In an effort to showcase Salt Lake City in such a way that we get another Grand Prix in the future, I’ve decided to write a little bit about what the City has to offer in and around the Salt Palace Convention Center area. Though not a definitive guide, it should give you most, if not all, the information you’ll need to make your stay in Salt Lake (barring mana screw) a fun time.
First off, competitors should know that the Mormon Church’s General Conference is the same weekend…across the street from the NE corner of the tournament site. This presents many problems associated with getting to and from the site, parking, restaurants, hotels, etc. You really need to get your hotel now if you haven’t already. Failure to do so can mean having to drive several miles to and from whatever hotel you do get, which will suck for you.
Parking is going to be a problem on Friday and Saturday but not necessarily on Sunday. Read the information given below and just follow the advice.
As for the restaurant advice, the places I’ve given information for are generally spot on. Those I haven’t given info on are also good, so don’t be afraid to try them out. Just remember that any restaurant close to the Mormon Temple areas is going to be swamped especially if it’s inexpensive.
For those who are interested in learning about the Salt Lake area, the Salt Lake Visitor’s Center is right outside the East entrance to the Salt Palace. They are open 9 AM to 5 PM seven days a week. If you have questions, just call (801) 534-4902.
And for those who know me, if you see me and have any questions during the Grand Prix, just ask. If I don’t know, I know someone who does.
Getting To And From The Airport
For those of you getting into Salt Lake via the airport, the best methods for getting to your hotel/tournament site are as follows:
Shilo Inn: If you’re a guest at the Shilo Inn, their courtesy shuttle arrives at the airport at the top and bottom of the hour (i.e., 3 PM and 3:30 PM). The shuttle stops at doors 6 and 10.
Cab: If you want to get downtown immediately, catch a cab. Cab rides generally cost between $18 to $20. Share a cab to save money.
XPress Shuttle: (800) 397-0773. XPress Shuttle has help desks at each baggage claim area at the Salt Lake Airport. Costs are $8 per person each way.
If you’re staying at another hotel call to see if they have a shuttle service.
Hotels
Due to the Mormon General Conference being the same weekend as the Grand Prix, hotel rooms are going to be hard to find the closer you get to the event. As of this writing, the Shilo Inn still had rooms available (with free guest parking). I’d suggest the various Marriotts (Courtyard is a couple of blocks away with free parking) as a good starting point. Prices will vary so plan accordingly. Due to limited parking, it’s suggested that you get a hotel downtown so as to be able to walk to and from the venue and various restaurants/entertainment centers.
Parking
Friday and Saturday are going to be a literal zoo for parking due to Conference and the Friday night Utah Jazz game (one block away). According to the Salt Palace parking crew, prices to park at one of their 2500 spaces is going to range between $8 and $12 for an entire day, though this doesn’t include in and out privileges. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, this means you can’t park, then leave, then come back later on the $12 ticket. You’ll pay each time you come back to the site. The entrance to the parking garage for the Salt Palace is located on 200 South slightly east of 200 West. It’s on the North side of the road and opens at 6 AM. If you have questions about Salt Palace parking, call the parking office at (385) 468-2197.
On Friday I suggest parking at the Salt Palace due to the Utah Jazz/Sacramento Kings game at 7 PM. The game is sold out and parking will be extremely hard to find. In regards to street parking, after 6 PM parking is free in regular spots (don’t park in freight loading zones). Otherwise you’ll have to pay the meters (check your max times….one to two hours max). On Saturday the first two hours are free, but after that you have to pay. The signs can be a little confusing sometimes. Just park at the Salt Palace parking garage and be done with it. On Sunday, parking is free on downtown streets.
Because of the Mormon Conference, I’d suggest trying parking lots south of the Salt Palace. If you enter on the North side, you’ll be stuck in crazy traffic with little or no chance of getting a space. Your choice.
Restaurants In Immediate Area
I’m breaking this section down into breakfast places, restaurants at the Gateway Mall, restaurants in general, and pizza joints that’ll deliver late at night. Where applicable I’ll add a BK at the end of the description. This stands for Brian Kibler and is added so that you know you’d better be bringing Brian Kibler bankroll if you intend to eat there.
The restaurants I’ve added are those I’ve either eaten at or heard good things about. Virtually all the restaurants are within four blocks of the event site. Those that are further away are highlighted and should be checked out if one has the time. All restaurants listed are within a mile and a half with the exception of the pizza joints, which I’ve listed in case you need a late night fix (delivery) and can’t find a restaurant that’s open.
