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City Cast Salt Lake

We had a reader searching for Caprese sandwich recommendations. Here’s what you declared as the best:

 - The best Caprese sandwich in SLC is the Fior di Latte from Caputo’s (either downtown or at 15th and 15th). It comes with a magnificent slab of mozzarella that can’t be beat. Pair it with a Chinotto to really live la dolce vita.



 - I have two favorite Caprese sandwiches. One is the Fior di Latte at Caputo's (classic!). It's a cold sandwich with big, juicy hunks of cheese, tomatoes, and basil. Ask for extra olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. I also love the Caprese from Robin's Nest. Get it with their homemade orzo pasta salad, and don't forget dessert!




The mozzarella, tomato, and basil (aka Caprese) sandwich at Tulie Bakery. It’s warm, gooey, and has that perfect panini-pressed crunch.

Shelby Hintze

If you haven't been outside today, congratulations on making excellent decisions. It's already hot, and 

 even more. Once the forecast starts flirting with triple-digit temps, frozen treats officially qualify as a food group. But before you reach for a pint of ice cream, remember: Not all frozen desserts come in a carton. Let's branch out.

Hot (cold?) take: We gave up on frozen yogurt far too quickly. It seemed there was a froyo place in every strip mall during the Golden Years of Hope and Change, and now just a few national chains remain. But one local chain has held on, bringing by-the-ounce frozen goodness to the masses.

 has three Utah County locations offering the froyo flavors and toppings you expect. My personal favorite is the original tart with loads of fresh fruit. It’s like a reward. But while some national chains feel like you’re encouraged to get your food and get the heck out, Froyo Frozen Yogurt is designed specifically for people, especially families, 

. A cool treat AND A/C? Sounds great to me!

Thanks to Utah's large Polynesian community, we get to enjoy island favorites like shave ice — and despite what I initially thought, it is 

 just a snow cone. The secret is in the ice itself. Shave ice is made with incredibly fine, fluffy ice that soaks up the syrup instead of letting it pool at the bottom of the cup. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream underneath (trust the process), and suddenly you're wondering why every frozen dessert isn't made this way.

if you'd like. But the real question is: Where should you get it?

 in Sugar House is the top rated shave ice stand on Yelp.

 serves up elevated shave ice flavors like rose and green tea matcha.

 offers Latin-inspired flavors as well as indoor seating.

Soft serve is my favorite form of ice cream. Its lighter, creamier texture makes it infinitely easier to eat on a hot day, and it plays especially well with mix-ins. Instead of getting soggy while sitting in a carton, cookies, candies, and toppings keep their crunch. It's science. Probably.

 serves soft serve that's anything but normal. The menu changes every month to showcase seasonal flavors, so there's always a reason to come back.

If you're a soft-serve purist, though, my pick is 

. Their classic chocolate-and-vanilla swirl has the perfect texture — slightly icier than most.

 is your answer. Frozen custard has more egg yolks than traditional ice cream, giving it an ultra-smooth, velvety texture that somehow feels both lighter and more indulgent. Bonus points for pairing it with a basket of fries, because sweet and salty is one of life's greatest combinations. Again, science. Probably.

The Best Cold Treats for Salt Lake's Heatwave

Cold Treats for a Hot Week

Keep It Local

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Salt Lake

My Mexican-American nieces asked recently for paletas. Sure, we can get popsicles. No Auntie Shelby. Paletas. I had no idea I was stepping into a whole new world of frozen treats on a stick. If you've never had a paleta, imagine the world's best popsicle — handcrafted with real fruit, fresh cream, or both. They're creamier, fruitier, and infinitely more satisfying than the sticky, brightly colored popsicles many of us grew up with. And in Utah, we are lucky to have lots of local paleta makers!

Born from the rich paleta-making tradition of Tocumbo, Michoacán, 

 is bringing an authentic taste of Mexico to Salt Lake City. Founder Don Sergio learned the craft from his grandparents as a child, beginning at just nine years old. Rather than relying on written recipes, he perfected his techniques through memory, instinct, and experience — a philosophy that still guides every batch today. Since opening Heladita in 2019, the family-owned shop has combined three generations of knowledge with a commitment to fresh, natural ingredients and traditional craftsmanship.

