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38.9
Gino’s
The self-proclaimed “Best Karaoke Soundsystem in the City” blasts six nights a week. Mic masters can rent out Gino’s for theme parties and wedding receptions—metal fold-out chairs already in place. Time just seems to stand still while singing in the windowless deep-purple interior.
3556 S. State, Salt Lake City, 801-268-1811
39.0
The Huddle
This Cottonwood Heights spot is spacious and inviting, with large tables and great sight lines for all 20 TV screens (including two giant screens). Weekends attract a boisterous crowd who chow down on bar staples, plus several salad options.
2400 E. Fort Union, Salt Lake City, 801-438-8300, Huddle-Sportsbar.com
39.0
The Wine Cellar
Easily the swankiest club in O-Town, the Wine Cellar is an underground jazz-and-blues joint that looks and feels like the real deal. The wood, brick and stained-glass décor is wholly unique, and the wine selection is (of course) wide.
2550 Washington Blvd., Ogden, 801-399-3600, WineCellarOgden.com
39.1
ABG’s
This clean, cool bar is holding down Provo’s Center Street night life. Enjoy a fine bottled-beer selection and a tasty menu, where entrees are artfully described, like haiku of deliciousness. For example, the Great Garlic Burger: “The amazing, rich garlic flavor dances with the creamy Swiss.”
190 W. Center St., Provo, 801-373-1200, ABGsBar.com
39.1
Brewskis
Ogden’s premier rockin’ roadhouse draws a diverse crowd with diverse interests: They can rock out to live bands, watch sports on the screens, shoot pool on the tables, down a killer pizza or just chill with a cold one.
244 25th St., Ogden, 801-394-1713, BrewskisOnline.net
39.1
Willie’s Lounge
It may look small from the outside, but Willie’s is a long bar with multiple areas for its patrons. You can settle in at the wood bar or back patio for a comfortable drink with friends, but if you’re more daring, Willie’s also boasts an extensive karaoke catalog (Niki Dees and Dick Werther, pictured, sing “Islands in the Stream”). Low prices and a lack of pretension make it popular with longtime regulars and recently legal hipsters.
1716 S. Main, Salt Lake City,
866-612-2920, WilliesLounge.net
39.1
Swedetown Pub
Not much has changed at Swedetown Pub in more than a decade, including the prices. Cheap drafts are the lure at this endearing dive—a nearly missed adjunct of an apartment building. It's a slow-paced place where folks listen to pub owner and fisherman Kip Bytheway's fish tales. If the tale is tall, you'll know by looking at the fishing board decorated with photos of various fishing exploits.
1461 Beck St., Salt Lake City, 801-532-9282
39.2
Junior’s Tavern
Daily drink specials make Junior’s a great choice any night of the week. It has one of the most impressive classic beer-can collections around. The atmosphere is mellow and casual and the bar staff is friendly and accommodating, making it feel like a real Old World tavern. And you can get food delivered from Junior’s neighbors Rich’s Mighty Fine Burgers or Toaster’s.
30 East Broadway, Salt Lake City, 801-322-0318, JuniorsTavern.com
39.2
Henry’s Inn
This old-school State Street dive knows how to make for a comfortable drinking experience—service and nonchalance. Henry’s Inn is a nice quiet place to share drinks with friends or shoot some pool—free on Sundays and Tuesdays.
2645 S. State, Salt Lake City, 801-486-4196
39.3
Liquid Joe’s
There are no chairs here, just stools. Plenty of metal diamond-plate adorns the walls, and the bartender hands out ear plugs to those who ask for them. The nightly crowd is young, restless and amped up on Red Bull or Roaring Lion. Only the fish in a huge saltwater tank are nonchalant as the tweeters begin to shriek and the woofers throb.
249 E. 3300 South, Salt Lake City, 801-467-8512, LiquidJoes.net
39.4
Art’s Place
Art and Yolanda Sanchez have operated Art’s for 15 years, and where have you been, party people? This place is surprisingly swank and larger than it looks from the outside. Open seven days a week, it features live Latino dance music Friday and Saturday nights, when couples and singles crowd the dance floor. Tables filled with small groups of onlookers surround the dance floor. The pool tables have their own area away from the dance scene. Expect to be frisked going in and/or have your bag inspected. But that assures a safe time for all; the vibes inside are friendly and relaxed.
76 S. 900 West, Salt Lake City, 801-363-9117
39.5
Bar Deluxe
From rock & roll to hip-hop to reggae to the out-there mash-ups of DJ Selleck, State Street’s Bar Deluxe is one of Salt Lake City’s best music rooms—with space to stretch out, as well. Also home to one of the city’s biggest selections of tallboys.
