Updated at: 06-11-2023 - By: John Lau

Utah’s bar scene is as diverse as its breathtaking landscapes, providing a unique blend of ambiance, craftsmanship, and creativity.

From Salt Lake City’s bustling downtown to the quaint charm of Park City, each bar has a distinct character that reflects its surroundings and the people who frequent it.

In recent years, Salt Lake City’s cocktail scene has undergone a transformation, with craft cocktail bars popping up all over the city.

In this article, we will explore the 12 best cocktail bars in Salt Lake City, from sophisticated craft cocktail bars to friendly neighborhood pubs.

We will take into account the quality of the drinks, the atmosphere, and the overall experience offered by each bar.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this guide will help you discover the best cocktail bars in Salt Lake City.

Top 16 Best Cocktail Bars Salt Lake City

Alibi Bar & Place

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Alibi Bar & Place is a bar located at 369 S. Main Street in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is a funky venue decorated with plants and art, and serves a selection of cocktails and light bar meals.

The bar is only open to those who are 21 years old and above. According to Yelp reviews, the drinks are tasty and the service is great.

The interior is well done and has character, charm, and uniqueness. The branding of the bar is clear, with a bright aqua color present in all of their social media and the physical bar.

The bar is low enough that you can see all the materials the bartenders use to build your drink, creating a source of entertainment.

The seating opportunities for patrons seem to be a challenge, but the lush and boozy atmosphere of the bar makes up for it.

Water Witch

Based on the search results, Water Witch is a bar located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It serves craft cocktails and elevated bar bites in a hip, minimalist space.

The bar is located at 163 W 900th S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.

According to an article in Salt Lake Magazine, the name “Water Witch” has several meanings, including that it was one of the original yachts from the Salt Lake yacht club in the 1860s.

The Pearl

The Pearl is a Vietnamese-inspired bar and restaurant located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

– Location: The Pearl is located at 917 S 200 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.

– Cuisine: The Pearl serves Vietnamese street food and cocktails. They are known for their pho and excellent cocktails.

– Hours: The Pearl is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4pm until close, and on Sundays they serve brunch from 10:30am to 2:30pm.

– Age restrictions: The Pearl is a 21+ only bar.

– Reviews: The Pearl has received positive reviews for its food and drinks.

Under Current

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Under Current is a multi-level bar located in Salt Lake City that serves craft cocktails, seafood, and bar bites in a sleek, modern setting.

The bar has a comprehensive cocktail list and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy small bites at good prices.

The food menu includes a chef’s selection of artisanal meats and cheeses with seasonal accoutrements, French fries with remoulade, fry sauce, and togarashi aioli, and manilla clams with potatoes and nduja.

Under Current is also known for its superb seafood bistro, with fresh fish specials and a cheese tray that includes Robiola Bosina, Drunken Goat, and Montealva served with toasted baguettes.

The bar is open from 5-11 PM Monday through Thursday and 5-12 PM Friday through Saturday, with the kitchen closing an hour earlier each night.

Lake Effect

Lake Effect is a cocktail bar in downtown Salt Lake City that serves craft drinks and global small plates in an intimate setting with live music.

It is a unique space curated to leave a lasting impression, with a focus on filling a missing niche in downtown Salt Lake City.

Lake Effect aims to provide each guest with the freshest possible, locally sourced ingredients that will leave them coming back for years to come.

The bar has two beautiful bars that each offer guests a contrasting and memorable experience.

However, if you are asking about the “Lake Effect” phenomenon in Salt Lake City, it is a small but detectable influence on the local climate and weather around the Great Salt Lake in Utah, United States.

In particular, snowstorms are a common occurrence, and the high relief of the Wasatch mountains further capitalizes on lake enhancement and can receive multiple feet of snow from lake-effect alone.

The salinity of the Great Salt Lake prevents freezing but reduces the saturation vapor pressure and latent heat flux into the overlying air, resulting in minimal amounts of moisture and latent heat being added to the air moving over the lake.

Post Office Place

Post Office Place is a bar and restaurant located at 16 W Market St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.

It was born out of a love for travel and food, and has been an outlet for an abundance of ideas and a passion for providing place.

The bar has a curated liquor list, with unique products not available at any other bar in Salt Lake City, and an extensive whiskey collection.

The bar specializes in Japanese liquor products, and has even had a house-label whiskey.

The kitchen is open from Monday to Saturday, from 5 pm to 10 pm, and the bar is open from Monday to Thursday, from 5 pm to 11 pm, and on Friday and Saturday, from 5 pm to 12 am.

Post Office Place has received national recognition, being named one of 20 businesses from around the country in the “outstanding bar” category by the James Beard Foundation.

Bar X

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Bar X is a cocktail bar located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is an intimate prohibition-era bar that showcases classic mixed drinks, beer, and wine.

The bar is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 4 pm to 1 am, and on Sunday and Monday from 6 pm to 1 am.

