Quite a few people complaining about the only cash cover when that is a perfectly normal thing. Most clubs I have been to all over the country only have cash covers. It is slower than a lot of clubs but if you embrace it, it is no problem. Definitely not the place to go alone but if u have 3+ people with you, you will have a blast. The music downstairs is meh to me but they also have an upstairs dance floor that plays bangerz a lot. People complaining about the music are dumb because the top floor takes song requests and it is slow enough 90% of the time that your music WILL be played. Me and my friends had an absolute blast. Being able to dance around the dance floor freely without being crushed by other people. A stage where you can cheer your friends on and cages where you can dance if you are feeling frisky. The drink prices are the cheapest in the area and the bartenders and security are the nicest I have experienced at any club in Utah. Made some great recommendations. As for the people complaining about the bathrooms and chairs- yes some are a little worn and torn but it isn't like they are completely destroyed. They are good enough to do their job and that is that. Nothing there is grossly dirty about any of it. Just because it is a little run down compared to some of the other clubs around doesn't mean it is gross or dirty. It was made 25+ years ago which in Utah is wild. Best time going out I have had in a while and will definitely be returning. Sorry to this place for all the 1 star reviews very few of them are based or deserved.
Price per person
$20–30
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This is the worst club I have ever been to. When you go in, they take your phone number, and they have condoms available at the door. Probably just in case you decide you want to have sex in their club. So many girls are wearing nothing but their underwear and for those wearing clothes, it was all black. In addition girls were wearing pasties and underwear. Also people had whips and were whipping each other. Naked mannequins hanging from their ceilings. In the downstairs area, I felt like I was in low rated porno. People in creepy masks and someone laying on a table with no bra on any laying in her underwear and someone scraping wax off of her. Another person laying on a table being sucked into some sort of contraption and another table where someone looked like they were performing surgery on someone else. Now I understand why they make condoms available when you enter their club. The parking is horrible since their parking lot is so small. The only good thing about this club were the bartenders. They were very friendly but it wasn't enough to make me want to return. I would suggest avoiding this club at all cost. Totally not worth it!

Only club in Utah that has out lasted all other clubs, is goth based (but still plenty of non-goth people), is 18 & up, and has some awesome fetish nights. The owner is very nice, and the staff are friendly and amazing! I love that the bartenders know so many different drinks I've never heard of, kinda fun to try new concoctions. They will also make whatever concoction you know of so long as it follows liquor laws for utah. Overall this place is very laid back and fun only complaint I have is with the main DJ Jeremiah. He's rude, stuck up, and will pick and choose on the requested list what HE'S in the mood for hearing (not giving a crap about the very people who give him a reason to have his job). Been coming here for years, and every time I request my song he NEVER plays it (been over 7 years or more since I heard him play it). Also other regulars and friends have complained about his attitude, and him not playing requested songs. Wish they could find a real DJ that actually cares about the people instead of himself. Other than that, this club is a great place!

I used to be a regular back in the day when Area was one of the best night life experiences around from 2005- 2010! It was always a home away from home for me and my friends. Obviously times change.... I recently went and was so excited for the nostalgia and a fun night out. It unfortunately was a huge let down and an absolute ghost town. Cash only cover which is outdated and makes no sense when the whole bar can take cards. Everything is broken from bathroom stalls to every single stool and chair. Every table is wobbly and breaking down, we could barely put our drinks down. The place is just so broken down and falling apart. The club scene is not what it used to be so I get that trend kind of dying with the small amount of people there but my heart was a little broken seeing it in that state. If they updated everything and embraced some change, Area could be a hot spot again. The environment really affects weather people want to come or not and it was down right uncomfortable. I sadly don't want to return :(
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 2

So first off, this is the only 18+ club that I know of and the DJ is not good. I've gone 3 times so far and the DJ repeats the same songs Friday and Saturday and throughout the night. The only reason why I will continue to go here is because I love to dance and this is the only 18+ club that I know most about. Someone needs to have a chat with the DJ about REQUESTING SONGS because I've been there for 3-4 hours at a time and looking at the list he hasn't played any of it, he continues to play elementary school and middle school music that reminds me of dumb high school dances. If there were DJs that played different nights then there would be more business and more money :) just think about it. I've read a lot of the reviews on here and apparently the owner doesn't care about them because they have said the same thing as me and I've experienced it now. When I ask people about Area 51 they tell me not to go because the DJ isn't good. Please change something, Sincerely, ALL 18 year olds trying to have a good time �

