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

In addition to doling out some of the largest and most delicious cookies and cinnamon rolls you've ever tried, this cheerful bakery-café presents a terrific roster of breakfast and lunch panini, wraps, sandwiches, and soups. Here, the baked goods are all from scratch (with many gluten-free options), the produce is local, the meats are preservative-free, and the coffee is 100% Rainforest Alliance and organic. Eat in or get your goodies to go in eco-friendly containers. 

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.

Set in a vintage redbrick storefront on downtown Moab's busiest block, this urbane café and ice-cream shop also offers enough hearty savory dishes throughout the day—plus a well-curated selection of beer and wine—to serve as a legit breakfast or lunch option. Consider the Liège-style waffles with fresh berries or avocado toast early in the day, or a veggie "meatball" or fancy grilled cheese sandwich (the preparation of the latter changes daily), Cobb salad, or street tacos in the afternoon. The silky-smooth nitro-infused ice cream comes in such offbeat flavors as s'mores and Cap'n Crunch. You'll also find jewelry, clothing, and other handmade crafts for sale. In the evening, a space in the back transforms into a speakeasy called Raven Room, with craft cocktails and an upscale bar food menu. 

In little downtown Green River, Ray's is something of a western legend and a favorite hangout for river runners. The bar that runs the length of this 1940s restaurant reminds you this is still a tavern and a serious watering hole—but all the photos and rafting memorabilia make it also comfortable for families. It's worth stopping in for the great tales about working on the river, as well as some of the coldest beer and tastiest burgers around. 

Sushi in the remote desert may seem surprising, but the chefs here know what they're doing. The fish is flown in fresh several times a week, the veggies are crisp, and the sauces are spicy—locals particularly love the spicy tuna roll with cucumber and avocado served with sriracha and eel sauce. The tempura is light and crunchy and the stir-fry noodles with vegetables in a spicy miso are a treat. There are also chicken and steak options, along with plenty of dishes for vegetarians. The place has a trendy vibe and is often crowded, so call ahead, especially on weekends.

Looming high over Moab, this cliffside home of former uranium kingpin Charlie Steen offers gorgeous views of the Colorado River and surrounding red rocks, especially at sunset. The traditional American fare—including filet mignon, prime rib, pasta dishes and house-made desserts—is classic and upscale, making for the kind of place people take their parents for a fancy night out. Call ahead for reservations during the busy season.