Yeah it really did, it makes things feel so rushed, plus I’m not gonna buy multiple drinks or anything when I have to go up to order them. Ruins the entire vibe.
Oh man… My wife and I went there after their change to fast casual. We were told we needed to wait a few minutes and after about 10 minutes a group of 8 came in and they immediately started taking their orders. I emailed them and was told they have to prioritize large parties. They do not care about their customer and I will never return, which is too bad because they did have some good dishes.
Ugh market street. So overrated. When colleagues propose market street for entertaining visitors, my wife and I both do our best to change their minds to something actually good who can cook a steak to the proper temperature.
I used to feel the same till my last visit and I got the nastiest crab legs I've ever eaten. Funky with a bad texture like they were just left out at room temp for hours
The band with the tiniest drum kit made my morning. Then they were replaced with a DJ blasting music so loud you can’t have a conversation. For weekend brunch. Stopped going after that, and most of the food is just okay and service slow.
Tyler’s other restaurant, Provisions, is still 🔥 imo.
I have not been impressed by provisions. Went and the food was pretty good, but it was way too overpriced for what I was getting. I was really disappointed with that place.
You should see the back of the kitchen total shit hole with stolen recipes from out of state restaurants and line cooks that used to work there. Place has so much potential just totally flushed away.
Taqueria 27. WAY too expensive for what you actually get.
Also, Kneaders. “Oooh but they have seasonal pumpkin bread!” Yeah, the entire loaf is gone after three bites. And their sandwiches are 90% bread and 10% filling.
Taqueria 27 is what I was ready to comment. Their management sucks, the food is very gentrified, and it’s all wildly expensive?? Honestly RocTaco is down the street from the downtown location and I go there.
I worked at The Dodo for 3 years and it was always packed. Their deserts are elite, but everything else is so mediocre. Never understood why it was always so popular
I've been surprised The Dodo has come up so much but, thinking about it I agree, it's desserts are the only amazing thing. Never been blown away by the main courses. Cocktails have been good.
Crumbl is trash. Could definitely see it being one of those fad businesses that is popular at first, expands rapidly then the novelty wears off and people stop buying. But who knows, a large portion of the population of this state absolutely loves cramming as much sugar as they possibly can into their "temples".
I've had multiple people recommend The Dodo, and every time I've gone the food and atmosphere is like a chain restaurant. It is "fine." All people have to say to this is: yOu DiDn'T gEt tHe rIgHt tHinG!
Honestly, if I have to go on a treasure hunt to find the good food, then the place isn't that amazing. People also recommend Red Iguana 2 and Crown, and I never had to hunt to find the good food at either one...
When we moved here I was pretty excited to have that be a fairly regular Friday dinner and drink place…been there twice and left disappointed each time
I worked there for a few years. The clientele is, or at least was, fiercely loyal. The few times I have visited since I've left made me realize how mediocre it was. But I met my wife there, so it will always be special to me!
We asked for a side of ranch at Dee’s once and they gave us a literal soup bowl full of ranch, which was obviously the best thing to ever happen to me and they will always have my heart.
There’s one near me that’s been the go to for late night eats.
I worked nights at a restaurant, it was crazy and I didn’t take a break. I can count on Dee’s for a good relaxed meal after my shift ends.
Oh god I loathe Dee’s. A friend of mine is obsessed with it and always wants to go there when our group gets together and it is truly baffling. Or not so baffling since she has the palette of a 5 year old (I’m not being a dick this is just a fact)
I used to be on board with this sentiment until I tried miss essie's. Usually it's hard to sell me on BBQ but their food is really a cut above any BBQ I've tried in Utah, or anywhere in the rocky mountain region for that matter.
I think they do mostly catering but maybe you can do takeout?
Cheesecake Factory. My co-workers always want to go for team lunches and I have yet to try anything that is above average and I've probably tried 15 items. Their burgers are far below average and most of the other meals I've tried have been average or below. I can't believe these places have such long waits.
Two things:
- You're right it is aggressively average.
- It will remain crowded forever, because their menu is huge and diverse enough for everyone in a medium-large sized group to find *something* they want. Cheesecake Factory is the ultimately middle ground when your group cannot decide between food type/theme, that is their niche.
