When the air begins to turn crisp and the leaves start to show their fall colors, I always dream of driving in the mountains. And few things are better than a fall drive to one of my favorite mountain restaurants to enjoy the scrumptious food and fresh air. Here are five of my favorite destinations with traditional fare and cozy surroundings, and where the drive up is as fabulous as the food!
1. Ruth’s Diner
If your drive is in the early morning, one of my personal favorites is the delicious breakfast at Ruth’s Diner up Immigration Canyon! I can’t even count how many times I have enjoyed their dining room and outdoor patio. They have dozens of sweeter breakfast items, but I usually enjoy their eggs and omelets so I can eat my fill of the complimentary Mile-High Biscuits with honey butter….oh my, be still my heart. My usual omelet is the “King of Hearts” stuffed with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and parmesan and jack cheese, but with so many chef-designed specialty omelets, I return often just to try them all. The Eggs Benedict are perfect. And did I mention the cinnamon roll French toast? Well, you get the idea!
Visit ruthsdiner.com to learn more.
2. Taggart’s Grill
If I’m looking for a place for lunch, I make the drive to Morgan, Utah, and Taggart’s Grill. This family-owned restaurant is surrounded by lush greens, waterfalls, peacocks, and majestic mountains. They have a diverse menu of American classics, but the best thing on the menu is the burger and fries! There are seven different burgers to choose from as well as hand-crafted sandwiches. You may want to dine lighter with a salad or soup so you have room for their homemade cakes, brownies, cookies, and cheesecakes!
Visit taggartsgrill.com for more information.
3. Foundry Grill
Foundry Grill at Sundance Mountain Resort is the perfect location for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Diners are encouraged to share entrees, communal style, with a few sides. The current menu includes ribeye, cauliflower steak, baked ratatouille, and pork t-bone. I like to plan dinner at the Grill and then enjoy the rustic Owl Bar and outdoor fire pit. It’s my go-to place in the mountains where the food is good and the drinks are, too. No Utah canyon has a better drive than the Alpine Loop! Start up American Fork Canyon, over the top to Cascade Springs, and end up at beautiful Sundance!
Check out the menu here.
4. Silver Fork Lodge & Restaurant
Just up Big Cottonwood Canyon is Silver Fork Lodge & Restaurant. It features traditional cuisine with a great outdoor patio complete with heaters and hummingbirds. I enjoy the vegetarian cauliflower steaks with red pepper coulis, but for my partner, it’s the bison burger all the way! Also featured on the menu is blackened salmon, St. Louis ribs, and homemade meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Go to silverforklodge.com to learn more.
5. Log Haven
The glorious Log Haven restaurant up Millcreek Canyon is a national treasure located right here in Utah. Log Haven is the place for a special occasion or when you want to do something extra special for your companion! The atmosphere is intimate, and the wine list is spectacular. I really can’t recommend one entree over another since each of them is a work of art, but be sure to try the boursin potatoes no matter what your entree. Chef Dave Jones is a master at his craft, so whether you choose the paprika cured salmon, the coffee and cocoa rubbed elk striploin, or the porcini crust chicken breast, you can’t go wrong!
Visit log-haven.com for more information.
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