BAR FLY

BAR FLY

L I B A T I O N S | B A R S

21 & OVER BARS

Forget about navigating the state’s labyrinth of liquor laws—the more than 20 bars and pubs listed here prioritize putting a drink in your hand, although most of them serve good food, too. Restricted to 21 and over. (Be prepared to show your I.D., whatever your age. This is Utah, after all.)

All bars listed in the Salt Lake Bar Fly have been vetted and chosen based on quality of beverage, food, atmosphere and service.

This selective guide has no relationship to any advertising in the magazine. Review visits are anonymous, and all expenses are paid by Salt Lake magazine.

A FAMILIAR NEW FACE

The former Tinwell opens as The Pines

BY AVREY EVANS

THERE IS SOMETHING TO BE SAID about a bar that keeps things simple and classic, especially in a city where try-hard trendy spots and zoomer-friendly bars pop up daily. The latest joining this echelon of approachable watering holes is The Pines. Owned by the Dick N’ Dixie’s group and residing in the former Tinwell space, The Pines is a welcome new but familiar face.

Before they even opened their doors, The Pines was faced with challenges that are now synonymous with the year 2020. “We signed the papers in March of last year, and about two weeks later the whole city closed down,” says owner Will Bourne. For six months Bourne and co-owner Kirsten Fowler sat on the empty space and waited for their

PHOTO ADAM FINKLE

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moment. Despite their delayed opening, Bourne says purchasing the building was a worthy investment. In addition to inheriting a beautiful bar and a reputable weekend hotspot, The Pines is situated in an up-andcoming area of Salt Lake. “In the next few years, this neighborhood is going to be booming,” Bourne says. Fast forward to 2021 and that very same neighborhood is already thriving. Next to Proper Brewing Company and adjacent to spots like Water Witch and Duffy’s Tavern, The Pines is a worthy addition. Walking into the bar is like seeing an old friend in a new place. The sleek industrial decor is familiar yet fresh, and the bar is stocked with a wide range of alluring elixirs. Both elevated and approachable, Bourne says The Pines is everyone’s bar. “It’s a place you can come and hang out, watch a game if you want or explore cocktails with our talented bartenders.”

The Pines is definitely a place you can knock a few back and just generally hang out, but they’re also getting into events. Visit the bar on a Wednesday for free weekly trivia, or step out on Fridays for their New Wave Funk night with DJ Retrograde and Nix Beat. Bourne and Fowler are also experimenting with craft cocktail evenings, so you can make art or trinkets while you drink. The last boozy craft night was held in partnership with local service Party Chez Vous, which provided all the tools to make lush succulent terrariums while The Pines offered libations—because what’s more fun than playing in some dirt while tipsy?

The Pines is a perfect combination of Dick N’ Dixie’s easygoing attitude and the cool ambiance of the former Tinwell. While the bar isn’t technically the new kid on the block, they are keeping the spirit of stiff drinks and long nights alive on south Main Street.

837 S. Main St., SLC, 801-906- 8418, Instagram @thepines.slc

AC

225 W. 200 South, SLC, 385-722- 9600. achotels.marriott.com

The Euro-styled hotel has a chic lobby bar and a secret menu of drinks inspired by movies filmed in Utah, like Dumb and Dumber and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

THE AERIE

9320 Cliff Lodge Dr. #88, Snowbird Resort, 801-933-2160, snowbird.com

Floor-to-ceiling windows mean drinkers can marvel at nature’s handiwork while feasting from the sushi bar. The menu is global with live music some nights.

ALIBI BAR & PLACE

369 S. Main St., SLC, 385-259-0616

Located along SLC’s bar line on Main Street, Alibi has a sleek, hip vibe and is generally filled with happy hipsters, especially when they have theme nights.

BAR X

155 E. 200 South, SLC, 801-355-2287. barzslc.com

This was the vanguard of Salt Lake’s new cocktail movement, serving classic drinks and creative inventions behind the best electric sign in the city.

BEER BAR

161 E. 200 South, SLC, 385-259-0905. beerbarslc.com

Ty Burrell, star of ABC’s smallscreen hit Modern Family, co-owns Beer Bar, which is right next to Bar X. It’s noisy, there’s no table service, but there are 140+ brews to choose from, plus 13 kinds of wurst.