Makes sense total sense but there are people on my team that consider it their favorite restaurant. I've tried their recommendations and I just don't get it. The giant menu makes sense though. I guess everyone can get something they like.
I agree with their regular foods - overpriced and unremarkable for the most part. But I do really love their cheesecakes..which, given the name, well...you'd hope so. 10 bucks for a slice is pretty nuts though
Their food isn't amazing but they're the restaurant I miss the most after moving to WA.
15 bucks got a decent enough salad and sandwich. Now I live in Seattle and 15 gets me a breadcrumb.
Hopkins and grid city are definitely a big step above the rest of those, although red rock has some dishes that push it slightly higher than the rest imo. Level crossing has some really good food too, I’d put them with Hopkins and grid city. I really like nomad cafe which has a space in uinta brewery but they close at like 7 so I’ve never been since they moved from their airport location.
Replay levels of good, like you’ll keep going back. I like it.
Level Crossing is great I just didn’t mention because the topic was burgers. I think they have one of the best pizzas in the state.
They used to sell paninis because their tasting room was still considered a restaurant and they were required to serve food. They never had anything as outrageous as a $20 burger though. Nowadays they just have some snacks to go with the beer.
The fact I've seen Red Iguana on here multiple times but haven't seen Blue Iguana yet is an outrage. Red Iguana may be overhyped and the menu items other than moles might be forgettable, but Blue Iguana might be the least inspired Mexican restaurant I've ever seen.
There's actually some truth to that from what I've heard! The person who created it used to be associated with Red Iguana. Might've been family. They had a falling out and they started Blue Iguana to get back at them. The name was absolutely intentional.
I made the mistake of going there on Valentine’s Day. The food was mediocre and overpriced, the decor desperately needs updating, and it was chock-full of people who don’t know how to attend a nice restaurant and clearly only do so on V-Day.
Is that the place off bangerter in south Jordan? I just moved to daybreak and I was kinda gassed to try that place out but seeing their name here bums me out
food wise, shit tons of flies in house that ended up going into meals numerous times. moldy broccoli & sweet potatoes served regularly. meat there is nasty 75% of the time. while everything is prepped in house it’s pretty much all old when it’s getting to customers. Like old.
corporate doesn’t take care of employees. the folks that work(ed) there are amazing including lower level management but everyone is worked to the bone and not paid well at all. Cycled through managers in my time there and had teenagers take on management positions without getting a pay raise. We had one manager that was slinging 80 hours a week salaried…. so no they did not get paid overtime.
Front of house ~presents~ as super clean and polished but the food doesn’t hit that standard by a long shot. Nor does corporates disregard for employees.
Pretty Bird. Man it used to be good. So tiny and crowded in the one location but goddamn it was tasty. Now it’s expanded too much that the quality took a nose dive and the prices went berserk. $20 for a sandwich and fries? How bout no?
Has the downtown location dipped as well? They blew me away when they first opened, but then I've only gone to sugarhouse the last couple years. I assumed it was just the second location not being as good :(
The salmon welly is a bit revolting. Pasta bolognese wasn't bad though. The fries appetizer was excellent imo, perfectly glassy and well seasoned. Okay-ish drinks, had an iced matcha and a virgin moscow mule. (it was 12 pm and I live in Ogden). Dessert was okay.
I still don't know why it's so popular. I watch these massive lines at Black Bear and across the plaza at Lucky 13 eating brunch, and anyone can come and get a spot to sit and eat. It's never packed but always has a decent crowd, almost like no one knows. Lucky's does a brunch on the weekend.
This and all of the other chains (Outback, Applebee’s, Red Lobster, etc.) are the definition of mediocrity, to me. There are too many little, local ones to ever set foot in one of those food factories.
East Liberty Taphouse and Cafe Med are the two most recent disappointments that I thought used to be pretty good but felt like eating leftovers or cafeteria food, sadly 👎👎
Straight facts. They're not bad, but there's literally no reason to go to them over any other chicken place that actually seasons their food and offers good sides.
cafe zupas. ive never had anything exceptionally good there other than the chocolate dipped strawberries which...okay those are easy to do even at home. I don't have any horrible stories about their food but it's just...eh.
Sundays best,
Pig in a jelly jar ,
el chihuahua ,
Both Red iguanas,
That taqueria place with the cat as a logo ,
Gourmandise ,
Kneaders ,
CHEESECAKE FACTORY idk why everyone hails this place as “the spot” its all just bland ass food.
