15th and 15th is a beautiful little neighborhood on Salt Lake City’s east bench centered at about 15th East and 15th South. Shops, dining and art draw in locals and visitors alike.
The charming 15th and 15th, Salt Lake City is a sought after neighborhood. It features a blend of history, convenience, and natural splendor in the shadow of the towering Wasatch Mountains. Call it hip, chill, or laid back but make it a point to visit often! Many wander the sweet tree-lined streets as they succumb to the allure of simplicity.
Where is 15th and 15th?
This historic area is part of the Wasatch Hollow neighborhood (which is a primarily residential neighborhood). The heart of this commercial hood is 1500 South and 1500 East. University students and young professionals enjoy the proximity to the University of Utah, luscious green spaces, and Salt Lake City’s Downtown. Other residents who were born here wouldn’t dream of leaving. There’s a sense of camaraderie in this neighborhood that’s rare. Maybe it’s just that the pioneering spirit lingers after all these years. Maybe spirits that whisper on the wind here go back much further than that.
This area was once covered by the ancient Lake Bonneville, according to Visit Salt Lake. “This huge lake once stretched across Utah, Nevada, and Idaho. The eastern parts of the city were built on ancient beaches of this lake and are now called, ‘benches’ in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains.” The Great Salt Lake is all that remains of the expansive lake.
High on Salt Lake City’s east bench, today 15th and 15th feeds the senses with wafting aromas of rich coffee and delicious food paired with a unique song of excited chatter. Restaurants and coffee shops serve up a friendly atmosphere with their to-die-for culinary specialties. Colorful murals are a nod to those who would starve without art. A blue bookstore begs attention and an art gallery displays visually stunning morsels of creativity. Eclectic shops attract those in search of a souvenir that will remind them of the feeling they get here long after they leave. Wasatch Hollow Nature Area and Park are local favorites.
Is 15th and 15th walkable?
Walkscore.com gives the area a best walkable neighborhood score of 68/100. I think it depends on what you want to accomplish. If you come to 15th and 15th for a peaceful, easy feeling, everything you need is right here. If you’re a cyclist you might appreciate knowing the company rates the area 75/100 for bike riders.
Just a smattering of the businesses at 15th and 15th Salt Lake City
The 15th and 15th Salt Lake City business district features so many fun and creative businesses. Following is a list of shops and eateries you will encounter there.
Caputo’s Market & Deli
1516 S 1500 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
A specialty food market offering a wide selection of gourmet foods, cheeses, cured meats, and artisan products.
Finca
1513 S 1500 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Finca’s cuisine is inspired by Spain and made with local sustainable ingredients. The wine list is hand-selected for Spanish and Portuguese flavors made by small producers with natural ingredients. includes unique Spanish and Portuguese options, with a focus on natural wines from small producers.
Fresco Italian Café
1513 S 15th E St, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
An Italian restaurant located in this hip district. It is known for its wood-fired pizzas, pasta dishes, and gelato. This is one of my favorite restaurants.
King’s English Bookshop
1511 S 1500 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
An independent bookstore offering a diverse range of books, including bestsellers, literary fiction, children’s books, and local authors.
Mazza Middle Eastern Cuisine
1515 S 1500 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
A restaurant serving authentic Middle Eastern dishes, including falafel, hummus, kebabs, and baklava.
Mi Buena Vida
1500 S 15th E St, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Oh, sure, this restaurant serves up some of the finest Mexican Cuisine you will ever taste, but Mi Buena Vida also serves up a fabulous party atmosphere.
Sweetaly Gelato
1527 S 1500 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Enjoy authentic artisan gelato made by hand daily.
Tulie Bakery
1510 S 1500th E Salt Lake City, UT 84105
A popular bakery known for its delicious pastries, bread, cakes, and other sweet treats.
Getting around from 15th and 15th
The Salt Lake International Airport is located 10 minutes from Downtown. The community offers a smorgasbord of travel options including:
Taxis
Shuttles
Limousines
Buses
Rideshare
Light rail
Delectable architecture is part of the timeless appeal of this sought after historic neighborhood
This district boasts stately homes meticulously preserved for their craftsmanship and intricate detail. Wasatch Hollow features a great collection of early to mid-19th-century homes. Yalecrest, located just north of 15th and 15th is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the city. Other nearby neighborhoods include Sugar House, Windsor Place, and Bonneville Hills.
The greater east bench is known for its rich architectural heritage, featuring a variety of historic styles. Here is a list of some of the top historic architectural styles you can find on the east bench:
Craftsman
The Craftsman style is a charming design emerged in the late 19th century and gained popularity in the early 20th century. It emphasizes natural materials, handcrafted details, and a close connection to nature. Craftsman homes typically have low-pitched roofs, wide eaves with exposed rafters, and front porches with tapered columns.
Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival architecture, popular in the 19th century, draws inspiration from medieval Gothic design. This style is characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate tracery details.
Greek Revival
Greek Revival architecture draws inspiration from ancient Greek architecture. This style often features pediments, columns, and symmetrical designs. Greek Revival buildings on the east bench may be more common in public or civic structures.
Mid-Century Modern
As the name suggests, this architectural style emerged in the middle of the 20th century. It is a classic home style characterized by sleek lines, open floor plans, and large windows. Flat or low-sloping roofs and integration with the surrounding natural environment are common features.
Mission Revival
Mission Revival architecture takes inspiration from Spanish missions in California and the Southwest. This style often incorporates stucco walls, low-pitched clay tile roofs, arched windows and doorways, and bell towers or domes.
Neoclassical
Neoclassical architecture emerged in the late 19th century and is inspired by classical Greek and Roman design. It often includes grand and symmetrical facades, columns, and elaborate ornamentation.
Prairie School
The Prairie School style, developed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries, emphasizes horizontal lines, low-pitched roofs with overhanging eaves, and integration with the surrounding landscape. It aims to create a sense of harmony between the structure and its environment.
Tudor Revival
Tudor Revival architecture became popular in the early 20th century and is characterized by its medieval-inspired elements. This style often includes steeply pitched roofs, half-timbering, decorative chimneys, and leaded glass windows.
Victorian
Victorian architecture was prevalent during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by intricate detailing, decorative elements, and ornate facades. Some Victorian sub-styles you might find include Queen Anne, Italianate, and Eastlake.
Nature lovers flock to 15th and 15th (and we don’t mean just the birds)
The Wasatch Mountains are part of the Rocky Mountain Range and they are spectacular. From here, you just might feel like you can reach out and touch them while sipping coffee at one of the area’s patio diners. Utah’s most lauded world-class ski resorts are just 30 minutes away. The mountainous area offers opportunities for:
Hiking
Biking
Hunting
Fishing
Boating
Photography
Bird-watching
Wildlife watching
Snowshoeing
Camping
Picnicking
The commercial center is a hop, skip, and jump from Sugar House Park, 1330 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106. People from all walks of life gather at the park to enjoy its sprawling green spaces, trails, and enchanting pond. Here you will find even more trails to walk, hike, or bike.
Liberty Park, 600 Harvey Milk Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84105, features the Tracy Aviary, Chase Home Museum, Youth City, Tennis Center, Seven Canyons Fountain, and more.
The 15th and 15th Salt Lake City neighborhood is a great place to find camaraderie, harmony, good books, art, nature, shops, and some dang good food.
