Downtown Salt Lake Jazz Bar: Where Kelly & Camille Howard Created Utah's Most Sophisticated Speakeasy at Repeal

When you descend into the Walker Center's basement and push through Repeal's unmarked door, you're not just entering downtown Salt Lake City's newest jazz bar — you're stepping into a story eight years in the making. This is where father-daughter team Kelly and Camille Howard have finally brought their dream of sophisticated downtown Salt Lake jazz to life, creating Utah's most ambitious speakeasy since Prohibition ended nearly a century ago.

"The ambiance, amazing. The music, wonderful. The service, high end," raves one recent customer who discovered this hidden gem tucked beneath one of downtown's most historic buildings. And they're not wrong — Repeal represents something entirely new in Utah's nightlife landscape.

The Father-Daughter Vision Behind Utah's Premier Jazz Destination

Kelly Howard didn't set out to revolutionize Salt Lake City's speakeasy scene when he first opened Prohibition in Murray back in 2017. But after years of watching his original 1920s-themed concept flourish — complete with burlesque shows and vintage cocktails — he knew downtown deserved something equally extraordinary. Enter his daughter Camille, whose award-winning bar program at Prohibition had earned them recognition on everything from Real Housewives of Salt Lake City to local "best of" lists.

"After touring restaurants and bars in multiple cities worldwide, we felt inspired to bring strong elements together, but keep it at its core an extension of Prohibition," Kelly explains. The duo spent months studying jazz bars worldwide, from New Orleans' legendary venues to intimate speakeasies tucked into European basements. What they discovered was that the best live jazz experiences happen in spaces that feel both sophisticated and slightly clandestine.

Camille, who serves as Repeal's general manager, brings a different perspective to the partnership. "We feel guests will walk into our restaurant and feel transported into a fantasy — we've designed this bar to feel captivating, mysterious, and more!" Her vision extends beyond just serving drinks; she's crafting entire experiences that make Thursday night feel like a special occasion.

The Walker Center location wasn't an accident. After Bourbon House closed in 2023 as a "victim of COVID," the Howards saw opportunity in what others saw as a challenging basement space. They completely redesigned the venue, transforming it into what many consider downtown Salt Lake City's most sophisticated cocktail destination.

The Culinary Revolution: Chef Joey Ferran's Mediterranean Magic

While jazz provides the soundtrack, food delivers the soul at Repeal. The Howards knew they needed someone exceptional to helm their kitchen, which led them to Joey Ferran, the celebrated chef who had spent years making Cucina Wine Bar one of the Avenues' most beloved dining destinations.

Ferran brings serious culinary credentials to Repeal's Mediterranean small plates menu. The Salt Lake County native honed his skills during nearly a decade at the prestigious Log Haven under chef Dave Jones, where he mastered both traditional techniques and foraged local ingredients. His innovative approach at Cucina — think grasshopper tajin on romaine salads and freeze-dried black ants on levain bruschetta — earned him multiple "Rising Chef" awards throughout Utah.

"I learned a lot about putting different flavors into pasta and drying and storing them and I brought all that here," Ferran explains about his pasta-making background, which now influences Repeal's approach to Mediterranean cuisine Salt Lake City. His menu reads like poetry: Cardamom Ahi Tuna with Guajillo Vinaigrette, Venison Carpaccio with Bacon Mayo and Pickled Black Currant, Lions Mane Mushroom with Honey Habanero Barbecue.

But it's not just about impressive ingredient lists. "Lovely presentation and complex flavors. Our server, Angelo, was attentive and charming. The space and live jazz were a nice compliment," one recent diner notes, highlighting how Ferran's food enhances rather than competes with the live jazz atmosphere.

The Mediterranean approach allows for easy sharing — essential when you're sitting with friends, listening to live saxophone, and exploring one of Utah's largest rare bourbon collections. Dishes like the Sourdough Pita with Salsa Macha and Black Ant "Caviar" become conversation starters, while the Juniper Cured Rainbow Trout with Leek Mousse provides sophistication without pretension.

The Bourbon Experience and Craft Cocktail Program

Repeal's claim to house one of Utah's largest rare bourbon collections isn't marketing hyperbole — it's a carefully curated journey through American whiskey history. Camille Howard, drawing from her award-winning experience at Prohibition, has assembled a collection that rivals establishments in cities with much longer whiskey traditions.

The signature cocktail program centers around drinks like the Vanishing Act, a mysterious creation that regulars rave about but Camille keeps intentionally secretive. "Guests love sipping signature drinks like the Vanishing Act, exploring our extensive whiskey list, and enjoying the energy of live music in an intimate, stylish setting," according to their OpenTable description.

