Hidden gems in Provo’s restaurant scene

By
Adriana Pinegar
-
605

Likely because of the sheer number of dinner dates that take place in Provo on a nightly basis, there are always new restaurants in Provo popping up, only to go out of business months later. It seems that the old classics in Provo, like Brick Oven and Guru’s, take a majority of the business. For whatever reason, it is hard for students to branch out and try something new. Summer is the perfect time to explore the dining scene in Provo. These five eateries are tried and true restaurants. This is by no means a definitive list, but a good jumping off point to discover some dining options Provo has to offer.

 

 

Jamison Metzger

 

Station 22 Cafe is located on Center Street in Provo.

Station 22, 22 West Center Street
Monday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.

 

Station 22 is located conveniently in downtown Provo, right off of University Avenue. This restaurant offers an array of creative sandwiches, salad bar options and sides. They also have a rotating menu of specials which change daily. The only problem with the rotating menu is that the sandwich you fall in love with may not be available the next time you go. When Station 22 opened in February, owner Richard Gregory and chefs Brittany Ammon and J Sherman designed the menu with those people who eat out frequently in mind.

“They developed a home-style cafe with classic comfort foods, a rapidly rotating seasonal menu and lots of healthy options to keep your heart and waistline happy,” according to the Station 22 website.

A meal at Station 22 is less than $10 a plate, making it ideal for a nice, but not over-the-top date. If you go, make sure to order a basket of fries. The ratatouille sandwich on their regular menu is excellent, and their brownies are well worth the $1 cost.

 

Jamison Metzger

Tommy's Burger is located at 401 W. 100 N. in Provo.

Tommy’s Burger, 401 W. 100 North
Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Don’t be fooled by the size of this little food shack. Tommy’s serves up big flavor. The menu is simple, offering a variety of

burgers, dogs and fries. In the 24 years since the little building was converted from a small insurance office into a burger stand, only four items have been added to the menu. Tommy’s credits the success of its ever-constant menu to a unique chili recipe, which contains carrots instead of beans.

 

“Each batch of chili is just a bit different than the one before it, but always mouth-watering,” according to the Tommy’s menu.

Any combo meal at Tommy’s is less than $10. The restaurant is a throwback to the classic American hamburger stand, with picnic tables in back and a food counter on the side of the building. There is no indoor seating. The chicken sandwich comes highly recommended, as does anything smothered in their home-made chili.

 

Jamison Metzger

The Provo Bakery is located at 190 E. 100 N. in Provo.

Provo Bakery, 190 E. 100 North
Tuesday-Saturday: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

 

With frozen yogurt ruling the dessert world these days, many people have forgotten the simple joy of a chocolate donut. Despite recent trends, Provo Bakery has been doing what they do best for nearly 50 years. Upon entering the bakery, it’s easy to understand why. The smell alone can give you a cavity, and once you see the rows of delicious pastries, you won’t be able to resist.

“We get a lot of traffic from BYU and UVU students,” said Abbey Woffinden, an employee at the bakery.

The bakery offers a variety of baked goods, from cookies and cakes to donuts and danishes. Their orange and raspberry rolls are unbeatable. The bakery’s delectable goodies are available by order, or you can stop in and pick out a freshly made treat.

“We sell to other stores,” said Maddy Greenwood, another employee at the bakery. “You can buy our stuff at the South End Market and a few other places.”

 

Diego’s Taco Shop, 45 W. 300 North

Jamison Metzger

Diego's Taco Shop is located at 45 W. 300 N. in Provo.

Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

 

Diego’s is a tasty little taco shop right off of University Avenue. The shop is nice and clean, with flat screen televisions and a

spacious seating area. Diego’s menu is extensive, offering a range of tacos, tortas, nachos, burritos and more. The food is authentic and inexpensive, but not greasy. The burritos and tacos are just the right size: enough to fill you up without making you sick. Shaded picnic tables in front of the shop provide a nice place to eat. Most entrees at Diego’s are less than$5, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. However, Diego’s prefers cash and only accepts some credit cards.

 

Jamison Metzger

Melanie Silva, who recently moved to Provo from Hawaii, says that Hokulia Shave Ice Co. is comparable to authentic snow shacks in Hawaii. Hokulia Shave Ice Co. is located at 1445 N. Canyon Road, across the street from Helaman Halls.

Hokulia Shave Ice Co., 1445 N. Canyon Road
Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (flexible hours)

 

Summer means shave ice. There are plenty of little stands to choose from in Provo, but Hokulia stands out. Their prices may seem high, but the short board (their smallest size) is more than

enough for two people to share. Hokulia piles the ice high and doesn’t skimp on the flavor, either. Patrons can select up to three flavors from a list of more than 30 to douse on their snow cone. You can also add ice cream or a snow cap (cream) to any size for a little bit extra. The possibilities are endless at Hokulia, which means that filling up one of their punch cards will be no problem this summer.
There are not a lot of places to sit, since Hokulia is located in a parking lot, but they do have a couple of tables. The line can get long on a hot day, but the cool treat is well worth the wait. If you go, try a guava-coconut mix with cream. The largest size is just less than $5, but you may need five friends to help you eat it.
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