As the seasons turn, so do our menus. This month, we’re sharing a few favorites before they disappear, unveiling what’s next from the kitchen and the bar, and reminding you that every night at Lake Effect comes with a soundtrack. With the holidays on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to plan your private events—and yes, Wonderland has already sold out for September and October, but November holds more magic in store.
You asked—we heard. Our September & October Alice in Wonderland pop-up events sold out faster than we could say “Welcome to Wonderland.” And now you’re telling us you want more. We’re already working behind the scenes to open the Rabbit Hole again in November. Keep your eyes on our website, socials, and inbox updates—once those tickets go live, they won’t last long.
The holidays are right around the corner, and that means our private event calendar is filling fast. Whether you’re planning a corporate Christmas party in Salt Lake City, a festive holiday cocktail reception, or an extravagant Friendsgiving with your closest crew, Lake Effect is your destination for unforgettable gatherings. With three unique levels, unparalleled cocktails, a chef-driven menu, and live music vendors, we’re the perfect venue for private dining and events in downtown Salt Lake. Don’t wait—reserve your holiday party at Lake Effect now and give your guests a celebration they’ll be talking about well into the new year.
Change is on the horizon. Next month, we’ll debut an entirely new cocktail menu—fresh ideas, new obsessions, and a few surprises waiting to be poured. But before the shiny new drinks come in, get a taste of our Jungle themed cocktails before they’re gone for good. One of our favorites is Dance Monkey: Cutty Sark Blended Scotch and Lagavulin 16-year weave smoke and malt into a backbone that’s rich but not heavy. Tempus Fugit Banane and toasted coconut bring a sly sweetness, kept in check by honey’s depth and a touch of Angostura’s bite. It’s playful and layered, a drink that swings between indulgence and restraint—exactly the kind of balance you’ll want to sip long after the first taste.
Our Shrimp & Lobster Grits has been a brunch staple—rich, comforting, and indulgent in all the right ways. Plump shrimp and tender lobster meet a bed of creamy grits, laced with a saffron lobster reduction that’s equal parts decadent and delicate. Red bell peppers and onions cut through with a whisper of sweetness and smoke, giving the dish balance and depth. As we prepare to reimagine our food menu, this may be your last chance to savor it in its current form. Join us for brunch and send this classic off properly, before it transforms into its next chapter.
At Lake Effect, the soundtrack never stops. Every night, our main floor fills with the energy of live musicians, setting the tone for dinner, drinks, and conversation. Wednesdays in the Rabbit Hole belong to Flamingo Jazz—a weekly ritual of rhythm, improvisation, and intimacy in Salt Lake’s favorite basement bar. And when the weekend hits, Church upstairs turns into the city’s pulsing heart with live DJs Thursday through Saturday nights. From jazz to singer-songwriters to late-night sets,
there’s no shortage of entertainment here. If you’re looking for Salt Lake’s home for live music, you’ve found it.
Thanks for reading and for being part of the Lake Effect community. September has been a month of great drinks & food, unforgettable events, and the live music you know and love. Whether it’s brunch on the patio, cocktails after work, or a late night dancing upstairs in Church, we’d love to spend it with you. Come raise a glass with us—Salt Lake’s favorite nights start here.
