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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.
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.
This small, casual pub between Helper and Price is out of the way but worth the drive for its huge selection of burgers, pizzas, salads, and steak-house favorites. Start your meal with one of the many appetizers, and make sure to try one of the craft beers on tap. This place has quite the following, so be prepared for a wait on busy nights.
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.
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.
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