Exploring the Best Breweries and Restaurants in Moab, UT

Tasty Food and Delicous Drinks


By Dan Weida

 

Discover the Best Breweries & Restaurants in Moab, Utah

Moab, Utah, is more than just a basecamp for outdoor adventure — it's a vibrant culinary destination with a strong local spirit. After hiking through Arches or biking down slickrock, visiting a local brewery or restaurant feels like a well-deserved reward. Below, you’ll find a carefully verified guide to the top places to eat and drink in Moab, highlighting what’s real, active, and beloved by locals and visitors alike.


Moab’s Verified Breweries & Tasting Spots

Moab Brewery

Moab Brewery is a cornerstone of the town’s craft beer scene. This long-standing brewpub delivers a wide selection of approachable, quality beers that pair perfectly with its comforting, hearty food menu. Favorites include their amber and lager styles, and their menu features burgers, sandwiches, ribs, and pub classics. The inviting indoor space and spacious patio make it a great place to unwind after a day on the trails.

Proper Brewing Co. (Moab Taproom)

Proper Brewing Co. has a Moab location that includes a taproom and a food menu. Their 20 taps rotate throughout the year, offering a variety from crisp lagers to bold seasonal ales. They also serve burgers and other casual fare, making it a fantastic stop for both beer lovers and hungry explorers. According to the brewery, their Moab location stays open daily with extended weekend hours.

Spanish Valley Vineyards

While not a brewery, Spanish Valley Vineyards deserves a spotlight in Moab’s drink scene. Located just outside town, it provides a peaceful, rustic setting to savor locally produced wines. The vineyard offers tastings, and its wine menu typically reflects the region’s unique terroir — a great alternative for those who prefer wine over beer.


Top Restaurants & Eateries in Moab

Here are the most highly regarded and currently operating restaurants in Moab, covering a variety of cuisines and dining styles:

Milt’s Stop & Eat

  • Why It Stands Out: Moab’s oldest restaurant (since 1954), Milt’s is a retro-style diner loved for its nostalgic feel, classic burgers, milkshakes, and hand-spun treats.

  • Vibe & Menu: Walk-up counter meets sit-down diner. It’s a go-to for a quick, no-fuss meal—ideal after a long drive or early morning outdoor activity.


Moab Diner & Ice Cream Shoppe

  • What It Offers: A classic diner experience with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and ice cream. Their breakfast menu is especially beloved, and the retro diner aesthetic makes it a fun place to fuel up or relax.

  • Atmosphere: Family-friendly, comfortable, and reliable — a great place for groups or solo travelers.


98 Center

  • Cuisine: Modern, farm-to-table comfort with international influences (Vietnamese + American).

  • Menu Highlights: Bánh mì sandwiches, pho, creative salads, and small plates. They emphasize scratch-made dishes, fresh ingredients, and locally sourced produce.

  • Ambiance: A stylish, relaxed restaurant with an indoor/outdoor feel and a menu made for sharing.


Desert Bistro

  • Type: Fine dining

  • Why It’s Special: Desert Bistro offers a seasonal, upscale menu with carefully sourced ingredients, elegant plating, and a refined ambiance — perfect for a celebratory dinner or a romantic evening in Moab.


Quesadilla Mobilla

  • Format: Food truck

  • What to Expect: Hearty, flavorful quesadillas with a variety of fillings (meat, vegetarian) and house-made salsas. It’s a local favorite for a quick, satisfying, and affordable bite.

  • Location: Based in the Moab Food Truck Park.


Love Muffin Café

  • Specialty: Breakfast and lunch

  • Why Go: This cozy, locally owned café offers made-from-scratch sandwiches, pastries, and breakfast burritos. They emphasize in-house preparation and use fresh, often local, ingredients.

  • Vibe: Friendly, community-oriented, with a welcoming feel for early risers and daytime explorers.


Antica Forma

  • Cuisine: Neapolitan-style pizza & Italian

  • What Makes It Great: Wood-fired pizzas with authentic Neapolitan crust, high-quality ingredients, and a strong Italian culinary tradition. Pasta and appetizers round out the menu for a well-rounded Italian experience.


Thai Bella

  • Style: Authentic Thai / Asian cuisine

  • Menu: Curries, noodle dishes, stir-fries, and vegetarian options — all prepared with care and flavor.

  • Atmosphere: Vibrant yet relaxed; outdoor seating is popular in warm weather, and the flavors are consistently praised by both locals and visitors.


Sabaku Sushi

  • Cuisine: Japanese / Sushi

  • Why You’ll Love It: A surprising gem in Moab’s desert landscape, Sabaku Sushi offers fresh sushi rolls, sashimi, and a calm dining environment. It’s a great spot for a lighter dinner or a sushi fix after a salty, sandy adventure.


Tips for Dining & Drinking in Moab

  • Plan Ahead: Many restaurants fill up in peak seasons (spring and fall), so consider making reservations or going early.

  • Timing Matters: After a long day of hiking or biking, head to breweries like Moab Brewery or Proper Brewing for a relaxed meal + drink combo.

  • Local Flavors: Try dishes that highlight regional ingredients or styles — like locally produced wines, craft beer, or scratch-made sandwiches.

  • Support Local: These businesses are mostly locally owned and provide a genuine taste of Moab’s community.

  • Know Utah Alcohol Laws: Beer in Moab often sticks to regulated ABV limits, so brewers focus on flavor and sessionability.


Why Moab’s Food Scene Complements Its Outdoor Vibes

Moab’s restaurant and brewery scene isn’t just an afterthought — it’s woven into the fabric of the outdoor culture here:

  • After intense adventures, the hearty, friendly meals locals serve feel deeply grounding.

  • The craft beer scene offers mellow but quality brews suited for recovery rather than heavy partying.

  • Local eateries are places to relax, connect, and share stories — whether you're a thru-hiker, weekend traveler, or longtime visitor.


Final Thoughts

When planning a trip to Moab, don’t just map out your trail routes — map out your meals too. Whether you're sipping a refreshing beer while watching the sunset or enjoying a warm plate of pasta after a dusty day, Moab’s food and drink offerings enrich the experience.

From community staples like Moab Brewery and Proper Brewing Co. to local favorites like Milt’s Stop & Eat, Love Muffin Café, Quesadilla Mobilla, Antica Forma, Thai Bella, and Sabaku Sushi, there’s something to satisfy every craving. These authentic, local spots reflect Moab’s spirit: adventurous, welcoming, and deeply rooted in place.

So next time you’re planning a Moab trip, make sure to build in time for food. Because here, eating well is its own kind of adventure.

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