A good meal doesn’t need to lighten your wallet too much in Park City. The next time you are feeling hungry, skip the fast-food drive-through line and try out one of our local eateries. Our list of favorite cheap eats will get you higher quality and a better experience for about $15 bucks or less.
Cheap, Local Mexican Food
El Chubasco
El Chubasco has been a cornerstone of cheap Park City eats since 1997. In fact, the popular establishment has been awarded title “Best Cheap Eats” by readers of the Park Record for the last two years. The head chef comes from the Western Mexican state of Michoacán, where many personal family recipes come from. The salsa bar features twenty fresh salsas that are hand made from scratch, every day.
Anaya’s
Step into Anaya’s Mexican Market and it feels like you are stepping into another country. Like many on our list of cheap eats, Anaya’s doesn’t look like much on the outside, but once inside when you hear the music and smell the handmade tortillas you will be transported straight to a “mercado” in old Mexico. Anaya’s features tacos stuffed with slow cooked beef, chicken and pork as well as burritos, tortas and more. They also have a full bakery with a variety of flakey pastries that could be a sweet meal in themselves. Anaya’s only has a few tables so their tasty fare makes a good to-go meal.
Sergio’s
Sergio himself can be found behind the counter, cooking up the cuisine at his restaurant. The bright décor and friendly staff make this one of the coziest restaurants in town. The menu is extensive and features a long list of Mexican specialties like fajitas, enchiladas and moles, as well as more “American” favorites like Caesar salad, nachos and a children’s menu.
Special Mention: Cafe Rio.
Cafe Rio is a local Utah “fast and fresh” restaurant with a location in Park City at Newpark. This is one of my standby spots for an inexpensive and healthy take out meal. Download the Cafe Rio ap and skip the long lines. All of Cafe Rio’s food, including their tortillas, are fresh and homemade. The salmon tostada is one of my favorite dinners when I don’t have time to cook.
Cheap, Local Sandwich Shops
Uptown Fare
Uptown Fare has been serving locals homemade delicious soups, sandwiches and salads for about 17 years. Karleen, the owner, infuses each bite with local love and a passion to share her gift of creating great food with the community. Many of her creations are gluten-free, vegan or lacto-vegetarian. Try the African quinoa soup with peanut butter on a cold winter day and you will feel the goodness radiate from your full tummy.
Backdoor Deli
The Backdoor Deli isn’t very big, but their sandwich menu is. This formidable list offers over 50 sandwiches which includes 10 vegetarian options. They also offer a variety of soups and salads and a full espresso menu. Just a stone’s throw away from Main Street, this deli is a great stop after a day on the slopes or the trail.
Wasatch Bagels & Grill
Anyone can find something they like at Wasatch Bagels and Grill. Of course, there are the bagels with all sorts of toppings and sides but there are also omelets, salads and smoothies. On a nice day there is ample seating outdoors. They also offer burgers, sandwiches and wraps for the lunch and dinner crowd. Locally owned and operated, Wasatch Bagels pleases everyone’s palate.
Cheap, Local Pizza
Davanza’s
“Saving the World, One Slice at a Time” is Davanza’s slogan and they have been doing it well since 1979. Locals and visitors alike love to dive into their slices, burgers, chicken wings and cheese fries. Davanza’s can be considered a one-stop-shop for hot, cheap comfort food. They like to say that they aren’t fancy but they are really friendly. Some nights can be really busy, but the line moves fast. Close to Main Street, they open daily at 11:00 a.m.
Park City Pizza Company
Park City could be called Pizza City as you are never far from a slice-serving establishment and one of our favorites is the Park City Pizza Company. It’s got an old-fashioned pin ball machine in the hallway and a wall covered in chalk board paint. Additionally, they have special menus for gluten-free and celiac and if you are waiting in a car full of hungry kids, just call and they will carry your order out to you.
Cheap, Local Healthy Fare
Fairweather Foods
You can find healthy fare elsewhere, but nowhere more locally than Fairweather Foods. Since this shop is just up the street from my office, I stop there for lunch several times a week. The owner, Jen, can oftentimes be seen behind the counter or setting up a display of supplements. Located within a natural foods store it’s as fun to browse the isles as it is to dig into a homemade brownie or a gluten free blueberry muffin, which is heaven on earth. The café features a nice selection of soups, sandwiches, juices and smoothies. The salad (which includes fresh beets) with a scoop of tuna is a healthy dish I never tire of eating. For a fast and healthy lunch on the go, the Fairweather Funky Monkey Smoothie is healthy, delicious & filling.
Cheap, Local American Fare
Vessel Kitchen
It’s possible to keep to the $15 budget at Vessel Kitchen. But with an add on of a fresh loaf of (local favorite) Red Bicycle Bread, a fancy soda or a macaroon, it usually adds up to $20 or more. However, that won’t stop us from coming back, again and again. The food is fresh and delicious and the atmosphere is modern and fun. You can also order take out online. There are family dinners that are sure to please everyone.
No Name Saloon
Serving up casual pub fare in the eclectic saloon and on the heated roof-top patio, a visit to Park City isn’t complete without a stop at the No Name Saloon. Classic favorites are buffalo burgers, hearty soups and salads and crispy fish tacos. Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. every day. Must be 21 and older.
Sammy’s Bistro
Sammy’s Bistro can be described as serious food in an unserious atmosphere. Sam prides himself on quick service and gourmet food and he likes to welcome patrons or lend a hand to the busy the servers. As a Park City native, Sam has been a part of the local food scene since he was a teenager. His restaurant experience has allowed him to work with some of the most exciting Utah chefs in the business. Sam’s cuisine can be enjoyed for lunch and dinner every day at Sammy’s Bistro.
501 on Main
501 on Main strives to please every diner, even those with dietary restrictions. They have an extensive vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menu that features appetizers, entrées and desserts. Their carefully prepared dishes can be enjoyed right on Main Street or take in the unique view from their upstairs dining room. Their wine list is as carefully curated as their food and features organic, low-sulfite and sustainable wines.
Snow Creek Lodge Grill (in The Market at Park City)
Definitely the cheapest local eats in town, if not the fastest, the Snow Creek Lodge Grill is located in the Market at Park City grocery store. Their daily lunch special rings in at just $4.99 and features hearty comfort food favorites like lasagna, fried chicken and pot-roast sandwiches, plus this deal comes with a small drink. Other items include made-to-order sandwiches, burgers and more.
Cheap, Local Breakfast
No Worries Cafe & Grill
If you are serious about breakfast, then No Worries Café & Grill is for you. The food is delicious and the portions are generous. They are open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and share the space with another restaurant that is open just for dinner. Customize an omelet with their specialty chipotle bacon for a meal to remember. This place has been a local favorite for years, and recently changed locations. Family owned and operated with everything made from fresh ingredients, you’ll truly leave worry-free! UPDATE: Since this blog was written, I found out that No Worries is closing its current location in Pinebrook on February 10th. I’m so sad as it’s a favorite breakfast spot. I’ll update the blog again if No Worries pops up in a new location.
What’s your favorite cheap, local eatery?