Let me be real with you, Salt Lake. I am a homebody, an introvert. I say I like trying new things, but I’m lying. And if you’re anything like me, you might be missing out on all of the unique businesses that are right in the heart of Sugar House.
If you want to spend a great day in Sugar House, this is how I would do it. If I were my ideal version of myself, I’d get up early and exercise. If I were that version of myself, I would probably wind up at the Bar Method or at Yoga 6. Both of these businesses offer classes for all ability levels, and they want you to build community with other students and their highly skilled instructors.
But exercise isn’t the only way to take care of yourself — get a fresh haircut at sport clips! Feeling good with a new look can make it easier to go out and face the world. So you get your exercise in, maybe a little haircut, now what? I gotta say, I love shopping in Sugar House. There’s so many fun boutiques and, by the way, so much parking??
People tell me all the time they don’t come to Sugar House because it’s hard to park, and I think, “have you tried parking downtown lately?” All of these businesses are 10 minutes or less on foot from Monument Plaza — also about that far from the S-Line, if you’re a fan of public transit like I am.
Now I’m like a C+ student when it comes to “being the change I want to see in the world”. But there are retailers here that are doing really great stuff to make the world better. Athleta is a brand that was founded by women, for women, and Patagonia is always doing outreach on local environmental issues.
Of course, if you’re a person of culture and looking for something a tad more refined, check out Sugar House staple, Raunch Records & Skate Shop. There’s also a brand new vintage store, Unhinged, open now on Monument Plaza!
Now after all that exercise and shopping, I’m sure you will work up an appetite. Oh, and wouldn’t you know it? There’s great restaurants all over the place — and I feel like they taste better when you’re not paying for delivery. These are restaurants that you’ll want to go to in-person! Not only is the food great, but they all have their own vibe; and it’s just nice to be there. You can go to Kimi’s for something a little more upscale, and Somi is sleek, modern, and always fresh. If you’re feeling more low-key, try out Mochinut for some great Japanese and Korean comfort foods.
Now, you might be tempted to call it a day, then go home and scroll for a few hours — but you haven’t even been to any of the bars! You’ve got to start with Fiddler’s Elbow and see all the renovations. And if after a few drinks you’re still not ready to take an uber home, why not make it a little bit of a pub crawl? Sugar House is the perfect place with four bars – so close together you couldn’t even call it a crawl. It’s more like a pub-sprint. Hopkins and Wasatch are brew pubs that have been mainstays of the Sugar House bar scene for years.
If you want to feel like part of the community, then you’ve got to make your way to these local breweries and try out their craft beers. On the “flip” side, Quarters and Locker Room are two new additions to the neighborhood. Quarters is the second location of the popular downtown arcade bar, and Locker Room is a brand new gay sports bar.
Now if that doesn’t tap your social battery for a month? You must have a stronger constitution than I do. Maybe break it up into a couple days if you have to, since you’re always welcome in the neighborhood.
By Anthony Giorgio