I love Areaoke Night!!! It's kinda become my new Wednesday night religion. Monki and Shaggy are top notch Mad Scientist Bartenders, that can rock a Lincoln Park song WHILE inventing me some amazing new beverage creation. Heather Casper the Beautiful Areaoke DJ, confesses her undying love to me nightly and let's me sing whatever song I want, harmonizes like a Boss, and only drags me off the extra microphones when apparently the Singer did not want my amazing back up vocals. (I made you sound better dude, you are welcome.) At least the lyrics are on the big screen and I can sing louder than that person. Much love to my Tenacious D Tribute band. We shall ride again! And thank you to all the amazing new people that have made me and my lil Sister feel welcome and Loved. I'll see you Wednesday.

I go when I can, it's an absolute delight. It's certainly not what people would consider a normal club, but I wouldn't trust the naive mindsets of the insular residents of Utah to know any better. This bar is different because it's what a traveler like myself considers "normal". The music venue is a delight reminding us of the dark past in underground clubs. The people are beyond wonderful, laid back and easy to hang out with. This is the place to go and dance without inhibition or judgement, a place to be true to yourself and escape to a small period of the past life.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

Walked in to find a line to each and every bar. There are no cocktail servers at all. We waited 20 minutes only to be punked in line by an "employee". The bartender did NOTHING, even when it was brought to his attention...so no tip for bartender! And I ALWAYS tip at least 20%! We bought our drinks only to be trapped in a small room and not allowed to leave, even with our BOTTLE OF WATER!! Not to mention the stifling heat as there is no A/C above the first floor. As we made our way downstairs, something really nasty dripped from the ceiling onto my top. That was it!! NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER going back!! And I would not waste the make up on this club if I were you!!

i never post reviews about anything but if i could give this place a zero i would, so sketchy, i got the worst vibes from this place, you wanna know what it felt like? like a human trafficking ring. it was basically EMPTY and then there was a small group of kids dancing on the dance floor that must have been around 18 at the MOST, and a bunch of grown up, old af men just sitting and watching them. they didn’t even check our bags so WHO EVEN KNOWS WHO GETS INSIDE and what they have ! this seems like the most unsafe place for 18 year olds — i would never waste money here again.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Had a fun night once I got in, bartender (Loki I think his name is was amazing, one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.) My only complaint is the super long wait to get in, and then come to find out it's because it's cash only to get in? And all of the people who obviously don't have cash because who does that anymore, have to use an atm? But for some reason all the card readers in the rest of the building work fine. Riiight. Who's taking bribes from the atm service is my question? Freaking silly. Next time maybe I'll bring a goat or some wheat to trade, cause apparently we gotta go back in time to enter this club.

I'm a regular at this bar and I frequent there with my partner and friends. I was wrongly accused of stealing. The security guard told me that "he saw me steal from the register." After pulling me outside of the bar. After I emptied all my pockets. Another person came out and said "spidey just dropped something nothing is missing". However because I was upset for being accused of a crime I didn't commit. I am now permanently banned. I'd be very careful about coming to this club. Or you might be singled out an embarrassed. Club echo doesn't have that issue.

First time here from California and the music was ok on the diversity.I wish they could of played more industrial music they kinda just played more 80s music.The dance floor is small and they had a sheet to request music.I requested some songs but DJ never played them.the club was not as packed with people.there’s space but the dance floor should be made bigger.The drinks were pretty good.The bartender was super nice Loki.Definitely not as good as the goth clubs here in California but I had fun after some drinks
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

Good atmosphere and love the different rooms for different music and karaoke was super fun! I did 4 stars because the floors are super unstable, as I was walking from karaoke to the bar, the floor was not even abs I twisted my ankle and fell to the ground and busted my knee along with my ankle. However, Loki the bar tender not only made the best drinks there, Loki also helped clean me up! He's the best one there! I'll definitely be returning but the owners need to fix their flooring.

Honestly I've gone here quite a few times and we always have a blast however it depends on what DJ you get because the one that has 20+ years DJing experience sucks ass. I literally go there and ask who is DJing on what floor and that determines whether I stay or go home. The staff is absolutely great and the people that come are so much fun. As the other 500 reviews say.. get a better DJ and I'll give it 5 stars

Shady. Only takes cash for cover. Convenient ATM with $4 fee. 40% increase from started cover. It's the 21st century. Nobody carries cash all the time. I won't be back. Shady AF. I guess their business model doesn't support integrity. The bar isn't cash only. They have credit card capability. I guess they need the extra $4 that bad. Wow! Shady. Don't host fetish parties if you don't have basic integrity

I've been coming here for about 5 years, I love this place, I've lost my phone twice there and I've always gotten it back, I was lucky whoever found it turned it it because the club held onto it until i asked if they'd seen it, two times... I love going on fetish night (last saturday of every month) its their busiest night of he month... Dress however you want there is literally no judgment here.

