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Including even a few surprising twists, Moab-area restaurants have pretty much anything you might be craving. The other smaller towns in southeastern Utah don’t have quite the culinary kaleidoscope and focus mostly on all-American, meat-centered meals. Though not the best destination for vegetarians or those watching their weight, the comfort food can be quite good and satisfying. One thing is for sure: no matter what restaurant you choose, you won’t have to worry about a dress code. Shorts or jeans and sandals are always acceptable.
Quick and reliable, this no-frills diner opens early and closes late, dishing up large portions of all-American fare at a decent price. People come for the all-day breakfast, the grass-fed beef burgers, and a great selection of soda-fountain favorites, including shakes and sundaes. If you're headed out into the desert for the day, grab one of their boxed to-go lunches, with a sandwich, chips, water, fresh fruit, and a candy bar.
A former drive-in for generations, this casual spot leans into its retro roots, with robin's-egg–blue booths and checkerboard floors—and the best burgers, shakes, and fries in town. This is also the perfect place to try Utah's famous fry sauce, made from ketchup, mayonnaise, and a few other ingredients too secret to name. While it can get very busy, the staff is always friendly, and there's a helpful sign on the wall that lights up with the estimated time your order should take.
This casual burger joint connected to a gas station is probably the best-known stop between Lake Powell and Capitol Reef. Even if you're not hungry, it's worth a visit for the incredibly thick shakes that rise out of their cups, but just be ready for some long lines on busy days.
Views of the Green River make this a restorative stop after a long drive. Though the interior has gotten hipper in recent years, the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are filled with the same classic diner favorites the spot has been serving up for decades. The Navajo tacos and green chili burgers are especially decadent and delicious, and there's a long list of beer, wine, and cider to choose from, as well.
