Avant-garde is defined as ìan intelligentsia that develops new or experimental concepts especially in the arts,î according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Avant Groove Jazz Club & Martini Bar certainly fits this description, but unlike avant-gardeís French origins, this new bar in downtown Salt Lake City is all-American.
The experience in Avant Groove begins with its classy upscale vibe, which comes dually from the modern decor and the sultry jazz music. Live bands play some of the great jazz classics, such as music from Bill Withers and Frank Sinatra. The sound is New Orleans, but the decor is high-end New York.
There is no cocktail menu, but beer, wine and liquors are served. If you find Napolean D, also known as DJ, you can name a liquor and a decadent drink will appear. Be warned though, they can be strong. Be it a pretty pink martini rimmed with salt and soaking limes or a tall and chilled light amber with a kick, you can find the right thing for a reasonable price.
Avant Groove just opened in August, and itís perfect as a sophisticated date spot. The bar is located at 122 W. Pierpont Ave., right where everythingís happening. Lake Effect and Bourbon House are great dance spots and definitely high energy, but Avant Groove is a little more sultry with a sexy laid-back flair. Its as-of-yet undiscovered quality means itís not overcrowded, and the music isnít too loud so you can actually to talk to your date. For those who love live music but are a little less crazy about dancing, itís an ideal spot. You can kick back on a couch looking suave, or you can brave the open spaces to sway to some smooth jazz.
Some of you might say that bars are not exactly an ideal date spot. However, this is not your average bar. Not only is it nicer than your average college dive bar ó not to say those arenít fun ó it is also more interesting. You can come here and talk to people of all ages, perhaps even meet new couples somewhere outside of your chemistry class. Plus, the location means you are close to Capitol Theater and the Rose Wagner Theater, and you are only a few blocks away from Gateway, Eccles Theater and Broadway Centre Theatre.
Avant Groove has a spacious, open floor plan, so if you are the kind of person who feels claustrophobic at crowded bars, this is the perfect place to go. It has wide booths, couches, high-top tables, low-top tables and comfortable chairs. There is plenty of room to dance, but no official dance floor, so there is no pressure to be the only one out there either and if you arenít an experienced drinker, I want to reemphasize the point that you can literally name a liquor and the staff will bring you something delicious without the pressure of ordering a ìcoolî drink.
Avant Groove is a perfect artsy date spot whether you are meeting someone new or celebrating a relationship, no anniversary necessary. Kick back and relax in an atmosphere that can only be described as decadent at a price that wonít break the bank. Just keep your cool and come fly away.