When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Central 9th Market
Why Central 9th Market is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Central 9th Market, located at 161 West 900 South in Salt Lake City, has rapidly become a cherished community hub known for its quality food offerings and vibrant atmosphere. Opened in the space once home to Jade Market, this market blends the charm of a local deli with the appeal of a full-service eatery. Its specialties include sandwiches crafted on house-made focaccia bread, wood-fired personal pizzas available daily, and smash burgers featured on Monday nights, making it a go-to spot for casual dining. The market's kitchen also produces a range of prepared items alongside fresh farm produce and locally sourced deli goods, reflecting a strong commitment to quality and locality. Positioned in the steadily developing Central 9th neighborhood, its proximity to a UTA Trax station supports convenient access and significant foot traffic, enhancing its role as a social gathering place. Beyond the food, Central 9th Market fosters a welcoming environment where conversations about food origins and production are encouraged, creating an educational and community-driven eating experience. With a warm, relaxed ambiance and a menu that changes with daily specials, the market is ideal for friends looking to meet up, enjoy excellent meals, and engage with Salt Lake City's growing food scene.
Here's what people think of Central 9th Market
As of recent, Central 9th Market holds a 4.7-star rating based on 524 reviews.
Reviews of Central 9th Market highlight a consistent appreciation for the quality and uniqueness of its food. Many users praise the exceptional sandwiches, crafted on distinctive focaccia bread, as well as the menu's variety including wood-fired pizzas and smash burgers. Reviewers often mention the market as a cornerstone of the Central 9th food scene and celebrate its community-centric vibe, pointing out the collaborative spirit with neighboring businesses. Positive feedback also focuses on the friendly staff and the welcoming, lively atmosphere that makes it a comfortable place to gather. On the negative side, some reviewers have noted challenges related to neighborhood construction causing accessibility issues, and a few have found wait times or seating limitations inconvenient during busy hours. Nonetheless, these critiques tend to be minor compared to the overall praise. In conclusion, the reviews reflect a highly satisfied customer base that values Central 9th Market not just as a place to eat but as a vital part of the local community and culinary innovation in Salt Lake City.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Carine Stearman
Come for the sandwiches but stay for the focaccia. Listen not all focaccia is created equal and to know that you have to wade through a sea of uninspiring sandwiches to make it to the island of fluffy, spongy and savory that the Central Market nails! I loved my breakfast sando and I have no doubt their lunch sandwiches would be up to par as well. This is a small market with no seating inside but there is a table outside and the neighborhood is walkable so grab it and eat it on the go or eat it in your car. However and wherever you take your sandwich to indulge, I have no doubt it will be enjoyed!
Lexie Jex
Super popular spot!! Get ready to wait a while for your breakfast sandwich. Love their focaccia, so delicious. Their breakfast sandwich had fry sauce on it which threw me off and I didn’t know, so be aware of that if you aren’t a mayo fan. Super yummy and fresh!
Kymble Johnson
Love this place! Super fun spot on 9th with a simple, small menu that they’ve perfected. Their focaccia bread is fantastic—crunchy exterior with a soft, bubbly texture when you bite into it. They make awesome sandwiches with the focaccia bread that you def should try. The pizza looked good too! I will most definitely be going back. The staff was very laid back and friendly, and you can even see one of the bread guys making the focaccia with tons of pans with rising dough stacked up which was cool.
Michael Gomez
Best breakfast Sando in the city!!!! The freshly baked Focaccia is next level. I live in Saratoga and any chance I have the spare time to drive downtown I stop by here. Great environment, local products in the market, and plenty of parking. In an easily walked area of downtown also.
Steven Thomas
Fantastic local market, frequently does unique one night dinners, and pop-up events for local creators and chefs. The breakfast sandwiches are consistently some of the best I’ve had in the valley, and they do some consistent menu items too like Porchetta sandwiches Monday nights. Great vibes, great music, highly recommend!
How to reach Central 9th Market
None
Website: None
Why Central 9th Market may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Central 9th Market with your friends?
When choosing the perfect spot to gather with friends, Central 9th Market in Salt Lake City stands out as an exceptional choice. This vibrant community-driven market offers more than just great food; it provides a welcoming, lively atmosphere where everyone can connect over shared experiences. With a remarkable 4.7-star rating from over 500 reviews, the market combines quality, local flavor, and a warm sense of place that makes it ideal for group meetups. Whether you're looking to enjoy farm-fresh produce, artisanal pantry items, or simply unwind over a hearth-fired pizza, Central 9th Market invites you to immerse yourself in a space dedicated to good food and meaningful connections. The market’s passion for food sparks conversations about its origins and preparation, encouraging groups to bond over curious and delicious discoveries. From relaxed Sunday afternoons to lively Monday night dinners, Central 9th Market adapts to your group's vibe, offering a unique blend of shopping, dining, and community spirit that transforms gatherings into memorable celebrations.
