Van Ryder

131 South 300 West | Tues. - Sun. 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. 

Eleven stories up at Le Meridien and Element hotels, Van Ryder isn't just on our list—it towers above it (literally). While most Salt Lake rooftops claim second or third-floor bragging rights, this sky-high hideaway offers a perspective that'll make your Instagram followers pause mid-scroll.

Sip on a Night Ryder—featuring locally-distilled High West bourbon from just up Parley's Canyon in Park City, melded with Demerara and black walnut bitters—while the Great Salt Lake reflects a kaleidoscope of orange and pink. It's the perfect Utah marriage: world-class spirits and sunset spectacles that never repeat themselves twice.

Paid parking is available in the garage beneath the West Quarter. Limited street parking is also available. Van Ryder can be accessed via the public elevator in the hotel's lobby.

Local's tip: For the best golden hour views, arrive an hour before sunset. The bar and its open-air patio operate year-round and feature heat lamps, providing warmth to some areas when temperatures dip. The dress code is casual, so plan according to the weather.

Green Pig Pub

31 East 400 South | Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sun. 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. 

The Green Pig Pub dishes up hearty American pub fare, with plenty of vegan options and a tap list showcasing Utah's booming craft beer scene. Don't miss the Green Pig Pilsner—a crisp German-style pour crafted by Moab Brewery just a few hours south.

Not a hop-head? The Pig's bartenders mix up classic cocktails that hold their own against the beer selection.

Climb to the second-level rooftop patio for a front-row seat to downtown Salt Lake's urban energy. Post-sunset visits reveal the city grid transformed into a twinkling light display—the perfect backdrop for evening conversations.

Local's tip: Parking here can be tricky. Street spots with "Park SLC" signs run $2.25 per hour on weekdays (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) but transform to free parking evenings and weekends. Better yet, ride TRAX to Courthouse or Gallivan Plaza stations—both just a quick stroll away and the perfect start to a downtown bar hop.

Mar | Muntanya @ The Hyatt Regency

170 South West Temple | Cocktail hour Wed. to Sat. 2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. 

Six floors up the gleaming Hyatt Regency, Mar | Muntanya blends Salt Lake's mountain essence with Barcelona spirit. This isn't just Spanish food—it's a high-altitude homage to the Iberian Peninsula with a distinctly Utah twist. Their "La Casa del Gin Tonic" menu transforms the humble G&T into scientific artistry, proving that elevation affects more than just your breathing.

While seasonal variations bring fresh creativity to the gin and tonic offerings, one enduring favorite is the Spruce Tip Tonic. Featuring your choice from a curated selection of gins, this drink offers a gentle, earthy flavor profile. Pair it with Park City-distilled Alpine Gin, and you'll savor the essence of the Utah mountains in every sip—no matter the season.

The restaurant's "smart casual" dress code adds to its polished ambiance, providing the perfect excuse to dress up. Limited street parking is available, but the City Creek Center's parking garage is just a short walk away, offering the first two hours free. For those using public transit, the Temple Square and City Center TRAX stations are within walking distance.

For full dining hours and information on upcoming special events, be sure to visit their website.

Local's tip: Mar | Muntanya requires reservations. Call at least a day in advance to secure your table ahead of time.

Seabird at The Gateway

7 South Rio Grande St. | Tues. - Sat. 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. 

The Gateway has evolved from shopping mall to cultural hotspot, and tucked into its second level, Seabird offers a cozy sanctuary for cocktail enthusiasts. This intimate hideaway crafts seasonal drinks that showcase Utah's surprising mixology talent.

Not seeing something that catches your eye on their rotating menu? Just tell the bartender what spirits or flavors make you happy. They'll craft something custom that might just become your new favorite—at least until your next visit.

Local's tip: When downtown bars reach peak volume, Seabird remains a conversation-friendly refuge. It's perfect for actually hearing your friends while watching the city lights emerge after sunset.

Parking at The Gateway is straightforward with several garage options—just remember where you left your car. Fees apply Monday through Saturday, with Sunday parking completely free. Not driving? The nearby TRAX Planetarium stop drops you just steps from Seabird's door.

