8 Gay Bars in Salt Lake City, UT — LGBTQ+ Nightlife

Club Try-Angles has been Salt Lake City's friendly late-night gay haven since 2002, intentionally opened as a community hub rather than just a bar. The retro-styled spot keeps things low-key with cheap drinks, pool tables, and an outdoor patio where regulars mix with newcomers. Karaoke nights and weekend DJs draw a 30s-40s crowd, but the real local lore involves underwear night and the drag queen pool shark. Best nights are Friday through Sunday, and the cafe next door opens after hours on weekends for late-night eats. It's divey and casual with a full bar, exactly the kind of place where you can chill or join a game.

The Sun Trapp is temporarily closed, with no current hours available to confirm when it may reopen. This Rio Grande gay bar was known for its giant patio (complete with its own bar) and a country music jukebox serving cheap beer in mason jars. The crowd leaned 30s to 50s, with a casual, divey feel. Reviews tell a mixed story: some praised the DJs and friendly door staff, while others described racist behavior from bouncers and a transphobic bathroom policy. Given the serious allegations and the temporary closure, it is worth checking their social media or website for updates before planning a visit.

Salt Lake City's downtown queer crowd, young and unapologetic, gathers here most weekends. Area 51 has been an 18+ staple since 1998, drawing a mixed gay-straight crowd with drag shows, go-go boys, fetish balls, and a karaoke room. The decor may be rough around the edges (reviews call it a dive), but regulars rave about the beautiful people, cute bartenders, and great music. A pool table sits in the corner when you need a break from dancing. The place runs Thursday through Saturday, 9pm to 2am. It's 18+ to enter, with a full bar and patio for those 21 and over. Fetish nights bring out extra eye candy, as one regular put it. If the energy here feels familiar, Sky SLC is another nearby option for a different dance floor vibe.

A 15,000 square-foot open-air venue with a retractable glass roof, Sky SLC is a downtown nightlife destination. It hosts nationally recognized touring artists and features 20 VIP suites, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, and a rooftop bar with free Sunday sunset house parties in summer. Yelp reviews give it a 2.6 out of 5 from 131 reviews, so temper expectations. The mixed gay-straight crowd leans 20s and 30s. Open Thursday through Saturday until 1am.

M I L K + throws themed events five nights a week, from Western Wednesday to Thirsty Thursday and Sugar Sunday. This SLC bar calls itself the city's premiere inclusive spot, drawing a mixed gay-straight crowd with drag shows, go-go boys, and a trans-friendly vibe. Being LGBTQ-owned in a conservative state, inclusivity is part of its foundation. A handful of reviews raise concerns about payment practices and health code issues, so it's worth checking recent Yelp entries before you go. The line around the block and standard cover of $15-$20 suggest it stays busy. Happy hour runs on some nights, and you'll find other options nearby like Club Try-Angles if the crowd isn't your fit.

The crowd skews young and energetic here, with a mixed gay-straight vibe that keeps things loose. This nightclub is open only Fridays and Saturdays, offering drag shows and go-go boy performances alongside DJ sets and light shows. It's the sister venue to Twist, Salt Lake City's oldest gay bar, and carries a similar spirit of letting everyone be themselves. The space is 18+, so you'll find a younger crowd alongside those just looking for a fun weekend spot. The bar serves colorful cocktails and has a confirmed full bar, plus free WiFi. Reservations are accepted if you want to secure a spot. It's open late, 9pm to 2am on both nights, making it a prime weekend destination for dancing and drag in Salt Lake City.

This place is best for locals and visitors who want live music plus drag shows, dance parties, and comedy all in one spot. Metro Music Hall is a mid-size concert venue and open-format event space in downtown Salt Lake City, with a giant dance floor and a lineup that changes nightly. It's owned by S&S Presents, the same company behind Urban Lounge and Kilby Court, so the booking is solid. Full bar, outdoor seating, and happy hour are confirmed. Best nights are Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday according to Yelp regulars. The crowd leans 20s and 30s, mixed gay and straight, with a casual vibe.

Twist combines a nightclub, tiki bar, and gastropub under one roof. That means you can shoot pool, watch the game on one of several TVs, or sip a local craft beer without leaving the venue. The crowd skews 20s and 30s. They're open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am. If you're planning a full night, Sky SLC is nearby.