Soup Calls
When the weather gets like this, the question isn’t whether or not get soup, it’s where to get it and what kind to go for. Ali always votes for the ever-classic Soup Kitchen, while Maeve leans toward the more contemporary Big City Soup. Like almost any arrangement, one of us has to compromise.
Lucky for us, they’re both good choices with similar price points. Here’s our take on our two favorite soup houses in Salt Lake.
The Soup Kitchen seems like it’s been around forever, a sort of Salt Lake landmark. It’s practically impossible to stroll around Sugar House without stopping in for a cup what is quite possibly the best creamy tomato soup ever. Seriously. Sure, the digs might not be the newest or hippest (or nicest) you’ve ever laid eyes on or feet in, but as Elaine and Jerry learned, one sip of a very homemade-tasting Vegetable Beef or Split Pea makes it easy to see beyond dinginess, not to mention difficult personalities. Just get your tray, order and step to your left.
The Soup Kitchen also serves up delicious, homey sandwiches (Ali loves the veggie sandwich with its heavy dose of avocado) and simple rectangular breadsticks in garlic, cheese and wheat. They’re the ideal dipping complement to the cup or bowl of brothy goodness. It’s also nice to take home a pint of soup and a bag of breadsticks for a quick, affordable dinner.
Big City Soup, on the other hand, is all about flavorful exotics. It’s like a Baskin Robbins (actually, more along the lines of Gelato Classico) for soup-lovers—feels like there are 31 flavors to choose from, and you’ll get to sample before your tastebuds settle on just one. Favorites include Thai Chicken Noodle, Lobster & Golden Pepper Bisque and Happy Jack’s Chicken Curry. Like the Soup Kitchen, you can also pick up salads and sandwiches.
The Big City chain is a well-oiled machine with nicer premises and customer service. You get to pick from three different types of bread/rolls to polish off your bowl with, and even better, you get a wrapped wedge of cheddar cheese. Big City also dishes out vegetarian (English Pea) and dairy-free (Tomato Basil) options.
You can try the Soup Kitchen’s Creamy Tomato at 1411 S. Redwood Road, 1185 Richards Street, 15 W. 3300 South and 422 N. 600 West, but we recommend the 2012 S. 1100 East location.
You can pick up Big City Soups at 235 S. 400 West, 234 S. Main Street, and 65 N. Medical Drive in Salt Lake. We like the roominess of the Gateway District location.
So, tell us, what’s your favorite? Or where should we head to mix things up?—as if decisions weren’t already difficult enough to make.
February 28th, 2007 at 7:53 am
How funny! I have been craving Soup Kitchen’s Split Pea Soup all week during our on again/off again blizzards! I love the tomato too, but there’s something about that thick green concoction that I just can’t resist.
February 28th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
Sounds like I can go to eat with either Ali or Maeve, because I love both The Soup Kitchen and Big City Soup. I’m a soup lover, but the thing I liked most about this post was that is reminded me of the difference between weather and whether. I can always count on you YHO.
February 28th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Creamy Tomato from Soup Kitchen. Mmmm…
February 28th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
So, I was just leaving work in Park City and was talking with one of the therapists telling her that I would bring up lunch tomorrow…and I had suggested stopping to get soup at the Soup Kitchen!! Not kidding:) So…it looks like it’s a done deal!! I agree…Creamy Tomato!! I also enjoy the Chicken noodle from Lettuce N Ladles (in Holladay); or the Fire Roasted Tomato from Paradise Bakery; and Cowboy Grub has EXCELLENT soups (chicken noodle, creamy potatoe, and a pasta one); Porcupine also has a good tomatoe! I have yet to try Big City…the ones you listed sound superb! Or for a quick stop of chili…Wendy’s!!;)
March 2nd, 2007 at 2:18 pm
I vote for Big City Soup anyday. I went there for the first time on the day that Carly was married before we went to the temple. I love that memory.
March 5th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
During the 2002 Olympics I was working round the clock at the Delta Center. It was my favorite treat to sneak out and pick up some Big City Soup take-out. I live in California now and I still get crazy cravings for that place.
March 5th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
There is no comfort food like tomato at the Soup Kitchen. Those big chunks of tomato…yum! I have to say I’ll take it over a chain any day.
January 6th, 2010 at 9:51 am
[...] such, she wrote in looking for the best cuppa soup in the state. We’ve hashed out the Soup Kitchen and Big City Soup in the past (what happened to Big City?!), and now we’re [...]