You voted, and the results are in.
Allow us to introduce winners of The Salt Lake Tribune Choice Awards — your picks for Utah’s best nightlife offerings. Tribune editors weighed in as well, with their own selections in each category.
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Utah at its best
You voted, and the results are in.
Allow us to introduce winners of The Salt Lake Tribune Choice Awards — your picks for the best Utah has to offer in dining, nightlife, arts and culture, recreation and destinations. Tribune editors weighed in as well, with their own selections in each category.
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Did fellow readers get it right? Did we?
Concert venues
People’s Choice
Winner
Red Butte Garden » Outdoor venues such as Usana Amphitheatre, the Gallivan Center, Pioneer Park and Deer Valley’s Snow Park Amphitheater certainly have their virtues, but nothing signals summer’s arrival like the amphitheater at Red Butte Garden, the botanical garden at the University of Utah. 2013 is no different. With the largest assembling of top-tier acts in the history of the place — including Steely Dan, Tony Bennett, Vampire Weekend and Merle Haggard — there is something for every ear. But what sets this venue apart is the atmosphere as twilight arrives, with spectacular views of the crimson canyons to your left, an awe-inspiring view of the Salt Lake Valley to your right, and the moon always overhead. Musicians routinely say Red Butte Garden is their favorite place to play, and discriminating audiences share the feeling.
First runner-up
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Abravanel Hall » (See Editors’ Choice.)
Second runner-up
Mormon Tabernacle » An acoustical and architectural marvel, the Tabernacle has an unsurpassed history that includes appearances by everyone from Vladimir Horowitz to Jack Benny to John F. Kennedy.
Editors’ Choice
Winner (tie)
Red Butte Garden »(See People’s Choice.)
Abravanel Hall » Utah boasts many splendid outdoor concert venues, but some music was meant to be heard indoors, up close and without amplification. (Not to mention that in most of the state, outdoor concerts aren’t feasible seven months of the year.) For those occasions, you can’t beat Abravanel Hall, where the acoustics are superb, the décor is tastefully elegant and the seating is considerably more comfortable than in the historic Mormon Tabernacle. Most weekends find the state’s flagship arts organization, the Utah Symphony, ensconced in the 2,800-seat hall, but Abravanel also plays host to jazz, rock, pop music and stand-up comedy.
First runner-up
Mormon Tabernacle » (See People’s Choice.)
Second runner-up
Libby Gardner Concert Hall » First-rate acoustics for chamber music, choral music and solo recitals, though things can get dicey as the size of the instrumental ensemble increases.
Bars/nightclubs
People’s Choice
Winner
Bar-X » A speakeasy theme, cocktails made with care and celebrity co-owner Ty Burrell are just some of the reasons the new and improved Bar-X is a local favorite. The bar dates back to 1933, established after Prohibition was repealed. Once cash and beer-only, Bar-X is now known for its handcrafted cocktails that start at $9. The care the bartenders take in making the drinks leads to a longer wait and on weekends when the bar is crowded. The lines can be long and laborious. But it’s worth the wait, as there isn’t a bad drink at Bar-X. The Moscow Mule is the signature offering, but requires a security deposit on the copper mug.
First runner-up
The Garage on Beck » (See Editors’ Choice.)
Second runner-up
Green Pig Pub » This pub offers the works: good food, live music and a rooftop patio with great city and mountain views.
Editors’ Choice
Winner
The Garage on Beck » This roadhouse grill and music venue, on Beck Street at the northern edge of Salt Lake City, is a hidden gem in an industrial landscape. It has a rustic interior and a huge outdoor patio with a big fire pit and plenty of seating. Surprisingly, the views of the North Salt Lake refinery in the back are part of the draw. The bar also stands out because it offers the ultimate trifecta: homemade food — from chicken and waffles to funeral potato appetizers — live music throughout the week and great cocktails, such as the ice-cold mojitos garnished with fresh mint from the bar’s garden.
First runner-up
Bar-X » (See People’s Choice.)
Second runner-up
Green Pig Pub » (See People’s Choice.)
Late-night eats
People’s Choice
Winner
Squatters Pubs and Beers, Red Rock Brewery, Desert Edge Brewery » Let’s be honest: When you’re eating late at night, it’s because you have been drinking or want a drink. That’s why pubs are a clear favorite of nocturnal eaters. And it doesn’t hurt that Squatters and Red Rock are downtown next to late-night activities and hotels. You can get some great craft beer along with pub favorites from pizzas to burgers to nachos.
First runner-up
The Bayou » 300 beers are available to wash down the Cajun-influenced menu.
Second runner-up
The Pie Hole » Serves basic flavors by the slice, along with roasted red pepper and basil and potato bacon, for less than $3.
Editors’ Choice
Winner
Lucky 13 Bar and Grill » The roadhouse with the red tractor out front may have plenty of good whiskeys and cheap beer, but it’s known for its burgers.
Owner Jason Stucki was dubbed World Burger Champion in last year’s World Food Championships, and while the winning Spicy Candied Bacon Cajun burger isn’t on the menu, the popular Celestial Burger is. Keep plenty of napkins handy for this 7-ounce patty topped with house-smoked bacon, grilled onions, cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce.
The bar is host to events such as the Big Shiny Geek Show Pub Quiz every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. And it claims to have an even better view of the fireworks than you can get at the nearby Spring Mobile Ballpark.
First runner-up
Maxwell’s East Coast Eatery » It’s a bar and a restaurant, serving New York-style, thin-crust pizzas and house-made pastas.
Second runner-up
Eva » Bustling even on weekdays for the late-night happy hour, which serves the best meals from the dinner menu at this small-plate restaurant/cocktail lounge.
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