It happens—especially during ski season. You’re all set to dine at one of Park City’s popular restaurants, but every table is booked for the evening. Well, here’s a tip: simply ask if you can belly up to the bar.

Indulge in fresh oysters and crab at the sexy, glowing, aptly named Sky Blue Bar, on the fourth floor of the Sky Lodge. To accompany your seafood bounty, order a classic cocktail from one of the master mixologists, or pop open a fine bottle of bubbly. The Sky Blue has hand-rolled cigars, too.  201 Heber Ave, 435.658.2500, theskylodge.com

Ski in and order dinner at the intimate upstairs bar at High West Distillery, and not only will you enjoy one of the town’s best burgers (or other more sophisticated fare), but you’ll also learn a whole lot about High West’s award-winning whiskeys.  703 Park Ave, 435.649.8300, highwest.com

Off the beaten path, the cozy bar hidden behind the dining area at Lespri Prime Steak Sushi Bar makes a perfect dinner rendezvous spot, especially for two. Start with house-made Yukon gold crisps with Champagne vinaigrette.  1765 Sidewinder Dr, 435.649.5900, lespriprime.com

Bartenders at the St. Regis Bar are as friendly as they come. Sit back in a comfy bar seat, order a nice French wine, and try the garlicky mussels and grilled bread from the adjacent J & G Grill.  2300 Deer Valley Dr, 435.940.5760, jggrilldeercrest.com

If televised sports, a friendly vibe, and terrific New York–style pizza or spaghetti and meatballs ring your dinner bell, join the crowd at the bar at Maxwell’s East Coast Eatery.  1456 Newpark Blvd, 435.647.0304, maxwellsece.com

Enjoy the full dinner menu and choose from a list that includes a stunning 50 half-bottles of wine at the stylish bar at The Farm. Try the Montes Alpha Carménère with the grilled Summit County rib eye and blue cheese mashed potato grits.  Canyons Resort, 435.615.8080, canyonsresort.com

1st Amendment Lager with fish and chips or baby back pork ribs with a Polygamy Porter make delectable dinner pairings at Wasatch Brew Pub’s well-worn bar. The first post-prohibition brewery in Utah, Wasatch is known and loved for its spirited jabs at the state’s teetotalitarian culture.  250 Main St, 435.649.0900, wasatchbeers.com

Butcher’s Chop House and Bar is in the thick of the action on Lower Main at the Town Lift. If you can find a spot at the grand mirrored bar ... grab it, go old-school, and order a Manhattan to accompany your prime rib.  751 Main St, 435.647.0040, butcherschophouse.com