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13 Must-Try Foods In Moab After An Exhausting Day At Arches NP
Feeling ravenous after scrambling over ancient red rocks all day? We get it – exploring natural wonders can turn even the most delicate eater into a ravenous snack hunter. And in Moab, food isn’t just sustenance; it’s the spoils of your sweaty, sunburned victory.
From dishes so good they should come with a warning label to flavors bold enough to make your taste buds high-five, this adventure town knows how to refuel the weary.
Weird cravings? Dietary quirks? Permanent coffee addiction? There’s something here to satisfy every variety of hunger-induced madness.
Think your favorite post-Arches go-to beats anything on this list? Toss it in the comments… we’re all ears (and stomachs).
Ice Cream Sundae – Moab Garage Co.
When the desert sun has baked you into human jerky, there’s only one logical response – ice cream, and lots of it. At Moab Garage Co., their ice cream sundaes are practically an oasis in sundae form.
Think creamy, dreamy scoops drowning in caramel or chocolate sauce with toppings so decadent they should probably require an ID check. This isn’t just dessert; it’s a rescue mission for your overheated soul. Plus, they have a trendy, industrial-chic vibe that’s pretty great too.
Pho Noodle Soup – 98 Center
Did someone say steamy broth in the middle of a desert? Yes, and trust me, it works. The pho noodle soup at 98 Center might just have magical properties – perfectly tender noodles, rich, fragrant broth spiced to perfection, and fresh herbs that look so pretty you almost forget you’re here to devour them.
It’s like a warm culinary hug after a day of Arches-induced muscle cramps. And the plant-filled modern interior? A surprising Zen retreat in a town where dust is basically a seasoning.
Fried Chicken Sandwich – Doughbird
Here’s the genius you didn’t know you needed – Moab’s iconic doughnut shop, Doughbird, decided to throw a crispy fried chicken sandwich into their lineup. The result? A symphony of crunch, smoky-sweet glaze, and heat that’ll make your taste buds stand at attention.
Want to go finger-food fancy? Pair it with their killer cold brew. It’s like Southern comfort food took a road trip and decided to stay for the desert scenery. Warning: there’s no way this won’t end with sticky fingers.
Cowboy Burger With Onion Rings – Milt’s Stop & Eat
Moab’s oldest restaurant, Milt’s Stop & Eat, doesn’t do subtle – their Cowboy Burger is as bold and unapologetic as the Wild West itself. Picture a perfectly grilled beef patty topped with bacon, barbecue sauce, cheddar, and, oh yeah, an onion ring stacked right into the sandwich as if daring you to unhinge your jaw.
Pair it with their golden, hand-cut onion rings for double the crunch and zero regrets. A nostalgic mood and killer comfort food? This is where history meets hunger in the tastiest way.
Fresh Sushi Rolls – Sabaku Sushi
Fresh sushi… in the middle of Moab? Yep, it’s true! Sabaku Sushi defies all odds, blending the art of sushi rolling with the rugged charm of desert life. And their rolls are a masterpiece of flavors – impeccably fresh fish, bright veggies, and clever touches like house-made sauces that’ll have you questioning everything you thought you knew about dining in a landlocked town.
It’s sushi with a side of surprise, proving once again that Moab is full of culinary plot twists. Mark this one down as an essential detour.
Green Chili Cheeseburger – Moab Diner
Retro charm? Check. Fiery flavor? Double check. The green chili cheeseburger at Moab Diner doesn’t just feed you – it challenges you (and your spice tolerance). Juicy beef, gooey cheese, and roasted green chilis bring a kick that’ll wake up your taste buds faster than any desert windstorm.
Oh, and did I mention it’s served in a cozy diner setting straight out of a ‘50s movie scene? Don’t forget to grab one of their thick milkshakes on the side… because your mouth’s gonna need some cooling relief.
Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza – Antica Forma
Antica Forma doesn’t mess around when it comes to pizza. Their wood-fired margherita pizza is nothing short of a love letter to Naples itself, boasting a charred, blistered crust that’s crispy enough to crunch but soft enough to fold.
The simplicity of fresh mozzarella, perfectly seasoned tomato sauce, and fragrant basil proves that less really can be more… except when it comes to how many slices you eat. Watching the roaring fire of their oven while your pizza bakes? Just another way to feel warm and fuzzy – inside and out.
Vegetarian Curry – Thai Bella
Thai Bella takes your taste buds on a flavor-packed world tour, no passport required. Their vegetarian curry is the star of the show – a symphony of spices, coconut milk, and fresh veggies that’ll have even the most devoted carnivores nodding in approval.
Each bite is an aromatic, creamy hug with a subtle kick that whispers, “Bet you didn’t know the desert could taste this good.” Between the vibrant flavors and the cozy, laid-back vibe of the restaurant, it’s the kind of meal that makes you forget you are in the desert.
All-You-Can-Eat Pizza Buffet – Zax Restaurant
Zax Restaurant is here for the pizza aficionados who can’t commit to just one topping combination. Their all-you-can-eat pizza buffet is perfect for satisfying post-hike hunger, or, frankly, any time your stomach decides it’s a black hole.
Piles of pizzas with every topping imaginable, a fresh salad bar (yes, balance is a thing), and enough cozy booths to make it feel like home… if home came with unlimited carbs. Pro tip? Show up starving, because these pizzas don’t judge – they just disappear.
Pad Thai – Arches Thai
Arches Thai doesn’t just serve pad thai – they elevate it. Picture tender rice noodles soaked in a tangy, sweet-savory tamarind sauce, dotted with crunchy peanuts, juicy shrimp, and just the right hint of scrambled egg.
What makes it special? It’s that magical balance of flavors that’ll have you kinking up your chopsticks for every last noodle. Plus, the restaurant’s modern yet chill atmosphere makes it the ultimate place to refuel after a long day of desert escapades.
BBQ Brisket Plate – Spitfire Smokehouse
Spitfire Smokehouse doesn’t just serve BBQ – they serve an experience. Their brisket plate is the stuff of slow-smoked legends, featuring tender, fall-apart meat kissed with just the right amount of smoky flavor.
Add in the sides (maybe some buttery cornbread or coleslaw that’s equal parts creamy and crisp), and you’ve got a meal that’s as comforting as your favorite flannel. It’s rustic, it’s hearty, and it’s a game-changer for any meat lover passing through town.
Fish Tacos – The Spoke On Center
Fish tacos in Utah? Yeah, they’re a thing, and The Spoke On Center does them right. Enjoy biting into a soft tortilla stuffed with crispy, golden fish, topped off with zesty slaw and a drizzle of tangy lime sauce.
It’s a flavor explosion that’ll have you wondering whether you’re closer to the Colorado River or the Pacific Ocean. Pair it with their killer drink menu (hint hint, margaritas), and you’ve got yourself an unbeatable combo that screams “vacation mode.”
Bison Burger & BBQ Ribs – The Blu Pig
The Blu Pig is where BBQ dreams and big appetites meet. Their bison burger is a flavor-packed, juicy beast of a sandwich, while the BBQ ribs? Well, they practically slide off the bone with a whisper of smoky sweetness.
Each bite feels like a celebration of hearty, primal eats that are deliciously messy… but worth every napkin. Add some live music in the mix, and you’re not just having dinner – you’re making memories one sauce-covered bite at a time.
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