Salt Lake City Downtown Food & Drink Tours
Savor SLC's evolving culinary landscape with guided explorations of its vibrant downtown food and drink scene, from craft breweries to historic eateries.
Salt Lake City's downtown core is undergoing a remarkable culinary renaissance, moving far beyond its traditional image to embrace a dynamic and diverse food and drink scene. Once known for its understated dining options, the city now boasts an exciting array of independent restaurants, artisanal breweries, innovative cocktail bars, and unique eateries, many of which are clustered conveniently in the walkable downtown area. These establishments showcase a commitment to local ingredients, global influences, and creative presentation, reflecting the city's growing cosmopolitan character. Exploring this evolving landscape on a guided food and drink tour offers an immersive way to discover the flavors and stories that define contemporary Salt Lake City. Downtown food and drink tours provide a curated experience, designed to highlight the best of what the area has to offer. Instead of wandering aimlessly and potentially missing out on the most talked-about spots, participants benefit from the insider knowledge of local guides. These guides lead small groups to carefully selected venues, often including places that might not be immediately obvious to the casual visitor. Each stop typically features a tasting or a signature drink, allowing guests to sample a variety of tastes and learn about the history, philosophy, and signature offerings of each establishment. It's an efficient and enjoyable method for anyone looking to delve into SLC's gastronomic heart, whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply curious about the city's vibrant hospitality sector.
Featured Downtown Food & Drink Scene Tours
Discover our top picks for downtown food & drink scene in Salt Lake City
Our experience is curated by our own professional chef to show off our city's exciting food scene. The bites our groups will try include award-winning cheeses, salamis, chocolates, and chicken sandwiches. We also provide carefully researched facts about Salt Lake City's development, including the role played by native American tribes, Latter-Day Saint pioneers, and various immigrant cultures. The walk takes us through a beautiful stretch of downtown, where we'll also see a great deal of public art.
Discover Salt Lake City's vibrant taco scene with the SLC Epic Taco Crawl. Enjoy four signature tacos from the city's top taco joints, paired with a refreshing drink and a sweet treat of mini churros. This self-guided adventure allows you to explore the downtown area's murals and local businesses at your own pace, all while engaging in a fun scavenger hunt. Perfect for food lovers and those looking to explore local culture, this crawl should take about 90 minutes to complete. - Savor 4 premium tacos from must-try taco spots - Includes a drink of your choice and mini churros - Explore with a self-guided app, available for 6 months - Engage in a local landmark scavenger hunt with a prize opportunity
The Brewery Roll of Salt Lake City is the tour that mixes the exciting, exploratory nature of an urban bike-tour with the tasty adventure of sampling microbreweries! Groups ride bikes (provided) to a few curious points of interest in the greater downtown area, both historical and current. Multiple stops along the way for breaks, photos, and good old rest. Then, together, we visit the best breweries around town. Take in the atmosphere, take a load off, take a drink! Your purchase comes with a complimentary sample form each brewery, and if you'd like to take in more than that, you are welcome to do so, providing that you're willing to pick up your tab. Questions are fielded by your personal, friendly, and locally-based tour guide. Each location has food options as well, so getting a bite to eat is an easily accessible option. We provide bicycles, helmets, water in bottles to drink, one sample at each brewery, and of course, the guided experience.
Why Choose Downtown Food & Drink Scene in Salt Lake City?
Local Culinary Insights
Gain knowledge from guides who know the city's food and drink scene inside and out, uncovering stories and recommendations.
Taste a Variety
Sample diverse dishes and drinks from multiple establishments in one outing, experiencing a range of flavors efficiently.
Discover Emerging Spots
Access popular and lesser-known venues that represent the current trends and traditional tastes of Salt Lake City.
Small Group Experience
Enjoy a more intimate and interactive tour, allowing for better engagement with guides and fellow participants.
Support Local Businesses
Tours often focus on independent restaurants and bars, directly contributing to the local economy.
Convenient Exploration
Easily navigate the downtown area with a planned route, saving time and effort in finding quality food and drink.
Types of Downtown Food & Drink Scene in Salt Lake City
Downtown Culinary Walking Tours
These tours are designed to explore a concentrated area of downtown, stopping at several distinct restaurants and eateries. You'll typically enjoy a small plate or signature dish at each location, often accompanied by a beverage pairing.
Salt Lake City Brewery & Craft Beer Tours
Focusing on Utah's growing craft beer scene, these tours visit local breweries and taprooms in the downtown area. Learn about the brewing process and sample a variety of local beers, often including seasonal or limited releases.
Downtown Cocktail & Bar Tours
Explore Salt Lake City's burgeoning craft cocktail culture. These tours lead you to some of the city's best bars, where you can learn about mixology and enjoy expertly crafted drinks.
