Good food is pretty easy to find in Utah, as are historic places. Want to combine the two into one delicious, history-filled experience? These historic restaurants in Utah are long-time favorites with tasty food, fascinating stories, and generations of happy customers.

1. The Bluebird Restaurant, Logan

The Bluebird opened in 1923. The Bluebird Restaurant has several different dining areas. The rooms have wildly different feels, ranging from the classic diner to white-tablecloth dining. No matter what kind of experience you're looking for, you'll find it here... you can still enjoy your meal at the original lunch counter.

Please note that, as of spring 2023, The Bluebird was temporarily closed for renovations.

2. Hires Big H, Salt Lake City

Don Hales founded Big H in 1959. Visit today and you’ll find photos of the company’s early days posted in the dining room. Find it at: 425 S. 700 E., Salt Lake City

3. The Original Iceberg Drive Inn

George Lamar Sorenson built the original Iceberg Drive Inn location in Millcreek in 1959. It was an immediate hit, with 5-cent ice cream cones and sodas. There are several drive-inn locations in the Southwest, but only one *original* Original, which you'll find at: 3906 S. 900 E., Salt Lake City.

4. Idle Isle Cafe, Brigham City

The Idle Isle Café is one of the oldest operating restaurants in all of Utah. Tucked away in the charming little town of Brigham City, this 100-year-old diner is nestled between the magnificent Wellsville Mountains and the beautiful Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. While it may not have all the glitz and glamour of some of the fancier restaurants in Utah’s bigger cities, Idle Isle Café does offer some of the state’s best home cooking, with a side of rich local history. After enjoying some of Utah’s best comfort food, visitors can take a walk down Brigham City’s Main Street, take in the gorgeous natural scenery, and visit its many historic buildings, like the courthouse and the Capitol Theater.

5. Lamb’s Grill

Lamb’s is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the state. It’s been in business since 1919, and in its current location on Main Street since 1939. Visit the official website for Lamb's Grill to learn more!

6. Thunderbird Restaurant, Mount Carmel Junction

Utah has no shortage of quaint, small-town diners. None of them, however, feature ‘ho-made pies’ like Thunderbird Restaurant. Opened in 1940 and part of the Thunderbird Resort that includes a Best Western hotel, golf course, and RV park, Thunderbird Restaurant oozes mid-20th century charm and has been a favorite stop for travelers to Zion National Park – only 15 minutes to the west – for decades. The restaurant’s history starts with Jack and Fern Morrison driving down Highway 89 in their Model T. Stopping near where a new road would connect Zion National Park with the highway, they thought the land at the intersection would be valuable. They purchased 160 acres and built a small cabin and a gas station. Soon enough, Fern was baking pies and serving tourists and passing truck drivers. They opened the Thunderbird Restaurant in 1940 to expand the pie operation.Curious to learn more about this historic restaurant in Utah? Check out this amazing video:

7. Little Wonder Cafe, Richfield

Open since 1929, Richfield’s Little Wonder Cafe is full of local history. This delicious small-town restaurant in Utah is located right on Main Street and serves some of the best old-fashioned, homestyle food in the area for nearly 100 years. From pancakes to eggs and even steak, you won’t be disappointed when visiting this Utah restaurant.

8. Mom’s Cafe, Salina

Mom’s Cafe has been open for 76 years, and it still has its old-fashioned lunch counter.

9. The Pie Pizzeria - Underground, Salt Lake City

You’ll find the original Pie Pizzeria right across the street from the University of Utah campus. Its history is written on the walls in the form of graffiti and messages left by former customers! Find it located at: 1320 E. 200 S., Salt Lake City

10. Ruth’s Diner

Every state has that one restaurant that everyone has heard about and everyone loves. According to a list by MSN, Ruth’s Diner in Salt Lake City is that one restaurant in the Beehive State. In fact, it was named the most famous restaurant in Utah. Not only has this restaurant been around for more than 90 years, but it also serves really good food. Ruth’s Diner is one Utah restaurant that deserves to be on everyone’s bucket list.

11. Ray’s Tavern, Green River

Ray's Tavern is a well-loved spot in Green River that's been serving up delicious burgers and steaks since 1943. While Ray's is often full of locals, don't hesitate to stop in. The slogan here is "A place for everyone," and they live up to it!

12. Shooting Star Saloon, Huntsville

Utah’s oldest operating bar, Shooting Star Saloon also makes delicious burgers. It's also rumored to be haunted!

We know that many other small towns in Utah have diners and cafes that have long histories. What are your favorite historic restaurants in Utah? Please share them in the comments below!