668 S. State, Salt Lake City, 801-532-2914, MySpace.com/BarDeluxeShow
39.6
Bohemian Brewery
In an area dotted with fast food, cheap diners and chain restaurants, Bohemian offers great food paired with great beer. Although more of a dining destination—with a fabulous, east-facing patio—the microbrewery doesn’t neglect its bar clientele, thanks to a long bar for those who only want to drink.
94 E. Fort Union Blvd., Midvale, 801-566-5474, BohemianBrewery.com
39.6
Jackalope Lounge
This bar lives up to its name, sporting Bseveral stuffed jackalopes around the bar. Skateboard and wall art by local artists gives the Jackalope a solid local feel. There is foosball and a pool table, while DJs spin four nights a week, with karaoke on Thursdays. The friendly bar staff makes this a great place to grab a drink or stop in for lunch.
372 S. State, Salt Lake City, 801-918-7127, Facebook.com/JackalopeLounge
39.7
Rock Bottom Lounge
Don’t let the name scare you; this place is downright homey, from the Wii set up in the basement to the house-party vibe upstairs. Want a bottle or can of beer? It’s in the house-style fridge. Want some grub? Try the Fat Bastard, essentially a Philly cheese layered in jalapeños, with a side of the house-cut fries. It also has live music on Saturdays.
317 Washington Blvd., Ogden, 801-621-2070
39.8
Old Town Tavern
You know you've arrived at a distinct watering hole when the median employment length is more than 10 years. Bartenders just don't leave; neither do customers. Some loyal quaffers even come in early for 9 a.m. coffee and stick around for lunch beers. That's about all of the drink options, too; they stayed liquor-free to keep that "Old Town" feel. Check out back for horseshoes and a barbecue.
7662 S. Main, Midvale, 801-566-3172
39.9
The Spot
A place that could easily be called home, The Spot is spacious, with many large tables, multiple TVs, pool tables, video games and darts. Unlike most of the other nearby bars, The Spot doesn’t open until 4 p.m. Food choices are limited to snacks.
870 S. Main, Salt Lake City, 801-355-7768
39.9
City Limits
One just needs to look at the walls to see the caricatures drawn of the tavern’s regulars to know this is an eclectic bar with loyal groupies. It’s also got some unique specials, like Sex on the Beach and Jager Jell-O shots.
440 W. Center St., Provo, 801-374-2337
40.1
Red Rock
Brewing Company
Both the food and beer served by Red Rock are twists on classics. The pizzas are served on flatbread, the burgers are served in pitas and the beers are predictable styles brewed in unpredictable ways. For beer drinkers who don’t need food, the bar area offers a bar and tables.
254 S. 200 West, Salt Lake City, 801-521-7446, RedRockBrewing.com
40.1
Roosters 25th Street Brewing Co.
The refurbished, two-story building on Historic 25th Street is all class, and the outdoor patio makes for fine summer dining whether you’re enjoying a burger, pizza or some of Roosters’ tasty chile verde. Don’t miss the Junction City Chocolate Stout or the Polygamy Pale Ale.
253 25th Street, Ogden, 801-627-6171, RoostersBrewingCo.com
40.1
The Urban Lounge
This is one of, if not the, busiest music clubs in Utah—there’s always a band onstage at The Urban Lounge, national or local. Though sometimes called a hipster hideout, the Urban is really just a neighborhood bar with the coolest (live) jukebox around.
241 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City, 801-746-0557, MySpace.com/TheUrbanLounge
40.1
Kokomo Club
The Kokomo is an Ogden classic on Historic 25th Street, from the distinctive font of the sign over the door to the antique booths lining the spacious bar area. Nothing fancy here—simply a bare-bones, biker-friendly, townie bar that still sells smokes from a machine, but doesn’t take credit cards for the cheaper-than-average drinks poured by bartenders with serious history in this town.
216 25th St., Ogden, 801-621-9991
40.1
Last Chance
If you’re heading out to Antelope Island, this really is the last chance for a cocktail. The Last Chance features breakfast daily, as well as sandwiches, pizzas and chicken-fried steak. The cozy tavern also offers video games, pool table and karaoke on Friday nights. It’s open Sundays and there’s plenty of free parking.
56 E. 1700 South, Clearfield, 801-773-3373
40.2
Murphy’s Bar & Grill
Murphy’s full menu and cozy location a few steps below Main Street make locals and visitors feel welcome and relaxed. Patrons can enjoy a sandwich or burger at one of the many booths or tall tables, or simply belly up to the bar for drinks.
