Some restaurants are built for dinner. Others are built for brunch. This one falls firmly in the second camp.
Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Picnic 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.
It's a tight room, with maybe a dozen tables and a handful of counter seats facing the open kitchen, where you can watch the line cooks work.
Vegetarians and vegans are well taken care of — at least three plant-forward mains anchor the menu, not just an afterthought side of fruit.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Salt Lake City, Picnic 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.
Frequently asked questions
Does Picnic 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 Picnic Cafe kid-friendly?
Yes — Picnic 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 Picnic Cafe serve?
It's classified under coffee_shop, pastry, sandwich, ice_cream — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Salt Lake City.
Is there outdoor seating at Picnic Cafe?
Yes — outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.
Location
Coordinates: 40.7409, -111.8765. Use these coordinates with your preferred maps application for directions.