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Lake Effect, Salt Lake City, UT

Lake Effect

4.7
4.7
583 Reviews
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
Utah Restaurant Association's 2022 winner for Best Gastropub. We offer a unique twist on new-American cuisine - pulling flavors from Asia and Latin America - and pairing our food with specially curated cocktails and an extensive wine, whiskey, and beer list. Join us in our intimate speakeasy lounge, enjoy a lively atmosphere on our main floor, or bask on our cozy patio. Open from 5:00p to 1:00a with live music seven days a week, plus our special brunch menu Saturday and Sunday from 11a to 3:30p.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Cocktail Bar, Contemporary American, American
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–1:00 am Sat, Sun 11:00 am–1:00 am
  • Phone number
    (801) 285-6494
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Owned/operated by
    LGBTQ+, Women
  • Executive chef
    Pae Randall
  • Private party facilities
    To find out more about booking your private event at Lake Effect, visit: https://lakeeffectslc.com/private-events/ Email: events@lakeeffectslc.com
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Cross street
    200 S 200 W
  • Parking details
    There is metered street parking and several garages and paid parking lots near by.
  • Public transit
    You can exit Trax at the Gallivan Plaza stop and take a short walk to Lake Effect
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 583 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Utah

    Hot spot

  • Utah

    Lively

  • Salt Lake City

    Hot spot

  • Salt Lake City

    Lively

583 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Salt Lake City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved it. The music was live, and amazing. So much fun.

    Is this helpful?

  2. MallikaF

    Salt Lake City

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Went to Lake Effect for dinner and found out that the menu has been completely changed. No more avocado tacos and the beef skewers were actually meatballs. Drinks were still amazing, but was very disappointed by the new food menu and the fact that our favorite items are no longer available.

    Is this helpful?

  3. WendyZ

    Salt Lake City

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Tapas were very tasty. All burgers ordered medium rare were well done. They are too thin to cook to med rare. Cocktails were good for the most part. Weight staff was awesome!

    Is this helpful?

  4. JoeW

    Salt Lake City

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Some of the best cocktails in SLC. Great food as well.

    Is this helpful?

  5. MichaelM

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience5
    Lake Effect is very interesting inside but we were seated close to the front door which was always wide open and my wife and I felt very cold. Things were very busy and we had to wait a while before being attended. We started to order but the prices were quite high so we ordered 2 non-alcoholic drinks and 1 appetizer and were in $40 by then. The appetizer was avocado & pumpkin seed puree with 4 crispy but seriously over seasoned tortillas. Way too salty, like over dusted Doritos chips. We left after 45 minutes. Didn’t like it.

    Is this helpful?

  6. DonaldO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were a large group of 13 we all really enjoyed the outstanding service by our waitress (Shanna sp?). Live music was excellent, food was excellent, and ambiance was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  7. IlgarK

    Salt Lake City

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience5
    Ambience is like no others, just great to my taste. We were running late so I tried to call few times and couldn't reach anyone. Ended up being late for 25 minutes and thus we got the table wherever was available. But the waiter was awesome and very polite and responsive. When later we switched to back of the club, the waitress came to us after 40-50 minutes and I had to go to bar every time to get the drinks. Well long story short that waitress just told to our face that she doesn't want to serve us. Left us speechless, honestly. Would I go there again? Probably and only because of the music genre I love.

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Cumbria

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall4food2service5ambience5
    Drinks were fantastic and the vibe is awesome. Food left a little to be desired… just okay.

    Is this helpful?

  9. MarcoG

    Salt Lake City

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Food was okay - not worth the price. The music was great!

    Is this helpful?

  10. RoriC

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lake Effect never disappoints, creative cocktails and food that are delicious. It is a popular venue, so service can get a little backed up at times, but the staff is always attentive and accommodating.

    Is this helpful?

  11. RyanM

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great find in SLC. Cool vibe and great food—sizable cocktail selection.

    Is this helpful?

  12. LexFoodie

    Greater Boston

    65 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall3food1service3ambience5
    Great vibe, cool table in corner. Great for conversation but still be in fun atmosphere. Drinks fun and creative. Bar food (nachos) were excellent. Tacos and chicken great. Burgers were dried out and bleh… salad average. Go for the drinks avoid the food.

    Is this helpful?

  13. JovanaL

    Montreal

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was an amazing experience! Exactly what we were looking for!

    Is this helpful?

  14. CraigJ

    Sacramento

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Food & Drinks were very good but the live music is so loud it’s hard to enjoy your company. They don’t bring you a tab, instead they show you a dimly lit handheld computer in a dark dining area so if you were billed improperly it would be very hard to recognize. When I did get my printed receipt after I paid, I found that a $7 fee was added to my bill for paying with a credit card. Lame

    Is this helpful?

  15. SarahP

    Salt Lake City

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    They changed their menu, which was a bummer. The removal of the crepe cake was super disappointing. The eatery is super cool and the live music is fun, but over hauling the menu was a downer.

    Is this helpful?

  16. Diningindmv

    Washington DC

    233 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    233 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The cocktail selection was amazing and the bar staff knowledgeable. Highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  17. StefanieJ

    Oklahoma City

    66 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    66 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Stopped in for drinks one night, dinner, the next!  love that there’s live music seven days a week, and the vibe is energetic! That bar is exquisite…The food was very good (5 of us ordered 5 different things and left nothing for a to-go container), the drinks pho-nomenal (IYKYK) and service, both nights was top notch! Alex even helped us with some after dinner options. Highly recommend checking out Lake Effect!

