When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Shades Brewing
Why Shades Brewing is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Shades Brewing in Salt Lake City is a standout destination for craft beer lovers and social gatherings. Originating from humble beginnings in a small garage with passionate founders Trent Fargher and Alexandra Ortiz, it has grown into a beloved brewpub located at 1388 S 300 W. What makes Shades Brewing exceptional as a meetup spot is its dedication to crafting award-winning beers on-site with quality and creativity, including a dynamic lineup of bold brews and distinctive sours with real fruit. Beyond the beer, Shades offers scratch-made food including pizza, burgers, and a weekend brunch, creating a full dining experience that complements the drinks. The vibe is inviting and relaxed, with a dog-friendly patio right on the popular 300W bike path, perfect for sunny days or casual evenings with friends. The atmosphere fosters community, celebrating a spirit of hard work and appreciation for craft. Whether it's after a bike ride, a weekend brunch, or an evening outing, Shades Brewing offers a unique blend of craft excellence and welcoming social ambiance that is both anything but ordinary and genuinely memorable.
Here's what people think of Shades Brewing
As of recent, Shades Brewing holds a 4.7-star rating based on 550 reviews.
Customer reviews for Shades Brewing are overwhelmingly positive, reflected in its high rating of 4.7 out of 550 reviews. Users frequently praise the quality and creativity of the beers, especially highlighting their sour ales like the Plum Berliner Weisse and Passion Fruit Sour for their authentic fruit flavors and balanced tartness. Many reviewers appreciate the commitment to using real fruit rather than artificial flavors, which sets the brewery apart. The beer diversity caters well to a broad range of palates, from bold intense brews to lighter sessionable options. Positive reviews also commend the friendly atmosphere, the scratch-made food offerings, and the dog-friendly patio as perfect for social gatherings. On the downside, some reviews mention that the location can be a bit tricky to find initially, given its roots in an old industrial area and maze-like surroundings. A few note that the brewery can get busy during peak times, which might affect seating availability and service speed. Overall, the positive feedback far outweighs the negatives, painting Shades Brewing as a well-loved community hub. The consistent praise for both product and experience underscores why it continues to draw crowds willing to seek it out even off the beaten path.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Haley Takoch
Shades has been open for about 2 weeks now. This space is big with an industrial vibe. There is plenty of parking. The staff is amazing, and Aaron (our bartender) gave us so many good suggestions on beer and food to try. They are going to eventually have rooftop bar/dining. Which will be an amazing, unobstructed view of the SLC mountains. They will also have a gated patio with furniture and tables on the main floor outside of the building. This is going to be an amazing open space as they have several glass garage doors at the front and back of the building. If you haven't gone...go! You can thank me later.
Sourtrout
Was stoked to try this place- Nothing shady about the new location.(Lol). I had one of the best mules here. Amazing craft cocktails- not just beer! If you're lucky, Ignacio will be there to make your drinks. :) If you don't see something you like on their cocktail menu, the bartenders are happy to talk to you and create something you'll love.The peach ginger syrup is made in house and made for a bold but sweet take on the classic Moscow mule. The food menu is just as delicious. Their baked mac n cheese was impressive. Everyone looks genuinely happy and were easy to chat with. Emma and Z were exceptional.. Didn't get the "it's just another day in the job - zapped out of joy." Vibes you take a chance with anywhere you go. The cozy couches and pool table makes for a place to hangout and not just another place to just sip on beer and cider.
Ashley Briggs
A great local hangout! Their new location is super vibey and spacious! This local brewery has it all—craft brews, tasty food, a full cocktail bar, and a beautiful, welcoming vibe. The outdoor seating is perfect, and there’s no shortage of fun with games like pool, shuffleboard, and cornhole. A perfect spot to relax, hang out, and enjoy the good times! They offer free live music every other Thursday, and hopefully will be adding weekend nights as well. I highly recommend the Pina Colada Sour - it is made with lactose, so drink with caution. Ha! You can get samples and flights of certain brews for $3 in case you want to try many brews.
Lorri Dana
We tried the new location of Shades Brewing and it was impressive! Lots of space that the old location didn’t have. Copper bar that’s beautiful and an extensive food menu from their own kitchen! We tried the pizza with meatballs and sausage and it was good! Crust is thin, but not super thin. Meatballs were tender and moist. Beer selection is great, as usual. Love their sours! Service was on point with knowledgeable guys that seemed happy to be there. We will most likely return here to hang out and have some drinks on lazy weekend afternoons.
Steven Thomas
Awesome new location right on the 300 W. Bike path. Big upgrade from the previous taproom, and a very well done layout with a long bar, indoor tables and patio seating. Great variety of beers on tap with some super tasty and unique sours. Ordered a pretzel and some flights (which were great) but the pretzel dough was.. off? Not very salty, tasted more like rye bread than a pretzel? And my two friends didn’t enjoy the cheese (beer cheese?) either. Will definitely be back to try the other menu items though! Still recommend.
