Hell’s Backbone Grill
Boulder Mountain Lodge,20 N Hwy 12, Boulder, UT, 84716
Hell’s Backbone Grill Menu
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Address :
Boulder Mountain Lodge,20 N Hwy 12
Boulder, UT, 84716 - Phone (435) 335-7464
- Website https://www.hellsbackbonegrill.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 2:3
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Nicole S.
Is there heaven on earth? Yes, it's called Hell's Backbone Grill. The word grill may throw you off as it's really more high class in my opinion. I have been there four times now and each time has exceeded my expectations. The service is phenomenal (shout out to Pat and Nate!), the food is divine, and the location can't be beat. Sitting in at their outside table for breakfast/brunch is nice, inside is beautiful, and out on the patio is also lovely. Keep an eye out for Jezebel, the adorable and friendly cat. I have eaten the bison (amazing!! but a temporary entree), the Blaker Standard (get 1/2 beans, 1/2 rice), the shirred eggs (I recommend the tortilla w them), the meatloaf (not my favorite, but still great. Use with the She-Devil sauce), and many appetizers. Get as many apps as poss! If I could eat here every day, I would.
(5)Bonnie N.
You must stop here if in the Boulder Town vicinity. This is one of my favorite restaurants ever. Beyond quality. Excellent, gracious service. Anyone with dietary issues can be happy here. Herbs and edible flowers abound around the restaurant, and are utilized heavily in the dishes. Ask for directions to their farm...it's very cool to visit and see the chickens frolicking and the crops growing in such a beautiful setting. Meats are organic and local. Vegetarian and vegan meals are delectable. Menu is seasonal. Mixed drinks are amazing. That strawberry daiquiri I had was beyond incredible...made with quality rum and little, juicy berries straight from their farm. This is the place I dream about when I'm hiking those last two grueling miles down a hot trail.
(5)Tom W.
I totally concur with the many commentors saying this place would thrive in any big city. The difficulty with that, though, would be the loss of such wonderfully organic, locally sourced and seasonal produce. When I read Michael W's review (from New Jersey) I couldn't stop myself from thinking "what in ignorant, bigoted snob!" The restaurant is excellent for Utah, but not in a class with bigger cities and international fare? What odious tripe. I've traveled the world (literally millions of airline miles) and done business in every major US City. Hell's Backbone Grill, I believe, would be a standout anywhere.
(5)Denise M.
Excellent food with special touches. At our breakfast, there were mint leaves in the water, whipped cinnamon butter for the thick sliced oatmeal molasses toast, sage potato pancakes, etc. Hughly recommend; the lunch and dinner menus looked great too but we were only passing through.
(5)Joanne C.
This restaurant is amazing!!! The food is all organic and comes from their garden \ farm. We got there before they opened and they allowed my daughter to help pick the herbs that would go in the meals. The food was amazing, picture perfect. The peach cobbler was amazing, made with Navajo corn and peaches from Capitol Reef National Park. I wish I could come back and try more from their menu but alas this will be a diamond in the rough.
(5)Jonathan L.
This truly was 1 of the best breakfasts ever. A true gem off the beaten path. Great food and ambiance. Very rich pancakes that the kids loved. Biscuits and gravy that I'd drive hundreds of miles for. My wife had the Shirred Eggs and I didn't even get a bite because she was enjoying them so much. We will Make a point to get back here for sure!
(5)Christina S.
Such a great menu full of amazing food! Creative vegetarian dishes, meaty favorites, and just fabulous food and super service. Fresh, local food and large dishes...also a cookbook with some of the recipes. We also put our sandwich order in and picked it up in the morning. Fresh bread too!! You must eat here!
(5)Rachel G.
The service was impeccable and the location was beautiful. We came for our anniversary and had high expectations. The water had a mint sprig which was a nice touch. We were given some hot biscuits which were very moist and delicious. We both ordered lemony cluck, which was beautifully presented. While the dish was good, it lacked the wow factor expected for the price point. The chicken breast was a bit dry and overall this could have easily been made at home by someone with moderate skills in the kitchen. I do like that most the menu is locally sourced and the the clientele is eclectic and I would consider coming back again to try something different.
(3)Anastasia F.
Amazing little place! I was expecting just regular french toast but when my plate arrived it was filled with goodness. The taste is amazing. You can tell that it was made with love. Definitely a must stop if you are coming through!!! Can't wait to return! Worth every penny. Prices are not too bad and definitely worth it. You will be leaving with a smile and a cool coffee mug!
(5)Suzie Q.
We were impressed by every aspect of this restaurant. We were driving from Moab and showed up two minutes before closing and they welcomed us in. The blue corn pancakes were unique and fluffy. Biscuits and gravy were the perfect comfort food. Sun tea was surprisingly tasty. A lot of ingredients were from their own garden. Excellent service. Cute jams and pickles in the gift shop. Nice pond in the back too. Definitely check it out if you're in the area!
(5)Ginny B.
Ambiance and setting are big for me. Add to that exquisite presentation, creative menu and delicious food and it's no wonder this place, located in the middle of nowhere, has a wall full of awards. This was the best meal of a 10 day trip. Sit on the patio and enjoy the surrounding garden.
(4)David A.
Across a week of incredible nature discoveries in southern Utah, Hell's Backbone held it's own in the "wow!" department. What an oasis. The room, the service and the food (!!!) were all perfect. This is farm-fresh and innovative gourmet cooking of the highest order. Totally transporting experience. Seriously, blown away
(5)Sophia P.
Excellent food! Impressed by the food & spices in each dish. We had the enchiladas, house salad, trout quesadillas, kraffe coffee was wonderful after not able to find Starbucks nearby. Pumpkin bread putting was wonderful. The staff were friendly and attentive to your needs. This is a kid-friendly and small restaurant restaurant. The drive is a little scary and roads narrow before heading towards a title town called Boulder. There are signs for Hell's Backbone but ignore since that is back route. Just stay on Route 12 and drive towards Boulder and the restaurant is on right side and in the Boulder Mountain Lodge. It's worth it!
(5)Benton V.
Wow!! I had the meatloaf, and wow, very different than I have had before and it was amazing. Wife had the BLT and it was great, the trout quesadilla was also very good. Great place, great service, amazing food!! I would highly recommend!
(5)Mike M.
Absolutely a fantastic experience. Everything we ate on the menu was delicious and our server Michala was a delight.
(5)Kelly R.
If you ever find yourself anywhere in the vicinity of Boulder, UT, get thee here. It's an amazing gem, with fantastic service and an out-of-this-world selection of dishes from breakfast to dinner. We sampled breakfast and lunch and nothing disappointed, from the French toast to the Pumpkin Pinyon Enchiladas. Fantastic all around and they grow locally much of what you are eating.
(5)Stacie H.
Fantastic! Food, service and ambience are all superb! Don't miss an opportunity to dine here.
(5)Laura W.
Visited this little restaurant on the recommendation from the lady at the Anasazi ruin up the road and were definitely not disappointed. We arrived 5 minutes before they closed and were still greeted most friendly by the server. We split the Jenchaladas and the BLT and both were very unique in flavor and tasty!! Was very impressed! Must give it a try!!
(5)Charlie B.
I don't know how this place got categorized as American (Traditional). Everything we tried was innovative and brilliantly executed. Ingredients are from their own farm, and it shows in the freshness of salads and vegetables. Trout was local and excellent, my wife tells me. For me, vegetarian choices abounded. I had the "Jennchiladas", the eponymous creation of chef Jen Castle. Sometimes when I have a great dinner I fantasize that I could come back for breakfast. Wish granted: We're staying at the property where the restaurant is located, and we're heading there now.
(5)Rich S.
This restaurant would get 5 stars in the big city! Farm to Table - Check Organic Ingredients - Check Ambience - Was so nice and romantic especially with the sound of crickets and cows moo'ing! The food was delicious. We had grass fed beef, spicy cowgirl meatloaf, microbrewery beers, an an amazing strawberry rhubarb desert. Loved it all. And to top it off my wife purchased a copy of the restaurant cookbook signed by the chef!
(5)Nate B.
Oh HBBG, what to say that will bring this place justice. I started coming here with my family years and years ago, and things have only gotten better over time. Whether it's the super fresh "farm to table" (their own farm I might add) food or the very friendly local staff, this place has it all. A must along highway 12. Excellent wines and local brews menu, as well as great seasonal menus. My favorite time to come in is the Fall, they always have amazing squash soups!!