Breakfast Joints
(All the restaurants listed below do more than just breakfast.)
The Bayleaf 159 South Main Street (801) 359-8490
The Bayleaf is an interesting restaurant. Specializing in American and Filipino food, the Bayleaf is open 24 hours a day on Friday and Saturday nights. Just a block and a half from the tournament site, it’s the perfect place to get some chicken and waffles or other traditional breakfast fare. Unfortunately, between 9 PM and 5 AM you have to be 21 years of age or older to get in. As it’s the only real place of substance for a late night snack in the area, at 1 AM bar patrons file out of whatever bar they were visiting and head to The Bayleaf. Between 1 AM and 5 AM it becomes a madhouse unsuitable for children who should be practicing their Magical skills.
Denny’s 250 West 500 South
Though I’m not one to generally hit a Denny’s, it provides attendees the chance to get a meal prior to the event or a late night snack when no other options are available. Unfortunately depending on the time of day, the wait for food at this Denny’s can be very long. Oh, and it’s Denny’s food, so eat at your own risk. I only list it here in the name of full disclosure.
Lamb’s Grill Café 169 South Main Street (801) 364-7166
Lamb’s is a Utah staple that has been in the same location since around 1939. Food tends to be Greek/American and quite good. As the Shilo Hotel’s restaurant will probably be overwhelmed on Saturday morning (Lamb’s is closed on Sunday), Lamb’s, at only one block away, is the perfect place to get in and get out.
JB’s Restaurant Corner of West Temple and South Temple
Another quick place to get a meal would be the JB’s Restaurant across the street from the NE corner of the convention center (just west of the Mormon Temple grounds). Generally, JB’s has an inexpensive breakfast buffet and is open seven days a week.
McDonald’s Corner of 200 West and 500 South
If you’re looking for fast food McDonalds is only four blocks from the convention center. Coffee, McMuffin, whatever it is that they serve can be yours. For convenience only.
Mo’s Neighborhood Grill 358 S. West Temple
Just a block and a half south of the Shilo Inn, Mo’s Neighborhood Grill is open from 8 AM to 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays and 8 AM to 1 AM on Sundays. It serves all manner of foods and is kid friendly (they just can’t sit at the bar). A great place to get together, especially when very few places are open so late in the immediate area.
Royal Eatery 379 South Main Street
A Greek American diner around for over 25 years, the Royal Eatery is a place I’ll most likely be found Saturday morning as the food is inexpensive and the coffee fresh. Serving is cafeteria style.
Restaurants At The Gateway Mall
The below listed restaurants are those that can be found at the Gateway Mall and accessed via the corner of 200 South and 400 West. Not mentioned is the Gateway Mall food court where such wonderful spots like McDonald’s and Panda Express can be found.
Applebee’s (801) 456-5000
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano (801) 596-7222
California Pizza Kitchen (801) 456-0075
Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill (801) 456-8432
Happy Sumo (Sushi) (801) 456-7866
Jason’s Deli (801) 456-8989
Z’Tejas (Mexican) (801) 456-0450
Restaurants In And Around The Tournament Area
Featured Restaurants
Caffe Molise 55 West 100 South (801) 364-8833 **BK**
From their website, Caffe Molise describes itself as "Italian Cuisine from the Molise region of Italy." Every review I’ve ever read regarding this restaurant has been positive. So if you have a few dineros to spend, take them here instead of the Olive Garden. Just be aware that reservations are a good thing. This restaurant is very popular and only a quarter of a block away from the front of the Salt Palace.
Crown Burger 118 North 300 West (801) 532-5300
A staple in the Salt Lake City area, Crown Burger has been featured on several Food and Cooking Network programs. Just a couple of blocks northwest of the event venue, Crown Burger is the perfect place to send your monkeys (barnacles who’ve scrubbed out) on a food run. If getting fries, remember to get enough Fry Sauce to clog your arteries. Unfortunately, Crown Burger isn’t open on Sunday.
Ginza 209 West 200 South (801) 322-2224 **BK**
On the corner to the southwest of the Salt Palace, the Ginza has been one of Salt Lake’s premiere sushi joints. Very recommended.
Jimmy John’s (Cold Sandwiches, Chips, and Drinks) 14 East 300 South (801) 542-7827
Two blocks from the convention center, Jimmy John’s delivers from 9 AM to 9 PM Friday and Saturday night (closed Sundays).
