[10] Most of the buildings in the nearby neighborhood were razed in the 1940s and 1950s during a period of redevelopment, including almost all of the other residential hotels.

[11] On March 18, 1977, the bar was purchased by Paul Gaer, who turned the space into the Hotel Utah and built the stage.

[6] The Hotel Utah Open Mic on Mondays draws a local diverse crowd including musicians, comedians, poets, and other performers.

[10] Notable people and bands that have performed here include Con Brio,[2] Mike Deni of Geographer,[12] Amina Shareef Ali,[13] Kelly McFarling,[2] PJ Harvey,[14] Matt Nathanson,[15] Miggs, Toychestra, The Union Trade, The Loud Family, Terra Naomi,[16] Whoopi Goldberg,[15] Robin Williams,[15] and John Mayer.

In 1989, the album United Kingdom by American Music Club was partially recorded at Hotel Utah, including the song "All the Lost Souls Welcome You to San Francisco".