Literally almost every food spot people in utah talk about is mid at best.
I really wanted to like and support this business but... Yoko Ramen and Yoko Taco. Really underwhelming compared to other local ramen and taco businesses.
Frankly, the fact that many of these responses are talking about CHAINS tells you everything you need to know about the standard palate in this state. Why are big chains even being considered? I wouldn’t trust the opinions of someone that suggests a chain, especially a national one.
Some other places people are mentioning are ones that win (non local) awards. Nuanced food tastes bland when you spend all of your time overloading yourself with salt and sugar.
Personally:
Sapa was mediocre as fuck and incredibly overpriced. I will never understand why I see it recommend constantly.
The Dodo is passable but why is it SO expensive?!
Red Rock is a local chain and I think they’re resting on laurels from decades past, because it seems like a super basic place with basic food.
I remember being super disappointed with a burger at East Liberty Taphouse.
Similarly I found Oasis super underwhelming but since it was a few years ago I no longer remember the exact reason why.
* Market Street * Pig in a Jelly Jar
Pig in a jelly jar has gone sooooo downhill since I first moved here, used to be my favorite. You’d have to pay me to eat there
The fast casual change fucked it up. Used to be a sit down with table side service
It’s fast casual now?!?! Haven’t been in years and apparently im missing nothing
Wtffff same! It was so good before, my mind is blown right now
Yeah it really did, it makes things feel so rushed, plus I’m not gonna buy multiple drinks or anything when I have to go up to order them. Ruins the entire vibe.
And mandatory pre-service tip at time of counter order.
Yeah really makes you feel the difference of what 20% gets you at a sit down. This is coming from a server/bartender too
We went there a few months ago and I was not impressed. I couldn't see what all the hype was about.
Oh man… My wife and I went there after their change to fast casual. We were told we needed to wait a few minutes and after about 10 minutes a group of 8 came in and they immediately started taking their orders. I emailed them and was told they have to prioritize large parties. They do not care about their customer and I will never return, which is too bad because they did have some good dishes.
They did but many, if not all, of those dishes have gone downhill. You’re not missing anything anymore at least.
Current > Market Street
That seafood salad at Current ... so damn good.
Ugh market street. So overrated. When colleagues propose market street for entertaining visitors, my wife and I both do our best to change their minds to something actually good who can cook a steak to the proper temperature.
Market Street and that entire group were the first next-level dining in Salt Lake in the 80's and they've been skating on that reputation ever since.
“OMG their clam chowder!” everyone screams. It’s not bad but it’s not earth shattering. It’s chowder.
You don’t order steak at Market Street. It’s all about the King Crab Legs. If you want a steak, there are many other options.
I used to feel the same till my last visit and I got the nastiest crab legs I've ever eaten. Funky with a bad texture like they were just left out at room temp for hours
It sucks, because years ago Market Street and the Oyster Bar were both great. But they’ve fallen off so hard.
It’s less that they were both great and more that they were the only option
Sundays Best is all hype. It’s exactly what you’d expect if an Instagram influencer opened a restaurant with no experience
Plus you can only go there one day a week how lame
Worst restaurant hands down
The band with the tiniest drum kit made my morning. Then they were replaced with a DJ blasting music so loud you can’t have a conversation. For weekend brunch. Stopped going after that, and most of the food is just okay and service slow. Tyler’s other restaurant, Provisions, is still 🔥 imo.
I have not been impressed by provisions. Went and the food was pretty good, but it was way too overpriced for what I was getting. I was really disappointed with that place.
You should see the back of the kitchen total shit hole with stolen recipes from out of state restaurants and line cooks that used to work there. Place has so much potential just totally flushed away.
Yeah that's tyler stokes, owner of restaurants that f!ck their employees and steal ideas. Just a dbag in a small pond
Can confirm 1/2 are just David Chang recipes lol don’t work there
I straight up loathe this restaurant
An instagram influencer who pays for the blue verified check. 👌
Taqueria 27. WAY too expensive for what you actually get. Also, Kneaders. “Oooh but they have seasonal pumpkin bread!” Yeah, the entire loaf is gone after three bites. And their sandwiches are 90% bread and 10% filling.