160 S. Main, Salt Lake City, 801-359-7271, MurphysBarAndGrillUT.com
40.3
Chuckles Lounge
A long bar with many stools makes up the centerpiece of this blue-collar neighborhood bar. The bar has numerous video games and pool tables for those who prefer to mix their drinking with activity, as well as a great jukebox.
221 W. 900 South, Salt Lake City, 801-532-1721
40.4
Circle Inn
As far as we can tell, this is Sunset’s only bar. Along with cold beer and cocktails, the Circle Inn is known for its home-style pizza (the smoky smell of pizza cooking fills the air). Drop in to the Inn for karaoke on Thursday and Saturday nights and pool, darts, foosball and video games anytime.
2253 N. Main, Sunset, 801-825-6093
40.4
Club 48
Club 48 is a bar for these tougher economic times. The $5 breakfasts on “Sunday Fundays” and two-for-one steak nights on Wednesdays are easy on the pocketbook, but the shaken shot of tequila with a “secret ingredient” will make any catastrophe easier to handle.
16 W. 4800 South, Murray, 801-262-7555
40.4
Fats Grill & Pool
Sunlight streams into Fats through big, plate-glass windows on the east and west sides of the spacious interior. It’s a clean, well-lighted place dominated by six pool tables. If your mom shoots nine ball and likes pub food, this is the ideal place to take her on Mother’s Day.
2182 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-484-9467
40.4
VFW 3586
You don’t have to be a veteran to join the crowd on Tuesday night for 75-cent drafts. You don’t need to be a veteran at all, but if you were in the Navy, if you like the Village People or if you know Starbuck is a character in Moby Dick, make your way below decks to the spacious downstairs bar where the back-lit portholes will make you feel nostalgic.
2920 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-466-0964
40.5
Ore House II
Tucked up against Utah’s famous copper mine, the Ore House is a destination watering hole for bikers and tourists on weekend drives. Located literally at the end of Bingham Highway, today’s version is 2.0 as of March 2010, after an arsonist torched the place in August 2009. Luckily, the long bar survived, one part of which is more than 100 years old. Sporting new hardwood floors, pool tables, an inviting patio and horseshoes court, the bar hosts live music on weekends and events like campouts and wet T-shirt contests. Pub fare is served seven days a week and includes a $5 breakfast beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays that is worth the trip alone.
9350 W. Bingham Highway, Copperton, 801-352-9571
40.6
3 Alarm Saloon
The 3 Alarm Saloon is a large nightclub that has live DJs on the weekends, multiple karaoke nights, pool, darts and TVs. The beer and liquor are cheap, and there’s a full menu for anyone needing grease to soak up some of the alcohol. But, this isn’t really the kind of bar to go for dinner—this is a party.
7273 S. State, Midvale, 801-562-5252, MySpace.com/ThreeAlarmSaloon
40.6
Hog Wallow Pub
After more than 60 years and several name changes, it’s still a great neighborhood bar. Inside, it’s a cozy environment for watching a game, enjoying a pizza or listening to live music four nights a week; outside, you can sip your refreshment on a beautiful, secluded patio.
3200 E. Big Cottonwood Canyon Road, Salt Lake City, 801-733-5567, TheHogWallow.com
40.6
A Bar Named Sue
You may have to walk downstairs, yet it feels like anything but a cramped basement dive. From the stage area that hosts live music to the back room where you’ll find the pool tables (always free) and genuine (nonelectronic) dart boards, there’s plenty of room to spread out and get comfortable.
3928 S. Highland Drive, Holladay, 801-274-5578, ABarNamedSueinSLC.com
40.6
Desert Edge Brewery
The Pub, as it’s commonly called, has offered the same great Southwestern-style bar food and tasty microbrews for years. It also has daily food specials and a rotating cast of seasonal beers. And, for those wanting to learn more about beer, the brewery offers a monthly Beer School.
Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City, 801-521-8917, DesertEdgeBrewery.com
40.7
Shooting Star Saloon
You can’t really consider yourself a true Utahn until you’ve visited the oldest bar in the state, and considering it’s only an hour from Salt Lake City, there’s really no excuse for not making the drive to Huntsville in the beautiful Ogden Valley. Bring cash, ’cause the Shooting Star doesn’t take credit cards, and bring an appetite for the classic Shooting Star Burger: two patties, cheese, the usual burger fixings and a grilled knackwurst to top it off. The jukebox is full of classic Johnny Cash, there’s a dogs-playing-poker print over the pool table and stuffed animals hang from the walls—including a St. Bernard head—to go with those $1.50 mugs of both kinds of beer, Bud and Coors.