Market Street Grill and Oyster Bar 54 West Market Street (801) 531-6044 **BK**
The place to go if you have a hankering for fresh seafood cooked to perfection. I have it on good authority (Eric Danger Taylor) the oysters are to die for. On Friday and Saturday nights, the perfect place to watch girls trying to lure rich Salt Lakers into making them their latest Trophy Wife.
Red Rock Brewing Company 254 South 200 West (801) 521-7446
How long have I been going to the Red Rock? A long time. The Red Rock is a brew pub featuring amazing food (try the beer battered onion rings) and their own home-brewed beers. What’s more, those under 21 can enter and eat without upsetting the Utah alcohol authority. Just half a block from the venue, a must if you’re looking for a solid meal.
Rodizio Grill 600 South 700 East (Trolley Square) (801) 220-0500 **BK**
Mana flooded? Mana screwed? Screwed by the weekly metagame? If you’ve scrubbed out of the Grand Prix and need a place to unwind and forget about your sorrows, then the Rodizio Grill is for you. One of the few restaurants I’m listing outside of the four block area of the tournament site (a little over a mile away), the Rodizio is a meat-lover’s paradise. Basically, imagine after paying your entry servers carrying platters of meat coming around to your table and cutting off bits of whatever you’re in the mood for. Though Tuscanos Brazilian Grill is closer, Rodizio is where it’s at. Just remember, during peak hours the place is packed on Friday and Saturday nights, so plan accordingly.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House 275 S. West Temple (801) 363-2000 **BK**
It’s hard for me to write this review due to my salivating just thinking about the steaks Ruth’s provides. Seeing as I’m not Brian Kibler, Ruth’s is something I only do once every year or two, but every time I go it’s an unforgettable eating experience. Ruth’s Chris is considered one of the United States’ premiere steakhouses. Reservations are recommended.
Squatters Pub Brewery 147 West 300 South (801) 363-2739
Like the Red Rock Brew Pub, Squatters is one of those places I’ve been going to since being introduced to it by Spanish roommates back in 1996. The food is amazing, the specialty beers are equally fine, and the atmosphere fantastic. Even better, Squatters is only a block south of the Salt Palace.
Star of India 55 East 400 South (801) 363-7555
In my personal opinion, the Star of India is the finest Indian restaurant in Salt Lake. It has all the traditional staples of Indian fare and does prep for take-out if one is so inclined.
Takashi 18 West Market Street (801) 519-9595 **BK**
With a name like Takashi, you’d be right in guessing that it is a Japanese restaurant. And oh, what a restaurant it is. Back in the day, I used to get my sushi across the street at The Shogun when Takashi was the lead sushi chef. Inexpensive and great, it was the place to get sushi….until Takashi jumped ship and created his own restaurant. After the move, Takashi has continually received the highest restaurant ratings in the state and this year was named Salt Lake Magazine’s restaurant of the year. Yes, it’s that good. Check it out, but bring your Kiblers.
Toasters 151 West 200 South (801) 328-2928
Just across the street to the south of the Salt Palace (or half a block to the west of the Shilo Inn), Toasters is a deli-type operation that specializes in coffee drinks and bagel sandwiches. Open on Friday 7 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM (sorry, no Sundays), Toasters takes phone orders if one is pressed for time (suggested).
The Rest of the Restaurants (all worth a shot)
Ahh Sushi 22 East 100 South (801) 359-6770
Bambara 202 South Main (Inside the Hotel Monaco) (801) 363-5454 **BK** – Amazing American fusion cuisine. Simply one of the best restaurants in Utah.
Barbacoa Mexican Grill 280 South Main Street (801) 746-3798
Benihana 165 S. West Temple (801) 322-2421 **BK**
Blue Iguana 165 S. West Temple (801) 533-8900
Blue Lemon 55 W. South Temple (801) 328-2583 – Both vegan and vegetarian options are featured at Blue Lemon.
Buca Di Beppo (Italian) 202 West 300 South (801) 575-6262
Caf̩ Trang (Thai and Vietnamese) 200 South 307 West (801) 539-1638 РBoth vegan and vegetarian options are featured at Caf̩ Trang.
Christopher’s Seafood and Steaks 134 West Pierpont Avenue (801) 519-8515 **BK**
City Market Place Deli 46 West 300 South (801) 355-0100
Cucina Toscana (Italian) 307 West Pierpont Avenue (801) 328-3463
DP Cheesesteaks 83 East 300 South (801) 883-8066
Ekamai (Thai) 336 West 300 South (801) 363-2717 – Ekamai is a small Thai hole in the wall that features quality fare for those on the go. Basically, they have one and two item combo specials (much like a Panda Express) that you can order. Also, they deliver, but certain minimums apply. They are open Friday from 11 AM to 9 PM and Saturday at Noon to 9 PM.
