Area 51
Dancing · Salt Lake City, UT
About
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.
Area 51 is located in Salt Lake City's Rio Grande neighborhood, near the downtown nightlife corridor.
Features
- ✓Designated fetish nights and burlesque shows
- ✓Karaoke room and pool table available
- ✓18+ entry, full bar for 21+
- ✓Described as a total dive with cute bartenders
- ✓Open Thu-Sat 9pm to 2am
Good for
Practical
What people say
Rated from 76 reviews. 9 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
The place isn't the most attractive and could use some fixing up, but the crowd is wonderful. There's a particularly attractive club couple who are always around—one has dreads and the other looks like a goth Johnny Depp. It's entertaining to watch them dance, and the fetish balls offer plenty of appealing sights. The music is good, and karaoke is available too. Great tunes, cute bartenders, a fun group of people, a true dive bar, and a relaxed atmosphere.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age requirement at Area 51? +
Area 51 is 18+ to enter. The full bar is available for those 21 and over.
Does Area 51 have drag shows? +
Yes, drag shows and fetish balls are regular features. Check their schedule for upcoming events.
Does Area 51 have karaoke? +
Yes, there is a dedicated karaoke room.
What are the hours? +
Area 51 is open Thursday through Saturday from 9pm to 2am.
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