Exploring Ivy and Varley Salt Lake City — Utah’s Hottest Spot for Food, Cocktails, and Connection
By Salt & Seek 04-11-2025 75
Salt Lake City has no shortage of trendy restaurants and buzzing bars, but few have captured the local spirit quite like Ivy and Varley Salt Lake City. Tucked in the heart of downtown, this dual-concept destination has become one of Utah's most talked-about spots, blending elevated dining with creative cocktails and a lively social atmosphere that keeps guests coming back. Whether you're stopping in for brunch, dinner, or late-night drinks, Ivy and Varley deliver an experience that feels both sophisticated and approachable.
A Modern Duo with a Distinct Personality
Varley and Ivy are two venues that might feel a little disconnected from each other at first glance, but they work together to create one seamless experience. Ivy upstairs sets the stage for fine dining in a venue designed with style in mind – think lush greenery, warm lighting, and an open, inviting layout. The menu is a celebration of modern American cuisine with global influences, ranging from fresh seafood and artisan pasta to locally sourced meats and creative vegetarian options.
Below, find the fashionable yet cosy home of Varley Cocktail Bar SLC, where the drinks are the stars. It is the kind of place where mixology meets mood: handcrafted cocktails, top-shelf spirits, and bartenders who take pride in their craft. With its dim lighting, plush seating, and curated playlists, Varley is the perfect setting in which to unwind, celebrate, or simply enjoy good company.
The Dining Experience at Ivy
Dining at Ivy and Varley SLC is like stepping into a world of thoughtful design and culinary creativity. Ivy's menu is all about seasonal ingredients, so something fresh and new greets you with every visit. Guests rave about the signature dishes: steaks cooked to perfection, salads that pop with colour, and plates to share that bring people together. Elegant presentation without fuss makes it right for date nights, celebrations, and even casual gatherings.
Brunch at Ivy has carved out its own sort of reputation, too. From the fluffiest pancakes and most full-of-flavour Benedicts to refreshing mimosas and coffee cocktails, it's a weekend ritual for locals. When the weather permits, its outdoor patio adds an additional layer of charm: relaxed but refined, with the best of Salt Lake City's dining scene on full display.
The Energy of Varley Cocktail Bar
If Ivy is where you come for the food, then Varley Cocktail Bar SLC is where you stay for the fun. This cocktail bar's menu goes well beyond the basics: think creative, seasonal drinks showcasing local ingredients and bold flavours. Whether your taste buds are calling for a classic old-fashioned or something entirely unexpected, like a spicy-sweet mezcal cocktail, the bartenders at Varley know how to pour the perfect drink.
But what really sets Varley apart is its atmosphere. It's an intimate space that is somehow also energetic, with music augmenting, not overpowering, the conversation. It's a place where friends meet before a night out, couples linger after dinner, and newcomers feel like regulars in no time. By mixing sophistication and comfort, Varley captures the essence of Salt Lake City's evolving nightlife.
A Hub for Connection and Community
Beyond food and drink, Ivy and Varley Salt Lake City has become a hub for connection. The team behind the concept has developed more than a restaurant and bar; they have created a space that celebrates community, creativity, and good energy. From local events and themed nights to private parties and collaborations, Ivy and Varley continue their evolution with the city they serve.
For locals, it's a go-to spot that feels like home. For visitors, it's an introduction to what makes Utah's hospitality scene so special: a balance of style, substance, and sincerity.
Design That Inspires
Part of what makes Varley and Ivy shine is the attention to detail in design. The interiors introduce modern aesthetics with natural textures into one space, making it upscale yet cosy. Ivy's airy dining space versus Varley's hushed underground lounge presents two moods under the same roof. Every corner is picture-perfect, but that is not all; it provides the perfect setting where you get to converse or connect over drinks at the bar or an intimate dinner for two.
Why Ivy and Varley Salt Lake City Should Be on Your List
If you're planning on seeing the best of the city, then Ivy and Varley SLC should be toward the top of your list. It's more than just a place to eat or have a drink; it's an experience that combines atmosphere, flavor, and connection in all the right ways. The service is attentive, the menus are thoughtful, and the energy is always just right.
Whether you're a long-time local or just visiting Utah for the first time, Ivy and Varley capture the essence of modern Salt Lake City living — creative, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. So next time you are downtown, take some time to visit Ivy and Varley Salt Lake City. Begin upstairs with a sophisticated dinner at Ivy, then move downstairs for drinks and conversation at Varley Cocktail Bar SLC.
At Salt & Seek, we celebrate destinations like Ivy and Varley that define Utah’s evolving food and drink culture. Together, they represent the best of what Salt Lake City's nightlife and culinary scene have to offer — a perfect mix of flavour, community, and connection that keeps individuals coming back for more. Whether you’re discovering new favourites or revisiting old ones, Salt & Seek guides you to the places that make Utah truly unforgettable.
