While the weather outside might not be quite so frightful as in years past, it's still qualifiably nippy outside...particularly when the sun dips behind the Oquirrhs and you find yourself headed down the hill from a (you-better-have-been-distanced!) day on the slopes. Few things make one's nose and cheeks pink like a day on the mountain (we're lucky enough to have a solid handful to choose from), and we think it's a universal truth that nothing warms fingers, toes, and nose quite like an aprés bite of comfort food. As SLC is a ski town, there's no shortage of spots to gather your strength and grab a bite, but there are a few places that rank a bit more highly in the eyes of seasoned local slopers. Here's a round-up of our favorite places to fuel up (and—as COVID is still very much a thing—to grab a bite to go) aprés snowsport...
Lone Star Taqueria
Seafood-forward Mexican from an aggressively colorful, mountain-adjacent Streamline Moderne might seem like a miss, but the line you’re bound to wait in tells otherwise. Let it be known that the fish burrito from Lone Star not only hits the mark at all times of year, but the stuff cooked up in this tiny taqueria pulls folks from all corners of the state. Get extra sauce and be prepared to go halfsies on it with a friend (or have delicious leftovers for days). 2265 Fort Union Blvd, curbside pick-up and drive-thru available
COTTON BOTTOM INN
Slinging no-frills burgers and fries since 1966, the Cotton Bottom has racked up quite the die-hard following of regulars (particularly of the après-ski variety). This established tavern recently underwent some exciting changes care of the Bar X Group, but the famed garlic burger—slathered with top-secret, house-made garlic butter—remains a staple (and assuredly holds a place in SLC’s hall of fame). Just be sure to BYO post-lunch breath mints. 2820 E 6200 S, dine-in and takeout available
davanza'S
Even though, as resorts, Deer Valley and Park City tend toward a more upscale experience, Davanza’s—located just adjacent to PC’s Main Street—offers uncomplicated, straightforward après-ski done right. All of the food here is solid, but a couple slices of their much-beloved pizza is a particularly rewarding way to wrap your day. 690 Park Ave, Park City, available for curbside pickup, dine-in, and delivery
HECTOR'S
Luckily for locals, Salt Lake has plenty of Mexican fast food restaurants. That said, after a long day on the mountain, there’s something special about the way a burrito from Hector’s hits. Consequently, this lovely, family-run spot on 33rd south has become a necessary stop for many on their way home from the Cottonwoods. 2901 E 3300 S, available for dine-in and drive-thru
The wing coop
A dozen bone-in Buffalo wings is always a nice way to cap off a cold day on the mountain, and Wing Coop is as good a place as any to write such an ending. The sauces here range from classic to wildly hot and wonderfully inventive, and the fried sides are all assuredly delicious as well. 569 N 300 W, available for pick-up, delivery