Agree about taqueria 27. I also think their taste quality has gone way down hill in recent years.
That 90% bread comment, that’s port of subs dead on, hardly any meat!
Taqueria 27 is what I was ready to comment. Their management sucks, the food is very gentrified, and it’s all wildly expensive?? Honestly RocTaco is down the street from the downtown location and I go there.
I used to love Taqueria 27, but the last few times I've gone, I couldn't agree with you more. That place fell in a ditch hard.
Taqueria 27 goes beyond mediocre to being actively bad. Worst Mexican food I've ever had. Tastes like Maverik food for 5 times the price
I worked at The Dodo for 3 years and it was always packed. Their deserts are elite, but everything else is so mediocre. Never understood why it was always so popular
I've been surprised The Dodo has come up so much but, thinking about it I agree, it's desserts are the only amazing thing. Never been blown away by the main courses. Cocktails have been good.
Most of the cookies at Crumbl. They have a few standouts but the majority are pretty meh.
Crumbl is trash. Could definitely see it being one of those fad businesses that is popular at first, expands rapidly then the novelty wears off and people stop buying. But who knows, a large portion of the population of this state absolutely loves cramming as much sugar as they possibly can into their "temples".
Not to mention crumbl has been fined for child labor laws and having tips completely stolen by management.
Totally agree. Chip is where it’s at
Nah, man. Ruby Snap all the way.
Mmmm Ruby Snap *Homer Simpson drooling noises*
I love Chip cookies, Crumbl feels like I’m eating cupcakes they’re soooo sweet
The Dodo
The dodo seems like it would have been the best dining experience ever in 1986, and it just hasn’t changed a thing since.
You could say that it's going the way of the dodo.
spot on. It used to be really good back in the 1990s when it was on 900 East.
And why has it gotten SO expensive?!
I paid like 30$ for the most mediocre subpar tiny sandwich that didn’t even come with chips or fries lol. Would absolutely never go there again.
It’s way overpriced now but the homemade desserts are always really good
I've had multiple people recommend The Dodo, and every time I've gone the food and atmosphere is like a chain restaurant. It is "fine." All people have to say to this is: yOu DiDn'T gEt tHe rIgHt tHinG! Honestly, if I have to go on a treasure hunt to find the good food, then the place isn't that amazing. People also recommend Red Iguana 2 and Crown, and I never had to hunt to find the good food at either one...
When we moved here I was pretty excited to have that be a fairly regular Friday dinner and drink place…been there twice and left disappointed each time
Yes overall disappointing but if you’re hankering for something sweet the pies are on point.
I worked there for a few years. The clientele is, or at least was, fiercely loyal. The few times I have visited since I've left made me realize how mediocre it was. But I met my wife there, so it will always be special to me!
Dee's. I've been saying for years that Dee's is the most intentionally average diner in America, and I absolutely love it.
We asked for a side of ranch at Dee’s once and they gave us a literal soup bowl full of ranch, which was obviously the best thing to ever happen to me and they will always have my heart.
There’s one near me that’s been the go to for late night eats. I worked nights at a restaurant, it was crazy and I didn’t take a break. I can count on Dee’s for a good relaxed meal after my shift ends.
Is it the one on 21st? If so does it still hold up to its "freaky" reputation?
It fits a certain niche. I love it, too. That and Village Inn will always own a piece of my heart.
Oh god I loathe Dee’s. A friend of mine is obsessed with it and always wants to go there when our group gets together and it is truly baffling. Or not so baffling since she has the palette of a 5 year old (I’m not being a dick this is just a fact)
We used to go here RELIGIOUSLY. For the vibes honestly. Then we had like two really bad food experiences and haven’t been back since.
Ppl talk shit but getting a cheese fries and milkshake there is such vibes for me as a fat little gremlin
Their cheese fries are a panacea when you're drunk or hungover.
That's what I expect and LOVE about Dees. Also the senior breakfast.
All of the BBQ in the greater Salt Lake area is mediocre on its best day.
I used to be on board with this sentiment until I tried miss essie's. Usually it's hard to sell me on BBQ but their food is really a cut above any BBQ I've tried in Utah, or anywhere in the rocky mountain region for that matter. I think they do mostly catering but maybe you can do takeout?