THE BAYOU

645 S. State St., SLC, 801-961-8400. utahbayou.com

This is Beervana, with 260 bottled beers and 32 on draft. The kitchen turns out artichoke pizza and deepfried Cornish game hens.

BEERHIVE PUB

128 S. Main St., SLC, 801-364-4268

More than 200 beers —domestic, imported and local—with a long ice rail to keep the brew cold, the way Americans like ’em, are the outstanding features of this cozy downtown pub.

BTG WINE BAR

404 S. West Temple, SLC, 801-359- 2814. btgwinebar.com

BTG stands for “By the Glass” and though BTG serves craft cocktails, specialty beer and good food, the pièces de résistance are the more than 50 wines by the glass. Order a tasting portion or a full glass.

CAMPFIRE LOUNGE

837 E. 2100 South, 801-467-3325 campfirelounge.com

The laid-back feeling of sitting around a campfire is what the owners were aiming for, with or without flames. Campfire is a relaxed neighborhood joint with affordable drinks. And s’mores.

COPPER COMMON

111 E. Broadway #190, SLC, 801-355- 0543. coppercommon.com

Copper Common is a real bar—that means you don’t actually have to order food if you don’t want to. But on the other hand, why wouldn’t you want to? This bar has a real chef.

THE COTTON BOTTOM

2820 E. 6200 South, SLC, 801-849- 8847. thecottonbottom.com

Remember when this was a ski bum’s town? The garlic burger and a beer is what you order.

DICK N’ DIXIE’S

479 E. 300 South, SLC, 801-994- 6919.

The classic corner beer bar where cronies of all kinds gather regularly to watch sports, talk politics and generally gossip about the city and nothing in particular.

EAST LIBERTY TAP HOUSE

850 E. 900 South, SLC, 801-441- 2845. eastlibertytaphouse.com

Half a dozen beers on draft and 20 or more by the bottle, and the rotation changes constantly. The menu does clever takes on bar food classics.

EIGHT SETTLERS DISTILLERY

7321 Canyon Centre Pkwy, Cottonwood Heights, 385-900-4315. eightsettlersdistillery.com

The distillery is entrenched in and inspired by the history of the Cottonwood Heights area and so are the spirits. Take home a bottle from the store or stay and enjoy a taste of the past at the themed, on-site restaurant.

GARAGE

1199 N. Beck St., SLC, 801-521-3904. garageonbeck.com

Everyone compares it to an Austin bar. Live music, good food and the rockingest patio in town. Try the Chihuahua, a chile-heated riff on a margarita.

GIBSON LOUNGE

555 S. Main St., SLC, 801-258-6778. grandamerica.com

Grand America’s inimitable style is translated into a cushy but unstuffy bar, the antithesis of the current hipster style. You can actually wear a cocktail dress to this cocktail bar.

GOOD GRAMMAR

69 E. Gallivan Ave., 385-415-5002. goodgrammar.bar

The crowds playing Jenga on the patio, the decor, full of pop celebs and heroes, and a soundtrack of eclectic old- and alt-rock, makes a space that bridges old and young imbibers.

GRACIE’S

326 S. West Temple, SLC, 801-819- 7563. graciesslc.com

Play pool, throw darts, listen to live music, kill beer and time on the patio and upstairs deck. Plus, Gracie’s is a gastropub.

GREEN PIG

31 E. 400 South, SLC, 801-532-7441. thegreenpigpub.com

Green Pig is a pub of a different color. The owners use eco-friendly materials and sustainable kitchen practices. The menu star is the chili verde nachos with big pork chunks and cheese.

HIGH WEST SALOON

703 Park Ave., Park City, 435-649-8300. highwest.com

The bartenders at Utah’s awardwinning distillery concoct different cocktail menus for every season focusing on High West’s spirits, although the bar stocks other alcohol.

ICE HAUS

7 E. 4800 S., Murray, 801-266-2127. Icehausbar.com

Ice Haus has everything you need from a neighborhood bar and a purveyor of German cuisine: a wide selection of pub fare and plenty of seating in the beer-hall inspired location. The menu has a strong number of vegan options.

