If you’ve visited Salt Lake City before, you’ve likely strolled through its historic neighborhood of the Avenues or shopped at the trendy Sugar House. Maybe you’ve even wandered to Central City to check out the architectural marvel that is the Salt Lake City Public Library. But have you ever spent any time in People’s Freeway? If you’re like many Salt Lake visitors (and even a few residents!), that name might not ring a bell. This is because the neighborhood that sits between Interstate 15 and Highway 89 is often better known as Ballpark, thanks to one of the area’s most famous attractions: Smith’s Ballpark.
The next time you’re in People’s Freeway (aka Ballpark) for a Salt Lake Bees game, you might want to stick around afterward to visit several of the area’s fun attractions. This under-the-radar neighborhood may be a little rough around the edges, but it’s also home to several quirky entertainment venues, a slew of diverse dining options, and even a haunted house. Read on to discover why this unpolished gem may be Salt Lake City’s next up-and-coming hotspot and is worth a second look.
Where to Eat, Drink, and Play in Ballpark
It can be a challenge to get locals to abandon tried-and-true hangouts, but several of People’s Freeway’s popular restaurants serve food so good they’ll draw even the most ardent homebodies out of their comfort zones.
Best Restaurants and Bars in the Neighborhood
Lucky 13 Bar and Grill is one such 21-and-older dive bar, with burgers that are so tasty they have reviewers on Yelp calling them “the best burgers in Salt Lake.” The establishment has earned a devoted following for its creative burger combinations, generous portions, and laid-back atmosphere that embodies the neighborhood’s unpretentious character.
The Irish-themed Piper Down Pub is another popular choice, featuring live music, a rooftop deck, and a good selection of Irish and locally crafted IPAs. The rooftop provides excellent views of the surrounding area and creates a perfect gathering spot during warm Utah evenings. Live music performances range from local bands to touring acts, adding vibrant energy to the Ballpark scene.
International Cuisine Options
But People’s Freeway also has its fair share of international cuisine, like Mahider Ethiopian Restaurant & Market. Its Ethiopian food has been hailed by reviewers on Yelp as authentic and “delicious food for a great price.” The restaurant serves traditional dishes like injera (sourdough flatbread), doro wat (spicy chicken stew), and various vegetarian platters that introduce diners to East African culinary traditions.
The neighborhood’s diversity extends beyond Ethiopian cuisine. Mexican taquerias, Asian fusion spots, and Middle Eastern restaurants dot the district, reflecting Salt Lake City’s growing multicultural population. This culinary variety makes People’s Freeway an ideal destination for adventurous food enthusiasts seeking authentic flavors.
Blue Copper Coffee offers $2 cold brew that attracts caffeine lovers looking for quality beverages at reasonable prices. The coffee shop serves as a community gathering spot where residents and visitors alike fuel up before exploring the neighborhood.
Indoor Entertainment and Unique Attractions
One of the most interesting developments in the neighborhood in recent years, however, has been the opening of several indoor entertainment complexes, including The Front, a multi-use climbing gym, yoga, and fitness center, an axe-throwing venue at Social Axe Throwing, and Smash It Rage Room, where you can de-stress by chucking glass bottles at a wall and smashing old office equipment with a sledgehammer.
The Front Climbing Gym
The Front represents the neighborhood’s evolution toward active lifestyle amenities. The climbing gym features various difficulty levels suitable for beginners through experienced climbers. Beyond climbing walls, the facility includes yoga classes, fitness equipment, and community events that foster social connections among health-conscious residents and visitors.
Climbing has exploded in popularity across Utah, a state renowned for outdoor recreation. The Front brings this outdoor passion indoors, creating a year-round option regardless of weather conditions.
Social Axe Throwing
Social Axe Throwing taps into the nationwide trend of competitive axe throwing as entertainment. The venue provides instruction, equipment, and a safe environment for groups seeking unique activities. Axe throwing appeals to corporate team-building events, birthday parties, and friends looking for experiences beyond traditional bars or restaurants.
The competitive nature of axe throwing combined with its novelty creates memorable experiences that guests frequently share on social media, organically promoting the Ballpark neighborhood to wider audiences.
Smash It Rage Room
Smash It Rage Room offers cathartic stress relief through controlled destruction. Participants don protective gear and spend sessions demolishing items with various implements. This unconventional entertainment option attracts those seeking alternative ways to release tension and frustration.
Rage rooms have gained popularity nationwide as therapeutic outlets for stress management. The Ballpark location capitalizes on this trend while adding another unique attraction to the neighborhood’s growing entertainment portfolio.
Smith’s Ballpark and the Salt Lake Bees
Of course, the neighborhood’s most famous attraction is its namesake, Smith’s Ballpark, which opened in 1994 and is home to the minor league baseball team, the Salt Lake Bees.
Baseball Experience and Family Entertainment
Smith’s Ballpark serves as the neighborhood’s anchor attraction, drawing thousands of visitors during baseball season. The Salt Lake Bees, a Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, provide affordable family entertainment with ticket prices significantly lower than major league games.
The ballpark atmosphere combines classic Americana with modern amenities. Fans enjoy traditional baseball foods like hot dogs and peanuts alongside local culinary options that showcase Utah’s food scene. Promotional nights, themed games, and between-inning entertainment create experiences beyond just watching baseball.
The stadium’s location makes it easily accessible via public transportation, walking, or biking, encouraging sustainable attendance methods that reduce parking congestion in the neighborhood.