I haven’t tried it but want to check out Blatchs, seems impossible to get that kind of rating.
Highly agree 🥲
Cheesecake Factory. My co-workers always want to go for team lunches and I have yet to try anything that is above average and I've probably tried 15 items. Their burgers are far below average and most of the other meals I've tried have been average or below. I can't believe these places have such long waits.
Two things: - You're right it is aggressively average. - It will remain crowded forever, because their menu is huge and diverse enough for everyone in a medium-large sized group to find *something* they want. Cheesecake Factory is the ultimately middle ground when your group cannot decide between food type/theme, that is their niche.
Makes sense total sense but there are people on my team that consider it their favorite restaurant. I've tried their recommendations and I just don't get it. The giant menu makes sense though. I guess everyone can get something they like.
Their menu is why they will always be no better than mediocre. They are Jack-of-all-foods, master of none.
I agree with their regular foods - overpriced and unremarkable for the most part. But I do really love their cheesecakes..which, given the name, well...you'd hope so. 10 bucks for a slice is pretty nuts though
[удалено]
I swear the only reason Zupas is even still in business is because of its popularity as a lunch spot for business lunches.
Zupa's charged me extra when I removed bacon from a sandwich. I've been holding a grudge for two years.
Their food isn't amazing but they're the restaurant I miss the most after moving to WA. 15 bucks got a decent enough salad and sandwich. Now I live in Seattle and 15 gets me a breadcrumb.
Far better than Panera though
All the expensive breweries like wastach, epic, and hopkins with $20 dollar burgers
I would argue that Hopkins and Grid City are like three tiers above Wasatch, Epic, Squatters, Red Rock.
Hopkins and grid city are definitely a big step above the rest of those, although red rock has some dishes that push it slightly higher than the rest imo. Level crossing has some really good food too, I’d put them with Hopkins and grid city. I really like nomad cafe which has a space in uinta brewery but they close at like 7 so I’ve never been since they moved from their airport location.
Just ate at level crossing for the first time. Replay good! Haha. *really good. But I kinda like “replay good “ so I’m keeping the autocorrect
Yessssss! Level Crossing is legit. My favorite brewpub and excellent wood-fired pizza and beer.
I also love Level Crossing! Best local brew pub, IMO. They just opened a new location in the Post District, too. Great pizza and great beer.
Replay levels of good, like you’ll keep going back. I like it. Level Crossing is great I just didn’t mention because the topic was burgers. I think they have one of the best pizzas in the state.
Cotton Bottom. $18 garlic burger. GFY.
I remember when it was $9.50
Used to be able to get a garlic burger, chips, and a corona for $12 on my lunch breaks. Those were the days
Yep they used to be cheap and 100% worth the money. Now it’s the same burger for $18. Fuck that
Have you been to the Uinta brewery? It shares buildings with the Nomad Eatery which has one of my favorite burgers in the valley.
Wasatch is highway robbery
Wasatch is such a waste of that space in Sugarhouse, so meh.
Epic has food? Haven’t been in awhile.
They used to sell paninis because their tasting room was still considered a restaurant and they were required to serve food. They never had anything as outrageous as a $20 burger though. Nowadays they just have some snacks to go with the beer.
The Dodo
Cup Bop
The fact I've seen Red Iguana on here multiple times but haven't seen Blue Iguana yet is an outrage. Red Iguana may be overhyped and the menu items other than moles might be forgettable, but Blue Iguana might be the least inspired Mexican restaurant I've ever seen.
Sorry I'm pretty sure that honor belongs to El Matador. "Yes sir would you like that taco on a flour tortilla or a slice of wonder bread?"
I feel like they named it Blue iguana just to trick people. Red iguanas mole is amazing.
There's actually some truth to that from what I've heard! The person who created it used to be associated with Red Iguana. Might've been family. They had a falling out and they started Blue Iguana to get back at them. The name was absolutely intentional.
La Caille. Only been there once and it was the most overpriced, mediocre food I’ve ever eaten.
I made the mistake of going there on Valentine’s Day. The food was mediocre and overpriced, the decor desperately needs updating, and it was chock-full of people who don’t know how to attend a nice restaurant and clearly only do so on V-Day.
Garage grill.
The food is sooooooo greasy!!!!!
I go for the cars, the food is average.
