As the headquarters of the Mormon Church—with most streets named in relation to their distance from the temple, lest you forget the focus of the city—Salt Lake City has long had trouble shaking its conservative reputation. But with recently relaxed liquor laws, a burgeoning cocktail scene, farm-to-fork dining, and some of the best skiing in North America, this "Crossroads of the West" is a hidden gem for mixing adventure, relaxation, and surprisingly top-notch options for fun.
Powderhounds will feel at home at one of SLC's 14 nearby ski resorts, which get steady snow as late as April, and off-the-slopes diversions abound both in the city center and its neighboring communities. So pack your snow jacket, hop a direct flight from OAK or SFO to Salt Lake in less time than it would take you to drive to Tahoe, and prepare to forget everything you thought you knew about this ideal mountain getaway.
DRINK
Beer Bar/Bar X
Modern Family fans should swing by these neighboring watering holes if they want an opportunity to get their Phil Dunphy fix—Ty Burrell is among the owners of both establishments, which are connected by an interior door, and is known to swing by on occasion. Start at the high-ceilinged Beer Bar for a sloppy sausage, crispy fries, and a pint or two from the largely local tap and bottle list. Then, sneak next door for a more intimate experience and craft cocktail menu—organized by flavor profile—at Bar X, which originally opened in 1933, the year Prohibition was repealed. // 161 E. 200 S.; 155 E. 200 St., beerbarslc.com
Good Grammar
This self-described "speak E-Z" offers affordable food options for lunch and dinner, with hearty sandwiches helping sop up house and classic cocktails and shot-and-beer combos. When the weather warms, you can often find DJs spinning on the outdoor patio and a lively game or three of giant Jenga, but events also abound in the colder months, ranging from movie nights to cocktail education courses. // 69 E. Gallivan Ave., goodgrammar.bar
Courtesy of Epic Brewing
Epic Brewing
While Utah remains shackled to an antiquated law that caps any draft beer at 4% ABV, Epic bucked tradition when it became the first brewery since Prohibition to brew exclusively high alcohol content suds. Available in 22-ounce bottles, the brews include the exponential series, where beers such as the Big Bad Baptist imperial stout and Elder Brett saison-brett golden ale have some fun with the city's religious leanings. The "tapless taproom" has limited seating and requires a food order, so bring an appetite and sneak in early to steal one of the six bar stools. // 825 State St., epicbrewing.com
The Rose Establishment
It's hard to get hipper than this coffeehouse, where an exposed brick façade, subway tiled interior complete with hanging paper cranes, and picture-perfect espresso drinks make it an Instagrammer's dream. But go beyond the looks, and you'll find a serious respect for the art of coffee and tea. Keep it relatively simple with a nitro coffee, or stretch your taste buds with one of the signature drinks, which utilize ingredients such as mulled wine syrup, lavender bitters, and rosemary and sage tinctures in tea- and coffee-based drinks. The on-site bakery churns out sweet and savory treats, and gluten-free or vegan options are often available. // 235 S. 400 W., theroseestb.com
High West Distillery
Did you know Brigham Young once operated three distilleries? You'll learn the finer points of whiskey production and Utah's booze-laden past on a tour of High West—the first legally licensed distillery in Utah since Prohibition—available at both the distillery's original location in a historic garage in Park City and its new distillery in Wanship. If you'd rather skip the learning and get straight to the consuming, both spots have a solid food menu (the Park City spot is a popular spot for diners, even teetotalers), cocktail list, and tasting menu that includes spirits you can only find at the saloon and distillery. // 703 Park Ave. (Park City); 27649 Old Lincoln Hwy. (Wanship), highwest.com
Keys on Main
Sure, it's touristy, but it's hard to beat the kitschy fun of seeing an unabashedly Mormon pianist gleefully dive into Sir Mix-A-Lot's "Baby Got Back," or his blonde dueling partner crush a Busta Rhymes rap verse without missing a beat. People-watching at its finest, a trip to Keys will likely plunk you amidst plenty of large groups celebrating a special occasion (or a simple escape from the office), but the stiff drinks and accommodating performers equate to a raucous good time you may or may not remember the next morning. Shows start at 9pm, but arrive early if you want to snag a seat. // 242 Main St., keysonmain.com
Courtesy of Beerhive Pub
Beerhive Pub
Craft beer lovers flock to this well-stocked tavern, where the extensive bottled beer list notes which suds are from Utah so you can show some local love. Order from more than 200 options and keep your pint or bottle chilled on the frosted bar rail. A game room in the back, complete with a pair of pool tables, offers plenty of diversions while you throw one—or three—back. // 128 S. Main St., facebook.com/Beerhive-Pub-163241570361229/
