Your Neighborhood Bartender Weighs In | City Guide | Salt Lake City Weekly
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Your Neighborhood Bartender Weighs In

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Junior's Greg Arrata - JOHN TAYLOR
Junior’s Tavern (30 E. 300 South, 801-322-0318, JuniorsTavern.com) has the potential to be the place “where everybody knows your name.” Located smack dab in the middle of downtown Salt Lake City, it offers a casual, welcoming, no-frills environment for folks who want to kick back after work or after hours. The soundtrack is all jazz, all of the time. Owner Greg Arrata is often seen working behind the bar with a small, friendly staff serving up classic staples. The most extravagant drink special offered is an Irish Carbomb.

“Most people don’t know what’s in these specialty drinks anyway, so we don’t serve them,” he says.

Arrata takes pride in Juniors’ low-key atmosphere and considers it a neighborhood bar for downtown dwellers and worker bees. It occasionally fills with a rowdier crowd on weekends and late evenings, but still remains a fitting spot to grab a drink with friends—just don’t order a fancy-pants cocktail.

When asked about his favorite drinking holes, the following received Arrata’s stamp of approval:

Twilite Lounge (347 E. 200 South, 801-532-9400) features friendly bartenders, affordable drinks, and plenty of seating in a relaxed environment. New kid on the block Beerhive Pub (128 S. Main, 801-364-4268) offers an extensive beer selection.

For an inviting stop in Sugar House, visit the Tap Room (2275 S. Highland Drive, 801-466-0974)

Out in the burbs? Don’t miss Leprechaun Inn (4700 S. 900 East, 801-268-3294)—one of Arrata’s personal favorites.