3 Best Restaurants in Outside Arches National Park, Arches National Park

Come hungry to Moab's best pizza joint, which offers an extensive list of thin-crust wood-fired pies, each more-or-less individually sized (you might leave stuffed). The ambience is pretty simple, but the interior is low-key and welcoming. Have a seat at one of the granite-topped tables under high ceilings in the dining room, peruse the carefully chosen wine and beer list, and tuck into one of the specialty pies, perhaps the white pie with pistachio pesto, Italian sausage, homemade mozzarella, pecorino romano, basil, and olive oil.

Since 1954, this unassuming little drive-in stand has been the place to stop for burgers and shakes, especially when you're ravenous from being on the river. There's a wide variety of hamburger options (even including elk and veggie), and hand-cut fries, tater tots, and onion rings are among the classic sides. If you love milk shakes, these are the best in town—especially peach and raspberry in season. Grilled sandwiches and salads are also available. Milt's is frequently crowded, so expect a wait, regardless of whether you're getting takeout or eating at the counter.

For breakfast (served all day), plus lunch and dinner, this neon-lighted retro diner and ice cream shop is a favorite place of old-time Moabites who appreciate the reasonable prices and good-size portions of reliably tasty American fare, from caramelized-pecan pancakes to green-chili cheeseburgers. Friendly servers whisk quickly amid the bustling dining room, and kids love the banana splits, milkshakes, and other sweet treats for dessert. There's also a good-size kids menu and box lunches to go.