1. The Beerhive Pub
128 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
An ice bar? Yes! This elegant, vintage pub features an ice rail along the bar. It keeps your drink cold from the first sip to the last and people love it.
The Beerhive’s vintage decor attracts many visitors but it’s the craft beers and haute pub grub that keep them coming back. This is a laid back, cozy, and even rustic pub with wooden decor. Imagine, 24 beers on tap and bottled brews from around the world. From local craft beers to international favorites, there’s something for every beer lover here.
The classic pub selections here include burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers.
Want to learn a lot about beer? This is the place! The staff members know the ways of beermaker and they might share some of that with you – uh, the knowledge. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking for a relaxed place to hang out with friends, this is the place.
2. The Bayou
645 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Maybe you have never considered looking for a bayou in Salt Lake City? Yet, here it is. The Bayou bar and restaurant is a Downtown hotspot. It’s hip, upbeat, and has a beer selection like none other. The Cajun-inspired pub grub is worth the trip alone.
This local favorite is known for its huge selection of more than 300 beers. The bar has a cool, laid-back vibe with dim lighting and cozy seating.
The Bayou’s menu is packed with Cajun and Creole dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and po’ boys. You can get a taste of New Orleans in Utah. They also serve appetizers like fried pickles and cheese sticks.
Live music is a big part of the experience at The Bayou. Local bands often perform to the delight of evening crowds. The staff is friendly and well-versed in “beerology.” There are so many choices, you might want to ask for recommendations.
If beer, food, friends, and music are four of your favorite things, take an evening trip way down South right here in Salt Lake City.
3. The Lake Effect
155 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
The Lake Effect bar and restaurant is a top spot for food and drinks in Salt Lake City’s historic downtown. The vibe here is modern, stylish even. This place is regularly abuzz on the first and the second floors. There’s plenty of room here to spread out and have a good time.
The menu at The Lake Effect is impressive. They serve appetizers like calamari and nachos and meals like burgers, steaks, and pasta – oh, my!
One of the best things about The Lake Effect is their drink selection. They serve creative cocktails, beers, and a good selection of wines. Their bartenders can whip up almost any drink.
Live music and events are also a big draw at The Lake Effect. They often have local bands and DJs. It really is a perfect addition to the SLC nightlife.
4. The Squatters Pub Brewery
147 W Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Squatters Pub Brewery serves delicious food and drinks. I mean, delicious! The vibe here is friendly and welcoming. As if that wasn’t enough, all of its beers are brewed on-site. Talk about fresh! Their offerings start at light ales and pour right on through to dark stouts. If you’re a beer lover, you’re going to love it here.
It’s not an easy call to make, but I believe the food at Squatters is just as good as the beer. They serve burgers, fish and chips, salads, and sandwiches. They have vegetarian and gluten-free options too. The portions are generous, and the flavors are spot on.
Squatters has a cozy interior with lots of seating, inside and on their outdoor patio. In addition to their great food and beer, Squatters is committed to sustainability. They use local ingredients and eco-friendly practices, which is something to feel good about.
5. The Green Pig Pub
31 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
The Green Pig Pub is a lively spot for a fun evening out in Salt Lake City. The pub has a cool, casual vibe with plenty of seating inside and on the rooftop patio, which offers amazing views of the city. (Yes! I said “rooftop patio!”)
The Green Pig Pub serves up tasty food and drinks. Their menu includes options like burgers, wings, nachos, and salads. They also have some delectable vegetarian choices, so there’s something for everyone. The portions are big and the prices are reasonable.
Here you’ll find a wide selection of beers, including local brews, as well as creative cocktails and a good wine list. Whether you’re in the mood for a cold beer or a refreshing cocktail, you’ll find it here.
One of the best things about the Green Pig Pub is the entertainment. They have live music, karaoke nights, and trivia games, making it a great place to have fun and unwind.
I’ll bet you can’t wait to get here and “pig out!”
Explore the Universe, Workout, Hit a Concert, or Be a Kid
Fairpark is a fun neighborhood with many community events and activities. The Utah State Fairpark is the central attraction, but there are many fun and exciting things to see and do in Fairpark. With accessible public transportation, an events center, community centers, parks, trails, and educational institutions it’s a fun place to explore.
Utah’s world-class ski resorts are about 45 minutes up the canyon. The Great Salt Lake is minutes away, and the Wasatch Mountain Range is your oyster – it’s just waiting there for you to discover over and over again.