The menu features more than 150 rotating flavors of artisan ice cream and paletas, from classics like tamarind, lime, coconut, and strawberries and cream to creative seasonal specialties. Every frozen treat is made with real fruit, fresh cream, and 100% natural ingredients, letting the flavors speak for themselves. Whether you're craving something bright and refreshing or rich and creamy, there's almost certainly a paleta with your name on it.

Heladita treats are available in Mexican grocery stores across the Wasatch Front, like Rancho Market and Anaya's Market.

The Problem With Paletas? There Isn’t One.

While Utah came to the U.S. of A. party a little later than some, there are some Salt Lake businesses that even pre-date Utah statehood. So while a 100-year-old business might seem like a startup to our friends across the pond, Salt Lake is home to plenty of local institutions that have stood the test of time.

Did you know Utah’s climate is ideal for making hard candies? The dry climate and cool winter temperatures brought British immigrant William Daw Startup and family to Utah and 158 years later, the Utah territory’s first candy shop is still selling confections today. You can buy their signature lollipops at 

 that Sterling Furniture Company is the latest Fun Time Kidz Kare, a place everyone seems to know but no one has actually been … or is ever seen coming or going. Sorry to ruin the fun, but it does seem to just be a furniture store. But not just any furniture store: one of the last bastions of 

. After several locations along the Wasatch Front, the iconic blue-awninged building opened its doors in 1941. The company’s longevity also isn’t hurt by the fact that the 

family owns and manages surrounding properties

 that house other small businesses and apartments. It may not sell the trendiest furniture but you will find quality, made-in-America pieces for a decent price. And you don’t have to put it together yourself.

A Sugar House business almost as old as the modern bicycle itself, Guthrie Bicycle is one of, if not THE, oldest bicycle shops in the country. The shop started in 1888 by two brothers, just a couple years after the modern “

” you and I would recognize as a bicycle, was invented. The business changed hands several times in the proceeding years but has been owned by the same family for the last 50 years. Guthrie Bicycle sells new bikes for all ages and terrains, as well as offers repair and fitting services, and all the accessories for your hobby.

I’ll be the first to admit that my knowledge of menswear begins and ends at the feed of writer 

. But UWM Men’s Shop, formerly Utah Woolen Mills, has been meeting the suiting and tailoring needs of Utahns since 1905. The business has 

that whole time, even as the focus shifted from textiles to high-quality menswear. 2020 was not the year for any of us, and the earthquake left the building on South Temple unsafe. After 119 years on the same block, the storefront recently reopened in Murray.

The Oldest Salt Lake Businesses

Salt Lake Businesses in It for the Long Haul

Terina Ria

If you're looking for a way to celebrate the Fourth of July without lighting personal fireworks, you've got plenty of options. Between professional shows, drone displays, concerts, and community festivals, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the long holiday weekend.

Leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals this year and watch fireworks in 

Murray, West Valley City, West Jordan, Riverton, Magna, 

. Stadium of Fire will also feature Brad Paisley, Nitro Circus, and a drone show.

Drone shows are becoming a popular alternative to traditional fireworks. They're quieter, smoke-free, and a little easier on pets, wildlife, and people with sensory sensitivities. You can catch drone shows at:

, and a $15 food voucher for the first 1,500 attendees.

 with lucha libre wrestling, aerialists, fire performers, and ending with a drone show around 10 p.m.

, the drone show will follow a tribute to Toby Keith.

 around 10 p.m., synced to music on KPCW 91.7 FM.

Not every Fourth has to revolve around fireworks or drones for that matter. Here are a few ideas if you'd rather keep things low-key:

 for a free patriotic concert featuring American classics, Broadway favorites, and film music.

, one of the largest Independence Day parades in the West.

Spend the day at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. They’re 

Gather neighbors or friends for a backyard meal in the 

, a nationwide initiative encouraging people to connect over food on July 5.

 Personal fireworks are banned throughout Salt Lake County this year. If you spot someone setting them off you call the non-emergency line. If there's an immediate fire or emergency, call 911.

Utah is entering the holiday weekend under extremely dry conditions, and is already 

 Expect heavy traffic throughout the weekend. If you can, take TRAX or arrive early.

: This Fourth marks America's 250th birthday, which is why you may notice even more celebrations than usual.

Celebrate the Fourth of July in Utah with fireworks, drone shows, parades, concerts, and family-friendly events across Salt Lake City and beyond.

Where to Watch Fireworks in Utah Fourth of July 2026

Skip the Backyard Fireworks. Here's How To Celebrate the Fourth in Salt Lake.

