Coffee Noir Salt Lake City: Where Film Noir Passion Meets Award-Winning Coffee in East Central

There's something about walking into Coffee Noir on 200 South that feels like stumbling into a secret the neighborhood's been keeping. Maybe it's the way morning light filters through the trees onto the spacious outdoor patio, or how regulars from the nearby senior center sit at the same tables as University of Utah students cramming for finals, everyone united by the smell of freshly roasted coffee that owner Ben Lanoha insists on brewing to perfection. "My favorite little coffee shop away from the busy city, but close enough to be convenient," one customer describes it—and that just about sums up why this East Central neighborhood gem has quietly become one of the best coffee shops in Salt Lake City.

The Filmmaker Who Fell in Love with Coffee (and Film Noir)

Ben Lanoha's love of film noir isn't just reflected in the name Coffee Noir—it's woven into the very identity of this small, clean, well-lighted place he created in the heart of Salt Lake's East Central neighborhood. But before Lanoha was crafting the perfect espresso pull, he was working as an independent filmmaker, directing award-winning films. The transition from cinema to coffee might seem unusual, but there's a narrative thread connecting both passions: storytelling, attention to detail, and an obsession with craft.

After training at the American Barista & Coffee School in Portland, Lanoha followed his taste buds and his convictions all the way to a small roaster in Topeka, Kansas that would change Salt Lake City's coffee scene. He selected PT's Coffee Roasting Co. as his supplier—winners of Roast Magazine's 2009 Roaster of the Year award—introducing one of the nation's most respected specialty coffee roasters to Utah's coffee culture. It was a decision driven by principle as much as palate: PT's sources artisan, organic and sustainably produced beans grown under a shade canopy, preserving habitat for all manner of creatures, and engages in Direct Trade—a system that exceeds the Fair Trade price by a minimum of 25 percent.

This isn't just coffee with a good backstory. PT's has earned over 50 ratings of 94 points and above from Coffee Review, including the No. 1 spot on their Top 30 Coffees of 2022, and has been featured in Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, and other national publications. When you order a cup at Coffee Noir, you're drinking beans from one of America's most acclaimed roasters, sourced through relationships that prioritize both quality and ethics.

What Makes Coffee Noir the Best Coffee Shop Near University of Utah

Tucked at 1035 East 200 South in the East Central neighborhood, Coffee Noir occupies a sweet spot—literally and figuratively—between downtown Salt Lake City and the University of Utah campus. "Located walking distance from the University of Utah and downtown Salt Lake City," as one reviewer notes, it's become the go-to study spot for students who want exceptional coffee without the chaos of campus cafes or the pretension of downtown's trendier spots.

"I've been in a couple times before but finally decided to try doing some studying and homework here," one student writes, echoing what's become a pattern: people come once for the coffee and keep coming back for the atmosphere. The cafe features great free high-speed Wi-Fi, making it perfect for relaxing inside or out while working away from home. But here's what really sets this neighborhood coffee shop apart—it draws not only students and neighbors but has become a favorite of regulars from a nearby senior center. Where else in Salt Lake City can you find three generations sharing the same coffee shop peacefully on a Saturday morning?

The outdoor seating situation deserves its own paragraph. "Little shop tucked away in the university district with ample amount of outdoor seating perfect for the spring and summer seasons," one visitor describes it, and they're not exaggerating. The café's pet-friendly policy has made it a popular gathering spot for dog owners and their furry companions, transforming the patio into an unofficial neighborhood gathering place where you're as likely to make friends with someone's golden retriever as you are to overhear interesting conversations about quantum physics or local politics.

Let's talk about what you're actually going to drink and eat here, because that's what keeps people coming back week after week.

"They've the best dirty chai in the city!!" declares one customer who's been there over 10 times, and the enthusiasm is warranted. "The staff was very kind - dirty chai and tomato mozzarella croissant were delicious!" another reviewer confirms. The dirty chai—espresso mixed with chai tea—is prepared with house-made techniques that make it stand out from the usual coffee shop offerings.

But the specialty drinks go beyond the expected. "It was so awesome! The guy working there was so rad and their lavender Italian soda is to die for!" writes one enthusiastic customer. When you're feeling indulgent, opt for the house-made coffee-flavored whipped cream when topping your drink—it's one of those insider details that separates a good coffee shop from a great one.

For the espresso purists, the lattes are consistently praised. "The latte is my litmus test of any coffee shop. Lattes here are phenomenal and the atmosphere is hard to beat," writes one discerning customer. And if you're ordering a white mocha, multiple reviewers agree: "They have a good white mocha" that hits the spot.

