HSL

American restaurant · Central City

HSL

American restaurant · Central City

4

418 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

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HSL by Blake Bellet
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HSL by Photo courtesy of City Home Collective
HSL by Blake Bellet
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Highlights

HSL serves upscale New American dishes and craft cocktails in a chic, moody space with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

418 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Get directions

hslrestaurant.com
@hslrestaurant

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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418 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Get directions

+1 801 539 9999
hslrestaurant.com
@hslrestaurant
𝕏
@HSLrestaurant

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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@infatuation

HSL - Review - Downtown - Salt Lake City - The Infatuation

"Handle in Park City expanded a few years back and opened a sibling in the city: Handle Salt Lake, or HSL for short. This chic spot is located within walking distance of downtown proper and has an evolving menu that’s always on point. You won’t even need a knife to take down the pork shank with Frank’s Red Hot glaze, because the meat falls right off the bone. Most Salt Lake restaurants lean casual, and while HSL won’t turn you away for wearing yoga pants and a T-shirt, its big velvet chairs and moody design make it a place worth putting something on that at least has buttons." - Jenny Willden

https://www.theinfatuation.com/salt-lake-city/reviews/hsl
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@eater

The 29 Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City, Utah

"A sibling restaurant to Park City’s Handle, HSL focuses on American cuisine, interesting wines, and thoughtful cocktails. The space was designed by the City Home Collective firm, while chef Briar Handly oversees the rotating, seasonally driven menu. Some outstanding items have included hamachi crudo tossed in Calabrian chile vinaigrette, fresh market fish sitting atop foie gras velouté with sunchoke and leeks, and perfectly fried chicken served alongside red pepper polenta." - Sarah Entwistle

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-salt-lake-city-utah-restaurants
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@infatuation

The 20 Best Restaurants In Salt Lake City

"Handle in Park City expanded a few years back and opened a sibling in the city: Handle Salt Lake, or HSL for short. This east side spot is located within walking distance of downtown proper and has an ever-evolving menu that’s always on point. You won’t even need a knife to take down the pork shank with a Frank’s Red Hot glaze and whipped ranch because the meat falls off the bone. Most Salt Lake restaurants lean casual, and while HSL won’t turn you away for yoga pants or band T-shirts, its big velvet chairs and moody design make it a place worth putting something on that at least has buttons." - jenny willden

https://www.theinfatuation.com/salt-lake-city/guides/best-restaurants-salt-lake-city
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@afar

"HSL, the Salt Lake sibling to Park City 's successful restaurant, Handle, serves American cuisine. Wherever possible, Chef Briar Handly sources produce and meats from Utah farms and ranches, but he'll go further afield to get some ingredients like fresh seafood. Choose to sit at a table or in a booth in the bright industrial dining room, or at the marble-topped bar or, on warm days, out on the patio. Emphasizing the quality of the carefully selected ingredients, the menu keeps it simple with headings like Bites, Hot, Cold, and Hearty (among the Hearty options, we like the burger served with tomato jam, pickled cabbage, and a side of fries). Dishes arrive on beautiful stoneware, wooden boards, or arranged on ceramic plates and platters."

The Best Restaurants and Bars in Salt Lake City
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Jenny Beth Stenquist

Google
5’s all around for HSL! For starters, we came for our anniversary dinner and the whole staff had signed a “happy anniversary” card for us (🥹). I was told that this was a great place to get two apps, two sides, and a main to split. While we ended up with two mains anyway, I agree with that review 100% because the entrees are large and there are so many good smalls to try. Apps to try: beets with citrus and cheese (the dill was a surprisingly strong pairing—loved it), biscuit (maybe as a dessert on account of its syrupy sauce, but it was a table hit… i.e., with our two year old especially). Pork shank was clearly one of their best and most served dishes. Fell completely off the bone, expertly cooked with a citrusy sauce to complement. Not sure if Monday’s are always half off burgers but apparently it was a good day to try that one! My husband’s review of it was that the fries were perfectly cooked, sauce was unique and tangy, and burger toppings were fresh; but the bun was crumbling-apart-dry unfortunately. There wasn’t anything special to the meat either. For a high end restaurant where kids are not common, everyone did a great job with ours!

