Gay Bars, Hotels & Venues in Salt Lake City, UT — 48 LGBTQ+ Spots

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.

The smell of rich mole sauce hits you as you walk through the door. Red Iguana has been a Salt Lake City staple since 1985, serving Cardenas family recipes that span over 50 years of Mexican cooking. You'll find more than 100 recipes on the menu, including seven different complex mole sauces. The jalapeño, cucumber, and mango margaritas are a must-try. The place is always busy, especially on weekends. Expect a wait, but the line moves fast. Portions are generous, so consider sharing. It's casual, family-friendly, and attracts a mixed gay-straight crowd. If you're near downtown, The Copper Onion is another great spot nearby. Make a reservation to save time.

The smell of sizzling beef and pastrami fills the air at Crown Burger, a Sugar House staple since 1978. This isn't a fancy joint; it's a no-nonsense fast-food spot where the Crown Burger piles fresh sliced pastrami on top of your patty. Locally owned by Greek brothers, the menu mixes American diner classics with gyros and salads. You'll find a loyal crowd here, from families to folks grabbing a quick bite. It's budget-friendly and open late by fast-food standards, until 9 PM. In the Sugar House Gayborhood, this spot is a casual go-to. If you're nearby, Red Iguana offers a different vibe with its celebrated Mexican cuisine.

In Salt Lake City's Central neighborhood, The Gateway is an open-air shopping center that opened in 2002 for the Winter Olympics. It's not an indoor mall: think pedestrian-friendly walkways connecting stores like Abercrombie & Fitch, Urban Outfitters, and a bookstore. You'll also find gifts, arts and crafts, furniture, and gay paraphernalia. The vibe is casual and open, with community events often happening in the common areas. Hours run 10am to 9pm most weekdays, with Friday and Saturday staying open until 10pm. Sundays open at noon. The center gets quieter on weekday mornings, but evenings and weekends draw a mixed crowd of locals and visitors. If it's snowing, you can still browse, but dress for the weather.

Big picture windows and blonde wood floors create a light, airy space at Finn's Cafe in Sugar House. This historic eatery, established in 1952, has relocated to what locals call the 'true gayborhood' of Salt Lake City. The Scandinavian-inspired menu features fresh, never greasy dishes like wiener schnitzel and grilled Utah trout, plus pastries and coffee. It's a calm, casual spot for breakfast or lunch. You'll find ample outdoor seating when the weather cooperates. The cafe is open daily from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm, so plan for an early or midday visit. Regulars appreciate the simple yet stunning decor and the consistent quality after more than 50 years of service.

Market Street Grill opened in 1980, founded by two gay men, John and Tom. It's housed in a historic 1906 hotel on the National Register. The vibe is bustling and high-energy, with a mixed crowd that's welcoming to everyone. People come for seafood and socializing, not to judge. You'll find American seafood classics, plus a full bar and happy hour. It's also dog friendly. Make a reservation to avoid waits, especially during peak dinner hours. Check ratings and hours.

City Creek Center sits in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. This mall is owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Anchored by Macy's and Nordstrom, it also features Tiffany & Co., Michael Kors, and Coach. However, it has a controversial history regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion. Multiple reports describe visitors being asked to leave for visible tattoos or same-sex displays of affection. Additionally, the church donated heavily to support California's same-sex marriage ban. You might prefer nearby The Gateway for a more inclusive shopping experience. Hours run Monday through Saturday, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 9pm. The mall is dog friendly. Reviews highlight the upscale brands but also warn about the restrictive environment for queer visitors.

If you're looking for a cheeky gay gift shop in Salt Lake City, Cahoots Cards & Gifts is your spot. It's the self-proclaimed 'local gay gift shop' with a 4.4/5 Yelp rating from 48 reviews. You'll find stationery, books, and unique gifts. Open daily from 10am to 9pm, so there's plenty of time to browse. The shop is in Central SLC, with a friendly vibe. It's tagged as both a bookstore and gift shop. Stop by for a card or a quirky present. If you're exploring downtown, nearby stops like City Creek Center round out the shopping.

When it's open, this theater draws a crowd that values diverse, offbeat cinema. It's one of the few spots in the area for progressive, art house, and queer film screenings. You'll find it at 900 E in Salt Lake City's Central neighborhood.

Plan B Theatre is best suited for theatergoers who want thought-provoking new work with a social conscience. This Salt Lake City company specializes in original plays that tackle political and cultural issues, including LGBTQ+ themes. Its production of 'A Letter to Harvey Milk' brought a key queer narrative to local audiences. Shows take place at the Rose Wagner Center.

