Walk in on a Saturday around 10 and you will find regulars at the counter, families clustered around tables, and a host quietly working the wait list.
Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Over the Counter Cafe has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
The eggs Benedict here is a study in restraint: a properly toasted English muffin, paper-thin Canadian bacon, and a hollandaise that's lemony enough to cut through the richness.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Over the Counter Cafe. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Shakshuka with feta, herbs, and warm pita
- Country-style biscuits and sausage gravy
- Smoked brisket hash with two eggs and pickled onion
- Lox bagel sandwich with everything seasoning and dill cream cheese
- Single-origin pour-over coffee from a local roaster
- Two eggs any style with thick-cut bacon and crispy hash
- Brioche French toast dusted with powdered sugar and seasonal berries
- Breakfast burrito with eggs, chorizo, beans, cheese, and salsa roja
The space leans casual — exposed brick, mismatched chairs, a chalkboard menu that changes with the seasons — but the cooking is dialed in.
Avocado toast at a place like this is not a meme — it's smashed in front of you, seasoned with flaky salt, lime, and chili crisp, and built on a slab of grilled sourdough.
Pro tip from the regulars: arrive before 9:30 on Saturdays or after 1 on Sundays to skip the worst of the wait.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Salt Lake City, Over the Counter Cafe is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. Whether you're a tourist with one weekend in town or a local with a Sunday ritual, this is a place that earns its reputation plate by plate.
Tips from the regulars
- Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Over the Counter Cafe.
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
- Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
Hours
| Mon | Mo-Su 06:30-14:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Mo-Su 06:30-14:00 |
| Wed | Mo-Su 06:30-14:00 |
| Thu | Mo-Su 06:30-14:00 |
| Fri | Mo-Su 06:30-14:00 |
| Sat | Mo-Su 06:30-14:00 |
| Sun | Mo-Su 06:30-14:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Over the Counter Cafe open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Mo-Su 06:30-14:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Over the Counter Cafe take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Salt Lake City are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Over the Counter Cafe kid-friendly?
Yes — Over the Counter Cafe welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Over the Counter Cafe serve?
It's classified under diner — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Salt Lake City.
Is there outdoor seating at Over the Counter Cafe?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 2343 East 3300 South. Coordinates: 40.7003, -111.8236. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.