Salt Lake's vibrant bar community has grown beyond the boundaries of downtown, with some of its most popular establishments now based in the Central 9th and Sugarhouse districts. Joining SLC's growing list of upscale cocktail lounges, Citizens Cocktails and Kitchen is breaking new ground in the Avenues District, offering residents a fresh and modern drinks experience.
Set to open in October 2023, Citizens is the brainchild of Lotus Hospitality CEO Brian Wrigley, who enlisted industry veterans Dave Morris and Jason Stucki to bring his vision to life. Their goal was to create a laid-back space where guests could strike up conversations with knowledgeable bartenders and enjoy skyline views on the patio while sipping local brews. “We want everyone to feel welcome at Citizens and to think of it as a true third place,” says general manager Casey Bright. While the space exudes a kind of neighborhood warmth, the interiors are full of thoughtful décor and luxury, as interior designer Michael Hennessy ensured. Imported Indian marble, reclaimed Burmese teak, and midcentury-inspired details give Citizens an overall trendy yet timeless feel.
Chef Manny Acero and Chef Kevin Finch to appear at Noche X Caviar Club pop-up
At Citizens earlier this year. Photo by Elizabeth Hogan.
Casey Bright, general manager of Citizens Cocktails & Kitchen, mixes a drink with a house-made syrup. Photo by Elizabeth Hogan
Citizens' arrival also marks a new era for the Capitol Hill/Avenues community, whose residents typically have to head south for a nightcap. Open for six months, the bar has already received plenty of feedback from drinkers happy to find a place in the Avenues serving quality cocktails. “We really wanted to elevate this area of Salt Lake,” says Morris, referring to the neighborhood that's home to culinary powerhouses like Ochre, Current, and Gourmandie's. Now the area is home to an approachable cocktail bar with a host of bartender-crafted concoctions and classics to pair with your booze.
Citizen's extensive cocktail menu caters to a wide range of tastes, with an emphasis on local ingredients and seasonal flavors. The popular Ponderosa is an invigorating concoction of gin, genepy, vermouth, rosemary thyme syrup and lime juice. Other favorites include the Citizen's Old Fashioned and the Lavender Espresso Martini. This summer, we expect the Kool Kids Spicy Margarita to be a hit, adding hot honey, cucumber and jalapeño to the classic margarita. Citizen's also offers shareable dishes and pinsa (Roman flatbread), such as roasted beet salad, whipped brie and a charcuterie platter. Expect the menu to change seasonally, and the restaurant also serves brunch on weekends from 11am to 3pm during the summer.
Citizens may be one of the few bars in the Avenues district, but it has worked hard to become part of the larger bar scene here in Salt Lake. In late 2023, Citizens hosted its first pop-up, a collaboration with record-listening party Caviar Club and local chef Manny L. Acero, featuring Liberations' Latin cuisine and wine pairings. More recently, it welcomed Bitter Lovers, from amaro-loving bartender Jordan Strang and culinary magician Joseph Ezra. “We love pop-ups because they bring together a diverse group,” says marketing manager Cameron Egan. “We try to do at least one a month.”
Follow Citizens on Instagram @slcitizens to keep an eye out for upcoming pop-ups and events at Citizens, and be sure to stop by to soak up the summer vibes on the patio.
If you go…
Citizens Cocktails & Kitchen
33 S. 300 East, SLC
Instagram @slcitizens
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