Dinosaurland and Eastern Utah Restaurants

Because the towns in eastern Utah are small, dining options are generally more casual and less innovative than in urban areas. The area has only two brewpubs: the refreshingly trendy Vernal Brewing Company, which opened just off Vernal’s Main Street in 2013, and Grogg’s Pinnacle Brewing Co., between Helper and Price; happily, both turn out good food and beer. Price has a mix of ethnic restaurants (with surprisingly low prices) that represents its immigrant railroad and mining history. Vernal, a farming and ranching town, has good steak houses and tasty diner eats. The best dining in this part of the state can be found in upscale lodges—Falcon's Ledge Lodge, between Duchesne and Roosevelt, and Red Canyon Lodge and Flaming Gorge Resort, both near Flaming Gorge—which pride themselves on having gourmet menus. Bear in mind that most locally owned restaurants are closed on Sunday, so plan ahead or you'll likely be stuck eating in motel restaurants or fast-food joints.

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  • 1. Antica Forma

    $$

    With a branch in Moab, as well, this popular pizza spot offers Neapolitan-style pies with scrumptious crusts and high-end touches, including house-made fresh mozzarella. There's also a long list of pastas and appetizers, and it's all served from a spacious downtown location that can get absolutely mobbed on Friday and Saturday.

    251 E. Main St., Vernal, Utah, 84078, USA
    435-374–4138

    Known For

    • House-made pizza dough, including a gluten-free option
    • Beer and wine available (not a given in rural Utah)
    • Personal-size pizzas, enough for one hungry person or two less-ravenous people

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 2. Betty's Cafe

    $

    This friendly, no-frills diner has the look of a fast-food joint but brings in tons of locals and tourists alike for meals that will leave you full all day. While lunch is tasty here, too, this is the best spot in Vernal for breakfast.

    416 W. Main St., Vernal, Utah, 84078, USA
    435-781–2728

    Known For

    • Giant portions
    • Huge cinnamon rolls and other baked goods
    • Famed fried potatoes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 3. Dinosaur Brew Haus

    $

    This friendly joint serves higher quality food than your average sports pub, with an emphasis on burgers and sandwiches. Snack on peanuts and watch a game on one of the TVs while you wait for your food, or drop a coin in the jukebox and shoot some pool. For the kids, there's a small children's menu with cheap meal deals. The interior is fun and unfussy, with green-and-white checkerboard floors, wooden tables, and a bar you can sidle up to. 

    550 E. Main St., Vernal, Utah, 84078, USA
    435-781–0717

    Known For

    • Specialty burgers, including the "Brew Haus" with sliced corn beef
    • Good selection of local microbrews on tap
    • Excellent sweet potato fries
  • 4. Plaza Mexicana

    $$

    Festive, colorful interiors and authentic Mexican specialties make Plaza Mexicana a sure bet if you need a break from Vernal's ubiquitous diners and steak houses. There are about 20 varieties of burritos to choose from, as well as a large selection of seafood options. While this isn't the cheapest Mexican food in the region, it's among the best.

    55 E. Main St., Vernal, Utah, 84078, USA
    435-781–2931

    Known For

    • Huge portions
    • Fantastic homemade salsas
    • Extensive menu
  • 5. Swain Brothers Restaurant

    $$$

    This spacious steak house right downtown has a gigantic menu, venturing far from your favorite cuts to pastas, seafood, and Mexican dishes. The atmosphere is hip, with friendly service, and there's a full bar with signature cocktails.

    29 S. Vernal Ave., Vernal, Utah, 84078, USA
    435-781–8700

    Known For

    • Fantastic prime rib and other steaks
    • Large portions
    • Weekend brunch
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Vernal Brewing Company

    $$

    One of the rare breweries in this corner of the state, this gastropub also stands out for its creative takes on pub favorites, including burgers, pizza, and sandwiches. Located downtown, the interior has a big-city warehouse feel, with large windows, tall ceilings, and exposed pipes. Choose from an array of VBC's craft beers brewed on-site, and even get a growler to go. For the kids, there's a varied children's menu and house-made sodas in several flavors.

    55 S. 500 E, Vernal, Utah, 84078, USA
    435-781–2337

    Known For

    • Innovative burger menu (try the "VBC," with candied bacon and onion marmalade)
    • Chicken skillet pie
    • Hip atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

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