Breakfast

If you've fallen victim to the nation's obsession with gourmet coffees, you'll discover that lattes and cappuccinos are more scarce in Utah than elsewhere because of Mormon strictures on caffeine. However, several fine coffeehouses exist in Salt Lake City [1].

The Salt Lake Roasting Co. (329 East 400 South, 801/363-7572, 6:45 a.m.-midnight daily) offers a wide selection of coffees, fresh-baked European-style pastries, a vaguely "alternative" atmosphere, and a pleasant outdoor patio in good weather.

For one of Salt Lake's favorite breakfasts, drive (or ride your bike) a couple of miles east of the city to Ruth's Diner (4160 Emigration Canyon, 801/582-5807, www.ruthsdiner.com [2], 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily in summer, till 9 p.m. Sun.-Thurs. and till 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. in winter, $8). The restaurant's namesake was a cabaret singer in the 1920s who opened her own restaurant in 1930. Ruth's Diner has been in continuous operation ever since (the ads used to read "70 years in business...Boy am I tired!"). Ruth's is full of atmosphere and overlooks a rushing stream. It's a great place to go for an old-fashioned breakfast or a hearty lunch. Live music is featured at Sunday brunch.

Another classic place for an old-fashioned breakfast is Lamb's (169 S. Main St., 801/364-7166, www.lambsgrill.com [3], 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., $6), which hasn't changed its look or its menu since the 1930s. Lamb's is an easy walk from most downtown hotels.

Another pleasant place for a traditional breakfast is the Park Cafe (604 East 1300 South, 801/487-1670, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily). The Park is directly across from Liberty Park, which makes a great pre- or post-breakfast destination.

Closer to downtown, in the Exchange District, the Market Street Grill (48 Market St., 801/322-4668, www.gastronomyinc.com [4], 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10:30 p.m. Fri., 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-10:30 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. Sun.) is best known for its excellent seafood dinners, but it is also a favored spot for stylish and delicious breakfasts.

If you're looking for breakfast with a view, head to the lodges and resorts up nearby Wasatch Front canyons. The Silver Fork Lodge (11 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon, 435/649-9551, www.silverforklodge.com [5], 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. in summer, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. in winter) is a favorite destination for a scenic brunch, perhaps followed by a hike.