(5)Mary V.
We drove in off of the Burr Trail ,and much to my surprise there was Hells Backbone Grill. I have their book that I got for my daughter ( a CIA trained chef) and I last fall in Knab UT. I was excited. Then came the bad news... They were out of everything... no bacon, no biscuits (even though they sell a biscuit mix. So I settled for some Posole soup, a small cup. I could not finish it, it was so bad... Flavorless except for the chills. The black beans and hominy were so tough and hard. It was just awful. My son settled for apple sausage it was ok. What a disappointment, I have also read similar reviews on the Internet.
(1)William C.
Amazing to find a place like this in a town of 179 people. Even on the East coast, this would be a standout. Although meat is definitely on the menu we went with all-vegetarian choices and this was hands-down the best meatless meal I have ever had. Just the farm-fresh vegetables that accompanied our entrees were worth the price of admission. Cooked to perfection to bring out the intrinsic sweetness. The avocado soup was delicious, creamy and spicy. But the entree, the so-called "Jennchiladas" were the standout. Made with some kind of squash filling, they were sweet, creamy and spicy enough to stand up to a local microbrew pale ale. Grace, one of the two owners stopped by several times to see how we were doing. At the beginning of the meal, she warned us that the kitchen was a little backed up by a wedding party, but appetizers and bread were quickly on the table and the delay wasn't an issue. After all, where else did we have to be at 8:00 in the middle of rural Utah.
(5)Go S.
It's been almost a year since my wife and I ate here on our road trip across the US. We were traveling from Bryce Canyon NP through Capitol Reef NP towards Arches NP, and the ranger at Bryce recommended that we stop here. We were so glad we did. After traveling around the world during the past year and eating at tasty places I still remember Hell's Backbone Grill. The staff were friendly, the ingredients were fresh and local, and the food was amazing. We had the jenchilada and sunshine quesadilla. Whoever is in charge of mixing the spices for Hell's Backbone Grill gets it right. As many people have said, this place could definitely survive in a big city. If it were placed in my old SF diggs would choose it over both Boogaloos and Mission Beach Cafe. In addition, neither of those places could match this one for ambiance.
(5)David H.
Delicious and interesting Southwestern food. Located in a very picturesque setting. The chicken Jenchillada was very good and the local trout dish was amazing.
(5)Lance P.
Well, this is a nice place. Good service and good food...but not particularly memorable. The food doesn't match the hype of the price. I have enjoyed margaritas from border to border and from coast to coast, but I have never seen one as small as this one. It was served in a small wine glass like you might get w/a dessert wine. I first thought it was a sample! $10 each Interesting policy...you can't sit on the patio without a reservation whether or not there are open tables. Could I call in a reservation? Nope. We were already there. That is so stupid I am surprised that government has not thought of it. Or you could cowboy up, grin, rationalize, and enjoy a decent meal and forget what it cost.
(2)Elizabeth O.
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I love savory, earthy flavors and the jenchiladas delivered. I loved everything about it! The ambiance is great and my only wish is that I was in Boulder long enough to try more of the menu. Next time I'm in Boulder, I am stopping in for another meal.
(4)J A.
Gem find! Delicious even if not coming from days of mediocre hamburgers, salads and sandwiches. A very welcome reprieve from all standard fare along route 12! Certainly can rival any big city resturant. Staff was very friendly and attentive. Everything from drinks, appetizers, entrees and dessert was scrumptious. They vegetables were especially fresh, well prepared and just plain delish! We had the meatloaf, Mac n cheese, beef braise and pork chops. Didn't try the meatloaf but hubby said it was really good. The pork chops was very flavorful and Mac n cheese is definitely NOT what one finds on a kid's menu. Thank goodness cuz our 9 year old refuses to eat off kid's menu and will only eat 'real cheese'. Beef braise was my least favorite only because it came with everything, beef, vegi and polenta sitting in an inch of liquid. Still very good but preference would be to leave liquid off plate or serve on the side. Desserts were not unique but definitely try chocolate chili for dessert. It outshines bread pudding and lemon cake. We also had the lamb tamale. What can I say except I got one bite and the next thing I knew hubby and sons polished it off. We also stayed at the lodge which was fabulous too!
(5)John R.
Local ingredients, great menu, friendly service...hard to get better than that...oh, the location is really nice too. Don't expect the menu on the web to be 100% accurate. With local sourcing things change as needed and the lamb stew I had was really quite good. We were a large party (of about twenty) and everyone seemed to be very happy with everything they had.
(5)Austin J.
Wow, great food in he middle of nowhere. Loved the chipotle meatloaf and breakfast in the morning was amazing as well (had the Blaker's poached eggs). Definitely worth a stop if passing through Utah (or even worth a detour). Also, I highly recommend staying at the hotel as well. Makes it easier to enjoy the restaurant's great wine selection!
(5)Susan Y.
Fine dining cuisine with a casual atmosphere in the middle of nowhere -- that about sums up Hell's Backbone Grill. I was roadtripping between CO and CA, and had decided to take the scenic route (Hwy 24 to Hwy 12). I lucked upon HBG just as they were opening for dinner service, so was able to walk in and get a table. Service was both laid back and attentive, if that makes sense -- all my needs were taken care of, and at first it felt like my waiter was hovering a bit too much, but I struck up some conversation so it wasn't too weird. As is my custom, I asked my waiter for recommendations, and luckily the things I was eyeing were among the first that he mentioned. I started with the house salad, which was one of the most delicious salads I've had in a long time. The vinaigrette has a nice spicy kick to it, which pairs well with the sweet elements (strawberries, sliced apples, dehydrated corn) of the salad. The dehydrated corn and pepitas gave the salad a nice crunch, too. For my entree I had the pork chop, which was served with a stone fruit sauce over lemon mashed potatoes. The chop was a thick slab, a very generous portion, and the stone fruit sauce tasty. The lemon mashed potatoes were unexpectedly good -- the acidity of the lemon made them feel lighter than mashed potatoes usually seem. Since I was planning to drive on for a few more hours I chose not to imbibe, so had the rosemary limeade with dinner. Totally refreshing and delicious. Oh, and I almost forgot -- the black pepper biscuit. If you don't finish what they bring to your table with dinner, take the rest for your next day's breakfast. They're that good.
(5)Lou P.
This place is a gem. Local organic ingredients, exceedingly well prepared and incredibly tasty. We met our friends here after we each drove several hundred miles to arrive at Boulder (from opposite directions). Dinner was so exceptional, we came back for breakfast, despite the fact we were camping several miles away. Great food, and incredible setting and an awesome staff...what else can you ask for? Utah, especially southern Utah, isn't exactly known for a high level of service in most restaurants. This place would be one of the best restaurants in any town or city in the country. The fact Boulder is quite remote makes this place even more exceptional. We will come back. A 10 hour drive for the best restaurant in the Colorado River drainage? Worth it. Isn't it interesting that all of poor reviews are from CA and NY?
(5)Patrick R.
A menu with some sophistication, very nice country farm like ambiance and just great taste overall. I had a pumpkin apple soup, that simply tasted great more than either pumpkin or apple, and a smoked trout and Jack cheese quesadilla with a sour cream crema on top that was delicious, and not something I might normally try. The chocolate Chile cream pot dessert was rich, delicious, exactly what I'd like in a dessert. This was the best food we had while travelling through moab, hanksville and torrey while in utah.
(5)maggie c.
Spectacular lunch at this oasis around the midpoint of the very cool Scenic By-way 12. We had chili migas and the meatloaf, and they were exceedingly nice to our morose carsick 10yo and let her eat naught but a peach and a biscuit. I wanted to order everything on the menu.
(5)Kristen B.
Beautiful interior and excellent service. Food was fantastic (we got breakfast- blue corn pancakes, eggs and toast with homemade apple-cinnamon butter and apple butter). Coffee was a bit weak but everything else was fabulous.
(5)Alison G.
Pumpkin Apple soup delish! Jenchilada sauce wonderfully spicy with a hint of sweet. Loved the beans and brown rice in the breakfast dish (served til 2:30). Apple dessert our favorite, followed closely by the pumpkin bread pudding. Loved everything, including their changing menu with seasonal ingredients. My only suggestion would be a bit more veggies included in the dishes.