Tashinah Buchinsky

Google
HSL provided one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had—truly unforgettable! From the moment we walked in, the greeter was warm and welcoming, setting the tone for a wonderful evening. We were seated on the cozy green couch, which was perfect for an intimate conversation with my husband. The timing of the food was impeccable—each course arrived at just the right moment, allowing us to savor every bite without feeling rushed. Our waiter, Connor, was exceptional. He gave us space to enjoy our meal while staying attentive with water refills and thoughtful recommendations. His knowledge of the menu was outstanding! The food was absolutely divine. I had the fried chicken and kale salad, both bursting with unique and flavorful ingredients. My husband raved about the beef cheek and hamachi. Every dish was perfectly executed, making it the best dining experience I’ve had in over 15 years. Thank you, HSL, for turning a night out at an upscale restaurant into a romantic evening to reconnect with my husband. I can’t wait to return for my birthday in February!

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Google
HSL offers innovative New American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The roasted carrots with harissa and the duck breast are standout dishes. The cocktails are creative—try the "Beehive Spritz." The modern, airy space has a great ambiance for a night out. Service is attentive, and the chefs often customize dishes for dietary needs. A bit on the pricier side, but the quality and creativity make it worth it!

Jillian Springer

Google
A delightful night spent at HSL! This quaint restaurant is tucked in to a modern building but when you walk in, the vibes are warm and inviting. The staff are intentional and well informed. My favorite dish of the night was the special mushroom toast with multilayer flavor and texture. The wine list was impressive. I highly recommend checking out HSL for a cozy date night or night out with friends!

Vivian Gates

Google
I made a dinner reservation at HSL to welcome the new year. I highly recommend this restaurant. We ordered the pork belly and beet plates (from the ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ menu sections, respectively) to start, and then steak for our entrees. Everything was beautifully plated, well seasoned, and cooked to perfection. I will add that for an elevated dining experience, the prices at HSL are extremely reasonable and portions are large! Our server Ruben was efficient, pleasant, and unpretentious— which is refreshing. Everything about the HSL experience feels upscale and special without any unnecessary snobbery.

Nick Baguley

Google
Fantastic food, service and environment. Fantastic may be an understatement! Please check it out and find several things you’ll love!

Yonko D

Google
We had an outstanding experience thanks to the incredible server, (forgot the name) he was also the bartender last night with awesome hairstyle and cool badges on his apron. He was attentive, kind, and provided excellent service throughout our meal. The food was absolutely delicious — everything was prepared perfectly and exceeded our expectations. I know it can be exhausting and it is not easy job to stay 10/10 of your customer service but this gentleman went beyond. What truly stood out was how he went above and beyond during an unexpected and frightening active shooter situation nearby. They handled the situation calmly, professionally, and prioritized everyone's safety while still maintaining their composure and care for the guests. Their quick actions and reassuring presence made a very stressful moment much more manageable. He even walked us out to our car to make sure we are safe to drive off. It’s clear that customer satisfaction is their top priority. On top of that, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for any occasion. Highly recommend!

Keyz Pina

Google
Great for girls night! Plenty of seating! Our server Lo was very friendly and provided excellent service! We were a rowdy party of 6 and she remained positive, polite and patient with us! The atmosphere was very relaxed, we were there for 6pm and within the hour the house filled up. We did a round of drinks, apps, shared a bunch of dishes, and finished it with a dessert! Every plate cleaned! All of the other ladies enjoyed themselves as well! And we definitely will be back! Thank you HSL for the great food and drinks!

Christy S.

Yelp
Great food & great people! Get the biscuit and the cauliflower. You can't go wrong with the Pork Shank. Love to come here!
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Anna S.

Yelp
This place is exactly the kind of place you want close to you. With a menu that changes regularly, you always want to come to try the latest. It's a place that just works for a casual work dinner or an intimate date night. From the moment we walked in, the service struck a perfect balance, pleasant and attentive without being overbearing. Every staff member, from the host to the server and those bringing out the food, was consistently on point. Drinks are fantastic. I don't think you can go wrong. Some fun mock-tails for dry January as well. And every time I come here I'm impressed at the bartenders for their attention to detail and the hand carving of the ice. As for the food, let's start with the appetizers. The winter salad was a standout. The maple vinaigrette brought just the right amount of sweetness, complemented by the crunch of pomegranate seeds and nuts. And the biscuit--oh, the biscuit! It's everything I dream of when I think "biscuit place." Lightly salty with a flaky crust, it sat atop a pool of perfectly balanced local honey. I could eat one of these every week and never tire of it. For the main course, we tried the gnocchi and the fried chicken. The gnocchi, unfortunately, I wouldn't order it again. But the fried chicken? A winner. It was crispy, flavorful, and paired beautifully with creamy mac and cheese and tangy collard greens that would have made my southern ancestors beam with pride. This spot has an easy charm that keeps drawing me back, and after this meal, I'm already planning my next visit, if only for that biscuit!
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Sadie B.