Everything to know about Salt Lake City neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Salt Lake Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Look, I think every great diner should be owned by a former cabaret singer with an unfiltered-two-pack-a-day habit. That's exactly the kind of person I trust to make exceptional diner food. 

At 96 years old, Ruth's isn't the oldest spot on this list, but in restaurant years, it's practically prehistoric.

I'm genuinely disappointed Ruth didn't live forever, or at least write a memoir. She made it to 94 despite a legendary smoking habit, and by all accounts she had enough stories to fill several books.

She opened her first restaurant, Ruth's Hamburgers, across the street from a downtown "house of ill repute," where she became an unofficial confidante to the women who worked there and heard plenty about their 

 clientele. When the building was demolished, Ruth moved into an old trolley car before hauling the whole thing up Emigration Canyon, where it still serves as part of the restaurant today.

For decades, Ruth's was a favorite of University of Utah students, particularly fraternity brothers, thanks to its famously relaxed approach to smoking and drinking. Her chihuahuas also had a reputation for biting customers they didn't care for. It’s a good thing Yelp didn’t exist in those days.

After changing hands a few times, including to one of those former frat boys, the diner is now owned by a husband-and-wife team who both worked as Ruth's employees. They've carefully modernized the restaurant with a spacious patio, live music, and, much to the likely dismay of Ruth herself, actual enforcement of indoor smoking bans and ID checks.

Every meal begins with Ruth's famous Mile High Biscuits and raspberry jam, which are reason enough to make the drive into Emigration Canyon. I'm not much of a morning person, but I 

 a breakfast person, so I deeply appreciate that breakfast is served until 4 p.m. That means I can order the migas at a civilized hour, which, I choose to believe, is exactly what Ruth would have wanted.

The History of Ruth's Diner in Utah

Ruth's Diner: Burgers, Biscuits, and a Brothel

It’s great to play tourist in your own city, but sometimes you want to go somewhere else entirely. If a plane ticket isn’t in the budget right now, food is a pretty good substitute. For less than the cost of gas to get to the airport, you can transport yourself to the islands with a visit to 

This mom and pop business (literally) started in 

, first in Hawaii and now in Utah. There, Jolene began making budda rolls to sell around the holidays. A budda roll, for the uninitiated, is a fluffy dinner roll packed with an almost irresponsible amount of butter. What started as a seasonal side hustle quickly grew into a devoted following, eventually leading to a brick-and-mortar location in Pleasant Grove and, most recently, a new outpost in Salt Lake City.

According to the Budda’s team, I wasn't the only one making the Utah County pilgrimage. In fact, the steady stream of Salt Lakers showing up for pastries and plate lunches helped convince the family that it was time to expand.

While the bakery case alone is worth the visit, don’t overlook the rest of the menu. Budda’s serves breakfast all day, including island favorites like Loco Moco, Spam musubi, and Portuguese sausage. On my visit, I ordered a breakfast sandwich and then exercised remarkable restraint by limiting myself to only ONE box full of pastries to take home. Everything was excellent. For lunch and dinner, you'll find burgers, teriyaki plates, bulgogi bento boxes, and other Hawaiian comfort-food staples that make it very difficult to decide on just one thing.

What makes Budda’s stand out, though, isn’t just the food. The Keli’iliki family has built community service into the business itself. At both locations, customers can prepay for a meal for someone who may be struggling. The receipt is posted on the wall, and anyone in need can simply take one to the counter and redeem it for a meal. It's a simple idea, but a powerful one.

When I asked about the program, the Budda’s team described it as a small way to give back to the communities that have supported them from a home kitchen to multiple locations. And honestly, that might be the sweetest thing on the menu.

Hawaiian Food to Try in Salt Lake

A Taste of Hawaii on a Staycation Budget

Recently on the City Cast Salt Lake podcast, the team shared their 

. While experiences are great, I also love a good trinket to remind me of a trip. So where should you shop for a Salt Lake souvenir, whether you're treating yourself or sending an out-of-towner home with a piece of Utah?

My favorite spot for the classic souvenir, but elevated. (Get it? 

 OK, moving on.) You'll find fine art and prints featuring Utah's natural beauty, locally made soaps and candles, and yes, the requisite magnet. The shop features work from more than 350 makers, most of them local, all of them small and independent. Wear your love for Salt Lake on your sleeve … or on your Stanley or your fridge.

