After Dark

The folks at Kemo Sabe don’t mess around when it comes to high-end Western luxury. Their Main Street shop in Park City is a magnet for those seeking custom-fitted felt hats, top-tier cowboy boots and a trove of Americana accessories. And to elevate the retail experience even further, the boot shop has a hidden speakeasy where you can sip while you shop.

“We’re the hat store in town,” says General Manager Lindsay Perez of the Kemo Sabe location, which began as a family-owned shop in Aspen and has now expanded to six locations in the American West. “But each location also goes the extra mile to give shoppers a one-of-a-kind experience that you can’t find at other retailers: a secret speakeasy.” 

Kemo Sabe PC, which opened in 2023, fills its shop with family-owned vendors and artisan ware. But tucked away within the curated floor is an unassuming display shelf that, when touched just right, reveals the entrance to the hidden bar. You can thrill in the hunt by kicking around for it, or avoid damaging a pair of $1,800 python boots by simply telling the staff you’re looking for a drink. It’s your call. 

Complete with cowhide rugs, long-horn mounts and natural wood finishes, guests are greeted with old-world saloon vibes. The full-service bar can pour up any number of classic cocktails, or a few fingers of a high-end local bourbon. With a glass in hand, step over to Kemo Sabe’s hat-steaming or boot-fitting stations, where stylists can help you find the perfect fit. 

Kemo Sabe’s speakeasy is open to the public seven days a week during regular 
tore hours and is also available for private rentals. Grab your gals and spend an afternoon customizing hats with feathers, pins, beaded chains, brands and all the other bells and whistles your little cowgirl heart desires. And hell, why not pair the experience with a bottle of bubbles and a round of espresso martinis? A little shopping under the influence never hurt anyone.   

If You Go

Kemo Sabe
268 Main St., Park City
Check their website for seasonal store hours | kemosabe.com

See more stories like this and all of our Food and Drink coverage. And while you’re here, why not subscribe and get six annual issues of Salt Lake magazine’s curated guide to the best life in Utah? 

Just about every spirit company claims to have the “Best.” “Best Triple Distilled Vodka,” “Best Single Barrel Bourbon,” how about “Best Tequila That Definitely Won’t Give You a Hangover, We Promise.” But how many of those brands can back up their claim with a panel of impartial industry experts who have tasted and rated their products on a rigid rubric? One such spirit vanguard that can proudly proclaim its “Bestness” with conviction is Alpine Distilling, whose Triple Oak Whiskey recently received a stellar 98 Platinum rating in the Enthusiast Reports International Spirit Competition. 

“In my 15-year career in the spirits industry, we’ve only had three other instances of a 98 rating that came in from our panelists,” says Enthusiast Report CEO and publisher Lincoln Salazar. The rating is derived from a group of expert panelists with a combined over 100 years of industry experience. And they take their judging roles extremely seriously. During the blind tasting, judges appraise thousands of spirits submitted from across the globe. To ensure an unbiased rating, judges are restricted from eating or drinking hours prior, and roaming proctors ensure they keep from conferring with each other. It’s like an SAT, but with booze.  

Alpine is no stranger to international accolades. Master Distiller Sara Sergent was recently inducted into the London Gin Guild as “Warden Rectifier”—only the second woman in U.S. history to do so. Their Elevated Gin was named “Gin of the Year” in 2021 and continues to shine in local and national competitions. While Alpine’s botanical brilliance is derived from Sara, founder and husband Rob Sergent leans into his roots—Kentucky roots to be exact. The Bluegrass State native comes from generations of distillers and has honed his process to perfect award-winning whiskey in Utah, a locale known for its elevational challenges and stringent spirit laws. 

