Downtown

Downtown Salt Lake City has far and away the biggest bar scene in this batch - BarFinder lists 157 venues here, led by classic bars and an unusually strong cocktail bar presence, including the well-regarded Water Witch and The SunTrapp. Sports bars and a deep brewery scene round things out, reflecting Utah's particular alcohol licensing history, which for decades shaped how bars here operated and still influences the city's drinking culture today. It's dense enough to genuinely bar-hop for a full night, anchored by a downtown that's grown considerably as a nightlife destination in recent years.