Yelp
My cute Valentine took me to HSL to enjoy their special Valentines menu. I have tried Handels in Park City, but had yet to try the HSL version, so I was stoked! First off, the menus and Valentines vibe were so cute! Lots of pink, hearts and the workers all dressed up, so cute! We got the carrots to start, which our server said is one of his favorites, and I don't know how you can make carrots taste so amazing, but they did! Such great flavor. I also got the mushroom bolognese and my boyfriend got the pork belly. We both loved our meals and it was the perfect serving amount. Only negative was it was lowkey expensive, but we had expected that. Great service, vibe and food! So glad I got to try!
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Lynn V.

Yelp
Average, considering the price. Ambiance: Beautiful on the inside with bar seating and plenty of tables. Definitely more upscale and good for a date night. Service: Always on top of things with great explanations of everything. Food: We ended up getting the biscuit, winter salad, pork belly, steak, and two drinks. The flavor of the biscuit was good but the biscuit itself was very dry. The winter salad was nice and light. The pork belly was flavorful but portions were small considering the price. The steak was average although I thought the brussel sprouts had a nice texture and char. The two drinks (one with alcohol and one without) were delicious. Overall, drinks were great but food was just okay. I was expecting more considering the reviews and price point.
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Cameron P.

Yelp
This was a great experience for my wife and me. We really enjoyed our pork belly, burger, steak, and whiskey pudding. The inside is very nice with comfy chairs and low lighting for ambiance. Our waiter was very helpful and always checked up on us, filled our water, and gave great recommendations. Not to mention, this place is far enough from downtown to have a good amount of parking options. We'll definitely be coming back!

Christian K.

Yelp
Came here for Valentines Day and the food was sensational. We started with some Oysters, which were excellent. The beets appetizer was beautifully presented and a great portion size. Another appetizer we enjoyed was the winter salad. We ordered the striped bass and lobster pasta for our entrees and both were gorgeous, flavorful, and filling. The lobster and fish were perfectly cooked and the celery root puree with the bass was especially memorable. Is this place expensive? Yes. But unlike many restaurants at this price point, the food actually feels worth it. You can sense the effort that goes into creating the flavors, concepts, and presentations. I have two critiques. The tables were too close together. I understand trying to maximize the space, but you can almost hear every word from the table next to you when you aren't sitting in one of the booths. The other critique is that we felt rushed by our waitress. These were relatively small negatives because they didn't take away much from the dinner, but still worth mentioning.
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Jill S.

Yelp
Fantastic place! Clean and modern, great service, and excellent food. The menu has quite a few options but don't miss the buttermilk biscuit. That was definitely a stand out. The starters are a lot bigger than the staff says they are. We ordered five starters for three people (we were recommended six starters) and five was way too much. We didn't finish the starters and none of us finished our entrees. So much delicious food! A good problem to have for sure.
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Jasmine C.

Yelp
Objectively this is a well run restaurant. But the food left something to be desired. All of it was a little salty and felt like it was made more for a picture rather than our tastebuds. We really wanted to like this place but neither me or my partner enjoyed our meals. However we'd be willing to give their sister location because we've heard it was good. Overall, it was pretty expensive, the total for three dishes (1 app and 2 entrees) was a little over a $100 which given our level of enjoyment, wasn't worth it. The host and waitress were absolutely wonderful though. And the ambiance was so wonderful.
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Tom F.

Yelp
The service was great. The food was very "mid". We ordered the HSL burger and the fried chicken. The burger is a very small patty (the bun is 3x the size of the burger, if that's your thing). And for $26, definitely not up to par. The fried chicken was decent, but again, nothing spectacular considering the price. The desert, "Buttermilk Pie", was actually pretty good. All in all though, I think this place is wayyyyy overpriced for what you get. Just my two cents.
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Matt D.

Yelp
Not enough stars to appreciate the delicious food, the great service, and the overall aesthetic of HSL. First, shout-out to the hosts, servers, and bartenders, who were fun, kind, and helpful. Everyone was great. Second, BIG applause for so many plant-based food options. Nothing on the entree menu was plant-based, but the hot and cold sections of the menu had a lot to choose from. And the portions were large enough that you could share them among a small group (3-4). All the food was great. Everything was flavorful, interesting, well-balanced, and didn't fall into the over-season-with-salt trap most restaurants do. I enjoyed every bite.
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Erika V.

