Fun. The quest for what to do during your leisure time and entertainment choices just got one bigger in SLC. West of downtown SLC at The Gateway is the new home of a growing national trend in social venue spaces, Punch Bowl Social Salt Lake City. And for us and the revitalization efforts of Gateway, we want nothing short of a knockout.
Maybe you’re familiar with Punch Bowl Social, chances are you’ve visited one of their other 18 national locations? SLC takes that number to 19, and the location is at the far north end of the Gateway, above the former Barnes & Noble and overlooks the Olympic Plaza and fountain with an epic 15,000 sq. ft outdoor “partio” (party meets patio) space.
With other places to play in SLC, the question one could ask is, “Why Punch Bowl?” So Salt Lake Magazine’s executive editor, Mary Malouf and I, took an evening to go find out.
The biggest appeal for many is that Punch Bowl Social is a 21+ space, which means alcoholic drinks can travel with you, and there is a lot to explore. A craft cocktail or micro-brew can be carried to the mini bowling lanes, or to the dart throwing station, or while building a stack of Jenga blocks. Oh yeah, did I mention they have rent by the hour private karaoke booths?
Fork Yeah!!
The food is also a highlight at Punch Bowl Social, with better than your average chain venue fare, you’ve got some comfort-food classics. Fried chicken and waffles, sliders and cream cheese wontons—they’ve got something for everyone—even vegans.
Another cool bit about Punch Bowl is not only how the large space is divided up, but it’s also how they section and uniquely play up each space. Whatever social setting you are craving, chances are you’ll be able to find just that. In the front, is open and spacious, gameboard tables at the ready. The back is a more traditional bar space, or you can opt to meet up in a side room—with comfortable seating and a cozy fireplace.
So, with social holidays forthcoming and decisions of where to go for this year’s big shindig, we’d fully support your decision to convene at the Punch Bowl Social and think most of your colleagues and friends will too.
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