Following are just five of the most popular scenes and sites in the hip suburban/urban neighborhood we know as Fairpark.
Utah State Fair
155 1000 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
The Utah State Fair happens every September in Salt Lake City, just like it has for more than 100 years. The fair is packed with exciting attractions, delicious food, and plenty of entertainment.
One of the highlights of the Utah State Fair is the variety of rides and games. Imagine roller coasters and classic carnival games, it’s a thrill. Kids and adults love trying their luck at winning prizes and screaming on the rides!
Food is a big part of the fair experience. You can find all your favorite fair foods, like funnel cakes, corn dogs, and cotton candy. There are also unique options like deep-fried everything and tasty local treats. Come hungry!
The Utah State Fair also showcases local agriculture with impressive exhibits of livestock, produce, and crafts. Learn about farming and see some amazing animals up close.
Experience live music, rodeos, and special shows that add to the excitement. Many people plan for an outing to the fair months in advance.
2. Union Event Center
235 N 500 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
The Union Event Center is one of Salt Lake City’s premier venues for concerts and events. From entertainment like live music performances to corporate meetings and private parties, the community puts this facility to good use. Union Event Center has a capacity of up to 3,500 and can accommodate intimate gatherings and big crowds. The layout is flexible, with a large open floor plan that can be adapted to suit different types of events.
One of the standout features of the Union Event Center is its rooftop terrace! It features stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. This outdoor space is ideal for receptions, cocktail parties, and other special occasions.
Whether you’re hitting a rock concert, a wedding reception, or a business conference, you can expect a top-notch memorable experience here.
3. Northwest Recreation Center
1255 West Clark Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
The Northwest Recreation Center is a community hub that offers facilities and activities for people of all ages. The center features a modern gym, an indoor swimming pool, and multiple courts for basketball, volleyball, and racquetball.
Families love the Northwest Recreation Center for its variety of programs and classes, from fitness and dance to arts and crafts. There’s always something going on, whether it’s a yoga session, a swim lesson, or a community event.
Work out, swim, or just hang out, the Northwest Recreation Center helps Fairpark residents stay fit and socialize.
4. Discovery Gateway Museum
444 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
The Discovery Gateway Museum in Salt Lake City takes the term, “hands-on learning” to a whole new level!
The museum is right in the heart of the city and offers a ton of fun and educational activities. Let kids touch, play, and explore the wonders of this magical place to their hearts’ content.
One of the coolest exhibits is the Kid’s Eye View, a mini city where kids can role-play as grown-ups. They can shop in a mini grocery store, work in a pretend bank, or role-play in the hospital. It’s like stepping into a real-life game of make-believe!
Another favorite is the Water Play exhibit where kids can learn about water currents and dams by playing with flowing water. It’s messy, wet, and loads of fun. The museum also has a large climbing structure called the Honey Climber, where kids can climb and crawl like little bees.
Discovery Gateway also offers art classes, science demonstrations, and storytelling sessions. There’s always something new and exciting to do here.
5. Clark Planetarium
110 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
If space is the final frontier, you can get there via The Clark Planetarium. Okay, you can’t actually go to space, but you can learn all about the wonders of space in an exciting and stimulating environment. Adults will love Clark Planetarium just as much as children. Exhibits and shows seek to answer questions about the universe.
The Hansen Dome Theatre is one of the planetarium’s most loved features. The cool dome-shaped theater has a 360-degree screen where you can watch amazing shows about planets, stars, and galaxies. It feels like you’re actually traveling through space!
The IMAX Theatre is also a major attraction. Watch stunning films about nature, space, and science on a giant screen. The visuals and sound are mind-blowing.
The planetarium also has interactive exhibits where you can learn about the solar system, black holes, and space missions. You can touch real meteorites, play with gravity, and even try out a Mars rover simulator. It’s all hands-on, so you can dive right into the learning.
Five Mexican Restaurants That Feed Fairpark
Fairpark serves up some of the best Mexican dishes around. Restaurants and food trucks offer delicious and authentic food that will have you coming back time after time. One of the best things about the Mexican food in Fairpark is the variety. You can find everything from street tacos and burritos to enchiladas and tamales. Many of these dishes are made from recipes that have been passed down through generations, giving them a homemade, authentic taste.
Tacos are a big hit here. Who would have ever believed there were so many ways to make Tacos? From classic carne asada to flavorful al pastor, the variety is part of what makes this place so special. Sit down to dine and chill or grab a mouth-watering burrito on the run. And don’t forget to try the fresh, homemade salsas – amazing.
