When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
The Dodo Restaurant
Why The Dodo Restaurant is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Established in 1981, The Dodo Restaurant has become a beloved neighborhood gathering spot in Salt Lake City's Sugarhouse district. Known for its upscale casual ambiance, The Dodo presents a diverse American bistro menu that appeals to a wide range of tastes, featuring fresh salads, flavorful appetizers, and house specialties like the famous Smoked Turkey Sandwich with house-made BBQ sauce. The restaurant is also renowned for its award-winning desserts, crafted daily by Pastry Chef Ramon, whose rotating selection of pies, cakes, and cheesecakes has earned the establishment much praise. Guests can enjoy their meals indoors or on a scenic patio with views of Sugarhouse Park and the Wasatch Mountain Range. The inviting bar area, with its distinctive antique Parisian granite and metal bar-top, offers a comfortable space to enjoy local draft beers, wines, and cocktails while watching a game or socializing. With both dine-in and convenient takeout options, The Dodo balances taste, comfort, and community, making it an excellent venue to meet friends for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch.
Here's what people think of The Dodo Restaurant
As of recent, The Dodo Restaurant holds a 4.4-star rating based on 3773 reviews.
Reviews of The Dodo Restaurant highlight its consistently excellent food quality and welcoming service. Many diners rave about the flavorful dishes such as the spicy pasta, parmesan-crusted halibut with blueberry sauce, and especially the soups and desserts, including the renowned banana cream and toll house pies that many say are unmatched. Reviewers appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, with mentions of specific servers contributing positively to the dining experience. The comfortable, contemporary ambiance and the restaurant's ability to maintain high standards even during challenging periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic have also been commended. On the other hand, some reviews point to occasional inconsistency, particularly in certain dishes like the pan-fried steak and vegetable medley which have been noted as overcooked or soggy at times. Despite these few critiques, The Dodo is considered a standout for its inviting atmosphere, creative menu, and especially its desserts, making it a popular local favorite and a highly recommended place to enjoy a satisfying meal with friends or family.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Whitney Allie
For me it was just a regular restaurant, nothing exceptional on the menu. The menu was boring but when the server told us about the specials things started to sound more interesting. We ordered from the specials. The food was good, can't complain. The servers were pleasant and the place was clean. No raving review, just a decent place to eat at. My advice would be to jazz up the menu a bit, I hope that's what you're testing with the specials.
Nicole Weeks
Delicious food! I love Rueben sandwiches and The Dodo's does not disappoint. One suggestion I would make is that their salads can be purchased in smaller portions along with sandwiches. A soup and salad combo option would be great too.
Roxy Cross
In celebration of the Utah State holiday, pie and beer day I popped into the Dodo for cherry sour cream pie with a walnut crumble topping and whipped cream with a Basil Hayden on the rocks! Beer…bourbon… close enough! Great service! Highly recommend MIKE the bartender.
Kimo Kahookele
Dodo is always a great spot for dinner, and even though it was busy, we lucked out and got seated right away. Our server was fantastic, taking the time to explain all the specials and making us feel welcome. We started with the artichoke pie, which came with a wonderful lemon aioli—super tasty and surprisingly filling! I had the ginger sauce stir-fry with shrimp, and it was delicious but so generous that I couldn’t finish it. My other half had the Greek pasta salad topped with grilled salmon, and the salmon was perfectly cooked—tender, flavorful, and just right. We kicked off the meal with a Pinot Noir, which paired beautifully with everything. We were too full for dessert, but there were so many tempting options—next time, I’m definitely trying the Black Forest cheesecake! One little detail I love—their Dodo logo on the menu. It’s such a fun, quirky touch that adds to the charm of the place. We’ve been here many times, and while there’s usually a wait (because it’s just that good), every now and then, we get lucky with a quick seat. Either way, it’s always worth it. Highly recommend!
Jessika Smith
Dodo is an absolute vibe- I don't think you can make a bad choice with their menu. Fits all of the vibes and levels of dress depending on your night. So many options and everything we had was amazing.
How to reach The Dodo Restaurant
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Why The Dodo Restaurant may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Dodo Restaurant with your friends?
Gathering your friends or family at The Dodo Restaurant in Salt Lake City is a choice that guarantees a memorable and enjoyable experience. The restaurant’s highly praised combination of exceptional food, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service creates the perfect setting for a group meetup. With a solid 4.4-star rating from over 3,700 reviewers, The Dodo stands out as a local favorite renowned for its contemporary American classics that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply reconnect with loved ones, the vibe at The Dodo is comfortably upscale yet friendly, balancing fine dining quality with a casual, homey feel that makes everyone feel at ease from the moment they walk in. The menu’s eclectic offerings and legendary desserts provide plenty of options to satisfy varied cravings, ensuring that everyone in your group finds something delicious. Moreover, the restaurant’s spacious and contemporary interior fosters lively conversation and easy socializing, making it an excellent choice for hosting a fun and relaxed gathering with your friends or family.
What activities can you enjoy at The Dodo Restaurant?
The Dodo Restaurant offers more than just great food—it’s a full experience designed for groups to connect and enjoy quality time together. Reviewing guests often highlight the attentive service, which means you and your group can focus on savoring your meal and conversations without concern. Beyond dining, you can indulge in a tasting journey through their creative and flavorful dishes, from rich pasta selections like the spicy margarita pasta or the exquisite ravioli to their seafood delights such as parmesan-crusted halibut with a unique blueberry sauce. The adventurous food choices spark conversation and shared enthusiasm among diners. To elevate your meal, The Dodo’s cocktail offerings and wine list complement the menu perfectly and provide a festive touch to your gathering. But what really sets it apart are the delightful desserts, especially their renowned banana cream pie and Toll House pie, which are crowd pleasers that draw groups back again and again. For those who want to extend their time after dining, the cozy yet contemporary ambiance is ideal for lingering over coffee, cocktails, or dessert, making it a versatile venue for various meetup formats—whether it’s a casual catch-up or a celebratory dinner.
Why is The Dodo Restaurant perfect for a group meetup?
Several factors make The Dodo an exceptional choice for group meetups, particularly when looking for a place where everyone can enjoy themselves without stress. First, the restaurant’s layout and décor strike a balance between stylish and comfortable, providing enough space to accommodate groups while maintaining an intimate feel that encourages connection. Guests remark on how this environment feels warm and inviting yet sophisticated, suitable for both casual and special occasions. Second, the versatility of the menu allows for easy accommodation of different dietary preferences and appetites, with plentiful vegetarian options like spinach, mushroom, and feta quiche alongside meat- and seafood-centered dishes, so no one in your group feels left out. Third, the service staff have been praised for their friendliness and attentiveness, which is crucial in making a group feel well cared for and able to enjoy the occasion without logistical headaches. Lastly, the strong reputation for consistency in food quality and atmosphere reassures organizers that their meetup will unfold smoothly, with no unpleasant surprises. Between the vibrant flavors, wide selection, and congenial service, The Dodo presents itself as an ideal communal dining destination where good food and great company truly shine.