Calling itself "Salt Lake City's Independent Sound Stage," the Urban Lounge is perhaps the most popular venue/ bar/ dance club in all of Salt Lake City among the young, alternative, or otherwise hip crowd. On the stage of Urban Lounge you can see music nearly any night of the week. Artists range from talented locals to nationally famous, indie bands. Cult classics like the helmet-wearing Bob Log have graced the stage numerous times. If you check online, you'll notice that Urban Lounge has a show scheduled nearly every night of the week. Come dressed casually; this dark, gritty, faux-dive encourages it.
Local Expert tip: Because Urban Lounge hosts so many musicians, you should generally expect to pay a cover charge.
Burt's is one of the best places in Salt Lake City for a casual night out. Beloved by locals for its regular music schedule and cheap drinks, this State Street hole-in-the-wall is a great place to consume blue-collar beers and feel totally comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt. A dive by appearances, yet safe and clean, this place is particularly beloved by hipsters and fans of local musicians. On any random night of the week, you may well catch a solo musician or bluegrass band for as little as $5. Small though it is, Burt's Tiki Lounge always makes room for dancing.
Local Expert tip: Not a typical dance club by any means, this is nevertheless one of the best places to cut loose in Salt Lake City.
Whether you're looking for a beer and burger or in the mood to dance to live music, you'll be happy you came. Make your way in, sidle up to the bar, and place an order for your favorite cold one. After a while, should you start feeling hungry, take a peek at the pub menu. Pizzas, heaping sandwiches and burgers can satisfy just about any need. The Hog Wallow also offers BBQ on the weekends. Most weekend nights you'll find live music. This is an excellent, low-key place for dancing and is welcoming to visitors and locals alike.
Local Expert tip: This is a great place to meet up after a day of skiing or hiking.
To get Downstairs from Salt Lake City, you'll have to actually go up... to Park City. Yes, though you wouldn't guess it, sometimes you have to drive to a smaller town to find a bigger party. Given Park City's mountain culture, it is packed year-round with resident and visiting skiers and mountain bikers � in other words, folks who generally don't like to go to bed early. Downstairs, located on Park City's historic Main Street, caters to a range of social tastes. Offering a bar, lounge, and performance area, Downstairs gives locals and visitors a chance to relax, dance, and see DJs and other artists from around the region and nation.
Local Expert tip: Check the calendar for this week's events and special evenings.
Though it probably sounds counter-intuitive, people often make the commute from Salt Lake City to Park City to liven up their nightlife. This is because Park City Live, Park City's biggest club (formerly Harry O's), is one the best venues in the entire state of Utah for music and partying. A massive club, this draws some of the best and most famous DJs and musicians from around the world to perform on its stage. Set up with a huge, main room and 2nd floor balcony encircling it, Park City Live has a number of bar tenders dressed to kill, VIP lounges, and an incredible sound system. Adding to the sensory experience are videos, laser lights, and digital displays.
Local Expert tip: If you're in the area around the time of the Sundance Film Festival, be sure to check out the reliably awesome schedule at Park City Live.
Club Sound is among Salt Lake City's most popular and busy concert venues. Neither a fancy establishment, nor a total dive, this industrial-chic venue attracts nationally-famous indie acts, underground DJ's, and a whole lot of 20-and-30-somethings to watch their shows. With a large dance area on the main floor and a balcony overlooking the stage, this large club provides plenty of space for moving around - though it is often completely packed during big shows. During summer events, Club Sound opens its second floor, outdoor balconies, providing yet more space and a place to catch some fresh air between songs. Club Sound is a both an 18+ and 21+ venue; alcohol is only allowed in the 21+ side of the venue.
Local Expert tip: If you're coming for an early show, arrive on time; Club Sound often books two events per evening, and requires a prompt exodus after the first show.
Area 51 does more than its fair share to keep Salt Lake's young and energetic crowd entertained late at night. Those into dancing and techno, house and trance music will find this to be one of Salt Lake's best venues for combining those interests. Don't come here if you're looking for quiet conversation; the name of the game is loud music by live DJs, crowded dance floors, and themed evenings. Before you come, check online to see whether there is a particular happening that night. Whether you're looking for ladies' night or 80's night, you'll find yourself satisfied here.
Local Expert tip: Look online to check the evening's particular theme, and dress accordingly; it's fun!
Located downtown, The Hotel � Elevate Bar & Night Club is Salt Lake City's most classic dance club. Offering five separate areas each with their own energy and intensity, The Hotel has The Lobby for relative relaxation, Club Elevate with a stage, dance floor, and lighting, The Ballroom for drinking and lounging, The Opium Lounge for mingling and dancing, and The Game Room for dancing and playing billiards. Each room has at least one fully-stocked bar and its own feel � from glossy and glitzy to underground. In every section of the club, you'll find a high-quality sound system and live DJ on most weekend nights.
Local Expert tip: This is a 21+ venue only; come prepared with an ID.
