ON THE STREET: Savor, Sip, Sniff, and Stroll: July’s Juiciest Downtown Drop-Ins
Whether you’re strolling for a sandwich, scouting for vintage threads, or simply seeking a new scent to match the season, this month’s On The Street delivers a hot plate of everything Downtown does best.
Matteo is a shining star Downtown, both the man–and his restaurant. The service: impeccable, warm. The food: from scratch, with love, delicious. The ambiance: sophisticated for a romantic date and comfortable for a family meal. And now, Mr. Matteo–that sunshine greeting patrons every night at his restaurant–is manning the counter at his new establishment: Strada. The old Toasters on Broadway got a fresh makeover to minimalist modernism that is open for lunch–and soon–all day. Our sandwich and salad were priced reasonably and completely worthy of Matteo’s reputation. We can’t recommend it more highly.
Sticking with “la doce vita,” we also spotted Italian Olive where the Broadway Theater once resided. Their menu seems like another strong lunch contender, with pizza by the slice, stromboli, and small ice cream selection. We’ll gather more intel and get back to you. Until Italian Olive opens, you really should try Shwarma Shack next door–it is a small and unexpected pleasure Downtown… and one of the best. Go!
Wrapping up our tour of the booted country, Galeano’s Restorante Italiano is bringing old-school charm and Negroni-worthy interiors to the tony corner of Main and 200. We’re excited to see a little amore spread into this sunshine-filled space and can’t wait to mangiare there soon!
We’ve never had a Shake Shack burger, so we’re excited to try their only outpost downtown at the City Creek Center food court. It does look sharper than a crinkle fry in golden hour.
Across from Pioneer Park, Wan Yen Dessert Bar is serving sweet, icy, chewy magic. Think Thai tea floats with grass jelly, sticky mango rice, and boba creations that will make your dentist weep. It’s a kaleidoscope of color, sugar, and smiley staffers — check them out after the Farmers Market for a quick cool down!
Get a Whiff of This will be a perfumery and scent bar still blooming on Pierpont’s historic brick corridor. We’re already inhaling in anticipation of their opening, 7/12. Our favorite smell this time of year? Monsoonal rain on hot pavement. Can that be bottled, please?
Part thrift shop, part Jazz fan clubhouse, ThriftHood is a new boutique serving vintage sportswear, streetwear, and all the purple mountain majesty you can wear. If you’ve been searching for a Stockton-era satin jacket or a secondhand hoodie that screams 1997 playoff run, this is your temple.
The July 4th holiday typically makes for a quiet weekend, come explore Downtown!