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The Republican
It may not look like much from the outside, but that's part of its charm. Once inside, this Irish pub is about as close as you're likely to get to an old-fashioned soccer bar. There's always a match on TV, but if you're not in the mood, you can pass the time with drinks, the occasional pub quiz and plenty of pub games. 917 S. State, Salt Lake City, 801-595-1916

The Sun Trapp
This cozy, friendly LGBT-owned and -operated social club is all sparkly, remodeled and under new management. A spacious patio and two bars accommodate weekend crowds, but a friendly group of regulars is sure to greet you any day of the week. Johnny Disco's bloody marys are a surefire cure for what ails you, and co-owner/manager Frank Chugg slings a midweek mind eraser you wouldn't believe. The bar offers a range of iced-tea-style drinks along with IPAs, Moscow mules and some top-shelf booze at moderate prices. Dart tournaments Friday, karaoke Mondays. 102 S. 600 West, Salt Lake City, 385-235-6786, SunTrapp.com

The Urban Lounge
With the owners of The Urban Lounge having opened Rye Diner & Drinks next door in 2014, you can now think of pre-music and post-music visits to Rye as necessary bookends to a night at The Urban Lounge. Before the music—ranging from electronic, rock and metal—enjoy munchies like shoyu fried chicken and truffled mac & cheese, and afterward, duck back into Rye for craft cocktails like the Smoking Jacket, made with (what else?) bourbon. And with recent adjustments to the Urban Lounge's schedule—including early and late shows being booked in the same night, and frequent free concerts—as well as the option to reserve a VIP booth so you can have a comfortable spot from which to watch the stage, there are more reasons than ever to visit. 241 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City, 801-746-0557, TheUrbanLoungeSLC.com

The Woodshed
Billing itself as "a fun neighborhood dive with a touch of class," The Woodshed is a local favorite for live music, the occasional art show and much more. It boasts one of the city's largest outdoor patios, ideal for summertime get-togethers. Being located in close proximity to some of the best taco carts around town certainly doesn't hurt, either. 60 E. 800 South, Salt Lake City, 801-364-0805

Trails Gentlemen's Club
When asked what it's best known for, the response is "boobs" with a frank smile. Here you can enjoy watching exotic dancers while you eat an 8-ounce steak— it's just $5. The service is always friendly and prompt. Don't plan on a soulful conversation since the music is loud and the lights dim—but then again, isn't that the point? 921 S. 300 West, Salt Lake City, 801-363-2871, TrailsClub.com

Twilite Lounge
In downtown Salt Lake City, Twilite Lounge has the classic feel of a cozy, neighborhood bar. The interior is a throwback to yesteryear, and just about everything retains the old-school '70s vibe—except for the recently remodeled bathrooms. 347 E. 200 South, Salt Lake City, 801-532-9400, TwiliteLounge.com

Willie's Lounge
Founded in 1948, Willie's claims to be among the longest continuously operated bars in Salt Lake City. Now, they cater to snow bros, the hip, the humble and the Derby Girl crowd. Willie's has 15 specialized drinks, all named after roller derby's high rollers. There's also a "mind-eraser" menu of drinks sure to live up to their names. Willie's has your appetite covered: A delivery service brings in food from nearby restaurants. 1716 S. Main, Salt Lake City, 801-487-9578, WilliesLounge.com

X-Wife's Place
Contrary to the rumors of out-of-towners, it is possible to get a drink in Utah, and if you do as the locals do, you'll go to a watering hole where you can get a drink or four that won't break the bank. A destination for the discriminating patron of dive establishments, X-Wife's Place is a bar with character and friendly vibes where you can also get a shot and a beer for around $5, if not cheaper. The cheap drinks are just an added bonus at this cash-only bar when you also factor in the classic pinball machines, multiple pool tables and great summertime patio. It's insane how this much fun won't cost you that much. 465 S. 700 East, Salt Lake City, 801-532-1954

THE 'BURBS & BEYOND

5 Monkeys
Owned and operated since 2007 by father & son team Craig and Ryan Oliver, 5 Monkeys is hidden on the edge of the Salt Lake City suburb of Murray. It's not tough to pick out, though, with its giant monkey mural. Once inside, you'll be hooked by the free pool (on well-maintained tables), hot wings and cold draft beer (one year, 5 Monkeys took first place in City Weekly's Coldest Beer Issue at 28.8 degrees). 7 E. 4800 South, Murray, 801-266-1885, 5MonkeysClub.com