What activities can groups enjoy at Central 9th Market?
Central 9th Market offers a diverse range of activities that cater perfectly to groups looking for a fun and engaging outing. Food lovers will appreciate the market’s extensive selection of fresh produce, local deli items, and house-made specialties that showcase the best of Salt Lake City’s food scene. Groups can explore the market aisles together, picking out fruits, vegetables, preserves, and pantry staples sourced both locally and from trusted imports. A standout activity is enjoying their hearth-fired pizzas and daily specials available from the in-house kitchen—a perfect way for friends or family to share a meal in a casual yet flavorful setting. For those interested in culinary participation, the market hosts Monday night dinners where you can watch and learn while food is prepared live, enhancing the interactive experience. Besides food, the market’s welcoming vibe makes it a hub for conversation and learning, where groups can discuss food origins, sustainable practices, and creative culinary possibilities. This mix of shopping, dining, and educational experiences enriches any meetup, catering to both food aficionados and casual visitors alike.
Why is Central 9th Market ideal for group meetups?
Central 9th Market is uniquely suited for group gatherings due to its spacious and inviting layout combined with a community-centric ethos. The market is designed to encourage social interaction without feeling crowded, giving groups room to move, explore, and comfortably settle in to enjoy meals or browse goods. Its genuinely warm and positive vibe comes from both customers and staff who are passionate about food and community, creating an atmosphere where groups can relax and feel at home. The market's schedule, with daytime hours and extended Monday night events, offers flexible options for planning meetups around everyone’s availability. Moreover, the market’s location in the heart of Salt Lake City’s Central Ninth neighborhood makes it accessible while nestled in a vibrant cultural district, adding to the overall experience. Central 9th Market’s emphasis on local producers and freshly made products supports not only quality but also a meaningful sense of place—something that resonates well with groups seeking authenticity. This combination of comfort, atmosphere, and high-quality food ensures that every group outing can feel special and memorable.
How can friends and family engage with the food culture at Central 9th Market?
One of the unique draws of Central 9th Market is its dedication to fostering a deeper connection between patrons and the food they consume. For groups interested in more than just dining out, the market offers a chance to engage with the food culture on multiple levels. The staff and purveyors actively encourage conversations about where food comes from, how it's grown or made, and the stories behind local producers, making it educational as well as enjoyable. Groups can sample a variety of preserves, specialty pantry staples, and crafted deli items, each with its own narrative linking back to Utah’s agricultural roots or artisan techniques. The market’s kitchen regularly produces hearth-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and daily specials that highlight seasonal ingredients and creative culinary approaches, inviting groups to explore new flavors together. This immersive experience nurtures curiosity and appreciation within your group, making casual meetups feel like shared culinary adventures. Participating in these food conversations can transform a simple outing into a memorable and meaningful event that everyone talks about long after.
What makes Central 9th Market a flexible venue for different types of group events?
Central 9th Market’s versatility allows it to cater to various types of group meetups, from casual hangouts to more organized gatherings. The spacious indoor location lends itself well to small family get-togethers, friendly brunches, or casual celebrations, while the outdoor market area during certain events adds a dynamic open-air experience. The market’s schedule, with its regular daytime hours complemented by Monday night dinners lasting into the evening, means groups can plan visits that best fit their schedules, whether it’s a weekend afternoon or a lively weeknight. The availability of ready-to-eat, made-from-scratch dishes alongside a wide array of fresh groceries means groups can stop in for a quick bite or linger for a full meal, making it adaptable to any meetup style. Furthermore, the staff are known for their helpfulness and positive energy, which facilitates group-friendly service, accommodating special requests and dietary preferences. This flexibility, combined with the quality and variety of offerings, makes Central 9th Market a top choice for groups looking for a low-stress, enjoyable meet-up spot with plenty to explore.
How does the location and neighborhood enhance the meetup experience at Central 9th Market?
