Drink it In:
Salt Lake’s Gay Bar Scene Is Growing, Thriving, and Never Looking Back
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. 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. (There’s even a Utah Gay Ski Week—real thing, utahgayskiweek.com, see you there.)
Of course, it doesn’t have to be a parade to celebrate pride and inclusivity. 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 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.
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.
Why Kiki
This is the Place for Everyone, Why Kiki offers a one of a kind Salt Lake experience. Check out their Sunday Drag Brunch or the weekly drag shows that have a new theme each week. When the weather warms up make sure you check out the outdoor patio or if you are looking for something a little quieter, try the silent disco downstairs.
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.