A Bar Named Sue
With a friendly staff and an abundance of gaming options, A Bar Named Sue is a great choice for a night out. There's live entertainment four nights a week, free pool, darts and shuffleboard, as well as great appetizers, salads and burgers to go with your drinks. A weekly lineup includes karaoke, live bands, a pub quiz and just about anything else you might need from a bar. 3928 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-274-5578, ABarNamedSue.net

A Bar Named Sue on State
The sister location to Sue's eastern basement spot hasn't been around nearly as long, but has quickly created the same vibe. A Bar Named Sue on State is a wide-open space that manages to not feel too cavernous allows patrons to enjoy live music while still being able to have conversations over the diverse menu of pub fare. A visitor on any night can participate in gaming—like pool, darts and shuffleboard—and the watching of games on the TVs spaced throughout the bar. 8136 S. State, Midvale, 801-566-3222, ABarNamedSue.net

Barbary Coast
The only Salt Lake City bar that we know of guarded by an elk skull, the Barbary Coast isn't just for bikers. This place packs it in for Monday Night Football like few sports bars can. Chase the Saturday- and Sunday-morning blues away with the biker breakfast. Wednesday nights feature Italian cuisine. Meat-lovers will love Thursday steak night. Live music Friday and Saturday. In the summer, try the amazing 1/2-pound burger on the open-air, covered patio. 4242 S. State, Murray, 801-265-9889

'Bout Time
With nine locations throughout Utah (and a couple more in Colorado), 'Bout Time is exactly what a sports bar should be. There's a fun, inviting atmosphere, gaming tables, darts, food, drinks, and, of course, dozens of TVs scattered throughout the bar. If it's competitive and broadcasted, 'Bout Time will be able to find it for you. Multiple locations, BoutTimePub.com

Canyon Inn
Located since 1948 at the foot of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Canyon Inn is a favorite of skiers—but that doesn't mean nothing's happening during the warmer months. Outdoor Sunset Sessions concerts liven up the summer and live music keeps the house lively on weekends throughout the year. The legendary Chicago-style pizza will keep your hunger at bay. Thursday "Sin" Nights are a good opportunity to mingle with those in the ski industry. 3700 E. Fort Union Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, 801-943-6969, TheCanyonInnBar.com

Cheers To You Midvale
Cheers To You Midvale lives up to its name as a friendly neighborhood bar where everybody knows one another's names—after a few Ricky Specials, you'll get to know them, too! (But beware: After a few more, you might be apt to forget.) With free pool tables Sunday and Monday, Saturday karaoke and Wednesday trivia nights, there's almost always something fun going on. 7642 S. State, Midvale, 801-566-0871, CheersToYouSLC.com

Club 90
Sandy's Club 90 is big: two floors, a stage and dance floor for the karaoke crowd on Thursday nights and live music on Fridays and Saturdays, a 150-seat patio and a newly remodeled game room. For anyone with an appetite, Club 90 is all about the best in food and drink at unbeatable prices. Order a Crown & Coke for $4.50. Other daily specials include $2 Tuesday tacos and $6.95 half-pound New York steaks on Monday. Karaoke with the bar's own band on Thursday, or enjoy live music Friday and Saturday. 9065 S. Monroe St. (150 West), Sandy, 801-566-3254, Club90SLC.com

Duces Wild
The owner and staff describe the bar as "Cheers with boobies"—it's your "slightly naughty neighborhood bar." A full bar with an affable wait staff and performers who talk to the clientele, Duces' amiable spirit means that whether you're there for the beer or the girls, it's all good. 2750 S. 300 West, Salt Lake City, 801-467-4600, DucesWildSLC.com

Habits
There are three big attractions at Habits: food, dancing and poker. Wait—four. Forgot the fashion shows. Make that five: karaoke. And televised sports, so six. The thing is, Habits does them all exceptionally well. The food—steak, salmon, sushi, appetizers and more—is prepared by a real chef. And where else will you find a sunken dance floor with video mixes? Or an '80s night where the music and food prices are retro? Be advised: Habits enforces a dress code on weekends—check the website for details. 832 E. 3900 South, Salt Lake City, 801-268-2228, ClubHabits.com