Nightmare on 13th: Haunted Attraction
Just a couple of minutes’ walk from the ballpark is a 36,000-square-foot castle-like building that ranks among the scariest haunted attractions in the U.S. by America Haunts. If you’re a horror movie fan or simply appreciate a good jump scare, you’ll get a kick (or scream) out of a visit to Nightmare on 13th.
Year-Round Horror Entertainment
Nightmare on 13th operates primarily during Halloween season but has expanded to offer experiences throughout the year. The massive facility features multiple themed areas, professional actors, elaborate sets, and special effects that create genuinely frightening experiences.
Horror enthusiasts travel from across the region to experience Nightmare on 13th, which has built a national reputation for quality scares. The attraction employs theatrical techniques, psychological elements, and physical effects to create immersive horror environments.
The haunted house contributes significantly to the neighborhood’s economy by drawing visitors who also patronize nearby restaurants and businesses before or after their scares.
Neighborhood Art and Character
The district’s dozen colorful murals are ideally viewed up close, adding vibrant artistic elements to the neighborhood’s character. Local and visiting artists have transformed building walls into canvases featuring abstract designs, community themes, and cultural representations.
Street art has become integral to People’s Freeway’s identity, distinguishing it from more traditional Salt Lake City neighborhoods. The murals create Instagram-worthy backdrops that encourage social media sharing, organically marketing the area to younger demographics.
Walking tours focusing on the neighborhood’s street art have emerged, combining artistic appreciation with exploration of local businesses. These tours help visitors discover hidden gems while supporting the area’s creative economy.
How to Get There and Where to Stay
The official city website describes the neighborhood of People’s Freeway (Ballpark) as stretching from 900 South to 2100 South and from State Street to Interstate 15. It is just a 13-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, one of the easiest-to-navigate airports in America.
Accommodation Options
The most highly rated hotels in the city include The Hilton Garden Inn, which is about a five-minute drive or 30-minute walk away from Smith’s Ballpark, and The Grand America Hotel, a European-style luxury hotel considered the third-best in all of Salt Lake City, according to Tripadvisor.
Budget-conscious travelers can find numerous chain hotels near the airport or downtown, all within reasonable distance of the Ballpark neighborhood. Airbnb and vacation rental options in surrounding neighborhoods provide alternatives to traditional hotels.
The proximity to Salt Lake City International Airport makes People’s Freeway convenient for travelers with limited time who want to experience local flavor without extensive transportation.
Transportation and Walkability
The best way to explore the neighborhood is by bicycle or on foot, as not only does the area rank as one of the most walkable parts of town, as per Walk Score, but the district’s dozen colorful murals are ideally viewed up close.
Public transportation via UTA (Utah Transit Authority) provides bus and light rail connections to the neighborhood. The TRAX light rail system includes stops near People’s Freeway, facilitating car-free exploration.
Bike-sharing programs and dedicated bike lanes encourage cycling as a primary transportation mode. Utah’s reputation as a recreation-loving state extends to urban cycling infrastructure that makes biking both safe and enjoyable.
Why People’s Freeway Deserves Attention
So strap on some comfy shoes, grab a $2 cold brew from Blue Copper Coffee, and spend the afternoon bar and restaurant hopping in one of Salt Lake’s most overlooked and underrated neighborhoods.
The Neighborhood’s Evolving Identity
People’s Freeway represents Salt Lake City’s authentic, unpolished character—a contrast to the manicured landscapes of more tourist-oriented districts. The neighborhood’s rough edges contribute to its charm, attracting those seeking genuine urban experiences over sanitized attractions.
The area’s transformation reflects broader urban revitalization trends where formerly industrial or neglected neighborhoods evolve into creative districts. Artists, entrepreneurs, and independent business owners have embraced People’s Freeway’s affordable real estate and central location.
Future Development and Growth
As Salt Lake City continues growing, People’s Freeway stands positioned to become the next trendy neighborhood. Current development projects include mixed-use buildings, improved pedestrian infrastructure, and additional entertainment venues that will enhance the area’s appeal.
The up-and-coming hotspot designation reflects recognition from urban planners, real estate developers, and cultural observers who see People’s Freeway’s potential. Early adopters who discover the neighborhood now will witness its transformation firsthand.
Final Thoughts: Salt Lake’s Hidden Treasure
And if you’re keen on traversing more of Utah and Salt Lake City by bike, check out how this recreation-loving state is planning a “freeway system” for bikers—another indication of the region’s commitment to alternative transportation and outdoor lifestyles.
People’s Freeway (Ballpark) embodies the best of undiscovered urban neighborhoods: authentic character, diverse offerings, reasonable prices, and genuine community spirit. While it may lack the polish of more established districts, this perceived weakness actually represents its greatest strength—real experiences in a city sometimes criticized for homogeneity.
Whether you’re catching a Salt Lake Bees game, challenging yourself at a climbing gym, testing your nerve at Nightmare on 13th, or simply exploring the neighborhood’s eclectic dining scene, People’s Freeway offers experiences unavailable elsewhere in Salt Lake City.
The neighborhood’s evolution continues, making now the perfect time to discover it before mass tourism transforms its authentic character. As more visitors recognize People’s Freeway’s appeal, the area will undoubtedly develop further—but its foundation of quirky independence and local flavor will likely endure.
For more comprehensive Salt Lake City neighborhood guides, Utah travel tips, and hidden destination discoveries, visit The Inspiring Insight where we provide expert coverage of overlooked urban areas worldwide. Stay informed with our detailed analysis of emerging neighborhoods, local dining scenes, and alternative attractions that help you experience cities like a resident rather than a typical tourist.