(4)Jean D.
Calabitas Jen-chita which is a vegetable enchilada. YUMMY. The service was over the top! My husband and I had both dinner and brunch and had not planned to. Amazing food. Amazing location. Actually, we had our leftovers for dinner the next night, so we had three meals in a row! John loved his organic wine. OH and you want organic??? The veggies are sustain-ably grown on an organic farm, and the meats are Boulder-raised grass-fed and -finished local lamb and beef!
(5)Ty F.
Adorable with friendly servers. Had a roasted beef meal for dinner. It was served in a bowl like a stew which I wasn't expecting, but it was pretty good. My bf had the hopi lamb which featured ground lamb and was it was quite good. For breakfast I fell in love with the Blaker Standard which is lacinato kale, poached eggs and brown rice. Sounds boring, but it isn't. It has a fabulous lightly spicy chili cream sauce and add bacon or homemade sausage and it's so yummy! It feels so good to eat veggies for breakfast! They make a lot, if not most of their food from scratch. Loved the little touches like flowers on my plate for breakfast and homemade apple butter with toast. YUM! The only issue really is that locals seem to have preferential treatment. The bf and I walked in, and an older couple walked in behind us. A male host came up to seat us and I told him we were a party of two. The host looked at the other couple and asked, "did you come in first?" Uh, no we did, which is why we were in the front. Later I saw the host chatting the couple up so I guess they knew each other. The other issue is that it can take a very long time to get your food. But really, it's worth waiting for! Our server gave us hiking tips and co-owner Blake came up to greet us with a big smile (we ate there 3 times). Likely the best place to eat in Boulder!
(4)Paula H.
Best food we've had in the past week of traveling thru. Utah. Most of the food has been " comfort food" - heavy and greasy. A thoughtfully planned, imaginative menu of delicious dishes here at Hells Backbone. Friendly, courteous staff. My husband and I each had the soup du jour and shared the goat cheese fondue platter. Today's soup was pozole, also delicious.
(5)Michael W.
I just stayed at the Lodge and ate breakfast and dinner at Hell's Backbone Grill for 3 days. I wanted to share my reactions which might be very personal, but they also might be helpful to foodies who have eaten excellent food all over the world. First comment - for Utah, this is an excellent restaurant. For the US as a whole, it's good, but no where near 5 star or a Zagat 27.
(3)Eli C.
Vegetarian options, quality ingredients, and unique fare. Friendly staff and pleasant atmosphere. A gem in he middle of nowhere. Rode through Utah on a recent bike tour & stopped here for lunch after receiving a recommendation. So glad we did. Best meal we had during our week.
(5)Sarah S.
We'd heard about this place ever since moving to Utah, but I didn't know if visiting would ever be possible due to its remote location and somewhat limited open months. But driving back from Lake Powell on Labor Day, we decided on a whim to drive beautiful Highway 12, which meant we'd go right past HBG. So we gave them a call, and got a reservation without any problem! It was a pleasant surprise to be sure, and we enjoyed a very nice meal. We ordered the specialty appetizer of the night, a creamy avocado/jalapeno soup that was absolutely delicious. Before that we enjoyed some of the restaurant's complimentary black pepper biscuits that came with a tasty herb butter. For the main course, I had the Cowgirl Meatloaf and my partner had the Bison strip steak. They were both very good - my meatloaf was a little on the dry side but it was a huge portion, and I had to get a to-go box. For dessert, we split some peach ice cream...part of it was a little frozen but the flavor was fantastic, and the presentation was lovely. The other desserts sounded great but we were too full to try anything else! We also had some nice wine with dinner and it was a great break from our long drive. The wine and beer list is fairly extensive and they also have a good selection of non-alcoholic drinks. Service was also very good, a touch slow in places, but their staff was on the small side that evening and there was also a large party to serve. The prices are on the higher side, to be sure. Although the restaurant is unpretentious (we wore hiking clothes in, and so did many of the other patrons), their prices match those of a fancier place. Expect to shell out a little more, but also remember the remote location probably has something to do with it! Overall, we'd definitely return the next time we're in the area, hopefully for a filling breakfast before a big hike!
(4)Dennis A.
Nice place to eat, particularly if you are staying at the Boulder Mountain Lodge or happen to be driving through this incredibly scenic highway 12 region. My wife and I dined here for the first time. The menu is somewhat limited, but each entree is unique and the ingredients and preparation proved to be very satisfying. The restaurant itself is spartan, but welcoming. We had fresh native flowers at our table, a crank-out window that allowed us to let in some fresh desert air, and the server was friendly and accommodating. Because each meal is prepared upon the kitchen receiving your order, it took us a little while to get our food. But that was fine with us. More time to relax, chat and take in the evening. My wife had a nutritious squash entree that was perfectly seasoned and full of earthy goodness. I had a lemon chicken breast that was flavorful, moist, and the skin was seared to a perfect golden crispiness. This was served with green beans and white rice with a light sauce. Delicious. Prices are moderately high. About what you'd expect in a far flung and relatively remote area where every attempt is made to bring the travelers a noteworthy meal.
(4)Pat B.
Lunch was awesome at this very quaint resturant! The meatloaf was very tasty, service with a smile, and the price was just right!
(4)Richa A.
What a gem. Great food prepared with fresh produce from the farm. Must visit if you are going from Zion to Bryce ( or other way). Soup was heavenly.
(5)Michael W.
I admit fully I ate here a few years back, but I've always remembered this place as having the best damn pancakes I've ever eaten. And I'm not even a real pancake fan. But the bluecorn pancakes with *real* maple syrup were to die for. Along with a side of the homemade apple sage sausage patties. Great place for breakfast. If I'm ever in Boulder Utah again, I'll be sure and stop here.
(5)d p.
What a wonderful place! Any lover of food will be charmed, as we were for each of a dozen meals over the course of an extended stay in stunningly beautiful Boulder, Utah. I'd give it six stars if I could. I highly recommend you come for both breakfast AND dinner. Repeatedly, if possible. Order the blue corn flapjacks with bacon on the side. Thank me later. For dinner, I especially loved the pozole and the pork chop. The biscuits are jaw-dropping. Service is small-town friendly, and warm smiles will be met with much more of the same. You may even find that your server is an Olympic-class telemark skiier, or a great songwriter who'll be singing later that night. If you're in town for more than just a meal, ask nicely and you might be able to arrange an informal tour of the restaurant's organic farm which provides most of the restaurant's ingredients. With regards to the prices, yes there are cheaper options in the area, but they are largely cooking the factory farmed food products from Sysco you can find everywhere else. Why come all the way out here to eat food trucked in from the place you are trying to escape from, to save a few bucks? Don't let the ridiculous negative reviews posted here make you miss out on a very special experience. Home is where the heart is, and this place has it in spades. As an urban foodie I recognize the tone of many of these reviews for what they are; people who had a spoiled or disappointing childhood need a therapist, not a restaurant. Approach this place with an open mind, an eye for local flavor, or an appreciation of people who are dedicating their lives to fighting the overwhelming tide of Food, Inc. and asking very little in return. A very, very special place indeed.
(5)Diane M.
My friend and I were excited to try this place after all the great reviews we'd heard. We were camping out in the area and this was to be our one splurge. We both ordered the enchiladas and we're warned that they and everything else on the menu were spicier than usual. We both figured that we could handle it because we liked things spicy. Being from California, too, I knew that Utah spicy wasn't that spicy at all. Well, the food was intolerable. It smelled good but the only flavor was heat and pain. We both tried to eat as much as possible of our $23 a plate meal, but it left me with an uncomfortable fireball in my stomach. I had wanted to order dessert but was lucky to make it out if the restaurant without getting sick. The waitress clearly realized we weren't enjoying out food an differed to bring milk and sour cream. Nice gesture but too little. Yes, we were warned about the food but it is not okay to accidentally over spice food to this extent at a restaurant that charges this much! The food we cooked over the campfire was better than this! Very disappointing. The ambience was nice and I would possibly go back to try a dessert someday- but I'll still clear of any food they provide warnings about.
(1)J T.
