For an after dark enthusiast, there’s no harder question to answer than the dreaded, “So, what’s your favorite bar?” You could point to the craft cocktail hubs where bartenders wield molecular mixology like wizards, or the cozy neighborhood speakeasies where the bartenders know your name and worn leather stools feel like home. But in the end, your favorite bar is the one that stands in as a third space.
It’s a place where the worries of today take a back seat to the cold glass grounding you in the present. Where life’s brightest moments are toasted in dimly lit banquettes, and curiosity takes shape in the little something special in a glass.
These 27 bars represent the third spaces that connect us, whether they be no-nonsense dive bars or themed taverns bringing like-minded folks together. In all, they form a sippable story of our community.
Settle in, order something unexpected, and linger a little while.
Love of the Craft
Craft cocktail bars shaking up flavor, complexity, and flair
THE PEARL
Hand-painted murals and decorative umbrellas create a sense of cool authenticity inside this C9 favorite. The Pearl pleasantly pairs chef and owner Tommy Nguyen’s Vietnamese street food with an East Asian-inspired cocktail list that rotates with the seasons.
Suggested Sips: At Sunday brunch, the Ca Phe is a must. The only cocktail to survive multiple menu shakeups, it’s an amaro-based caffeine boost with pho spices for added yum. thepearlsic.com
COPPER COMMON
Copper Common looks as if someone picked up a chic Williamsburg cocktail lounge and dropped it into downtown Salt Lake. That someone is owner Ryan Lowder, who modeled the bar after his favorite East Coast third places. Copper Common’s bartenders maintain New York standards of finesse, and their $8 Monday craft cocktail specials challenge the status quo that a good drink must cost $25.
Bartop Banter: Copper Common’s worldly selection of natural wines always ensures there’s something unique to sip on, but it also unfortunately elicits accusations like “this wine must have gone bad; it’s hazy!” from guests unaccustomed to a pét nat. coppercommon.com
BAR NOHM
An izakaya bar pouring straight-up whimsical creations, Bar Nohm’s cocktail program could be described as delightfully illusory. A miniature rubber duck garnish and hypnotic louching effect is your first indication that this vesper breaks from tradition in more ways than one.
The Regulars: The nightly cast is a blend of vintage-threaded city bartenders receiving impromptu sake lessons, foodie influencers snapping photos of their cotton-candy-crowned bevvies, and mid-level professionals impressing coworkers with their use of words like “kushiyaki.” barnohm.com
HSL
While HSL is technically a restaurant, its contributions to Salt Lake’s cocktail culture more than warrant a spot on our list. The small but (very) mighty team churns out more roulettes nightly than any other restaurant in town, sometimes even upstaging the equally ephemeral dishes on the plate.
Suggested Sips: HSI’s mixologists pride themselves on their detailed knowledge of esoteric spirits. Belly up with an open mind and prepare for a lesson. hsirestaurant.com
SEABIRD
Tucked in the upper decks of the Gateway, Seabird is a clandestine hideaway for vinyl lovers and cocktail nerds. The listening lounge operates “off the record,” meaning there’s no menu. Instead, guests surrender the burden of choice, tell bartenders their favorite songs, or their rising sign, and allow the magic of the evening to unfold organically.
The Regulars: Jersey-clad sports fans rub shoulders with dedicated crate diggers. They’ll strike up a conversation and discover a shockingly similar taste in music. seabirdutah.com
FELT
Felt separates its bountiful drinks menu under helpful headings like Nostalgia, Spritzes, and Riffs. But just when you’ve made up your mind on a tequila cocktail billed as a Capri Sun with peach tomato acid, a black walnut and banana old fashioned starts the selection process all over again. The solution is simple and effective: Order both and return regularly to sip your way through the menu before it changes again.
Suggested Sips: Bone dry, bruised, or perfect — Felt welcomes even the fussiest of martini orders. We recommend filthy. The bar makes and fine-strains its own Castelvetrano olive brine for a crisp, clean, wickedly dirty martini. feltsic.com
POST OFFICE PLACE
POP’s cocktail ethos is guided by the flavors and technique of Nikkei. Here, bartenders shake up Wasatch-made whiskey sours with bespoke amaros, bridge global divides with Scandinavian aquavit and Oaxacan mezcal, and top small-batch shochus with hand-carbonated earl grey.
Bartop Banter: POP’s bartenders constantly field questions like “What do you mean you don’t have Tito’s?” and “Can I get a sunshine roll here?” Ask for a Special Delivery or a Post Malone instead. popslc.com
Alen Feukic presents “a love letter to our state and its natural beauty, with a little influence from Post Office Place’s Japanese roots.” Inside is: rye whiskey, dill aquavit, sesame shochu, toasted rice syrup, lemon coconut oleo, and carrot juice. Photo by Jazmine Worthen
Special Interest Groups
Bars that have found their niche and pour it with pride
MELANCHOLY
Dark-academia decor and well-watered plants in every corner are the first clues that this Post District wine bar was designed by and for the girls. The rotating wine selection and seasonal cocktails will give you one (or three) more reasons to sit, sip, and stay awhile.
