Quick and tasty bites: Lunch spots near the Salt Palace Convention Center

 

After having a successful morning of Annual Meeting sessions, you are probably ready for a quick, tasty and affordable lunch nearby. Here are three of my favorite lunch spots downtown.

 

WaffiniBruges Belgian Bistro

Bruges Belgian Bistro is a Salt Lake City classic if you are looking for an affordable brunch option in the area. They are best known for their waffles, and as a self-proclaimed sweet tooth, I love their apple pie waffle for $9. If you are craving something savory, they serve chicken and waffles for $12 and the “waffini" — their original waffled panini — for $8-10. If you are not in the mood for waffles at all, their burgers and fries will leave you with a hearty meal before you head back to the Convention Center for the afternoon.

 

  • Distance from Convention Center: 10-minute walk
  • Average meal price: $8 - 15

 

Munchkart

When I first moved to Salt Lake City, Munchkart was first on my food bucket list because I crave new and unique Indian spots. Munchkart offers classic Indian street food and snacks, also known as “chaat,” including pani puri for $8 and Mumbai pav bhaji for $10. They even have a Chipotle-style “build your own bowl” option for only $12. You may find some great promotions occasionally, such as BOGO (buy one, get one free) bowls or free dessert.

 

  • Distance from Convention Center: 5- to 10-minute walk
  • Average meal price: $5 - 15

 

Spitz

Spitz is a popular Mediterranean street food spot that can be found across the Salt Lake City metro area. When I first tried Spitz, I was shocked at how cheap the drinks were — I got a glass of sangria for only $6! Not only are the drinks amazing, but so is the food. In addition to beef, lamb, chicken and falafel doner wraps at $14, they also provide a large selection of vegetarian and vegan options, making it a great lunch pick for all.

 

Distance from Convention Center:  10-minute walk

Average meal price: $10 - $15

 

Meghan Sharma, MD, MPH

Meghan Sharma, MD, MPH, is a glaucoma research fellow at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah. Originally from Denver, Colo., Meghan enjoys skiing, snowboarding and exploring new places in the Mountain West. She completed her undergraduate education at Washington University in St. Louis and medical school at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Meghan will begin her ophthalmology residency at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. this summer.