Overpriced and small servings make me give this 2 stars. I wanted to love it but I left feeling cheated and disappointed. Pros: - beautiful setting, nice rustic decor - food is tasty & organic Cons: - service is impossibly slow - servings are SO small and overpriced! I ordered the beet salad for my meal and it was minuscule, not even a good size for an appetizer salad. It cost $15. Not okay. - pretentious There are other good spots nearby, so keep looking.
(2)Bobby A.
It was about 3 years ago when I visited this restaurant. I was doing the Great American Road trip by myself and was hauling myself from the Hopi Reservation in Arizona all the way up to Torrey, Utah. I had no idea just how breath-taking the scenery was in Southern Utah, and after spending close to 9 hours of driving, I decided I had to stop somewhere for eats. As I was driving along the two lane highway, it was around sunset and I figured I might as well eat before it gets too dark and driving through all those dark valleys with no lights and deer running around...well I thought it would be a good idea to eat and hit the highway again while there was still some daylight. I spotted the terrace and outdoor deck area from the road and saw the gardens and it looked just so damn inviting that I had no choice but to pull in. Well, I stopped here and very glad that I did. I think they were in the midst of getting tents ready for a wedding the very next day, but no matter, the service and attention I received was very warm and courteous. I had no idea what this place was or how it was about sustainable slow foods or anything. It's only afterwards while waiting for my table I spotted the review from the New York Times framed on the wall and then I surmised, "A-ha, this is supposed to be a joint of some repute". I think I had the steak for dinner and the chocolate pot for dessert, I do remember being satisfied, that the prices were a little on the high side, but if you're on vacation, who cares? How many times are you going to come here in your life? The scenery was spectacular, the gardens were serene, a very gentrified and well-to-do crowd but very casual nonetheless. I had a wonderful evening and dinner by myself on the deck overlooking the pond and gardens while ruminating on my trip and the taking in the scenery and sunset. I'd like to one day go back to that part of the world, there just seems to be so much to take in, not sure when I'll go but when I do, I'm definitely eating here again!
(4)Harold H.
My wife and I stayed at the lodge for two nights and ate two dinners here, both were excellent. Service is friendly and efficient. This is not just a good restaurant for the out of the way location but would be a very good restaurant in any big city. I am from New Mexico and enjoyed both NM style dishes I had, including their turkey pasole. If you find yourself in this area at meal time, stop in at this restaurant. I do not see how you would not greatly enjoy it.
(5)Janet N.
We stopped here for breakfast in early Oct and had a wonderful meal! I had the quiche of the day and loved it! my husband had eggs and bacon and an awesome biscuit. We also loved our waitress, who gave us some great ideas of what to see around Boulder. Great place, we'll definitely stop by again!
(5)Karen K.
Outstanding food. Locally grown with deep connections to their community. Their love for the area comes through in their food. If on the menu, don't miss the lemon mashed potatoes. They also sell a cookbook that's worth the money.
(5)R B.
Boulder is has become a regular vacation spot for me and my friends largely because of this restaurant. I've enjoyed at least 20 meals there over the years and never get tired of the warm atmosphere and delicious food. I had the best steak of my life at Hell's Backbone Grill. I seriously still dream about it sometimes. The last visit really hooked me on the Enchiladas-- both chicken and squash are fantastic. Rich, full of flavor and the perfect texture.Most of their vegetables are grown on their restaurant farm, and you can really taste the freshness in their salads and side veggies. The biscuits are light, fluffy, and a lovely, homey way to start the meal. They have a nice selection of wine and beer, and staff is well informed about their offerings. And don't forget to leave room for their cobblers or chocolate cream pot ( i recommend sharing this, as it is wonderfully dense and rich). Breakfast might be my favorite meal at Hells backbone.Ingredients are incredible, dishes are well-balanced, and portions are generous. I always feel energetic and healthy after eating here, which is very unusual for restaurant breakfast fare. Personal favorites include the Backbone Breakfast (2 fresh eggs from their chickens, delicious sage potato cakes, and thick molasses toast that almost steals the show) and the French toast (deep flavor, not too sweet, and wonderfully chewy). Real maple syrup and homemade jam are served with the sweet dishes and toast. They also stock high-quality tea and coffee and keep mugs well filled. What could be better inspiration for getting out of bed than a delicious breakfast and Boulder's gorgeous landscape? I can't say enough good things about this place, and hope to return many times in the coming years.
(5)Sean W.
A nice place to start your day or end an evening. We had very nice meals here. It's casual and comfortable, nice staff. I don't like all these complainers. This is in the country and it's more casual here, relax. Our meals were all excellent and I highly recommend to eat and stay here. The pool is heavenly at night, although it closed a bit early for me, 10pm. Great horseback riding nearby. We will be back!
(4)Ken Z.
Having traveled to southern Utah's canyon country a number of times over the years, I have not come to expect much from restaurants in the area, other than in heavily-touristed Moab. So I was amazed at the excellent food at Hell's Backbone Grill in the tiny town of Boulder - pretty much in the middle of nowhere along Highway 12 (which is arguably the most scenic road in the country), in the general vicinity of Capitol Reef National Park. The food and service would not seem out of place for a good restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area (where I'm from), so if you ever find yourself in that neck of the woods, by all means stop in for a meal.
(5)Jill H.
Absolutely 100% worth the trip to Boulder. One of the top meals of my life. The deck sits by a small creek and white lights decorate the trees, it was soo lovely. The inside is cozy too. Food was great. Wine was great. My pecan crusted pink local trout was cooked spot on. Apps were great too. Dessert were o.k., but the dessert wine menu did not disappoint, nor did the coffee. The farm where most of the menu is sourced from is all around you and the cows are across the street! You can overnight at the restaurant's lodge rooms, but there are also a few rustic but doable places nearby too. A true special place and meal. Sincere, gentle, passionate servers. I visited in the fall from north UT, it was a gorgeous drive through the aspens and pines. check it out!
(5)John D.
Over Priced! We came here for lunch. It took 40 mins to get my dish. Then it came out wrong. My Gf got a 15 dollar salad and it came out on a 5in x 5in plate. It was a joke; not even large enough to call a side salad. This place is way over rated and over priced. Will never go back.
(1)Hadrian B.
Holy hell is this place hit or miss! Well it missed for us big time. I don't care if this is the only gourmet restaurant within 100 square miles, and I just drove 40 miles from Escalante over hells backbone and we're tired and hungry. I'd rather drive another 40 miles to get a subway sandwich than to eat at this pretentionous, over-priced joint. What topped off this un-appetizing experience was the service! All our food was passable (not for the price, but what-eve), except one dish my wife thought was very poor. We asked to change the plate out for something more tasty, and the waitress pretended like it never happened. At least they could say Nope, we cannot do that, but she said nothing and just presented the bill. If you are looking for a good restaurant with fantastic views and that is worked by real people with souls inside of them (not the fake souls purchased with Tibetian prayer flags and then serving $40 steaks), go to Kiva Koffeehouse up on UT-12 - maybe 15-20 minutes away.
(1)J. L.
I really wanted to love this place, as it is beautiful, romantic, and really fun to find out in the back of beyond in southern utah. Unfortunately, the food just didn't cut it--at least not consistently. The highlight for me was the cup of pozole I had as a starter. It was fantastic. Spicy, fresh, not too salty, and chock full of fresh produce in addition to the hominy. I'd go back just for this. I would NOT go back for the fish and recommend avoiding it. The trout was NOT fresh tasting at all, and it took two Altoid breath mints to rid my mouth of the fishy flavor long after the meal was over. It was also significantly overcooked. This is a shame, as the molasses and mustard marinade and blue corn crust were good. My husband had the spicy meatloaf with local grass-fed beef, and it was tasty comfort food but rather uninspired flavor-wise. He also found his long beans chewy and hard to eat. Atmosphere and service were A+ but the food was only a C+.
(3)justin p.
