The 10 Best Restaurants In Draper Utah

Located just 20 miles south of Utah‘s downtown Salt Lake City, Draper is a pleasant and family-friendly suburb. There is a strong community of locally-owned restaurants making a name for themselves in the small town. We look at the ten best restaurants in Draper that are giving residents access to great food, without having to leave the suburbs.

1. Penny Ann’s Cafe

Cafe, Diner, American, Coffee, Vegetarian

Serving time is adjacent to the Utah State Prison

Penny Ann’s Cafe is family-run cafe that has garnered attention and awards from across the valley. Open for breakfast and lunch, menu items are made fresh and in-house, with a decidedly home made feel. A house favorite is the, ‘Heavenly Hot Cakes,’ described as a light and airy sour cream pancake. The rest of the menu is full of classic diner dishes that are anything but the expected greasy spoon type.

2. Serving Time Cafe

Cafe, American, Coffee

Serving Time is a product of the Utah Correctional Industries, and is located right next to the Utah State Prison. The cafe provides an opportunity for female inmates who have earned working privileges to develop skills while incarcerated. The staff is friendly and professional, offering customers a comfortable experience with great food. Serving Time’s menu has options that include American classics for breakfast and lunch. Don’t let the hard-knock association of this place drive you away, it is worth the time to stop by.

3. The Ridge Market & Cafe

Cafe, Market, American, Italian, Coffee

Draper is a swiftly growing suburb with plenty of big-box grocers. The Ridge Market & Cafe fills a niche with local and artisan products, and a cafe of fresh, house-made foods. Customers can shop for local cheeses, dairy products, and produce, then head to the cafe for a bite to eat. At the heart of the cafe, a large wood-fired oven features prominently to create authentic Italian pizzas with an array of classic and signature toppings. The Ridge Market & Cafe is quickly becoming a neighborhood hang-out with excellent food and a friendly vibe.

5. Pirate O’s

Cafe, Deli, Market, Grocery Store, American, Vegetarian

Pirate O’s has been in business for nearly 20 years, and is housed in a rustic, 100-year-old building that was once a movie theater. Initially, the shop was a market serving up unique, fine, and imported foods. It expanded to include the cafe in 2008. Now, customers can enjoy deli-style paninis and sandwiches while they pick up their favorite specialty food items. A house favorite is the Pirate Pastrami, a marble rye, mile-high pastrami, thousand island dressing, German mustard, and zingy sauerkraut.

6. Cliff House Gastropub

Gastropub, Pub, Restaurant, Pub Grub

Cliff House Gastropub is a newbie on the local restaurant scene, celebrating their 2-year anniversary in July of 2015. The pub’s atmosphere is cool and laid-back, with great food, live music, specialty cocktails, and local microbrews. This truly is a place to enjoy great nightlife without the 30-minute drive into the city. What really makes Cliff House a must-visit, is the unparalleled view from its patio. The large outdoor space seats up to 80 patrons, and offers an impressive 180-degree view of the Salt Lake Valley. It is the perfect place to enjoy a cold drink on a warm summer night.

7. Thai Land

Restaurant, Thai, Asian

Bringing the colorful flavors of Southeast Asia to Draper, Thai Land is a favorite among residents of Draper, where they are something out of the ordinary. The owners and staff are eager to share their culture and their love of Thai food with every guest that visits. The restaurant’s location in a strip-mall makes it easy to pass by unnoticed, but if you stop in once, you are sure to be back again and again. Traditional dishes like pad thai, fried rice, and noodle noodle dishes are very popular at Thai Land. But don’t be afraid to try unique dishes like the pumpkin curry coconut milk and vegetables, or the papaya salad, which is a mix of shredded papaya, carrots, roasted peanuts, and a spicy papaya sauce.

8. Food for Thought

Bakery, Cafe, Restaurant, American, Soup, Coffee

In the heart of Draper, close to parks, schools, and libraries, Food for Thought has got to be one of the most darling little cafes on the planet. This cafe and bakery has the feeling of a boutique sweet shop. The bakery cooks up homemade pastries, cakes, and confections, and for special occasions and holidays, makes cute, kitschy sugar cookies in fun shapes with brightly piped frostings. During breakfast hours, the cafe serves coffees, crepes, pastries, and a pecan french toast with creme anglais. For lunch, a variety of sandwiches and salads with fresh flavors and interesting combinations are on the menu.

9. La Hacienda

Restaurant, Mexican

Utah has a lot of Americanized Mexican restaurants, but finding good, authentic Mexican food can be difficult. Draper residents have fallen in love with La Hacienda‘s traditional flavors and warm hospitality. The restaurant’s atmosphere is clean, warm, and inviting. The menu has Mexican classics like tacos, tamales, and chimichangas, along with fresh seafood and meat dishes from different regions of Mexico.

10. Aroma Fine Indian Cuisine

Restaurant, Indian

A great option for a dinner that is a bit off the normal pace is Aroma Fine Indian Cuisine. This restaurant specializes in authentic Indian cuisine, full of flavor. The staff is incredibly friendly, and consistently gets high marks from reviewers on service and helpfulness. Be sure to try one of the number of curry dishes, with our without meat. Both omnivores and vegetarians can find filling and satisfying meals, without compromising taste. For customers who have troubles making decisions on one meal, Aroma also offers a lunch buffet with a wide selection of dishes at a competitive price.

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