The Red Door

My husband and I have gone here a few times.  We're in our late 30's / early 40's, but never feel like "old people" in the place.  The liquor (especially whiskey) selection is good.  The atmosphere and decor are cool.  There's music, but it's never been too loud that we can't talk to each other.  Fun people-watching.

A hidden gem of downtown SLC, this swanky martini bar is something you'd expect to find in California or New York. The fact that it's situated in downtown Salt Lake makes it even cooler! The staff plays on the whole 'LDS' scene and sport name tags that look like Mormon missionaries.

They have a full bar here but you have to try the martinis! The martini list is extensive and the martinis are AMAZING! Most run about $14-16 each, pricey for Utah, but trust me they are worth the expense. Try the Espresso Martini or the Dirty Girl Scout, two of my favorites!

Tip: They don't serve food here but if you're hungry and it's before 10:00 pm, ask your waitress for a menu from the little place next door, they'll deliver and their small bites are excellent!

Most nights they have a DJ mixing fun music, on Saturdays they host live music and generally it's a jazz band we love that plays top 40 music with jazz instruments - so fun! The decor is really hip - vaulted loft style ceilings, red lighting, soft couches and footstools and high top tables. They have an outdoor patio which is nice in the spring and summer.

The place is small, so come early if you want good seating, but it's totally a place you'll want to chill and hang out for several hours. I've been here more times than I can count, in fact it was a first date spot for me with my now boyfriend of 5+ years. We try to stop in here every time we're in town.

Parking can be a little tricky if you can't find a meter, although there's a parking garage below, the entrance is to the East of the Red Door, before Hotel Monaco. Trust me, you don't want to pass this place up!

This is one of the best martini bars that I have been to. Yes, it is pricey, but it isn't trying to be a cheap place. Therefore, I won't knock it for price because they aren't trying to be a discount place.

Still, the way they mix these martinis are great. I had three of them, The Green Tea, The Green Apple and the Antifreeze, and all of them were great. I later bought a bottle of white Bordeaux wine, which was expense, but quite nice.

I didn't sit inside, but the weather was nice outside, so we sat in front of the bar. If the weather is nice, take advantage of those seats before it gets full.

If you go here, plan on spending a lot of money. Again, it is worth it, as the drinks are mixed perfectly.