Artopia
60 Exchange Place (350 South, just west of State Street)
Located in the blossoming Exchange Place business area, Artopia has expanded its modus operandi to appeal to a broader scope of patrons.
Originally just a glass shop during its Sugarhouse stint, the new location has allowed Lee Cano, owner and principal glass-blower, to transform the shop into what he hopes will be an “alternative community center.”
First and foremost is the inclusion of an art house-style basement music venue decked out with canvas graffiti paintings by local artists.
With a coffee shop on the main floor, a growing collection of local art for sale and peaceful vibrations filling the air, Artopia is your one-stop shop for cultural bliss. Don’t forget to check out hip-hop night on Thursdays.
The Depot
400 W. South Temple
The commercial behemoth known as The Gateway has its movie theater, sports bar and children’s museum, but, perhaps most importantly, it exhibits a high-end music venue called The Depot.
Most likely it was built by John Hammond because it has spared no expense. Two packed levels in the venue are supplemented by four 42-inch plasma screens and two large projection screens to allow concert-goers to experience the concert no matter where they are located.
All that glitter comes with a cost, though-no smoking allowed and the bar rests on the more expensive side of the spectrum. Besides that, The Depot brings a lot of good quality musicians that appeal to more refined and mature musical tastes (Bob Weir & Ratdog have played recently, and Chris Isaak and Xavier Rudd are scheduled to play in August).
Burt’s Tiki Lounge
726 S. State St.
SLUG Magazine’s favorite nightspot continues to rock ‘n’ roll as hard as ever with an almost endless barrage of local and national underground bands.
Kitschy and fun, Burt’s Tiki Lounge is DIY style with a small stage and walls littered with posters and vintage retro art (best characterized by the juxtaposition of a picture of Tom Waits next to a framed one of the Pope).
Like a teenager’s bedroom, the Tiki Lounge makes the best of what it has. So, shave a mohawk and put on your s***-kickers, because Burt’s Tiki Lounge is going to kick your ass if you can’t kick its first. Don’t get too rowdy, though-the Tiki Lounge sports a pint-sized bouncer named Netty whose rage more than makes up for her stature, and she will kick your sorry behind out, no questions asked.
Urban Lounge
241 S. 500 East
Urban Lounge is an intimate music venue located near the heart of Salt Lake City.
Visitors come for the great atmosphere and reasonably priced drinks, not to mention a hip lineup of artists. The Urban Lounge is a hive of hipsters who come nightly for rock and hip-hop groups that range from the GZA (of Wu-Tang Clan) to the Circle Jerks, both of whom are performing in August.
Despite its inherent coolness, the crowd is typically mellow and accepting of anyone who comes to have a good time.
Avalon Theater
3605 S. State St.
For those who haven’t quite gotten over their teen angst, Avalon Theater hosts a bevy of emo and pop-punk groups on the regular.
Transformed from an old movie theatre into a hot “scene” spot, The Avalon offers a generous floor area and ampitheatre-esque bench seating behind it for anyone who would prefer to sit down, relax and enjoy the show.
Artists are frequently spotted working the merchandise booths at either end of the entrance to the venue, and there is always a good chance to score an autograph.
No alcohol is served at the theater, though, and if you’re 21 or older, you might feel a little out of place among the braces and training bras.
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