"Amazing food and bourbon list is best in Utah. Great music. New favorite," declares one bourbon enthusiast who clearly appreciates the depth of options available. The craft cocktail experience here goes beyond just mixing drinks — it's about understanding the stories behind each spirit and helping guests discover new favorites.

The 21+ environment allows Repeal to focus entirely on sophisticated adult dining experiences without worrying about family-friendly compromises. This creates an atmosphere where conversations can flow as freely as the whiskey, and where live jazz provides the perfect backdrop for everything from business dinners to romantic date nights.

Live Jazz: The Heart of Downtown Salt Lake's Music Scene

While Salt Lake City's jazz scene has always existed, it's historically been scattered across various venues with inconsistent programming. Repeal changes that equation by offering live jazz performances nightly, creating Utah's first true jazz destination since the genre's golden age.

"They have bites and drinks, and we went on a Thursday night and there was live jazz music," notes one customer, while another adds, "The perfect place for a date night, the live music really added an element to the vibe that we really appreciated." This consistent feedback highlights how the live music component elevates what could be just another cocktail bar into something genuinely special.

The intimate basement setting provides ideal acoustics for jazz, creating the kind of listening environment that's become increasingly rare in modern nightlife. Unlike bars where music competes with conversation, Repeal's carefully designed space allows the live jazz to enhance rather than overwhelm the evening.

Local jazz musicians finally have a proper venue that respects their artistry while providing steady work. "As a lover of live jazz, I can't wait to check out Repeal and see what Chef Ferran has in store cuisine-wise for the new cocktail bar," wrote one Utah Stories food critic, recognizing how rare it is to find venues that properly support both culinary and musical arts.

The Downtown Salt Lake Renaissance Connection

Repeal's success reflects broader changes in downtown Salt Lake City's restaurant scene. The Walker Center location places them at the epicenter of the city's ongoing urban revival, surrounded by new developments, growing foot traffic, and an increasingly sophisticated dining public.

The historic Walker Center itself tells part of this story. Built as one of Salt Lake's premier business addresses, the building has witnessed the city's evolution from a regional hub to a legitimate metropolitan destination. Repeal's basement location echoes the speakeasy tradition of hidden gems that reward those in the know.

"The bar will feature craft cocktails, special dining events and live music every night," as Axios Salt Lake City reported before opening, highlighting how Repeal fits into downtown's growing reputation for sophisticated nightlife options.

The 21+ environment also reflects changing demographics in downtown Salt Lake City. Young professionals, empty nesters, and urban dwellers have created demand for experiences that cater specifically to adult tastes and interests. Repeal delivers exactly that kind of sophisticated, grown-up entertainment.

Planning Your Visit to Repeal

Finding Repeal requires a bit of detective work — exactly as the Howards intended. Look for the Walker Center at 19 E. 200 South in downtown Salt Lake City. You'll need to descend to the basement level (B-200), where discrete signage guides you to the entrance.

Operating Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to midnight (Friday and Saturday until 1:00 AM), Repeal deliberately keeps limited hours to maintain exclusivity and ensure quality. Reservations are strongly recommended through RepealUtah.com, especially for weekend evenings when live jazz draws bigger crowds.

What to order: Start with the Vanishing Act cocktail and Chef Ferran's Venison Carpaccio. "He gave great recommendations and brought such a chill, welcoming energy to our table," describes the kind of service you can expect, where staff genuinely help curate your evening.

The downtown location offers convenient access to parking in the Walker Center garage, and you're walking distance from other Salt Lake City nightlife options if you want to make it a full evening downtown.

Instagram: Follow @repealutah for updates on live jazz programming and special events.

The Future of Utah's Jazz and Cocktail Culture

Repeal represents more than just another restaurant opening — it's evidence that Utah's culinary scene has reached a level of sophistication that can support truly specialized concepts. The combination of Kelly and Camille Howard's hospitality expertise, Chef Joey Ferran's culinary innovation, and a commitment to live jazz programming creates something previously missing from the Wasatch Front.

In a state often stereotyped for conservative dining options, Repeal proves that Utah can compete with any major city when it comes to sophisticated nightlife experiences. The success of their downtown Salt Lake speakeasy model suggests we may see more venues willing to take creative risks and cater to adult tastes.

"We're excited to invite the Salt Lake City community to experience Repeal," Camille Howard said at opening, and several months in, that invitation has clearly been accepted. Repeal has found its audience among locals who appreciate the rare combination of excellent Mediterranean food, expertly crafted cocktails, and genuine jazz atmosphere.

Bottom Line: Repeal delivers on its promise to be Utah's premier jazz bar by combining exceptional hospitality, innovative Mediterranean cuisine, rare bourbon selection, and nightly live jazz in one of downtown Salt Lake City's most historically significant buildings. For adults seeking sophisticated entertainment that respects both their palate and their intelligence, Repeal sets a new standard for what Utah nightlife can be.