Tinker's Cat Cafe

Sun pours through the front windows by 9 a.m., and a steady murmur of conversation fills the room as the first plates of the morning hit the pass.

Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Tinker's Cat 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.

Their breakfast burrito is the kind of thing locals order with eyes still half closed — eggs, chorizo, a scrape of refried beans, melty cheese, and salsa with real heat.

Menu highlights

Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Tinker's Cat Cafe. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.

• Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel
• 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

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.

The chicken and waffles plate hits the table looking like a magazine cover and tastes even better than it looks.

Their breakfast cocktails are no joke. The bloody mary comes garnished with everything but the kitchen sink, and the bottomless mimosa option has a strict 90-minute window.

Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Salt Lake City, Tinker's Cat 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. Save room for one of the pastries on the way out — they bake everything in-house, and the morning buns are legendary among regulars.

Tips from the regulars

• Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Tinker's Cat 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.
• If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.

Hours

Frequently asked questions

What time does Tinker's Cat Cafe open for brunch?

Posted hours are: Mo off; Tu-Th 09:00-18:00; Fr, Sa 09:00-19:00; Su 11:00-18:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.

Does Tinker's Cat 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 Tinker's Cat Cafe kid-friendly?

Yes — Tinker's Cat 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 Tinker's Cat Cafe serve?

It's classified under cafe — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Salt Lake City.

Is there outdoor seating at Tinker's Cat Cafe?

Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.

Location

Located at 302 East 900 South. Coordinates: 40.7495, -111.8823. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.