How to reach Shades Brewing
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Website: None
Why Shades Brewing may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Shades Brewing with your friends?\ Gathering at Shades Brewing offers a unique blend of excellent craft beer, inviting atmosphere, and a social vibe that makes it an ideal spot for friends and family meetups. With a strong 4.7 rating from over 550 reviews, it clearly resonates with patrons who appreciate quality and community. Unlike typical bars or restaurants, Shades Brewing began humbly in a garage and grew from passion and persistence, cultivating a space where hard work and craftmanship are celebrated. The brewery focuses on brewing outstanding craft beer on-site, paired with scratch-made food like pizzas and burgers, which elevates a simple night out into a memorable experience. The location on 300 West in Salt Lake City sits along a new bike path, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, and includes a dog-friendly patio that welcomes well-behaved pets, making it even more inclusive for groups who want to bring their furry friends. Whether you want to enjoy a cold beer after a bike ride, savor a weekend brunch, or chill with cocktails that impress, Shades Brewing promises an atmosphere that feels both relaxed and vibrant, ideal for rallying your crowd for good times and great drinks.
What activities can you enjoy at Shades Brewing?\ Shades Brewing is more than just a brewery; it’s an entertainment hub tailored for socializing and enjoying good company. The first and most obvious activity is sampling their diverse lineup of craft beers brewed right on-site. Their beer selection includes award-winning ales and sours that appeal to both the seasoned craft beer drinker and newcomers alike. Beyond just beer tasting, the pub offers fantastic scratch-made pizzas, juicy burgers, and weekend brunch selections that provide ample options for food lovers in a group. Sports fans will appreciate the multiple TVs around the lounge area, allowing everyone to catch a game while they hang out. The layout of Shades is designed for comfort and sociability, offering both comfy couches and tables that facilitate conversation, making it perfect for group gatherings. Plus, the dog-friendly patio adds an outdoor option where everyone, including pets, can relax on sunny days. The combination of craft beer, good food, sports entertainment, and welcoming spaces makes Shades Brewing a lively and interactive spot to enjoy various activities together.
Why is Shades Brewing the perfect place for a group meetup?\ Shades Brewing’s atmosphere and facilities are perfectly suited to hosting groups, whether it’s a casual friends’ night out or a family-friendly brunch gathering. The venue’s size and layout feature multiple seating arrangements, including lounge areas with soft couches and traditional tables, so groups of different sizes can find comfortable spots to fit their dynamic. The location’s dog-friendly policy on the patio means pet owners don’t have to leave their furry companions at home, broadening the appeal for diverse social groups. Importantly, the new Salt Lake City location has been praised for its modern, inviting ambiance, ensuring that gatherings feel special and memorable. The brewery’s focus on quality—from its craft beer to house-made food—means everyone in your group will find something delicious to enjoy, which helps keep the mood upbeat. Furthermore, with amenities that include multiple TVs for watching sports, Shades Brewing caters especially well to groups looking to combine social time with entertainment, enhancing the overall experience and making it a perfect venue for building community through enjoyable shared moments.
What makes the food and drink experience unique at Shades Brewing?\ Shades Brewing prides itself not only on its high-quality craft beer but also on its carefully crafted food menu that complements the drinks beautifully. Brewed onsite, their beer features a range of styles including award-winning sours and ales that have been recognized by international beer competitions. This dedication to brewing excellence assures patrons that every pint served is a testament to craft beer artistry. The food menu focuses on scratch-made items like artisan pizzas and gourmet burgers, offering fresh, flavorful options that avoid the generic pub fare commonly found elsewhere. Weekend brunch is a popular feature, served with the same attention to quality, making it a delightful daytime option for groups wanting to enjoy a leisurely meal alongside specialty cocktails and freshly brewed beers. This combination of craft beer mastery with thoughtful, handcrafted food creates a dining and drinking experience that stands out from conventional breweries or taverns, turning every visit into a sensory and social celebration.
How does Shades Brewing support a welcoming and vibrant community atmosphere?\ Since its inception, Shades Brewing has cultivated a reputation for community, hard work, and authenticity. Started in a small garage and expanded through grit and passion, they embrace a philosophy that good things take time—whether brewing a fine beer or building a loyal customer base. Their move to the new Salt Lake City location was designed to amplify this ethos by creating a space that welcomes people who care about what they drink and who they share it with. The scanning of IDs at the door ensures a safe and 21+ environment, while the friendly, casual staff enhances a feeling of belonging. The brewery often receives praise for fostering social connections, whether it’s through weekend brunches, lively nights with sports on the big screens, or relaxed afternoons on the dog-friendly patio. This sense of community, paired with excellent products and a comfortable setting, makes Shades Brewing a reliable spot where people keep coming back—not just for the beer but for the shared experiences that create lasting memories.
What practical details should you know before visiting Shades Brewing?\ If you plan to visit Shades Brewing with your group, knowing their hours and location can make your meetup seamless. The brewery is open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Monday through Thursday, extending until 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and closing slightly earlier at 9:00 PM on Sundays. Brunch is offered on weekends from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, perfect for late morning or early afternoon gatherings. The address is conveniently located at 1388 S 300 W #400 in Salt Lake City, right off the new 300 West bike path, making it accessible for those who may want to bike or take a stroll to the brewery. The venue scans IDs at entry to maintain a 21+ environment, so guests should bring valid identification. Reservations or group planning can be suggested for larger parties, especially on busy weekend evenings, to ensure your spot. With these specifics in mind, your experience at Shades Brewing can be fully optimized for fun and relaxation with your friends and family.