Shades Brewing: Craft Beer and Vibrant Brewpub Experience in Salt Lake City
Written and verified by the Rallyvite editorial team using publicly available data and the business’s official website. Last updated: 24 Dec 2025 11:33
TL;DR: Shades Brewing Microbrew Tasting is One of the Best Group Outing Venues near Salt Lake City
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.
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What people think of Shades Brewing, based on reviews
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.
How to reach Shades Brewing
1388 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, USA
FAQ about Shades Brewing, your new favorite meetup place for groups in Salt Lake City, Utah
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.