Bar X has a spirits list and accepts back bar reservations.

It is located in downtown Salt Lake City and is close to other bars and restaurants such as Taqueria 27, Este Pizzeria, Mortar & Pestle Bar, and Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen.

The bar has a health score and is handicap-friendly. Customers have left positive reviews on Yelp, with an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 based on 251 reviews.

Bar X also has an Instagram account where they post photos and updates about their menu and events.

White Horse

Based on the search results, it seems that “White Horse” refers to a restaurant and bar called “White Horse Spirits & Kitchen” located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The establishment offers elevated craft cocktails and locally sourced fare in a relaxed brick-walled bar setting. The menu includes a variety of food options, from bar snacks to shared plates, soups, sandwiches, and steaks.

The restaurant is open every day from 11:00 am to 1:00 am. In addition to its main location, White Horse also has a branch at the Salt Lake City International Airport.

Acme Bar

Acme Bar Co is a bar located at 837 East 2100 South in the Sugarhouse neighborhood of Salt Lake City.

The bar is housed in a special building that has been transformed into a unique space. Acme Bar Co is known for its delicious topical cocktails.

The bar has outdoor seating where customers can enjoy food from its sister restaurant. Acme Bar Co is open Tuesday through Saturday. The bar is known for its lounge atmosphere.

Franklin Ave. Cocktails & Kitchen

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Franklin Ave. Cocktails & Kitchen is a new bar and restaurant concept located in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.

They offer American cuisine and cocktails, and their menu can be found on their website along with photos and reviews.

The restaurant does not take reservations, but they leave the majority of their tables open for walk-ins. If you don’t see your preferred time, you can call 385-831-7560 to get an estimated wait time.

Franklin Ave. Cocktails & Kitchen has received positive reviews on Yelp, with a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 based on 203 reviews.

Their food menu includes a variety of options such as appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. They also have a presence on Instagram where they share photos and updates.

Back Door

Based on the search results, the Back Door in Salt Lake City is a cozy lounge with a speakeasy vibe located at 152 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111.

It serves signature cocktails and has a menu that is available from Monday to Thursday from 5 pm to 10 pm, Friday to Saturday from 5 pm to 12 am, and Sunday from 5 pm to 9 pm.

The Back Door is a 21+ only bar located at the North end of Edison Street in downtown Salt Lake City. It was formerly known as Mortar and Pestle.

Purgatory

Based on the search results, Purgatory is a bar located in Salt Lake City. It offers bar snacks with a twist and craft cocktails in a modern space with an industrial feel.

The bar is located at 62 E 700 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. It does not take reservations. The bar is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Purgatory also has a summer patio and social media accounts. The bar has a dinner menu that includes late-night food. Purgatory has been reviewed on Yelp and Tripadvisor.

Bodega

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Bodega is a subterranean speakeasy in Salt Lake City that serves creative eats and cocktails in atmospheric digs with a hunting-lodge vibe.

There are two locations in Salt Lake City, one at 331 S Main St and the other at 331 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, United States.

The menu at Bodega includes alcoholic beverages, and tax is included in all of them.

The restaurant has received positive reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor, with many customers praising the drinks and atmosphere.

Bodega also has an Instagram account where they post photos and videos of their cocktails and events.

The Vault

The Vault is a bar and lounge located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is situated within the Kimpton Hotel Monaco and is known for its craft cocktails and casual menu bites.

The bar is located in a landmark space that was once a bank vault, and features stylish decor, a showpiece mahogany bar, and plush seating.

The Vault is a 35-seat bar and lounge tucked within Bambara, the Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City’s signature restaurant.

The Beer Bar

Beer Bar is a well-known bar located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is owned by celebrity Ty Burrell and is open seven days a week from noon to 1 a.m. .

The bar is for adults aged 21 and over. The bar has an extensive drink menu and signature dishes that customers crave for days after their visit.

Beer Bar is located at 161 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. Customers can contact the bar through email at [email protected] or [email protected].

The bar has received mixed reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor, with some customers praising the atmosphere and drink selection, while others have criticized the portion size for the price.

Zest Kitchen & Bar

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Zest Kitchen & Bar is a restaurant located in Salt Lake City that offers vegetarian and vegan fare, as well as gluten-free, plant-based, soy-free, and organic options.

The restaurant also features a full-service, fresh juice cocktail bar with innovative drinks like the beet sangria, berry lavender lemonade, and the signature antioxidrink with organic green juice, local gin, and green chartreuse.

– Location: 275 S 200th W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

– Hours: Mon 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Tue-Wed 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Thu-Fri 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sat 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sun 10:00 am – 9:00 pm

– Menu: Zest Kitchen & Bar offers a dinner menu with a variety of healthy options, including appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts.

– Reviews: Zest Kitchen & Bar has received positive reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor, with many customers praising the restaurant’s healthy and delicious food, as well as its innovative cocktails.