The Oldest Salt Lake City Restaurants

In a time where restaurants are closing left and right, a few Salt Lake City classics have stood the test of time. Here are some of the longest-running restaurants. And fun fact: They all have a hamburger connection.

Iceberg Drive Inn

The original Iceberg Drive Inn opened on April 12, 1960 by Lamar Sorenson. He was inspired by local ice cream machine salesman Hap Vitale’s vision for a uniquely designed eatery serving top-notch shakes, burgers, and fries. They credit their location on 900 E. 3900 S. as the city’s first drive-thru.

Dee’s Family Restaurants

Founded in 1932 by Dee Anderson, the original location served up five-cent hamburgers (or six for a quarter), and it quickly grew into a thriving chain of over 50 Dee’s Drive-ins. Today, only three Dee’s Family Restaurants remain standing — including the one on 2100 South in Salt Lake City.

Ruth’s Diner

This beloved Salt Lake City establishment is nearing almost 100 years in business. It first opened as Ruth’s Hamburgers in 1930 in downtown SLC before relocating in 1949 to Emigration Canyon where it still stands today.

Arctic Circle

The first Arctic Circle drive-thru opened in 1950, and the owners of their Provo franchise (Stan and Sarah Taylor) are said to have invented fry sauce in 1955.

Hires Big H

Last but not least is Hires Big H, a local favorite opened by Don Hale in 1959. More than just surviving, they’re thriving, with their newest location to open in Downtown Daybreak soon.