Tailgate Tavern - South Salt Lake

If you enjoy a dive bar, which I do, then you'll love this place. It is a great little divey dive, and apparently I'm not the only one who thinks so, because it was packed at 7 PM on Friday night, and the band was just starting to set up. I was there for a quick drink and bite to eat before a movie, so I can't speak to the quality of the live music, but the food was solidly tasty and reasonably priced; I had a grilled ham and cheese with a side of some very good potato salad. Two beers and a filling meal for just under thirty bucks is square deal these days. One tip: try to enter the parking lot from the west, i.e., the back way off of Guest Ave rather than off of State St. For some reason the parking spaces are angled to facilitate traffic flow in that direction, and if you come in from State you'll be pointed the wrong way when you try to park. Or I was anyway, maybe. Also, don't try to park close to the front door of the Tavern. Apparently, all of those spots belong to a Korean noodle joint across the way, and when someone puts up a sign saying they'll tow your car if you park there, believe them, because there's tow truck company somewhere who's just dying to take your money, and chances are they'll hook up your car and ask questions later. There are plenty of parking spaces to the west/northwest of the Tavern (behind the noodle joint) which do not threaten to turn your enjoyable evening into a $500 fustercluck.Parking: Many of the spots close to the door of the Tailgate Tavern are marked as reserved for the Korean noodle restaurant across the parking lot. But there are plenty of unmarked spaces farther to the west, behind the noodle restaurant/north of the Tavern.

Have been going here for over two years and will not be frequenting again. Used to be on par with the cheapest places to drink in town. Now the shot and stubby is more that 7 bucks. The new bartender looks like he is out of a club not a dive bar. After hearing that our favorite bar tender was arrested for drug dealing over the counter this place does not feel safe anymore

I saw Magda Vega last night at Tailgate Tavern. They were really rockin'! I had a great time!

I didn't get food, I'm not sure if they have a kitchen or not. They have local bands play, and the bar is just relaxed and comfortable. The regulars were friendly but not overheating and the staff was great. A great bday to just sit in and enjoy some experiences with the SLC

This place is gross now. There’s a new owner already having favorites that’ll tell her to do something and she’ll do it. Wouldn’t recommend this bar anymore.