Leatherheads Sports Bar & Grill was recently recognized in the Best of Utah 2024 issue of City Weekly for having the “most unexpected programming.” Under the category of “Staff Picks,” Leatherheads was commended for its eclectic entertainment.

Acknowledging that most clubs present musical acts that stick to a particular genre, City Weekly described Leatherheads as having an emphasis on hard rock, metal and tribute acts along with decade-specific dance parties, karaoke, games and the occasional mid-day drag show. The magazine summed it up as “free-wheeling fun.” 

General manager Jay Gibb said finding out Leatherheads was selected for the Best of Utah issue was “a really nice surprise.” He explained that he decided to establish the venue about 14 years ago when Draper had only one option, Donkey Tails, for folks seeking a drink after work. “I thought that Draper needed something more, something different,” he said. 

At the time, liquor licenses for bars were in short supply so Leatherheads opened initially as restaurant. As a teen, Gibb’s daughter, Jayden, washed dishes in the restaurant. She now works there as a bartender. “The best thing about working here is the sense of community,” she said. “We all find a family here within these four walls.” 

Named after the leather helmets worn by football players a 100 years ago, Leatherheads is “first and foremost a sports bar,” Gibb said. An array of large, high-definition screens in the bar show local, college and professional sports. “All the sports are over at 10 or 10:30,” he said. “Between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. we do bands and karaoke.”

When it comes to live music, “We like to promote local talent, sometimes national acts,” Gibb said. The musical genres range from hard rock and metal to country. He enjoys booking artists who played stadiums back in the 80s. “To have them play an intimate venue like Leatherheads is an honor,” he said. “These are people who sold millions of records. It is breathtaking to see them here.”

Metal guitarist Lita Ford, formerly of the Runaways, the late Jack Russell from Great White and Vince Neil from Mötley Crüe are just a few of the artists who have performed at Leatherheads over the years. 

Jayden has received an education in music by working at the bar. “I’ve been introduced to so much,” she said. She too has developed an appreciation for 80’s rock and mentioned an all-female Mötley Crüe  tribute band as one of her all-time favorites. Classic rock tribute bands are a mainstay of the live music offerings at Leatherheads.

The venue also supports the local music scene. Gibb said that one of the most popular local bands to play the venue is the Salt Lake City-based rock band Royal Bliss. Jagertown, a country band, also gave a memorable concert there.

This month promises a variety of live music at Leatherheads. Sisters of the Moon, a Fleetwood Mac tribute act will perform on Feb. 1 followed by Nashville recording artist Carver Louis on Feb. 8, Cash’d Out, a Johnny Cash tribute on Feb. 15 and Blasted Past, a 60’s, 70’s and 80’s tribute band on Feb. 22.

In addition to live music, Leatherheads has special game nights like Texas Hold ’em tournaments, cornhole and bingo. By far the most popular activity at the bar is karaoke. “We have karaoke five nights a week, we do it after events,” Gibb said. “It is the most popular and loved thing. We never set out to be a karaoke bar!” It is yet another example of Leatherheads’ variety of entertainment. 

Leatherheads Sports Bar & Grill is located at 12147 State Street. For more information, follow Leatherheads Sports BAR on Facebook or @leatherheadssports on Instagram.λ