Well, looks like the post that I responded to below has since been deleted. It was a real smarmy smart ass asking how I dared question the supremacy of HBG. and it was the dude's sole Yelp. Hmmm... I ain't saying cuz I ain't knowing, but Yelp just deleted a load of fictitious posters and good old solo Yelper ain't here no more, so you can draw your own conclusions. Anyway, it ticked me off, because I'm not saying that HBC isn't good. It is good. Really good. And I will totally go back. I'm just exercising my Yelp-given right to give my honest opinion of the place. Sometimes owners will contact you to try to correct or ameliorate a deficit that you identify. that's cool. it's someone's business, it's important to them. and I guess Yelp reviews are important too. probably not all important, but they do matter, especially to a higher-end joint. but it ain't cool to all ambush you with a fake Yelp review and be all like "i'm like best friends with the owners and i get good service. so what's your problem?" anyway, all i was saying is that place is always saying what an uber-zen vibe it gives off, but in the half dozen times I've eaten here, I always felt like I was crashing a private party. The waitstaff is all hanging out with their friends who are eating there and then you come in bust up all the fun and they have to force themselves to deign to come over and take our order or bring us some ice tea. So, with a few minor tweaks this place could go from okay to great. Hopefully they will make the tweaks, because I think that everyone wants to like this place.
(3)Andree S.
We chose to give Hell's Backbone Grill 5 stars and if possible we'd give an additional five!!! We had the pleasure of dining here two times today, breakfast and dinner and were not disappointed in the least bit. Lucky for us, we had the pleasure of experiencing this hidden gem and meeting both Blake & Jen over both meals at different times, these two women are literally the "Backbone" of this restaurant and have put their hard work into making this a truly gourmet, delectable dining experience. Let me start by saying the service was great, we had a reservation and the wait wasn't long at all, we were promptly seated by our hostess and quickly greeted by our server with big smiles. The restaurant was completely FULL, not a seat open in the house, but you would not know by the service we received, very personable service and not rushed; which in my opinion is a huge plus - I'm reporting this for both meals, so I'll start with Breakfast - I had the "Blaker Standard", Poached eggs with sauteed greens and rice, I never would have thought about this combination for breakfast, but it looked so good, I had to try it. My partner ordered the "Jenchilada", great choice with corn tortillas, potato pancakes with rice and beans along with spicy, red chile sauce, I had a few bites of his and truly enjoyed it! Fresh squeezed OJ and coffee were just yummy! On to dinner: we had our reservation and as I mentioned before, did not wait very long to be seated. You can tell when the ambiance is bustling, every table is full; there's a difference between wanting to move on to the next customer and appreciating each customer and the giving the service well deserved for each one - that is the difference between the "norm" and a TRUE, gourmet dining experience and we are so very happy to have received the latter. We had three in our party, two ordered two appetizers - 1st being the Goat Cheese pastry and artichoke, I'm a huge goat cheese fan, so I'm IN anytime I see it on the menu, both dishes arrived steaming hot and ready to eat. Creamy happiness (yes, that can be taken a couple of ways... ) but the pastry was really that good! We also ordered the spinach salad with warm bacon dressing, each of us sampled and YUM! For dinner, my partner and friend both ordered the Trout Dinner, while I can not speak for them, I can only report what I tried and the Trout was encrusted with a sweet molasses that had a unique flavor which was truly enjoyable. I ordered the Spicy Cowgal Meatloaf, a special recommendation from Michael (one of the fantastic chef's) that this would be the meal for me, he was right! You wouldn't think of ordering a meatloaf at a gourmet restaurant, but there could be nothing else, a delicious red meat cooked to perfection with wonderful spices and a mayonnaise chipotle sauce that was to die for. On the side were potatoes and fantastically glazed carrots and my personal favorite, glazed beets!! BEETS!!!! Now let me make sure that you as the reader are aware that Hell's Backbone is completely organic, trying to use local ingredients whenever possible, everything is fresh and NOTHING processed, they know where their food comes from and they have built their reputation on healthy food that comes from complete natural resources, I very much appreciate this and it makes the meal all the more enjoyable. For dessert: Chocolate Chille Cream!! We bought the cookbook... yes, it sounds truly touristic - but whatever! Jen signed it for us in the morning and Blake signed it in the evening, We can't wait to start sampling the great recipes enclosed! We'll rave about Hell's Backbone for years to come to anyone that is coming to this area. Being from Southern California, it was really nice to experience a down home, country feel, so many nice people were there, whether it be the service or some of the fantastic locals that frequent the establishment, this is the place to be when traveling along HWY 12 in UT - even if you're not, make the special trip!
(5)Scott F.
Some of the best food I have ever had. This place deserves six stars.
(5)Mary B.
Great food. Well prepared and presented. Staff friendly and efficient. Who would expect this wonderful restaurant to be here? Put this one on your favorites list!
(5)Paul D.
Not to be missed! Was lucky enough to catch this place at lunch on my way down Hwy 12 to Capital Reef. The food is excellent; attentive friendly service and out of this world charming. Check out their cookbook (which I bought) and take a tour of their farm only a few minutes away. Delightful experience with a quality menu and desserts to die for. Worth a drive from Capital Reef or from anywhere.
(5)Jeremy W.
This is a very nice small restaurant in the middle of some of the most scenic country in the world. The food (I had the migas) was very fresh and tasty, and gave me the energy I needed to go backpacking for a couple days. However, the best part of my breakfast was the coffee. It was absolutely lovely. It should be noted that I had been drinking nothing but mediocre coffee for the previous week, but I still enjoyed it immensely. The service was average. For whatever reason the server had very few tables, but could not manage to keep up on water and coffee refills. I was in no hurry though, so it wasn't much of a bother.
(4)Nate S.
This is a local, ethical, friendly attempt at food in Boulder freakin' Utah -- That is worth one star. In any more metropolitan setting it would earn one, maybe two stars. We ate at HBG two nights running on a recent visit to the Escalante region of Utah. (I love you, Bill Clinton ... Oil-speculating-ATV-enthusiASSt-"wise"-users can get bent ... Protect it!) Whoa, sorry, momentary freak out. Anyhoo, we stayed at the Boulder Mountain Lodge (very nice), a sleeping choice made largely because of the restaurant. I would absolutely return to the lodge --- I will absolutely NOT eat at Hell's again until I try all of the other options in the immediate area. It's hard to stomach the number of times we sighed, "it's fine," as we ate our dearly priced food. We consumed just about the whole menu, so here's a very brief rundown: $42 Bison steak: Totally unspectacular. At that price it should grant wishes. Online menu lists it at $38 ... not so. Lemony mashed potatoes: Props for experimentation, but the outcome is odd, at best. Trout pate: Sweet and smoky and probably the best thing we ate. Goat cheese fondue: Also delicious. Posole: Eh, fine. No lime or cotija to accompany, just a sprig of cilantro. Crusted Trout filet: Tasty, though the trout itself was overcooked and dry. Moqui Mac: Claims to be grown up mac & cheese, but it's really in a mid-life rut. If you're going to put Mac on a fine dining menu, it needs to kick ass -- as in morels and cured pork. This is just some sauced penne in a boat. Jalapeno-avocado soup: Awful. The roasted chiles hadn't been peeled properly, so there were pieces of blackened skin floating about and the only real flavor was "charred" -- which is not a good flavor. Signature salad: Tasty, with a lot going on (pumpkin seeds, et al.) Biscuits: Awesome. Like cake. Skip the sage butter. Lemon chiffon cake: Lovely cake with congealed petroleum icing. Chile-chocolate creme pot: Delicious. Properly adult. Peach ice cream: A $6 TRAVESTY. Nothing but freezer burn and ice crystals. Two bites and we were sad. Really really embarassing. Breakfast granola and yogurt: Overpriced. Breakfast potato pancakes: Cold. Wine corkage: $15, middle of the road. They also have a nice service where you can order a sack lunch for the next day and pick it up in the morning. I'm sure I'm forgetting some of our dishes, but, well, that's "fine." The servers were pleasant, although our meal with the atrocious soup and ice cream passed without a single query about the food. Since I was piling up my char-bergs in a visible pile and neither the soup nor the ice cream were consumed, I'm guessing the server knew that they were sub-par. The people associated with the restaurant are lovely, and it seems to be doing a very healthy business. Again, I support their mission and appreciate the challenges of their location. But all must come down to execution and flavor. Alas, Hell's Backbone is largely spineless.
(2)Bobby S.
I've stayed at the Boulder Mountain Lodge several times over the last few years and have eat almost every meal at the adjacent restaurant, Hell's Backbone Grill. The food is usually very good, and some of the dishes are great. The menu features vegetables and meats that are organic and sustainably grown in the area. All the dishes tend to have a Southwest feel, so slightly spicy, and they are usually interesting interpretations of more traditional dishes (Cowboy Meatloaf, for example). If you're in the area be sure to stop here for breakfast or dinner - they don't serve lunch. You'll be glad you did!
