You'll find some of the best nightlife here of any ski town. Here's the lowdown on Utah's liquor laws, including the "private club membership" you'll need for most of these places.

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After a day of skiing at Alta or Snowbird, check out Cafe Trio (733-6600), on your left at the southeast end of the Salt Lake Valley at the bottom of the mountains, for high-end brew, contemporary Italian food and great apres-ski atmosphere.

For an unusual happy hour, stop by the Cotton Bottom Inn (2820 E. 6200 South; 273-9830) at the base of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. This is a raucous, sawdust-on-the-floor tavern with great garlic burgers and an earthy crowd. It's just off of Exit 7 on Hwy. 215.

Green Street (in Trolley Square) is apparently favored by Salt Lake City's career crowd. The Olympics brought a host of dance clubs to Salt Lake including Vortex and the W Lounge, both within a one-block radius on West Temple Street, across from the venerable Port o' Call Social Club (400 East and West Temple). The Red Door, Salt Lake's most sophisticated martini bar, is next door to Bambara and the Hotel Monaco. Check out the two-story-high, black-and-red portrait of Che Guevara when you enter the bar. If you want to visit an establishment that's surely making the local Mormon population a bit crazed, the Crazy Goat Gentlemen's Club is a euphemism for Salt Lake's newest you-know-what…wink, wink (Arrow Press Square, 119 S. West Temple, in the rear).

If you like movies and microbrews, head to Brewvies (677 South 200 West; 322-3891). This establishment combines second-run (movies that already have been shown but aren't yet in video stores), independent and classic films with a gourmet-pizza-and-beer restaurant. Many people come to eat or drink, then decide whether to hang around for the movies being shown on four screens. You must be 21 years old.

For a more complete list of nightlife, pick up a free copy of This Week Salt Lake. This excellent guide tells you what is happening within a two-week period.

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