The people in Fairpark take pride in their food. The flavors are bold, the ingredients are fresh, and the portions are generous.
Following are five favorite Mexican restaurants in and around Fairpark.
1. Nico’s Restaurant
1458 W North Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Nico’s Restaurant is in the heart of historic downtown and just minutes from Fairpark. It’s a cozy spot. I love that it’s a casual, chill atmosphere. The environment here might be relaxed, but the cooks work hard to produce some mind-blowing Mexican food.
Nico’s is famous for mouth-watering tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. The ingredients are always fresh. My favorites? The carne asada tacos. They’re stuffed with juicy, seasoned beef. If you’re super hungry, try one of their big burritos. What’s great food from south of the border without salsa? You’ve got to try their homemade salsas. Live a little! Try several salsas while you’re there.
If you’re in Salt Lake City and craving some amazing Mexican food, hit up Nico’s Restaurant! You can expect to pay from $10 to $20 a plate here.
2. The Red Iguana 2
866 W S Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
I don’t like to play favorites, but this is one of mine. Red Iguana 2 in Salt Lake City serves up some killer Mexican food. This popular restaurant is known for its delicious and authentic dishes that keep people coming back for more. It’s obvious, right? One Red Iguana in town just wasn’t enough!
When you walk in, you’ll notice the vibrant traditional decor. That sets the mood and things just get better from there. The menu has tasty options, but the real star here is the mole. Red Iguana 2 offers several types of mole, each with distinctly different spices and flavors. Whether you try the Mole Negro or the Mole Amarillo, you’re in for a treat.
The enchiladas and tacos are like none other. If you’re a thrill seeker, try the Puntas de Filete a la Nortena (tender beef tips in a rich, spicy sauce).
If you’re a connoisseur of Mexican food, you owe it to yourself to stop here. Expect to pay around $10 to $20 per person. It isn’t necessary but I recommend reserving a table.
3. Chunga’s
180 S 900 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Chunga’s in Salt Lake City has some of the best tacos and burritos in town, and I can never get enough.
The first thing I notice when I walk in is the aroma. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. The menu is simple, but every item is a local hit. I always go for the al pastor tacos, with marinated pork and fresh pineapple. The burritos are massive, filled with meat, beans, rice, and all the fixings.
Chunga’s also has delicious quesadillas and mulitas, which are like double-decker tacos with gooey melted cheese. I never forget to grab some of their homemade salsas.
The vibe at Chunga’s is friendly and casual. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. Most individual items are under $10.
4. El Jaripeo Taco Truck (Rose Park)
1188-1198 600 N, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Food trucks are all the rage in downtown Salt Lake. It’s a blast. The food is fast, hot, inexpensive, and some of the most authentic you’ll ever taste. El Jaripeo Taco Truck in Rose Park is one of my favorites. People line up around the block to buy their food. You can tell how good a food truck’s fare is by how long the line is. This truck’s food is very good!
The tacos at El Jaripeo are simply amazing. They have all the options like carne asada, al pastor, and pollo, and every single one is just … so good. My personal favorite is the al pastor taco. The marinated pork with pineapple is delicious.
Besides tacos, they also offer burritos, quesadillas, and tortas. The burritos are huge and filled with fresh ingredients. I love how they load them up with meat, beans, rice, and all the tasty extras. The people working at El Jaripeo are super friendly, and the service is always quick. Even if there’s a line, it moves fast, so I never have to wait long. The prices are really reasonable too. Expect to pay less than $10 per item here.
5. Tacos Doña Mary L.L.C.
1780 W North Temple West Parking Side, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Tacos Doña Mary L.L.C. food truck is a hidden gem that everyone needs to try.
The tacos at Tacos Doña Mary are out of this world. They have all the classics like carne asada, al pastor, and carnitas. My personal favorite is the carne asada taco. The meat seems like it’s always seasoned perfectly. They top the tacos with fresh onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, which makes them even better.
They also have amazing burritos and quesadillas. The burritos are huge. I love how they stuff them with rice, beans, meat, and all the extras. The prices are easy on the wallet, there are multiple options under $10. You won’t be disappointed!
The Scoop on Fairpark Schools
Public students are served by Salt Lake School District, the oldest in Utah. Following is a list of the five top-rated schools serving Fairpark as rated by Niche.com, an online location data research and analysis company online:
- Canyon Rim Academy
- Academy for Math, Engineering & Science (AMES)
- Salt Lake Arts Academy
- West High School
- Beehive Science & Technology Academy