(4)Laurel E.
This might be my favorite restaurant anywhere. I recently stayed at the nearby lodge and ate two meals a day at the restaurant, and still want to eat more enchiladas. Let's talk about breakfast. The yolks of the eggs are ORANGE. The mashed potato pancakes are hot and buttery, crisp on the outside and creamy in the middle. The corn pancakes are fluffy and delicious. The migas are spicy and serious, with the best ever flour tortillas. The oatmeal molasses bread tastes like it's good for you, but also like you might want to eat it forever, and it makes great, hearty French toast. And dinner! Whatever you do, do not miss the enchiladas. The sweet corn sauce is creamy and spicy and a. mazing. The pork chop was juicy and savory and great with the apricot glaze. The meatloaf made a believer out of me. The spicy salad with homemade ranch is refreshing and hearty. Dessert is killer. If there's apricot cobbler you should be eating it. The best thing about Hell's Backbone is that it feels homey. People are nice, and the food tastes real, like someone made it for you because you were visiting. Most of the produce comes from the restaurant's farm, which I got to visit: it's one of the most cheerful places I've ever been, alive with sunflowers and beneficial insects and the little chatter of chickens. The meat comes from small farmers who treat their animals well. The owners and staff go pick fruit at the old homesteads in Capitol Reef, so you get to eat apricots from hundred-year-old desert orchards. The wine list is heavy on organic and sustainable producers. This is part of the restaurant's story in a really honest, deep-rooted way. The owners actually care; it's not just shtick or trendiness. The restaurant is also beautiful in a way that feels homemade -- actually rustic, not trendy Anthropologie manicured rustic. I love the galvanized roofing and the metal cupboards and the little perforated tin candleholders. I also love the pond, the porch, and the fairy lights. The view is magical. Really the whole experience is magical. A couple of things about expectations: this is not a big city restaurant with an ultra-professional big city wait staff. The service is friendly and personal, and every single person at the restaurant has an interesting story, but you can't expect the invisible perfection of a high-end urban restaurant. Personally I don't miss that: I'd rather get to chitchat with the staff a little, and feel like I'm a guest rather than a customer. Also, the amazingly delicious biscuits are a) free and b) not the main course. That's why you don't get fifteen. I bought the cookbook so that when I miss Boulder, I can at least see some pictures and make myself a taste of Hell's Backbone. The biscuit recipe is now my standard.
(5)lisa c.
Had lunch here while in the Boulder area and was pleased with the food and the service. Located on Scenic Rt. 12 it must get crowded in the high season, but in mid-May it was laid-back and welcoming. Food was good. I'm from the NYC area and it was easily up to "big city" standards. Dine outside on the patio and you have a great view of Boulder Mountain Prices are reasonable. A sandwich, salad and beer came to $23, though that may be pricey to some. Very recommended
(3)Derek E.
The best breakfast you'll find in this part of Utah. Great service, and amazing food in one of the most scenic parts of the country. Be sure to ask for the elk sausage and their homemade hot sauce.
(5)Kent W.
Chila-mogas, backbone breakfast hard eggs toast cold. Short stack pancakes real maple syrup. Lackadaisical staff
(3)Allyson B.
My husband and I were driving across the country. We were enjoying a lovely breakfast in Aspen, CO and talking to the hostess of the restaurant telling her about our trip West and where we were going to hit up bla bla bla. She not only suggested we stop here but went into the back of the restaurant to print out directions on how to get there. She was right, this place is literally in the middle of nowhere, sorry Boulder UT, (which is NOT the same as Boulder CO) . The ambiance is warm and friendly, the food is prepared with love. We also ended up by staying at the hotel that Hell's Backbone is located on and were shocked at how delicious the bed was!
(4)Chad F.
Trout, pork chops, enchiladas, creme brûlée, and chocolate cream were excellent. Pork chops and habanero enchiladas were the winners. Don't be in a rush and you'll be delighted! Setting and people are terrific. Let you bring your own wine with corkage fee. Impossible to beat after a long day hiking slot canyons and slick rock.
(5)Mary N.
An amazing place with an incredible mission. To have a restaurant in the middle of nowhere that uses only locally sourced food? Incredible. We were lucky enough to have a private tour with our girl scout troop of the organic farm that Blake and Van run, and then saw the processing in the kitchen (and actually helped a little!). I can't wait to go back for breakfast or dinner. I have to say that their packed sandwiches are MARVELOUS! We had pb&j, but I think it was homemade PB, and the homemade apple butter on hearty wheat bread. We had leftovers, which I brought home and slathered with butter and grilled- grilled PB&J...ooh yum. Our other sandwiches were a blt (or something) on fabulous ciabatta type bread with just enough sauce for the bread and the toppings. The home made chocolated chip oatmeal cookies were thick and huge and yummy. It is a beautiful setting and you can feel the positive energy that runs through. We spent the afternoon in the grassy field across from the restaurant and had our picnic lunch while our girl scouts performed on the stage. I need to get back down here for whatever festival they have- it was great. We also stopped at the farmer's market in the AM- bought some handmade salve and lip balm and scored on a piece of luggage (how random) for $1 from the yardsale of the 89 year old resident who has lived in Boulder all her life. The fresh bread at the market was warm and yeasty and made with love. GO HERE!
(5)Sylvia G.
A disappointment. We hiked hard, were hungry, had a 7:30 reservation .Service took awhile, the wait staff couldn't figure out who's table we were. Ordered the beet salad to start and it came with sand in the greens, then waited until 8:45 for the entree to arrive (cold). The next morning I had the "farm fresh" eggs for breakfast and got hit with food poisoning 6mi into a hike mid-day. Stayed at the lodge 7 nights, ate else-where.
(1)Mariah C.
Found this gem on our way to Moab stopped again on the way home and we were hooked. This was last year and this year we made it our destination place for hiking, adventuring and best of all fine dining. Great food each time. Loved the goat cheese fondue, jennchilada, trout, and yummy bread pudding!
(5)Dan L.
After suffering through poor overpriced food at Ruby's Inn in Bryce we came upon Hell's Backbone Grill en route to Capitol Reef. What a surprise! All kinds of wonderful food beautifully served y friendly folk. And much is local / organic from their own garden. We felt the wonderful meal was well worth the cost and look forward to going back another year. The hotel, Boulder Mountain Lodge, was also very pleasant, comfortable and near some of the most beautiful places in the world! We would have happily stayed more than 2 nights had time permitted.
(5)Sara E.
I ate here every night for almost two weeks, and I never got tired of it. Beautiful location, excellent service, and delicious food. I ordered 'off-menu' every night, and the servers were always incredibly accommodating and good-natured about my dietary preferences (which is more than I can say for many other restaurants). They made it easy for me to find things that I wanted to eat, despite my very finicky palate. Beyond that, the food was delicious. Wonderful fresh vegetables (straight from the farm, packed with flavor, perfectly prepared), the best brown rice I've ever had (not overdone or underdone, and very flavorful), and great tofu (amazingly flavorful but not overly sauced). Also delicious pinto beans, enchiladas, trout, chicken, salads, etc. Although I didn't have any of the meat entrees, my dining companions raved about them. Portions were generous but not too big. For the entire time my family was there (almost two weeks), I can honestly say that we were all happy with our meals every night. And the desserts are not to be missed (fresh apricot cobbler, strawberry rhubarb shortcake -- YUM). Everything is seasonal and ethically sourced, so I felt good about how the ingredients made their way to my plate. Hell's Backbone Grill is proof that great ingredients really do make the best food. I hope I can get back there soon.
(5)Eric L.
I've now been here on two occasions, and have been happy, but not ecstatic about my experiences. The first time my salad and chicken were delicious, service was spectacular, and the relaxed atmosphere was exactly what we were looking for, albeit a bit pricey. This last time, we unfortunately arrived while they were hosting a large tour group, so had to wait 1.5h to be seated, luckily we were in no rush. They were great about letting us know the status and timing and did everything they could to get us a table. Biscuits were amazing as always, my trout was slightly overcooked, not as tender as I'd like. The gingerbread dessert was tasty, but didn't make me melt in my seat. The beef got rave reviews from my compatriots, probably should have had that. I will mention that the second time we ate there the power in the whole town was out until half way through our service, so may have complicated preps. Overall good food, amazingly friendly staff and owners, and a wonderful experience for those passing through Boulder, UT.
