My favorite bars in Salt Lake City – a local’s guide

Don’t believe the hype about Utah’s strict liquor laws and teetotaling population. Sure, it’s not NOLA or Vegas down here in the Beehive, but we do boast a thriving array of watering holes that cater to a wide range of tastes. Upscale cocktail joints to cozy dive bars, it’s all here. I’ll start with my own personal favorite drinking spots around Salt Lake City.

Best dive bar

Bongo Lounge

Neighborhood: Millcreek
Address: 2965 S Highland Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84106

Ahh, let’s start with my favorite type of bar – the classic dive bar. No frills, no fuss, no pretension.

In my humble opinion, SLC’s best dive bar is The Bongo Lounge – a kinda blink and you’ll miss it spot on Highland Drive. Indeed nestled between the two ritzy Forsey’s furniture locations, and with no windows of its own, most people don’t even know this gem is here. And what a gem it is. In operation continually since opening in 1952, and showing no signs of slowing down, this a diamond in the rough. Inside, you’ll find a familiar and friendly crowd always eager to strike up a conversation about anything and nothing – or maybe just catch the game on one of the screens. There’s pool, darts and a pinball machine too.

I know of nowhere else in town as wallet-friendly as the Bongo. It might just be the cheapest bar in town. You can grab an ice cold stein (from the teh fridge) for around three bucks, if that’s your poison, but there’s also a decent selection of local craft brews for just a smidge more. There’s plenty of liquor if that’s your thing, just don’t be the chump that asks about the cocktail list. Know what you want before you order. Extra bonus points: the Bongo is cash only, yep you read that right. In my experience, this is a good thing, one drink at the Bongo can turn into five, real easy…

Bongo Lounge Instagram

Other good dive bar options: Cheers 2 U (downtown), Manny’s, Willie’s.

Best downtown bar

Felt Bar & Eatery

Neighborhood: Downtown SLC / The Gateway
Address: 341 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Named after the historic Felt Building this 21+ space calls home – this bar/restaurant space works perfectly for a variety of occasions. Pre-show drinks and a meal, after-work sips, lazy Sunday fundays – you name it. There’s a strong cocktail program at work here, not to mention great wine and beer. The menu is flexible and fun – a variety of small plates form the core. Check out this piece I wrote that goes over what to expect at Felt, as well as details on the talented team at work.

Other good downtown bar options: White Horse, Bodega, The Vault, Bar-X.

Salt Lake City’s best cocktail bar

Water Witch

Neighborhood: Central 9th
Address: 163 W 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

You might not immediately think impeccable craft cocktails when you think of Utah, but the city is home to some of the best mixology talent in the country. The team at Water witch often popup at some of the most respected bars across the United States, as part of various collabs, and are also one of a select few bars in Utah to receive multiple James Beard nomination nods for outstanding bar program. The ‘Witch is a snug and casual hangout that gets busy fast once the evening rolls in; get there earlier in the day to secure your seat and one of their menu creative drinks.

Other cocktail bars in Salt Lake City

The following bars all have serious cocktail programs. Several have been nominated for prestigious James Beard awards, and all take their craft very seriously. If you’re looking for the very best mixology in the city, these are the spots you need to look up:

Bar Nohm
Copper Common
Post Office Place
The Pearl
Felt

Best jazz bar

Repeal

Neighborhood: Downtown SLC
Address: 19 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

This intimate 21+ bar and restaurant in the heart of the city reprises the prohibition era, with handcrafted cocktails and a huge whiskey library featuring prominently. Live jazz fills the space nightly, while a fine dining menu by popular Chef Joey Ferran is offered till late. Ferran whips up a cosmopolitan, globe-trotting menu; dishes such as chicken lef confit, bison strip loin, and Lan Roc osso bucco. The underground space nestled away from the hubbub of the busy streets only increases the discreet, speakeasy vibe.

Most unique bar in Salt Lake City

Scion Cider

Neighborhood: Central 9th
Address: 916 Jefferson St W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

This innovative spot is located in the trendy Central 9th neighborhood. The neighborhood bar has the largest collection of hard cider in Utah. In fact, it’s probably one of the largest in the entire country. In 2023 the lineup comprised more than 200 options which the business reckons is the second largest on site selection of hard cider in America. If you love cider, this should be your first and last stop for hundreds of miles.

The modern space at Scion Cider affords a tap list featuring a rotating selection of ciders, some made in Utah and other parts of the Mountain West region and beyond. The bar also offers cider flights, which allow customers to sample several different ciders at once.

In addition to its focus on ciders, Scion Cider also offers a food menu designed to pair well with ciders, and includes options like charcuterie boards, conserves, and sometimes daily specials from other local makers. Scion Cider is a popular destination for cider enthusiasts and those looking for a unique drinking and dining experience in the Salt Lake City area.

