Best Breakfast in Downtown Salt Lake City

BRUCE BIGFORD

 

Downtown Salt Lake City has a strong breakfast scene built around classic institutions, creative brunch spots, and neighborhood cafés. This guide focuses on downtown and near-downtown breakfast restaurants that consistently earn strong reviews and repeat local visits.

 

How this list was chosen

Restaurants were selected based on reviews, personal experience,  proximity to downtown, and long-term local reputation. These are places people return to.

 

 

 

 

1. The Park Café

A legendary SLC institution where the Michigan Hash—crispy potatoes topped with ham, cheese, and eggs—reigns supreme. Located right across from Liberty Park, it offers a high-energy, classic diner atmosphere that defines the local breakfast scene.

 

Best for: The iconic Michigan Hash and a lively weekend vibe.

Location: Near Liberty Park.

Local tip: Join the waitlist on their website before you leave the house to save 45 minutes on a Saturday.

     

       604 E 1300 S
📞  (801) 487-1670
🌐  The Park Cafe

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2. Skillets Breakfast & Brunch

 

Downtown’s go-to for bold, Venezuelan-inspired morning meals. They are famous for their slow-cooked Venezuelan shredded steak and the zesty green sauce that pairs perfectly with their crispy tater tot skillets.

 

Best for: Shredded steak, the "Tower for Two," and zesty cilantro sauce.

Location: Central Ninth / 9th South.

Local tip: If you're feeling indulgent, the Biscoff Bliss French Toast is a local favorite.

       

       282 E 900 S
📞  (801) 900-9988
🌐  Eat Skillets Ut

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Penny Ann’s Café

 

A family-run staple known for its "Heavenly Hot Cakes"—light, airy sour cream pancakes that have won "Best of State" multiple times. It’s a no-frills, high-portion spot that focuses on classic comfort.

 

Best for: Award-winning Sour Cream Pancakes and massive three-egg omelets.

Location: Downtown / Capitol Hill.

Local tip: Don't skip the Breakfast Nachos—it’s a massive plate of home fries topped with all the fixings.

     

       181 N 300 W
📞  (801) 935-4760
🌐  Penny Anns Cafe

 

 

 

4. Honest Eatery

 

The best downtown stop for a "clean" but filling breakfast. They specialize in customizable Açaí bowls and gourmet toast options, but their savory empanadas and protein-packed paninis are the secret hits for the office crowd.

 

Best for: Açaí bowls, protein-heavy paninis, and organic ingredients.

Location: City Creek Center.

Local tip: Their pesto chicken panini is one of the most consistent quick lunches/breakfasts in the core.

     

       City Creek Center, Salt Lake City, UT
📞  (801) 532-4754
🌐  Honest Eatery

 

 

 

5. Avenues Proper

 

A sophisticated neighborhood gastropub that elevates breakfast with items like duck fat fries and house-made sausages. It’s a "brunch-forward" spot that feels like a refined getaway just blocks from downtown.

 

• Best for: Chef-driven dishes like the Proper Benedict and artisan coffee.

• Location: Lower Avenues.

• Local tip: Their house-brewed beers are available for a "Proper" beermosa—a local twist on the classic drink.

       

        376 E 100 S
📞   (385) 227-8628
🌐   Avenues Proper

 

 

 

 

 

 

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6. Ramblin Roads

 

A classic, family-owned diner right on Main Street that specializes in massive, "all-day" breakfast portions. While they serve great burgers, locals come here for the Chile Verde Smothered Breakfast Burrito and their famous Utah-style Scones—which are deep-fried, Frisbee-sized, and served with honey butter.

 

Best for: Hearty, all-day breakfast, Chile Verde, and giant Utah scones.

Location: 169 S. Main St. (Heart of Downtown).

Local tip: Order a side scone to share; they are huge and a unique Utah breakfast staple you won't find at most modern cafe

       

       169 S. Main St., Salt Lake City, UT 84101
📞  (801) 410-8972
🌐  Ramblin Roads Restaurant

 

 

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7. Eva’s Bakery

 

A slice of Paris on Main Street. The bakery is famous for its Stuffed Lemon Curd French Toast and artisan breads baked in a stone hearth oven. The blue-painted storefront is one of the most iconic sights downtown.

 

• Best for: Lemon Curd French Toast and authentic European pastries.

• Location: Main Street.

• Local tip: Grab a Baguette to go—they are arguably the best in the city.

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       155 S Main St
📞  (801) 355-3942
🌐  Evas Bakery

 

 

 

 

8. Trolley Cottage Café

 

Housed in a historic 1900s cottage, this spot specializes in delicate, French-inspired cooking. Their Croque Madame and traditionally folded omelets are a masterclass in technique over quantity.

 

Best for: A quiet, upscale "cottage" atmosphere and authentic French Omelets.

Location: East of Downtown (Trolley Square area).

Local tip: It is very small and cozy; it's the best "date morning" spot on this list.

     

       703 E 600 S
📞  (801) 419-0579
🌐  Trolley Cottage Cafe

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9. Oasis Cafe

 

Known for having one of the best secluded garden patios in the city. The menu is famous for the Wild Mushroom Omelet and their signature blueberry scones served with lemon curd.

 

Best for: Patio dining and fresh, Mediterranean-influenced breakfast.

Location: 500 East.

Local tip: Even in cooler weather, the patio is often heated and stays the most relaxing spot in the city.

     

       151 S 500 E
📞  (801) 322-0404
🌐  Oasis Cafe SLC

 

 

 

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10. The Rose Establishment

 

A minimalist, high-design café where the coffee is as important as the food. Their signature dish is "The Standard"—featuring house-made sourdough, soft-boiled eggs, avocado, and herb oil.

 

Best for: Third-wave coffee, "The Standard" toast, and a quiet urban vibe.

Location: Pierpont District (West Downtown).

Local tip: They make their own cashew milk in-house—try it in a latte.

     

       235 400 W
📞  (801) 208.5569
🌐  The Rose ESB

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Summary

 

Downtown Salt Lake City offers breakfast options for every kind of morning—from classic diners and pancake houses to creative brunch spots and quiet cafés. The restaurants listed above stand out for consistent quality, strong reviews, and walkable convenience, making them reliable choices whether you’re visiting or live nearby.