ElendilPickle

We are driving to visit Canyonlands and Capitol Reef National Parks (the only two of Utah's five we haven't seen) in mid-October. We'll spend a night in Monticello, two in Moab, and one in Caineville on the east side of Capitol Reef.

Does anyone have restaurant recommendations for those areas? Ideally, we'd like to pay no more than $15-20 for a main dish, since we're on a tight budget.

It doesn't look like there is much of anything in Caineville, so we'll most likely end up going to Torrey for dinner.

Thanks, y'all!

Lee Ann

StantonHyde

In Torrey--no problem. the only place that is higher priced is Café Diablo. Go for Slackers Burgers (even if you get a veggie burger). That place is amazing. There is a decent Pizza place more towards the park than in town. Robbers Roost has really good coffee. You can always stop in at the counter at the grocery store in town--they have sandwiches.

Monticello. Again, no great dining there. Just standard fare. They do have a good coffee/juice shop in town.

Moab--we like Eddie McStiffs or the Moab Brewery. Zays or "Z" is good. Pasta Jays not so much. Steer clear of the Desert Bistro--great food and the prices to match. Blue Big BBQ is really good!! Check yelp, you will see lots of reviews for Moab.

There are plenty of diners where you are going. That's going to be your eating plan. We try to bring our own breakfasts and lunches (or stop at the local grocery). Then you really are just paying for dinner.

Clousie

We were in Moab in October two years ago. Finding a place to eat without reservations or waiting in line at a place that didn't take reservations was ridiculous.

We were saying at a very nice place with outdoor dining area in Moab so two nights we did "supermarket take out" Big salads and roasted chicken.

Third night, a Sunday, we wanted something different so went to pizza place--sorry I don't remember name, but it was very crowded and didn't want to wait. Thought we'd order a pizza to go, but it would be 45 minute wait. Next tried a Thai place--they're always fast, right? Wrong, another 45 minute wait for take out.

In utter frustration, we went to McDonalds. Told it'd be a 30 minute wait for grilled chicken. Drank a lot of wine that night!

Despite what StantonHyde said, we did like Desert Bistro. Had an early reservation for our first night in town and were pleased. A bit expensive, but very good, local-spin food.

Enjoy the two parks; they're great.

edjim

I didn't have problems in Moab in October, though I ate later in the evening. Peace Tree on the main street had room and a variety of things to eat. No problem getting into the Spoke on Center Street, either, though the food wasn't memorable. And that was apparently the week the schools were out on break. The parks were crowded.

StantonHyde

Desert Bistro is amazing but expensive (worth it) and the OP wanted inexpensive.

For the dates you are going, refer to my previous post about calling for take out or eating at 5 pm. Plan ahead.

Dayle

LeeAnn,

Torrey might present a bit of a dining problem because most of the restaurants close for winter the middle of Oct. Call ahead and check to see when they are closing.

Agree with StantonHyde that Slackers burgers are fantastic, fries too.

Really like Cafe Diablo. I go there every visit.

Love Desert Bistro, but yes expensive and you must have res.

Have fun! You will love these parks, not so sure about Cainville though.....

mlgb

In Moab, you can also do takeout at the grocery store.(I think it's the one called City Market but it's the local version of our Ralph's.) I also found the restaurants packed and the one pizza place I tried that was so highly recommended was not good.

In Torrey I liked the Capital Reef Inn & Cafe. The 10-veggie salad is pretty good. Not super expensive.

Service is slowish but friendly. Closes at 9pm. You may want to verify hours. Off season it may be weekends only

https://www.capitolreefinn.com/menu.html#anchor396515

ElendilPickle

Dayle, the only reason we're staying in Caineville is to take advantage of Choice Hotels' "get a free night with two separate stays" offer.

Thanks for all the great suggestions, everyone. We'll bring some breakfast for the nights we stay at the hostel.

Lee Ann

Dayle

Hi Lee Ann,

Well a deal is a deal and its good to take advantage when you can. I hope you have good weather and a wonderful time! I love hiking in Capitol Reef. The only hike there I didnt care much for was Chimney Rock, but others like it so.....
Really enjoyed Co Hab Canyon, golden Throne, Hickman Bridge.

Hopefully you will see lots of fall colors!

db6040

The Moab Diner! I don't recall exact prices but I would bet there are things on the menu in your price range. It's a fun, quirky place we love.

In Capitol Reef we ate at a Mexican Restaurant called La Cueva that we were HIGHLY skeptical of at first because it was connected to a convenience store and gas station. I just googled the menu and meals are in the 15-17 dollar range. They were large and filling and most importantly, delicious. Some of the best Mexican food we have had.

Here's one other suggestion for saving money on food - picnic lunches and breakfasts save a lot of money and are quicker and easier than sitting down. If you want to save even more money, go out to your big meal of the day at lunch time - lunch prices are less and sometimes last until around 3 PM. If you eat a late lunch and then just do picnic type food for dinner, you can spend less overall.

ElendilPickle

We're pretty good at traveling on the cheap! Thanks for the restaurant recommendations.

Lee Ann

wtm003

I think my sons got burgers at Slackers in Torrey. My favorite meal was a picnic lunch near the Capitol Reef visitors center followed by a piece of pie from the Gifford House.