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    Salt Lake City

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our favorite places for Sunday Brunch. Excellent live music. The drinks and food are very high quality. The staff is excellent

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    The food was amazing!! Tin can nachos are a game changer (as always). Tried the new tapas menu and it was pretty tasty! Wish some of the dishes were a little more shareable (ex. only two meatballs for a table of 4). The music was really loud and it was very difficult to converse with one another. Other than that, food was great and service was exceptional as well.

    Is this helpful?

  20. CatherineT

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall4food3service2ambience5
    Food was just ok, the service was slow! We wanted to like it a lot more, but very underwhelming and disappointing. The Hojas Ajo (sp) a bit salty, and the tacos were good, but the slaw could have been more robust! The hazelnut doughnuts were over cooked, over coated and dusted cocoa power. Live music was on point and we did really appreciate that.

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience4
    The food was bad and the service slow. Too pretentious. The calamari was cold, the meat balls were raw, the crab was covered in curry, the ribs weren’t tender.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Fantastic dinner and drinks! The burrito was a little too spicy for me.

    Is this helpful?

  23. aw123456

    New York Area

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Came here for a date when stopping by SLC for one night. The food and drinks were fantastic, the live music was good, and the ambiance was amazing. The service was a little slow, but it was pretty packed for a Thursday. Sea bass and scallops, and the steak were delicious. I’d definitely come back if back in town.

    Is this helpful?

  24. JustinW

    Alabama

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very classy. Ambience was top notch. The woodwork above the bar was beautiful. Great cocktails and service.

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  25. SeanZ

    Baltimore

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First visit to Lake Effect! Live music was great and enhanced the ambiance. Whiskey choices are very nice, nachos were amazing but huge so plan accordingly when ordering them LOL. Overall great experience and will definitely rebook and return! Recommend 100%

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  26. PaulaD

    Salt Lake City

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous drinks and great food choices. Our server was excellent. However, the guitarist and singer was extremely loud and actually made my ears ring - not appropriate for an earlier dinner expecting a fun atmosphere to catch up with friends. A simple acoustic guitar without the super loud speaker would have created a much more pleasant atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  27. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    It was a great atmosphere but the food was not worth what we paid. The nachos and the fried pickles were the best. The prices were way to high. Service was very good.

    Is this helpful?

  28. SmileyJen23

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great little find with a super chill vibe and incredible decor. Got a little loud with the live guitarist but he was great! Food was great!

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Salt Lake City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is our 3rd visit to Lake Effect. We're from Montana, but make it a point to get dinner every time we're here. The cocktails are amazing , the vibe is on point, and the food is always great. Thanks again for a nice night out.

    Is this helpful?

  30. KlaudiaL

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was really nice, service was nice, food came really fast, and drinks were really good. Thank you

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic experience with great service, music and food.

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  32. Ryan0530

    Orlando

    32 reviews

    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    In town from Cleveland, Ohio and wanted to grab a drink and a bite to eat before heading home in Salt Lake City. From waitress to staff they were amazing. Ahi tuna steak burrito was amazing and the drink was “The Thor” - bourbon drink. Date night, business or casual night out go to this place. Bring this concept to Cleveland, Ohio! Co-worker had steak burrito and she loved it. Thank you.

    Is this helpful?

  33. BeEmm

    Salt Lake City

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Maybe a little to loud to have a conversation at a table but food and atmosphere is top notch!

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  34. LeandraB

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience4
    The service was really slow and it was not busy. We had to wait over 20 minutes for our check once we were done and ready to go. The food was not the best when compared to the price. The nachos were good but the queso flambé was pretty gross. When we told them this, the waiter just kind of shrugged his shoulders. So, overall I won’t be going back for food.

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Phenomenal experience. Great food, great ambience, amazing cocktails. Each level has such a different vibe, so it was nice to check out. Only complaint was the music level, but expected with the live music.

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  36. KatherineV

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We really enjoyed our time at Lake Effect! Cool atmosphere, a lively instrumentalist playing guitar during our dinner. Wonderful and extensive cocktail offerings—and, our waitress was also very knowledgeable regarding this. We enjoyed all of our tapas choices. Really enjoyed our time here and would return again if visiting SLC!

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  37. AlisonM

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    It was too dark down in the Speakeasy, I couldn't even see my food, I like the ambiance but a little more light is needed.

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  38. EmmaF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We got to sit downstairs in the "speakeasy" section, little private booth was much quieter than upstairs with the live music. Best of both worlds. Great food and great atmosphere. We stayed nearly 2 hours it was wonderful!

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  39. ChrisS

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Everything was great. The food, the service and the decor. I loved the sax player, but I don't think the music needed to be that loud. Made it difficult to have a quiet conversation.

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  40. SarahP

    Salt Lake City

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have never been to Lake Effect before, we loved it. Live music was excellent… we felt transported to another city. Well done!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Lake Effect offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (801) 285-6494.

Lake Effect is rated 4.7 stars by 583 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Lake Effect

155 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    200 S 200 W
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–1:00 am Sat, Sun 11:00 am–1:00 am
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Cocktail Bar, Contemporary American, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    There is metered street parking and several garages and paid parking lots near by.
  • Public transit
    You can exit Trax at the Gallivan Plaza stop and take a short walk to Lake Effect
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    LGBTQ+, Women
  • Executive chef
    Pae Randall
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (801) 285-6494
  • Private party facilities
    To find out more about booking your private event at Lake Effect, visit: https://lakeeffectslc.com/private-events/ Email: events@lakeeffectslc.com
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