Exploring Wasatch Brewery Park City: Utah's Original Brew Pub Story
Have you ever wondered where Utah's vibrant craft beer scene truly started? Well, you know, right at the top of historic Main Street in Park City, there's a building that, in a way, holds a really special place in that story. Built way back in 1986, this iconic spot, so, it really does embody the spirit of old town Park City, and it was home to something quite remarkable: Utah's very first brew pub, the Wasatch Brew Pub. This one place, you see, actually helped kick off the whole craft beer movement, not just here, but it's almost as if its influence reached all the way to the Pacific Northwest.
It's fascinating, isn't it, how a single idea can change things? In 1988, a fellow named Greg Schirf, he had this really bold idea. He proposed a bill to the Utah legislature, which, in some respects, was quite revolutionary for the time. This bill was all about making brewpubs legal in the state, and guess what? It passed with flying colors, pretty much a testament to his vision. That legislative win, too, paved the way for something truly exciting.
In celebration of that victory, you know, Greg Schirf opened Utah’s very first brewpub, right there at the top of historic Main Street in the resort town of Park City. Since that day, Wasatch has, in a way, become known for brewing really bold beer, you know, with a kind of rebellious spirit. And, honestly, they're just getting started with their story, it seems.
Table of Contents
- History of a Pioneer
- A Bold Beginning: Making Brewpubs Legal
- The Heart of Park City's Main Street
- What's on Offer Today at Top of Main Brew Pub
- From Wasatch to Top of Main: A New Chapter
- Why This Place Matters for Park City
- Frequently Asked Questions About This Park City Landmark
History of a Pioneer
So, you know, the building itself, located at 250 Main Street, it's pretty much a piece of Park City's living history. It has been a local favorite, you know, since it first opened its doors in 1986. This iconic structure, it really was the home of Utah’s first ever brew pub, the Wasatch Brew Pub. It's quite something, isn't it, to think about how this one spot set the stage for so much more.
In 1987, Wasatch Brewery, actually, opened on Main Street. This was, in a way, the first brewery in Park City since the days of Prohibition. That's a pretty big deal, when you think about it. It marked a significant return for local brewing in the area, a real turning point, you might say, for the community's relationship with beer.
Today, you know, there's a whole new generation of breweries popping up around Park City. But it’s important to remember where it all started. This original spot, it really laid the groundwork for the thriving craft beer scene we see now. It's a bit like the grand elder of the local brewing family, if that makes sense.
A Bold Beginning: Making Brewpubs Legal
It's quite a story, really, how the whole brewpub concept took root in Utah. In 1988, Greg Schirf, the very same person who started Wasatch, he put forward another bill to the Utah legislature. This bill, you see, was specifically about making brewpubs legal across the state. It was a pretty big step, considering the state's unique history with alcohol laws.
That bill, you know, passed with flying colors. It was a clear sign that things were changing, that there was a growing appetite for local, craft-focused establishments. In celebration of this legislative success, Greg Schirf, he then opened Utah’s very first brewpub. This significant opening happened right at the top of historic Main Street in the resort town of Park City. It was, in a way, a direct result of his efforts and vision.
This legislative achievement and the opening of the brewpub, they really did spark something. It was, you know, the beginning of a new era for beer enthusiasts and for the hospitality scene in Utah. It showed that with a bit of determination, you could actually shift the legal landscape and create something truly unique for the community.
The Heart of Park City's Main Street
Wasatch Brew Pub, or what is now known as Top of Main Brew Pub, is, you know, located right at the very top of historic Main Street in Park City. This spot, it's pretty much a landmark, a place where people have gathered for years. It's somewhere you can go to just unwind and relax, especially after a busy day exploring the mountains or hitting the slopes.
The location itself is quite special, offering a really nice vantage point over the bustling street below. It’s a place where, you know, locals and visitors alike have come to feel at home since 1986. The atmosphere inside, it tends to be warm and welcoming, just what you want after a day out in the crisp mountain air.
They offer full liquor service, which is pretty convenient, in both their bars and the restaurant area. So, you know, whether you're looking for a beer brewed right there, a tasty cocktail made with local spirits, or even just a good glass of wine, they’ve got you covered. It’s a complete experience, really, designed for comfort and enjoyment.
What's on Offer Today at Top of Main Brew Pub
Today, you know, this iconic spot, now called Top of Main Brew Pub, is typically open from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm. It's a place that continues to offer a full and inviting experience for anyone stopping by. They have, you know, quite a comprehensive menu, featuring a range of pub favorites that have been enjoyed by many over the years.
Food for Every Craving
The menu, you know, is pretty extensive, designed to satisfy all sorts of appetites. You can find classic pub favorites like their ale battered fish and chips, which, you know, sounds really good. They also have a comforting mac n cheese, which is always a popular choice. And, of course, there's the Wasatch fish and chips, a signature item, you could say.
For those looking for something a bit different, they offer great plains buffalo burgers, which are, you know, a leaner and flavorful option. You might also find things like fresh baby arugula and blue cheese salads, showing that they have lighter choices too. It’s a good mix, honestly, providing something for almost everyone, whether you're in the mood for something hearty or something a little fresher.