Fleming’s Steakhouse 20 South 400 West (801) 355-3704
Gandolfo’s (Sandwich Joint) 158 South Main Street (801) 322-3354 – Open on Friday 7 AM to 8 PM and Saturday 11 AM to 6 PM, Gandolfo’s is a nice place to send the monkey on a food run if in a hurry. Just one block east of the play venue, they do call-in orders for those on the go.
Gracie’s Bar 326 S. West Temple (801) 819-7565 – Gracie’s is one of those places in Salt Lake featuring great food, great booze, and no kids. Er, did I just say that? Of course I did! If you’re a kid, too bad for you. If you’re an adult (21 or older), HOORAY! No damned kids around to kill the mood! Do a Google and check out the menu. You won’t be disappointed. Open Sundays!
Himalayan Kitchen (Nepali and Indian Cuisine) 360 South State Street (801) 328-2077
I Love Sushi 368 South State Street (801) 359-0203
Iggy’s Sports Grill 423 West 300 South (801) 532-9999 – Iggy’s is a great place to go watch sports, namely anyone beating the Lakers, the Cowboys, or the Yankees. Good food, decent booze, and kiddy friendly.
J. Wong’s Asian Bistro 163 West 200 South (801) 350-0888 – Right across the street (south) of the convention center, J. Wong’s has been getting great reviews, though I unfortunately haven’t been able to get there for a visit.
Martine (Featuring the flavors of North Africa and Spain) 22 E. 100 South (801) 363- 9328 **BK**
Melting Pot (FONDUE) 340 South Main Street (801) 521-6358
Michelangelo on Main (Italian) 132 South Main Street (801) 532-0500
Naked Fish (Sushi) 67 West 100 South (801) 595-8888
New Yorker (Steakhouse) 60 West Market Street (801) 363-0166
Olive Garden 77 West 200 South (801) 537-6202 – It hurts me to list the Olive Garden in this guide, but I only do so to be complete (and that it’s virtually across the street from the Shilo Inn and someone would surely give me s%$t about it if I didn’t include it). In my defense, I insist you make the effort to go to the many different Italian restaurants in the downtown area instead of the Olive Garden as most will cost you about the same and treat you to food with a much better taste.
PF Chang’s (Chinese) 174 West 300 South (801) 539-0500
Piehole Pizza 344 South State (801) 359-4653
Pier 49 Pizza 238 South Main Street (801) 364-2974
Rich’s Mighty Fine Burgers and Grub 30 East 300 South (801) 355-0667
Romano’s Macaroni Grill 110 South 300 West (801) 521-3133
Settebello (Pizza) 260 South 200 West (801) 322-3556
Shogun (Traditional Japanese) 321 South Main Street (801) 364-2702
Siegfried’s Delicatessen (German Deli) 20 West 200 South (801) 355-3891 – Just east of the Salt Palace on 200 South, Siegfried’s is a great little German deli featuring a variety of great sandwiches. If you’re a Reuben lover, this is the place for you.
Simply Sushi (All you can eat sushi joint) 200 West 400 South (801) 746-4445 – I’ve heard that Simply Sushi is an okay place to go if you gotta get your sushi on, but beware of the all-you-can-eat rules before you commit.
Spencer’s For Steaks and Chops 255 S. West Temple (801) 238-4748
Taste of Red Iguana (Mexican) 28 South State Street (801) 214-6353
Tony Caputo’s Market and Deli 314 West 300 South (801) 531-8669 – Caputo’s is an amazing Italian deli just a few blocks away from the Salt Palace. It’s the perfect place to send one of your barnacles to fetch you a nice Italian sandwich.
Tuscanos Brazilian Grill 162 South 400 West (801) 456-2550 – For those of you who like eating heaps of meat, Tuscanos Brazilian Grill might be your place. If it was left up to me and I had a choice, I’d take a short cab ride and do the Rodizio (listed above) instead. Much better quality and quantity.
How To Drink In Utah
Once upon a time, a friend of mine asked a Wizards of the Coast employee if Salt Lake would ever get a Grand Prix as we were the perfect location to hold one. The WotC employee, one whom held immense power in such decisions said, "When I can get a drink on a Sunday there." Not wanting to offend by answering the all-powerful person with, "Uh, you can already do that," we instead deferred. Sometimes you can’t educate the blissfully ignorant. To quote a reporter visiting for the 2002 Winter Olympics, "If you can’t find a drink in Salt Lake, you’re not trying…or stupid."