Now, about the food. "They have a breakfast burrito that's yummy, but simple…but where pastries are awesome!" one local writes, capturing the straightforward appeal of Coffee Noir's food menu. "I recommend the sausage, egg and cheese croissant, and lemon poppyseed scones," suggests another regular. The breakfast burritos are simple, satisfying, and perfect for grabbing with your morning coffee before heading to campus or starting a day on the slopes.

The treats from Lonepine Bakery are a delicious addition to the menu, bringing in some of Utah's best artisan baked goods to complement the house-made offerings. From flaky croissants to fresh scones, the pastry case offers the kind of quality you'd expect from a neighborhood spot that takes its coffee this seriously.

One charming detail that regulars love: the coffee stirrers are pieces of pasta, which is better for the environment. It's the kind of thoughtful touch that shows Lanoha's commitment to sustainability matches his commitment to quality.

East Central's Community Coffee Hub

What makes Coffee Noir essential to Salt Lake City's coffee scene isn't just what's in the cup—it's the role it plays in the East Central neighborhood. "I work in the care facility next to them, and whenever I need a pick-me-up, I always buy myself a little treat from them. I look forward to chatting with the staff, and I love the atmosphere the owner has created," shares one neighbor, capturing how this coffee shop functions as more than just a caffeine dispensary.

"I always find myself wandering to the back of their shop and checking out all the creative posters they let the community post," the same reviewer continues, highlighting how Coffee Noir serves as an informal community bulletin board and gathering space. This is exactly the kind of neighborhood institution that Salt Lake City needs more of—places that bring people together across generational and social lines.

"This is now a regular weekly spot for a group of friends who get together and talk shop," one customer explains, and you'll see variations of this scene playing out throughout the week: study groups, business meetings, first dates, and those perfect solo mornings where you just need a good book and better coffee.

The staff deserves special mention. From the moment you step inside, the welcoming atmosphere and attentive baristas ensure a pleasant experience for all. "The service is always so friendly and efficient," notes a regular, while another describes the experience as feeling "like family". In an era when many coffee shops prioritize speed over connection, Coffee Noir manages to deliver both.

Location also matters. Situated on the 200 South corridor between downtown and the University of Utah, Coffee Noir serves as a natural pit stop for anyone heading up to the Cottonwood Canyons for skiing or hiking. It's become an unofficial pre-adventure coffee spot where you can grab a quality breakfast burrito and exceptional coffee before hitting the mountains.

Planning Your Visit to Coffee Noir

Address: 1035 E 200 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84102 (East Central neighborhood)

Hours:

Monday-Friday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

What to Order:

The dirty chai (customer-verified best in the city)
Sausage, egg and cheese croissant
Lemon poppyseed scones
Any latte with house-made coffee-flavored whipped cream
Lavender Italian soda
Simple breakfast burrito with your morning coffee

Good to Know:

Saturday mornings can get busy, so be prepared to wait outside, but the great outdoor seating makes it worthwhile
Pet-friendly outdoor patio—bring your dog
Free high-speed Wi-Fi for remote work or studying
Plenty of street parking available
Perfect pre-ski stop before heading up the canyons
Reasonable prices and punch card rewards for returning customers

Instagram: @coffeenoir

Why Coffee Noir Matters to Utah's Coffee Scene

In a city rapidly filling with third-wave coffee shops and national chains, Coffee Noir represents something increasingly rare: a neighborhood coffee shop that prioritizes community connection and coffee quality in equal measure. Lanoha deserves extra credit for not only enhancing the neighborhood but introducing a terrific new coffee supplier to Salt Lake City when he brought PT's Coffee to Utah over a decade ago.

The film noir-inspired name hints at Lanoha's artistic background, but there's nothing noir about the atmosphere—it's warm, welcoming, and full of natural light. It's the kind of place that makes you slow down, whether you're a University of Utah student between classes, a senior center regular meeting friends, or a remote worker seeking a change of scenery.

"Coffee Noir is the cozy kind of spot where you can get a cup of coffee and finish off that paper or project that needs to get done. The owners and baristas are very friendly and the coffee's always so good," sums up one satisfied customer. In the end, maybe that's all we really need from our neighborhood coffee shops: excellent coffee, genuine hospitality, and a space that feels like it was made for everyone.

Next time you're near the University of Utah or driving through East Central on 200 South, do yourself a favor and stop in. Order the dirty chai, grab a croissant, and settle into the patio with a book. You'll understand immediately why locals consider Coffee Noir one of Salt Lake City's best-kept coffee secrets—and why it deserves to be shouted from the rooftops instead.

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