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Bars and clubs serving cocktails and providing live music abound in Salt Lake City, meeting diverse tastes. Yet remnants of the state's quirky liquor laws make for a few surprises to newcomers. Don't expect to spend the night barhopping along a single street—zoning prohibits more than two bars on one block. And you won't party until dawn here—last call is 1 am or earlier. Cabs are not on hand outside every bar or club, so you will probably have to call for one.
One of the state's first craft cider producers, Mountain West uses local ingredients—prickly pear puree and a wide variety of apples—to create its crisp and refreshing concoctions. In the cheerful tap room and sunny garden, where live bands often perform, you can sample the ciders along with local beers and spirits. It's on a quiet block in the Marmalade District, next door to the popular Red Rock Brewery.
Although Ostia Amore is a full-service restaurant serving very good Italian fare, its bar is also one of the best spots near the University of Utah and the Avenues for a glass of wine—the selection is impressive, and the setting warm and inviting. On warm nights, sip and eat on the sidewalk patio.
Above a ski- and board-rental shop at the mouth of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, this lively pub offers a huge menu of hearty dishes, cocktails, and craft beers. Inside the large A-frame chalet-like building, you'll find bright polished wood floors and trim and a friendly vibe.
This intimate, minimalist space on the west edge of downtown received a James Beard nomination for its exemplary farm-to-cocktail scene. Creative drinks using fresh herbs and extracts and artisan spirits are served with a flourish in colorful vessels.
Opened in 2022 in the lively Central 9th corridor, this big, beautifully designed LGBTQ+ club has a huge stage and dance floor, a game room with darts and pool tables, a patio, and a pretty substantial food menu, too—and yes, milk and cookies is one of the dessert options. Theme nights include karaoke Sunday and country-western Wednesday.
Martinis are a specialty at this cosmopolitan bar with an attractive sidewalk seating, but you'll find plenty of other intriguing elixirs.
This friendly newcomer to the Granary District's hip Central 9th strip offers a vast selection of ciders from all over the world, with about 20 available on tap and many others sold in bottles and cans. Scion also produces its own small-batch ciders, and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable—if you're new to cider sipping, they'll steer you in the right direction. Wine, beer, cider cocktails, and cheese and charcuterie plates are offered, too.