For those of you interested in drinking during your stay in Salt Lake, you’d better bring your ID (real) showing that you are 21 years of age. If you try and provide a fake one, know that you’ll most likely be arrested and have your ID confiscated. Most of the places I will be listing below are those where you must be 21 years of age to enter. Some do allow minors in at specific times of the day while they are serving food. When in doubt, ask the doorman. As for times, best to call ahead, as some bars can close as early as 11 PM. Drinks cannot be purchased after 1 AM.
Featured Bars And Clubs
Area 51 451 South 400 West (801) 534-0819
Area 51 has both 18-up and 21-up areas, so the 18-20 crowd can come in but they don’t have free range of the place. Area 51 specializes in industrial, electronica, 80s, and gothic music. On March 31st they’ll be having fetish night.
The Bayou 645 South State Street (801) 961-8400
This bar features food and over 600 different beers. It’s also one of the few places on my list over four blocks from the tournament site. Drive or take a cab. The Bayou is close, only one mile away.
Cheers to You 315 South Main (801) 575-6400
Friday nights are Karaoke Night.
Keys on Main 242 South Main (801) 363-3638
Keys is a piano bar located only one and a half blocks from the tournament venue. Friday and Saturday nights are packed, so plan accordingly.
Murphy’s Bar and Grill 160 South Main (801) 359-7271
Murphy’s is an Irish pub just a block away from the Salt Palace. It’s by far one of the best bars to go to in Salt Lake City. Just a great place to sit down and have a beer.
W Lounge 358 S. West Temple (801) 859-8505
The reason I’ve listed W Lounge is that they’re open from 9 PM to 2 AM Wednesday through Sunday, something that isn’t normal in downtown Salt Lake (and they’re just down the street from the tourney site). Cutting edge dance music is the norm.
The Rest Of The Bars I’m Aware Of (there are more)
Beerhive Pub 128 S. Main (801) 364-4268
Bourbon House 16 East 200 South (801) 746-1005
Circle Lounge 328 South State (801) 531-5400
Gracies 326 S. West Temple (801) 819-7565
The Green Pig Pub 31 East 400 South (801) 532-7441
Johnny’s On Second 165 East 200 South (801) 746-3334
Junior’s Tavern 30 East 300 South (801) 322-0318
Kristauf’s Martini Bar 16 W. Market Street (801) 366-9490
Lumpy’s Downtown 145 West Pierpont Avenue (801) 883-8714
Mo’s Neighborhood Grill 358 S. West Temple (801) 359-0586
O’Shucks Bar and Grill 22 East 100 South (801) 596-8600
Popular Street Pub 242 South 200 West (801) 532-2715
Red Rock Brewing Company 254 South 200 West (801) 521-7446
Squatters Pub Brewery 147 West 300 South (801) 363-2739
The Vault 202 South Main (located inside the Hotel Monaco) (801) 363-5454
Late Night Pizza Joints That Deliver
Dominos (801) 350-3807 – Delivery until 2 AM on Friday and Saturdays and midnight on Sundays.
Papa John’s Pizza (801) 521-7272 – Delivery until 1 AM Friday and Saturdays and midnight on Sundays.
The Pie (801) 582-5700 – My personal favorite pizza joint in Salt Lake, The Pie delivers until 12:30 AM Friday and Saturday night and 10:30 PM on Sundays.
Pie Hole Pizza 344 South State Street (801) 359-4653 – The Pie Hole is a place I haven’t hit but intend to soon. Hours of operation are 11 AM-3 AM on Fridays/Saturdays and Noon to 2 AM on Sunday nights. Delivery on Friday/Saturday nights goes until approximately 1:30 AM and on Sunday night until 1 AM. Apparently their specialty is a Potato Bacon Pizza.
Entertainment
If you’re looking to go see a movie or do some shopping, the Gateway Mall is only a few blocks to the west of the Salt Palace Convention Center. It’s worth a look if you’ve scrubbed out early and want to let off a little steam.
For sports fans, the Utah Jazz will be playing against the Sacramento Kings at 7 PM on March 30th. As it’s a sold out game, you’ll have to get tickets from one of the scalpers plying their trade in the areas around Energy Solutions Arena (scalping is legal in Utah). Expect tickets to run in the $20 and up range due to the popularity of Sacramento’s Jimmer Ferdette (former BYU player).