Note: The 9th & 9th location is not wheelchair accessible, but the Fashion Place location in Murray is!

Another 9th & 9th favorite, Mochi Kids is packed with the funnest toys, clothes, games, and craft supplies to take back to the kids you're temporarily abandoning on your staycation. You may also end up with a sheet of stickers for yourself because vacation is about finding joy. And breaking news, 

You may recognize Mochi Kids from their screen-printed T-shirts at events like Craft Lake City. They've since grown into a full brick-and-mortar and online shop stocked with much more than tees, while continuing to support local printers and socially minded causes.

Think of it as the farmers market that never closes. With four locations across the valley, it's the easiest way to stock up on local favorites year-round: June Pie, Milk Honey yogurt, Cutler's Cookies (my personal champion in Utah's cookie wars, but that's a newsletter for another day), and dozens of other Utah-made treats.

If you want a souvenir you'll actually use, grab a bottle of Redmond Real Salt. It’s harvested from an 

 in Redmond, Utah, in Sevier County. Every pinch can transport you right back to your vacation.

Since 1997, Ken Sanders Rare Books has specialized in Utah history, Mormon studies, Western Americana, national parks, the Colorado River, and the literary West. Inside the old Leonardo Museum, browse three floors of new and used books, artwork, collectibles, and ephemera. Even if you leave empty-handed, it's worth wandering the stacks and imagining what treasures are hiding on the next shelf.

The Best Places to Buy Utah Souvenirs

Staycations Deserve Souvenirs, Too!

Ali Vallarta

The Utah Legislature is in its interim session, which means they’re already working on ideas for next year. And this month, 

, the lobbying group behind free period products in public schools, hosted a policy pitch competition to source ideas for making our state better and more affordable.

Of 115 submissions, I was delighted to see that all three winners shared ideas we’ve talked about on episodes of our 

🥇“The Utah Rehabilitation, Compliance, and Fair Collections Act”

Utah State University grad student Melaine Webster presented an idea to reform Utah’s criminal debt collection system. People leaving our justice system often see fines and fees piling up faster than they can keep up with, 

 as the debt becomes a barrier to housing and employment.

4 ideas to fund instead of more jail beds

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is when funds are drawn away from a taxing entity (such as the library or school district) to fund development projects. For example, the SLC School District lost 

 to TIF. SLC School Board member Ashley Anderson’s proposal would give the district more representation in these decisions.

The millions SLC schools lost to developers

🥉“The Utah Family Financial Protection Act”

I’ll never forget where I was when I learned that women (especially single mothers) are more likely to 

. Sophia Strong’s proposal would cap payday loan interest rates at 36% in Utah. Right now, they 

Why two local banks ended up on a watchlist

What’s your dream policy pitch to the Utah Legislature? Maybe we can look into it.

Utahns pitched their policy ideas to make the state more affordable. 

Utahns pitch policy ideas to make the state more affordable

A Competition to Make Utah Better

Local Civics

What's being decided in Salt Lake City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and Salt Lake City Council. 

Salt Lake Election and City Hall News

The Best Caprese Sandwich

Find the best that Salt Lake City has to offer.

Find the best of everything that Salt Lake City has to offer.

Salt Lake’s Best

Salt Lake's Best

Emily Means

Mark your calendars for a whale of a party: 801 Day 2026 is going to be the Salt Lake event of the year.

Expect a beer garden hosted by Neighbors Bar, live music sponsored by KRCL, a local marketplace, and a huge surprise: the unveiling of the new mural for "Out of the Blue" aka the 9th and 9th Whale! This is a party by locals, for locals. The City Cast Salt Lake team will be there, and we can't wait to celebrate with you!

801 Day is a new holiday honoring our favorite area code — but really, it’s a one-of-a-kind celebration of the quirks and delights that unite us as locals and make our community great. City Cast Salt Lake hosted our inaugural 801 Day event in 2023, and we're psyched to keep the party going.

Where: Milk Block (402-430 East Harvey Milk Blvd. Salt Lake City, UT 84111)

Cost: Free entry, but we encourage you to RSVP!

👉 RSVP here!

This event is made possible by our sponsors:

Keep an eye out for more details to come!