I've been coming to area for a while now, and never had a bad experience. All the negative comments don't really reflect how hard it is for the staff to run the club on a busy night. As for people slipping things into drinks, if you suspect something isn't right, get a member of their security team's attention and let them know, they do strive to make the experience fun.

Went here once a few years ago for Hallooween with some friends. The club was decorated really cool. However, it took almost an hour to get drinks at the bar. The bartender was rude. I started dancing and was surrounded by many men/young boy adults, and eventually was harassed. They slipped something into my drink. I will never go back. Very creepy, scary place to party.

To Prospective Extraterrestrial Hunters: not much in terms of alien life, I'd recommend Europa or maybe research in a nearby galaxy like Proxima Centauri. I thought the prospect of finding alien life so close to home was too good to be true and it was. On the plus side, with all the lights I felt like I was part of some sort of interstellar disco so still worth a visit.

I came here for my 21st birthday last night. Vixyn and Munki (sorry if those aren’t spelled right), were so fun. Vixyn seriously made the best drinks for me, and Munki made some killer shots. Not only did these 2 tolerate me not having any idea what I was ordering and taking a million years to take my shots, but they made my birthday one to remember. Thank you! :)

bogos binted?
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Vegetarian options
Uranium-235 Enrichment
Dietary restrictions
bleep blorp
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
empty
Kid-friendliness
kid dead
Wheelchair accessibility
easy ufo place

My issue with this place was the music and the bartenders. I go downstairs and my drink cost $12, I go back upstairs and my drink cost $10...it was the same drink with the same alcohol. The music was not for a club. The downstairs area had music that area 51 typically plays, upstairs they were playing high school large group music. Electric slide kind of stuff.

I am told by the people at the university all the furry in utah go here after class and it looks like your typical run down hole in the wall club from the outside and I have never been in it. The dude that was talking about it wears a tail around the campus. Next time I go to utah I might be less freaked out to go in. until then 5 stars....

I asked the manager where the aliens were, and he said to me there is no such thing as aliens, I then asked where will smith was and he said again there was no such thing. so I walked back to my car and drov away, later I was sucked up into an alien spaceship, and was told to always believe in wil smith. " I do believe in will, I do, I do"

The bar has a hole in the wall dive feel to it that I love. Sometimes they play some pop nonesense upstairs like Madonna, but you can usually hear some good electronic you won't find other DJs playing on all three floors. Hear E Nomine, Covenant, Depeche Mode. Things of that nature. A typically no judgement, laid back atmosphere.

This place is an absolute disgrace to SLC night life. It’s dirty, the staff is horrible, the music is awful, the crowd isn’t the best either. It’s falling apart. They say they “stick to Utah laws” but this club was the only one that never did since I was 18. Now 25, I will never return, it was a waste of money and time.

I've always had an awesome experience at Area. The music, atmosphere and people are the best. No matter what my mood is I can count on the bar staff to make me something perfect. I feel safe and welcome there thanks to their security, especially MrJ. He's my favorite. I'll keep going to Area, it's my happy place. …

Even many of the bars and clubs in this area still feel weirdly repressed for some totally inexplicable and mysterious reason. Nonetheless, this has been one of the few consistently vibrant and lively atmospheres I've found in the area. A cool, diverse mix of people, several areas/floors to mix things up. Check it out!

Area 51 is consistently a good time, 100% reccomend. But Alan and Area 51 staff need to update the club's Google page and website to make it clear the club is now 21 and older. Numerous college-age guests are bringing friends who used to be able to get in and are getting turned away, that not good for word of mouth.

Very fun place to go! Goth night and 80's night are my favorites. The bar is well stocked and reasonably priced. Average weekend nights aren't too busy, but there are frequent events posted on Facebook that amass some wonderful crowds. If you enjoy watching goths dancing to Siouxsie, this is the place to be!

False advertising guy checking id's said is not a 18 and over club me and my friends are 19 and was hoping to have a good time when we're shut down cause we weren't old enough. If the club isn't 18 and older they should take that off the site cause I'm never taking my friends he's again....