Yelp
Food service and ambiance were all on point. Had dinner then on 6/18 with work colleagues (party of 10) and not one person was disappointed! We had almost everything on the menu. I tried the strawberry salad, prosciutto flat bread, biscuits, tempura cauliflower, mushroom risotto, occhi, fried chicken, pork shank, mushroom bolognese, vanilla cherry ice cream and bourbon pudding. If I'm ever back in SLC I'm definitely dining there again.
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Stephen S.

Yelp
Finding parking downtown can be a bit of a hassle, but once inside HSL, the experience is worth it. The server was attentive and the atmosphere was inviting, creating a pleasant dining environment. While I personally found the food to be average, my wife absolutely loved her steak, describing it as flavorful and perfectly cooked. Despite my mixed feelings about the food, the overall experience was elevated by the excellent service and ambiance.
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Adrienne C.

Yelp
Love HSL, the Salt Lake outpost of Handle Bar in Park City. Upscale vibe with an incredible menu. Don't miss the mushroom bolognese pasta or the general tso's Cauliflower. Excellent wine and cocktails and the service is usually excellent as well.
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Karena Z.

Yelp
What a great time at HSL! The vibes were high, and the food was good. We had oysters (reasonably priced at $30 for a dozen), a biscuit, and the squash and burrata to start. All were actually fantastic. Things went a little downhill with our mains as the pork shank was not as tender as we thought it would be, and the Brussels sprouts that were served with it were inedible. The mussels and fries were delicious and served as a great 'main course' for me. The service was excellent, and everyone in the restaurant was extremely friendly and attentive. Things started getting busy around 6:45 on a Friday.
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Thanh T.

Yelp
Called in to make a reservation for a large party and it was easy, just gotta put. Csrd down to hold the reservation. You get a reminder text the day before and to confirm your res. On the day of, we were seated pretty immediately on arrival. The waiter was very knowledgeable and gave great recommendations for drinks. The drinks were excellent! Onto the food. We ordered a bunch of apps for the table to share and they were all very good. Highlights were the general tso cauliflower and biscuit! But all the apps were great. I got the fish of the day and it was a scottish salmon dish. It was so buttery and fatty it just melted in my mouth. And the crispy skin was magical. The sauce realky tied everything together. The veggies it came with were just ok. But overall a great dish. To finish off the meal, we had some people order dessert. But I saw they had green chartreuse on the menu so I had to order it! Chartreuse has been very elusive lately so I couldnt resist! Overall a great place for a big or small group dinner! Would 100% come back on my next slc visit!
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Zaraid J.

Yelp
Flavors - 4.3/5 Textures - 5/5 Presentation - 4.7/5 Value for Money - 4/5 Would return? No Must-try: crispy cauliflower This restaurant is a culinary gem, offering meticulously crafted dishes that are both visually stunning and gastronomically delightful. From perfectly cooked meats to delicately prepared veggies, each bite is a harmonious blend of textures--crispy, tender, creamy, etc. The creative flavors, though not mind-blowing, showcase a commitment to high-quality ingredients. Surprisingly, the prices are fair for the elevated culinary experience, making it a worthwhile investment. What truly sets this place apart is the artful presentation and flawless execution; each plate is a masterpiece that pleases both the eyes and the palate. For those who appreciate precision, creativity, and top-notch ingredients, this restaurant is a must-visit.
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Drew B.

Yelp
My second time at HSL. Still a cut above. The service was kind and attentive. Our table was comfy and cozy. Our food came promptly and was on point. Steak cooked exactly as requested. Vegetarian options were kindly offered to my partner. We were celebrating a new job and the evening made it all feel special.
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Bob S.

