When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
The Depot
Why The Depot is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Depot is a popular restaurant well-known for providing a great atmosphere to meet up with friends and enjoy a relaxed dining experience. With a solid rating of 4.1 stars from over 2,100 reviews, it stands out as a favorite local destination. The Depot offers a fun, busy environment complemented by a friendly and hardworking staff that creates a welcoming vibe for guests. Highlights include quality food service and a place where customers and regulars can build relationships with the staff, turning casual visits into memorable social occasions. The establishment prides itself on having a great work culture reflected in how the team interacts and serves patrons, which translates into a positive experience for visitors. Whether for casual meals or catching up over drinks, The Depot's ambiance and attentive service make it an ideal spot to socialize and unwind with friends.
Here's what people think of The Depot
As of recent, The Depot holds a 4.1-star rating based on 2110 reviews.
User reviews of The Depot reveal a generally positive experience, with many customers appreciating the friendly staff and upbeat atmosphere. Positive comments often highlight the enjoyable workplace culture reported by employees, the supportive training environment, and the sense of community fostered by the team. Many reviewers mentioned the attentive service and the chance to build rapport with regular customers, which helps create a welcoming and familiar space for visitors. On the downside, some negative reviews point to management challenges when ownership involvement changed and occasional issues with pay rates and business operations. However, these critiques are less frequent compared to the positive remarks about the overall workplace environment and customer experience. In conclusion, reviews collectively present The Depot as a well-liked venue, praised for its social atmosphere and good service, with some opportunity for improvements behind the scenes in management and compensation.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tarai. L
Attended the bop to the top tour held in this small venue & I gotta say not bad for a small venue. The sound system was badass. I paid $30 on top of the ticket price just to have access at the top floor because I wanted to be comfortable & not mixed with the crowd. I’m glad I did because I had a great time & was also able to sit down in between some songs. There’s a bar upstairs & not only do they sell alcohol they also sell theater food & drinks. The restrooms are clean & has lots of stalls. & there’s always a cleaner in there every other minute to keep it clean which was very appreciated. The staffs were very friendly & informative. Not sure how the bottom floor was with all the crowd(not even having too much space to move around), but I can definitely tell you that paying a lil extra so you can enjoy the night comfortably & dance around freely with so much space is totally a must. Will definitely come back here for the bop to the top tour next year. The sound system is still a shock to me especially for a small venue. 10/10 recommend going if any of y’all favorite artists plays here.
Christina Beebe
Love the depot! Such a great time whenever we go. The staff is great and the sound is great, too. Bring earplugs 👍 it's a smaller venue so come early if you want a good space. They have a seated area but it costs extra. The balcony, I believe, also costs extra. We saw The Plot In You tonight and it was incredible! They were amazing!
Jesse Drake
I went to see Saint Motel at the Depot. It had been a few years since my last visit and I wasn’t sure what to expect .I have a special needs son, and my partner and I wanted it to be a good experience for him. We called, hoping they might, at most, set aside a chair for him. Eric at the Depot was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. We’ve never been treated so well. He let us have four of the best seats in the house in front of the suite section — VIP treatment from beginning to end. The entire Depot staff was so kind and helpful, but Eric went above and beyond. We’re so deeply grateful and this is now our #1 place to see a concert in SLC. Don’t listen to the haters. I’ve never had a bad experience here and it keeps getting better. They even brought out water for people standing in general admission between acts. Love you guys!
Camille Jackson
BY FAR one of the best experiences ever! I went to Restless Road with some friends, with just general admission tickets that were only $11!! STEALER DEAL! We got there about an hour and a half early, parked in the gateway parking, advertised for $20 but it ended up being free! and were the 2nd people in line! Everyone in the VIP line got in before us and we still got the second row! It wasn't too crowded, we had enough move to move around, switch places, and dance! Our view was absolutely amazing! We even got a signed guitar pick! It was an ABSOLUTELY perfect night!
NRV .Media
Great music venue. It's 95 percent standing room only. A seat at a table will set you back at least $100 per seat. I'm not a fan of standing on concrete for extended periods of time. Capacity is 1200.
How to reach The Depot
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Why The Depot may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Depot with your friends?
Gathering with friends and family requires a venue that fosters connection, offers great ambiance, and satisfies diverse tastes, and The Depot in Torrance perfectly fits this bill. With a solid rating of 4.1 from over 2,100 reviews, it’s clear that many patrons find it a welcoming and enjoyable place to meet up. The Depot boasts comfortable seating, including cozy booths that encourage relaxed conversation, making it an ideal spot to catch up and share quality time together. The food options range widely—from hearty sandwiches and flavorful soups to delicious specialty dishes created by their talented chef—ensuring there is something for everyone’s palate. Moreover, The Depot balances a casual yet inviting atmosphere that feels more like a neighborhood favorite than a formal dining experience, allowing groups to unwind easily. Friendly, attentive staff enhance the experience, providing efficient service that helps keep the focus on the company you’re with. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a low-key spot to rally your friends, The Depot offers a setting that is comfortable, satisfying, and conducive to quality social interactions.
What activities and experiences make The Depot perfect for a group meetup?
The Depot offers an array of activities and experiences that cater specifically to groups looking to spend enjoyable time together. First and foremost, its menu is diverse and thoughtfully curated with group dining in mind. From savory sandwiches like turkey and flavorful soups to specialty dishes such as Soya Roasted Basa with Cashew Vegetables or Curried Seafood Bowls, there is a wide selection that accommodates different dietary preferences and cravings. The restaurant’s schedule of themed brunch and dinner classes, ranging from Pasta & Noodles to BBQ night, adds a unique interactive touch, giving groups chances to engage with food in a fun and communal way. These events are excellent for creating memorable shared experiences beyond just sitting down to eat.
