Salt Lake City, UT
- About the city
- Geography
- Climate and weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Sport and Sporting Legends
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Institutions
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Salt Lake City, Utah's capital, is a historic city founded in 1847, known for its stunning mountain backdrop, the Great Salt Lake, and as the headquarters of the LDS Church.
About the city
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The full official name of the city is Salt Lake City. It is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Utah . It also serves as the county seat of Salt Lake County, the most populous county in the state . The region, known as the Wasatch Front, is a major urban corridor in the Intermountain West.
Historical Names and Nicknames
Originally founded in 1847, the city was named Great Salt Lake City after the nearby saline lake . The word "Great" was officially dropped from the city's name in 1868 for practical purposes . Salt Lake City is widely known by its nickname, "The Crossroads of the West" . This nickname was earned due to its historic status as a transportation hub, first with the railroad and later with the intersection of major highways like I-15 and I-80 .
Date of Founding and Age
While members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), led by Brigham Young, first arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847, the city itself was officially incorporated on January 9, 1851 . As of 2026, the city marks 175 years since its incorporation . Upon first viewing the valley, Brigham Young is famously quoted as saying, "This is the right place" .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Salt Lake City is located in the Salt Lake Valley at the coordinates 40°45′N 111°53′W . It is situated between the Wasatch Range to the east and the Oquirrh Mountains to the west . The city is approximately 16 miles east of the Great Salt Lake . The center of the city sits at an elevation of about 4,300 feet (1,300 m) above sea level, nestled on the ancient lakebed of Lake Bonneville .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Salt Lake City is a unique blend of administrative, religious, and tourist center. It serves as the state capital and the world headquarters of the LDS Church, making religious tourism a significant draw . The city has also developed a strong tourist industry based on its proximity to world-class skiing and outdoor recreation in the Wasatch Mountains, a legacy cemented by hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics . It is also the industrial banking center of the United States .
Population and Demographics
At the 2020 census, the population of Salt Lake City proper was 199,723 . It is estimated to have grown to 215,548 residents as of 2025 . It is the most populous city in Utah. The Salt Lake City metropolitan area is home to an estimated 1.3 million people, while the larger urban corridor along the Wasatch Front, the Salt Lake City–Ogden–Provo combined statistical area, has a population of approximately 2.8 million .
City's "Visiting Card"
Salt Lake City is a place where urban sophistication meets unparalleled outdoor adventure, set against a dramatic backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains. Visitors come to explore the historic heart of the Mormon faith at Temple Square, to relive the spirit of the 2002 Winter Olympics, and to access some of the world's best skiing and hiking just minutes from downtown.
Geography
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
The city is defined by the Wasatch Range (or Wasatch Mountains), a subrange of the Rocky Mountains that rises steeply to the east, with peaks reaching up to approximately 11,500 feet (3,500 m) . These mountains are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring densely vegetated canyons like Emigration Canyon, Millcreek Canyon, and Parley's Canyon, which are known for receiving some of the largest snowfall amounts in the U.S. outside of the Cascades . To the west, the city is bordered by the Oquirrh Mountains, which rise to about 10,000 feet (3,050 m) .
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
The city's most famous water body is the namesake Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, located about 16 miles west of downtown . Its high salinity, ranging from 5 to 27 percent, makes it incredibly buoyant for floating . The Jordan River flows through the Salt Lake Valley, connecting Utah Lake to the south with the Great Salt Lake . The decay of algae in the lake's marshlands can occasionally cause a smell known as "lake stink," which under certain weather conditions drifts into the city .
National and State Parks
While not within the city limits, several state parks are nearby. Great Salt Lake State Park offers access to the lake for boating, kayaking, and hiking . The Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicles State Recreation Area provides motocross and ATV tracks within the city . Furthermore, the city serves as a gateway to Utah's "Mighty 5" national parks, including Arches, Canyonlands, and Zion, as well as the Timpanogos Cave National Monument in the nearby Wasatch Mountains .
