There is definately stuff to do in SLC...

Disclaimer: Liquor laws are rather odd, but better than some places in the south. There is an large alternative culture of outdoor types in the area, you just have to find the right crowd. For legal reasons, you will have to buy a "Membership" at any bar/restaruant which serves hard liquor (usually $5-10 the first time you go).

Food and drink: Downtown and Sugarhouse. Squatters downtown is good, stays open late. Fidler's Elbow is in Sugarhouse. I don't like Red Iguana, I prefer Tex-Mex I guess.

Coffee: NONTHING around the airport area...it's all hispanic immigrants, and I guess they're not into espresso. There is a Starbucks downtown in the gateway mall (but it doesn't open as early as they usually do). If you're really hard up you could take the hotel shuttle to the airport (after you get your badge).

Meat Market: Port-of-Call downtown.

Malls: Gateway mall downtown is close, has a variety of restaruants, shops, and movies.

Outdoor stuff: Ski, hike, mountain bike. Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Park City. City Creek trail is downtown, it's closer than anything else...hard ride up, fast ride down Mill Creek Canyon is not as well known, but great hiking and biking trails. If you don't have gear handy, at least go hiking. In addition to a car I'd bring a mountain bike if it's that time of year. REI is on 3300 S off of I-215.