Drift Lounge @ Woodbine

545 West 700 S Ste 100 | Tues. - Thurs. 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Fri. - Sat. 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. 

Nestled within Woodbine Food Hall's culinary playground, Drift Lounge pours inventive cocktails Tuesday through Saturday that'll make you rethink what you know about Salt Lake's drink scene.

When exploring the creative energy of the Granary District, Drift is your perfect pit stop. Their signature Smoke Signals cocktail balances smoky mezcal with spicy Ancho Reyes, softened with a hint of lime—embodying the neighborhood's industrial-meets-artistic vibe. It's the ideal opening act for a night exploring Salt Lake's less-traveled corners.

Local's tip: Woodbine Food Hall solves the eternal group dilemma of "where should we eat?" with multiple options under one roof. Start here with dinner and drinks, then grab a quick rideshare to downtown's nightlife corridors, just minutes away.

Crown Bar @ Evo Hotel

660 South 400 West | Open daily, 4 p.m. - 11 p.m. 

Perched atop the Evo Hotel, Crown Bar offers a cocktail experience as memorable as its Wasatch Mountain views. Their Chaitini mixes Utah-made Five Wives vanilla vodka with Kahlua and chai, topped with your choice of cream or almond milk—a perfect complement to Salt Lake's mountain-meets-urban landscape.

Prefer something less sweet? The Evo Old Fashioned elevates local High West bourbon with brown sugar simple syrup and two kinds of bitters. Either way, you'll be sipping local spirits while taking in distinctly local views.

Crown Bar keeps things interesting with rotating events like bingo and trivia, but when you're ready to move on, downtown's attractions are just a quick rideshare away. While some TripAdvisor reviewers note parking challenges, the four-legged friendly rooftop makes up for it—yes, even your pup can enjoy the views.

Local's tip: Evo Hotel isn't just a place to sleep—it's basecamp for adventure junkies. Connected to the outdoor gear brand, it offers on-site climbing, yoga classes, equipment rental, and gear shops. Even if you're not staying overnight, day passes let you combine recreation with rooftop relaxation.

Stoneground Italian Kitchen

249 East 400 South | Tues. - Thurs. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Fri. - Sat. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Just steps from TRAX's Library Station, Stoneground Italian Kitchen serves up handcrafted pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and cocktails that would make a nonna proud. Their rooftop patio marries rustic Italian charm with Salt Lake's urban energy.

Try their Red Wine Sangria, a perfectly balanced blend of wine, seasonal fruit, and liqueur that pairs beautifully with any of their handmade pastas. From this second-story perch, watch as the setting sun bathes the city in golden light, with the University of Utah campus visible on the foothills beyond.

The restaurant's "smart casual" dress code offers the perfect excuse to swap hiking boots for something more stylish. Free parking is available in the small lot behind the building, with additional street spots nearby. If you're transit-inclined, the Library TRAX stop sits directly across the street.

Local's tip: Utah liquor laws require food orders with drinks at restaurants, so come hungry. Stoneground makes a perfect standalone evening or the first stop in a night of downtown exploration.

Sky SLC

149 Pierpont Ave. | Hours vary by event

Ready to discover Salt Lake's surprising nightlife pulse? Sky SLC delivers with EDM beats, Top 40 favorites, and a dance floor that stays packed until closing time. This downtown hotspot serves up classic cocktails with a side of high-energy atmosphere.

Doors typically open at 9 p.m., with dress codes that vary by event (check their website before heading out). For the full VIP experience, reserve a table that comes with dedicated service and line-skipping privileges. When you need a breather from the dance floor, escape to the third-floor rooftop patio for cool air and city views.

Conveniently situated on downtown's edge, Sky SLC sits within walking distance of several hotels and two TRAX stations—Gallivan and Courthouse. Nearby paid parking lots and street spaces make driving a viable option too.

Local's tip: Coming for a specific DJ? Arrive early—lines can stretch up to an hour, especially on peak Saturdays. The extra planning pays off when you're inside instead of waiting on the sidewalk.

Gracie’s

326 South West Temple | Mon. - Fri. 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.; Sat. - Sun. 10 a.m. - 1 a.m. 

When you want lively but not too loud, Gracie's delivers with a perfect mix of entertainment, from local musicians to energetic bingo nights and seasonal celebrations.

