Nightlife Competitors: The Best Bars for Game-Lovers

If you fancy a friendly bout of competition with your gin and tonic, then we’ve got the list for you. While most folks would be more than happy with a good cocktail and a trendy atmosphere, there’s those among us who want something more for their night out in SLC. If you’re looking for a fun-filled evening with good drinks and opportunities to impress your date, or buddies, with your competitive prowess via a drunken game, then look no further. We have compiled a list of our top spots in the SLC nightlife landscape to fulfill that itch to play. Read on below.

Quarters in Downtown SLC

Located just around the corner from the iconic bars that pepper Salt Lake’s nightlife scene is a time machine to your childhood, or perhaps your parents’ childhood. Quarters has plenty of entertainment for the whole crew. With arcade games lining the walls this basement bar, you can find nearly any game your heart desires, with a few you might not have heard of before. From Super Mario Brothers the Bubble Bobble, they’ve got it all. If you’re looking for a real treat, then check out Killer Queen, an increasingly popular ten-player arcade game (cupholders built-in). You can even catch their tournaments for the game on Wednesday nights, and there’s plenty of other events as well, including Sunday Night Sinners Club with DJ NixBeat and DJ Ledingham.

Fret not, the alcohol is good here too. We’d never recommend somewhere with subpar specialty cocktails. If you’re looking for a real twist, then every third Sunday you can watch your favorite Sunday morning cartoons in you pajamas with a $3 unlimited cereal bar. Yes, you read that right.

Directions

Quarters is just a short walk from both the Trax Courthouse and Library light rail stations. Located the corner of Main Street and 400 South, there’s plenty of things to do in the neighborhood. Grab directions here.

Green Pig in Downtown SLC

Just a quick walk up the street from Quarters, Green Pig is the definition of a dive bar. With its dark ambiance on the inside, sports 24/7, and an old-timey feel, this is the place to go when you’re wanting the perfect hangout spots to pass some time during the day or night. The Trivia Factory happens every Wednesday night, while Adult Trivia, you know what that means, happens every Sunday after a decadent breakfast and brunch buffet. It’s pretty close to Temple Square as well if you’d rather spend your Sunday that way.

You can enjoy their cheap drinks as well as a good burger while sitting downstairs to watch some sports, or on a nice day, on their rooftop patio overlooking Salt Lake City. They even have a vegan portion of their menu so their food is friendly to all kinds of diets. If you’re looking for a relaxed hangout, some fun entertainment, an outdoor setting, or even to test your trivia knowledge, then Green Pig is the place to go.

Directions

Green Pig is located right on 400 South, only a block away from the Grand and Little America and the Salt Lake Public Library. You can get there from the Courthouse or Library Trax stations. Snag your directions here.

Beer Bar in Downtown SLC

When you think beer, think Beer Bar. This is the perfect place to enjoy a cold beer, a hot dog, and a board game. This laid back bar has an open layout and a bright feel with a counter to order off their extensive beer menu and the opportunity to craft the perfect hot dog for you. Beer Bar is a cozy place to enjoy catching up with friends all while getting a bit competitive over any of the board games they offer when you first walk in. With Bingo on the third Sunday of every month and an 80’s and 90’s style trivia coming soon to you on Tuesdays, this bar is one you don’t want to miss. Oh yeah, and Ty Burrell owns it.

If Bingo is your thing check out 4 of the most enjoyable LGBTQ bars and dance clubs in Utah.

Directions

This spot is right next to a plethora of other venues, including Taqueria 27 and Bar X. You can find it at 161 E 200 S, just west of the Gallivan Center, Main Street, and the Eccles Theater. For more precise directions, check this out.