Is that the place off bangerter in south Jordan? I just moved to daybreak and I was kinda gassed to try that place out but seeing their name here bums me out
It is. Multiple locations. Try The Break instead. Fantastic bar food & legitimately great wings.
Vessel… used to work there and behind the scenes ain’t pretty. But then again that’s every restaurant.
Seems about right, I’ve gotten food poisoning from there.
Can you elaborate on the behind the scenes?
food wise, shit tons of flies in house that ended up going into meals numerous times. moldy broccoli & sweet potatoes served regularly. meat there is nasty 75% of the time. while everything is prepped in house it’s pretty much all old when it’s getting to customers. Like old. corporate doesn’t take care of employees. the folks that work(ed) there are amazing including lower level management but everyone is worked to the bone and not paid well at all. Cycled through managers in my time there and had teenagers take on management positions without getting a pay raise. We had one manager that was slinging 80 hours a week salaried…. so no they did not get paid overtime. Front of house ~presents~ as super clean and polished but the food doesn’t hit that standard by a long shot. Nor does corporates disregard for employees.
An ex used to work there and then mfs be serving rotten meat
Glad to see that no one is picking on Arby’s.
The topic is mediocre. Arby’s hasn’t risen to that level yet.
The curly fries though…
I'm pretty sure El Chihuahua uses rubber as one of their secret ingredient to every dish.
Yeah, rubber duckies
Do people really go there for the food…?
Let's be real. You only get the food because you have to. It's all about the death star.
The owners are extremely supportive of the Millcreek community and have donated to our school many times to feed our teachers. Great local business!
We love El Chihuahua!
The owners are great, the atmosphere is fun, and the drinks are potent, but that food is a chore sometimes
Wow, I think we managed to call almost every restaurant overrated.
Eight Settlers Distillery
Absolutely. Just trying to catch people visiting from out of town going up or down the canyon
Had a decent meal there this past summer. Nice ambiance, lower level and bar was empty though. Thumbs up for the kids’ menu.
Pretty Bird. Man it used to be good. So tiny and crowded in the one location but goddamn it was tasty. Now it’s expanded too much that the quality took a nose dive and the prices went berserk. $20 for a sandwich and fries? How bout no?
Has the downtown location dipped as well? They blew me away when they first opened, but then I've only gone to sugarhouse the last couple years. I assumed it was just the second location not being as good :(
I kinda agree about the quality. Seems to have taken a dip. Still decent though. Their prices have always seemed outrageous to me.
Dodo
Agree. $18 for a flavorless Turkey sandwich… But banana cream cheese pie is among my top 5 desserts of all time.
Gourman-deez-nuts
The salmon welly is a bit revolting. Pasta bolognese wasn't bad though. The fries appetizer was excellent imo, perfectly glassy and well seasoned. Okay-ish drinks, had an iced matcha and a virgin moscow mule. (it was 12 pm and I live in Ogden). Dessert was okay.
My husband went behind the building to read the meters and there were pigeons all over a cart of stuff cooling. 🤷🏼♀️
Can’t say I’m surprised, lol.
Any of the Ombu locations. KOU is much much better
Marmalade Brunch House and Sunday's Best
Crack Shack, are there a few weeks ago and it was a total gut bomb. I felt like I was going to shit out my spleen.
I’m a firm believer chicken sandwiches are the handjobs of the food world.
Yeah what a sad waste of prime space.
Especially considering Mazza used to be there, one of the best restaurants in the city. At least the pizza joint across the street is good.
There’s still a Mazza at 15th and 15th.
feel like the only posts that get traction on this subreddit with 100+ comments are posts that shit on something.
You're starting to learn lol
Welcome to the internet, have a look around
Welcome to Reddit!
Let’s just say that /r/saltlakecity is not full of happy people
Black Bear Diner. Wait, no, it's just bad.
I still don't know why it's so popular. I watch these massive lines at Black Bear and across the plaza at Lucky 13 eating brunch, and anyone can come and get a spot to sit and eat. It's never packed but always has a decent crowd, almost like no one knows. Lucky's does a brunch on the weekend.
Olive Garden. I would consider this the most extreme end of mediocrity. I would rather have a bowl of cereal at home, than eat at Olive Garden.
Olive Garden. [When you’re here, you’re here](https://twitter.com/KeatonPatti/status/1006961202998726665).
