When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Urban Hill
Why Urban Hill is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Urban Hill stands out as an exceptional dining venue in Salt Lake City, boasting an impressive 4.6-star rating from 780 reviews. This restaurant excels as a gathering place for friends due to its thoughtfully designed ambiance that blends historic charm with modern elegance. The building's exterior features beautiful red brick and expansive black steel-framed windows, while the interior is adorned with gloss-painted brick, dark oak tables, greige leather chairs, charcoal leather booths, and tasteful lighting fixtures, creating a warm and authentic atmosphere. It offers an inviting space that balances sophistication with comfort, making it perfect for casual meetups, celebrations, or date nights. One of the highlights of Urban Hill is its wood-burning flame grill, which visibly roars in the open kitchen and infuses dishes with a unique, ember-roasted flavor. The menu showcases inspired cuisine with items like ember-roasted carrots with feta and a New Mexico red chili sauce, pacifico striped bass with ember-roasted yucca and achiote, pork chop Milanese, sablefish, wild boar, and an enticing mac and cheese side dish. Desserts like the sticky toffee pudding have also impressed diners. Besides the excellent food, Urban Hill provides attentive and knowledgeable service, with staff offering well-tailored wine pairings and creating an overall polished dining experience. Its combination of distinctive culinary offerings, striking decor, and warm hospitality makes it an outstanding place for friends to meet and enjoy memorable meals together.
Here's what people think of Urban Hill
As of recent, Urban Hill holds a 4.6-star rating based on 780 reviews.
Reviews of Urban Hill consistently praise the restaurant's exceptional food quality, ambiance, and attentive service. Positive feedback frequently highlights the perfectly cooked entrees such as sablefish, pacifico striped bass, and pork chop Milanese, with special commendation for the unique wood-fired grill dishes that add a distinctive flavor profile. Reviewers also appreciate the well-curated wine selection and the servers' expert recommendations, contributing to a refined dining experience. The atmosphere, combining historic brick elements with elegant furnishings and lighting, is often described as charming and inviting, supporting both intimate dates and larger group gatherings. One reviewer noted the spaciousness and comfort of dining rooms when hosting a group of fourteen, indicating versatility for various occasions. On the downside, some minor menu mismatches were observed, such as the apple butter served with dill-seasoned latkes feeling slightly out of place for certain palates. However, such critiques are few compared to widespread praise. Overall, the consensus positions Urban Hill as a culinary gem in Salt Lake City, delivering flavorful dishes, excellent service, and a warm atmosphere, making it well worth visiting for both special occasions and enjoyable everyday dining experiences.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Alba González Hernando
I was really excited to try this restaurant and it did not disappoint. I was craving something refreshing for the summer like ceviche and I loved it. Even though it was a starter the portion was plentiful. We also enjoyed the mushrooms and lamb chops. The pork belly was a bit too crunchy for my taste but still delicious flavors. Great wine selection is worth highlighting, we will be coming back!
Joel Arias
We came here for our anniversary dinner and loved the place. Good environment. They gave us our own menus saying happy anniversary and we get to keep them. They gave us a complimentary mousse and a photo! That’s the first I’ve seen in a restaurant and we’ve been to many. Food was amazing, service was great. Overall a great experience
C Bltrn
We had such a memorable experience at Urban Hill! The food was incredible, and the space is absolutely beautiful, it almost felt like we were dining in a more metropolitan city. Our server, James, made the evening even more enjoyable, so attentive and thoughtful. We were surprised with a special treat for our anniversary and even got a cute Polaroid to remember the night 🫶🏼Those personal touches made the experience feel extra special. We ordered several small plates, the ceviche, raviolis, the daily special starter, beef tartare, and of course, a side of French fries (because we love fries). Everything was fantastic, but the beef tartare was easily the standout. We also enjoyed some great wine, I had a Chardonnay that was crisp and refreshing, and my husband had the Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc, which was also excellent. To top it all off, they had carajillos, our favorite apéritif, with a unique twist using mezcal and tequila. A perfect finish to a perfect night👌🏼
Daisy Flores
Great upscale restaurant! We went for a birthday celebration and it was so cute they print out custom birthday menus with the persons name on it. The drinks were delicious! I got the margarita and it was so good! It definitely was on the smaller side but full of flavor. As an appetizer I got the mushroom plate and it was seriously the best mushrooms I’ve ever had in my life! They were so flavorful. For the entree I got the Bass plate and it was delicious! It was very beautifully plated and the flavor was spot on. For dessert , we got the toffee bread pudding and OMG it was the best dessert ever! Order it and you won’t regret it! The service was amazing! Our server Gabs was very attentive to us and was super nice!! Overall a great dining experience.
Chris Eddlemon
Urban Hill was an incredible experience from start to finish. I came here to celebrate my birthday, and the staff went above and beyond—they even created a custom menu that said “Happy Birthday” which was such a thoughtful touch and they had a Polaroid at the end. The atmosphere was elegant yet comfortable, and the food was top-notch across the board. Every dish felt carefully crafted, and the service matched the quality of the food. Highly recommend for a special occasion or a memorable night out in Salt Lake. I’ll definitely be back.
