Bandits’ Grill and Bar offers haven during Sundance
People walk past Bandits Grill and Bar in Park City on Friday, Jan. 24, 2014. SPENSER HEAPS/Daily Herald
The Bacon Tri-Tip Sandwich with onion rings and Sweet Potato Casserole at Bandits' Grill & Gar in Park City.
I was hoofing it up and down Main Street in Park City with a purpose during the Sundance Film Festival one day last week, but I wasn’t looking for stars.
No, I was in simply in search of a place to sit down and catch a bite to eat before rushing off to further activities and another screening. So much of the Sundance experience seems to revolve around the idea of “hurry up and wait” — trying to gauge correct periods of time for walking and shuttle transportation just to arrive early enough to a screening so that your seat won’t be given away or that you’d be bumped behind waitlisters in priority.
So there I was, scurrying up and down Main Street, looking for a place that wasn’t too crowded and one that would offer a brief respite from the hustle and bustle. In my hurried reverie, I almost missed Bandits’ Grill & Bar. I was mostly past the understated front of the restaurant before I happened to turn my head and catch the front window and many empty tables beckoning from beyond the glass. My decision was made.
Upon entering the restaurant and being seated, I was a bit surprised at how big the main dining room was. The restaurant isn’t all that wide on the street front, but it goes quite deep. There was distinct Western feel to the decor — as one would expect from a place called — with nice wood tabletops, wrought-iron backing in the shapes of arrows at the tops of the booths, horseshoe coat hangers, light shades with various brand designs, and longhorns and Wild West photos on the wall.
Service was quick and friendly. The menu runs the Western gamut with wood-fired barbecue, steaks, prime rib and seafood (salmon, rainbow trout and shrimp), sandwiches and burgers, and salads and soup dominating the proceedings. The cost was a bit pricey by Utah County standards — but likely on the cheaper side for a Main Street restaurant in Park City (during Sundance no less).
Several different offerings caught my eye, but my time and budget steered me toward the Bacon Cheddar Tri-Tip Sandwich. Served on a steak roll, the sandwich featured slow-roasted tri-tip steak, applewood-smoked bacon, melted cheddar and a red ranch sauce. The sandwich wasn’t necessarily as big as I was expecting it to be, but it was delicious.
The sandwich came with two sides, and for a little extra I upgraded to onion rings and Sweet Potato Casserole. The onion rings were wide and crispy, just how I like them, and the Sweet Potato Casserole was rich, creamy and sublime. All in all a great meal.
The ambience took me away from the Sundance frame of mind for awhile — but not completely. I was brought back to reality as a boisterous group at a nearby table talked turkey about films while loudly dishing up a running R-rated dialogue as if everyone wanted to share in their conversation.
Ah, yes, time for another screening.
Where: 440 Main St., Park City
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Prices: $8.49-$33.99
Info: (435) 649-7337, www.banditsbbq.com