Their cocktail menu covers all the bases, from classics to creative signatures. Try the Dirty Bird—a tropical twist with cocoa rum, Demerara, Campari, pineapple, and lime—or the Apples to Aperol, which blends Italy's favorite aperitif with apple cider, champagne, and a splash of soda.

Local's tip: Both tourists and locals flock to this hotspot, so reservations are your friend. Located on downtown's edge, Gracie's puts you within walking distance of other rooftop gems and TRAX stations, with paid parking nearby for drivers.

Fisher Brewing Company

320 West 800 South | Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Salt Lake history comes alive at Fisher Brewing Company, a resurrection of the original brewery founded in 1884. This employee-owned craft brewery in the creative Granary District has quickly become a local institution since reopening in 2017—proving that sometimes the sequel outshines the original.

While Fisher's American-style Fisher Lager (simply called "Fisher Beer") serves as their foundation, it's their experimental spirit that draws crowds to their rooftop patio. With over 100 unique beers rotating through their 17 taps each year, every visit promises something new, from the citrus-forward Citra Bomb Tom to the refreshing Mexican-style Fisher Cerveza to their playful Lemonade Stand sour series.

The brewery's community focus extends beyond the beer. Their rotating food truck lineup ensures you'll find the perfect pairing for whatever's on tap. The dog-friendly side patio means your four-legged friends can join the fun, too (just keep them leashed with current rabies tags).

Local's tip: Follow Fisher on Facebook and Instagram to track new beer releases, food truck schedules, and special events. Their taproom lineup changes so frequently that social media is your best bet for knowing what's pouring before you arrive.

Drunken Kitchen at Grid City Beer Works

333 West 2100 South | Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Named for Salt Lake's famously logical street system, Grid City Beer Works is crafting some of Utah's most innovative brews and serving up some of Salt Lake's best Taiwanese and Chinese food. Located at Grid City Beer Works, Drunken Kitchen, created by brothers Tim and Joe Rammell brings handmade flavors to the Salt Lake food scene. Don't miss their award-winning Honey Cream Ale—a British-American hybrid that earned bronze at the 2020 Great American Beer Festival or the Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup! Be sure to look out for their whole new cocktail menu!

The dog-friendly rooftop gives both you and your four-legged friends a place to enjoy Salt Lake's perfect summer evenings. Limited parking is available outside, with rideshare services providing a worry-free alternative. 

Local's tip: Without wheels? Rideshare is your best bet to this slightly south-of-downtown brewery. It's worth the short trip for both the beer quality and rooftop atmosphere.

Piper Down Pub

1492 South State St. | Mon. - Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sat. - Sun. 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. 

Piper Down brings Irish pub energy to Salt Lake with a lively, come-as-you-are vibe. Their signature cocktails include crowd favorites like the Guinness Latte—a surprising blend of Jameson cold brew, Chapala coffee liqueur, Guinness, and half and half. For something brighter, the Autumn Mule combines Absolut pears, St. Elder, cranberry, and ginger beer.

This local favorite does double duty with wallet-friendly food alongside their impressive drinks menu. The entertainment calendar stays packed with live music, karaoke nights, and their famous burlesque bingo.

Local's tip: This pub sits furthest south on our list, making rideshare the smart choice. Their late-night menu hits the spot when post-midnight hunger strikes.

Salt Lake's rooftop bars welcome visitors year-round with the right preparation. Summer can bring triple-digit temperatures calling for lightweight, breathable clothing. Winter drops into the teens with frequent snowfall, demanding warm coats and waterproof boots. Spring and fall hit the sweet spot with comfortable temperatures perfect for light layers.

Downtown Salt Lake offers walkable streets and convenient TRAX stations for car-free exploration. Venturing beyond downtown (south of 400 South or west of 400 West) works better with driving or rideshare services.

Thank Mormon pioneers for Salt Lake's intuitive grid system—it might be the most user-friendly navigation in the West. Temple Square sits at the bull's-eye (address: 0,0), and everything radiates outward in perfect hundreds. On 400 South and Main? You're exactly four blocks south of Temple Square. Even after a few rooftop cocktails, you'll never get lost.