How to reach Urban Hill
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Why Urban Hill may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Rallying at Urban Hill with your friends is an experience that combines sophistication, warmth, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to strengthen friendships or celebrate special occasions. This venue offers a unique blend of architectural charm and thoughtful design, with its elegant brick exterior and interior details that evoke a historic yet modern ambiance. When you gather here, you’re not just meeting up—you’re stepping into a space that invites you to savor every moment through its inspired cuisine and impeccable service. The staff’s attentive and polished hospitality ensures that every guest feels valued, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening or afternoon. Whether you’re catching up after a long hiatus or celebrating milestones, Urban Hill offers a seamless and inviting environment where laughter, good conversation, and outstanding food come together. With a rating of 4.6 from over 780 reviews, it’s clear that this is a place that consistently delivers on its promise to elevate social gatherings into cherished memories.
What makes Urban Hill truly stand out for group meetups is its harmonious balance of upscale yet comfortable design elements. The interior features a warm palette of dark oak tabletops, greige leather chairs, and charcoal booth seating highlighted by unique dove-gray and bronze lighting fixtures. This creates an inviting atmosphere conducive to long conversations and shared moments. The spacious layout, including private rooms for larger groups, ensures that your party won’t feel cramped. Plus, the glass-enclosed wine room and elegant bar space serve as excellent spots to begin or wind down your social outing. The owner's attention to detail also extends to supporting local artists, enriching the environment with cultural depth. These artistic touches subtly enhance the ambiance and provide your group with something interesting to admire while you dine or enjoy drinks together.
What activities can you enjoy at Urban Hill when you visit with friends or family? Primarily, this establishment shines as a culinary destination prioritizing seafood-forward dishes crafted by celebrated chef Nick Zocco. The menu features innovative and Southwestern-inspired flavors like green chile honey, blue corn grits, and New Mexico red chili sauce, appealing to diverse palates and food enthusiasts. Sharing small plates like coal-roasted beets and grilled oysters encourages a communal dining experience where groups can sample a variety of flavors collectively. The bread service, featuring skillet rolls with churned butter and sea salt, is particularly popular for starting your meal on a high note. For dessert, sticky toffee pudding and other rich options provide a sweet ending that everyone can enjoy together. The food isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s designed to foster interaction and delight all senses.
Besides the food, Urban Hill offers a variety of drink options that enhance your meet-up. The bar is well-stocked with hard liquor and curated wines, including expert pairing recommendations, so groups who appreciate fine beverages will find plenty to savor. House cocktails stand out, with the Mystic Rhythm—made with High West double rye—being a favorite. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, the Salt Lake Shirley mocktail offers a sophisticated twist on the classic Shirley Temple, ensuring that everyone in your party can enjoy a festive drink. Whether you’re toasting a special occasion or simply relaxing after a busy week, the drink selection supports a lively and convivial atmosphere.
Why is Urban Hill perfect for group meetups beyond food and drinks? The service quality elevates the entire experience. Reviewers note the staff’s professionalism, knowledge, and warm approach, which includes thoughtful touches such as folding napkins for guests who temporarily leave the table. When hosting a group, having attentive service can make or break the experience, and Urban Hill excels in this regard. The team’s ability to accommodate dietary preferences or customize menus for celebrations adds a personalized dimension. Furthermore, the spacious dining capacity—including private rooms for parties of 14 or more—makes organizing group events smooth and enjoyable, without the usual concerns about noise or space restrictions.
What about accessibility and convenience for your friends and family? Urban Hill offers plentiful parking options, including valet and free garage parking, which is a significant advantage when meeting up with a group. No one wants to spend extra time hunting for parking, especially when coordinating multiple schedules. Additionally, the restaurant provides outdoor seating for those who prefer an al fresco experience, whether for daytime brunches or casual dinners. The hours are flexible, with weekend brunch options and dinner available throughout the week, allowing groups to plan meetups that fit their timing preferences. Whether it’s a leisurely Saturday brunch or a festive weeknight dinner, Urban Hill adapts to your group’s needs.
For those interested in more than just dining, Urban Hill's carefully curated environment and ongoing support of local artists add cultural enrichment to your gathering. Artwork displayed throughout the restaurant, including pieces by Samantha DaSilva, Trent Call, and Tom Hagan, creates a visually stimulating backdrop and sparks conversation. This aspect transforms a simple meetup into a shared cultural experience, appealing especially to groups who appreciate art and creativity. The overall meticulous care taken in design—from the glossy white-painted brick walls to the unique light fixtures and black stacked shiplap wall—is evidence of the establishment’s dedication to creating a memorable atmosphere that feels both authentic and upscale.
How can you make your group meetup even more special at Urban Hill? Consider reserving one of the separate dining rooms when attending with a larger party, as this provides privacy for your group and allows for tailored service. The restaurant offers an extensive wine list with knowledgeable staff to guide selections, ensuring wine and food pairing enhances your meal. This level of care and attention to detail makes Urban Hill an excellent choice for everything from casual celebrations to milestone events. Whether you bring a close-knit group of longtime friends or a mixed gathering of family members and colleagues, Urban Hill’s blend of refined cuisine, elegant ambiance, and high-caliber service creates an event space that feels exclusive yet welcoming.
In summary, Urban Hill stands out as an exceptional venue to host meetups with friends and family because it offers a complete experience. From its artfully crafted and sumptuous menu to its polished, accommodating service, the restaurant meets the social and culinary needs of a wide variety of groups. The ambiance is both inviting and sophisticated, with thoughtful artistic accents and architectural details that complement the warm, convivial atmosphere. Spacious seating arrangements and ample parking facilitate hassle-free logistics, while expertly curated drinks and a welcoming bar add to the enjoyment. Whether it’s an occasion to celebrate or simply to reconnect, Urban Hill provides the perfect backdrop to make your time together memorable and genuinely special.