The crowd at Alberto's Mexican Food is a mix of late-night partiers and locals who know where to find affordable, authentic Mexican food in downtown Salt Lake City. Don't let the fast-food exterior fool you: the chicken and beef tacos, salsa, and burritos are fresh and flavorful, not bland or processed. It's a go-to spot for post-club hungries on weekends, often packed around 1am with people refueling after a night out. Prices are budget-friendly, and portions are generous. The hours are an unconfirmed 7am to 11pm Monday through Saturday, so call ahead if you're planning a late visit. If you're in the area earlier, Red Iguana is another local favorite for Mexican cuisine.

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.

Enormous windows frame downtown SLC as marble walls and an open kitchen set the scene at Bambara. This art deco restaurant serves American fusion plates with seafood and Sunday brunch options. The signature steak frites draws regulars, and the warm booths make for a comfortable meal. Dinner service runs Wednesday through Saturday; breakfast is available daily. The wait staff is attentive without hovering, and validated valet parking adds convenience. It's a popular pre-theater spot thanks to its central location.

Himalayan Kitchen is open daily from 11:30am to 10pm (5pm on Sundays). It's a casual spot for traditional Nepali and Indian dishes like curries and Tandoori grills. The owner calls it award-winning. You can bring your dog on the patio. Reservations are accepted, which helps since it can get packed. The menu is beer and wine only. One Yelp review mentions seeing gay families eat here, noting to "BE DISCRETE YOUR IN UTAH NOW!" It's in Central Salt Lake City. Prices are around $13. The City Weekly Kostizi card offers discounts. If you're exploring, Red Iguana is another local favorite for Mexican food nearby.

Weller Book Works is a third-generation independent bookstore that has been serving Salt Lake City since 1929, originally founded as Zion Bookstore. Located in historic Trolley Square, it offers new, used, and rare books in a space built to surprise and delight. The owners, Catherine and Tony Weller, continue the family legacy with a curated selection that appeals to casual readers and serious collectors alike. The shop is open seven days a week, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 9pm. Before visiting, check Yelp for current status, as there are signs this venue may be permanently closed. If you're a rare-book hunter, also browse nearby Ken Sanders Rare Books in the same neighborhood.

In Salt Lake City's Poplar Grove neighborhood, the International Peace Gardens is a park dedicated to global harmony. It's a walk through themed gardens representing countries including Brazil, Finland, Norway, and France, each with native plants and sculptures. The space is a quiet symbol of unity, not a typical performance venue. The gardens are free and open to the public, making it an easy stop for a reflective stroll. With 50 photos and a 4.3-star Yelp rating from 46 reviews, it's a serene spot that locals appreciate. You'll find it a peaceful contrast to the city's busier attractions.

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.

In Salt Lake City's Central neighborhood, Ken Sanders Rare Books is a haven for book lovers. The shop offers an ever-changing inventory of used and rare books alongside new books, plus art, ephemera, maps, photography, and postcards. It's a second-hand bookstore that keeps you coming back. You can browse seven days a week from 10am to 6pm. With a Yelp rating of 4.4/5, regulars appreciate the unique finds. If you're nearby, Weller Book Works is another great stop for book lovers.

Eva is named after chef Charlie Perry's great grandmother Eva Coombs, a home cook known for cooking with love and butter. This stylish Mediterranean-inspired spot in Salt Lake City's Central neighborhood serves pizza, pasta, and tapas on a large outdoor patio. The menu emphasizes small plates meant for sharing, with a full bar and hand-picked wine list. Eva has been open since 2008 and offers dinner service from 5pm to 10pm every day. All bread and desserts come from Eva's Bakery Boulangerie just down the street. It's a place where communal enjoyment is the point. Reservations are recommended.

The patio is where you'll want to be on a warm evening: dog-friendly, relaxed, and buzzing with conversation. Porch Restaurant, the sassy sibling of Salt Lake City's Meditrina, serves New American cuisine and creative small plates. Chef Jen Gilroy's twists on classics pair well with their full bar and craft cocktails. It's open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday, plus lunch and dinner on Friday, with brunch hours on weekends. Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy nights. The vibe is casual and the crowd is a mix of locals and visitors. If you're craving something different, Red Iguana is a nearby spot worth checking out for another South Jordan favorite.

