Where To Eat Well in Ogden, Utah
There’s more to Ogden than the Osmonds. Utah’s second city has a rich and colorful past, with its residents welcoming and food especially delicious. Culture Trip takes a look at the city’s best places to eat.
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Pig and a Jelly Jar
Restaurant, North American, $$$
If you’re looking for bolstering Southern fare to set you up for the day ahead, then there’s no better place in the city than Pig & a Jelly Jar, a diner that is as authentically Dixie as you’re likely to find this side of Georgia. Whether it’s biscuits and gravy, green eggs and ham or just good old-fashioned pork barbecue you’re after, Pig & A Jelly Jar serves it up with aplomb, with the love, the soul and the portion sizes of the South. What’s more, it places particular focus on the quality of produce, using only grass-fed meat, non-GMO oils and regionally sourced vegetables, to ensure that Utah’s bounties are able to shine when given the Southern treatment.
Hearth on 25th
Restaurant, American, Vegan, Vegetarian, $$$
Hearth on 25th’s name reflects both its location and the Tuscan wood-fired oven where its seasonal dishes are prepared. Its kitchen team, headed by chef Kyle Lore, curate a menu full of delicious, albeit more unusual, dishes, which reflect the seasonal, local produce of Utah reimagined in all manner of ways. Expect to find plates such as seared yak with szechuan plum sauce and parsnip latkes, and house-made squash ravioli with wilted kale, heirloom carrots and toasted cashews. Its bartenders also develop seasonal drinks to pair with chef Lore’s creations, so don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations.
Kaffe Mercantile
Bar, Cafe, Wine, Beer, Fast Food, Vegetarian
Utahns looking to warm up in the winter head to Kaffe Mercantile, a lovely neighborhood coffee house located in the historic East Bench area. Serving a wide variety of drinks, from coffee – made with organic beans by CAFFE IBIS – to cocoa and tea, the café also offers guests a host of sweet and savory snacks. Visitors can opt for decadent breakfast bagels loaded with tomato and cheese, or something a little sweeter, such as apple turnovers, maple-nut scones or chocolate-chip cookies. A big supporter of the city’s art scene, this café also sells items made by local artisans.
Aroy-D Thai Cuisine
Restaurant, Thai, $$$
For a true taste of Thailand in the heart of America, you can find few better places than Aroy-D, one of Ogden’s best and most authentic Asian establishments. Tucked away in an unassuming strip mall in the city’s northwest, Aroy-D serves up platefuls of ferocious larb salads, sour som tam and rich massaman curries – all with the option of choosing your spice level. If you want a milder experience, the subtle spicing of level one will keep you satisfied; but if you’re after something a bit livelier, the scale goes up to a fiery five, which is more than enough for any chilihead.
Rovali’s
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, Italian, Fast Food, Vegan, Vegetarian, $$$
Rovali’s is a family-run restaurant serving hearty, authentic Italian cuisine from Monday to Saturday. A great place to take the family, Rovali’s has put together a sizable menu that is sure to satisfy. Italian classics – such as linguini and clams, and eggplant parmigiana – are highlights, while the restaurant’s desserts are legendary in Ogden. On Fridays and Saturdays, Rovali’s plays hosts a range of musicians, so make a night of it – have your meal, then order an after-dinner cocktail or two and listen to some of the best music Ogden has to offer.
Timbermine Steakhouse
Restaurant, Steakhouse, $$$
Prime rib is the order of the day at this long-beloved Ogden favorite, and on any given Sunday, you’re likely to find the whole city here. Timbermine Steakhouse is the place for dates, anniversaries, surprises, birthdays and celebrations of all kinds; if you have an occasion that you want to commemorate with red meat and red wine, look no further. Adorned with turn-of-the-century curios, cow hides and oak paneling, the vibe is very much ‘old school,’ but the lively atmosphere and – of course – the quality of the meat will keep you coming back again and again.
Slackwater Pub and Pizzeria
Pub, Pizzeria, American, Pub Grub, Wine, Beer, Fast Food, $$$
Slackwater Pub & Pizzeria is the place for Ogdenites to gorge on pizza and sink back beer in a fun and raucous environment. Slackwater’s chefs don’t limit themselves to the conventional Italian-style toppings; instead, they get exceptionally creative with the dishes’ combinations and names. Take, for instance, the This is Sparta!, topped with artichokes, sausage and roasted garlic, or the somewhat intimidating Cardiac Arrest, layered thick with bacon, sausage, ham and pepperoni. Slackwater even hosts movie nights, where you can settle in with a slice and watch anything from ski capers to Oscar-chasing thrillers.
Tona Sushi
Restaurant, Japanese, $$$
Tona Sushi presents Japanese cuisine within a modern dining space. Guests can also sit in a more traditional area featuring lower tables for an intimate experience. Using the freshest seasonal ingredients from local purveyors when available, Tona also brings in seafood from around the world. In addition to sushi, diners will find an assortment of small plates, noodles and full-size entrées. Pick from tantalizing choices such as the charred brussels sprouts with fresh basil, lemon zest and diced chili, or the miso-marinated salmon, served with mango-corn succotash and a reduction of soy and sake.
Two-Bit Street Café
Bar, Cafe, American, Coffee, Tea , Vegetarian, Fast Food, $$$
Two-Bit Street Café is another great dining option on Ogden’s Historic 25th Street. The team at this vintage-style establishment take pride in offering top-quality ingredients, including organic coffee and locally reared beef. The café is open seven days a week and features a full bar, so diners can head here for breakfast (served all day on the weekends), lunch or dinner. Delicious made-from-scratch dishes include the corned beef sandwich with melted brie on toasted cranberry spice bread, and seared Utah pork tenderloin with a berry balsamic reduction. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available as well, ensuring no one is left out.
Warrens Craft Burger
Restaurant, North American, $$$
Located in the historic Berthana Building in the heart of downtown, Warrens Craft Burger is a venue for adults 21 and older. The restaurant offers up a variety of juicy gourmet burgers with the freshest ingredients. Imaginative burgers – such as the Prohibition with ground chuck, blue cheese crumbles and truffle aioli – are served alongside tasty sandwiches, salads and side dishes. Warrens also hosts events, including live music and trivia nights, making it a surefire winner whatever day you visit.