Best Pregame Bars in SLC for Your Next Show

Whether you’re a beer-lover, a shot-taker, or enjoy sipping on an elevated cocktail, Salt Lake’s got you covered on a plethora of bars for your next pregame! Lucky for you, we’ve created a list of the best spots to hit before your next show to create an unforgettable experience for you and your crew. So, without further ado, here are Salt Lake City’s Best Pregame Bars:

Ivy & Varley/Varley

55 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Looking for a pregame paired with a tasteful and diversified food menu? Look no further than Ivy & Varley, a modern-American bar and restaurant with an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. In the warmer months, Ivy & Varley opens their spacious patio for outdoor drinking and dining. Right next door, you’ll discover their swanky sister-bar Varley, providing the perfect vibe for pregame shots. Don’t miss out on their famous Everything Brussels!

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/ivyandvarley/photos/384518116657876

Alibi Bar & Place

369 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Located conveniently on Main Street, Alibi creates award-winning cocktails. The space is modern, lively, and lush with greenery. Hop in on a Friday or Saturday night to catch some of the greatest local DJ’s, and you better be ready to dance!

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/alibislc/photos/783762045799590

Beer Bar/Bar X

161 E 200 S. Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Beer babes, unite! Beer Bar boasts Salt Lake’s most extensive beer selection, featuring local Utah beers on draft (they even have a pickle beer)! Sip on your favorite brew with your crew, enjoy a house-made brat, and catch the latest game on their big screens before your big show. When you’re done, swing over to their sister-bar, Bar X, for classic cocktails in an intimate setting.

Photo: https://beerbarslc.com/gallery

International

342 S State St #69, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

On a quick rise since their opening, International has made its mark on the map in the nightlife scene. Its divey, gothic presence functions as a local watering-hole with an alternative vibe. Shoot some pool to local music, indulge in themed nights, and rally your friends in the photo booth for an epic kick-off to your night!

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=201156392466873&set=pb.100077175393915.-2207520000.&type=3

The Ruin

159 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Classy, eclectic, and spacious, The Ruin provides unique cocktails and small bites. Notable cocktails include Electric Dream Machine, a rum-forward concoction infused with ginger and citrus, and Pearly Gates, a gin-based cocktail shaken with activated charcoal and egg whites. 

Photo: http://www.ruinslc.com/drink-tremont

Quarters Arcade Bar

5 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

1045 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106

Two locations = double the pregame fun! Perhaps Utah’s most interactive bar comes Quarters Arcade Bar, a casual gaming bar with tons of options – including Skee-ball and Pac-Man – to entertain any crowd! Check out their downtown location or their Sugarhouse location – whichever tickles your pregame fancy.

Photo: https://www.quartersslc.com/downtowngallery

Water Witch

163 W 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Calling all witches, wizards, and pregamers alike; Water Witch is here to mix up some delightful potions for your concert squad. Award-winning cocktails, unmatched bartenders, and an impressive drink menu makes Water Witch well worth a visit.

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/waterwitchbar/photos/a.1652877028367385/3446309259024144

Blue Gene’s

239 S 500 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84102

Seeing a show at Urban Lounge? Don’t miss its next-door neighbor Blue Gene’s, a retro neighborhood bar perfectly suited for a noteworthy pregame! Besides its convenient location and classic highball cocktails, they also host special events such as karaoke, trivia night, and drag race watch parties. 

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=913561679615012&set=pb.100028835666585.-2207520000.&type=3

Junior’s Tavern

30 East Broadway, 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Originally operating as a beer-only bar in 1975, Junior’s Tavern is now an integral artery in the heart of Salt Lake City. Inside you’ll find friendly staff, a laid-back atmosphere, and a simple selection of drinks. It’s a place to kick back and feel welcomed in one of Utah’s longest-running bars.

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=697279895530478&set=pb.100057454216424.-2207520000.&type=3

Bodega and The Rest

331 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

One of Salt Lake’s gems and not-so-best-kept secrets is Bodega and The Rest, an iconic speakeasy centrally located on Main Street. For quick pregame shots, Bodega is at your service! Ask if you can “see the rest” to be transported into an entirely new world of underground treasures.

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/bodegaslc/photos/pb.100063569979807.-2207520000./3101047976803448/?type=3