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.

Bayou

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645 South State St E

Beervana - Utah's largest beer selection and Cajun food too...
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Area 51

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451 South 400 West

Hip and styling dance club playing alternative, new wave, and 80s music...
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Squatters Pub Brewery

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147 West Broadway

Downtown microbrewery featuring stellar craft brews...
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Depot (The)

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North 4th W & West South Temple Street

Live music venue featuring big names in music...
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Red Rock Brewing Company

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254 South 200 West

Casual brewpub serving award wining microbrews and pub style food...
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The Urban Lounge

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241 South 500 East

Hip and grungy lounge featuring a wide-range of live music...
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Red Door (The)

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57 West 200 South

Speciality martinis, whiskeys, and fine wines...
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Beerhive Pub

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128 South Main Street

Huge selection of imports and microbrews on Main Street...
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Brewvies Cinema Pub

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677 South 200 West

Beer, vegetarian friendly pub food, and big-screen movies...
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Kristauf's Martini Bar

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16 West Market Street

Relaxing lounge with fun martinis...
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