Recently stopped in with some business partners for drinks after dinner. The atmosphere was immediately impressive. Everything from the front door, to the bar, down to the bathrooms in the basement. Every little detail was thought out, and it makes for an incredible atmosphere.
We only had drinks, but we were watching all the food come out around us and it all looked amazing. Everyone really seemed to be enjoying their food.
The drinks were pretty good. I got a whiskey sour, and while it wasn't bad, it wasn't nearly as impressive as I've had at other bars.
The live music was a nice touch and the girl singing the night we were in was very talented.
Service was pretty good. Our waiter was generally great, but we had lots of little issues that added up. Drinks got forgotten and not topped off, just basic stuff.
Overall, a good experience and I'm excited to come back to try the food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gloria
The food was just okay! It was good just not my favorite. The vibe was good and our waiter was attentive!
Bailey Poelman
Food and music are always wonderful but this last experience at lake effect left me feeling disappointed. It started with a security lady asking if we had been “drinking heavily” before we even walked in. Mind you, we had not even done anything to make this question appropriate. From there on out, it seemed like no matter where you stood in the bar, you were always in the way and getting a flashlight to the face by security. There was a guy in dreads specifically watching me and my friends like a hawk while waiting to go upstairs and even a foot on the coffee table was enough for them to get mad at you. I couldn’t give names because the name tags only said security. Anyways, I love supporting my local bars and I will continue to go to lake effect because I truly enjoy it, but I can only hope they will fix the attitudes of their staff before it ruins the experience!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 1
Jamie Vasquez
As a 55 year old man, 👴 to be carded is a nice gesture. But to be denied eating because I forgot my ID is ridiculous. I wasn't even gonna have any alcoholic beverages. I was just wanting to eat and enjoy. That did not happen, so I had to spend my money at another restaurant.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Zoey Zou
Last night, I was out drinking with my friends. I did not disturb anyone, and while I admit I may have had a bit too much to drink, my friend was with me the entire time and taking care of me.
Suddenly, a security guard grabbed my arm and ask me out, pulling me from the third floor all the way down to the second-floor exit. My coat was still checked inside. I calmly asked to go back in just to retrieve my coat, but the security at the door refused to let me enter.
It was after midnight in January in Salt Lake City. Do you realize how cold it is outside at that time? I truly do not understand the reasoning or mindset behind refusing to let someone retrieve their coat. It felt unreasonable and unsafe.
The security staff was extremely rude and showed no empathy or basic consideration. I used to think this bar had a great atmosphere, but after this experience, I honestly never want to come back again.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
K M
I had fried avacado tacos. They were ok.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Matt
I booked a reservation on OpenTable for Monday, January 5, only to walk 10 blocks (one-way) in the cold weather to arrive and see they were closed. I actually wanted to go there because they have great food and ambience, but it's remarkably frustrating that OpenTable showed them open and available when in fact they were closed.
James Glenn
Food was so yummy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alan
The music was fantastic, and the food was equally delicious. The ambiance of the place was amazing! The only downside was our server's poor service. He forgot our drinks twice. First, he claimed they didn't have the ingredients for my wife's drink, but only when we asked about them. Second, he acted like it was just taking a minute, but his reaction was oblivious that he had forgotten. Despite this, we had a great time and will definitely return. If the service improves, it will become our favorite spot in SLC.
Isaiah McDonough
I visited most recently on New Year’s Eve but have been a customer on a couple other occasions.
As far as what they do right, Lake Effect has beautiful decor, a large layout with each floor presenting a distinctly appreciable ambiance (I.e. speakeasy vibes downstairs, cocktail bar main level, dance floor upstairs), well-designed and made cocktails, yummy food, good live music, and a few staff members who really knock it out of the park. I can’t remember his name, but on NYE there was one waiter with braids who worked the main level. He was ceaselessly positive and demonstrated remarkable equanimity amidst the chaotic evening. Bar staff were also very patient despite a crushing volume of patrons.
As far as what could use improvement, their prices for items vary between “pricey but industry competitive” to patently inflated. Their food is thoughtful but is limited with respect to options for vegans or those with anything other than very simple dietary restrictions. They physically hold your card behind the counter when you start a tab instead of simply holding a digital record of it, which in 2026 is fairly ludicrous. Service is also a mixed bag. Even on a normal night, some staff members come across like disinterested automatons who would rather be anywhere else and who take their sweet time serving you even when the house is very lean with other customers. On NYE, the worst staff around- seemingly mostly part of the security detail, potentially some managerial staff as well- were horrendously rude and verbally aggressive. I’ve worked in customer/food service before. I know how overwhelming it can be. I also sympathize with the fact that you often have to be assertive to keep the peace with drunk and rowdy clientele. However, I also have basic common sense. So, word to the wise: shining strobing flashlights directly in people’s faces and yelling at them (as I saw security do to a countless number of distracted but otherwise reasonable and unproblematic customers) while they’re just trying to have a nice night is actually a pretty poor way of de-escalating a situation, getting them to peacefully cooperate with you, and encouraging them to stick around to spend more time & money there. The drunker they are, the more true this becomes. Nonsensical directions were barked at patrons, like orders to move elsewhere because of walk-route congestion, even though there were so many people in the vicinity that doing so was literally impossible in that moment without expecting the folks in question to shove other people over. Best I can surmise and reading the situation charitably, Lake Effect’s management bit off more than they could chew and let in too many people. This left security feeling frazzled and disoriented, so they became more aggro in a misguided effort to keep the peace. Less charitably, the people in question enjoyed the power trip of being authority figures for a few hours. Either way, my party and I were very disappointed in this behavior and left promptly after midnight instead of ordering more drinks. It’s unlikely I’ll return for NYE next year or that I’ll recommend anyone else does. Otherwise, Lake Effect is an imperfect but decent enough spot for someone wanting a nice cocktail in an upscale setting.
