The Central 9th Market
In the ever-evolving heart of Salt Lake City’s Central 9th district, and just a few blocks away from one of our other favorite up-and-coming restaurants, Slackwater, and easy to access if you tour without a car, the relentless hum of construction creates excitement, and a diamond in the rough is found, The Central 9th Market. Since its debut in 2021, this hole-in-the-wall deli has defied convention, blending the chaotic energy of its surroundings with an unparalleled culinary experience.
What sets this deli apart is its fluidity and adaptability. Central 9th’s offerings change based on the season, and honestly, whenever the chefs want it to. Mornings and afternoons offer a collection of mouthwatering sandwiches, each a masterpiece on their signature house-made focaccia. Picture eggs so fluffy they practically float, paired with crispy bacon or indulgent slices of spam, all harmonizing flavors that dance across your palate. A breakfast sandwich bursting with the freshness of locally sourced ingredients, topped with a dollop of house-made aioli that elevates every bite to a culinary revelation. Don’t be surprised when you see Central 9th on our guide for must-try local restaurants.
But it’s not just about the classics. The Central 9th Market delights in surprising its patrons with innovative twists, introducing new variants and specials that excite and satisfy in equal measure weekly.
As the sun sets and the whiteboard menu transforms for dinner. Monday nights here are not slow, or dull, like most other restaurants Monday nights. Mondays are their busiest night, as a line around the block forms as people anxiously wait for 6 pm, when their acclaimed smash burgers become available. It has perfectly seasoned meat and artisanal toppings, and often, not-so-artisanal toppings like funyons or chili. These concoctions have earned them recognition for “best in Utah” within a mere year of opening.
Weeknights offer a culinary voyage, from soul-warming chilis to fragrant soups and crispy fish frys that challenge the ordinary and redefine comfort food. And then comes the weekend, where the kitchen’s creativity reaches its peak with “staff meal” offerings—imagine the succulence of shawarma, the smoky allure of smoked chicken, or the comforting embrace of a hearty meat and threes plate.
Let’s dive into the delightful chaos of Central 9th. This isn’t your typical quiet corner cafe; it’s alive with the pulse of 80s-90s rap and metal, cranked up to eleven, demanding your attention and appetite. The menu even includes an item that reads “turn the music down – $100,” and the decor is riddled with expletives, all adding to the restaurant’s chaotic charm. Looking to enjoy your meal inside? Maybe you should eat somewhere else. The Central 9th market regulars happily overlook this challenge, often savoring their culinary treasures on the literal curbside, with the brisk night air adding a touch of adventure to each bite.
Yet amidst the clamor and the scarcity of seats, one thing reigns supreme—the food. It’s so exceptional that we gladly endure the chaos and the wait because when you taste something this extraordinary, it’s not just a meal—it’s an experience, a testament to the passion and creativity that defines Central 9th Market. So, if you find yourself in Salt Lake City’s vibrant Central 9th district, brace yourself for a culinary revolution.
