Tinker’s Cat Cafe: Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Contact Information
Address: 302 East 900 South, Salt Lake City, UT
Phone: (801) 519-2287
Hours: T-Th 9-6; F/Sa 9-7; Sun 11-7; M Closed
Entrance Fee: $8.55/hr; $6/hr kids 10 & under
Ratings
Website / Social Media
Website: tinkerscatcafe.com
Facebook: @tinkerscatcafe
Instagram: tinkerscatcafe
Twitter: @tinkerscatcafe
Cat vs Cafe (50/50)
Tinker Player Kitten Cat: Review of Tinker’s Cat Cafe
When I visit a cat cafe, I always love the cats, but sometimes I also fall in love with the cats.
It doesn’t happen every time, but it did when I visited Tinker’s Cat Cafe.
First, Tator Tot climbed into my lap, which, when a kitty does that I always feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Then, seconds later, Eeyore ambled over and decided to pet my nose. Pure cat cafe magic.
It’s a tough job* reviewing the world’s cat cafes, but someone’s got to do it.
One month before, my significant other, the unparalleled chocolate milk connoisseur A Foolz Errand, pitched the idea of a weekend in the Salt Lake City area. Tinker’s remained as one of the few western US cat cafes on my list, so we made our plans for a quick getaway to scenic Utah. Comprising of a one-day-three-state road trip, loads of dairy deliciousness and feline fun, it turned out to be a glorious weekend to remember.
Priorities clearly in order, our first stop was Tinker’s.
Located in the Central City area, known for its art galleries, intimate indie music venues and gastropubs, I was loving the vibe of the neighborhood even before we stepped foot in the door.
Things just got better. Lisa, the owner, was the first to greet us on the cafe side. A warm and caring animal lover, she is one of those unbelievably kind people that I have been so fortunate to meet in my cat travels. While the barista fixed my coffee, Lisa and I chatted about all things cat cafe, a topic where I NEVER run out of things to say and Lisa generously obliged me.
Tinker’s is truly a community affair, and I was delighted to hear Salt Lake City was instrumental in this cafe’s opening, providing assistance and small business support. A keen advocate for local consumerism, Lisa is partnered with several neighborhood vendors with delicious pastries courtesy of City Cakes, Pastry Arts and Les Madeleines, with coffee by Rimini.
The kitties are local too, specially selected by Tinker’s shelter partner, Salt Lake County Animal Services. They are doing a stellar job because all of these cats were little love bugs!
Inside the cat lounge, it was a happy scene. Natural light filled the room, an immaculately clean and comfortable space that just feels relaxing. We were the only ones in the room and the cats began to check us out, first, an extended loving moment with Eeyore and later, the aforementioned Tator Tot/Eeyore cuddle session.
I think I was floating on air after that, but did manage to make the acquaintance of Tinker’s four resident cats Sammy, Topal, James Dean and Florida, as well as other adoptees including handsome tabby George Clooney, a stunning black and ginger tortie named Harp, raven long haired Poppy and belly rub loving Ragu.
My visit was incredibly heartwarming, an experience that I’m certain is an everyday occurance at Tinker’s. With a lovely & cheerful environment, kind & caring people and sweet & loving cats, how could one not fall in love?
Prioritize a visit ASAP!
*Let’s be clear, I don’t earn a penny doing this. My quest to visit every cat cafe in the world can best be described as a ‘labor of love’. That I can help advance animal welfare in some small way, while meeting amazing cat people and promoting these hard-working small businesses is rewarding and fills me with gratitude.
Date Visited: 5/10/19
