Downtown SLC may not have the same outlandish furs or Gucci as Park City during Sundance, but it is by no means is quiet. Whether you are looking for shopping, music, dining or drinks: downtown is the place to be if you want to catch some action outside of Park City’s main street. Below is the “locals” guide on how to make the most of your Sundance experience in SLC.
Shopping
Downtown is home to two world-class malls and charming boutiques. Looking for for Hugo Boss, Anthropologie, Nordstrom or Apple? City Creek Center is the place for you. City Creek is open Monday-Saturday from 10:00AM-9:00PM. From City Creek Center you can hop on the free TRAX train over to the Gateway and find stores like Aldo, Forever 21 and Dick’s Sporting Good’s if you need any last minute gear to hit the slopes. Gateway is open 7 days a week. If you are looking for some local flavor hit Beckett and Robb for custom suiting and menswear or the Green Ant for locally made mid-century modern furniture on Main Street and Broadway, respectively.
Live Music
Kick off your night with a full bar and some free live music at the Salt Lake City Festival Café located in Sicilia Pizza Kitchen on 35 W. Broadway (300 South). Beginning Friday, January 17th and lasting through Saturday January 25th , some of Utah’s best local music talent will grace the intimate venue. Sets start at 6:00PM and 8:30PM on both Fridays and Saturdays and at 8:30 midweek.
Dining
A recent New York Times article “Action Off the Mountains in Salt Lake City” aptly recognized downtown SLC’s renaissance in dining and entertainment. You need not break the bank or adhere to silly dress codes because our restaurants sub pretentiousness for flavor. Hit the Copper Onion for locally sourced new American fare. Staff favorites on the menu are the roasted wagyu bone marrow and ricotta dumplings. Are you an interior decorating enthusiast? Pallet is for you. Designed by cityhomecollective, the restaurant’s décor is inspired by the buildings roots as a creamery loading dock in the early 1900’s. Sample wild boar or short rib ravioli paired with Pallet’s award winning cocktails. Other spots to try are Eva’s, Martine Café, Bistro 222 and Plum Alley.
Drinks
Heard a rumor that you can’t get a drink in Utah? You wont hear that too often at brunch on a Saturday morning. Whether you are looking for craft beer, wine or cocktails, downtown has some great watering holes. Locals like to hit Beerhive on Main Street, which boasts some 200 plus craft beers on tap and in bottles from around the world. Mosey on up to the ice-lined bar and grab a pint while taking in some of Utah’s brewing history. From there walk over to BTG (By The Glass) Wine Bar where there over 50 wines by the glass using a revolutionary tap system. BTG also features a small plates menu that is meant to complement the robust wine list offerings. If you are in the mood for a cocktail, head over to Bar-X for a speakeasy vibe and unmatched mixology. The bar is partially owned by Modern Family’s Ty Burrell so you just may get to see one of the stars without even venturing up Parley’s Canyon!
Movies
A little know fact is that Sundance films are also screened outside of Park City in none other than downtown. You can sample what our wonderful city has to offer and escape the madness of Park City. For tickets and a full schedule go to http://www.sundance.org/festival/tickets/. Another great resource is local blog bestsundancefilms.com, which will help you navigate through the vast offerings that Sundance offers annually.
Downtown SLC is a welcoming place for all during the Sundance Film Festival. Best of all, you don’t need to be a movie star or celebrity to make it into restaurants and bars.