City Cast Salt Lake's 801 Day 2026

Everything You Need To Know About 801 Day 2026

Summer has officially arrived, and we’re making the most of it. Use this guide to make your July even more interesting.

 where a former mining and railroad community is finding new life through art, small businesses, and historic preservation. Grab a pint at Helper Beer, stroll Main Street, and stop by 

July is Utah Museum Month. Did you know we have almost 300 museums statewide? See how many you can explore: visit at least five museums this month, download 

 so you can collect stamps, and claim a collectible sticker.

. Before Mack's Finest Gelato opens its first Salt Lake location, they’ll park their gelato bike outside their future shop at 313 E. 900 S. every Saturday starting July 4.

, a volunteer group that takes shelter dogs from Animal Care of Davis County on weekly runs. The outings help reduce the dogs’ stress, improve their behavior, and give them a chance to spend time outside their kennel.

What sounds more magical than an evening of ballet within the mountains of Park City? 

 concludes on July 17 at The Amphitheater at Canyons Village. Bring a blanket or low-back chair and settle in for a scenic performance by principal dancers.

Your Guide to Salt Lake in July 2026

This article is sponsored by the Utah Arts Festival

 is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and it remains one of Salt Lake’s quintessential summer traditions. As a suburban teenager, attending the festival always made me feel like such a city girl.

Whether you’re a festival regular or finally checking it out for the first time, here’s how to make the most of it.

: June 18-21 (Thursday, 5-11 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, noon-11 p.m.)

: Civic Center and Library Square (200 E. 400 S.)

? Single-day admission ranges from $15-$22, or you can spring for a four-day pass for $70. Kids 12 and under are free.

The heart of the festival is the Artist Marketplace, where more than 170 artists from Utah and beyond are selling everything from ceramics and jewelry to paintings and photography. Even if you’re just window shopping, it’s hard not to find something special you’ll want to take home.

Arts Festival without some song and dance. This year’s lineup includes headliners Digable Planets, Yola, Shakey Graves, and Rubblebucket, plus performances from local bands, dancers, and performers taking stage throughout the weekend.

If you need an air-conditioned break, head inside the Main Library Auditorium for the Fear No Film Festival, a free showcase featuring 84 short films from 20 countries. There’s even a kids program for young movie buffs.

Follow your nose to Food Row, where you’ll find everything from Swahili cuisine to Cuban sandwiches. Then, wash it all down with something refreshing at the Mountain West Cider & Wine Lounge (I spy a yuzu-coconut cider).

Buy Utah Arts Festival tickets

The Utah Arts Festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Whether you’re a festival regular or finally checking it out for the first time, here’s how to make the most of it.

Your Guide to the 2026 Utah Arts Festival

It’s June: Have you crafted your summer bucket list yet? Good news: It’s not too late. Here are some of 

 returns June 6, though it’ll look a little different while Pioneer Park undergoes renovations and parts of the market spill onto nearby streets. It’s also arriving after a devastating spring freeze, which means you may notice less fruit at the stalls.

Even more markets to check out

: A weekend pop-up cafe and listening room by Clubhouse SLC and Sound Brew Coffee. It begins June 13 and will be open Saturdays and Sundays. Expect specialty coffee, hi-fi listening events, and dine & vinyl nights with local chefs.

: Enjoy live jazz music at Caputo’s Market all summer long on Fridays at 15th & 15th and Saturdays in Holladay. Expect wine, cheese boards, and resisting the urge to scat along with all the cool cats.

It’s Pride Month, and there are so many ways to celebrate. Here are just a few:

There’s probably an outdoor movie happening at a park near you this month, but here are a few I’m especially looking forward to:

 starts with “Moulin Rouge” on Saturday, June 13 at Pioneer Park.

 in Taylorsville is playing “Freakier Friday” on Friday, June 19 at Centennial Plaza.

 in South Jordan kicks off Friday, June 19 with “Remember the Titans,” and each screening has a fun family activity before the movie starts.

It’s June: Have you crafted your summer bucket list yet? Good news: It’s not too late. Here are some of the best things to do as the season unfolds.

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The Best Caprese Sandwich

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Salt Lake's Best

Everything You Need To Know About 801 Day 2026

Your Guide to Salt Lake in July 2026

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Your Guide to Salt Lake in June 2026

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Skip the Backyard Fireworks. Here's How To Celebrate the Fourth in Salt Lake.

Ruth's Diner: Burgers, Biscuits, and a Brothel

A Taste of Hawaii on a Staycation Budget

Staycations Deserve Souvenirs, Too!

A Competition to Make Utah Better