Salt Lake City

A vibrant community, Salt Lake City impresses many first-time visitors. The 2002 Winter Olympics helped put Salt Lake City on the map, and the many world-class ski resorts, nature reserves, and state parks in the area make this a year-round destination. It’s no surprise that there’s also a growing gay population.

The city is a lot less dominated by the Mormon Church than the rest of the state, but the liquor laws are strict. Taverns and lounges sell beer only. Mixed drinks are served at “private membership” clubs. You can buy a two-week membership card or get someone to “sponsor” you at the door.

Getting here

Salt Lake City International Airport is about 7 miles northwest of downtown. If you’re going to be doing a lot of driving, rent a car there. If not, taxis are reasonably priced. Amtrak trains also head to Salt Lake City.

Getting around

Salt Lake City has great public transportation. The light rail and bus systems can get you around with a minimum of fuss. See UTA for online information about routes, schedules and fares.There are also taxis in the downtown area.

Local Media

Q Salt Lake has gay news and listings. City Weekly is the local alternative paper with listings, events and reviews.

Resources

The Utah Pride Center (361 N 300 West) is the state’s gay community resource. Café Marmalade is the coffee shop here, with free Wi-Fi, computer access, and a GLBT library.
 

Accommodations

Hotel Monaco (15 W 200 South) downtown boutique hotel in refurbished landmark 14-story building, special gay package deals.

Parrish Place B&B (720 E Ashton Ave) restored Victorian, generous in-room breakfast, near shops, restaurants, attractions.

Peery Hotel (110 W Broadway) Victorian-era buillding, boutique style, gay-friendly vibe, restaurants, bars/clubs, gym,  in-room spa services.
 

Bars & clubs
In the midst of a generally conservative society, gay people of all kinds mingle in ways you won't see in more liberal parts of the country. Men and women, straights and gays, and all races and ages hang together a little easier here.

Area 51 (451 S 400 West) straight dance club with "gorgeous freaks" and alternative vibe, monthly fetish party.

Cast Party SLC (Club Manhattan, 5 E 400 South, at Main) mostly straight, Saturday night showtunes, good cabaret performances, torch- song classics.

Club 27 (615 W 100 South) dance club and show bar, drag, sexy male dancers, Sunday Latin nights.

Club Edge (615 N. 400 West) Thursday house party crowd from now defunct Trapp Door; weekend Latino or rock dance nights.

Club Try- Angles (251 W 900 South) lively mix of bears and other folks, weekend DJ dancing, smoking patio, Sunday beer bust and barbeque.

Fusion Saturdays at Metro Bar (540 W 200 South), mixed lounge, dance club, rock/hip hop/house, live music, gayest on Saturdays.

Jam (751 N 300 West), neighborhood bar, outdoor patio, karaoke, food, liquor, wine and beer.

Off Traxx (259 W 900 South), daytime cafe, reopens 1am as after-hours club next to Club Try-Angles; WIFI, games, pool table, jukebox, Sunday brunch.

Paper Moon (3737 S State St) women's weekend dance bar with patio, karaoke, pool table.

Tavernacle (201 E 300 South) gay and straight crowd mix, piano and karaoke bar, dancing Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Trapp (102 S 600 West) regular guys, cheap beer, sports, back patio, jukebox, country-western ambience, DJ/VJs, Wii games, WiFi, no membership required.

W Lounge (358 S West Temple) straight but interesting alternative indie music club, occasional live music.

Restaurants

Cafe Med (420 E 3300 South) Mediterranean specialties, Sunday brunch, breakfast burritos, steak and eggs.

Cedars of Lebanon (152 E 200 South) weekend belly dancers, vegetarian-friendly menu.

Market Street Grill (48 W Market St) fine seafood restaurant in Salt Lake Hotel, popular brunch.

Mestizo Coffeehouse (631 W North Temple) coffee,WiFi, art, open mic nights, spoken-word performances, jam sessions.

New Yorker Club (60 Market St) award- winning American cuisine, great steaks, to-die-for soufflés, elegant vibe, excellent service.

Off Trax (251 W 900 South) internet café, salad bar, large patio, pool games, weekend breakfasts after bars close.

Red Iguana (736 W North Temple) all regions of Mexico flavors, tasty burritos to smoldering mole sauces.

Sage's Cafe (473 E 300 South) City Weekly's best vegetarian, breakfast to dinner, organic food and wine, open every day.

Tin Angel Cafe (365 W 400 South) bistro fare, fresh sandwiches, tasty salads, live music, local art, wireless internet.