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A Local’s Guide to Salt Lake’s Maven District

A Local’s Guide to Salt Lake’s Maven District

From eclectic eats to curated boutiques.

Written By Paulina Burnside

Maven District | Andrew Burr

Take a westbound stroll down Salt Lake City’s Harvey Milk Boulevard from Liberty Park any day of the week, and you will see people enjoying the world in real time. Cyclists cruise the 9 Line bike path, which runs parallel to a sidewalk filled with joggers and walkers; nearby, a stationery store, a cat cafe and neighborhood coffee staples are tucked quietly between the residences.

Suddenly, there’s a shift from single-family homes to strip buildings, and a playful tangle of storefronts pops into existence — the Maven District.

This name is proudly labeled on corners, on the sidewalk crossings that have been painted for the pleasure of pedestrians and on window decals that encourage prospective business-owners to join the incubation. While the 9 Line path ties these diverse shops together, the real glue that sets this corner of Salt Lake apart from others is the fact that 85% of these local businesses are women-owned. (Read: Day-tripping a Women-owned Business Enclave in Salt Lake City)

Pantry Products

Tucked into the first building of the cluster is Pantry Products, a store that is practically glowing with natural aromas. A woman- and LGBTQ+-owned business, this shop creates high-quality, all-natural and cruelty-free products. Jars and pumps line the walls, containing salves, powders, waxes and unique detergents of all sorts. Ingredients are clearly labeled to ensure full transparency.

While every category of this shop's daily essentials has a fan base, the candles and skincare products are particularly sought after. Bathroom, kitchen and other home accessories can also be found here, which propose wooden or naturally-fibered accessories as replacements for plastic home goods. Workshops are periodically scheduled and, once a week on Fill’er Up Fridays, customers can enjoy an extra 10% on bulk bar refills.

Lovebound Library

Pick up a title at Lovebound Library, and you’ll probably dive irreversibly into the world of romance, with sub-genres and plots for all audiences. If you’re not in the market for a new book, they also make great gifts for friends and family. This aesthetically-dialed-in shop was established in February of 2024 — hello, Valentine’s Day anniversary? — and fosters a hearty community within its space. Lovebound Library’s calendar boasts multiple events and pop-ups every month, often featuring author-talks and opportunities to fan-girl. These shelves feature sought-after Emily Henry and Sarah J. Maas books, alongside displays for zeitgeist items like the Game Changers hockey romance series by Rachel Reid. Romance subcategories include fantasy, contemporary, locally written titles, danmei, historical and omegaverse, with additional selections available on the Lovebound Library website.

Wouldn't we all like to add another book onto our shelves? And who knows, you might just become enemies-to-lovers with the quietly-mysterious person holding the last copy of the book that caught your eye.

Tandoori Taqueria

Just across the street from Lovebound Library is a third shop with an alliterated title: Tandoori Taqueria. A vibrant restaurant blending a delicious fusion of Mexican and Indian cuisine, this spot was founded by Ripple Desai and has a menu that proudly serves gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. A notable dish on the menu for folks who want to try the main flavors is the taco trio, serving a “pozole” filled tortilla of seasoned braised pork, a “beef and chorizo” taco and a “tikka tikka” filled naan of chicken prepared in a creamy tomato gravy.

The space has a welcoming and relaxed feel to it, with the kitchen in sight and orange marigold garlands tying the two cuisine cultures of this restaurant together. To complement each meal are options for hot tea, freshly squeezed lemonade and agua fresca, as well as the dessert choice of a highly-regarded flan brûlée.

Normal Ice Cream

Counter to its name, Normal Ice Cream is anything but ordinary. The innovative soft-serve menu changes monthly, always featuring vegan and gluten-free options and creating space for unique flavors like cardamom, Lucky Charms milk and cookie butter. Also on the menu are "composed cones" (e.g. the cardamom bun: cardamom soft serve + salted caramel + cardamom cinnamon roll bits + cinnamon sugar), ice cream bars, sandos and specialty lattes or affogatos. Given the breadth of choices built around common allergies and flavor preferences, it'd be abnormal not to find something you like at Normal Ice Cream.