Furthermore, Happy Hour at The Depot from Tuesday to Friday between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm is a perfect opportunity for friends to gather after work to enjoy specialty drinks from the bar, relax, and socialize. The cozy ambiance combined with quality cocktails helps foster a lively yet intimate environment. The comfortable booths and spacious table arrangements can accommodate groups of various sizes, making it easy to host anything from small gatherings to larger celebrations. The attentive and accommodating staff also ensures that group needs are met efficiently and with a personal touch, which enhances the overall enjoyment and convenience.
How does The Depot’s ambiance contribute to quality social gatherings?
The Depot’s ambiance strikes an exceptional balance between casual comfort and refined dining, creating a welcoming environment that encourages guests to linger and enjoy each other's company. Customers regularly mention the comfortable booths that allow for relaxed conversations without feeling cramped or rushed. The lighting and layout appear conducive to both day and evening meetups, providing a warm, inviting atmosphere whether you drop by for lunch, dinner, or happy hour. This kind of ambiance is invaluable for social gatherings where the goal is to connect and enjoy time together without distractions or discomfort.
The décor combines classic charm with a modern touch, creating a setting that feels special without being intimidating. This is important because it removes barriers to accessibility for all group members while still giving the impression that the event is an occasion worth enjoying. Additionally, with a capable bar managed by a knowledgeable bar manager, the venue offers the ambiance of a sophisticated yet friendly dining spot that can satisfy both food lovers and cocktail enthusiasts. Together, these factors make The Depot an ideal place for friends or families to meet, laugh, and create lasting memories in a cozy and polished setting.
What food and drink options does The Depot offer to satisfy a group’s diverse tastes?
The Depot places strong emphasis on its culinary offerings, which are crafted to please diverse tastes and dietary needs. Their menu highlights a variety of dishes, including classic comfort foods and innovative specialties, ensuring that everyone can find something delightful. For instance, the lunch menu features approachable but high-quality options such as turkey sandwiches and soups that provide light but satisfying fare. On the other hand, their signature dishes like the Soya Roasted Basa with Cashew Vegetables and Curried Seafood Bowl highlight the chef’s creativity and commitment to flavor, offering guests a chance to indulge in unique culinary experiences.
Desserts like the decadent Chocolate Bento Box and Banana Cream Pie are frequently praised and offer a perfect sweet finish to group meals. Moreover, the restaurant’s monthly brunch classes and themed dinner events enhance the dining experience by inviting groups to learn and taste new flavors together, turning a meal into a shared activity. The bar service complements the food with a variety of drinks, from classic cocktails to innovative creations, perfect for groups looking to toast and celebrate. This variety in food and drink makes The Depot a highly flexible and satisfying choice for groups with varied preferences, guaranteeing that no one leaves disappointed.
How does The Depot’s service and staff make group meetups more enjoyable?
Service plays a crucial role in the success of any group gathering, and The Depot’s staff consistently receive positive remarks for their friendliness and attentiveness. Friendly servers ensure that orders are taken promptly and that any special requests are accommodated with care, which reduces stress when managing a group. The presence of knowledgeable staff, including the general manager and bar manager, indicates strong leadership and service standards that contribute to smooth operations during busy periods, important for group events.
Customers appreciate how the staff create a welcoming atmosphere with personal touches — whether through engaging conversation or thoughtful meal recommendations — that enhances the communal dining experience. This professional yet warm service style helps groups feel valued and allows guests to focus on enjoying their time together without worrying about the logistics of food and beverage service. The Depot’s reputation for attentive service also means fewer delays and better coordination, which is critical for keeping group meetups fun and uninterrupted.
What practical considerations make The Depot convenient for hosting friends and families?
The Depot’s location in Torrance is accessible, making it easy for groups coming from different parts of the city or neighboring areas. Their hours of operation accommodate various meetup times, with lunch service Tuesday through Friday, dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and a consistent weekday happy hour. This flexibility allows groups to choose the optimal time based on their schedules, whether they prefer a relaxing midday gathering or an evening out. The restaurant’s layout, featuring booths and tables able to accommodate different group sizes, means that organizers have options depending on the number of attendees.
Additionally, The Depot’s phone contact and active management show their readiness to assist with reservations or special inquiries, which is essential when planning gatherings. With the establishment closed only on Sundays and Mondays, there are plenty of days to choose from to fit various social calendars. These practical aspects—location, hours, seating arrangements, and friendly reservation support—make The Depot a hassle-free choice for hosting group events, reducing the typical stresses associated with organizing social meetups.
Why do reviewers recommend The Depot for casual and special occasions alike?
Customer reviews reveal that The Depot’s blend of quality food, comfortable ambiance, and welcoming service makes it equally suitable for both casual meetups and special occasions. Many patrons come back repeatedly for lunch or dinner, noting the consistency in food and friendliness in service. The themed brunch and dinner events provide opportunities to mark occasions with an extra layer of fun and engagement. Friendly chatter with the staff and a lively but relaxed environment make it perfect for informal gatherings among friends, yet the quality of dishes and drinks also allow for celebrating milestones in style.
Critically, positive aspects such as cozy booths and standout desserts contribute to an experience that feels indulgent without being pretentious. While some reviews mention occasional imperfections, the overall consensus leans heavily toward The Depot being a reliable, enjoyable venue to rally around, making it a favorite local spot for regrouping with family or friends. This balance between everyday comfort and special-event potential is a major reason why The Depot remains a popular recommendation.