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BAR FLY

LAKE EFFECT

55 W. 200 South, SLC, 801-532-2068. lakeeffectslc.com

An eclectic bar and lounge with a fine wine list and full menu. Live music many nights; open until 1 a.m.

OYSTER BAR

54 W. Market St., SLC, 801-531-6044. marketstreetgrill.com

The nightlife side of Market Street seafood restaurant, the Oyster Bar has an is a place to begin or end an evening, with an award-winning martini and a dozen oysters—half price on Mondays.

THE PINES

837 S. Main St., SLC, 801-906-8418, Instagram: @thepines.slc

From the owners of Dick N’ Dixie’s, The Pines is an elevated neighborhood bar with a cool interior and even cooler bartenders. Stop by to taste their solid range of brews, or visit the bar on a weekend for a new wave discotheque.

QUARTERS

5 E. 400 South, SLC, quartersslc.com.

Nostalgic for all those Gen Xers and gamer geeks, Quarters features retro gaming pinball and a game called Killer Queen. Drink a sling—or order a La Croix with a shot poured into the can.

RABBIT HOLE

155 W. 200 South, SLC, 801-532-2068

Downstairs in Lake Effect, the gaslit Rabbit Hole takes you to a different time, especially on Wednesday nights which are devoted to jazz. The Rabbit is a real listening room—you don’t talk over or under the music. This rare respect and a top notch bar makes this a very unusual hare.

SEABIRD BAR & VINYL ROOM

7 S. Rio Grande, The Gateway, SLC, 801-456-1223

Great little locally owned bar in the Gateway with great views, a fun little patio, friendly bartenders and more style than the place can hold.

THE REST AND BODEGA

331 S. Main St., SLC, 801-532-4452. bodegaslc.com

The neon sign says “Bodega;” drink a beer in the phone booth–sized front or head downstairs to the The Rest. Order a cocktail, settle into the apparently bomb-proof book-lined library, or take a booth and sit at the bar.

THE SHOOTING STAR

7350 E. 200 South, Huntsville, 801-745- 2002. shooting-star-saloon.business.site

More than a century old, this is genyou-wine Old West. The walls are adorned with moose heads and a stuffed St. Bernard. Good luck finishing your Star Burger.

VARLEY

63 W. 100 South, SLC, 801-203-4124. varleyslc.com

A craft cocktail bar and lounge situated right next to its companion restaurant The Ivy. The modern aesthetic pairs well with a classic cocktail and conversation.

THE VAULT

202 S. Main St., SLC, 801-363-5454. bambara-slc.com/the-vault

A quintessential hotel bar, with big windows overlooking pedestrian traffic. Special cocktails may be themed to what’s on stage across the street at Capitol Theatre.

WAKARA BAR

480 Wakara Way, SLC, 385-722-9600.

One of the few bars on the west bench, Wakara serves craft cocktails and hosts live music, trivia nights, liquor education and even, occasionally, drag queens.

WATER WITCH

163 W. 900 South, SLC, 801-462-0967. waterwitchbar.com

Three of Utah’s leading bartenders join forces in this charming tiny bar. Whether you want a classic drink, a draft or glass of wine, or a cocktail custom-designed to your taste, this is the place to belly up.

WHISKEY STREET

323 S. Main St., SLC, 801-433-1371. whiskeystreet.com

This stretch of Main was once dubbed “Whiskey Street” because it was lined with so many pubs and bars. A 42-footlong cherry wood bar encourages you to bend the elbow.

WHY KIKI

69 W. 100 South, SLC, 801-641-6115. whykikibar.com

A tropical beach-themed club to getaway at with a fruity drink in a tiki glass (or bowl!) or shake it on the dance floor. Don’t miss Taco Tuesday or the drag shows regularly hosted there.

ZEST KITCHEN & BAR

275 S. 200 West, SLC, 801-433-0589. zestslc.com

Zest offers hand-crafted fresh juice cocktails with the same emphasis on local and organic ingredients as the food—try an original concoction like the Strawbubbly Lavender Martini.

Beers & Brews

SQUATTERS/WASATCH

147 W. Broadway, 801-363-2739, squatters.com, 2110 Highland Dr., 801-783-1127. wasatchbeers.com

Salt Lake’s original breweries merged to form Utah Brewers Cooperative— Squatters and Wasatch are the most popular watering holes in Salt Lake.

