Open Streets has made its vibrant return to downtown Salt Lake City, bringing excitement and energy to the heart of the city.
This month-long event runs every Friday and Saturday from 2:00 PM to 2:00 AM throughout June, transforming four blocks of Main Street into a pedestrian paradise.
The festival stretches north to south from South Temple to 400 South, with some east-west traffic still allowed to flow across the main thoroughfare.
Visitors can wander through four themed zones: family, arts, shopping, and restaurants/bars.
Performers line the street, contributing to a festive atmosphere, making it an excellent opportunity for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown.
For those considering a trip downtown during this lively event, we’ve compiled a list of must-visit spots for rehydration and replenishment.
**Main Street Highlights**
If the sun’s scorching rays give you pause, fear not—the sun dips behind the skyline by early evening, offering shaded areas on the east side of Main Street.
This is where you’ll find most of the dining establishments with patios that extend right to the edge of the street, creating a comfortable outdoor dining experience.
**Felt Bar & Eatery**
One standout experience I had during my last visit to Open Streets was at Felt Bar & Eatery.
This place has been a favorite of mine since my first visit a year ago.
Their half-pound elk burger, mixed with pork fat for extra juiciness, is outstanding.
Topped with excellent bacon and a mushroom duxelles, it has become one of the best burgers in town.
Also notable is their beautifully plated beef tartare, which offers a unique twist with carefully chopped beef and a rich bone marrow topping instead of the usual egg yolk.
Presented in a halved bone, it makes for an eye-catching dish.
**Aker**
Next on the list is Aker, where you can indulge in dry-aged sushi and a selection of yakitori skewers.
The restaurant’s unique offerings include premium bluefin cuts like maguro and toro, available individually or as part of a chef-selected flight.
Their yakitori options—including shrimp, chicken, beef, and pork belly—are grilled to perfection and served with three different dipping sauces.
**White Horse**
Whiskey Street often garners the limelight, being packed any day of the week.
However, its sister restaurant White Horse provides a fantastic culinary experience with often shorter wait times.
During my visit, I enjoyed their reuben sandwich, paired with a delightful dry cider.
I recommend opting for chips in place of fries, and don’t hesitate to ask for malt vinegar powder on the chips for a flavor boost.
**Adjacent Streets:**
For those willing to explore, there’s a small alley just off Main Street around 150 South that leads you to Regent Street.
This makes it easy to access more dining options on foot.
**Pretty Bird**
Established by Viet and Alexis Pham, Pretty Bird is well known for its delicious fried chicken sandwiches.
While their Regent Street location is primarily a window-only space, they do have a lively patio that’s ideal for summer.
On the day of my visit, Pham pointed out some nuances in how sandwiches should be constructed, underlining the care and precision they put into their offerings.
**Chinese Bistro**
Just across the street from Pretty Bird is Chinese Bistro, known for its Sichuan-inspired dishes.
The extensive menu includes a fun twist on mapo tofu, which replaces rice with thick noodles, topped with tofu, bok choy, and seasoned ground pork.
It’s drizzled with a thin oil infused with Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and chili, creating a flavorful dish with a moderate level of heat.
A chili oil is also available on the table for anyone looking to amp up the spice.
**Lemon Shark Poke**
For those seeking a refreshing and light option, Lemon Shark Poke is just a few steps off Main on Broadway.
They offer an excellent variety of cool and refreshing poke bowls, perfect for escaping the heat.
**Spitz**
Another favorite of mine is Spitz, which has expanded to seven locations across the Wasatch since opening its original spot on Broadway.
My top pick here is the doner kebab, a hearty wrap packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors and a choice of protein.
**Going Further Afield:**
If you’re in the mood to venture beyond Main Street, consider these nearby gems.
**Copper Common**
Copper Common boasts a frequently changing menu that highlights seasonal ingredients.
I suggest focusing on any available salad, as I have always been pleasantly surprised by the creativity and flavor of their seasonal offerings.
**Rouser**
A visit to The Gateway and the newly opened Asher Adams Hotel reveals Rouser, a restaurant featuring a Josper oven that enhances its wood-fired cooking.
My favorite dish was the whole trout, sourced from Whistling Springs Farm in Utah, cooked to perfection with a simple tomato chow chow for acidity.
It’s a generous portion, perfect for sharing, although I did tackle it solo for, you know, research purposes.
**Franklin Ave**
At Franklin Ave, the standout dish is their black cod, inspired by the renowned Nobu classic.
This fat-rich fish, combined with miso and soy, is perfectly complemented by seasonal vegetables like Utah mushrooms, snap peas, and broccolini.
**Mar | Muntanya**
Chef Tyson Peteron’s signature elk dish has remained on this menu for a reason.
It features pink-kissed elk loin served over Yukon gold mash, beautifully accented with sage, Iberico, and blackberries.
**Mensho**
Newly opened Mensho in the Post District takes flavor to new heights with its focus on umami.
The menu includes ingredients like truffle paste, A5 wagyu, smoked meats, and sweetly marinated ajitama eggs.
While still in soft opening mode, the menu is likely to change as they refine their dishes.
**Budget-Friendly Eats:**
For those dining on a tight budget, City Creek Mall offers a myriad of options.
One particular standout is Kneaders, famous for its Turkey Bacon Avocado sandwich, made with freshly roasted turkey and layered with fresh ingredients.
This sandwich is sizable enough to share, providing excellent value for families and budget-conscious diners.
Additionally, J Dawg’s and the new Shake Shack in the food court provide familiar and beloved fast-food options.
**Closing Thoughts:**
To kick off your day, don’t forget about Squatters, known for their recent pizza happy hour, where you can snag a pie for only $9 until 4:00 PM during the week.
With Open Streets buzzing in downtown Salt Lake City, business owners and local eateries alike are ready to welcome visitors, making for unforgettable summer evenings filled with great food, music, and atmosphere.
Mark your calendars and make the most of this month-long celebration of community and culture.
image source from：https://gastronomicslc.com/2025/06/12/open-streets-returns-here-are-my-favorite-dining-spots-in-the-heart-of-the-action/
