Salt Lake City Local History

Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah and also its biggest city, was founded by the early settlers who also founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, trying their best to transform the harsh environment into flourishing farms. In 1848, the majority of crops were damaged by frost, followed by a plague of crickets, almost identical to that of the Biblical plague. Despite its name, the California gull remains Utah's state bird, commemorating a huge flock of gulls that flew in, ate the crickets and saved the crops.

The followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints moved westward in 1847 to escape persecution. Until1869, the city remained almost completely Mormon, but with the opening of the transcontinental railway, it brought in a siege of outsiders. Although today, Mormons constitute less than half the population, they cannot be denied the major role they have played in building the city.

Salt Lake City Attractions

Salt Lake City Restaurants and Bars

Salt Lake City Restaurants

Bambara Situated inside the Hotel Monaco, its popularity is largely due to the signing of star chef Robert Baker. It features comfortably over-sized velvet sitting booths, an open plan kitchen and a very elegant atmosphere.

Oasis Cafe This classy, yet inexpensive cafe, has a menu consisting of vegan, vegetarian, chicken and fish dishes. It also offers free wireless network facilities, which enables you to check emails while you dine. Live acoustic and jazz music is available for entertainment in the evening.

Ruth's Diner - Found in Emigration Canyon Rd. It has a beautiful in door and patio dining area, which is often accompanied by live music. It is set in old railroad carriages in a narrow canyon just three miles east of town. They serve a wide selection of fresh dishes, great salads and Utah's best breakfasts.

Sky Box Sports Grille — 4 S. Rio Grande St, with 86 televisions (6 in the rest rooms) and 13 satellite feeds, the Sky Box Sports Grille and Arena is the ultimate extreme dining experience. It boasts a 6,000-square-foot arcade with virtual reality games, serves high-class pub food and offers loads of entertainment.

Salt Lake City Bars & Clubs

The Red Door 57 South 200 South. Located west of the Hotel Monoca, this chic private club features an array of viciously delicious martini cocktails, fine wines and a great selection of Scotches. Expect to be entertained by local DJ Jessie on Friday evenings and live jazz on Saturday evenings.

Zephyr Club - 301 S West Temple Blvd. Salt Lake's most popular live music venue, offering a variety of music, ranging from semi-famous jazz, blues, country and rock. Offers elegant decor and an all-round sophisticated atmosphere. Cover charge ranges between $5–15.

Club Axis Infamously Salt Lake's wildest, funkiest nightclub. It has a huge dance floor, several bars and an outdoor patio. DJ talent spinning it out on the decks include Paul Oakenfold, Sasha, Digweed and many more. The cover charge usually ranges between $5 and $20, depending on the entertainment.