They present a full lunch and dinner menu, so, you know, you can drop in at various times of the day. They even have a weekend brunch menu, which is pretty great for those leisurely mornings. So, you know, from the classic 1st Amendment Fish & Chips to the buffalo burgers, there's quite a selection to explore, really.
Drinks to Savor
As you might expect from a brew pub, the beers brewed onsite are a real highlight. You can, you know, enjoy a fresh pint of something made right there, which is always a nice touch. Beyond the beers, they also concoct tasty cocktails, often using local spirits, which is pretty cool. It’s a way, you know, to support other local businesses.
They have a full liquor service available, as I mentioned, in both their bar areas and the main restaurant. So, whether your preference is for a craft beer, a mixed drink, or something else entirely, you’ll find options. It’s a pretty comprehensive beverage program, really, designed to complement the food and the overall atmosphere.
It’s the kind of place where, you know, you can easily find a drink that suits your mood, whether you’re celebrating with friends or just having a quiet moment. The focus on onsite brewing and local spirits, too, adds a unique flavor to the whole experience, making it a truly Park City kind of spot.
Your Gathering Spot
This place isn't just for a casual meal or a quick drink; it's also, you know, set up for larger groups. They have private event space available, which is pretty convenient if you're planning something special. And, you know, during the warmer months, they offer summer patio dining, which is just lovely for enjoying the Park City weather.
It’s a spot that, you know, really encourages people to gather and relax. Whether you’re looking for a place to host a party or just want to enjoy a meal outdoors, they’ve thought of it. The combination of good food, a wide range of drinks, and flexible spaces makes it a really versatile venue, honestly.
It’s the kind of place where memories are made, you know, whether it’s a family dinner or a get-together with old friends. The atmosphere is, you know, usually quite lively but also comfortable, making it a favorite spot for many in the area. You can learn more about local dining options on our site, and link to this page to discover more about our community initiatives.
From Wasatch to Top of Main: A New Chapter
After 34 years, you know, the name Wasatch Brew Pub in Park City is, in a way, fading into the background. The spot is now known as Top of Main Brew Pub. This name change, you see, became possible after the Monster Beverage Corporation, which is a pretty big company, purchased Wasatch and Squatters breweries in 2022.
This acquisition, you know, left the brew pubs open for local ownership. So, it's a bit of a shift, allowing the original Park City location to have a new identity while still maintaining its historical roots. It’s a local company that now owns and operates this brew pub, along with other breweries and restaurants in Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah.
This local ownership, it’s quite important, you know. They make a concerted effort to support local vendors and consistently strive to be sustainable in all aspects of their operations. They also, you know, genuinely try to give back to the local community, which is a really nice touch. It’s a continuation of the spirit, even with a new name.
Why This Place Matters for Park City
Park City, Utah, is, you know, quite famous for its beautiful mountain scenery and all the outdoor activities you can do there. But, honestly, it also has a growing craft beer scene, and this place, the original brew pub, is a huge part of why that scene exists. It truly is a local favorite, a place with a lot of history and heart.
This iconic building, it was, you know, the very first home to Utah’s first ever brew pub. That’s a pretty big legacy, if you think about it. It’s where the craft beer story, in a way, began for the whole state. It’s a place that represents a pioneering spirit, a willingness to do something new and different.
So, you know, whether you’re hitting the slopes or exploring the mountains, this brew pub, now Top of Main, is, in a way, the perfect place to unwind afterwards. With beers brewed onsite, tasty cocktails, and a full menu, it truly offers a complete experience. It’s a piece of Park City’s soul, really, a place where history and good times blend together. For more insights into the local culture, you might check out Visit Park City's official tourism site, which, you know, has a lot of helpful information.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Park City Landmark
What makes Wasatch Brew Pub special in Park City?
What makes this place really special, you know, is that it was Utah's very first brew pub. It opened in 1986, and then, after a bill was passed in 1988 to make brewpubs legal, it became the first official one. It's, in a way, the birthplace of the craft beer movement in Utah, and it's been a local favorite for decades. It's a place with a lot of history, and it embodies the rebellious spirit of brewing bold beer, which is pretty cool.
When did Wasatch Brewery first open its doors in Park City?
Wasatch Brewery, you know, first opened on Main Street in Park City in 1987. It was, actually, the first brewery to operate in Park City since the Prohibition era, which is quite a significant historical detail. The brew pub itself, the building, has been a local favorite since 1986, and it became Utah's first legal brew pub in 1988.
What kind of food can you find at the brew pub?
The brew pub, you know, offers a full menu featuring classic pub favorites. You can find things like ale battered fish and chips, which is a popular choice, and a comforting mac n cheese. They also have Wasatch fish and chips and great plains buffalo burgers. You might also see fresh baby arugula and blue cheese salads, so there's a good mix of hearty and lighter options. They serve lunch, dinner, and even weekend brunch, too, so there's a lot to choose from.
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