This historic hotel is not just another chain property. The Peery Salt Lake City Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, occupies a century-old Victorian building dating to 1910. It offers newly updated rooms with Tempurpedic mattresses, bathrobes, and turndown service. The bellman welcomes you at the door, and the concierge can point you to gay-friendly restaurants, bars, and clubs. It's a mixed-gay-straight, family-friendly environment. The hotel's Yelp rating is 2.7 out of 5 from 68 reviews, so expectations should be measured. The location in Central Salt Lake City is convenient, and the property includes a fitness center, business center, and a spa. It's also pet-friendly. Given the low rating, it's worth a look if you value historical character and a concierge who knows the local scene.

The crowd at Indochine Vietnamese Bistro is a mix of university students and locals who appreciate thoughtful French-Vietnamese fusion. The owner and chef take time to explain the cuisine, making it feel personal. It's situated along University of Utah's Restaurant Row on 1300 East, with a full bar and dog-friendly outdoor seating. Reservations are accepted, and the atmosphere is casual. You'll find generous portions at affordable prices. For another local favorite, try Red Iguana a few blocks away.

If you're a foodie looking for finely crafted New American dishes in Salt Lake City, The Copper Onion is your spot. The menu, which you can't confine to one adjective, changes with the seasons and pairs perfectly with their wine selection. The vibe is trendy but approachable, and they've earned a solid 4.2-star rating from over 3,000 Yelp reviews. They're open for lunch and dinner with a split shift, and yes, they take reservations. The full bar means you can grab a cocktail too. Regulars know the weekend brunch (10:30am-3pm) is a great time to visit. If you're in the mood for more local flavor, Red Iguana is another nearby spot worth checking out.

Game Night Games is a board game shop in Salt Lake City's Sugar House neighborhood, specializing in European-style games since 2004. Owner Tim turned his passion for games like Settlers of Catan into a store with a welcoming play space. It's a local favorite, earning a 4.5/5 Yelp rating from 43 reviews. The shop focuses on hard-to-find and classic games, making it a destination for enthusiasts. The store opened in 2004 and moved to its current spot in 2012, just one block south of the original location. Weekday hours run 10am-9pm, with later hours on Friday and Saturday until 10pm, and Sunday 11am-6pm. If you're in the area, Cahoots Cards & Gifts nearby is another spot worth checking out for similar finds.

Most boutique hotels in Salt Lake City don't put LGBTQ inclusion front and center, but Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City does. Its pride package is designed for romantic getaways, and the hotel welcomes all guests with a family-friendly, all-ages vibe. The property is dog friendly and offers free wifi, plus a memorable restaurant and fantastic staff, according to one review. You'll find this hotel in the Central neighborhood, steps from dozens of local eateries and shopping centers. The front desk is open 24/7, so check-in is flexible. With a 3.9/5 rating from 357 Yelp reviews, it's a solid pick for a mixed-gay/straight stay that's both inclusive and convenient.

The Salt Lake City Marriott City Center sits in the business district, catering largely to professionals. It's a comfortable, upscale hotel with a somewhat formal lobby and attentive, gay-friendly staff. Rooms are reasonably sized with large bathrooms and nice amenities. Valet and self-parking are available, and the hotel offers free wifi. If you're after a more relaxed scene, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City might be a better fit. Late check-in is no issue with 24-hour front desk service.

Planet Fitness in Salt Lake City's Central neighborhood is open 24 hours Monday through Thursday, offering a straightforward gym experience with yoga and spinning classes. The chain's "Judgement Free Zone®" message aims to create a welcoming space, but local feedback is mixed: the Yelp rating sits at 2.4/5 from 90 reviews, and one reviewer bluntly called it "Blows As A Gym." If you visit, know that the equipment is standard Planet Fitness, and the crowd tends to be casual. The gym is at 300 S, making it easy to get to from downtown. For a different vibe, try The Kura Door nearby.

You might expect a color guard to be strictly military or school-affiliated. The Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps of Salt is a community-run performance group in Salt Lake City, centered in the lesbian and gay community. They twirl flags and spin rifles, creating visual productions with both men and women, straight and gay.

You'll find a mix of families and couples at Zermatt Utah Resort & Spa, a Swiss-style resort in Midway that opened in 2006. The property has indoor/outdoor pools, a carousel, and a European bakery. Guests can access nearby blue ribbon fly fishing and elite golf courses. The Crater geothermal pools are a popular draw. The resort has a 2.8 Yelp rating from 244 reviews, so adjust expectations accordingly. The resort is dog friendly and offers free WiFi. It's a short drive from Park City ski slopes and Utah Olympic Park. For a different vibe, consider The St. Regis Deer Valley up the road.