Went on a Friday and it was $5 cover. The upstairs dance floor was great -- good music (techno, electro pop, 90's pop, dubstep) and everyone was dancing. Also, really awesome decor. There is a lower dance floor which is limited to 21+ but that was much emptier and played darker music.

Area has been my home away from home for 8 years now. The staff is incredible, always very nice and welcoming. The bar staff is amazing and always serve fantastic drinks. Super fun karaoke and great music playing on both dance floors! Highly recommend over any other bar in Slc

Gr8 place, outdoor area is extensive and exciting, karaoke room is awesome, lower level dance floor is a decent size for the complex, music selection is awesome, upper level dance floor is large, exciting, and has a bar. They host exciting events..... If time is has, go here

I remember Area 51 the first day opening . That's so many years ago. I have some great memories and some hard knocks too but enjoy every minute of it
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking

don't waste your money or time here. place is dead and the setup is poorly done. nearly charge $50 for two persons just to be the only ones there. first and last time I'll ever be going.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

The guy who was checking ID’s tonight looked at our friend and told him he was not welcome. As simple as that. (MY FRIEND HAS NEVER BEEN BANNED FROM THE CLUB BEFORE) Don’t know what the pre-recs are to get in. Just hope they get their stuff together. NVER coming back.

If Area51 did not exist I would not have seen so many bands who wouldn't have traveled here otherwise. I've always had a good time here. I'd never have thought I'd get to talk to Eskil Simonsson of Covenant at any time in my life. Area51 made that possible!

A great selections of EDM bands come through here. The sound system is great, but the layout isn't my favorite. At a concert downstairs you can hear audio leaking from the club upstairs and the bar next door. Also you can't have drinks in the concert area.

Bouncers can kick people out because they disliked them 10+ years ago in high school when they did absolutely nothing wrong at the bar. It's basically jr high drama with liquor. I'd recommend only going here if you wanna hang with a bunch if children.

Always outstanding staff! This past weekend was pretty packed and Jay went above and beyond helping me and a couple friends find parking! Also ladies they’ll escort you if you ask! Definitely recommend you try it out for any of the events they have.

Like the bar, like the staff, love the selection of drinks. I could do without the excess of drama but that is not a reflection of the business, just some, very few albeit, of their clientele that can take an amazing night and turn it somewhat sour.

It is the only place that is diverse as it is, all are welcome no matter how you look, the staff and the patrons are awesome and the drink pricing is very reasonable. If your looking for a great time to hangout with friends area is the best place

Lame the “DJ” takes nothing but requests and most of the time when it’s good songs he play’s horrible troll songs between the bangers it just kills the vibe and the dance floor.
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Place sure has sold out, catering to the frats and sororities . . . Those who probably don't recognize the difference between post punk and daft punk. Used to be a cool hang for the counter culture. Look elsewhere in SLC for anything fun. More

Worst club ever! Who plays Katy Perry? There was nobody dancing and the dj did not change the music. Worst club ever! I asked for my money back nicely and the receptionist was just swearing at me telling me to leave. Ruined my Halloween.

Despite the scary location and the shady bar, it's actually a lot of fun. The cashier at the door is pretty awesome! The DJs kinda suck though and don't always play music that people actually care for. Could improve in this area.

There are aliens in this fine establishment. They are kept in the back, i almost died from one of the employees trying to KILL me for discovering their secret alien hideout. Good place but be cautious with aliens around there.

Don’t go here to have a good time you will get banned for no reason and when you try to talk to the manger you will get pushed around and not able to talk to him it honest bs that the staff can pick and choose who to kick out

Honestly it's all ways a good night there I absolutely love it the workers are nice the themes are great and they even have a free night (wensday) if this is doubled I'm sorry I thought I all ready said this a minute ago

this will possibly get me arrested but I know what they do at area51 and that's testing secret air force and also contains loads of secret documents and info on the USA so nothing to do with aliens coz they don't exist

Awesome place to meet people or to hang out and get away from the hustle and bustle. Staff are amazing, drinks are delicious and the music keep going. Every night is themed and is tons of fun. Worth the $5 at the door.

I believe in Aliens and we don't know if aliens exist because space goes on forever and never stops there could be hundreds of more planets out there but we don't know cause no one has gone that far into space.