Alpine’s Triple Oak is a feat of distilling ingenuity, starting with locally sourced mountain water fed from a subterranean aquifer and grain imported from Rob’s home state. Each production stage is tedious and hyper-monitored, from the open-fermentation stage to secondary aging in double-toasted oak barrels. The latter process, artisanal aging in hand-crafted barrels, is in itself a signal to Alpine’s pursuit of perfection. The distiller tapped Chris Hansen to craft barrels with wood that could counteract Utah’s low humidity with faster lignin extraction, allowing hemicellulose to release from the oak and dissolve into the spirit. For all you non-master distillers: these are the yummy sugars that create caramel, toffee, and honey-like notes in your bourbon. The additional year spent aging in hand-crafted barrels of quarter-sawn American Oak with hand-split French Oak heads results in a sophisticated flavor profile. 

All of that painstaking labor pays off in a whiskey that is rich and creamy on the palate, with a luxurious finish of roasted nuts and molasses. It’s a delightfully smooth sipper, and we can attest, Triple Oak is truly greatness in a glass.  

See more stories like this and all of our Food and Drink coverage. And while you’re here, why not subscribe and get six annual issues of Salt Lake magazine’s curated guide to the best life in Utah?

Temperatures are finally warming up in Salt Lake City, which can only mean one thing: It’s spritzer season baby. Although, we never stopped enjoying our Aperol Spritz and tall pours of prosecco because we know that spritz season isn’t confined to a calendar; it’s a state of mind. The folks at Spritz! understand this and the bubbles flow year round at this adorable bar inside The Peery Hotel.

Wife duo Lizzie and Cailee Jacobs were inspired by their international travels when they constructed a splashy European lounge in the heart of Salt Lake. “I knew I wanted it to be small, super cozy and girly,” says Lizzie. “I wanted people to walk in and feel that someone took time to design the space, not just slap 10 TVs on the walls and call it a day.” Drawn to bold patterns, mid-century maximalism and intimate atmospheres, the couple was elated to discover an open space inside the historic Peery Hotel downtown. Lizzie wasted no time dressing the compact space in a swath of eclectic furnishings and striking patterns, including a hot pink hallway, a wall of mirrors and a personal gallery collage. While others might view the small square footage as a detriment, Lizzie saw it as an opportunity for serendipitous connections—between single travelers or locals looking to share a spritz. “There’s something so exciting about strangers sitting side by side and sparking up a conversation,” she says. “That’s the magic of a hotel bar.”

The drinks at Spritz! match the interior’s sunny disposition, focusing on bubbly cocktails that are as crushable as they are cute. “We want to keep up with the trends, so our menu will include rotating spritz options and fan favorites like espresso and matcha martinis.” The bar’s mix-and-match Spritz options include the foundational Aperol Spritz, along with other bright variations like the Midori and Limoncello Spritz. Inclusivity is key at Spritz!, which is why the menu also boasts an array of mocktails, all served in elegant wine glasses and adorned with garnishes that are as visually appealing as they are refreshing.

Having been open for just over a year, Lizzie has been elated with the response from the community. “It’s been so rewarding, it’s so fulfilling to have found our people.” And, having dialed in the bar’s cocktail approach, the Spritz! team is excited to work in more weekly events and special gatherings. Hosted each Friday, Spritz! screens an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race and invites local drag queens for commentary. The camp-meets-Campari viewing party is a perfect weekend activity to add to your summer lineup, follow their socials to stay up-to-date with themed parties and meet-ups. 

With their playful approach to summer sipping and interiors brimming with personality, Spritz! is a welcome addition to Salt Lake’s nightlife scene. So, the next time you’re craving an Aperol Spritz (which, let’s be honest, is always), make your wya to Spritz!—where every season feels like spritz season.

When You Go

110 W. 300 South (located inside the Peery Hotel)
spritz.com | @spritzslc

See more stories like this and all of our Food and Drink coverage. And while you’re here, why not subscribe and get six annual issues of Salt Lake magazine’s curated guide to the best life in Utah?

Where to sip and celebrate the entire month of June. 

For Post Parade Festivities

Bar X & Beer Bar 

The Utah Pride Parade, taking place on June 8 this year, will be a shorter procession than previous years. Beginning on 100 S and West Temple, onlookers will pack seven blocks downtown in a sea of rainbow and glitter. After cheering and snapping to your heart’s content (please, no fan clacking this year), pop over to Bar X and Beer Bar for some post-parade libations. The brew-focused pub decorates its spaces with flags and fanfare the entire month of June and has hosted its own Pride parties in years past.