What to Expect on Downtown Food & Drink Scene Tours
Duration
Tours typically last between 2.5 to 3.5 hours, allowing ample time for travel between locations, tastings, and learning from your guide.
Weather
Most tours involve significant walking, so dress appropriately for the weather. Layers are recommended, as Salt Lake City weather can change.
Group Size
Group sizes vary but are generally kept small (often 8-15 people) to ensure an intimate and interactive experience.
What's Included
Tours usually include a set number of tastings or drinks at each stop. Specific inclusions (e.g., water, all drinks) will be detailed on the tour listing.
Meeting Point
The meeting point is typically in a central, easily accessible downtown location, often near a landmark or public transit hub. Specific details are provided upon booking.
Additional Costs
While most food and drink is included, it's wise to budget for additional drinks, desserts, or gratuities for your guide and service staff if you desire.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
Book in advance, especially for weekend tours, as popular options can sell out quickly.
Wear comfortable walking shoes; you'll be on your feet for much of the tour.
Inform the tour operator of any dietary restrictions or allergies when booking, though not all tours can accommodate all needs.
Come with an empty stomach and an open mind – you'll be sampling a variety of tastes.
Consider the time of day; lunch tours offer a different experience than evening drink tours.
Tipping your guide and servers is customary if you enjoyed the experience, similar to dining out.
Research the area beforehand to get a sense of the neighborhood's vibe, but let the guide introduce you to their favorite spots.
Check the tour's itinerary beforehand if specific types of cuisine or beverages are of particular interest to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Are Salt Lake City food tours suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
A: Many tours offer vegetarian options, and some may be able to accommodate vegan requests with advance notice. It's crucial to check the specific tour details or contact the operator beforehand to confirm their ability to cater to your dietary needs.
Q:What is the typical price range for these tours?
A: Prices generally range from $55 to $95 per person, depending on the number of stops, the type of tastings, and the duration of the tour.
Q:Can I purchase additional food or drinks during the tour?
A: Yes, you can usually purchase extra items beyond what's included in the tour, though it's best to check with your guide about the timing and logistics to ensure you don't miss any scheduled stops.
Q:Are these tours suitable for children?
A: While some food tours might be child-friendly, drink-focused tours are generally for adults aged 21 and over. Always check the age restrictions and suitability for children mentioned in the tour description.
Q:What if it rains or snows in Salt Lake City?
A: Most food and drink tours are held rain or shine. Tours typically involve moving between indoor venues, so the outdoor walking is usually manageable. If severe weather poses a safety concern, the operator will usually contact participants about rescheduling or cancellation.
Q:How much walking is involved?
A: Expect a moderate amount of walking, often covering several blocks within the downtown area. The pace is usually relaxed to allow for comfortable exploration and enjoyment of each stop.
Q:Do I need to tip the guide?
A: Tipping your guide is a common practice and greatly appreciated if you enjoyed their service, knowledge, and recommendations. It's similar to tipping at a restaurant – consider 15-20% of the tour cost as a general guideline.
Q:Can I book a private tour for a group?
A: Yes, many operators offer private tour options for special occasions, corporate events, or families. You would typically need to inquire directly with the specific tour provider about availability and pricing for private bookings.
Why Visit Salt Lake City?
Discover stunning mountain vistas and vibrant urban life, all in one accessible destination.
Experience the unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural richness found in Salt Lake City.
Enjoy world-class skiing and hiking just minutes from a thriving downtown arts scene.
Explore significant historical sites, including Temple Square, offering a glimpse into pioneer heritage.
Savor local craft breweries and diverse culinary experiences that reflect the region's growth.
Salt Lake City: Where majestic nature meets a welcoming, dynamic city atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit
Weather
Salt Lake City experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and dry with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C), while winters are cold and snowy, perfect for winter sports, with average snowfall in the surrounding mountains exceeding 500 inches. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and beautiful scenery, though mountain weather can change rapidly.
Best Months
The best months to visit are generally September and October for crisp autumn air and fall colors, or February and March for prime skiing conditions and fewer crowds than mid-winter.
Peak Season
Peak season for tourism is winter (December-February) driven by world-class skiing, and summer (June-August) for outdoor recreation and city festivals. Expect higher prices and more visitors during these times.
Off Season
The shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer a more relaxed experience with pleasant weather and often lower accommodation rates, though some high-alpine trails might still be snow-covered in early spring.
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Plan Your Salt Lake City Trip
Transportation Tips
Getting around Salt Lake City is surprisingly easy thanks to its efficient public transportation system, UTA. The TRAX light rail and FrontRunner commuter train connect major attractions, suburbs, and even the airport. UTA buses fill in the gaps, making most areas accessible. Many downtown attractions are walkable, and bike-sharing programs are available for shorter distances. For exploring further afield, especially the nearby ski resorts, renting a car offers the most flexibility, though some resorts offer shuttle services.
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Where to Stay
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