BEST COCKTAIL BARS SALT LAKE CITY

Varley is a sophisticated craft cocktail lounge and upscale dining destination located at 63 West 100 South in downtown Salt Lake City, operated as part of the Realine Group's dining portfolio alongside sister restaurant Ivy & Varley. The 21+ establishment offers an eclectic American menu designed to pair with craft cocktails including standout creations like the Enso with gin, shochu, and Thai basil, and the local rye Burnt Honey Old Fashioned, presented in an intimate atmosphere emphasizing social experience. Open Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 5 PM to midnight, with Friday-Saturday service until 1 AM, Varley provides private event spaces and accessible reservations through premium booking platforms.

Bodega and The Rest in downtown Salt Lake City offers a dual concept combining the casual street-level Bodega tavern with an exclusive subterranean speakeasy. The Bodega serves no-frills cocktails, draft beer, and shots in an accessible setting, while The Rest—accessible by reservation or bartender approval—features dark wood, taxidermy, vintage books, and carefully curated spirits reminiscent of a literary bar from another era. With an impressive array of unique cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists emphasizing quality ingredients and New American cuisine highlighting seasonal flavors, the venue has gained recognition as one of Utah's top cocktail destinations for drinks that balance unexpected tastes with refinement.

Bar X is a downtown Salt Lake City cocktail bar located at 155 E 200 S, emphasizing a curated spirits collection and understated aesthetic focused on craft offerings. The venue operates Tuesday–Saturday from 4 pm to 1 am, with extended Sunday–Monday hours from 6 pm–1 am, positioning it as an evening and nightlife destination. Bar X features a dedicated cocktail menu, comprehensive spirits list, and offers "Back Bar Reservations" for private or specialty drink experiences. The minimal website design and active Instagram presence (@barxslc) reflect its upscale approach, while a sister establishment, Beer Bar SLC, indicates the ownership's broader commitment to quality beverage culture.