Yelp
Night three of our three-night visit to Salt Lake City was to HSL, the sister restaurant to Handle in Park City, which was a James Beard semifinalist in 2023. HSL stands for Handle Salt Lake. When you enter the restaurant, be prepared to be wowed by its design, lighting, seating and even the plates. Everything was thoughtfully designed to work in tandem. Brittany, our server, continued the streak of great servers we experienced on this trip. She guided us thru the menu, answered our questions and appeared at just the right times. HSL's forte is American cuisine, and they serve many vegan and gluten-free menu items. What's served on any night varies according to what's in season. We started with the Buttermilk Biscuit, served with honey butter. That honey butter was incredible. Next up was the Cauliflower General Tso's style. Now this is how cauliflower should be served: golden brown and crispy fried. Yum! My wife wanted a smaller entrée, so should ordered the Sourdough Toast with house-make ricotta and pickled pear. It was delightful and hit the spot. I was seriously thinking about ordering the Pork Shank covered with Frank's RedHot Sauce. Brittany even recommended it, but I just am not a fan of pork shank, so I went with the Pasta Mushroom Bolognese. It featured incredible flavor and richness. I noticed the table next to us had ordered the Pork Shank. So, I asked one of the diners what they thought of it. She couldn't stop gushing about how great it was and how she ordered it every time she dined at HSL. Now I know what to order on my next visit! Let's close by saying HSL is an awesome dining choice. Our check came to $150 before tip. Great food, service and décor. What more can you ask for?

Jessica W.

Yelp
I had such high hopes for this place. I made reservations on resy for a fun girls weekend dinner with 6 of my girlfriends. Walking in it was lovely. Pretty decorative tables and place settings. Dark and moody wallpaper. It quickly went downhill from there. Food was cold, salads missing ingredients and when we told our waiter he relayed this information to another woman who was serving and she said loud enough to be heard " I don't have time for this". Then proceeded to bring said missing ingredients ( 3 of us ordered the salad) on a plate for us all to scavenge and add at will. Definitely not what you would expect at the price point we paid. 20 percent tip was added and told was added without a blink of an eye. Our waiter was rude and cocky. It's so hard paying that much for a dinner you felt terrible eating.

David P.

Yelp
Very nice location and ambience with awesome service and staff. Unfortunately the food leaves a lot to be desired. The pimento cheese appetizer was fantastic and we had high hopes but after that it was a little disappointing. The burger was average and the bun is large and so dry that it was barely edible. The fried chicken was great and perfectly cooked but it's served with what can only be described as boxed Mac n cheese. No flavor to the Mac n cheese and extremely watery. We didn't stay for desert so no idea what they have to offer. Menu is not that expansive and for 2 of the 6 entrees to be this poor was unfortunate. Again great service and ambience but we were a little underwhelmed
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Natalie B.

Yelp
SERIOUSLY DELICIOUS!! Plus best customer service experience I've EVER had! This place is hip and happening. The restaurant has a lovely eclectic style with a buzzing atmosphere and a cool open kitchen area that's fun to watch! All the food was AMAZING! The cauliflower totally lived up to the hype and I'm soooo glad I got to try the biscuit. It was 10/10 couldn't have been better! Didn't even need the knife that came with my pork shank because it was so fall of the bone tender (and flavorful!) Top class experience overall and I will be going back the first chance I get!
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Jordan W.

Yelp
My friends said this was an instagram spot, they meant it in a negative way but the truth is it's just a great restaurant. The food was amazing. I got a random whisky drink that was not good at all (had citrus, spice and ginger). Service was great.
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Estela B.

Yelp
Booked reservations on Yelp for the next day. They have a small parking lot on side of restaurant. Fits maybe 10 cars. We like the ambiance of the restaurant. Got seated and was asked immediately what type of water we wanted. Fancy schmancy!! Everyone we encountered was really nice. Our waiter Ignacio gave us good suggestions for drinks, appetizers and meal. I went with the rum drink- I didn't know what to make if it but I did like it. It had so many ingredients I was afraid even chia! But it was a good drink! We got the buttermilk biscuit for appetizer- YUM I ordered pork shank recommended by Ignacio and it didn't disappoint. Fall off the bone delicious. The cream fresh was so good helped with the little heat the sauce has. My husband ordered the hsl burger. And he doesn't like seeing pink in his burger so he ordered medium well. The burger was good. I took 2 bites. But not 26 dollars worth IMO. The fries were way too salty. The best thing on that plate was the pickles. The burger was too dry for me. Definitely order medium. We didn't order dessert nothing really stood out to me. Overall I'd come back. It is pricey but good for nice dinner or anniversary. Good for cocktails. They don't skimp on alcohol
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Aaron B.

Yelp
Great spot and good drinks! I was able to get a nice scotchy scotch. The wife ordered a rum based cocktail which was interesting but very good. One of the few places in SLC that actually give you alcohol when you order it. I got the HSL burger medium well. I should've ordered it medium as it was somewhat dry (but so was the bun). My fault on the meat but not sure why the bun itself was dry. The fries were good but a tad salty. The ambiance was great! Good music and nice seating. Lighting was nice and dark for an evening meal. Ignacio was our waiter and his service was great. Recommend him as a waiter!
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Jack S.

