This article is excerpted from the Utah Eats newsletter, written by Kolbie Peterson, The Salt Lake Tribune’s food and drink reporter. To get the full newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday, become a subscriber by going to sltrib.com/newsletters.

Hello, Eaters!

Winter began officially on Dec. 21, but it doesn’t feel like winter has really hit yet. Where’s the snow? That being said, it’s still cold and dark outside, and I think we could all use a little more coziness in our lives. So, here is a list of five cozy bars in Salt Lake City where you can hole up with a drink and take in the vibes.

Bar X

Bar X at 155 E. 200 South, is the kind of cave this introvert can really cozy up in. The lightbulbs overhead and the votive holders on the tables are all red glass, so the entire bar glows with a reddish light that’s warm and inviting. Get here before it gets too crowded and you’ll be able to snag one of the cushioned seats along the wall. Enjoy this vibe with a hot toddy.

Copper Common

Copper Common at 111 E. 300 South can take on a bustling feel as the evening goes on, but all the gently illuminated Edison bulbs keep this bar feeling cozy and warm. Come in early to beat the crowd and grab a table so you can lean back while you enjoy a craft cocktail. Experience this vibe with a CC Burger and hot mulled cider.

Casot

Casot at 1508 S. 1500 East, takes its name from a Piedmontese word that refers to the little stone building at the center of some vineyards, where workers can gather for meals or get out of the weather. With its cozy size and exposed brickwork, Casot has some of that same feel, with the addition of an imported bar from Milan and warm lighting. Enjoy this vibe with a glass of orange wine and some tapas from Finca across the street.

Melancholy

Melancholy at 556 Gale St. in the Post District (pictured above) is an intimate space that’s all about ambiance and atmosphere, the perfect place to cozy up with a craft cocktail or glass of wine. The decor and furnishings consist of upcycled and recycled finds, antique gems and found treasures, and the result feels homey and familiar. Experience this vibe with a creamy and warmly spiced Coyote cocktail.

Notes

Located in the bungalow in front of Nona Bistro at 346 E. 900 South, Notes opened in September as a cozy wine room that also serves Nona’s full food menu. Inside, you can’t help but feel like you’re attending a dinner party at a friend’s home, especially with the presence of a long communal table on one side of the space. The candlelight, music and gentle rise and fall of conversations all contribute to the welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy this vibe with the lasagna and a glass of red wine.

Live deliciously,

Kolbie

Food News

• If you’re in the Park City area or greater Summit County and wish there was a more convenient way to order food from Deer Valley Resort, you’re in luck. Three Deer Valley restaurants — The Brass Tag, Deer Valley Pizza Company and Deer Valley Soups & Chilis — are now offering delivery through DoorDash, a news release said. Order in the app, and you can get dishes like hearty elk chili, wood-fired pizza, butter-poached New York strip steak and cheesecake brought straight to your door.

• Several food businesses based in Heber Valley were recently featured on the OutsideTV show “The Road Less Eaten.” In season 2, episode 4 of the food/adventure travel series, host Biju Thomas visited the following businesses and attractions: Midway Mercantile, Lola’s Street Kitchen, Ritual Chocolate, Hawk & Sparrow, Heber Valley Artisan Cheese, the Heber Valley Railroad and Midway Farmer’s Market.

Openings

• Weller’s Bistro — which has been serving from-scratch German food in Layton since 2019 — is going to open a new location in Ogden in 2025, according to a newsletter. The restaurant will be opening in The Monarch hub, in the space previously occupied by WB’s Eatery. According to Weller’s Bistro owner Jan Weller, their Layton location will remain in business, and they’re thinking late February or March for the opening of the new restaurant.

• A new Wendy’s restaurant opened in December in Vineyard at 145 N. Geneva Road, according to a news release. The new location features Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage dispensers, which let customers customize their drinks.

Booze (and Drink!) News

• At its monthly meeting in December, Utah’s liquor commission approved licenses for three bars and seven restaurants, including the long-awaited second location of Kiitos Brewing. The next meeting will be Jan. 30.