The Best Nostalgic Food Haunts of My Childhood

Growing up in Taylorsville, my family frequented several restaurants that still hold a special place in my heart. While they may not be known for their culinary innovation, these hometown staples are much loved by local patrons who have gathered there for generations.

Italian Village

My mom took us here because she grew up eating here. She would tell us about the familiar faces she still recognized from back in the day, including a couple waiters and even the guy in the back slinging pizza (although he used to wear his hair in a “far out” curly ‘fro).

Chuck-a-Rama

I know this is controversial for many, but my family loved (and still loves) Chuck-a-Rama. What can I say? We keep coming back for those Utah scones (aka fry bread) and honey butter. And buffets are generally a good deal when feeding a family of six.

Leatherby’s Family Creamery

If you ever wanted a sundae that’s bigger than your face, this is the place. I used to get the kid-sized (still hefty) scoop, which comes with two butter cookies on the plate. You know, the kind your grandma always has in a tin. Or, at least you think it’s cookies, but you open it and it’s sewing supplies.

Schmidt’s Pastry Cottage

The correct name of this place is Schmidt’s Pastry Cottage, but my family has always called it Schmidt’s Bakery. Like, “Mom, can you pick us up a treat at Schmidt’s Bakery?” As a kid, the sugar cookies were top-tier. Around the holidays they come in different shapes (hearts, three-leaf clovers, ghosts …), but it’s always an extra soft cookie with a thick (I mean THICK) layer of frosting.

Francesco’s

This was another solid Italian restaurant in the rotation, and it was located right next to a movie theater. A giant plate of spaghetti and garlic bread followed by (probably) a Disney movie — talk about an ideal Friday night for a suburban kid.