When you go: 
Beer Bar: 161 E. 200 South  |  beerbarslc.com 
Bar X: 155 E. 200 South  |  barxslc.com 

For Clubbing 

MILK+ 

The folks at MILK+ know how to throw a party. Their annual Pride block parties have brought in world-renowned performers like Violet Chachki, Gottmik and Latrice Royale, alongside local legends and DJs. Opening weekend revelry is typically packed with club kids, fashionistas and Swifties so prepare for a crowd and cover fee— though MILK does make full use of their two indoor dancefloors and outdoor space with additional stages. The celebrations continue all June long with special burlesque performances, gogo dancers and drag artists. Check their site for the latest schedule. 

When you go: 
MILK+: 49 E. 900 South  |  milkslc.com

For Drag Brunch 

HK Brewing & Why Kiki

Queer and woman-owned HK Brewing specializes in kombucha-based bevvys, crushable cocktails, N/A beverages and vibes. Their desert-chic taproom holds a monthly Sip & Slay Drag Brunch featuring host Ivy Dior Stephens and a rotating cast of stunning kings and queens. Order up a Basic B*tch Spritz or HK Mule and practice how you’ll respectfully tip performers after a death drop. 

Downtown tiki bar Why Kiki has become a hot commodity for its weekend silent disco and fishbowl concoctions, but they pull out all the stops come Pride month. The Sunday drag brunch brings in a large colorful crowd who snap and shout for a lineup of queens, and snack on an explicitly-shaped waffle—naturally. The bar hosts a variety of women-only comedy shows, national drag acts, and themed events paying homage to queer icons throughout the summer; the full schedule is on their site. 

When you go: 
HK Brewing:  370 Aspen Ave. | hkbrewing.com
Why Kiki: 69 W. 100 South  |  whykikibar.com

For Themed Nights and Shows 

Metro Music Hall & Try-Angles

You aren’t regarded as a classic gay bar without putting in the work. Metro Music Hall and Try-Angles have earned their stripes through consistently great programming and community-focused events. More of a live music venue than a nightlife hub, Metro offers its stage to a range of local and touring drag artists throughout the year. Expect to see some 

RuPaul legends and talented Salt Lake queens grace their halls through Pride month. 

In the central ninth district, Try-Angles puts on themed events throughout the week catering to niche queer subcultures. The late-night spot also boasts the “cheapest and biggest drinks in town,” so you won’t break the bank in your efforts to celebrate the most prideful month of the year. 

When you go: 
Metro Music Hall: 615 W. 100 South metromusichall.com
Try-Angles: 251 W. Harvey Milk Blvd. clubtryangles.com

See more stories like this and all of our food and drink coverage. And while you’re here, why not subscribe and get six annual issues of Salt Lake magazine’s curated guide to the best life in Utah?

Flanker’s Hidden Boot Saloon

Tucked behind the lively Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club at the Gateway, you’ll find a surprise waiting: the Hidden Boot Saloon. This rotating speakeasy transforms with each season, and its current Western incarnation is all boots, neon, and nostalgia. Expect a lively mash-up of vintage cowboy decor, glowing LED signs, and the unmistakable charm of swinging saloon doors.

“At Flanker we pride ourselves on curating immersive experiences that bring our locals together, and our latest pop-up, the Hidden Boot Saloon, is no exception,” says Francesco Lafranconi, VP of Beverage & Hospitality at Carver Road. “From the moment you walk through the swinging doors, you’ll feel the Western spirit and know you are in for an exciting, unforgettable evening.

For those thrill-seeking revelers, the speakeasy also includes a mechanical bull. Whether you’re channeling your inner rodeo star or just along for the ride (and the inevitable tumble), it’s a playful centerpiece with a cushioned landing for all levels of bravery.