Yelp
The best things about HSL were the atmosphere and the service! We had a lady who was just the absolute nicest and helpful server I've ever had! She was the best!! I got the flank steak and it was cooked to a perfect medium rare but it just wasn't the tastiest steak. It wasn't filling either. The butter cream pie (I think that's what it was called) was not like I expected at all. It was a soft top but a very hard bottom that was really hard to get my spoon through. It tasted fantastic.

Elvis 7.

Yelp
Went for Wednesday night Burger night...... it was a great way to select featured items that were 1/2 price. Wife got the the fried green tomato burger, I ordered the chicken sandwich. Our waitress, Kim made some great recommendations for wine and appetizer of strawberry salad. Everything was great and went well together. That chicken sandwich was one of the best I have ever had. Great meal, great atmosphere and excellent service. We will be back and look forward to returning! Thank you for a great experience
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Daniel M.

Yelp
My only issue with this place is the parking can be kind of tricky if you're like me and aren't an slc local who does frequent slc. That aside, the food here is absolutely phenomenal. Every dish with its own unique characteristics and plated beautifully. Their staff is very kind, attentive, and probably the best customer service I've ever experienced. This is a perfect date night spot for that special someone.
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Sam O.

Yelp
I really love the vibe of this place. The playlist was perfect, fun for groups. The food is pretty decent. I love a good burger and unfortunately this one was a bit dry. There were two others in our group that had the same experience with the burger. It's a bummer because the food is not cheap. This is a higher end establishment and you want your buck to go a long way. The Biscuit with Honey is unreal, for sure order this. I heard great things about the other dishes, but the burger is lacking.
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Steve M.

Yelp
I love the atmosphere at HSL. It's very welcoming and chill. We made reservations on a Friday for 5. We were a little late but greeted very warmly. We started with the CHICORIES salad. It was a light, refreshing start to dinner. Next, we shared the Cauliflower. You NEED to try this cauliflower it was amazing. The sauce was so good. It came out hot and crispy and I'm ready to go back just for this dish. For the last course we shared the Agnolotti. This is a pasta dish with morel mushroom. I don't normally like mushrooms, but the morels here are amazing! We love HSL for a fancy date night. Will be back!
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Quinn N.

Yelp
HSL has a very good vibe for contemporary dining experience, from the location, interior design to how everyone is dressed. However, I wouldn't say the food is on par with other restaurants of the same price tag. We were in a group of 6, ordered a few dishes to share and a couple of main dishes. Brussel sprouts, cauliflower were good but very salty. Cheese and meat selection is quite good, but it needs more bread/cracker to stay in proportion with the meat and cheese. House-made pickle was probably one of the highlights. Main dishes to me was not quite there. Pork shank has almost the same sauce as the cauliflower, I thought it would be something spicy but it tasted more like very mild buffalo sauce I would also warn that the sauce has a likelihood to splash to your clothes so order with caution. Pork shank was cooked well but the sauce is no bueno for me. My fiance got NY steak and it was quite underwhelming for him as well.
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Nicole B.

Yelp
HSL has been and continues to be one of my favorite restaurants in Salt Lake. My parents came in for the holidays last night and their flight got in just as rush hour was picking up, so we decided to take them out to dinner in the city before heading home. I'm so glad we did. I'm pregnant, my mother has Celiacs, and we brought my 7 y/o niece along so we had many accommodations and they handled them all with so much kindness and attention. The Order: Appetizers - Cauliflower and Mushroom Flatbread - Both were amazing and I would highly recommend ordering Mains - 2 x Pork Shank, Lamb, Mushroom Bolognese, and Bucatini w/butter and cheese (made special for my niece). - The Pork Shank is a staple and absolutely delicious every time so much so that I have a hard time convincing myself to try out any of the other mains on the menu, my Dad commented on how much he enjoyed the Lamb, Husband inhaled his Bolognese, and my niece, who is a bit of a picky eater loved her butter noodles and joined the clean plate club. Desserts - Caramel Pudding, Trashberry Ice Cream bar, Apple/Pear Galette, and the Chocolate Cremeux - Niece again ate the entire caramel pudding (shocking), Mom commented on how the Trashberry bar tasted just like her favorite chocolate berry truffle, the Galette was delicious and came a la mode with Vanilla ice cream and a nice crunchy almond tuile, and the Chocolate Cremeux was super decadent and I loved the honeycomb crumble that came with it. Lastly, the ambiance in the restaurant is amazing, and most importantly for me, the seating is incredibly comfortable and well lit with the perfect balance of soft, but still able to read a menu without a flashlight lighting. It is an open kitchen, so you can see the action which I love. The hand towels in the bathrooms made my niece and mom feel "fancy" and everything is spaced out so that you don't feel like you are part of someone else's dining experience. It is perfect for a romantic dinner date, impressing some clients coming in from out of town, a slightly expensive, yet casual meal with a friend at the bar, or having a nicer family dinner. They can somehow truly be the perfect place for all dining situations. All in all everyone had a fantastic evening and it was truly a great way for my family to kick off the holidays. Thank you HSL.
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Alex S.