Situated at 161 West 900 South in Salt Lake City, Central 9th Market benefits tremendously from its strategic and culturally vibrant location. The Central Ninth neighborhood is known for its eclectic mix of creative businesses, historic charm, and a growing food scene, creating a lively backdrop for any group gathering. This setting offers visitors easy access to complementary activities before or after their market visit, such as exploring nearby cafes, art galleries, or parks, making the meetup more than just a meal or shopping trip. The neighborhood’s walkability and accessibility by car or public transit further simplify organizing group meetings with diverse travel needs. The market itself acts as a community hub in this area, with its welcoming vibe reflecting the spirit of the neighborhood and encouraging visitors to stay, socialize, and feel connected. By choosing Central 9th Market, groups also get to support and engage with a locale that nurtures local artisans and producers, deepening the sense of community impact and authenticity behind their meetup.
What kind of food can groups expect to enjoy when visiting Central 9th Market?
Groups visiting Central 9th Market can anticipate a mouthwatering array of food options that cater to various tastes and preferences. The market is celebrated for its kitchen’s hearth-fired pizzas that offer a delicious, rustic flavor perfect for sharing. Alongside pizza, guests can savor freshly made sandwiches and daily specials prepared with fresh, local ingredients, ensuring high quality and vibrant tastes. The market’s shelves also feature seasonal produce, preserves, cheese, and deli items sourced from trusted local purveyors and select imports, providing plenty of options for those interested in cooking or assembling their own meals. Whether your group enjoys eating on-site or shopping for ingredients to take home, Central 9th Market’s dedication to fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared food guarantees satisfaction. The variety of offerings means groups with different dietary needs or culinary preferences will find something appealing. This diversity enhances the collective dining experience, making every visit feel like a new exploration of local flavor.
How does Central 9th Market support local producers and contribute to the community?
Central 9th Market’s commitment to supporting local producers is one of its defining features, making it an ideal place for groups who value community-minded businesses. The market partners with local farms, artisans, and specialty food makers, which means that many of the products you find on the shelves have close-to-home origins. This approach not only guarantees freshness and quality but also helps sustain local economies and small-scale producers. For groups meeting here, this community-oriented ethos offers a shared value to celebrate alongside the food and atmosphere. The market also fosters educational conversations about food production, which can inspire groups to become more engaged consumers and supporters of sustainable, ethical food systems. By rallying at Central 9th Market, your meetup becomes part of a broader community story, enriching the experience far beyond simple eating or shopping. In this way, the market serves as both a food destination and a community catalyst.
What special events or seasonal activities does Central 9th Market offer for groups?
Central 9th Market enhances its appeal as a meetup spot with regular special events and seasonal activities that engage visitors in unique ways. One popular example is the Monday night dinners, where the market’s kitchen prepares meals live while guests gather to eat, socialize, and enjoy an intimate food experience different from the typical daytime market visit. Seasonal produce and specialty items shift throughout the year, inviting groups to visit repeatedly and discover new flavors linked to Utah’s agricultural cycles. Occasionally, the market hosts themed evenings or participatory events that promote community interaction, local music, or artisan showcases, turning a simple meetup into a festive occasion. These events provide excellent opportunities for groups to bond through shared experiences beyond the usual shopping and dining routine. Participating in these activities can make your visit to Central 9th Market feel vibrant, timely, and connected to local culture, perfect for groups wanting a dynamic and memorable outing.
How do customer reviews reflect the group-friendly experience at Central 9th Market?
The consistently high rating of 4.7 out of 5 from over 500 reviews speaks volumes about the positive group experience at Central 9th Market. Many customers highlight the quick and friendly service, which is essential for groups who want to enjoy their time without long waits or hassle. Reviewers often mention the "genuine passion" of the staff in food preparation, adding to the welcoming environment that encourages conversation and relaxation among friends and family. The positive vibes throughout the market make it a space where groups feel comfortable, whether they come to shop, eat, or both. This feedback underscores the market’s success in balancing quality food offerings with an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes social gatherings of all sizes. Knowing that other groups and families have had rewarding experiences helps new visitors feel confident in choosing Central 9th Market as their meetup destination.
What practical tips can help groups make the most of their visit to Central 9th Market?
To maximize your group’s experience at Central 9th Market, planning and a few practical tips can be very helpful. Arrive during peak hours like weekends or Monday night dinners to enjoy the full range of offerings and vibrant atmosphere. Consider splitting tasks among group members—some can browse for groceries while others order from the kitchen—so that you efficiently experience everything the market has to offer. If your group has dietary restrictions or special preferences, communicate these early to the staff, who are known to be accommodating and eager to help tailor options. Bringing reusable bags or containers is encouraged to support the market’s community and eco-friendly values. Lastly, take some time to explore and engage with local producers or staff to deepen your connection to the food and community—this makes the occasion more meaningful and memorable for everyone involved. With these tips, your meetup at Central 9th Market will be seamless, enjoyable, and truly special.