DESERT EDGE BREWERY

273 S. Trolley Square, SLC, 801-521-8917. desertedgebrewery.com

The constantly changing variety and Beer School set Desert Edge apart from all the others.

LEVEL CROSSING

936 S. 900 West, SLC, 385-270-5972. levelcrossing.com

Opened by home brewer and photographer Christ Detrick, Level Crossing is long on games (like darts), good food and of course good beer.

RED ROCK BREWERY

254 S. 200 West, 801-521-7446. redrockbrewing.com

A longtime favorite for tippling and tasting—The pub draws on 45 recipes for its rotating selection.

TOASTED BARREL BREWERY

412 W. 600 North, 801-657-6942. toastedbarrelbrewery.com

Look for seasonal releases of vintage aged sours and high alcohol barrel-aged beers.

UINTA BREWING COMPANY

1722 Fremont Dr., 801-467-0909. uintabrewing.com

Founder Will Hamill says,“We make beer. Period.” Uinta produces certified organic beers and beer in corked bottles.

TF BREWING

936 S. 300 West, 385-270-5972. tfbrewing.com

TF stands for Templin Family; brewmaster Kevin Templin has a long history in Salt Lake’s beer scene. Expect meticulously made German-style beer and don’t miss game night.

BOHEMIAN BREWERY

94 E. 7200 South, Midvale, 801-566-5474. bohemianbrewery.com

Enjoy the lagers beloved by Bohemian’s owners’ Czech forebears, following the ancient Reinheitsgbot or German Purity Law.

EPIC BREWING COMPANY

825 S. State St., 801-906-0123. epicbrewing.com

Epic exclusively brews high-alcohol content beer. The brewing facility moved to Colorado, but you can still buy cold beer to-go at the taproom.

SHADES OF PALE BREWING

2160 S. West Temple, 435-200-3009. shadesofpale.com

A mom-and-pop brewery supplying many local restaurants—check the website—stop by their tap room.

PROPER BREWERY

865 Main St., 801-906-8604. properbugerslc.com

From the same proper folks who brought you the Publick House, Proper Brewery and Burgers hugely expands the brewing capacity of the original.

FISHER BREWING COMPANY

320 W. 800 South, 801-487-2337. fisherbeer.com

Fisher takes its name from a brewery originally founded in 1884, but the brews and low-key atmosphere are strictly right now. One of the few in town that has cask ale occasionally.

ROHA

30 E. Kensington Ave., 385-227-8982. rohabrewing.com

The name comes from the owners two names: Rob Phillips and Chris Haas, former brewer for Red Rock Brewery.

KIITOS BREWING

608 W. 700 South, 801-215-9165. kiitosbrewing.com

A rising star, Kiitos brews are on several menus around town. But if you stop by the brewery to taste, you can play pinball, too.

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THE ONE AND NEGR-ONLY

Put a fresh fall spin on a classic cocktail

BY AVREY EVANS

F

ALL DRINKS DON’T

ALWAYS have to be toddies and cider. Bartender Mckenzie Foster of Post Office Place shows us that gin pairs well with sweater weather. Using the basic Negroni as reference, Foster reimagines the classic cocktail with a peach aperitif and blanco vermouth. The two play well with Waterpocket’s robust gin without venturing into sweet territory. Foster adds a touch of Chinese Secret Bitters to evoke the flavor of fall, and the spicy undertones are well placed. The mixture is light yet surprisingly hardy and warm. It’s the perfect sipper during the transitional season.

PHOTO ADAM FINKLE

Rinquinquin Negroni

Cocktail by Mckenzie Foster

What’s Inside:

1.5 oz Waterpocket Gin

.75 oz La Pivón Blanco Vermouth

.75 oz Rinquinquin Peach Apertif

Chinese Secret Bitters

Stir and Sip

Place a large block of ice in a rocks glass and sprinkle it with bitters to your taste. Then, add the ingredients starting with the Vermouth and Rinquinquin. Once the gin joins the party, stir until all ingredients are blended. Garnish with a fresh lemon twist and enjoy.

Bartender’s Choice

Missing a few ingredients in your home bar? Swap out the Waterpocket Gin for something similarly delicate. Just be sure to avoid anything overly floral or peppered.

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