Slackwater opened on West 500 South in 2011 with a secret weapon—a 15-year-old yeast starter that creates the kind of melt-in-your-mouth crust pizza lovers dream about.
The locally-owned pizzeria has built an impressive reputation around 20+ artisan pizzas paired with a 300+ craft beer selection, all wrapped up in pop culture-inspired specials that make dining here feel like an inside joke you’re finally in on.
The 684 South 500 West location became famous for its Hot Honey Double Pepperoni and “Tastes Like Burning” pizza (yes, from The Simpsons), showcasing menu creativity that draws from Seinfeld, Grateful Dead, and whatever TV shows the team happens to be watching.
What Makes Slackwater Special
The restaurant delivers over 20 artisan pizzas built on that carefully cultivated 15-year-old yeast starter they continually propagate, creating the foundation for their craveable crust.
The California Sunrise arrives with green goddess dressing, roasted chicken, peppered bacon, fresh avocado, and chiffonade spinach, creating the bestselling combination that showcases their commitment to creative flavor profiles.
What truly sets them apart is the 300-strong beer menu tailored to local tastes, served by Cicerone-Certified staff who can guide you through leading-edge craft beer trends with every pizza order.
The Story Behind the Pizzeria
Slackwater launched in 2011 with a clear mission: to serve artisan pizzas while broadening beer vocabularies throughout Utah’s community.
Executive Chef Sam Fisher built the restaurant’s reputation with his incredible palate, creating monthly specials inspired by team travels and pop culture TV shows that guests genuinely love.
The locally-owned operation has perfected a system where rotating specials can earn permanent menu status—if customers love it enough, it stays, which is exactly how Hot Honey Double Pepperoni made the jump from special to staple.
Salt Lake City’s Favorite Menu Items
Food Highlights
- California Sunrise Pizza: Green goddess dressing topped with roasted chicken, peppered bacon, avocado, and spinach creates the bestselling combination. The fresh ingredients showcase the artisan quality that makes this the most popular pizza on the menu. 🍕
- Hot Honey Double Pepperoni: What started as a monthly special with sweet-spicy balance has become the top-selling pizza after earning permanent status. The balanced heat delivers addictive flavor that got it promoted by customer demand. 🍕
- Tastes Like Burning Pizza: This super-spicy Simpsons-inspired creation brings extreme heat as a tribute to pop culture. The fiery preparation showcases the TV show influence that defines their special pizza creativity. 🔥
- Shakedown Grill: A Grateful Dead-inspired five-cheese grilled sandwich tucked inside a calzone, served with capicola, ham, and tomato bisque for dipping. This unique special pays tribute to the band while delivering creative combinations that work surprisingly well. 🎸
- Tikka Masala Pizza: Indian-inspired flavors bring global influence to the artisan pizza lineup. The spiced preparation delivers cultural fusion that expands the creative boundaries of the menu. 🍕
- Buffalo Wings: Classic appetizer with tangy sauce creates the perfect shareable start alongside your pizza. The crispy preparation delivers satisfaction that pairs beautifully with craft beer. 🍗
Atmosphere
The restaurant sits at 684 South 500 West, where a hipster, trendy interior creates a loud, energetic vibe throughout the Peoples Freeway location.
Inside, you’ll find live music performances, outdoor seating, and cool decor that create a laid-back environment perfect for the casual pizza bar vibe.
The dog-friendly setting welcomes families alongside pizza lovers and beer enthusiasts, all gathering around 300+ craft beer options that make this the perfect destination for both.
Bottom Line
Visit Slackwater for artisan pizzas featuring California Sunrise and Hot Honey Double Pepperoni, all built on a 15-year-old yeast starter with pop culture creativity woven throughout.
You’ll discover a 300+ craft beer selection served by Cicerone-Certified staff, plus monthly specials inspired by The Simpsons, Seinfeld, and Grateful Dead through this locally-owned Utah operation.
The melt-in-your-mouth crust, leading-edge beer trends, and rotating team-suggested specials prove this pizza and beer hub has earned its place as a Salt Lake City institution. 🌟
Address: Slackwater – Salt Lake City
684 S 500 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
📞 (801) 386-9777
🕐 Mon-Thu: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Sun: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
300+ craft beers | Live music | Outdoor seating | Dog-friendly | Five Utah locations | Cicerone-Certified staff