Its sister-brewery, Squatters Roadhouse Grill (1900 Park Ave.), is situated on the opposite end of town. Popular during all three meals and of course when the lifts close, the quality of the food is proof that people come for the brew (look for winter selections like Holiday Nut Brown Ale and Outer Darkness Russian Imperial Stout) as well as the grub. This is a Park City satellite location, as the original brewery was created in Salt Lake City, as was Red Rock Brewing (1640 W Redstone Center Drive, Suite 105), which opened a location a few miles away from Historic Park City just below the Utah Olympic Park in the family-entertainment area of Kimball Junction. In other words, they likely sell as much of their craft soft drinks as they do their beer.
Riedel also noted that there’s a new brewery about to open called Shades of Pale Brewing. The result of a dedicated homebrewer and the age-old mission of doing what you love in the place you love, their first beer, Parley’s Pale White Ale, a Belgian Wit, is already available to try at The Canyons and pairs well with powdery white moguls.
After finagling your ski boots off, Riedel suggests going to Lindzee O’Michael’s (825 Main St.) “the best beer selection in PC.” Being Utah, the draft and bottle selections are divided into “three-two” beers brewed specially for the market and “full-strength” beers, and both lists are heavy on those brewed in-state, including Uinta and Moab.
Skiing, like drinking beer, works up a mean, mountainous hunger and Park City has no shortage of world-class restaurants (at world-class prices). One reasonable treasure is Chez Betty (1637 Short Line Road), a fusion of French and American cuisine. It’s conveniently located inside the Copperbottom Inn (same address) offering affordable rates and a shuttle service for amenities beyond walking distance on cold nights.
In the morning, to fuel up for the slopes, the Eating Establishment (317 Main St.), better known to locals as the Double E, claims, “We’re not good because we’re old, we’re old because we’re good.” Traditional breakfast fare and substantial house specialties have been the order of the day since 1972.
Lastly, keep in mind that January is also Sundance Film Festival time. This year’s rendition is supposed to screen well over one hundred films from roughly 40 countries. Expect to do some stargazing. And some reservation-making if you want to assure lodging and dining options.
Après Ski
If you make your last run off the Town Lift, wind up on Quittin’ Time which will lead you to the High West Distillery. Riedel points to this spot even though “it isn’t quite beer related, but it’s a pretty unique concept―a ski-in/ski-out gastro distillery.” Any of the three small-batch whiskeys certainly provide the warming touch sought after a day on the mountain.
