The Hotel Utah Saloon
The Hotel Utah Saloon at 4th and Bryant in San Francisco's SoMa district is one of the city's most storied music rooms. The building dates to 1908 and predates the Bay Bridge. Paul Gaer bought the bar in 1977 renamed it The Utah and built the stage that has since hosted everyone from Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Williams to generations of independent bands and songwriters.
History
The original owners the Deininger family commissioned an ornate back bar from Belgian furniture makers and that mahogany bar still anchors the room today. The saloon survived Prohibition served longshoremen and merchants and in the 1950s became famous for a bartender who cut off patrons' neckties with scissors. Its open mic dates back to 1977 and is among the oldest in the country.
Atmosphere and Vibe
The Utah feels artsy eclectic and creative. A small stage with professional sound and lights faces the bar and a loft overlooks the room. The kitchen cooks real food onsite and the crowd mixes tech workers neighborhood regulars and musicians from all over the Bay.
Monday Open Mic
The Hotel Utah Monday Open Mic runs from 8:00 PM until last call with host Carly Beltramo. Names are drawn from a hat at 8:00 PM with sign-up opening at 7:45 PM and you can also comment your name on the Facebook event post around 7:00 PM. Each performer gets one song or up to six minutes. A featured performer plays a 30-minute set at 9:00 PM. Covers backing tracks and spoken word are welcome and performances are streamed online.
- When: Mondays from 8:00 PM until last call
- Sign Up: In person from 7:45 PM with a hat draw at 8:00 PM
- Gear: House PA house guitar piano two vocal mics one instrument mic and two instrument cables
- Ages: 21 and over
Tuesday Open Bluegrass Jam
Every Tuesday from about 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM the Utah hosts a free Open Bluegrass Jam. It is an informal circle where banjos fiddles mandolins and guitars trade tunes and newcomers are welcome to sit in or just listen.
Shows and Specials
The rest of the calendar features ticketed shows spanning punk rock folk bluegrass comedy and experimental music. Happy hour runs 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and noon to 4:00 PM on weekends and Wednesdays bring wing specials. The loft and stage can host private events for up to 200 guests.
Good to Know
The Hotel Utah Saloon is at 500 4th Street in San Francisco California 94107. Call (415) 546-6300 or email info@hotelutah.com. Visit hotelutah.com for the calendar.