(4)Magx A.
Overpriced. Small portion of food , tastes ok. but nice atmosphere.
(2)Aimee G.
This spot is like nothing else around it - that's for sure. Set in the high country of the Grand Staircase-Escalante plateau, it is truly in the middle of nowhere and when you've been eating road food for a while it's a very welcome change to say the least. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very welcoming with lots of windows, exposed beams, and nice finishing touches such as natural stone trivets and small, whimsical, individual floral arrangements using herbs and other garden goodies. But, the food was overpriced, portions were on the small side (though filling), and it was not outstanding. It was quite good though! The boyfriend had the Moqui Mac, a signature macaroni and cheese dish with veggies which was very well prepared. I had the special posole made with local lamb and juniper berries which was very tasty and came with honey cornbread that was unusual. The meatloaf with mashed potatoes looked tempting as did the goat cheese puff pastry appetizer. Water served with sprigs of mint, homemade peppercorn bread to start and good beers and wines round out the experience. We had a great waitress and all the staff seemed friendly, but the biggest turnoff was when the owner asked us where we were from and when we said San Francisco, she replied "people from San Francisco really relate to our food". My feeling is people from anywhere relate to good food, so the pretentious attitude needs to be taken down a notch. Absolutely worth a stop if you are passing through this gorgeous area, but not worth the trip in and of itself.
(3)David C.
This is one of the best restaurants we've ever eaten at. The food is exquisite. Try the meatloaf, try the trout, try everything and anything -- it's all good! The staff is friendly and helpful. The dining room is warm and beautifully appointed. And best of all is the commitment to locally grown food. We are not "foodies" by any stretch of the imagination but we've made sure to fit Hell's Backbone Grill into our camping itineraries three times in the past two years. Jen Castle and Blake Spalding have done a beautiful thing in Boulder Utah.
(5)Carrie L.
I have to agree that it is pretentious and pricey. It has a pleasant atmosphere and some nice twists on standard fare. I shelled out for their cookbook and it was worth it. Good recipes; nice, if cloying, stories. Some of my favorite recipes: brown betty granola, jalapeno soup. There's a tasty lemon cake and some delicious dips. If you are going to be in Boulder, I would try very hard to make this a one-stop kind of thing and try to sample other local fare for the rest of your meals. The locals need it. Boulder Mountain Diner or Cafe, (?) something like that, is right around the corner.
(3)j t.
I was riding my bicycle, pulling a trailer, from Calf Creek Campground to Torrey and stopped into the HBG before tackling Boulder Mountain. Knowing what was ahead of me, I ate TWO breakfasts, both of which were fantastic. Since I'd arrived at the end of the breakfast run, the amiable young Slovak waiter had time to give me a bit of the history of the place and told me why he'd come back from Central Europe to work there. Many months later, I still think about eating at this place in idle moments.
(5)Tahoe Q.
My husband & I were really excited to try HBG, as we'd read lots of positive comments about the place, and were positively salivating reading their online menu! We drove over from Escalante one night for an early dinner. As I'd made the reservation the night before, the person answering the phone said they ONLY had a slot at 5pm Saturday - they were booked solid for the night. And furthermore, if I couldn't make it, they'd appreciate a call so they could let other hungry patrons know. OK already, I get it. You're busy - that's great! Oddly enough, the place was half empty the entire time we had dinner! But hey, whatever. I was more focused on the FOOD ... and our disappointment in it. I enjoyed the smoked trout & greens salad - it was creative and delicious! But my husband's elk kabob was dry and desperately needed a creative sauce! Hm. On to the main course: I got the "signature" posole. While I am no expert on this dish, I had it a couple times in Monument Valley at The View hotel - it was FABULOUS there! My posole came without any lime, fresh cilantro or any garnish. It was served in a plain white bowl on a scuffed glass plate. So much for "signature" dish presentation. I was warned that HBG's posole would be "spicey" but, um, I had to burn my underwear the next day! No kidding. It was INEDIBLE. I like hot food, but in contrast to the posole I had in Monument Valley, this dish was watery, HOT-HOT!, the posole kernals hard as rock, and there was little if any meat in it - in long, tough strings. Ugh. I had maybe 1/3 of it, then realized my stomach was on fire. I could only imagine Gordon Ramsey grimacing at this dish and then pouring it outside onto a flower bed ... KILLING IT. My husband had the "boulder beef braise slow cooked in polygamy porter & molasses." It was simply WAY too sweet! At least the meat was tender. None of the desserts looked the least bit tempting, so we bailed, poorer, wiser and unsatisfied. IMHO this is an over-rated, but enthusiastically local attempt at Michelin cuisine. It missed the mark by a country mile for us.
(2)Brent G.
This place was very unique! Almost all the food is grown locally and is served very fresh, Really neat area and the building is awesome. The food was outstanding, we rolled in for breakfast on a Sunday morning, I had a blue chip egg dish the was great. The kids had pancakes and some apple butter which was to die for. This place could survive in a lot of big cities, I was so good. I will return here, hopefully real soon.
(5)Steve P.
For a destination restaurant Hell's Backbone Grill could try harder. We were told that they do not put their menu online, suggesting an ever-changing fair that was hard to keep up with. In reality they just haven't bothered: a dog-eared copy of the menu is on the counter in the main office. When we got to the restaurant there were no specials. Our reservation had been lost, but we got seated anyway. The food was good but they did not go the extra mile to make it great. I found nothing that I will try and duplicate at home. They sang happy birthday to our party, but the birthday desert still showed up on the bill. I would say it is probably the best food for 50 miles around; unfortunately in this case that is not saying much... overall: disappointed.
(3)Katherine E.
We just spent 8 nights in Boulder, Utah, staying at the Boulder Mountain Lodge. The restaurant is on the grounds. Our family of six ate breakfast and dinner at Hell's Backbone Grill every day and loved every bit of every meal! The food is delicious, freshly prepared and well sourced, with fantastic eggs and vegetables from their own organic farm and lots of local/regional foods, including great fruit from Fruita in Capitol Reef. Comfortable, warm and caring environment, really nice and competent and flexible staff, a good wine list (in Utah!), wonderful wonderful place. Go! Spend a few days! Take some great hikes fueled by a farm-style breakfast and then have a soak in the hot tub before you settle in to a wonderful dinner!
(5)Carri M.
I had been looking forward to eating here since last summer when a vacation to the area was cancelled. This restaurant was recommended by a local vacation rental owner. This place is spectacular, especially considering the location. You would never expect to find this quality of care and ideas put into meals in a remote location - or at least I have never run into this before. We were given a complimentary salad due to a longer wait for our food than expected. We had the trout, meatloaf, mac'n cheese and pastry wrapped beef and for dessert we had the chocolate chile pot. Everything we were served was so delicious. The portions were sizable and very filling. We shared the desert, as we were too full to really have any dessert but didn't want to leave without sampling one. Not only was is so rich and delectable, but more than enough for the four of us. I cant wait till I am traveling through the area again so that I can sample some more of their creative dishes.
(5)Kaylee T.
I am waining and waxing between 3/4 stars but I am giving 4 because I like their mission of serving local organic fare and there is no place else around Boulder, Utah who has this mentalilty. So why 3 stars? While the quality is very good something about the meal just mises. The best part of my meal is always the black pepper biscuit at the beggining of the meal. It's honestly the best biscuit I've ever had. From there you order a soup or salad for about $10 and by that time you're full. Then your $20-25 entree comes and you've already eaten so much you can hardly get excited about your entree. The portions are ridiculous huge which bugs me because I was staying at the attached Boulder Mountain Lodge where there is no microwave to heat up left overs. Makes me feel like I was purposefully ripped off being given an expensive huge portions which would not be healthy to finish then no way to heat up left overs. I was also extremely dissapointed by the chocolate bread pudding which tasted like old dry cake with melted butter poured over it. I did buy the cookbook which I thought was a very good value at $30.
(4)H D.
Very good food in an area not known for its cuisine. We ate breakfast and dinner there. Apparently locals get a 20% discount -- that makes it a bit more reasonable. Their breakfast pancakes were very good. The dinner pot roast was very tasty. Their organic salad was delicious, but like everything else, quite pricey. Overall a very pleasant dining experience in an area otherwise devoid of quality restaurants.
