Bike-friendly Patio Eateries
By Jenny Willden
Think jerseys and helmet hair are too casual for Salt Lake’s best patio dining? Think again! Reward your spandex-clad self after a tough ride with a tasty meal at these cycle-friendly restaurants. All are located on or near popular road biking paths, have outdoor racks for securing your bike, and offer discounts to guests arriving on two wheels.
Red Rock Brewing Company
Here it’s easy for groups to ride and dine, thanks to large bike racks located outside the restaurant. Their street-front patio is ideal for people watching, and the diverse menu includes salads, pizzas, burgers, pasta, and more. Visit for Sunday Brunch and enjoy a Mimosa or Bloody Mary for $2 after noon. For lunch or dinner, try the hearty Wild Mushroom Polenta or the Halibut Fish and Chips (fried in Red Rock beer batter).
Wash down whatever you choose with one of Red Rock’s signature brews. Prefer not to imbibe? Try the homemade root beer or cream soda made from pure cane sugar. It’s happiness in a glass. Plus, Red Rock participates in Bicycle Benefits, a discount program that rewards cyclists at local businesses. Get more information at bicyclebenefits.org or sign up at Red Rock, and you’ll get a 10% discount each time you visit by bike.
254 South 200 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801-521-7446, redrockbrewing.com
Sage’s Cafe
For vegetarian cyclists, dining at Sage’s Cafe is a treat after a long ride. Just park your bike on the rack they share with Dick and Dixie’s, then enjoy a meal made from 100% plant-based ingredients on their tree-shaded patio. Local and organic products are used whenever possible, and there’s not a microwave or fryer in sight. Brunch is served on weekends and special discount nights are offered throught the week. Stop in Tuesdays from 5:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. and get all-you-can-eat organic pizza and salad for just $12.75. Show your Bicycle Benefits member sticker for 10% off your bill.
473 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
801-322-3790, sagescafe.com
Niche
The close proximity to City Creek Canyon, convenient bike racks, and a shaded patio are reason enough for cyclists to love Niche. But the locally-sourced, tasty food is what keeps people coming back. Vegetarian restaurants aside, you never see such a large selection of vegetables on a menu. With unique choices like Honey & Lavender Carrots, Baked Sweet Potatoes with Chimichurri, Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese, and Shaved Brussels Sprouts, choosing just one is tough. So pick a few and share between friends as an appetizer. There are plenty of carnivorous choices too, Blackened Fish Tacos, BBQ Pork, and Lamb Tenderloin—to name a few. Bicycle Benefits members get 10% off for cycling there and flashing a member sticker.
779 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
801-433-3380, caffeniche.com
Blue Star Fresh Juice and Coffee Cafe
Conveniently located near Canyon Rim Park at one end of the paved Parleys Creek trail, is this perfect pit stop for mid- or post-ride rejuvenation. Wasatch Bike Support shares a roof with the café and is staffed with knowledgeable technicians who can fix your fixie, and the patio is a sunny spot for lounging or stowing your bike. When it comes to food, their Breakfast Baninis (Bagel Paninis) are tops. Served hot on local Rich’s Bagels with toppings like egg, vegetarian sausage, ham, cheese, and more, they fill you up and provide sustained energy for the ride home.
As their name suggests, Blue Star is also home to fresh juices like the Cobra—a blend of apple, carrot, beet, and ginger. During the summer, refresh with their seasonal combo of watermelon and lime juices. Love Tour de France? Enjoy it on Blue Star’s big screen TVs with a cup of their popular in-house roasted coffee. They’ll be showing the Summer Olympics too! Get a free mug fill up on weekends and 10% off on weekdays if you’re a Bicycle Benefits member.
2795 South 2300 East
Canyon Rim, UT 84109
801-466-4280, the-bluestar.com
Ruth’s Diner
Emigration Canyon is a favorite ride for local cyclists, and the scenic views and moderate climb makes it great for building endurance. On your way up or down the canyon, stop for a bite at historic Ruth’s Diner. First opened in 1930, this converted trolley car features a spacious creek-side patio and homestyle food in abundant portions. Bike racks are available, and you can even borrow a bike lock if you forget yours!
Catch live music on the patio on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, or during Sunday brunch all summer long. Ruth’s famous breakfast is worth the ride, and menu favorites like the Mile High Biscuits and Country Gravy or hearty three egg omelettes make it easy to see why. Vegan options are also available. Every breakfast is served with a giant biscuit with fresh raspberry preserves and butter, so ride hard then indulge without guilt.
4160 Emigration Canyon Road
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
801-582-5807, ruthsdiner.com