To complete the Western experience, the bar serves up a special cocktail menu showcasing regional flavors and modern flair. Take the Cowboy Colada, a fusion-style piña colada that combines caramel whiskey, High West Double Rye, house-made colada mix and pinto beans—served with a crunchy bacon-coated straw, naturally. Other standouts include the RattleSnake Milk (spiked with Ancho Reyes Chile liqueur, rum, ginger-laced condensed milk, and a whisper of absinthe) and the Here Comes Dolly, a charcoal-blackened sipper with Tito’s, apple, berry, seltzer, and a pinch of sea salt. Hidden Boot also offers plenty of zero-proof options, alongside hearty Western-inspired bites like pulled pork sliders, BBQ burnt end wedge salad and carnitas tacos. 

From the bull rides to the bar menu, Hidden Boot Saloon delivers a lighthearted dose of saloon-style escapism—just don’t wait too long. This pop-up rides off into the sunset at the end of summer.

If you go…

Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club 
6 N Rio Grande St Suite 35, SLC 
Open Wednesdays and Thursdays 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.  

More Saloon-Style Fun in Utah

The Westerner
Salt Lake’s first country dance hall features live music every weekend, and free line dancing lessons during the week. 

3360 S. Redwood Road, West Valley 
Open Wednesday through Saturday 6 p.m. to 2 a.m 

Aces High Saloon
A no-frills neighborhood bar dedicated to metal, punk rock and outlaw country music. Make yourself comfortable at a leather-tufted booth and enjoy live music most days of the week. 

1588 S. State Street, SLC 
Open Monday through Sunday 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. 

Kemo Sabe
At the top of Park City’s Main Street, Kemo Sabe is a high-end western ware boutique with a well-kept secret. Behind their storefront is a hidden speakeasy serving up saloon-style sips in  a stylish setting. 

268 Main St., Park City 
Open Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Utah offers a bounty of craft distillers ready to fill your cup with something delicious. We highlight long-standing industry leader with a few new (ish) distillers joining the community.

THE GREATS

DENTED BRICK

Dented Brick struck gold when they built their distillery in Salt Lake, liquid gold that is. Their on-site artesian provides a high-quality foundation for their vodka, rum, gin and whiskey. The distiller recently began offering a Whiskey Education Program, in which enthusiasts purchase a barrel, customize it, bond with it, and follow the entire production from fermentation to aging.

IF YOU GO: 3100 S. Washington St., South Salt Lake.

Alpine Distilling

Power couple Rob and Sara Sergent have been setting the bar for gin distillation at Alpine Distilling since 2016, and recently Sara became the most decorated distiller in the country as the second woman in U.S. history to be inducted into the London Gin Guild. Alpine’s award-winning portfolio of products include their Elevated Gin, named “Gin of the Year” gold medal in London. Visit their Park City bar for guided tastings or a custom gin-making experience. 

If you go: 364 Main St., Park City.

High West

Hailed as the first distillery to open in Utah since the Prohibition, High West is an industry vanguard best known for their blended American whiskeys. Sip on a tried-and-true American Prairie Bourbon or savor one of their limited releases at their many Park City locations. Their Wanship distillery and tasting room offers the most immersive educational experience with whiskey ambassadors on hand. 

If you go: 27649 Old Lincoln Hwy, Wanship.

Beehive Distilling

Though Beehive closed their bar last year, the Salt Lake distiller is still going full steam with spirit production. Their lineup of classic spirits include bourbon, amaro, vodka and several gins. Beehive was also the first Utah distiller to ride the canned cocktail wave, offering a Mule and Gin Rickey using spirits straight from their still. 

If you go: 2245 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake.

Sugar House Distillery

Sugar House’s vodka has been consistently delicious since it first hit shelves in 2013, and the distillery’s other small-batch products quickly followed suit. Owner and distiller James Fowler takes pride in his grain-to-glass process, committed to zero outsourcing, additives, artificial colors or flavors. Pick up a bottle or canned vodka soda at their privately owned liquor store in Salt Lake. 

If you go: 2212 S. West Temple, SLC.

