Salt Lake City Travel Forum

So, I just learned something new about Utah. It is considered a "dry" state. In order to find a bar/nightclub that serves alcohol, you have to go to a member's only club. But I guess you can become a member at the door. Anyway, we are going to be in SLC for New Years. We're in our late 40's, like disco, r&b or jazz music. Classier the better. Wouldn't mind a place that serves dinner and has entertainment. Any suggestions would be great! Thanks!

Almost all of these "private clubs" have "temporary memberships." It's basically a cover charge.
However, if you're sitting down and eating a meal at a "restaurant," you can get a real drink without having to pay that fee. For instance, at the brewpubs, you cannot get the higher % bottled beer (I don't think they have higher % draft anywhere) while sitting at the bar, even while eating. You have to actually be seated and order a meal. It's weird.
Not big on nightclubs, but a friend who was into them that grew up there always talked about the Red Door. She was my age though (mid-20's).
hth

You should have quite an interesting New Years celebration.I don't believe I recall Salt Lake City being known as a popular New Years destination, lol. If I didn't know you post on VT frequently, I would almost think this was a trick question. Gary

Sorry, I didn't mean to be a smart-***. It's 3 A.M., and thinking of Salt Lake City nightlife gave me a bit of a chuckle. Gary

Yea, I know! But we wanted to get some skiing in. Utah was huge consideration since it doesn't cost as much as going to Tahoe(already book up) and/or Canada. I've heard the night life ends early in the evening 10pm-11pm or so. But it's New Year's eve. I would think there has to be something going on?! I bought tickets to the Jazz vs. Celtics game on Saturday, so that will be a lot of fun. Anyway, worse case, we celebrate in our room watching ABC's replay of Time Square count down in the hotel.

The following link covers the Salt Lake City liquor laws pretty well: http://www.slctravel.com/liquor.htm . I took a quick look, but didn't find any New Year's Eve music yet. Gary

A partial listing of nightclubs,(looks like a lot of sports bars), can be found at : http://www.slctravel.com/nightlife.com. There is one Jazz Club listed, The Zanzibar. Gary

You could also take a look at the link for the Off Broadway Theatre. They have a comedy show there as well. Doesn't appear as though they have anything listed for New Year's Eve though. The link is : http://www.theobt.com/obtseason.html. Gary

When I lived there you had to take your own bottle to the privte clubs and just store it there but that was a long time ago and they have lightened up.

I had just moved to Ogden and wanted to buy some liguor (somehow moving there made me crave a drink). There was a state owned liquor store and it was in a bad part of town so I asked a friend who was passing through and tall (6'9") to go with me. As I am walking toward the door I am approached by a street person who pulls down his pants and pulls an empty bottle out of his undies. He points to it and begs me to buy him another. I moved to California 6 months later.

Kathy, that story was too funny! I hope that doesn't happen to me! I feel a little naive that I assume all across the US is pretty much like California (but it's not). I hope we don't encounter any discimination because we're not Mormon. I've had a few friends go to Utah and they were not treated well. I'm thinking - SLC and ski areas shouldn't matter. Thanks for the info!

Are you staying in SLC or Park City? Either place has fun bars. Last call is at 1am and then you get kicked out at 2am. Beer is 3.2% and the liquor in mixed drinks is measured (not free-pour), but you can still have a good time. :)

Ooops sorry, just read you were staying in SLC. For a classier joint I'd suggest the SkyBar. Its at the top of a hotel and has a dress code (no hats, collar shirts for guys, etc).