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City Cast Salt Lake

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.

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

Terina Ria

According to Redfin, Salt Lake City is the most 

, with Sugar House earning a special shout out for its local businesses. Sounds like a great excuse to spend a day exploring. Here’s a guide to what to eat and do in Sugar House.

 the SLC brewing operation), this restaurant is still locally owned! When the weather’s warm, grab a seat on their patio and order fried pickles for the table.

Morning, afternoon, or evening enjoy some seriously scrumptious sandos. They’re closed Mondays and Tuesdays, though, so don’t come then. My personal fave is the chopped cheese (which is like a chopped-up cheeseburger on a hoagie).

Come for the burgers, and stay for the shakes. Hot tip: Order your milkshake without a lid. You’ll get two to three more inches of cold, creamy goodness.

Salt Lake’s own “School of Rock,” this nonprofit provides music opportunities to youth through affordable access to instruments, recording equipment, and music lessons. Adults can take lessons, too (the first one’s free)!

A rad skateboard/vinyl record shop that’s been a long-time staple in the Sugar House neighborhood. After grabbing a cool new record and tuning up your board, head to Fairmont skatepark. Salt Lake City recently released the final design for 

The go-to shop in Sugar House for vintage and costumes for more than 30 years!

According to Redfin, Salt Lake City is the most neighborly city in the country, with Sugar House earning a special shout out for its local businesses. Sounds like a great excuse to spend a day exploring. Here’s a guide to what to eat and do in Sugar House.

Visit These Sugar House Businesses

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

Salt Lake Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Crisp fall weather is the perfect time to indulge in cheesy goodness, so here are some of the best cheese-based eats around the city, according to Hey Salt Lake readers.

Kicking off the classics is the grilled cheese sandwich and soup on the lunch menu at 

, recommended by reader Jeri T. The sando comes with both Vermont white cheddar and orange cheddar, accompanied by a roasted tomato and fennel soup.

Jeanette M. shouts out the sandwich and soup combo at 

. It looks like they use a panini press, an excellent way to elevate a grilled cheese.

Turn the flavor up to 11 with the Kimcheese from 

, sent in by Amanda H. It’s not on their current menu, but it does come back from time to time.

This is usually relegated to the kids menu, but I respect when restaurants turn it into a proper adult meal.

The first recommendation comes from Candace L., who loves the mac ‘n cheese at 

. It comes with smoked cheddar and Gruyère cheese, topped with everything pretzel crumbs, and served on a cast iron skillet.

Then there’s the loaded mac and cheese from 

, served with bacon, jalapeños, bread crumbs, and onion straws. “Nothing beats beer cheese and pasta when you're sad and/or in dire need of carbs,” says Audra C.

And we can’t forget about the whopping nine options at 

. Several of you mentioned the lobster mac and cheese and I concur.

A lot of us are mourning the cheese fries at Training Table, but Ashley W. recommends the ones from 

Zach S. wants you to try the cacio e pepe at 

. As someone who’s attempted to make this at home, big respect to any chef who gets it right. I hear the 

Lastly, Shannon K. loves the ham & cheese empanada from 

. and Devlin N. raves about the Paneer Tikka with homemade cheese at 

Big thanks to those of you who sent us recommendations. You’re the best 🩵

These are the best cheesy and cheese-based meals around Salt Lake City.

The Best Cheese Meals in Salt Lake City

The Best Cheesy Meals in Salt Lake City

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

Salt Lake’s Best

Salt Lake's Best

The local propaganda trend is hitting on TikTok, so Hey Salt Lake editor Terina Ria, host Ali Vallarta, and executive producer Emily Means shared the Utah propaganda they are and aren’t buying into on an episode of the 

Terina says: "Propaganda I’m not falling for is 

. Because propaganda I do fall for is food safety. Pasteurization, people. It was introduced over a hundred years ago for a reason. We need it. It helps us. Anytime that I've gotten sick from food, it's always felt like the biggest betrayal. I am usually a sucker for a wellness trend, but raw milk is just something that I cannot get behind.”

Terina says: ”I am a sucker for the Utah scone, otherwise known as 

. I do like a British cone, but the Utah scone is just superior. I mean, you know, it's fried and the British scone is dry. I feel like everybody has their favorite spot that they get their scones growing up in Utah. For me it's always been 

 to go somewhere, it's the worst part of my day. I'm like white knuckling the steering wheel as everyone drives 90 plus miles an hour past me. And I'm like, it's 70 here, people. This highway should not exist in Salt Lake County.”

 You could argue it’s one of the most successful propaganda to come out of the state. The goal of this campaign was to prove to people around the country that you could see all five National Parks in one road trip. And the Mighty Five campaign, I pulled some numbers: It generated $1.9 billion in visitor spending directly attributable to the advertising at the time.”

Ali says: “It seems like all anyone does is complain about it. I can't remember the last time that I had a friend who went 

 and when I was like, ‘How was it’ that they didn't just start complaining or ranting about the experience, the parking, the traffic, getting up at four o'clock in the morning to, you know, eat a frozen breakfast burrito and get your ass in line. The injuries, I just, I don't get it. How fun can it be?”

➕ Thoughts on Crown Burgers, fry sauce, and more!

Utah Propaganda We Are And Aren’t Falling For

Utah Propaganda We Are (And Aren’t) Falling For

What Salt Lakers have been wondering. We break down why things in Salt Lake City are the way they are and how they work.