Yelp
Ambiance is super cute! Reservations was easy online. Food was pretty good.. Cauliflower & fish was good. Agnolotti was something different and surprisingly good. Pork shank was REALLY good. Dessert was amazing (I think it was the banana one, surprisingly it was not comped for a bday with how pricey this place is and we had issues with our drinks) Cons- service was slow slowwwww... and the restaurant was pretty empty. Took forever to get orders in and get drinks. The drinks came after the apps and first entree :/
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Chantel H.

Yelp
HSL, which stands for Handle Salt Lake, is a popular restaurant located in downtown Salt Lake City. The restaurant offers a modern take on American cuisine, with a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Our waiter told us that the restaurant's menu changes frequently to reflect the availability of seasonal ingredients. I genuinely mean it when I say this is currently my favorite restaurant in Salt Lake City. The food is amazing and the service is very attentive and knowledgeable. Great variety of cocktails as well. A few of my favorite dishes are the general Tso cauliflower, you'll get it to share but want your own! The flatbread is my favorite item I've tried so far on the menu, it's so flavorful and satisfying. The charcuterie board is great and offers a variety of locally sourced meats and cheeses. The buttermilk biscuit is also a delicious treat to top everything off or as start to your meal! The restaurant's modern and stylish decor also adds to the overall dining experience, making it a great spot for a romantic night out or a special occasion. That being said it is a bit on the higher end price wise but you get what you pay for here.
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Mare B.

Yelp
Ambience and service were good, but the food was just awful. Everything we ordered was sweet, from the crudo to the cauliflower to the lamb. It was honestly disgusting. I've never had crudo in syrup before.. it should be tart! And, for a table of four our tab was $500. This included 4 cocktails and 2 beers. And, we didn't over order. We shared everything and only ordered 2 mains. I was visiting from LA so maybe I'm just used to better fine dining, but I can't be convinced that SLCers like all their food sweet.
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Matt G.

Yelp
HSL came to us highly recommended. While the atmosphere was cute and cozy, and the menu appeared to be unique and good, the food was very lackluster. I really wouldn't know what to recommend on the menu because I wouldn't recommend any of the dishes I got except for maybe the cauliflower. Definitely a healthier menu, and unique combinations, but if I had to choose again there are plenty of better spots in town!
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Angela P.

Yelp
We weren't too impressed with the food here, but the service and decor was great. The seasonal fish, sea bass, was burnt on the skin, undercooked on the other side. The miso dressing and veggies was good though. The fried chicken was cooked well, but the shishito peppers were served skin on after it was blistered. Still good, but nothing to write home about. This wasn't our favorite restaurant during our visit to SLC.
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Celina P.

Yelp
So so yummy! And so accommodating. The staff was lovely, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was lively while still feeling private. Would recommend!
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Dan S.

Yelp
HSL what a great little restaurant in SLC. Great place for a special occasion. My wife and I stopped by here for dinner prior to going to a play at the Eccles. We tried the General Tao's cauliflower and it was amazing, best cauliflower I've ever eaten. My wife had the pork shank and it was really good but most nice restaurants have a pork offering that is similar. I tried the Fried Chicken and really liked it, but again felt like other fried chicken I could get at Cocina or Franck's that is just as good. The best thing we had here was the buttermilk biscuit with honey butter and salt. It was served with our meal but could have been one of my top 5 favorite desserts. It was awesome. I didn't want to share. I think they must use a culinary torch or something to crystallize the top of the biscuit to make a sweet crisp shell. Pricey though at $10 for a biscuit, I'd still suggest ordering one for everyone it's that good and you won't want to share. My only complaint about HSL is that it was very expensive, and while very good, other SLC restaurants have similarly good options for less.
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Jordon S.

