This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

50 West Café has a lot going for it — a gorgeous interior space with modern and clean lines, staff that truly seem to go above and beyond and a fast-casual, value-based menu under $10 that could prove attractive to downtown workers during breakfast and lunch hours.

In addition, the club portion of the space is host to a variety of entertainment events and offers lunch menu items plus club snacks.

Serving breakfast until 3 p.m. on weekdays, 50 West Café dishes up everything from pancakes ($4.50) and French toast ($7 or $7.50) to biscuits and gravy ($6). For something more on-the-go, grab a breakfast burrito ($6), toasted bagel and cream cheese ($3) or the croissant sandwich ($6.50). This impressively valued order delivered an entire egg and cheese omelet featuring a choice of meat tucked in a warm croissant and also came with nicely spiced fried potato wedges tossed with red and green peppers.

Pair any of your breakfast items with a hot beverage from the full selection of coffee bar drinks — from lattes and cappuccinos ($3.50 12 oz., $4 16 oz.) to caramel macchiatos ($4.25 12-ounce, $4.50 16-ounce) — that are not only tasty but come in at prices significantly lower than other downtown locations offering the same selections.

The lunch and club menus feature a selection of salads and sandwiches plus a mix-and-match protein meal option. Choose from well-marinated steak, herb-brushed ahi, grill-roasted vegetables, salt and pepper chicken or a kicky chipotle BBQ chicken and then decide if you want them served in a sandwich ($8.75), hot plate ($10) or salad ($9.75) form. Choose the hot plate for maximum value.

Additionally, you'll find two other sandwiches available, but neither was worthy of repeat orders. The Back Yard Burger was of the pre-formed frozen variety that tasted just as flavorless and dry as it looked when served. The Philly steak bore little resemblance to its name and was in fact closer to a hot roast beef sandwich with too-thick slices of meat and a layer of cheese. Its only redeeming value was the sautéed green peppers. Both came with choice of fries (regular, sweet potato or mixed), but the garlic pesto topping on the regular couldn't make up for the limp starch supporting it.

Better options are the full-sized meal salads. The Southern fried chicken salad ($9.75) comes with a multigrain roll and plenty of crispy fried chicken, diced tomatoes and fresh cucumber. Although I didn't get the dressing that I ordered, the spicy chipotle ranch brought all the salad elements together nicely. Flat-iron steak ($9.75) and chopped Mediterranean ($9.75) salads round out the choice of greens.

Another not-to-be-missed item is the tortilla soup. At $6 a bowl, it's filling enough to serve as a lunchtime meal. The thick, creamy base is chock full of sweet corn and beans, then topped with fresh avocado slices and crunchy tortilla strips.

Although 50 West is a fast-casual affair where you order and pay before dining, the customer service from behind the counter was much more than I expected as they took orders and delivered food. Even a breakfast to-go order over the phone was a pleasant and professional interaction. And after running late to meet my guest one afternoon, I first sat down at the table she had already secured to say hello and make our selections. The server was kind enough to offer us table service even during the lunch rush.

Overall, 50 West Café brings a value-driven dining choice to 300 South. The modern and clean atmosphere is a comfortable place to go for a midmorning coffee break or lunch with co-workers who aren't looking to step too far out of the culinary box while still supporting a local business and leaving satiated.

Heather L. King also writes for http://www.theutahreview.com and can be found on social media @slclunches. —

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50 West Cafe

Food • Hhj

Mood • HHhj

Service • HHhj

Noise • bb

This downtown Salt Lake City café brings value to lunch and breakfast with hot meals, sandwiches and salads in a modern, hip environment.

Location • 50 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City; 801-961-1033

Online • cafe.50westslc.com

Hours • Open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Children's menu • No

Prices • $

Liquor • Wine and beer

Reservations • No

Takeout • Yes

Wheelchair access • Yes

Outdoor dining • No

On-site parking • No

Credit cards • All major