What To Eat In Park City

Utah has a pretty conservative reputation, what with all the homegrown honey and nonalcoholic beer. But the country's hottest ski destination also has a seriously cool culinary scene. Unlike flashier mountain resort towns, where skiing is often a sideshow to socializing, Park City combines killer runs with convivial spots beloved by both locals and windburned out-of-towners. Whether you're hitting the slopes or packing your Sorels for the annual Sundance Film Festival, Park City has rollicking culinary offerings that frequently fly under the radar of the fur coat-clad Aspen set. Here are eight places to eat, drink and sleep, best western-style.

Where to Eat: 

High West is Utah's first legal distillery—a notable superlative, given the state's restrictive alcohol regulations—and pours its esteemed craft whiskeys at a lively, no-reservations spot located smack-bang in the middle of Old Town Park City. Getting a table can sometimes entail a two-hour wait, so take the edge off with a pour of High West Whiskey Campfire. Sustenance arrives courtesy of the elevated comfort foods menu, offering hearty American dishes like chicken potpie and lamb stew. And for those with lasting thirst—and room in their luggage—many High West bottles are available for purchase in the adjoining shop.

As any Europhile will attest, raclette is a quintessential part of the Continental ski experience. Get a taste stateside at Fireside Dining, a chalet-style destination offering a smorgasbord of cheese, charcuterie and wintry dishes like roast leg of lamb. The all-you-can-eat courses are buffet-style, which might sound off-putting until you see the meat- and cheese-filled stone fireplaces from which the food is served. Situated within the Deer Valley resort, the swish, seasonal space has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the slopes.

This sleek, farm-to-table restaurant is situated at the base of the slopes in Canyons Village, meaning you can quite literally ski to your dinner table. On the menu, you'll find one of the best charcuterie boards this side of the Swiss Alps, complete with salumi, homemade relishes and local honey, as well as German-inspired dishes such as herbed spaetzle and braised lamb shank. The flavors are bold, and the portions are sizable—the perfect reward after a vigorous day on the slopes.

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Where to Après-Ski:

Everybody knows the real reason behind a ski trip is the après-ski. If Champagne is your ideal post-slope sip, consider this super-sophisticated Veuve Clicquot yurt at the Montage Deer Valley. The toasty lounge is kitted out with a fireplace, comfy seating and, of course, a never-ending flow of bubbles. The yurt is so inviting, you'll find it hard to drag yourself back up the slopes again.

Photo: Courtesy of Montage Deer Valley

Located on Park City's main drag, this craft alehouse offers more than 10 house-brewed beers on tap, including seasonal and high-alcohol varieties, as well as label favorites like Last One In Lager and Bobsled Nut Brown Ale. If you find yourself a few beers in and craving sustenance, sample some of the kitchen's crowd-pleasing pub fare, such as mac 'n' cheese, burgers and whiskey salt tater tots.

Photo: Courtesy of Wasatch Brew Pub

Rumored to be the oldest bar in Park City, No Name is good for an after-ski drink but even better for some late-night action. In addition to no-fuss cocktails, this convivial spot serves up bar fare like Buffalo nachos, bourbon-spiked chili and burgers (some "hoofless"). One of the most popular bars in town, it has been keeping locals well hydrated for more than a century. Its motto: helping people forget their name since 1903.

Where to Stay:

This tony collection of 15 houses and 39 condominiums opened at the esteemed Stein Eriksen Lodge in December. Available to purchase or rent, the posh, two- to six-bedroom digs feature hotel comforts (pool, spa, private ski lockers), as well as residential perks like kitchens with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, marble bathrooms, sprawling terraces, wood- and gas-burning fireplaces, and, in some homes, private elevators. Traveling light—or solo? Accommodations at the Lodge start at 700-square-foot guestrooms with king-size beds and cozy fireplaces.

Situated in an 1889 landmark built from locally quarried limestone, this boutique hotel features bright white rooms with antique furniture, a crackling outdoor fireplace and a Hamptons-worthy heated pool. With only 12 keys, it's also the most intimate lodging in town. There's no ski in, ski out, but the ski lift is located a few hundred yards away, as is the town center—facilities that are only necessary if you choose to leave the premises. Take it from us: Once you've checked in, it'll be hard to check back out.