Drink your way through Utah's Parks

Description:

The oldest brew pub in the area, Eddie McStiff's is known for its beers with cheeky names (Polygamy Porter, anyone?) and requirement to order food with your drinks. Inspired by many different regions, the menu includes pot stickers, a Mediterranean hummus and olive plate, a burger with blue cheese and caramelized onions, and a variety of nightly specials. Those more technologically inclined will enjoy the free WiFi and numerous outlets around the restaurant. Eddie McStiff's can get quite busy on weekends, so be prepared for a short wait.

Description:

Sidle up to this spacious-but-quickly-filled Moab Brewery and take a gander at the crowd around you – rock climbers, hikers, mountain bikers, and just about every other outdoorsy type just back from Arches for the day. Moab Brewery founder Jeff Van Horn started the business in order to "get a strong beer in the state of Utah" and tourists and locals alike have been thanking him every since. If that doesn't impress you, their handcrafted beer selection might. Locals recommend the Derailleur Ale, Black Raven Oatmeal Stout, and the Elephant Hill Hefeweizen. Moab Brewery's food is typical American pub, with generous portions and rib sticking fare like Brew Pub Nachos, Jalapeno Beer Fries, and Texas Pit St. Louis Pork Back Ribs. The place fills very quickly so be sure to arrive early, or be prepared to circle the block looking for a parking spot.

Our Local Expert Says:

Less touristy than other lodging options

Description:

The Kokopelli Lodge was built in the 1950s during Moab's Uranium rush, and was originally known as "the Atomic Motel." Since then, it has evolved into the homey, relaxed lodge that it is today. The Kokopelli Inn usually houses people who know, love, and regularly visit Moab. The Lodge is a short walk from the center of town and library, and features a fully fenced backyard, bike work and storage areas and affordable rates.

Our Local Expert Says:

Simple, to-the-point, and good. Plus, they've expanded to three southern Utah towns...but are in no danger of becoming a big box store.

Description:

Moab has a couple of good breakfast choices, but none spur quite the devotion and dedication of The Peace Tree Juice Café. All natural and organic, this lively dining option serves hearty (and healthy!) breakfasts of champions, like hummus and veggies wraps, croissant sandwiches, and fresh juice smoothies. With a goal to "provide healthy, flavorful sustenance to our customers, natural, organic, and farm-to-table when possible," you're assured of the freshest, most local ingredients possible at this funky little breakfast restaurant. Grab a bite to eat before heading out to the parks, or pull up a chair on the patio and people watch all day.

Description:

Don't come to Milt's Stop & Eat in Moab expecting high molecular gastronomy. Milt's, operating in Moab since 1954, is known for vinyl topped stools, formica countertops and well-priced, delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Milt's Stop & Eat may be a classic burger joint, but they are not lacking for creativity – the Black and Blue Burger is crusted with black pepper and smothered with blue cheese, and the Chicago-style Hot Dog includes a dill pickle, jalapeno peppers, and celery salt. If you don't have a milkshake, you're not living. (favorites of ours are Oreo, Heath Bar, or Coffee flavored).

Our Local Expert Says:

Do NOT pass through southern Utah without making it a priority to stop by this restaurant & sample its amazing food & atmosphere. Sit outside if it's warm.

Description:

With a seasonal menu built on Buddhist philosophy, it's no wonder that Hell's Backbone Grill has received some of the highest reviews of any restaurants in Utah. Tucked into tiny Boulder, UT, Hell's Backbone Grill takes good food seriously. Founded by Chef-Owners Jen Castle and Blake Spalding, Hell's Backbone Grill has been featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, Bon Appetit, and The New York Times, and is a proud member of the Slow Food Organization. Sample plates include Puff Pastry Pesto and Goat Cheese Turnover, Cornmeal-Molasses and Pecan Skillet Trout, and Agave & Lime Grilled Chicken Breast. Truly a transcendent dining experience.

Description:

Bryce Canyon Lodge offers visitors the only "in-park" lodging at Bryce Canyon National Park. From this convenient location, guests have access to hiking, biking and breathtaking views from the canyon rim. The lodge itself is rustic, relaxed and refined; visitors can choose between private cabins, rooms and suites, and can enjoy fine dining in the restaurant in the main lodge. Xanterra Parks & Resorts operates the lodge; all reservations will be made through them (they never charge a booking fee, and makes positive user experiences a priority).

Our Local Expert Says:

Great food, and amazing jewelry available from authenticated Native American artisans. And the view! Right above the Escalante River canyon.

Description:

Kiva Koffeehouse is relaxing, plain and simple. Located half way between Escalante and Boulder, Kiva Koffeehouse is well known to those versed in the intricacies of the Escalante Grand National Monument. Grab your coffee and one of many fantastic homemade treats (soups, breads, pastries, etc.), peruse the large library of books devoted to hiking and the nearby outdoors, and spend an afternoon admiring your surroundings and feeling pretty darn good about yourself.

Description:

With Utah's largest selection of microbrews and fresh fruit Margaritas, Springdale's Bit and Spur Restaurant and Saloon may surprise you. Since 1981, the Bit and Spur has catered to locals and tourists alike, creating delicious Mexican food made with fresh ingredients. Sink your teeth into the Pork Carnita Bit and Spur Tamale, Chipotle Chicken Salad, or the scrumptious Stuffed Jalapeno. An extensive wine list includes bottles from Chile, New Zealand, and France, with the majority of the list dedicated to California, Oregon, and Washington wineries. Beer aficionados will love the extensive list of local microbrews (Polygamy Porter included) and international standbys, and the Sangria will make anyone weak in the knees. Casual and comfortable, the Bit and Spur fills early and often.

Our Local Expert Says:

The locals' hang-out and home of Utah microbrews as well as domestic beers on tap and in bottle.

Description:

Looking for a great pizza served in a well-watered and attended Beer Garden near Zion National Park? Look no further than Zion Pizza and Noodle, a local and tourist favorite. Creative and fresh Pizzas are consistently a top choice – who can say no to a Tree Hugger (onion, olives, light cheese, mushrooms, and carrot) or a Cholesterol Hiker (Canadian bacon, pepperoni, Italian sausage, three cheeses). The Beer Garden is open year round and features a variety of local Utah brews.

Description:

Fresh brews from the brewery lend an authentic air to the old fashioned "Lady in Red Saloon." They offer a full-service bar and big-screen TVs to catch the game. And the "Majestic View" through the floor-to-ceiling windows truly is stunning.

Our Local Expert Says:

Pie, pie, pie...scrummy

Description:

The Thunderbird Restaurant in Zion is known for well priced American classics and fantastic homemade pies. An expansive breakfast menu gets you ready for the day, while a homey and comforting dinner menu welcomes you back after a long day. A slice of pie is practically mandatory at this historic Zion eatery, as Thunderbird is known for that pie, in addition to the quirky, misspelled sign outside.