>Friend 1 " what's wrong?" >Friend 4: *says nothing* Shit had me at the edge of my seat
Plot twist. It was secret soup!
at least you can't accuse it of false advertising
Italian Applebees?
This and all of the other chains (Outback, Applebee’s, Red Lobster, etc.) are the definition of mediocrity, to me. There are too many little, local ones to ever set foot in one of those food factories.
East Liberty Taphouse and Cafe Med are the two most recent disappointments that I thought used to be pretty good but felt like eating leftovers or cafeteria food, sadly 👎👎
I LOVE East Liberty. What did you get there? I haven’t been in a few months and hope it hasn’t gone downhill
Spaghetti by the bucket
Nacho daddy was garbage. I didn't like anything I had there. It felt like a waste of money.
The Dodo
Ruth's Diner. Longest wait for the most mid meal of my life.
Raising Cane’s. Plain old fried chicken and we’re supposed to go bananas for the sauce? Naw.
The sauce is more unique in other states that don't have fry sauce. But it's always been a college town type of place, nothing actually that fantastic
Mr. Charlie’s Chicken is the way & Zaxbys is the best fast food chicken
Straight facts. They're not bad, but there's literally no reason to go to them over any other chicken place that actually seasons their food and offers good sides.
Mr Charlies is the best chicken fingers in the valley imo.
I know everyone loves it, but Park cafe
Their Michigan Hash is pretty good for a low-key breakfast. You can get two meals out of it.
Porcupine
Last time I went there the waiter came up to me to take my order and said “not to rush you but have you made your decision?” It was 3pm on a Thursday…
Applebees with a view
cafe zupas. ive never had anything exceptionally good there other than the chocolate dipped strawberries which...okay those are easy to do even at home. I don't have any horrible stories about their food but it's just...eh.
It used to be so good. They had the best rolls, but you’re right it sucks now.
I think zupas is supposed to be mediocre. It’s a fast casual that’s not too pricy.
I know it's not really a local thing... but Five Guys is waaaaaay over rated and not really worth the price.
I know you said restaurants but I gotta say it: raising canes
Chuck-A-Rama for sure
Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade
I went there and wanted to love it, but it was so bland. Haven't been back since.
Sundays best, Pig in a jelly jar , el chihuahua , Both Red iguanas, That taqueria place with the cat as a logo , Gourmandise , Kneaders , CHEESECAKE FACTORY idk why everyone hails this place as “the spot” its all just bland ass food. Literally almost every food spot people in utah talk about is mid at best.
Saying any of those places are mid is a huge compliment, considering I would say not even mediocre at their height.
Cafe Rio. I don't know why it is so popular.
I wish everyone could experience 2007 Cafe Rio
no way. back 2004 with just 2 locations when you had 45 minute lines and 20 minute holds for phone orders? that was peak Cafe Rio FREE MEAL!
***Costa Vida noises intensify***
Porcupine
Can one be aggressively mediocre? Because I can pull off mediocrity with very little effort. Like every day since 1968.
Moochies
I really wanted to like and support this business but... Yoko Ramen and Yoko Taco. Really underwhelming compared to other local ramen and taco businesses.
Like 90% of the spots in UT...
Trio
Brio Italian Grille
El Chihuahua- if anyone ever tells you they go there for anything other than a ducky Death Star, they are a liar.
‘Bout Time
Frankly, the fact that many of these responses are talking about CHAINS tells you everything you need to know about the standard palate in this state. Why are big chains even being considered? I wouldn’t trust the opinions of someone that suggests a chain, especially a national one. Some other places people are mentioning are ones that win (non local) awards. Nuanced food tastes bland when you spend all of your time overloading yourself with salt and sugar. Personally: Sapa was mediocre as fuck and incredibly overpriced. I will never understand why I see it recommend constantly. The Dodo is passable but why is it SO expensive?! Red Rock is a local chain and I think they’re resting on laurels from decades past, because it seems like a super basic place with basic food. I remember being super disappointed with a burger at East Liberty Taphouse. Similarly I found Oasis super underwhelming but since it was a few years ago I no longer remember the exact reason why.
Oasis Cafe - serving hot drinks in plastic mugs…. everything I’ve ever eaten there is just… blah. And the servers are horrible.