The Heavy Metal Shop

A Salt Lake City icon, The Heavy Metal Shop has migrated from Sandy to Sugar House to downtown, finally landing in its newest home — the Maven District — where it has thrived for three years and counting. Founded in 1986 by couple Kevin and Angie Kirk, The Heavy Metal Shop provides a collection of music merchandise, shirts, hoodies, stickers, patches, hats and even a curated hot sauce selection. New colors and designs come out on occasion, creating rare opportunities for fans to pick up unique styles. Walking into the shop, one treads over a rug that nods to Alice Cooper’s studio album “Welcome to My Nightmare,” a portal into a welcoming space where there is merchandise to be sifted through and conversations to be had.

The original hosts of the Alley Wiener Dog Race, the Heavy Metal Shop is connected with many corners of the community. From the collage of photos on the walls capturing loving moments of the owners and their grandchildren posing with musicians, to the many sizes and varieties of merch (including baby onesies), the sense of community between all ages that this shop has built is apparent. You can even enjoy intimate concerts on occasional evenings — the stage is right behind the check-out register.

Early Owl Cafe

A fresh addition to the Maven District’s breakfast scene, Early Owl Cafe caters to the brunch crowd and everyone in between. Their extensive drink menu features unique finds like Dragon Fruit soda and a Honey Lemon Avo smoothie, while the warm atmosphere — accented by pop-art decor — is as welcoming for solo diners as it is for large groups.

The dishes are plated with a special attention to detail and color, piled with fresh fruits and vegetables. Salads, bowls, eggs and smoked salmon are commonly ordered, and the kind team of workers makes the environment easy to relax in. Highlight dishes include the shakshouka (served with natural yeast sourdough toast), the mini pancakes and a salmon toast with cream cheese and pickled cucumber.

Koo De Ker

With ever-precious, season-changing window displays, Koo De Ker is a boutique clothier that is hard to miss in the Maven District. Owned by Kyong An Millar, this cozy space is quilted in textures, everyday staples, bold patterns and a true curation of style and brands that makes the visions behind this store apparent. There are dressing rooms and plenty of natural light, perfect for trying on a new piece for your wardrobe.

Serving Salt Lake City since 2001, and with past locations at Trolley Square and 9th and 9th, Koo De Ker is a shop that has evolved and grown with the times. With brands like Mirth, Mother Denim, Ulla Johnson, Mod Ref and Hunter Bell, plus a collection called Maison de Frédéric after the owner’s historic home in Southern France, the styles are international and timeless. Like many of the Maven District favorites, Koo De Ker has an active online shop and Instagram account.

Cosmica

On the west end of the Maven District lies Cosmica, the only Utah restaurant featured on the New York Times 2025 list of the Best Restaurants in America. Founded by chef Ryan Lowder — the mind behind Salt Lake’s Copper Common and Copper Onion — the space embraces a fresh aesthetic direction: Spaghetti Western with a touch of eclecticism.

From the street, the tinted windows and red glow of the restaurant lighting suggest a current of liveliness and indulgence, an image that is confirmed upon entrance. While the space itself is eye candy, the menu gives it competition. The menu features wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta, alongside a full beverage program ranging from fine wines and house cocktails to alcohol-free spritzers, coffees and teas. Finally, there are a selection of desserts that — no matter how full you are — you’ll certainly want to make room for. Favorite dishes include the puffy bread, the lasagna, the linguine and shrimp, the kale salad and all of the pizzas.

The Maven District is best enjoyed as a pedestrian.

Photo: Jen Fairchild Photography

How to Get to the Maven District

Located about a mile and a half south of Temple Square, the Maven District is easily accessible for visitors staying in downtown Salt Lake. While curbside parking and a few tucked-away lots are available, the district is best enjoyed as a pedestrian — and the 9 Line bike path makes the area a boon for cyclists. The diverse shopping and dining options packed into this condensed block make it a must-visit for Salt Lake locals and tourists alike.

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About the Author – Paulina Burnside

Paulina Burnside is from northern New Mexico, now living and working in downtown Salt Lake City. Exploring spaces by foot, bicycle or imagination takes up most of her time. Ever interested in switching things up, she is always seeking experimental food, fashion, architecture and design to talk and write about. She loves coffee and hopes that you do, too.

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