Hotel Utah Saloon

500 Fourth Street (at Bryant)

Tel: 415-421-8308

The Hotel Utah Saloon is a great little venue for hanging out and listening to live music. On one side, there's a long bar at which to soak up a few pints. The other side features a two-tiered viewing area, constructed to look like the back half of a boat. Both the upper and lower "decks" have somewhat limited views, but people usually mill around, so it's not too hard to find a sight line. Upstairs, "abeam to port," you can get so close to the band, you'll almost feel like you're invading their privacy. Downstairs, "starboard" side, a door opens to the street where it's possible to see the stage, and have a smoke at the same time.

"The Utah" has evidently been around for a while. Its timeworn appearance provides a homey atmosphere, making it a regular hangout for some. The crowd is easy going and there's usually a good turn out for each band, such as for Naked Barbies who performed one Friday in October, and were induced to play two encores after an already extended and electrified set. Original live music is offered up nightly on Tuesday through Sunday by primarily local musicians, with styles ranging from folk to rock to alternative. There's about a half dozen food items on the menu, and maybe twice as many carbonated beverages. Head on over and stop in for a drink and some good tunes, but don't fall overboard!

On Wednesday, December 9, 1998, the world's favorite Latin disco punk band, Baby Snufkin, turns five years old to the day and the band members are having a giant fantasmo blowout birthday party/show at the Hotel Utah. Frontman Scote says, "Mark your calendar, book your flight, bust out those birthday cards 'cause I'm NOT doing this for another five fuckin' years!!"

Steve Cefaratti

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