(3)Dulce G.
So I happen to be all da way up here in Boulder! I was surprised when I saw " posole." I am mexican so for me to see this name up here was a shock! So I decided order posole. Al though it is spelled "Pozole" with a Z not an S. But ok..moving forward...I have to say that the spelling made a difference. I do not know where they got this recipe from because it sure was not from a mexican family haha! It had chunks of onions, tomatoes and peppers. Also, it only had about 5 pieces of "maiz" when usually that's the most that is served in the plate in addition with a lot of meat! I thought it was funny how the waiter told me to dip the honey cornbread into the posole... Interesting..I know...The point here is do not order posole, but do order desserts! now those are delicious!!!
(3)Arun C.
Hell's Backbone is a great find on one of the most incredible parts of my cross-country drive. I know everyone has a favorite part of a road trip, and southern Utah gets my vote. The place reminded me of Chez Panisse in Berkeley. Hell's Backbone also uses fresh local ingredients and the menu changes based on the season. The one part of the meal that stuck out for me was the spicy chocolate mousse for dessert. I talked to Blake, one of the owners, and she said she launched their recipe book with Alice Waters. She was also nice enough to sign a copy I got as a gift for my dad.
(5)alejandro f.
The food was pretty good, but not great. I didn't really find the atmosphere all that pretentious, but our group had just finished hiking the upper muley twist and were famished, so we could have been served anything in any manner and it would have tasted good. i give it an extra star for being located in the middle of nowhere, which was nice as there aren't many other dining options available in that area. pricing was a little steep for the area, but nothing compared to metropolitan areas.
(4)Susan S.
The pleasant staff and setting were just the beginning of a great dining experience. We loved our delicious dinner so much that we went back for breakfast and that was great too. The locavore food movement began in special places like this one. Even if this restaurant were not in the middle of "back of beyond" it would still be a treat.
(4)Tom W.
We have eaten here several times over the years. We have usually enjoyed it. I think they are loosing a step or our tastes are changing. What we liked. The goat cheese fondue was terrific. What we didn't like. I had the penne pasta with arugula pesto, poblano creme and I added smoked trout. Pesto and cream were tasteless. Smoked trout was hard to find in the dish. There was very little and I was looking for it to add flavor to the dish. My wife had a chicken breast with stone fruit BBQ sauce. Chicken over cooked and the sauce was just ok. We were going to order dessert but the were out. I love the idea of sustainable and local. I don't mind paying the price for a good meal. They seem more focused on the "mission" rather than the food. The food is not bad it is just not good enough to justify the high price.
(2)Jon F.
I had high hopes for this place: great story behind it, great setting, absurdly high Zagat rating, backyard garden and local produce up the wazoo. Unfortunately, the food just wasn't up to par. What was good was just that, and nothing more. There was a lot of bad stuff, including my rare pork chop, my girlfriend's dry and sickly sweet trout, and a complete overuse of flowers as a edible garnishes. I really wanted to like this place, believe me, but the food is only a 2.5 stars, which I bumped up for the uniqueness of it all.
(3)Matvey P.
Mmmmm. I had the meatloaf and the fiancee had the pumpkin enchiladas...both were delicious. We also had the bison tenderloin kabob for an appetizer which was probably the best meat we've ever had. The place is a bit expensive but you are out in the middle of nowhere. Also went for breakfast the next day which was good too.
(5)Lee D.
I have traveled in the southwest annually for many years and one of the things that has always been problematic has been the food. While it has been difficult to find good food, the food that was available was so cheap that one felt as if, on balance, the experience of eating in restaurants was ok. In recent years that balance has changed as more and more quality restaurants have sprung up across the area. That is not to say that quality wasn't available in the past, there were always little gem restaurants here and there but you had to know where they were and you had to drive 150 miles (perhaps out of your way) to get to one. I have had many meals at the Hells Backbone Grill (HBG) over a three year period during which time they have remained consistent in their vision. The place is friendly and the service is excellent. It's a calm oasis set in a spectacular natural environment. The food is pretty good with the focus on freshness. But my problem is the price. If you eat three courses and have wine, by the time you add tax and tip you are in the $80 per person range. If you have steak then you are talking $100 per person. While these prices are acceptable in a big city like San Francisco, Chicago or New York, for a sleepy little town in Utah these prices are astronomical. I would imagine that the local people just do not eat there; all of the guests seem to be from out of town. I personally don't mind paying $80 per person but at that price level I expect a lot more than I get at HBG. In the cost/quality trade-off, HBG doesn't make the grade. At HBG you get competence but at $80 I want a lot more than competence. For $80 I expect more complexity and more creativity. You have to ask yourself, is it worth $20 for a piece of left-over meatloaf? For me the answer is no. I would prefer to wait till I get back home to pay $80 for dinner.
(3)Monica H.
So my friend here, Darryl, says this place is the sh*t! The organic fare is delightful and they cater to vegan and veggie peeps...but they also serve what is caught, killed or pulled out of the ground fresh that day. So stop on by Darryl says...the road out is scary and called Hell's Backbone and the ridges are fierce and bicycle riders share the road with you...I guess you shouldn't drink too much at the Grill or else the road home may be hell...
(5)Marco P.
During a recent trip to the Southwest, my girlfriend and I stopped in Boulder just looking for a place to sleep. It was still early enough for dinner so we looked up restaurants in Boulder (our motel included a sample of menus from the three restaurants in this small town) and settled on Hell's Backbone Grill. When we got there the restaurant was full. We were greeted by Blake, one of the owner (we did not know at the time) who told us we would probably have to wait about 20-30 minutes to get a table. We decided to wait anyway. BOY, ARE WE GLAD WE DID. The food was fantastic! As appetizers, my girlfriend started with a Gazpacho-like soup (sorry, not sure of the exact content anymore, it was a season special) and I got the "Warm Utah Goat Cheese Fondue with Homemade Black Pepper Crackers and Local Dried Fruit". Both were great! We continued with the "Spicy Cowgal Chipotle Meat Loaf" for her and I tried another special, the "Champagne Grape Chicken Breast" (if I remember correctly). The food was fresh and flavorful. I could tell you its because "they serve organic, locally produced, regionally and seasonally appropriate cuisine, growing many of their own vegetables organically", however, this alone does not create great recipes, you need talent and dedication and luckily, both can be found at Hell's Backbone Grill. We finished our feast with a "Chocolat-Chile Cream Pot". Hmmmmmm! A real sin!. The service was as good as the food, with everyone on the staff happy to discuss the place, the food and the region in general (always appreciated by tourists like us). Before we left, we bought Blake and Jen's book, which contains food for thoughts, food for the soul, food for the eyes and some of the restaurant's recipes too! In a world of chain-restaurants and "manufactured" food, this restaurant really stands out. We will definitely return there on our next trip to Utah!
(5)Joe F.
Had dinner here a couple nights back while passing through the area and after all the reviews i've read about how fantastic this place was, i must say i was downright disappointed. While i can appreciate the fact that this place prides itself on obtaining most of its produce from their local farm or on-site garden, i don't think it justifies the exorbitant prices they charge. A small glass of "raspberry juice" that our waitress recommended turned out to be what seemed like a glass of Welch's for $4. I'm not sure what they're smoking in Boulder to think that $8 for a dinner salad that is nothing more than some leaves, 2 small strawberry slices, a few shreds of jicama, and a little dressing drizzled on top isn't crazy. I had the baked pasta which i will say was good although i had to add chicken at an extra cost so it would have some kind of protein in it. The waitress brings the chicken out on a separate plate after the pasta saying the chef forgot to add it in. Certainly not worth $21 for half of a chicken breast, a small portion of pasta, & a couple of sticks of broccoli. My girlfriend had the pot roast that was a special that night - absolutely terrible, she couldn't even finish it so i had to eat it. I thought the sauce that it was covered in was tasty but the meat itself was nothing special. A rather small portion also served with veggies and mashed potatoes but i was floored to get the bill saying it was $24. Bottom line here is i was extremely dissappointed with this place given all of it's ratings and talk about how great it is. I would expect to pay a premium price for a halfway decent meal given the location but i can think of much better restaurants to drop $100 for dinner for two with no alcohol on.
(2)