The Regulars: Literature lovers gather at Melancholy each month for the Books Take Flight book club, where co-owner and wine director Natalie Hamilton curates wine flights to thematically pair with a chosen novel. melancholyslc.com
QUARTERS
The soundtrack inside Salt Lake’s original barcade is a combination of pinball machine sound effects and Mortal Kombat battle cries, with the occasional victory shout from the Killer Queen league gathering. Neon hues and dim lighting stay true to the old-school arcade vibe, elevated by the bar’s signature cocktails and local beer selection.
Suggested Sips: Tiki-forward drinks and rotating boozy coffees are solid selections, but Quarters is known for the La Croix Boy: a grapefruit La Croix spiked with local vodka from Beehive Distilling. quartersslc.com
HIGH WEST SALOON
High West isn’t a Western-themed bar in the traditional sense — you won’t find line dancing or a mechanical bull here. Instead, Old West hospitality takes shape in the friendly faces behind the bar pouring up HW gin spritzes and barrel-finished Manhattans. The Saloon still features a healthy dose of cowboy flair alongside nods to Park City’s mining heritage.
Suggested Sips: High West’s signature whiskey flights are must-sip. The Limited version features rotating small-batch bottles. highwest.com
Arianna Hone shakes up a taste of Thailand up at High West. “This drink is a marriage between mango sticky rice and a daiquiri. Tasting notes: nutty, juicy, and smooth.” Photo by Jazmine Worthen
GREEN ROOM
This aesthetic hi-fi listening lounge is filled with hundreds of vintage vinyls. The bartender on shift selects the evening’s soundtrack, so on any given night, you’ll hear soulful grooves, modern funk, or ’90s hip-hop.
The Regulars: Shazam has no power here, but you’ll still find a cohort of sneaky listeners attempting to identify their new favorite artist. @thegreenroom.bar
THIEVES GUILD
While you may not find a suspicious, cloaked figure sitting in a dimly lit corner, Thieves Guild Cidery exudes its own fantasy-inspired charm. The gothic taproom specializes in experimental in-house ciders and micro meads, showcasing terroir through its connections to local apple orchards. Mounted skulls, medieval architecture, and flickering lanterns complete the tavern experience.
Bartop Banter: The bar’s nightly D&D gatherings are filled with DMs wearily responding to their party with “You can certainly try…” thievesguildcidery.com
SAYONARA
Anime-obsessed EDM hypebeasts have found their tribe at Sayonara. Scenes from popular anime project on the walls, and a long bar decorated with samurai prints serves up highballs and Japanese microbrews.
The Regulars: During the week, you’ll find hardcore Super Smash players and Japanese whisky enthusiasts showing off their niche knowledge. Weekend house sets draw throngs of frat flickers to the outdoor patio. sayonaraslc.com
PROHIBITION
Hidden behind a sliding bookcase, revelry unfolds to the tune of 1920s jazz and clinking Champagne flutes. Single-handedly carrying nightlife in Murray, Prohibition hosts nightly live music and regular burlesque performances. flair.
Suggested Sips: Your phone sips first at Prohibition, where cocktails come with a sidecar of The signature Bourbon and the Beast cocktail arrives encased in a smoke-filled glass container. prohibitionutah.com
Brandon Nix reaches for Prohibition’s own Elijah Craig Small Batch to craft a cocktail that “tastes like autumn in a glass. Bold, hot, and full of dark oak spice straight out of the barrel.” Photo by Jazmine Worthen.
Neighborhood Heroes
Familiar, friendly bars serving as community hubs
CASOT
A bar that many consider the original neighborhood joint in Salt Lake, Casot’s patio fills with laptops and cheese boards during the day. In the evening, the work space converts into a down-to-earth wine bar pouring by-the-glass rarities brought in by Pago Group’s vino aficionado Scott Evans.
The Regulars: Winemakers from Europe and beyond host intimate tastings at Casot sporadically throughout the year. Check the bar’s site and socials for the next behind-the-bottle experience. casotwinework.com
NEIGHBORS
“If it ain’t broke” could be a guiding philosophy at Neighbors, where cheap domestic beer and a coined boilermaker more than satisfy. the bar’s laid-back customer base. But the Dairy Block taproom flips ho-hum bar fare on its head with Taiwanese flavors – peanut and anchovy Caesar salad and scallion pancakes among them.
Suggested Sips: Take a break from your $3 Hamm’s to glance at the cocktail list. An array of industry alumni have reworked classics with local ingredients and personal riffs, all of which can be found behind the stick throughout the week. slc-neighbors.com
KIITOS SUGAR HOUSE
The vibe at Kiitos Brewing in Sugar House is casual and unhurried – quite the departure from the flagship west-side bar, known for heated pinball tournaments and sold-out events held among massive fermentation tanks. Instead, reclaimed decor from historic buildings and velvet sofas invite neighbors to lounge while exchanging the local buzz.