THE NEWBIES

PROVERBIAL SPIRITS

Based in Park City, Proverbial Spirits splashed onto the scene in early 2022. Using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, Proverbial makes their products from scratch. Owners Steven Currie, Rudy Lehfeldt-Ehlinger and Michael Kunde live by their brand’s motto: “Rules were meant to be broken” and have infused that same sense of curiosity and boldness into Proverbial’s vodka, rum and gin—the latter won a Silver Medal in the 2023 Bartender Spirits Awards.

IF YOU GO: 4175 N. Forestdale Dr., Park City.

CLEAR WATER DISTILLING CO.

The distillers at Clear Water reject typical spirit categories in favor of ephemeral, batch-based products. Take ‘Josephine Eau-de-Vie’ for example, an un-aged fruit brandy that is double distilled with a rum to offer a bouquet of smokey and sweet flavors. Their tasting room and distillery in Pleasant Grove (the first of its kind in Utah County) also hosts regular tasting events and cigar pairings pulled from their walk-in humidor room.

IF YOU GO: 564 W. 700 South, Pleasant Grove.

VINTAGE SPIRITS DISTILLERY

Craft small-batch distiller Vintage Spirits has been bottling out of their Midvale location since 2020, specializing in barrel-aged products like rum, whiskey and bourbon. True proponents of a grain-to-glass philosophy, the distillers offer. Saturday tours where you’ll get an inside look of the process from mash to finish.

IF YOU GO: 6844 S. 300 West, Midvale.

Wine collecting is serious business. I’m not talking about those few bottles of Moet saved for a special celebration, or a half-corked carafe of Pinot sitting in your kitchen’s wine fridge. Lifelong collectors spend expeditious amounts of time, money and dedication tracking down limited-edition bottles and exotic pours. Collections worth hundreds of thousands of dollars aren’t left lying around to risk damage, theft, or worse—a mischievous teenager looking to nab a seemingly forgotten dusty bottle. These impressive collections should be stored in temperature-controlled facilities run by experts who understand their value, now Utah has one of its own. 

Opened in May of 2024, Mountain Wine Storage is a 9,000 square-foot facility in Heber equipped with high-tech environmental controls and robust security. Finally, a place where your prized collection can be stored safe from the detriments of climate and wandering hands. 

When Bill DeLeon moved to Utah in 2023, one of his greatest concerns was where to store his 3,000 bottle-strong wine collection. His search turned fruitless when he found nothing but residential storage lockers, but Bill did discover a business opportunity. Within the year he staked a commercial space in Heber and began the arduous hoop jumps that any booze-related business owner in Utah knows all too well.

The massive facility looks quite industrial on the surface, with forklifts onsite to move crates of wine, and individual locker spaces locked behind gates. But it’s the equipment beneath the warehouse exterior that makes Mountain Wine Storage truly shine, “we thought of everything that a collector and an investor would want,” DeLeon says. The 9,000 square-foot facility is armed with three industrial air conditioners, four industrial humidifiers, two industrial dehumidifiers, 25 security cameras, glass break detectors and an on-site wine concierge. Advanced climate control maintains the facility at 55% to 65% humidity, and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, with any severe variations triggering an alarm to security.

The facility is so dialed into the best wine-keeping conditions that DeLeon keeps his own collection safely tucked away in a locker on site, and he’s met plenty of like-minded wine fanatics whose ears perk up at the thought of a first-rate storage facility for their vino. “I built the facility based on the concept that there are a lot of people in Park City that like wine,” DeLeon says. “What I found is that there are also going to be a lot more people moving to Utah who like wine, and they’re going to need us.” 

Getting those collections into Mountain Wine Storage isn’t DeLeon’s only priority, he’s also interested in connecting with the wider wine community in the Wasatch Back. “We want to organize wine dinners for our clients, as well as work with some of the wineries I know to come out and share their knowledge and products.” Stay up to date with the latest events and opportunities at mountainwinestorage.com.  

If You Go

Mountain Wine Storage
88 W. Airport Road, Heber
mountainwinestorage.com