Rude and violent staff towards customers. Do not go if you are not white looking or don’t have a ‘perfect’ accent. You will be racially profiled and kicked out violently with no reason. The security guards treatment is seriously concerning.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Simon Golding
Sleek, unique, vibey as hell. Feels like a cross between a library/study, and a club/bar. They have limited food options and an extensive liquor range. Delicious cocktails are a touch pricey but not unreasonable. Live music is often found here, with a laid back jazz vibe on the main floor. Underneath the main area is a speak easy which is sometimes open. Above the main area is a club, which is also sometimes open.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ricky Monroe
Lake Effect in downtown Salt Lake City is known as a cocktail bar with a large drink selection and live music, set in a historic building with a vintage yet modern vibe. While I’m not a drinker, we went based on a friend’s recommendation for the food...and it did not disappoint.
I had the Crispy Shrimp Tacos, and the shrimp were perfectly cooked and full of flavor, the avocado sauce was amazing. My wife ordered the Chicken Chopped Salad and really enjoyed it as well. It was fresh, well-balanced, and satisfying.
Even if cocktails aren’t your thing, Lake Effect is worth visiting for the food, atmosphere and overall experience. A great spot with more to offer than just drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Christina
We love this bar. It feels very posh. The nightly live music is always great. I recommend the Tin Can Nachos for food. Come hungry. This feeds 2-3 people. I appreciate that there is a lot of security. This is a very safe place to enjoy a drink.
Laura Gjerding
Beautiful bar, great service and great food great way to spend my birthday and the holidays service was impeccable. The drinks were amazing atmosphere was very inviting.
Recently stopped in with some business partners for drinks after dinner. The atmosphere was immediately impressive. Everything from the front door, to the bar, down to the bathrooms in the basement. Every little detail was thought out, and it makes for an incredible atmosphere.
We only had drinks, but we were watching all the food come out around us and it all looked amazing. Everyone really seemed to be enjoying their food.
The drinks were pretty good. I got a whiskey sour, and while it wasn't bad, it wasn't nearly as impressive as I've had at other bars.
The live music was a nice touch and the girl singing the night we were in was very talented.
Service was pretty good. Our waiter was generally great, but we had lots of little issues that added up. Drinks got forgotten and not topped off, just basic stuff.
Overall, a good experience and I'm excited to come back to try the food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was just okay! It was good just not my favorite. The vibe was good and our waiter was attentive!
Food and music are always wonderful but this last experience at lake effect left me feeling disappointed. It started with a security lady asking if we had been “drinking heavily” before we even walked in. Mind you, we had not even done anything to make this question appropriate. From there on out, it seemed like no matter where you stood in the bar, you were always in the way and getting a flashlight to the face by security. There was a guy in dreads specifically watching me and my friends like a hawk while waiting to go upstairs and even a foot on the coffee table was enough for them to get mad at you. I couldn’t give names because the name tags only said security. Anyways, I love supporting my local bars and I will continue to go to lake effect because I truly enjoy it, but I can only hope they will fix the attitudes of their staff before it ruins the experience!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 1
As a 55 year old man, 👴 to be carded is a nice gesture. But to be denied eating because I forgot my ID is ridiculous. I wasn't even gonna have any alcoholic beverages. I was just wanting to eat and enjoy. That did not happen, so I had to spend my money at another restaurant.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Last night, I was out drinking with my friends. I did not disturb anyone, and while I admit I may have had a bit too much to drink, my friend was with me the entire time and taking care of me.
Suddenly, a security guard grabbed my arm and ask me out, pulling me from the third floor all the way down to the second-floor exit. My coat was still checked inside. I calmly asked to go back in just to retrieve my coat, but the security at the door refused to let me enter.
It was after midnight in January in Salt Lake City. Do you realize how cold it is outside at that time? I truly do not understand the reasoning or mindset behind refusing to let someone retrieve their coat. It felt unreasonable and unsafe.
