Just coming out of the pandemic with different regulations from state to state and closures of local hot spots we really didn’t know what to expect out of the nightlife in Salt Lake City – but it was awesome! There is a wide range of bars, nightclubs, happy hour spots and of course some great homemade limeade and juice bars. I think we drank it all…in moderation of course. Below is a list of our favorite spots broken out in categorie for you that will make any night out in SLC memorable.
- Happy Hour – Whiskey Street
- This building has been a bar since 1906 and the current proprietor even has an original cocktail from back in the day. It’s not great – but I had to order it. It’s called The Rotisserie Inn Punch and is the first drink listed on their cocktail menu. You can really feel the history of this building and it is known as the bar for downtown executives, hip urban locals and Utah guests. So everyone is welcome, just like it should be.
- Craft Cocktails – Bar X
- Another historical bar in SLC that opened its doors in 1933 and prides itself on their innate prohibition style cocktails. The customly curated cocktails truly are divine. We ended up spending a lot more time here than expected because their drinks and atmosphere were both great. In fact, we went from ordering off of their cocktail menu to ordering “Blind Pigs”, which apparently is their version of bartender roulette, since all their mixologists are extremely talented.
- Sports Bar – Beer Bar
- This is Bar X’s little sibling and you can get in through a small door between the two, or the front entry if you insist. When you walk in it feels like a traditional beer hall with long tables that are just calling for you to meet new friends or show up with the whole neighborhood. There is a wide range of beer and cocktails available for all occasions so this spot is a must try.
- Speakeasy – The Rest (through The Bodega)
- We love a good speakeasy and this one is fantastic. If you can, make a reservation ahead of time (we really needed to due to the timely of Covid regulations) but you might get lucky if you walk in during normal circumstances. The Rest is not visible from the street so you will need to walk in through The Bodega, which is also a great place to grab a drink. Once you check in the host will walk you through a back room/hallway and then down to the bar which is dimly lit in the most perfect way and has the most eclectic décor. The craft cocktail menu has a great range of spirits and some of the handcrafted drinks also include their own bitters – Honest John Bitters. Oh and check out their Instagram, the photography is amazing. Such a fun date night!
- Brewery – Craft by Proper
- This is not Proper Brewery Co.’s brewery but is an extension of their brand. They are known for being Utah’s Only Utah-Only Beer Bar and they take that very seriously. We went here to watch an NBA playoff game and it was the perfect spot to taste a ton of local beer. Ryan loved it!
- Late Night Drinks – Sugar House Pub
- If you are looking for a local dive bar this place is a go to. It is in the “downtown” area of Sugar House and if you are at Craft by Proper it is around the corner. When you get there grab a drink at the bar and get change in quarters for some entertainment. We spent the night playing darts (come to find out I have been playing cricket wrong all these years…ooppss) but there are also pool and foosball tables so you can get your game on.
- Juice Bar – Just Organic Juice
- Alright, time to cleanse. This place has an array of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, elixirs and healthy snacks that might help add some veggies back to your day. I got the Inspiring Roots and Giving Greens juices and they were both delicious. They also offer 1 and 3 days cleanses if you need an extra boost.
We thoroughly enjoyed all of these local spots and we hope you do as well! If you have any questions, recommendations or feedback feel free to leave it in the comments or reach out via our contact form. Also, check out my Utah YELP Collection if you are looking for more recommendations or a quick guide to more food/drink options in SLC and the surrounding area. Cheers!