Climate and weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Salt Lake City has a cold semi-arid climate (Köppen: BSk), with features of a continental climate. It is characterized by four distinct seasons, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters .
Average Temperatures by Month
The warmest month is July, with average daytime highs around 33°C (91°F) and lows near 17°C (63°F) . The coldest months are December and January, with average daytime highs around 1-2°C (34-36°F) and nighttime lows dropping to -8°C (18°F) .
Precipitation and Humidity
The city receives a moderate amount of precipitation, with a distinct wetter period in spring. The driest months are June through August, with average monthly rainfall around 18-29 mm . The wettest months are April and May, averaging around 55-70 mm of precipitation, which often falls as rain and high-elevation snow . Snow is common from November through March, with January seeing the most snowfall .
Sunshine and UV Index
Salt Lake City enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year. It boasts about 300 sunny days annually. Summer months are particularly sunny, with July and August seeing almost completely cloud-free skies and a maximum UV Index of 10 (Very High) , necessitating sun protection .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm from cool to mild. This is the wettest time of year, bringing lush greenery to the foothills. It's a good time for hiking at lower elevations before the summer heat .
- Summer (June-August): Hot and dry with abundant sunshine. This is ideal for hiking in the high mountains, attending outdoor concerts, and floating in the Great Salt Lake .
- Fall (September-November): Temperatures cool down to pleasant levels. September and October offer beautiful autumn colors in the canyons, perfect for scenic drives and hiking .
- Winter (December-February): Cold and snowy. This is prime time for world-class skiing and snowboarding in the nearby Wasatch Mountains, with resorts like Snowbird and Alta just a short drive from downtown .
Landmarks
Temple Square
The heart of Salt Lake City and its most visited attraction, Temple Square is a 10-acre complex owned by the LDS Church . It is home to the iconic Salt Lake Temple, which took 40 years to build (1853-1893) and is a symbol of the city . The square also includes the Salt Lake Tabernacle, home to the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir, as well as gardens, fountains, and visitor centers . The southeast corner of Temple Square serves as the origin point for the city's unique street grid system .
Utah State Capitol
Overlooking the city from a hill north of downtown, the Utah State Capitol is a grand neoclassical building completed in 1916 . Set among 500 cherry trees, it features colorful WPA murals inside its dome and offers free guided tours showcasing the state's history and government .
This Is The Place Monument
Located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, the This Is The Place Monument at This Is The Place Heritage Park commemorates the arrival of Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers on July 24, 1847 . The 60-foot high monument features bronze figures of Young and other leaders, with bas-reliefs depicting significant figures in Utah history, marking the spot where Young famously declared, "This is the right place" .
Gilgal Sculpture Garden
A truly unique and quirky attraction, the Gilgal Sculpture Garden is a hidden gem featuring 12 original sculptures and over 70 stones engraved with poetry and scriptures . Created by Thomas Battersby Child, Jr. over 18 years on his private property, this free public park offers an inspiring and unusual artistic experience .
Olympic Cauldron and Utah Olympic Park
As a legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Olympic Cauldron is located at the south end of Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah . About 25 miles east of the city, Utah Olympic Park offers visitors a chance to experience Olympic history, with activities like bobsledding, ziplining, and guided tours of the venue .
Transport
Main Airports
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the primary airport serving the region . It is a major hub located just about 6 miles west of downtown . Travelers can easily reach the city center by taxi (costing between $25 and $30), ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, or car rental .
Public Transport System
Public transportation is operated by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) . The system includes:
- TRAX Light Rail: A light rail system with multiple lines that reopened in 1999 and connects the city with the suburbs, the University of Utah, and the Sandy area .
- Buses: An extensive bus network complements the light rail .
- Free Fare Zone: In the downtown area, rides on both buses and TRAX are free, bounded by the State Capitol to the north, 200 East, 500 South, and the Salt Lake Central Station .
Major Highways
Salt Lake City is a true crossroads for interstate travel. Two major cross-country freeways intersect in the city: I-15, which runs north-south, and I-80, which runs east-west . The city is also encircled by I-215, a belt route, and traversed by the historic U.S. Route 89 .
Getting Around
The city's street grid system is highly navigable, with a standard compass layout . However, the blocks are notably large at 660 feet by 660 feet, some of the largest in the nation, which can make distances deceiving for walkers . For areas outside the downtown free fare zone, ride-sharing services are a popular and convenient option, especially for trips to the canyons or ski resorts . A car is generally necessary for accessing the region's many outdoor recreation areas .
Sport and Sporting Legends
Salt Lake City's identity is deeply intertwined with sports, from its world-class skiing to its passionate professional and college teams. The city's status as a two-time Winter Olympic host city solidifies its place on the global sporting map.
Famous Stadiums and Sports Arenas
Rice-Eccles Stadium: Located on the campus of the University of Utah, this stadium is the home of the Utah Utes football team. With a seating capacity of approximately 51,444, it was the primary venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics. The stadium underwent significant expansion and renovation for the Games, adding a striking glass-and-steel tower that has become a landmark on the city's eastern bench. It is set to host the opening ceremony for the 2034 Winter Olympics as well .
Delta Center: Situated in the heart of downtown, this arena is the home of the NBA's Utah Jazz and the NHL's Utah Hockey Club. Opened in 1991, it has a capacity of over 18,000 for basketball and hockey games. It is a major venue for concerts and events and was the site of the figure skating and short-track speed skating events during the 2002 Olympics .
Maverik Center: Located in the nearby suburb of West Valley City, this arena was the home of the now-defunct Utah Grizzlies hockey team and currently hosts concerts and events. It gained international fame as the main venue for ice hockey during the 2002 Winter Olympics .
Utah Olympic Oval: Located in Kearns, a suburb of Salt Lake City, this indoor speed skating oval was built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Its high-altitude location makes it one of the fastest ice surfaces in the world, where numerous world records have been set. It is now a public training and competition facility .
Utah Olympic Park: Situated in nearby Park City, this park features ski jumps, a bobsled/luge/skeleton track, and a freestyle aerials pool. Built for the 2002 Games, it remains a training site for Olympic athletes and is open to the public for tours and adventure activities like summer bobsledding .
Professional and Collegiate Sports Teams
Utah Jazz: The city's most prominent professional team, the Utah Jazz joined the NBA in 1974 (originally in New Orleans) and moved to Salt Lake City in 1979. They play at the Delta Center and are a perennial contender in the Western Conference. The team's most famous era was led by legends Karl Malone and John Stockton, who guided the team to two NBA Finals appearances in the late 1990s .
Utah Hockey Club: The NHL's newest expansion team, the Utah Hockey Club, relocated from Arizona and began play in the 2024-2025 season. They share the Delta Center with the Utah Jazz, marking a significant moment for professional hockey in the state .
Real Salt Lake: While the team plays its home games at America First Field in the nearby suburb of Sandy, Real Salt Lake is a cornerstone of the region's sports culture. The club joined Major League Soccer in 2005 and won the MLS Cup in 2009. They are known for their passionate fan base and their high-altitude home field, which provides a competitive advantage .
Utah Warriors: This professional rugby team competes in Major League Rugby (MLR) and plays its home games at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, another Salt Lake City suburb. They have helped establish the region as a growing hub for rugby in the United States.
Utah Utes: The teams of the University of Utah, known as the Utes, are a massive part of the local sports fabric. They compete in the Big 12 Conference (as of the 2024-2025 academic year) in NCAA Division I. The football and men's basketball programs are particularly popular, with a fierce in-state rivalry with the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars. The Utes' football team played in the BCS Sugar Bowl in 2009 and has consistently been a top program .
Salt Lake Bees: This minor league baseball team, an affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, plays its home games at Smith's Ballpark in the city's Liberty Wells neighborhood. The team has been a fixture in the community and a popular, family-friendly entertainment option since 1994.
Famous Athletes from Salt Lake City
Kristin Armstrong (born August 11, 1973): A former professional cyclist, Armstrong is one of the most decorated time trialists in history. She won the gold medal in the women's time trial at three consecutive Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio de Janeiro 2016). She was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, but has long resided in and is strongly associated with Salt Lake City and the state of Utah.
Cael Sanderson (born June 20, 1979): Arguably the greatest wrestler in American history, Sanderson was born and raised in Salt Lake City. He attended Wasatch High School before going on to Iowa State University, where he became the only wrestler to complete an undefeated 159-0 college career, winning four NCAA Division I national titles. He won a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He is now the head wrestling coach at Penn State University, where he has built a dominant dynasty.
Alan K. "Al" Wiggins Jr. (born February 12, 1979): A Salt Lake City native, Wiggins is a highly accomplished ski mountaineer and ultra-runner. He has won numerous national and world championship titles in ski mountaineering, a grueling sport that combines off-trail skiing with mountaineering ascents.
Ted Ligety (born August 31, 1984): While born in San Francisco, Ligety grew up in Park City, which is part of the greater Salt Lake City metropolitan area. He is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (giant slalom in 2006 and 2014) and is widely considered one of the greatest giant slalom skiers of all time.
Major Sporting Events
2002 Olympic Winter Games: The single most significant sporting event in the city's history, the 2002 Olympics put Salt Lake City on the world stage. The Games were widely considered a success, known for their strong volunteer spirit and excellent organization. The event left a lasting legacy of world-class sports facilities that continue to be used by athletes and the public today .
2034 Olympic Winter Games: In a historic move, Salt Lake City was named the host city for the 2034 Winter Olympics. This will make it one of the few cities to host the Winter Games twice. The bid was heavily supported by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the local community, citing the successful reuse of venues from 2002 .
NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Games: Rice-Eccles Stadium regularly hosts major college football games, including the rivalry game between the University of Utah and BYU, as well as the Pac-12 Championship game (until the conference's dissolution in 2024). The stadium's atmosphere is a major draw for sports fans.
Professional Skiing and Snowboarding Events: Resorts in the nearby canyons, such as Snowbird, Alta, and Park City, frequently host World Cup and X Games events in skiing and snowboarding, drawing the world's best athletes to the region.
Sporting Museums and Halls of Fame
Alf Engen Ski Museum: Located at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, this museum is dedicated to the history of skiing, with a special focus on the sport's development in Utah. It features extensive exhibits on skiing pioneers, equipment evolution, and the 2002 Olympics. It is named after Alf Engen, a legendary skier and instructor who helped develop many of Utah's ski areas.
George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater: While primarily a performing arts venue, the theater's main lobby features a significant public art installation and sometimes hosts exhibits related to Utah's cultural history, though it is not a sports museum.
Universities and Educational Institutions
Salt Lake City is home to the state's flagship university and a number of other institutions that shape its intellectual and economic life.
Major Research University
- University of Utah (The U): Founded in 1850, just three years after the Mormon pioneers arrived, the University of Utah is the state's oldest and flagship institution of higher education. Located on the east bench of the city, its sprawling campus is a hub of research and innovation.
- Key Specializations: The U is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity." It is particularly renowned for its medical research, including the development of the first artificial heart, the Jarvik-7, which was implanted in 1982. Its programs in computer science, law, business, and mining engineering are also highly ranked .
- Notable Alumni and Faculty: The university boasts an impressive list of alumni, including two Nobel laureates: Mario Capecchi (Physiology or Medicine, 2007), who is still a distinguished professor at the university, and Wallace Stegner (Literature alumnus). Other notable graduates include astronaut Don Lind, former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bob Bennett, and numerous Fortune 500 CEOs. John Warnock, co-founder of Adobe Systems, is also a graduate .
- Sports: The university's sports teams, the Utah Utes, are a central part of city life. They are moving to the Big 12 Conference in 2024 and have a passionate following. Rice-Eccles Stadium is a landmark on campus .
Private and Specialized Institutions
Westminster University: Located in the Sugar House neighborhood, Westminster is Utah's only private, comprehensive liberal arts university. Founded in 1875, it offers undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on small class sizes and personalized education. It is known for its programs in nursing, business, and education .
Salt Lake Community College (SLCC): SLCC is the largest public college in Utah, serving over 45,000 students across multiple campuses in the Salt Lake Valley. It offers associate degrees, certificate programs, and career and technical education, playing a vital role in the state's workforce development. Its main presence in the city is the South City Campus, which was formerly South High School .
LDS Business College: Affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this college offers two-year degrees and certificates in business and related fields. It is located in downtown Salt Lake City, close to Temple Square. It was founded in 1886 and provides a values-based education.
Historic and Architecturally Significant Campuses
The University of Utah's President's Circle: The original part of the U's campus features historic sandstone buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The area known as President's Circle, with the Park Building as its focal point, is a designated historic district and offers a classic collegiate atmosphere.
Westminster University's Converse Hall: One of the most iconic buildings in the city, Converse Hall at Westminster University is a stunning example of Collegiate Gothic architecture. Built in 1909, its tower and ivy-covered walls are a landmark in the Sugar House neighborhood.
A Famous Preparatory School
- Rowland Hall-St. Mark's School: Founded in 1867 by Episcopal Bishop Daniel Tuttle, this is the city's premier independent, coeducational college-preparatory school. It serves students from preschool through 12th grade and is known for its rigorous academic programs. It counts numerous Rhodes Scholars and prominent local leaders among its alumni .
Healthcare Institutions
Salt Lake City is the premier healthcare hub for a large, multi-state region, anchored by a world-class research university and a major non-profit health system.
University of Utah Health (U of U Health) : This is the flagship academic medical center for the entire Mountain West region. It is not a single building but a comprehensive system that includes:
- University Hospital: The main teaching hospital for the university, it is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report. It is a Level I Trauma Center and is renowned for its advanced care in cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, and high-risk obstetrics .
- Primary Children's Hospital: Located on the University of Utah campus, this is the region's leading children's hospital. It is consistently ranked as one of the best children's hospitals in the nation, providing specialized pediatric care for children from Utah and five surrounding states.
- Huntsman Cancer Institute: This world-famous cancer treatment and research center is located on the university campus. Founded by the billionaire philanthropist Jon Huntsman Sr., it is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a status that places it among the top cancer centers in the U.S. It is known for its innovative research, patient-centered care, and striking architectural design.
- Innovation and History: The University of Utah Health system is famous for being the site of the first permanent artificial heart transplant in 1982, a milestone in medical history .
Intermountain Medical Center: Located in the adjacent city of Murray, just south of Salt Lake City, this is the flagship hospital for Intermountain Health, one of the largest and most respected non-profit healthcare systems in the United States. It is a massive facility that serves as a tertiary referral center for the entire Intermountain West. It is particularly well-known for its heart, cancer, and women's and newborn services, as well as its pioneering work in electronic medical records and healthcare delivery optimization.
George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Located on the east side of Salt Lake City near the University of Utah, this VA hospital provides comprehensive healthcare to military veterans from Utah and parts of surrounding states. It is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Utah School of Medicine and offers specialized care, including a renowned spinal cord injury center. It is named after George E. Wahlen, a Utah native and Medal of Honor recipient.
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
While not traditionally known for a single "signature dish" like some other American cities, Salt Lake City's culinary identity is a fascinating blend of Mormon pioneer heritage, the diverse cultures brought by immigration, and a modern, innovative food scene driven by its young, outdoorsy population. The city's cuisine is defined by specific ingredients, historic dishes, and a thriving community of chefs.
The Most Famous Dish: Fry Sauce
You cannot talk about Utah food without mentioning fry sauce.
- Description: Fry sauce is a simple yet iconic condiment, a creamy blend of equal parts ketchup and mayonnaise. Some variations include additions like pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce for extra tang.
- History and Tradition: The origin of fry sauce is hotly contested, but many food historians trace its American popularity back to a Salt Lake City-area Arctic Circle franchise in the late 1940s. Don Carlos Edwards, the founder of Arctic Circle, is often credited with popularizing the sauce as a signature accompaniment for french fries and onion rings.
- Where and when it's eaten: It is ubiquitous in Utah. It's served in every fast-food restaurant, local diner, and even some upscale gastropubs as a dipping sauce for fries, tater tots, and onion rings. It's a staple of backyard barbecues and family gatherings.
A Significant Second Dish: Funeral Potatoes
This casserole is a true cultural touchstone for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other Utahns.
- Description: Funeral Potatoes is a hearty, comforting casserole made from shredded or cubed hash browns (frozen potatoes), cream of chicken or mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, and grated cheddar cheese. It's typically topped with a crunchy crust made from crushed cornflakes or buttered breadcrumbs and baked until hot and bubbly.
- What it's known for: As the name suggests, this dish is traditionally served after funerals or wakes as part of a meal provided for the grieving family by members of their congregation. Its simple, inexpensive ingredients and ability to feed a crowd made it a practical and beloved comfort food.
- Where and when it's eaten: While its name stems from its association with post-funeral gatherings, it's now a popular side dish for nearly any large family gathering, holiday potluck, or Sunday dinner throughout the state. It's the ultimate Utah comfort food.
A Unique Local Ingredient: Honey
Honey holds a special, almost symbolic, place in Salt Lake City and Utah's culinary history.
- What it is: The state of Utah's nickname is "The Beehive State." This symbol was chosen by the early Mormon pioneers. The beehive (or "Deseret," a word from the Book of Mormon meaning "honeybee") represented industry, thrift, and the cooperative work required to build a new society in the desert. The beehive is featured on the state flag, the state emblem, and is a common architectural motif throughout Salt Lake City.
- Why it's unique: While honey is produced everywhere, in Utah it's a cultural emblem. The pioneers valued honey not just as a sweetener, but as a symbol of their collective effort. This heritage is celebrated at places like Brigham Young's Beehive House, his former residence in downtown Salt Lake City, which features an actual beehive on its roof.
- How it's used: Local raw honey is prized by chefs and home cooks. It's used in baking, drizzled on fresh bread and scones, and incorporated into salad dressings and glazes for meats. You can find it at farmers' markets and specialty shops across the valley.
The City's Famous Dessert: Mormon Jell-O (Lime Jell-O with Carrots and Cottage Cheese)
For much of the 20th century, Jell-O held an almost mythical status in Utah, earning it a quirky place in the state's culinary lore.
- Description: In its most classic form, this "salad" (served as a dessert) consists of lime-flavored Jell-O into which shredded carrots and small-curd cottage cheese are suspended. Sometimes crushed pineapple or pecans are added for extra texture. It is chilled until firm.
- Cultural Context: In 2001, Salt Lake City was declared the "Jell-O Capital of the World" by the dessert's manufacturer, largely due to its per-capita consumption being the highest in the nation. This was often humorously linked to the city's large LDS population, as the treat was a staple at church potlucks and family gatherings. It embodies a nostalgic, mid-century American style of cooking that has persisted in the region.
- Where and when: While modern, artisanal food trends have taken over much of the city's culinary scene, this retro dish can still be found at some classic diners, local cafeterias, and traditional family gatherings.
Street Food and the Modern Scene: The Pastrami Burger
Salt Lake City has its own unique take on the classic American burger.
- Description: The pastrami burger is exactly what it sounds like: a hamburger patty topped with a generous heap of chopped or shredded pastrami. It's usually served with cheese, mustard, and pickles.
- Where to find it: This creation is most famously associated with the local fast-food chain Crown Burgers, which has several locations in the city. Another local chain, Apollo Burger, also offers its own version. The origins are murky, but it's believed to have been invented in a local Greek-owned diner as a way to combine two popular menu items. It's a messy, delicious, and uniquely Salt Lake City indulgence.