As snow fell on the valley floor today, it was hard not to get antsy about the approaching ski season. A huge storm earlier this week left a foot of snow in the mountains and with a mere three weeks until some resorts open, I am chomping at the bit to strap my skis on. But, in the meantime, we’ve got to chomp on something else, right?
Unfortunately, if you’re a Park City resident, many of the town’s restaurants close between seasons. While most are open during the summer, they shut their kitchens from late April until June, then again from mid-October to December. Officially it’s called the “shoulder season” but many have dubbed it the “season of mud.” If you’re heading to Park City in the coming week—to watch the snow pile up or maybe visit for Thanksgiving—check the list below to see which restaurants are opening when. We don’t want you to show up at a place with a group of friends only to find the door bolted.
Until then, here are my suggestions for a knockout meal, some with a view of the slopes. Maybe you’ll catch the next storm rolling in.
501 on Main: A chill place to sit at the bar and enjoy extraordinary food. The house risotto is perfection in an edible potato “basket” with organic mushrooms, shallots, yellow and zucchini squash, garlic and caramelized onions with Beehive aged cheddar. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
Reefs: Although Reefs does serve seafood as the name implies, the focus at this Main Street gem is Mediterranean food. Chilly days make me crave the mussels in coconut milk, lemon grass, red curry & sake. Open for dinner W-S.
Silver Star Cafe: It’s hard for me to talk about anything else when a place has a barbecued pork belly Benedict. That’s right! They smoke Kurobuta pork in house and place it atop poached eggs, Chipotle BBQ and hollandaise. Open for weekend brunch, lunch M-F and dinner every day.
The Waiting Game: Restaurants Taking a Break. (While some are open now, check the closing and reopening date before making plans.)
Billy Blanco’s: Closed November 27 – December 4
Cena Ristorante: Closed until Dec. 5.
Chimayo: Closed November 17 – December 4 (closed Sundays and Mondays from October 6 through November 17)
Edgar’s Beer and Spirit Lounge at Deer Valley Resort: Closed until Dec. 7.
Fireside Dining at Deer Valley Resort: Closed until Dec. 14.
Ghidotti’s: Closed November 27 – December 4
Grappa: Closed November 17 – December 4 (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays from October 15 – November 17)
The Mariposa at Deer Valley Resort: Closed until Dec. 6.
Royal Street Cafe at Deer Valley Resort: Closed until Dec. 13 (lunch only. Dinner will be served starting Dec. 20).
Seafood Buffet at Deer Valley Resort: Closed until Dec. 13.
Snow Park Restaurant at Deer Valley Resort: Closed until Dec. 7.
Sushi Blue: Closed November 27 – December 4
Wahso: Closed until December 4.
Windy Ridge Bakery: Closed November 28 - December 3
Windy Ridge Café: Closed November 27 – December 4
For additional information, visit the Park City Restaurant Association.