The best wine bar in Salt Lake City

BTG Wine Bar

Neighborhood: Downtown SLC
Address: 63 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

This one goes to BTG Wine Bar easily. With more than 50 different wines By The Glass (get it?) this is the spot for wine lovers of all types. The bar offers wines by the glass in two different pour sizes, full bottles and also wine flights. The flights and larger wine list are always in flux and flow – ably maintained by sommelier Louis Koppel – who you might remember as the talented chap that helped build up the extensive wine cellar at Spencer’s steakhouse (still a great wine spot too!).

Koppel is always plotting something new on the list, so stop back often and you’ll always be sure to find something new to explore; if in doubt just ask, he keeps the whole team well drilled and educated too. Also notable are the wine dinners and tastings held often at this wine bar. Paired with food from sister restaurant Cafe Molise, wine dinners are held regularly showcasing a specific winery or varietal. Always a great time and value.

Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen - upstairs — Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen – upstairs (Gastronomic SLC)

Best all purpose downtown bar

Franklin Avenue

Neighborhood: Downtown SLC
Address: 231 S Edison St, Salt Lake City, 84111

They’re open seven days a week. They serve lunch, dinner and late night eats – brunch too at the weekends. Licensed as a bar you’re equally welcome to stop by and enjoy craft cocktails at the bar, as you are to pop in for a date night Friday evening over food. Franklin Avenue is the latest outing from Bourbon Group (White House, Whiskey Street) and continues to showcase chef Matt Crandall’s creative cooking. The crowds are calmer than other locations in the group, slightly hidden as it is on Edison.

Best bar for small bites in Utah

The Pearl

Neighborhood: Central 9th
Address: 917 200 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

The Vietnamese street food of chef Tommy Nguyen takes center stage at The Pearl. The Central 9th spot features a rotating menu of small bites as well as a craft cocktail menu that competes with the best in town; as you would hope it does, coming from some of the same team as downtown SLC’s Alibi You can read my full first look at The Pearl here.

Best brew pub in Utah

Salt Lake Brewing Co

Neighborhood: Downtown SLC
Address: 147 W Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

SLC’s original brew pub in the contemporary sense, kicked off a local renaissance of sorts in the late 1980s. Before that, Salt Lake’s last brewery shuttered in the 60s. Yeah, we’re glad we weren’t around in that barren twenty years either. We’re fans of the downtown original, it offers a wide variety of food and beer in a cool historic building. The central downtown location means it also makes a great base to explore the rest of the city from.

Squatters long lived popularity meant it was acquired by Fireman Capital becoming part of the larger CANarchy group in 2012. That in turn was purchased by Monster Drinks in early 2022. The local brewpub part of the company returned to local ownership at that time – under the name of Salt Lake Brewing Co. Here’s the full story.

Extra bonus points: head brewer Jason Stock crafted a beer named after yours truly. The absolutely amazing Mr Mellings Cream Ale, is a seasonal special you might catch time to time. Read about it here.

Best rooftop bar views in town

Van Ryder

Neighborhood: Downtown SLC
Address: 131 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Found atop the Le Meridien and Element hotels in downtown SLC – this bar affords stunning Westerly views of the Salt Lake valley and Oquirrh mountains. The outside patio area is expansive and also includes all weather covered and heated seating – not least cosy firepits. On the menu, craft cocktails, beer and wine, as well as a light snacks menu.

131 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 658-4400
vanrydersaltlake.com

Best izakaya style bar in Salt Lake City

Bar Nohm

Neighborhood: Central 9th
Address: 165 W 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

This fusion of former Nohm and neighboring Water Witch was one of the most exciting openings in 2023. Top talent mixology and cuisine all brought together under one roof. The crowds immediately came. You can read my full first story on the bar here. The TL;DR is that Bar Nohm is made in the image of a modern izakaya, a place to come to share a few drinks, a few plates, and a few stories.

Slopeside Smoke Shack - brisket and beans — Slopeside Smoke Shack – brisket and beans (Gastronomic SLC)

Best brewery bar to hang out at

Fisher Brewing

Neighborhood: Granary District
Address: 320 W 800 S, Salt Lake City, 84101

A versatile spot that never fails to deliver. Fisher is a great place to hang out at, any time of the week. There’s plenty of interior seating, more so now since the East side expansion that sees two separate rooms and bars for guests. There’s also a fun patio space that separates the duo if al fresco brews are your thing. The brewery always has a rotating food truck on site should you need a few edible calories, and there’s a bottle shop up front if you want to take a few to go as well.

Other good brewery bar options: T.F. Brewing, Epic Brewing, Uinta.

Utah’s best beer selection

Beer Bar

Neighborhood: Downtown SLC
Address: 161 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84138

Stop your searching now and just head on down to the The Beer Bar in downtown Salt Lake City right away; sister bar to the adjoining Bar-X, Beer Bar is all about, well, the beer. The Beer Bar menu has enough selections to keep you going for weeks and weeks. Everything’s served not only at the right temperature abut in the correct glassware too. These guys take their beer as seriously as you do.

