Sugarhouse Plaza, with its iconic art deco obelisk and Romanesque pioneer statues, marks the center of Salt Lake’s hippest and quirkiest neighborhood. While it earns its name from the pioneer-era sugar beet factory, Sugarhouse is quickly becoming one Salt Lake’s trendiest spots to shop, dine, stroll, workout and play. Start at the Plaza and saunter on foot or bike through this turn-of-the-century granite borough. Enjoy an eclectic mix of bungalows, high rise condominiums, parks, trails, boutique local shopping, and national retail superstars. Here’s how to spend a day in Sugarhouse like a local.
RISE AND SHINE
Sugarhouse Park—Walk, jog or bike through Salt Lake’s largest, 110-acre park. Enjoy expansive views of the mountains and trails that connect to canyon and city bike routes.
Sugarhouse Alley—Break a sweat with local favorites Yoga Sunne and Obsidian Fitness.
McLelland Bike Trail—This 4-mile paved bike trail connects Sugarhouse to the 9th and 9th neighborhood.
Sugarhouse Coffee—Start and end your day with a local cup of Joe. A sponsor and central hub for the neighborhood’s monthly gallery stroll. And local bands play original tunes every Thursday night.
Blue Plate Diner— Funky retro diner ambiance served on the eastern edge of the Sugarhouse district. An impressive amount of vegetarian and vegan friendly dishes as well as everyone’s favorite artery-clogging specials.
STROLL & SHOP
Central Book Exchange—This independently owned bookstore possesses 90,000 used and hard to find books. It’s quirky atmosphere beckons biblio- and non-biblio- philes alike.
Boutique Shopping—First, start at Urban Blue’s Fashion. Then, move south to Pib’s Exchange, and Unhinged.
Guthrie Bicycles—The oldest bike shop west of the Mississippi.
Upscale Outlets—Nordstrom Rack, The Sundance Catalog Outlet, and Patagonia Outlet all within walking distance of Sugarhouse Plaza…and each other.
LUNCH
The Soup Kitchen—Serving up hearty soup, all-you can eat breadsticks, scones and sandwiches since 1974. Fast casual before fast casual was a thing.
The Dodo—A staple for business lunches and ladies’ brunches. Stunning views of Sugarhouse Park from the patio. Serving up killer mid-day cocktails and the best desserts in the valley.
Aubergene & Co.— On-the-go, healthy fare with lots of gluten-free and vegan options. Rave reviews from locals and national food critics.
FOR THE KIDS
Fairmont Park— Indoor swimming, skate park, pickleball courts, and dog park. Catch (pun intended) fishing lessons on Thursday evenings at the pond.
Sprague Library Storytime—Named “The Most Beautiful Library in America” in 1935, this cherished Sugarhouse icon is closed for reconstruction until 2020. Mark your calendar for a can’t miss storytime when it reopens!
Sugarhouse Park— Run wild through the park’s playgrounds, ampitheater, pavilions, volleyball and basketball courts, regulation soccer and baseball fields. And don’t forget to pack some seeds for the mostly friendly (sometimes aggressive) gulls and geese at the pond.
GRAB A TREAT
Carol’s Cakes and Pastry Shop—Owner Al has been piping and filling the state’s best eclairs, cakes and cookies for 70 years. If he’s a little grough, don’t you mind. He and his treats are as sweet as they come.
Bruges Waffles— Hot chocolate decadent enough to crave in the middle of summer. And hands down the best Belgian waffles in the city.
Brownies, Brownies, Brownies!—Fresh and fun, you’ll want to try at least three of their gazillion custom flavors.
DINNER
Kimi’s Chophouse—Elevate your evening at Sugarhouse’s swankiest upscale restaurant. Curated wine, seafood and steak on the menu. Lovely outdoor patio in the summer.
Salt Lake Pizza and Pasta—Sugarhouse’s original pub, and a perennial local favorite. Watch a game, eat a plate of nachos, have a beer. Repeat.
Plaza Eateries—Wasatch Brewery, Wild Mushroom Pizza, Flatbread Neopolitan Pizzeria, and Cubby’s are all solid picks certain to satisfy a range of appetites.
NIGHTLIFE
Campfire Lounge—Cheers to Sugarhouse kitsch. Delicious fare, full bar, and chill atmosphere.
Sugarhouse Art Walk—Live music and temporary exhibits on the second Friday of each month. New up-and-coming local artists featured every month.
Hopkins Brewing Company—Salt Lake’s newest brewery. Take home your favorite draft in an $8, 32 oz. crawler.
Ruin—No screens here, just drinking, talking…and more drinking. Pared down urban vibe suits the newer face of Sugarhouse.
Cinemark Sugarhouse—All luxury loungers. Need we say more?
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Yellow Rose Tattoo—Thinking of a tattoo or not thinking of a tattoo, stop by and admire the atmosphere and artistry.
Peterson Art Center—Pottery, water color, oil painting, colored pencil drawing, and children’s classes. Acceptance and community found here since 1994.
All About Coins—Go back somewhere in time perusing Bob Campbell’s impressive stock of rare coins. Also worth checking out is his impressive collection of fossils and minerals.
Sugarhouse Farmer’s Market at Fairmont Park—Second Saturday of each month July through September.
Westmister College Athletics—Finally, catch a women’s or men’s lacrosse or soccer game with the family on Dumke Field.
Want to know more about Sugarhouse? Get a better feel for the neighborhood with our Sugarhouse Photo Tour. Interested in buying property in Sugarhouse? Contact us or find property information and current listings on our Sugarhouse page.
Niche Homes is a full-service real estate agency specializing in the Yalecrest neighborhood and surrounding Salt Lake enclaves. Contact us if you are interested in buying or selling a home.
