City Center Nightlife in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is world famous for its skiing, Mormon history, great Salt Lake, Bonneville Speedway, and many, many other things. But one thing's for sure: it's certainly not famous for it's nightlife. At least not in a positive sense.
Until recently, Utah's bars were choked by mysterious and restrictive liquor laws. Bar and pubs were called "private clubs" and patrons were required to be "members". Many, many other restrictions applied -but worse than these was the urban legends circulating about them.
In the summer of 2009, the State of Utah put into effect a number of laws that changed the night scene for the better -and hopefully for good. The most noticeable difference is the abolishment of the "private club". No longer must you purchase a day- or year membership to enter a bar or club. Certain other details changed as well, another of which is that you may no longer order a "side car"- which was an extra shot of liquor to be poured into a drink to stiffen up the otherwise 1-oz serving restriction. Though the serving size is still limited by those funny little pour regulators, it has increased now to 1.5 oz.
Salt Lake City has a number of excellent bars, clubs, and pubs -ranging from jazz houses, to Irish pubs, Vegas-style clubs, hole-in-the-wall dives, and gritty music venues. But those coming from a larger city (or even a smaller one) will be surprised to find Salt Lake's utter lack of a bar crawl, as these establishments are all quite spread apart from another. Therefore, the name of the game in Utah is to plan ahead: pick one bar and meet your friends there. Look online for music listings, drink specials. Ride a bike so you don't have to drive. (Though it still is technically illegal to operate a bicycle under the influence.) Lots of fun can still be had; you just have to be deliberate about it.
Until recently, Utah's bars were choked by mysterious and restrictive liquor laws. Bar and pubs were called "private clubs" and patrons were required to be "members". Many, many other restrictions applied -but worse than these was the urban legends circulating about them.
In the summer of 2009, the State of Utah put into effect a number of laws that changed the night scene for the better -and hopefully for good. The most noticeable difference is the abolishment of the "private club". No longer must you purchase a day- or year membership to enter a bar or club. Certain other details changed as well, another of which is that you may no longer order a "side car"- which was an extra shot of liquor to be poured into a drink to stiffen up the otherwise 1-oz serving restriction. Though the serving size is still limited by those funny little pour regulators, it has increased now to 1.5 oz.
Salt Lake City has a number of excellent bars, clubs, and pubs -ranging from jazz houses, to Irish pubs, Vegas-style clubs, hole-in-the-wall dives, and gritty music venues. But those coming from a larger city (or even a smaller one) will be surprised to find Salt Lake's utter lack of a bar crawl, as these establishments are all quite spread apart from another. Therefore, the name of the game in Utah is to plan ahead: pick one bar and meet your friends there. Look online for music listings, drink specials. Ride a bike so you don't have to drive. (Though it still is technically illegal to operate a bicycle under the influence.) Lots of fun can still be had; you just have to be deliberate about it.
Area 51
451 South 400 West
Hip and styling dance club playing alternative, new wave, and 80s music...
Red Rock Brewing Company
254 South 200 West
Casual brewpub serving award wining microbrews and pub style food...
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