Due to the selection, care and quality this place can get exceptionally busy in the evening. If you want to take some time to mull that IPA or gose in peace and quiet definitely come here on off hours. Also available at the Beer Bar are a range of gourmet brats – that match the German beer hall vibe inside – made by local butcher Frody Volgger of Salt And Smoke meats.

Beer Bar website

Notable bars outside of Salt Lake City

The list above is focused on Salt Lake County – where I spend most of my own time, and where you’re going to find the most unique and diverse drinking options. Of course, there are plenty of places outside of that core. Here are a few more interesting bars outside of SLC that I can personally vouch for:

Gradys

This a very new one (opening in June 2026), but my initial visit was quite enjoyable. The bar offers a familiar strip mall, suburban bar feel – plenty of TVs, cold beer, and familiar pub grub. Where it differs from most is that it veers away from the freezer-to-fryer model. Almost everything here is made in-house. The chicken tenders are wonderfully juicy and make a mockery of the premade frozen variety; the same goes for the from-scratch beef taquitos. Be sure to start with the house nuts with brown butter glaze – trust me.

Utah’s oldest bar

Shooting Star Saloon

Neighborhood: Huntsville
Address: 7350 E 200 S, Huntsville, UT 84317

O.k. so what has the Bongo’s 1952 beat? Only a select few, but Huntsville’s Shooting Star Saloon has the honor of the longest running bar in all of Utah. In operation since 1892, some say the bar is oldest West of the Mississippi, a hard fact to disprove and then some.

The modest bar is definitely worth a trip if you’re within an hour to two’s drive. It’s beer only but don’t let that put you off. While you stop in to sink a few cold ones in the amazingly unique space (rumor has it thats $15K of dollar bills on the roof) order up one of their famous burgers too. No kale, no artisan buns, just simple, honest burgers cooked fresh on the grill.

Shooting Star Saloon Instagram

Salt Lake City bar crawl ideas

Central 9th – The buzzy C9th is probably the trendiest neighborhood in the state right now. Within seconds of each other, you will find Water Witch (cocktail bar), The Pearl (cocktails and Vietnamese bites), Bar Nohm (Izakaya), and Scion (cider). Hopping between these

Downtown Crawl one – Edison Street. Copper Common, Franklin Ave, and Beer Bar / Bar X are practically within a minute or two of one another. Take the little side alley off of Edison onto State, and you can find Sayonara across the road as well.

Downtown Crawl two – Main Street. The main drag has a lot to offer. Cheers 2 U, White Horse, Bodega, Felt, Aker, Post Office Place, all one after another. Just around the corner on Exchange Plaza you can also find the recently opened Eight Settlers Lounge.

Salt Lake City bar FAQ

Quick cheat sheet to drinking in Salt Lake City bars

The full rules for drinking in Utah can be found here, but as a quick overview, you can order drinks as follows:

One cocktail and a single 5% ABV beer
Two 5% ABV beers, or a “flight” of beers in separate glasses, but totaling 16 ounces or less
A single 5% ABV beer and a 5-ounce glass of wine
One five-ounce glass of wine, or a wine flight in multiple glasses that doesn’t exceed 5 ounces total
A five-ounce glass of wine and a cocktail
A bottle of wine, which you pour into your own glass yourself after the initial five-ounce pour from your server
If you have at least four people at your table, you can order a jeroboam, which is 1.5 liters

What you can’t have, is two separate cocktails at the same time.

Bring your ID, buddy

Utah is really strict when it comes to ID laws and bars. And I mean, strict. It doesn’t matter how old you look. You could be 85 and tell tales of how it was all fields here back in the day – you’re not getting in without a valid ID. I really mean this: bars in Utah do not mess around with identification. Be sure you have a valid physical ID too, digital IDs might not cut the mustard.

When do bars close in Salt Lake City?

Last order in Salt Lake City is 1 a.m. Some bars may close earlier, but most of the big names stay open until the legal maximum. The law says that a bar must give patrons one hour to finish their served drinks. That means that bars who serve until 1 a.m. must legally allow patrons until 2 a.m.

What about opening?

Bars can legally serve from 10.00 a.m.

Are bars open on Sundays in Utah?

Yes they are. Bars are legally allowed to open seven days a week in Utah.

About this list

These are all bars that I (Stuart) have eaten/drank at and enjoyed, or that one of the writers has spoken highly of. I try to update these lists as often as I can, but sometimes one might slip through the net and be left unattended for a while. Do keep that in mind. For reference, this list was last reviewed and refreshed on July 9th, 2026. The list might contain some of our sponsors – these are some of the best businesses in town – we don’t accept anyone and everyone. If you think I’ve missed someone who deserves attention, just drop me a line at contactus@gastronomicslc.com

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