We’re forever on the Muve, sniffing out Salt Lake’s next home improvement/development. Busy days call for speedy yet delicious cups o’ Joe and tasty morsels to boot. Thankfully the coffee industry has long since fare welled the days of two-in-one instant granules and cream.
Downtown’s boutique grind houses are the very antithesis to corporate America’s upsized sugary offerings. Inviting surrounds, fashioned from recycled timbers, exposed duct and steel and pre-loved furniture and curios beckon devotees to linger longer, savoring every drop within an appreciative community.
Publik has ventured from its flagship Park City café and celebrates its fourth week at the sister warehouse space. Boasting expansive, industrial styling, eclectic tunes and a “big-ass” eight-blade ceiling fan that gently cools from the upstairs dining level; there’s also two private, glass-walled conference rooms to brainstorm (with baristas at the ready to revive waning concentration levels).
Publik’s Dutch name references the aforementioned like-minded ‘community’, delivering a pared-back sublime approach to caffeine and nosh. Pull up a high-level pew at the communal benches or opt for a less visible table and sink into a good read, pressing work matters or hit up our website for the latest and tastiest home offerings). [Apologies for the brazen plug!] Loitering is strongly encouraged with various wall/overhead power outlets for recharging electrical devices while you jolt your human batteries.
A dedicated menu of 11 toast varieties isn’t about to set the culinary world on fire but soft-as-sponge artisan breads (multigrain beer, organic peasant, rosemary olive, sprouted wheat and superhero ‘power’ bread) are adorned with gourmettoppings – orange habanero marmalade, pear lavender jam, crumbled blue cheese and rock salt will entice the most hardened of breakfast naysayers, while a small selection of artisanal chocolates, biscuits and pastries will sway the sweet-toothed. Savory types will devour the salt-and-peppered avocado; while the sweet-minded will relish the peanut butter, banana and honey – both presented on the addictive yet filling sprouted wheat bread.
Tea timers haven’t been overlooked, with a range of loose-leaf blends and iced varieties. Dietary restrictions are considered with the option of gluten-free breads and soy and almond milk. Busy bees will love the dedicated car park and ample street parking, for speedy pit stops, and you can elevate your Publik appreciation further with a range of merch (beanies, caps, singlets, t-shirts and hoodies) in the downstairs space that includes home barista supplies.
Publik offers fresh daily grinds ‘til 6pm, (early birds arrive at 7am on weekdays and 8am at weekends). Street parking is directly opposite Capital City Antique Mall or hop on TRAX (alight at 9th South) and stroll one short block to caffeine nirvana.
975 Suid, West Temple Salt Lake City (the flagship café is at 638 Park Avenue, Park City)
nota: Publik may be the newest kid on the caffeine block, but it’d be remiss of The Muve Group to omit SLC’s notable coffee institutions: