Park City

Hungry in the Mountains? Chow on One-of-a-Kind Eats in Park City, Utah

by Jenny Willden

Photograph by Jenny Willden

park city restaurants

It’s big. It’s juicy. It’s no wonder it’s a local fave. (Photo: Courtesy of No Name Saloon)

Nestled in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains at 7,000 feet, the former silver-mining hub of Park City has transformed itself into a trendy ski town known for its thriving, diverse food scene.

Whether you’re craving Mexican, Indian, Japanese or American eats, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Park City restaurants. And with nary a chain restaurant in sight, the one-of-a-kind options are nearly endless.

Here are some can’t-miss favorites:

Best Brunch: Five5eeds

park city restaurants
Are you as serious about your food and java as Five5eeds? (Photo: Courtesy of Five5eeds)

Voted by Parkites (that’s slang for “Park City locals”) as a favorite “bruncherie,” Five5eeds is serious about good food and coffee. Tucked in an unassuming strip mall, the foodie culture from the owners’ native Australia inspires the menu’s fresh flavors.

Dishes range from gourmet avocado toast topped with feta, mint and beet relish to international favorites like shakshoka, Moroccan-style baked eggs topped with feta. Don’t worry if you like an old-fashioned American breakfast; hotcakes, eggs your way and a pulled pork Benedict round out the diverse menu.

Best Burger: No Name Saloon

park city restaurants
Join the masses of locals who know that Park City’s best burger is at No Name Saloon. (Photo: Courtesy of No Name Saloon)

A visit to Park City isn’t complete without a stop at No Name Saloon. A local’s favorite, this bar is known for its legendary buffalo burger and huge Utah beer menu. Settle in amid eclectic decor at the bar and catch your favorite sports on one of 17 televisions. Or head upstairs to the heated rooftop patio and watch the Main Street crowds go by.

Best Mountain Cuisine: High West Distillery

If you’re craving fine Western fare and exquisite craft cocktails, walk a block off Main to High West Distillery and Saloon. The world’s first ski-in distillery, High West churns out some of the country’s best whiskey in a historic auto garage turned saloon. Warm up on a cold winter’s day with a bourbon-spiked hot chocolate, or cool off with a spiced whiskey lemonade in summer.

Though known for spirits, the enticing victuals are the highlight of a High West experience. Start with bacon and cashew caramel corn and a board of Utah-sourced cheese with accoutrements like whiskey-soaked raisins and apple chutney. Then fill up with a hearty mountain chicken pot pie or the tender grilled pork tomahawk.

Save room for the campfire-inspired s’more — a molasses graham cracker topped with a housemade vanilla marshmallow and finished with melty Utah chocolate.

Best Newcomer: Firewood

park city restaurants
Get cozy over a romantic meal at Firewood. (Photo: Courtesy of Firewood)

Hark back to days of old at Firewood, where every dish is cooked over a wood fire. The cozy Main Street space features plush leather chairs, a reclaimed wood interior and antique furniture, with a giant window that looks in on the 14-foot-long wood stove.

The menu changes seasonally, but expect dishes like oak smoked trout, grilled peach salad and locally sourced beef, pork and poultry.

Best Quick Eats: Freshie’s Lobster Co.

For an authentic taste of New England in landlocked Park City, head to Freshie’s Lobster Co. This food truck-turned-restaurant’s slogan is “Shore to Door in 24,” and they proved the freshness and quality by taking home the title of World’s Best Lobster Roll from Down East magazine’s competition — beating out a field of New England eateries.

Get yours in large, medium or mini size served on made-in-Maine rolls. If you don’t fancy lobster stuffed in a roll, try it in the creamy lobster bisque, bitty lobster sliders, on a salad or mixed into mac and cheese.

Best Experience: Park City Food Tours

park city restaurants
You’ll visit spots like Wasatch Brew Pup (left) and Riverhorse Restaurant (right) on a food tour. (Photo: Courtesy of Park City Food Tours)

Pressed for time? Get a taste of Park City’s best eats on a whirlwind tour of the area’s top restaurants. From innovative appetizers to indulgent desserts, you’ll fill up at this progressive feast while learning about Park City’ pioneer and silver mining past from guides versed in local lore and cuisine.

Best Café: Ritual Chocolate Factory and Cafe

While Main Street is home to many of Park City’s best restaurants and cafés, don’t miss the gems hiding beyond this historic stretch. Taste bean-to-bar chocolate produced at 7,000 feet at Ritual Chocolate’s small factory and café on the edge of town.

Sample signature flavors like the Bourbon Barrel Aged and Mid Mountain Blend bars and then stay for a hot or iced drinking chocolate served on the sunny patio. Take a tour to learn the process of making Ritual’s award-winning chocolate.