Salt Lake, Explained

Tan France is one of Salt Lake’s most famous, and perhaps most gracious residents. The fashion icon, designer, entrepreneur, and TV personality has lived here for the past two decades, so we just had to get 

 on all things Salt Lake City. Here are just a few of the many places and attributes he can’t get enough of: 

“Oh, it's not a rapid-fire, I'm gonna have to give you two or three. 

, actually, is my favorite. But I’m often at 

 because my son’s favorite thing is their waffles with berries.”

“Gosh, that’s a tough one. I’m going to say 

. She was my former business partner and we created a brand together called Rachel Parcell. She's an influencer and she created a clothing brand that I think is really chic.

 cookies. I only found out a year ago that the dude who owns it [...] lives in Utah, and I do love a Crumbl cookie.”

. To get to the top, it takes about three hours and it’s gorgeous. I don’t think a lot of people know about it. So you don’t pass many people on there, and that’s so nice.”

“I love how kind people are. A lot of people assume that with me being in Utah, that I get a lot of abuse. The reason why I live here is nobody's ever said anything homophobic or racist to me.

“Almost every month I will get somebody saying something disgusting to me, anywhere else. That has never happened here, and that's why I love this place so much. That makes me feel really good about myself. And I know that some people have experienced terrible hate here. But for me personally, I've been treated beautifully, and way before I became Tan France.”

Plus, Tan France rates the Jazz rebrand!

Tan France, the fashion icon, designer, entrepreneur, and TV personality has lived here for the past two decades, so we just had to get France’s recommendations on all things Salt Lake City. Check out just a few of the many places and attributes he can’t get enough of.

Rapid-Fire Thoughts With Tan France, ‘Queer Eye’ Star and Salt Laker

Make Salt Lake City better, one neighbor at a time. Find volunteering opportunities, ways to get involved and give back, and more.

City Cast Salt Lake's Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight

In this week’s food news, a queer favorite surrenders its liquor license, a queer food fest arrives, and we hear from City Cast Host Ali Vallarta about the opening of a new pop up in Flanker.

The ‘80s-themed pop up bar featuring neon lights and retro flare officially opened last weekend and City Cast Host Ali Vallarta was there to get the scoop. She entered through a Pepsi machine and said 

Utah Department of Beverage Services Communications Director Michelle Schmitt told Q Salt Lake that The Sun Trapp 

. The bar closed temporarily due to a “plumbing issue” on January 7, then subsequently opened for another 10 days before closing again and going dark. Despite a rocky end, the Trapp has been an SLC staple since the early ‘90s and one of our few queer bars.

Our very own Water Witch got a shout out in Punch 

, a grub-centric celebration of community and abundance. It will take place on May 10 at Mountain West Hard Cider, but you can scoop tickets now at 10% off with code BIGMOUTH.

One Less Queer Bar in Salt Lake City

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Salt Lake City. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Salt Lake Food & Drink

Food & Drink

One thing to know about booze in Utah is there are a lot of rules. Gastronomic SLC has an 

 but here are some of the highlights that you ought to know.

Our liquor licenses are built different. You won’t be able to go to a restaurant that serves alcohol and only order a drink — you’ll need to order food (at least one item) with it. If you find yourself at a restaurant that does allow you to only order a drink, they’re operating under 

, which means no one under 21 is allowed in.

Pours are metered at 1.5 ounces, and free pours are only allowed at private events. You can, however, have a mixed drink with a primary liquor and an extra ounce of an additional liquor, so long as the secondary pour comes from a bottle clearly marked “flavoring.” For example, you could have a drink with 2.5 ounces of vodka and gin if the gin is flavored.

 in the country at 0.05%, which includes not only cars but bikes, too. Plan ahead with a designated driver, public transit, rideshare, or take a hot girl walk.

. But have no fear, there’s a sneaky workaround. Head to your nearest distillery to buy a bottle. Also, a restaurant or bar is an option if you’re looking to buy wine. The only stipulation is you must consume a portion on the premise, but then they can reseal the bottle and you can take it to go.

P.S. For all the natural wine people out there, 

 to stay updated on the whens and wheres of new natural wine shipments.

One thing to know about booze in Utah is there are a lot of rules, but here are some of the highlights that you ought to know.

What You Should Know About Buying Alcohol In Utah

A Guide to Booze In Utah

Tips and tricks for living your best Salt Lake City life, by locals, for locals.

Salt Lake Life Hacks

If you’re looking for a way to help your neighbor this weekend, the Utah Food Bank is in need of volunteers this Saturday for their 

Every year, the Utah Food Bank hosts the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive to make donating as easy as walking out to your mailbox. All participants have to do is fill a bag or box with non-perishable items and leave it by their mailbox before 9 a.m. on Saturday to be picked up by their local letter carrier.

Volunteers will be needed at various post office locations around the Salt Lake Valley to help the carriers sort through donations.

food

Cold Treats for a Hot Week

The Problem With Paletas? There Isn’t One.

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

Latest articles

Cold Treats for a Hot Week

The Problem With Paletas? There Isn’t One.

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

Visit These Sugar House Businesses

The Best Cheesy Meals in Salt Lake City

Utah Propaganda We Are (And Aren’t) Falling For

Rapid-Fire Thoughts With Tan France, ‘Queer Eye’ Star and Salt Laker

Latest articles

Visit These Sugar House Businesses

The Best Cheesy Meals in Salt Lake City

Utah Propaganda We Are (And Aren’t) Falling For

Rapid-Fire Thoughts With Tan France, ‘Queer Eye’ Star and Salt Laker

One Less Queer Bar in Salt Lake City

A Guide to Booze In Utah

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive