This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
More than two dozen Utah favorites were honored Wednesday night at The Salt Lake Tribune's Salt Awards for excellence in their products, services and the experiences they provide.
Readers cast thousands of votes for what they love to eat, do and see in Utah. The winners in the 20 Readers' Choice categories represent what their fans say are the best places to enjoy the arts, chow down on burgers, raise a local brew — whether in a brewery or a coffeehouse — explore with family or escape the desert heat.
Tribune staff included classics in the Editors' Picks, but focused on new players you might not have tried yet — standout restaurants and businesses that deserve to become your favorites, too.
"We're thrilled so many community members joined us to celebrate Utah excellence," said Tribune Editor Jennifer Napier-Pearce. "Through both popular vote and expert eyes, Salt Award winners have proven to be tops and we appreciate the fantastic services and experiences each provides to enrich the quality of life in the Beehive State. Congratulations to all the winners!"
Read more about the winners at tribsalt.com.
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Editors' Picks
Best theater concessions: Broadway Centre Cinemas, Salt Lake City
Best new cheap eats: Straw Market, Salt Lake City
Best new Italian restaurant: Sicilia Mia, Millcreek
Best new Park City restaurant: Tupelo, Park City
Best new Greek restaurant: Manoli's, Salt Lake City
Best new Indian restaurant: Everest Curry Kitchen, Sandy
Best new fine dining: HSL, Salt Lake City
Best new dining atmosphere: Stanza Italian Bistro & Wine Bar, Salt Lake City
Best new bookstore: Booked on 25th, Ogden
Best shopping district: 9th and 9th, 900 East and 900 South in Salt Lake City
Most picturesque public golf course: Wasatch Mountain Golf Course, Midway
Best hike with a dog: Bowman Fork in Mill Creek Canyon
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Readers' Choice winners
Best coffee: Beans & Brews, Publik, Salt Lake Roasting Co.
Best brunch: Penny Ann's Café, The Park Café, and Eggs in the City tied with Market Street Grill
Best burger: Lucky 13, Crown Burgers, Cotton Bottom Inn
Best sushi: Takashi, Tsunami, Ichiban
Best beer/sports bar: The Bayou, Beer Bar, The Garage
Best brewery: Squatters Pub Brewery, Red Rock Brewery, Epic Brewing
Best food truck: Cupbop Korean BBQ, Waffle Love, Chow Truck
Best Chinese restaurant: Mandarin, Charlie Chow's Dragon Grill, La-Cai Noodle House
Best Mexican restaurant: Red Iguana, Taqueria 27, Salsa Leedos
Best vegetarian/vegan: Oasis Cafe, Zest Kitchen & Bar, Sage's Cafe
Best locally made snack: RubySnap, Beehive Cheese Co., Hatch Family Chocolates
Best late-night bites: Alberto's, Porcupine Pub & Grille, The Bayou
Best ski resort: Snowbird, Brighton, Alta
Best family activity: Hogle Zoo, Lagoon,Discovery Gateway Children's Museum
Best pool/water park: Lagoon A Beach, Seven Peaks Resort, Crystal Hot Springs
Best music venue: Red Butte Garden, USANA Amphitheatre, The Depot
Best museum: Natural History Museum of Utah, The Leonardo, Clark Planetarium
Best festivals, fairs and parades: Utah Arts Festival, Utah Pride Festival, Sundance Film Festival
Best downtown nightlife: Brewvies Cinema Pub, Wiseguys Comedy Club, Whiskey Street
Best theater/performing arts: Ballet West, Hale Centre Theatre, Salt Lake Acting Company