The security staff was extremely rude and showed no empathy or basic consideration. I used to think this bar had a great atmosphere, but after this experience, I honestly never want to come back again.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I had fried avacado tacos. They were ok.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
I booked a reservation on OpenTable for Monday, January 5, only to walk 10 blocks (one-way) in the cold weather to arrive and see they were closed. I actually wanted to go there because they have great food and ambience, but it's remarkably frustrating that OpenTable showed them open and available when in fact they were closed.
Food was so yummy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The music was fantastic, and the food was equally delicious. The ambiance of the place was amazing! The only downside was our server's poor service. He forgot our drinks twice. First, he claimed they didn't have the ingredients for my wife's drink, but only when we asked about them. Second, he acted like it was just taking a minute, but his reaction was oblivious that he had forgotten. Despite this, we had a great time and will definitely return. If the service improves, it will become our favorite spot in SLC.
I visited most recently on New Year’s Eve but have been a customer on a couple other occasions.
As far as what they do right, Lake Effect has beautiful decor, a large layout with each floor presenting a distinctly appreciable ambiance (I.e. speakeasy vibes downstairs, cocktail bar main level, dance floor upstairs), well-designed and made cocktails, yummy food, good live music, and a few staff members who really knock it out of the park. I can’t remember his name, but on NYE there was one waiter with braids who worked the main level. He was ceaselessly positive and demonstrated remarkable equanimity amidst the chaotic evening. Bar staff were also very patient despite a crushing volume of patrons.
As far as what could use improvement, their prices for items vary between “pricey but industry competitive” to patently inflated. Their food is thoughtful but is limited with respect to options for vegans or those with anything other than very simple dietary restrictions.
They physically hold your card behind the counter when you start a tab instead of simply holding a digital record of it, which in 2026 is fairly ludicrous.
Service is also a mixed bag. Even on a normal night, some staff members come across like disinterested automatons who would rather be anywhere else and who take their sweet time serving you even when the house is very lean with other customers.
On NYE, the worst staff around- seemingly mostly part of the security detail, potentially some managerial staff as well- were horrendously rude and verbally aggressive. I’ve worked in customer/food service before. I know how overwhelming it can be. I also sympathize with the fact that you often have to be assertive to keep the peace with drunk and rowdy clientele. However, I also have basic common sense. So, word to the wise: shining strobing flashlights directly in people’s faces and yelling at them (as I saw security do to a countless number of distracted but otherwise reasonable and unproblematic customers) while they’re just trying to have a nice night is actually a pretty poor way of de-escalating a situation, getting them to peacefully cooperate with you, and encouraging them to stick around to spend more time & money there.
The drunker they are, the more true this becomes.
Nonsensical directions were barked at patrons, like orders to move elsewhere because of walk-route congestion, even though there were so many people in the vicinity that doing so was literally impossible in that moment without expecting the folks in question to shove other people over.
Best I can surmise and reading the situation charitably, Lake Effect’s management bit off more than they could chew and let in too many people. This left security feeling frazzled and disoriented, so they became more aggro in a misguided effort to keep the peace. Less charitably, the people in question enjoyed the power trip of being authority figures for a few hours. Either way, my party and I were very disappointed in this behavior and left promptly after midnight instead of ordering more drinks.
It’s unlikely I’ll return for NYE next year or that I’ll recommend anyone else does.
Otherwise, Lake Effect is an imperfect but decent enough spot for someone wanting a nice cocktail in an upscale setting.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
Rude and violent staff towards customers. Do not go if you are not white looking or don’t have a ‘perfect’ accent. You will be racially profiled and kicked out violently with no reason. The security guards treatment is seriously concerning.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Sleek, unique, vibey as hell. Feels like a cross between a library/study, and a club/bar. They have limited food options and an extensive liquor range. Delicious cocktails are a touch pricey but not unreasonable. Live music is often found here, with a laid back jazz vibe on the main floor. Underneath the main area is a speak easy which is sometimes open. Above the main area is a club, which is also sometimes open.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lake Effect in downtown Salt Lake City is known as a cocktail bar with a large drink selection and live music, set in a historic building with a vintage yet modern vibe. While I’m not a drinker, we went based on a friend’s recommendation for the food...and it did not disappoint.
I had the Crispy Shrimp Tacos, and the shrimp were perfectly cooked and full of flavor, the avocado sauce was amazing. My wife ordered the Chicken Chopped Salad and really enjoyed it as well. It was fresh, well-balanced, and satisfying.
Even if cocktails aren’t your thing, Lake Effect is worth visiting for the food, atmosphere and overall experience. A great spot with more to offer than just drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
We love this bar. It feels very posh. The nightly live music is always great. I recommend the Tin Can Nachos for food. Come hungry. This feeds 2-3 people. I appreciate that there is a lot of security. This is a very safe place to enjoy a drink.
Beautiful bar, great service and great food great way to spend my birthday and the holidays service was impeccable. The drinks were amazing atmosphere was very inviting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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