Best Family Dining: The Eating Establishment

For over five decades, The Eating Establishment has held the distinction of being Park City's oldest full-service restaurant, serving three generations of families since opening its doors in 1972. Located at the heart of Historic Main Street, this beloved institution represents everything families love about Park City dining: generous portions, all-day breakfast, genuine hospitality, and an atmosphere where kids are genuinely welcomed rather than merely tolerated.

A True Park City Institution

What makes The Eating Establishment special isn't just its longevity—it's how it has maintained its family-friendly soul while evolving with Park City's growth. When local owners purchased and lovingly updated the restaurant in 2017, they preserved the original spirit that made it a local favorite while adding modern touches that enhance the dining experience.

Under the skilled guidance of Chef Brendan Kawakami, the restaurant maintains its "breakfast all day" philosophy while offering expanded lunch and dinner menus that satisfy every family member's preferences. This flexibility makes it perfect for families dealing with different meal times and varying ages of children.

All-Day Breakfast: The Family Favorite

The All-Day Breakfast Menu starting at 8 AM is what originally put The Eating Establishment on the map, and it remains the heart of their family appeal. The 3 Egg Omelette allows each family member to customize their meal with three ingredients from an impressive selection: bell pepper, spinach, kale, onions, mushrooms, tomato, ham, bacon, cheddar, Swiss, or feta cheese, served with breakfast potatoes and toast.

For families seeking hearty morning fuel, the Huevos Rancheros, Eggs Benedict, and Chicken Fried Steak provide the substantial portions that active families need before hitting Park City's slopes or trails. The quality and consistency of these breakfast classics has made them neighborhood favorites for decades.

The Most Popular Dish: Fish Tacos

The restaurant's Grilled Fish Tacos ($23) have earned legendary status among both locals and visitors. Featuring grilled halibut with creamy cilantro dressing on flour tortillas, served with black beans, chips, and salsa, these tacos represent the perfect balance of freshness and flavor that appeals to adults while remaining approachable for children who might be hesitant about seafood.

This dish exemplifies The Eating Establishment's approach to family dining—sophisticated enough for parents, familiar enough for kids, and generous enough to satisfy mountain appetites.

Kids Menu Done Right

The Kids Menu demonstrates genuine understanding of family dining needs. Rather than offering typical processed children's fare, the kitchen prepares real food in kid-friendly portions:

• Chicken Tenders (most kids meals $12) - made fresh, not frozen
• Grilled Cheese - classic comfort food executed perfectly
• Kid's Burger - scaled-down version of their quality adult burgers
• Buttery Noodles - simple but satisfying for picky eaters

At $12 for most kids meals, the pricing reflects both quality ingredients and generous portions that often provide leftovers for later snacks.

Lunch & Dinner for the Whole Family

The Lunch Menu (11 AM-5 PM) offers family-friendly classics that work for shared meals. The BLTA ($20) with heirloom tomato, green leaf lettuce, bacon, avocado, and roasted garlic aioli represents elevated comfort food, while the Halibut and Chips provides a familiar option that introduces kids to quality seafood preparation.

The Dinner Menu (5 PM-9 PM) features their Award-Winning Baby Back Ribs, which have become a family tradition for many Park City visitors. The ribs are prepared with a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor that appeals to all ages, making them ideal for family celebrations.

The Perfect Main Street Location

The Historic Main Street location at 317 Main Street places families at the center of Park City's action while maintaining the cozy neighborhood feel that makes dining comfortable with children. Large windows provide entertainment for kids through people-watching, while the casual atmosphere means parents can relax without worrying about formal dining expectations.

The restaurant's position makes it perfect for families exploring Main Street's shops and galleries—you can easily walk to Park City Museum, browse local boutiques, or catch the free shuttle to ski resorts.

Special Dietary Accommodations

The Eating Establishment demonstrates genuine commitment to inclusive family dining with vegetarian and gluten-free options available throughout the menu. Their willingness to accommodate dietary restrictions without making families feel like an inconvenience sets them apart from many casual dining establishments.

The 2017 Bar Addition: Something for Parents

The thoughtful addition of a full bar in 2017 allows parents to enjoy craft cocktails sourced from sister businesses while kids focus on their meals. The bar doesn't change the family-friendly atmosphere—instead, it enhances the restaurant's ability to serve multi-generational groups where adults can enjoy sophisticated beverages while maintaining the casual comfort kids need.

Practical Family Dining Details

• Hours: 8 AM-4 PM and 5-9 PM (seasonal variations apply)
• Reservations: Not required for breakfast/lunch, recommended for dinner
• Location: 317 Main Street, Park City, UT - right in the Historic District
• Pricing: Breakfast $8-16, Lunch $15-25, Dinner $18-28, Kids $12
• Special Note: Restaurant closes between 4-5 PM daily for transition
• Accessibility: Full wheelchair access and family-friendly amenities

Why Families Choose The Eating Establishment

Unlike restaurants that merely tolerate children, The Eating Establishment was designed with families in mind. The generous portions often provide leftovers for hotel snacks, the all-day breakfast accommodates families with varying schedules, and the location puts you at the heart of Park City's family activities.

The restaurant's three-generation legacy means the staff understands family dining dynamics—they know that sometimes meals take longer with kids, that sharing plates is common, and that flexibility makes the difference between a stressful meal and a memorable family experience.

Insider's Family Dining Guide

• Best Times: Arrive early for dinner (right at 5 PM) to avoid waits with hungry kids
• Sharing Strategy: The Fish Tacos are perfect for adults to share while kids have their own meals
• Breakfast Champions: Order the 3 Egg Omelette with ingredients kids will eat—cheese, ham, and mild vegetables
• Weekend Planning: Saturday and Sunday breakfast can get busy—consider arriving right at 8 AM
• Main Street Combo: Perfect for combining with Park City Museum visits or Main Street shopping
• Weather Backup: Ideal indoor activity during Park City's occasional summer thunderstorms
• Ski Day Fuel: The hearty breakfast portions provide excellent fuel before hitting Park City Mountain Resort

Local Recognition and Reputation

The Eating Establishment's 52-year track record speaks louder than any recent review. When three generations of Park City families consider a restaurant "their place," it indicates the kind of consistent quality and genuine hospitality that makes family dining truly special.

This is where Park City families create lasting memories over generous portions and genuine hospitality—where the next generation discovers their own favorite dishes while parents enjoy sophisticated comfort food in a setting that welcomes everyone.