Yelp
HSL is freaking fantastic. Honestly one of my favorite new restaurants. Excellent service, great recommendations, but most importantly - it was simply delicious. We started out with the general tso cauliflower. I'm a dude who loves meat and man-food. So, I was certainly apprehensive. But, it was remarkable!! Tons of flavor with crispy cauliflower that honestly tasted more like chicken somehow. Will be getting that again for sure! A lot of "fancier" restaurants don't necessarily have large portions, which ain't cool bro. So I was a little concerned about that with a grumbling tummy. I ended up getting the fried chicken - it was marvelous. Cooked to absolute perfection and was hearty enough even for the wannabe tough guy like myself. I've heard a ton about the pork shank - will definitely be coming back for that!!!

Wyatt S.

Yelp
One of our go to nice dinner locations. The cocktails are always amazing and the option for the roulette always is a good to. We love a surprise well put together cocktail. The bartenders are amazing and the food is always so good. Can't wait to come back

Debora W.

Yelp
I do love the decor in here and we are never disappointed by the food. The music is always SO great and there is plenty going on. I love the people watching and we have had great servers. Ooh the desert has been really good!
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Pamela J.

Yelp
Food was great especially the grilled cauliflower and sweet buttermilk biscuits!! OMG! So good. We had a large group so we ordered a lot of this to share. Pasta with the bolognese sauce was great, loved the steak with pan roasted veggies, fried chicken was so tender and moist with delicious carrots and Gouda grits! Yum! The food just kept coming. We also had every flavor of ice cream and watermelon was my favorite next to vanilla of course. I don't know the name of it but a delicious chocolate bar with chocolate mousse and caramel, with melted marshmallow - AMAZING -so creamy and satisfying. Great place!! The servers was young and fun and made it a great experience.
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Em Y.

Yelp
Love this place, love the vibes, the food is so amazing and the staff has always been so friendly. The biscuit was prob my fav. It's diff, not dry, just yummy. The general Thao app is amazing as always and I had the steak that was so so good
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Frances P D.

Yelp
A colleague and I ate dinner here on the last Wednesday of September. I highly recommend this restaurant. Parking didn't appear to be that great or plenty as there was construction on the main road but wasn't a problem for us since we took a Lyft. We were seated in a cute booth that was central in the restaurant. We had appetizers, main meals, dessert and a couple of drinks (not all pictured). I would definitely come back for the ice cream flight.
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Miguel R.

Yelp
HSL is great for dates and business meetings. The food and service are excellent. My daughter and I shared the fish on Valentine's Day. It was tender and flaky. Perfectly cooked. Will be returning.
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E P.

Yelp
Overpriced and mediocre. Our meal started off great with the delicious biscuit and cauliflower appetizers. But the sourdough toast appetizer included a sickly sweet pumpkin purée that sucked the life out of the bread. The radiatore pasta was fine but for $30? That's ridiculous. And the burger was just plain bad: a really dry bun, meat that called for more charr, a sweetness to the spread that was just weird and off-putting. And for $26? That's expensive even for New York. The banana tres leches cake, however, was excellent. Our waiter had a weird attitude and didn't listen. I said we were ready to order but he either didn't hear or care because he explained how the very simple menu worked. He then made a face when I told him what we wanted to order. Why would you be so unhelpful? Overall, not a good experience despite some delicious single dishes.
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Anthony D.

Yelp
From the food to the service to the general vibe of the place, HSL delivers across the board. I was in from NYC for a few nights and wanted something high-end but chill and HSL came through strong (and at a very reasonable price too! ...at least by NY standards, lol). You really can't go wrong with anything here, but I can confirm the lamb is fire and my buddy loved the duck. Drinks are on point too
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Nicole M.

Yelp
HSL was an incredible experience. The cuisine was a twist on classic American fare. Each dish had so many unique items that were all handmade. We tried so many things on the menu. What really stood out was the Brussels sprouts and the sorbets. The sorbets were so unique and fresh. Each of our dishes were simply delicious. The atmosphere was a great vibe - I loved the plants and the unique furniture. Simply delightful. A true gem. A MUST try.
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Bo K.

Yelp
I don't understand the hype. Menu is overpriced and food was underwhelming. Nothing stood out and I feel like the ambience is fancy for the sake of being fancy. Entrees were too salty for me. I don't have much else to say and I hesitated reviewing this place because I have friends who rave about HSL and one believes this is the best restaurant in SLC. I just had higher expectations.