You’re driving through Salt Lake City, specifically near the 1700 South area, and you’re hungry. Not "I’ll grab a protein bar" hungry, but the kind of hungry that requires a sit-down meal that doesn't feel like a corporate chain. That is where Breaks Eatery and Bar usually enters the conversation. Honestly, the Breaks Eatery and Bar menu is a bit of a chameleon. It shifts from a morning coffee-and-pastry vibe into a full-blown dinner and cocktail spot without breaking a sweat. It is rare to find a place that can handle a sourdough avocado toast at 9:00 AM and a plate of short rib gnocchi at 7:00 PM, but here we are.
The Morning Grind: What to Actually Order
Breakfast is where most people first encounter this place. If you look at the Breaks Eatery and Bar menu during the AM hours, you’ll see the "Breaks Breakfast." It’s basic. It’s two eggs, toast, and your choice of protein. But sometimes basic is exactly what you need when you’ve had too much caffeine and not enough sleep.
For the people who want something a bit more elevated, the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are the sleeper hit. They aren't those lead-heavy discs you get at a diner. They are light. They have that zip of citrus that cuts through the syrup. If you’re more of a savory person, the Chorizo Burrito is the way to go. It’s packed. It doesn’t skimp on the potatoes, which—let’s be real—is where most breakfast burritos fail. They use local ingredients where they can, and you can taste that it hasn't been sitting in a freezer for three months.
Coffee and Pastries
The pastry case changes. You might walk in one day and find a specific type of croissant, and the next day it’s gone. That’s the charm of a local joint. Their coffee program isn't just an afterthought; they take the extraction seriously. If you're a purist, get the espresso. If you want something to linger over while you pretend to work on your laptop, the lattes are solid.
Lunch and the Mid-Day Transition
Lunch is a weird time for restaurants. Too heavy and people fall asleep at their desks; too light and they’re grumpy by 3:00 PM. The Breaks Eatery and Bar menu solves this with a sandwich game that is surprisingly strong.
The Turkey Pesto is a standard, sure. But the way they handle the bread matters. It’s toasted enough to have a crunch but not so much that it shreds the roof of your mouth. The "Breaks Burger" is another heavy hitter. It’s a classic quarter-pounder style but elevated with better beef and a brioche bun that actually holds up to the grease.
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- Pro Tip: If you’re there for lunch, ask about the soup of the day. They actually make it in-house. It’s not from a bag.
- The Salad Situation: Look, nobody goes to a bar for salad unless it's good. The Beet and Goat Cheese salad here actually has some weight to it. It’s not just a pile of limp arugula.
Why the Dinner Menu Changes the Game
When the sun goes down, the lights dim and the Breaks Eatery and Bar menu gets a little more serious. This is where you see the "Bar" part of the name really take over. The dinner service leans into comfort food with a bit of a chef’s twist.
The Short Rib Gnocchi is probably the most talked-about item. The meat is tender. The gnocchi aren’t mushy. It’s a heavy dish, definitely meant for a cold Salt Lake evening. Then you have the Salmon. It’s usually served with a seasonal vegetable and some sort of grain like quinoa or farro. It’s clean. It’s consistent.
A lot of people overlook the appetizers, but that’s a mistake. The Brussels Sprouts—yes, everyone does them now—are actually crispy here. They use a balsamic glaze that isn't cloyingly sweet. It’s balanced.
The Bar: More Than Just Domestic Beer
You can't talk about this place without talking about the drinks. The cocktail list on the Breaks Eatery and Bar menu is surprisingly sophisticated for a neighborhood spot. They do a solid Old Fashioned, but their seasonal cocktails are where the creativity shows up.
They have a decent selection of local Utah brews on tap. For a state with some "interesting" liquor laws, Breaks manages to curate a list that satisfies both the craft beer nerd and the person who just wants a cold lager. The wine list is small but functional. You’re not going to find a $500 bottle of Bordeaux, but you will find a glass of Malbec that actually pairs well with the short ribs.
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The Atmosphere Factor
The physical space matters. It’s open. It has high ceilings. It feels modern but not cold. It’s the kind of place where you see families having brunch next to someone finishing a screenplay and a couple on a first date. That versatility is reflected in the menu. It doesn't try to be one thing. It tries to be the thing you need at that specific hour of the day.
Dealing with the Crowds
Let’s be honest: weekends are a zoo. If you show up at 10:30 AM on a Saturday expecting to walk right in, you’re going to be waiting on the sidewalk. The Breaks Eatery and Bar menu attracts a lot of people from the surrounding neighborhoods.
If you hate waiting, go on a Tuesday morning. The vibe is totally different. It’s quiet. You can actually hear the music. You can talk to the servers about what they like on the menu. Most of the staff has been there a while, and they’ll tell you straight up if the kitchen is slammed or if a certain dish is hitting particularly well that day.
The Local Connection
Salt Lake City’s food scene has exploded lately. It’s not just chain restaurants anymore. Places like Breaks are the backbone of that. They source from local bakeries and creameries. This isn't just a marketing gimmick; it’s a logistics reality that keeps the food tasting fresh. When you see "local honey" or "Utah-grown tomatoes" on the menu, it actually means something in this valley.
Dietary Restrictions
One thing they handle well is the "I can't eat that" crowd. Gluten-free bread is an option for most sandwiches. They have vegan-friendly bowls that aren't just an afterthought of steamed broccoli. They actually put effort into the flavor profiles of the plant-based options.
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Understanding the Value
Is it cheap? No. It’s a mid-range spot. You’re paying for the quality of the ingredients and the fact that someone actually cooked your food rather than just reheating it. For the price point, the portions are fair. You won’t leave hungry, but you won't feel like you need a nap immediately (unless you go hard on the pancakes).
People often compare it to other spots in the 9th and 9th or Sugar House areas. While those spots are great, Breaks has a bit more breathing room. It feels less frantic. The Breaks Eatery and Bar menu offers enough variety that you can go three times in a week and eat something completely different each time. That’s the secret to its longevity in a competitive market.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you are planning to head over to check out the Breaks Eatery and Bar menu, here is how to do it right:
- Check the hours before you go. They transition between meal services, and you don't want to show up for dinner when they're still in that "mid-afternoon lul."
- Aim for the "Off-Peak" hours. If you want the full experience without the noise, 2:00 PM on a weekday is the sweet spot.
- Start with the appetizers. Even if you’re there for a full meal, the small plates are where the kitchen often experiments. The Shishito peppers are a great way to start.
- Ask about the specials. They often have off-menu items or seasonal rotations that aren't printed on the main sheet.
- Park strategically. The parking lot can get tight. Don't be afraid to park a block away and walk; the neighborhood is nice anyway.
- Try the house-made sauces. Whether it’s an aioli for your fries or a dressing for your salad, these are made from scratch and make a huge difference in the flavor profile.
Breaks Eatery and Bar isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It's just trying to make the wheel really, really well. Whether you're there for the coffee, the cocktails, or a massive plate of breakfast food, the menu is designed to be accessible but interesting. It’s a staple for a reason.