Drink it In:

Salt Lake’s Gay Bar Scene Is Growing, Thriving, and Never Looking Back

Sure, a statue of the Mormon angel Moroni stands prominent watch over downtown Salt Lake City, but he might trade his trumpet for dancing shoes if he realized what a fantastic LGBTQ-friendly nightlife the town has today.

In a state known for its religious zeal, Salt Lake City serves as a bastion of progressiveness, playfulness, and pride. In fact, the city’s been listed by Advocate magazine as one of the Ten Queerest Cities in America (gayer than L.A.—take that, Southern Cali!) … The city holds one of the biggest and best-attended Pride parades and festivals around, with Pride Week festivities attracting tens of thousands of participants who light up the downtown scene in full rainbow-hued regalia. Of course, it doesn’t have to be parade week to celebrate pride and inclusivity. (There’s even a Utah Gay Ski Week—real thing, utahgayskiweek.com, see you there.)

The city’s lesbian mayor, Jackie Biskupski, leads a city council with three out of seven members who are gay. This means the LGBTQ community has an unprecedented voice in city government. And since everyone has a voice, it’s pretty easy for everyone of every orientation to jump in on the incredible fun that is Salt Lake on a hot city night. (And yes, the regular rotation of drag shows keep the city sizzling all through the winter.)

Check out a few of our favorite “officially” gay bars and gay-friendly bars—keeping in mind that, in this town, it needn’t be a “gay bar” for everyone to fit right in.

The Sun Trapp

Located on 600 West just off 100 South, the Sun Trapp greets everyone with a warm welcome and is famous for serving beer in mason jars. Don’t be fooled by its rustic exterior—the atmosphere often draws a line of patrons that snakes around the corner on the weekends. Their outdoor patio is as big as the interior, offering plenty of open-air seating, and in the winter, the patio has a heated tent with its own bar inside. If you love inexpensive drinks and dancing to club remixes of Whitney Houston and Ariana Grande, you’ll probably find yourself becoming a regular. The Sun Trapp typically offers entry with no cover charge, but expect to wait a few minutes for bar service on weekends. And if you’re a barbecue enthusiast, saddle right up on Sundays for some homestyle cookin’.

Club Try-Angles

Try-Angles is known for a chill vibe—except during their theme events like Underwear Night or Leather Night, when you can expect an epic all-night party. Try-Angles offers inexpensive pool, darts, and karaoke and is known by some as the “gay dive” of Salt Lake City, which only adds to its charm. You can expect friendly and easygoing bartenders and customers, making Try-Angles a perfect place for newcomers to the Salt Lake scene or anyone exploring the place solo. And if you’re merrymaking on a tight budget, Try-Angles has your back with $5 beer steins. Check out one of their colorful cocktails like the Va-jay or Purple Kool-Aid while you're at it.

Club Jam

Jam was an early fixture of the Salt Lake gay club scene, and is still going strong under recently-changed management. If you’re looking for a place to dance and cut loose, Jam is the spot. Their theme nights are unique, offering options like Nametag Night and Commando Night. This restored former auto shop features stylized décor and atmospheric lighting that makes for party photos you won’t be embarrassed to share on social media the next morning. Expect to find guys and gals behind the bar, live DJs, and Wednesday-night karaoke.

Revolution Fridays at The Moose Lounge

The Moose Lounge in the heart of downtown has become a Salt Lake favorite for those who love DJs and a dance club atmosphere. On Friday nights, The Moose Lounge turns into a sequin-studded party full of go-go dancers and drag queens, designed to bring together the LGBTQ community with their local allies. Revolution Friday is a great introduction for someone just getting into the SLC gay club scene, and features a different theme for each event. The staff is accommodating, making sure all patrons feel safe and comfortable. You can expect quick and friendly service while ordering tasty cocktails at their newly renovated bar. Arrive before 11pm for free entry, or reserve a spot in the VIP section and dance ‘till tonight turns into tomorrow.

Ally Bars You Won’t Want to Miss

Among the “not technically gay bars but hella gay-friendly” establishments, the Metro Music Hall, Twilite Lounge, and Bar X are all popular for good reason.  Metro Music Hall hosts frequent drag shows and gender-swap events featuring performers from near and far. Twilite Lounge is a total throwback experience—walking in feels like stepping back several decades in time, but its atmosphere is as welcoming as it is diverse. And Bar X has a sultry, speakeasy vibe with must-try cocktails. The ambiance is cool yet intimate—no matter who you prefer to cozy up with at a corner table.