I love Area so much! Such a great, friendly staff. Drinks, music, atmosphere and people are just perfectly splendid! Utah definitely needs more “alternative”, judgment free environments like this …

I've been coming here since 2000 off and on had the honor of working for this amazing place and one hell of an owner, the staff was amazing all the years I've know this place definitely a second home.

Great venue! Staff and security are SUPER friendly! The bartenders make great mixed drinks! Great music, typically with two to three rooms providing different kinds of music. Great place to dance!

I didn't expect there to be actual aliens, nor did i expect it to be in the middle of the desert, but the aliens turned out to be really cool, they showed us their UFO's and everything. I had fun.

4 stars if you can get a better DJ upstairs. Dancing on a Friday night, I would at least hope for semi smooth transitions and songs people know. A Spotify Playlist would of worked better tonight.

Man, after not having came to this club probably since after High school circa ‘05, this place was a GHOST TOWN. Literally like 2 people on the entire upstairs floor. What happened? Sad to see

Area 51 is a fun place to hang with friends under 21 and have a great time! Love dancing the night away here. Thank you for being 18+ so that we can all go somewhere to have memorable nights!

Area 51 is an awesome club and I love to go there! However, it does concern me that they hired an underage bartender. She got a job by using a fake I.D. under the name of Diana Graham.

Fun place if you love 80's, Goth, or industrial music! If you like crowds, check out Fetish Ball, otherwise stick to the other weekends. Friendly staff, most DJ's are open to requests

Tiny alley area rigged with a stage and lights. Crowded, dirty, and the dj seemed to not know what all the buttons and dials did xD Cockroaches every where. Pretty metal show ✌

Great place to go hang out dance and meet new people. Staff is great, drinks are good snd bouncers are on top of their game and resolve any issues in a very professional manner

Such a great atmosphere with detailed decor and enjoyable people watching! We have fun dancing, there's great staff serving affordable drinks. It was so much fun at New Years!

Entrance is cash only ! although they have an ATM don't rely it will always be working. The music is GREAT I always have fun dancing but sometimes the songs go for too long.

I love this place so much!! I’m always here for 80s night because the 80s should have never ended. Everyone at Area 51 is super nice and i’ve never had a bad time there!!

Best place for an alternative/goth gathering. I'm always having so much fun here. I wish it was open more nights. The only issue is that the dance floor is too small.

Awesome staff, very clever on the drinks (I ask for something fruity and get new surprises every time!), great atmosphere! Really happy this place is still around!!!!

First club I’ve ever been to and it was a blast, great music, friendly staff and a safe environment. I recommend it if you’re looking to go and have a great time :)

If you're looking for a darker atmosphere this is the place to go. Last Halloween I went to this place and it's now the only bar I'll go to in Salt Lake, love it.

Love this place started going back here against last week! Thanks to friendly staff that i have met, they give me an impression that i want to keep coming back!

Love attending the dances here. Awesome setup. Great drinks. Great employees. Awesome music. And fetish nights can bring quite an interesting mix of people.

Great job guys hope to see our world getting more super extreme advanced through the help of aliens if u all are working and communicating with Aliens.

Absolutely my favorite place to hang out. Every nights a different theme, the staff are amazing and go above and beyond to make your night amazing.

Went here for years. So many good times. Different music on different floors and nights to suit everyone's taste. Danced till I was ready to drop.

Came to the bar at 1:10am. Charged $5 for cover but didn't tell us (out of state) that they stop serving alcohol at 1:00am. Left immediately.

I feel so at home and not judged when im at area. Its literally my second home. Everyone is so friendly and its overall a great atmosphere

This place is amazing, if you're an open minded individual. The first bar I've been to that didn't feel like a meat market. I had a blast!

Great people that I can closely relate to, awesome dark techno and wide variety of drinks, definitely coming back for more events.

Super fun, i love that they have multiple dance floors and bars. The employees are amazing! So far it is my favorite place in SLC

Back at Area51 for the 16th year of the SLC DAC festival. Always a great time. Super friendly staff, fun place if its your scene!

I drove an hour to go there. But was unable to get in because they only accepted cash. So bring cash if you want in.

When we went their “busy” night consisted of maybe 20 people. Had a cool looking setup but no one to enjoy it with

Really great goth Vibe tonight wish there was better seating and more parking but anything else can't complain

Every single room in Area 51 is amazing. Great DJ's. Great servers. I come back every week!

Paid for a new years tickets that included a mask and champagne, but didn't get either

hello zone 51, I have a question so that the area is so much sicurized?

An absolute freak show.
Price per person
$10–20

If you not weird don't go there …