Piper Down Pub
A genuine Irish pub serving the Salt Lake community since 2003, nestled in the Ballpark neighborhood. Piper Down is an official Real Salt Lake watch party location and one of the most atmospheric places to catch a match in the city. Ice-cold Guinness on tap, a top-notch selection of whiskeys, old-style Irish dishes, and a vast vegan menu. Features a beautiful outdoor patio with fire pit and overhead heaters, pool tables, and live entertainment throughout the week. The Irish Times once featured it in their Best Irish Pub in the World competition.
About
Piper Down Public House has been serving the Salt Lake community since 2003, occupying a building at 1492 S State Street in the Ballpark neighborhood that was originally constructed in 1920 as Intermountain Art. Founders Dave and Shelli bought the building in September 2002 and won their permit to begin conversion in January 2003, transforming the former office space into the Irish pub it is today. The couple was inspired to open a pub while honeymooning in the Temple Bar district of Dublin, Ireland — and the naming tells a story uniquely tied to Utah.
A Name Born in Conflict
Dave and Shelli originally sought to name their establishment Temple Bar, honoring the famous Dublin neighborhood. But in Salt Lake City, the word "temple" carries sacred significance — it describes the exclusive houses of worship of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. State officials, many of them Mormon, fought against the name, contending it was disrespectful. The officials prevailed, and the owners pivoted to Piper Down. In a quiet act of defiance, they named an extension room inside the pub "Temple Bar" anyway. The story captures the creative tension between Utah's dominant culture and its vibrant bar scene — a tension that gives Piper Down its underdog character.
Soccer and the Irish Spirit
Piper Down is an official Real Salt Lake Pub, showing all RSL matches throughout the season. The pub opens at 10 AM on weekends, catching morning Premier League and international kickoffs. Ice-cold Guinness on tap, a top-notch whiskey selection, old-style Irish dishes, and a vast vegan menu make this a genuine Irish pub rather than a themed imitation. Outside, shamrock-shaped bike racks lead to a beautiful patio with a fire pit and overhead heaters. Live trivia, free poker, karaoke, bingo, and live music fill the weekly calendar. The Irish Times featured Piper Down in their Best Irish Pub in the World competition — a remarkable nod for a pub in land-locked Utah. For soccer fans who want their match-day experience wrapped in authentic Irish pub culture, Piper Down is the most atmospheric venue in Salt Lake City.
Sources
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Details
- Category
- Salt Lake City
- Location
- Salt Lake City , Utah
- Last Researched
- February 22, 2026
