Top Bars in Salt Lake City – Most Viewed (2025)

Nestled in the vibrant Central 9th neighbourhood of Salt Lake City, Scion Cider Bar is a unique sanctuary for cider lovers and those looking for something different from the usual bar fare. With an ever-changing selection of more than 200 bottles and cans and over 20 taps of draft cider, this is a place dedicated to the art of the apple. From classic dry farmhouse styles to bold trios of fruit/herb-infused sippers, Scion invites you to explore far beyond your mainstream pours. The bar offers cider flights for tasting, plus curated snacks like imported cheeses, charcuterie and tinned seafood to complement the flavour journey. Inside, the vibe is warm and relaxed with a dog-friendly patio, welcoming staff who know their ciders, and board games available for a laid-back evening. Whether you’re a cider aficionado or just curious to branch out from beer and wine, Scion delivers a thoughtfully crafted experience that’s both accessible and deeply distinctive.

Sayonara brings a little piece of Tokyo nightlife to downtown Salt Lake City. Located at 324 S State St Suite 150, this bar opens from 5 pm to 1 am Tuesday through Sunday, offering a relaxed after-work or weekend hangout. As you step inside, you’ll find neon signs, lantern-lit patios, and booths styled in the Japanese “minka” house motif—wood paneling, cozy low-ceiling feeling, and even anime-inspired corners. The ambiance is casual, inviting, and designed to evoke “Tokyo alley bar meets Salt Lake” — with small bites, sake flows, and cocktails that lean Japanese but stay approachable. Their menu includes gyoza, skewers like chicken katsu, and a selection of highballs, sochu, sake as well as craft beers. It’s especially popular with groups, young adults, and those looking for something different from the standard downtown bar. The patio seating and laid-back vibe make it easy to drop in, sit with a drink, and linger. The venue also encourages outside food in some cases, making it ideal for pairing sushi (or other take-out) with a cocktail. Whether you’re starting your evening with a well-crafted drink, want to catch up with friends, or just try something Tokyo-flavored in Utah, Sayonara offers a fun, slightly off-beat option downtown.

Tucked into the revitalising Central 9th neighbourhood of Salt Lake City, Water Witch blends down-to-earth neighbourhood bar energy with top-tier craft-cocktail artistry. Founded by hospitality veterans Sean Neves, Scott Gardner and Matt Pfohl, the bar opened with the mission of marrying community comfort and serious drink-making. Inside you’ll find a compact 800 sq ft footprint crafted like a workshop—cement floors, wood-work benches, minimal ornamentation—giving the space an authentic, unpretentious character. The drink menu mixes timeless classics done with precision and wildly creative seasonal originals. Locals say the bartenders will ask what you’re in the mood for and then knock something out of the park. In 2025 Water Witch achieved major recognition — it became a finalist for the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Bar, competing among the top bars in the United States. This accolade reflects its influence in elevating Salt Lake’s cocktail culture and its status as a must-visit for serious drinkers. Despite the high-end craft credentials, the atmosphere remains warm, intimate and approachable. It’s equally suitable for a quiet after-work drink as for one of those “wow” cocktail experiences you’ll remember. Because the space is small and word is getting out, it can feel packed by later hours—so arriving early or being willing to cozy in is advisable. For those looking for more than drinks, Water Witch shares a back-hall connection to its sibling dining concept Bar Nohm, led by chef David Chon, where you can order elevated Japanese/French inspired plates while sipping cocktails from the bar. Bottom line: Water Witch offers one of the most refined yet unpretentious cocktail experiences in Salt Lake City. Whether you’re a local or visiting, if you appreciate craft, creativity and intimate vibes, it’s a standout stop.

Perched atop the stylish Le Méridien Salt Lake City hotel in downtown Salt Lake City, Van Ryder Rooftop Bar is the city’s destination for high-vibe rooftop lounging with views that stretch from the skyline to the Wasatch Range. Since opening in early 2023, it has quickly become a go-to for those seeking an upscale yet relaxed evening out. Step inside and you’ll find modern design elements rooted in Utah’s western heritage. Plush lounge seating, floor-to-ceiling windows and a seamless indoor-to-outdoor transition set the scene. Outdoors, the patio opens up toward the skyline, giving patrons unobstructed views of downtown and the surrounding mountains. The beverage program is refined and adventurous. Signature cocktails draw on local spirits and Western motifs—think mezcal with mole bitters, Luxardo cherries, or cedar-smoked sugar in an Old Fashioned twist. At the same time, the menu offers thoughtfully executed shareable plates—tempura oysters, flatbreads, crispy Brussels sprouts, tuna tartare—crafted with local ingredients and global inspiration. On weekends, the space energizes with live DJs, themed nights like trivia or sushi nights, and a mix of walk-in and reservation seating—though outdoor seats may not always be guaranteed. Whether you’re starting the night with friends, catching a sunset cocktail, or lingering after dinner into the late-night hours, Van Ryder Rooftop Bar offers a polished yet inviting environment high above the city bustle.

Quarters Arcade Bar in the Sugar House area of Salt Lake City is a fun, nostalgic hangout designed for grown-ups who never quite left the arcade. Located at 1045 E 2100 S, this two-floor venue brings together a wide array of classic and modern arcade games—pinball machines, skee-ball, fighting games, racing and more—with a full bar serving up craft beer, cocktails and casual bites. Unlike its downtown sibling, the Sugar House location offers a more relaxed vibe: plenty of natural light (especially upstairs), a patio space for fresh air, and enough room to play and chat without feeling packed. According to reviewers: “Sugar House is more mellow … has a patio … but a little smaller.” The arcade collection includes vintage favorites and new machines alike, giving you the chance to race friends, hunt high scores, or just snack and sip while glancing at flashing lights. The bar side keeps things tidy with a good rotation of beers on tap, signature mixed drinks, and friendly service. The hours cater to night owls: open from around 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday at the Sugar House location. It’s an ideal spot for a casual date, a fun friends’ night out, or just winding down with games and drinks. Whether you’re clawing for that high-score on a pinball or just enjoying a cold craft beer amid blinking machines, Quarters offers a blend of laid-back nostalgia and modern bar culture.

Located in downtown Salt Lake City, Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen lives up to its name by offering a refined bar and kitchen experience in a building with serious history. Housed in the former Franklin Avenue Variety Theatre (built circa 1891), the space retains original brickwork and architectural character while delivering a modern, comfortable ambiance. Whether you're stopping by just for drinks or staying for a full meal, the venue is designed for both. The bar upstairs welcomes walk-ins for cocktails, while the kitchen serves a globally-inspired menu helmed by chef Matt Crandall. Dishes draw on international flavors—Thai basil snap peas, hamachi crudo with jalapeño and Meyer lemon, or the standout wagyu burger—while the cocktail program is polished with classics, seasonal twists, and rare whiskeys. The space spans two levels: downstairs you’ll find a more intimate lounge-style setting among exposed brick and subdued lighting; upstairs, a brighter dining zone with more open seating. According to reviewers, the vibe is consistently buzzing yet never chaotic. Brunch is served on weekends (11 AM–3 PM), and the bar stays open until 1 AM daily. Beyond food and drink, the venue tweets private-event capabilities and group bookings. With its mix of elevated drinks, inventive cuisine, and a building steeped in local history, Franklin Ave offers something special for an evening out—whether a date night, a celebratory dinner, or a casual catch-up over cocktails.