Dining Deals in the Off-Season

Discounts and Deals

Without the packed slopes and booked out hotels, resorts, and vacation homes, a lot of local restaurants are happy to get business wherever they can. The slower months are the perfect time to look for specials and coupons. The most common deal to be found, especially during the fall “shoulder season”, is the two-for-one promotion. Grabbing just a few more couples or a handful of groups, even at half-price, is enough to help establishments keep their revenue up during less crowded times. There are plenty of other promotions to be found, with restaurateurs pulling out all the stops in their quest for more hungry mouths to feed.

Local Tip: Local sushi restaurants sometimes run impromptu specials not publicized anywhere.

Eating up the Savings

These hot deals and deep discounts can be great for off-season visitors normally priced out of some of Park City’s fancier fare. Some of the fanciest local feasting-grounds are hit the hardest by the lack of winter traffic. Consequently, they tend to fish for budget diners during the off-season. Those two-for-one deals can really take a chunk out of checks that would otherwise be out of the budget for many travellers. Diners who are usually dissuaded by ski-season fees might find the price to be a bit more palatable in the middle of autumn. This isn’t only true of Main Street, either. Make sure to check out the various resort and hotel restaurants littered around town. You don’t have to be a guest to take advantage of the on-site dining. Some of them are amazingly delicious, and just as prone to angling for extra business.

Finding the Deals

The best deal in the world won’t help you if you don’t know it exists. Park City restaurants share their off-season offers in any number of ways, but there are a few channels that see more love than others. The most reliable way to find cheaper eats is through Park City’s newspaper, the Park Record. Published every Wednesday and Sunday, the Record is often filled with restaurant coupons. Looking through the current edition yields 16 ways to save. The Record isn’t the only way to find deals, though. If you already have a destination in mind, try visiting that restaurant’s website, Facebook page, or other social media presence for direct deals. In addition, the Park City Area Restaurant Association website provides information on deals and events all over the area.

Edible Events

Park City is home to some delicious dining events during the warmer seasons of the year. The Dine About just wrapped up this year, running for the first 11 days of October. Participating restaurants offered lunch and dinner deals at flat rates, no coupons, no cards, no tickets. It was a perfect chance for foodies to try a bit of everything during some of the most beautiful weather autumn had to offer. The Food and Wine Classic arrives in early July, bearing more than 500 different wines and spirits and a selection of appetizers and other light fare. Fans of the fruit of the vine won’t want to miss the veritable smorgasbord of tastings, concerts, and other activities. The biggest gastronomic gala of the year, however, is Savor the Summit. During this one-day event, Main Street closes, tables fill the lanes, and Park City comes together for the biggest family dinner you’ve ever seen, filled with laughter and music. While Savor the Summit has already passed for 2015, this massive meal will come again on June 18, 2016. Put it on your calendar.

Caveat Edor

Not every restaurant is involved in these deals or events. Some restaurants close during the off-season months. Some keep different hours. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your homework. Diligent sleuthing will not only save you from the disappointment of showing up to a closed establishment, it might net you extra savings from hidden offers. As always, adventure is always just around the corner in Park City. Be sure to bring your appetite.