Try to go out to eat in any decent-sized Utah town on a weekend, and you’ll likely find yourself waiting for a table. Any national chain or greasy spoon can fill up during busy times, but you’re going to wait 45 minutes just to get more of the same old standard fare, in a noisy, crowded run-of-the-mill place. Don’t wait at the chain restaurant when you can get food and/or ambiance at these spots that are absolutely worth the wait.
- Blue Plate Diner
Blue Plate Diner/Facebook
Blue Plate Diner/Facebook It’s hip, it’s cool, it serves up amazing breakfast, and it’s kind of small. Be prepared to wait…then enjoy the most amazing eggs benedict you’ve ever eaten. 2041 S. 2100 E., Salt Lake City.
- Bruges Waffles and Frites
Bruges Waffles and Frites/Facebook
Bruges Waffles and Frites/Facebook This tiny little restaurant only has a few tables…and waffles that will change your life. Be prepared to wait…and be rewarded for your patience. 2314 S. Highland Drive., Salt Lake City.
- The Dodo
The Dodo/Facebook
The Dodo/Facebook The Dodo is that place that’s so popular with the locals that it’s tough to get a seat. Why? One word: pie. The food at The Dodo is delicious, but the pie? Worth any amount of waiting. 1355 E. 2100 S., Salt Lake City.
- Oh Mai
Oh Mai/Facebook
Oh Mai/Facebook Oh Mai’s downtown Salt Lake location is just always busy. Maybe it’s because the sandwiches are unique (tasty, crusty rolls with vietnamese fillings). Maybe it’s the pho or the vermicelli noodles. Everything on the menu is well worth the wait, and the prices are low, too. 3425 S. State Street, Salt Lake City.
- Park Cafe
Park Cafe/Facebook
Park Cafe/Facebook Breakfast/brunch at Park Cafe is so tasty, you’ll wait awhile for a table, especially on weekend mornings. Relax, people watch and see if you can spot any Real Salt Lake players. 604 E. 1300 S., Salt Lake City
- R&R BBQ
R&R BBQ/Facebook
R&R BBQ/Facebook R&R BBQ is really tasty, so it’s really popular. It’s also really tiny, which means that you’re going to wait awhile for a table. 307 W. 600 S., Salt Lake City.
- Red Iguana
Red Iguana/Facebook
Red Iguana/Facebook The restaurant that serves the best Mexican food in the state (they have multiple awards to prove it!) also has a line of hungry people stretching down the street. Grab a light snack, get in line and make friends with your line neighbors. 736 North Temple, Salt Lake City.
- Ruth’s Diner
Ruth’s Diner/Facebook
Ruth’s Diner/Facebook Ruth’s always has a wait on weekends, but especially once the patio opens. Those mile-high biscuits are definitely worth the wait.
- Tosh’s Ramen
Belle C./Yelp!
Julie V./Yelp! Depending on the day and time you arrive, you can wait up to an hour for a bowl of steaming, delicious ramen. On a cold winter day, it’s worth it. 1465 S. State Street, Salt Lake City.
- Viking Yurt
Viking Yurt/Facebook
Viking Yurt/Facebook Viking Yurt is a one-of-a-kind experience, but seating is limited. You’ll need to make reservations in advance to be one of the lucky 40 guests each evening. At Park City Mountain Resort.
What’s your favorite “worth the wait” restaurant?
Blue Plate Diner/Facebook
It’s hip, it’s cool, it serves up amazing breakfast, and it’s kind of small. Be prepared to wait…then enjoy the most amazing eggs benedict you’ve ever eaten. 2041 S. 2100 E., Salt Lake City.
Bruges Waffles and Frites/Facebook
This tiny little restaurant only has a few tables…and waffles that will change your life. Be prepared to wait…and be rewarded for your patience. 2314 S. Highland Drive., Salt Lake City.
The Dodo/Facebook
The Dodo is that place that’s so popular with the locals that it’s tough to get a seat. Why? One word: pie. The food at The Dodo is delicious, but the pie? Worth any amount of waiting. 1355 E. 2100 S., Salt Lake City.
Oh Mai/Facebook
Oh Mai’s downtown Salt Lake location is just always busy. Maybe it’s because the sandwiches are unique (tasty, crusty rolls with vietnamese fillings). Maybe it’s the pho or the vermicelli noodles. Everything on the menu is well worth the wait, and the prices are low, too. 3425 S. State Street, Salt Lake City.
Park Cafe/Facebook
Breakfast/brunch at Park Cafe is so tasty, you’ll wait awhile for a table, especially on weekend mornings. Relax, people watch and see if you can spot any Real Salt Lake players. 604 E. 1300 S., Salt Lake City
R&R BBQ/Facebook
R&R BBQ is really tasty, so it’s really popular. It’s also really tiny, which means that you’re going to wait awhile for a table. 307 W. 600 S., Salt Lake City.
Red Iguana/Facebook
The restaurant that serves the best Mexican food in the state (they have multiple awards to prove it!) also has a line of hungry people stretching down the street. Grab a light snack, get in line and make friends with your line neighbors. 736 North Temple, Salt Lake City.
Ruth’s Diner/Facebook
Ruth’s always has a wait on weekends, but especially once the patio opens. Those mile-high biscuits are definitely worth the wait.
Belle C./Yelp!
Julie V./Yelp!
Depending on the day and time you arrive, you can wait up to an hour for a bowl of steaming, delicious ramen. On a cold winter day, it’s worth it. 1465 S. State Street, Salt Lake City.
Viking Yurt/Facebook
Viking Yurt is a one-of-a-kind experience, but seating is limited. You’ll need to make reservations in advance to be one of the lucky 40 guests each evening. At Park City Mountain Resort.
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