The Bay Leaf Cafe, Salt Lake City UT

Reviewed by Becky

Legitimate Southern Food at a Salt Lake City Modern Diner
Josh and I visited a brand new place this weekend that I’m so stoked to tell you about. I’ve been downtown a lot for some reason lately, mainly because I’m no longer working in Park City and actually have time to explore more places near where we live.I love Salt Lake’s downtown and I have a feeling that its just going to get better. There are new restaurants and shops popping up everywhere! This new little place caught our eye when we were walking to see Iron and Wine play at Gallivan Center a few weeks ago and I took mental note that we had to come back.

The Bayleaf Cafe is what I would call a modern diner. Still serving ‘poor-man’s food’ but in a chic environment with a few fun twists on the menu. If you’re looking for a taste of southern comfort this is the place to go! From fresh catfish (flown in daily) to cheese grits and corn beef hash- you will get a taste of the South when you visit The Bayleaf. And you can’t miss the southern desserts with names like ‘Nanner Pudding,’ and ‘Apple Brown Betty.’ We initially came for breakfast but I’m sure we’ll be back for lunch soon. Here are a few shots from our experience:



Only open for 6 days when we visited, the new restaurant was running well and the owner, Seth, was super enthusiastic although a bit sleep deprived. Seth hales from Alabama, his Southern roots evident as he greets many of the guests with a smile and a good story. His co-owner Haylen, from the Philippines, also shares a heart for traditional hospitality coming from such a tourist friendly country.

Their vision is for this cafe to be a place of regulars where the cooks and wait staff will literally know your name and what you like to order. They are open 7 days a week and promise to always offer fresh food. They stick to this vision so much so that they decided to just close the restaurant for the day if the fresh food runs out.

There are literally only two items that they buy canned- tomatoes and corned beef hash, ‘Because that’s the best corned beef hash you can get!” says the owner.

Obviously from the photos, we went for breakfast, but their lunch and dinner menus also look promising and affordable. They are open all weekend and for a downtown cafe in Salt Lake City that’s almost unheard of. Here are some of my highlights:

Favorite detail: serve water in huge mason jars
What we tasted: a waffle with fresh blueberries and eggs with toast, hashbrowns, and sausage (what’s not to love about that?)
What I’d like to try next time: blackened catfish or bbq shrimp and cheese grits
Highest price on their menu: $8.99
Favorite insider note: Their bar is made from pure maple-wood, made by his brother, which took 800 man hours to complete.

The Bayleaf Cafe
159 South Main Street
Monday-Sunday 6am-6pm
Bayleaf Cafe on Urbanspoon

Read more about the lunch and dinner offerings at Bayleaf on Gastronomic SLC.

Click here for a list of all VintageMixer Reviews

Comments (9)

  1. I went to their opening party and the food was great. The owners are very friendly. I think Bayleaf is going to be a great addition to downtown.

  2. I wound up there on a lark for and was dutifully impressed! Both Haylen and Seth are dedicated hard working types who's love and dedication to this vision oozes from every tasty morsel. It's like the show Cheers with coffee instead of beer!See ya at the counter top soon!

  3. I would have to disagree with this whole articile. I went there after seeing it on the news and reading some reviews. The only thing I can say was good was the maple counter tops. Have these guys ever even worked at a resturant?

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