restaurants or discover halal-certified dishes at Middle Eastern eateries.
Hidden Gems: Look for smaller, family-owned restaurants offering authentic international cuisine or specializing in a particular type of fast food.
Conclusion: A Fast Food Feast Awaits
Salt Lake City’s fast food scene is a dynamic and diverse landscape, offering something to satisfy every craving and preference. From the familiar comfort of national chains to the unique flavors of local gems and the fresh options of fast-casual restaurants, Salt Lake City is a paradise for those seeking a quick and delicious meal. Whether you’re craving a classic burger, a local favorite, or something entirely new, Salt Lake City’s fast food scene has something to satisfy your appetite. So, get out there and explore the quick eats of Salt Lake City.
