Bongo Lounge on Highland Drive
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.
You can grab an ice cold stein from as little as $2.50 if that’s your poison, but there’s also a decent selection of local craft brews for $4 a stein too. 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…
2965 Highland Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84106
(801) 466-1577
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