Bartop Banter: Kiitos is known for its unconventional beers and bold combinations. You’ll likely hear a skeptical Bud Light drinker ask, “What the hell is ube?” or “Is the Salt N Pickle ale actually good?” Spoiler: Yes. Yes it is. kiitosbrewing.com
THE YETI
Cozy built-in pagodas, brass lanterns, and Nepalese wooden carvings decorate this Cottonwood Heights hideout. Himalayan influences continue on the menu. The Yeti partners with Salt Lake restaurant The 14 Peaks to bring in authentic vegetable samosas and tikka masala. Surprisingly cosmopolitan for this pocket of suburbia, the cocktail list showcases local spirits alongside Nepalese flavors like jalapeño mint chutney.
The Regulars: Patagonia-clad hikers stop into The Yeti for post-hike refreshments. During snow season, the bar serves as a hot spot for après-ski shenanigans. theyeti.bar
BRICKYARD BAR
Millcreek’s biggest and baddest sports bar is packed to the gills during football season … and hockey season … and basketball season. You get it. When there’s a game to watch, there’s cold beer to drink at Brickyard Bar. For non-fans dragged along, a basement arcade and killer wings ensure entertainment through overtime.
The Regulars: Cougars be warned: Brickyard Bar is Ute territory. thebrickyardbar.com
HANDLE BAR
After the demise of Garage on Beck in 2025, Handle Bar has become the Marmalade District’s sole watering hole. The large outdoor patio is pooch friendly, and the menu leans toward healthy vegan bites.
The Regulars: As its name suggests, Handle Bar is a haven for bikers – pedal-pushed and machine-powered alike. The motorcycle community meets here every Wednesday for Bike Night. handlebarslc.com
SUGAR HOUSE STATION
Salt Lake’s first bar hall brings some of the city’s finest food, drinks, and distillers together inside one 10,000-square-foot building. Legacy restaurants Cannella’s and Aristo’s came out of retirement for the project, which includes 11 unique stalls cooking up everything from fried chicken and gyros to smashburgers and Bolognese.
Suggested Sips: Waterpocket and Sugar House finally have a brick-and-mortar space to showcase their products. Try a signature cocktail from their stalls to taste the goods in their full glory. sugarhousestation.com
Tried and True Dives
Dive bars that are classics for a reason
DUFFY’S TAVERN
Proudly serving the “best damn sandwiches in Salt Lake,” Duffy’s may be the only dive where folks come for the food as much as the beer on tap. Chicago memorabilia lines the neon-lit interior, and the weathered red leather booths exist without pretense.
Suggested Sips: Ever heard of Chicago’s own gasoline devil spit, AKA Jeppson’s Malört? Give it a try here — more specifically on Malört Mondays. duffystavernslc.com
BOBBY JUNIORS
This downtown stalwart got a bit of a facelift when new ownership took the reins from longtime tavern keeper Greg Arata in 2023. Now, ultraviolet liquor shelves and Art Deco motifs find a seamless balance with the vintage beer can display and self-serve popcorn machine that carried over from version one.
The Regulars: The daytime crowd at Junior’s is a who’s who of all your favorite Salt Lake bartenders and servers powering up for their second shift with a few fernets. bobbyjuniorsbar.com
MANNY’S
Manny’s meets all the quintessential dive bar criteria. Pool tables, check. DIY karaoke stage, check. Dusty but functional arcade games, check. The patio is a pet-friendly little oasis with yard games, and you can bring over colossal Jersey subs from the neighboring deli, Beast from the East.
Bartop Banter: The owner, Val, regularly appears behind the bar. She’s sort of the neighborhood matriarch. Regulars plop down on a barstool and greet her with an exasperated, “It’s been one of those days, Val. I’ll take my regular.” @mannysslc
DICK N’ DIXIE’S
Beyond the impressive beer lineup, this Central City corner bar proudly embraces a no-frills philosophy – with the exception of the holiday season, when the space receives a head-to-toe dressing of Christmas regalia. At the self-proclaimed “proper bar to have proper conversations,” the communal bartops and sidewalk patio buzz with nuanced debates.
The Regulars: Music fans pregaming a show at Urban Lounge and local media members make up Dick N’ Dixie’s loyal imbibers. Wednesday trivia nights draw serious quizheads. dickndixies.com
A Bar Named Sue
This basement establishment in Millcreek takes its cues from the life and music of Johnny Cash – even hosting weekend-long parties for the icon’s birthday. Free-to-play pool, dartboards, and shuffleboard line rooms off the bar, and the stage hosts live bands twice a week.
Suggested Sips: Beer is what you order at Sues. We suggest Sue’s Lager from Salt Flats Brewing. abarnamedsue.com
SHOOTING STAR SALOON
Utah’s oldest continually operating bar has been slinging drinks in Huntsville since 1879, even during Prohibition. Taxidermied critters, an antique National Cash Register, and thousands of dollar bills stuck to the ceiling retain the bar’s rough and tumble provenance.
Bartop Banter: “That’s one weird lookin’ bear,” is a common phrase you’ll hear from drinkers gazing upon the mounted head of a 298-pound Saint Bernard, lovingly preserved and donated by his owner in 1957. @shootingstarsaloon
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