7350 E. 200 South, Huntsville, 801-745-2002
40.8
Squatters
Despite a solid reputation and constantly packed house, Squatters never stops evolving. The beer is the highlight, but from the kitchen, it serves bistro-pub fare ranging from uber-healthy salads to thick burgers. Squatters is a favorite for an afterwork or pre-Jazz game pint.
147 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City, 801-363-2739
40.9
Corner Pocket
Located off Tooele’s Main Street drag on Vine and across from the Tooele Pioneer Museum, the Corner Pocket’s stone bar attracts a friendly crowd who like nothing more than breaking into a fresh rack of balls while sipping a cool one. Pool tables here are a focal point for pool leagues and tournaments. The DJ and karaoke on Friday nights can be capped off with a plate of honey-barbecue wings and Polish sausage.
48 E. Vine, Tooele, 435-882-2521
41.0
The Bayou
A Bud draft is the last beer you’d want to order in The Bayou: The bar/restaurant has nearly 300 international and local brews; 30 of those on tap. Jazz and blues bands play Thursday through Saturday, and the Cajun food is spot-on.
645 S. State, Salt Lake City, 801-961-8400, UtahBayou.com
41.0
Big Ed’s
A U of U staple that often gets overlooked, Big Ed’s is located just around the corner from The Pie and directly west of Presidents Circle. You can choose from an eclectic menu ranging from greasy spoon to traditional home-cooked Asian specialties. The owners are as nice as can be. Big Ed’s is a true hole in the wall, but is definitely worth the effort if you’re looking for delicious cheap food and a beer.
210 S. University St., Salt Lake City, 801-582-9045
41.2
Highlander Club
It’s less a neighborhood lounge than it is a full-service entertainment hangout. Drop in for karaoke every night of the week, watch your favorite sporting event, rack ’em up for a free game of pool on Sundays and Wednesdays, or play a touch-screen video game for some trivia or poker fun. Full menu includes burgers and sandwiches, plus nightly specials.
6194 S. Highland, Salt Lake City, 801-277-8251, HighlanderUtah.com
41.2
Old Man’s Saloon
This little neighborhood joint toward the north end of Washington Boulevard—aka “The Vard” to Ogden locals—is unassuming, to be sure. The décor is sort of unintentionally kitsch, but the aquarium is a nice touch. It opens early for the morning/lunch drinkers, the bowling video game is the most popular in the house, and if you’re a regular, you can join the golf team that plays and hangs at Old Man’s Saloon every Sunday.
215 Washington Blvd., Ogden, 801-399-3231
41.3
Bar In Sugarhouse
Cross a Swiss chalet with a one-car garage, set it coyly back from the street, and voila! you have the Bar in Sugarhouse. It could well be the definitive neighborhood bar with space for only 28 “good local people” at a time. No frills, no ferns, but the front door is always open.
2168 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-485-1232
41.4
Donkey Tails Cantina
The north door of Guadalahonky’s in Draper leads to Donkey Tails, where GH’s full Mexican menu is available to enjoy while you watch sports on a couple big flat-screens or enjoy the dulcet tones of one-man band Matt Calder on Thursdays. Or, like Brittney Hoffman and Mark Greenwood, pictured below, you can take your eats to the fenced-in patio, replete with a fire pit and foliage sufficient to obscure Draper’s urban sprawl.
136 E. 12300 South, Draper, 801-571-8134, GuadalaHonkys.com/Donkey_Tails.html
41.7
Lazy Dog Saloon
The Lazy Dog once marked the outskirts of town, and it’s still far enough out that you’ll hear the words “city” and “slicker.” That’s what’s cool about it. While proudly displaying a “No Whining” sign, it’s a friendly place where one can enjoy classic rock while owning the double-elimination billiards tourney Thursdays. And every now and then, there’s UFC on the Pay-Per-View.
12755 S. Redwood Road, Riverton, 801-302-5584
41.7
Goodtimes Saloon
Beer pong, anyone? Conveniently located smack next to Layton’s state liquor store, there’s no reason for Goodtimes to ever run out of booze. An abundance of pool tables means no waiting, and there’s frequently live music at this neighborhood bar, to boot. Try to drop in when Dan Weldon is playing. One patron advised us to look up—“The ceiling is trippy,” he said. He’s right, and not just due to all the dollar bills stapled to it.
641 W. 600 North, Layton, 801-544-8717