An elegant surprise in the wilderness
DESCRIPTION: Hell's Backbone Grill is like an oasis of civilization in the midst of Southeast Utah's wilderness canyon country, a place of serenity and organic, made-from-scratch, delicious food where one would not expect it. Friendly service, paintings of local scenes by local artists on the walls, a creative menu and an on-site kitchen garden make for a terrific dining experience.
DATE: 2002-03-07
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Spice-rubbed filet mignon, local trout, any kind of posole, everything for breakfast, Boulder burger with homemade buns, Cream of Jalapeno soup (a prize-winner), Chocolate-chile torte

CRAP (Pardon my French)
DESCRIPTION: I 'dined' here once; never again. They make a big deal (on the menu) about their beef, and then only offer one steak, the filet. It took over an hour to get the steak, and had nothing with it; no salad, no potato, no vegetable. It cost over $20, and was an average steak, at best. Ordering, waiting and eating took over an hour and a half, and I only got one coffee refill. Absolutely terrible place to eat.
DATE: 2003-02-09
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 2
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 2
RECOMMENDED DISHES : would not recommend anything

DESCRIPTION: Hard to believe the high quality of ingredients they manage in this remote place. I think the previous reviewer must have eaten there before they were open for the season. On April 18, 2003, my wonderfully flavored steak came with poblana crema, lemon-y mashed potatoes and fresh, perfect spring vegetables.
DATE: 2003-04-28
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 8

Worth the drive from anywhere
DESCRIPTION: We ate there in April of 2001 and 2002, missed last year but are on our way back for Mother's Day week-end 2004. Breakfasts are delightful-fresh fruit, lovely waffles, good, strong coffee. We had lamb for dinner one year and it was superbe. Blake is a charming and attentive host, Jen serves innovative, Southwestern selections. Nearly everything is local when possible.
DATE: 2004-04-17
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8

Worfth the drive from anywhere
DESCRIPTION: We stumbled on this place in mid July 2004, little knowing we had found one the true gems of the American West. Coming from San Francisco good restaurants are hardly unusual; great restaurants are and this is a great restaurant. I would rank it with Chez Panisse. Everything is home grown and as fresh as possible. Beef was superb, veggies outstanding. Desserts to die for, as is the home made sage bisquit. My wife and I are seriously considering making a two day drive to resample this place in the Fall --- it really is that good.
DATE: 2004-07-26
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Lemon potatoes

Where the food is heavenly...
DESCRIPTION: Boulder, Utah, is an intentional destination. You cannot go there on accident. The place pulls you in and Hell's Backbone Grill will keep you there, for extra days, will draw you back year after year, season after season. It is not just food served; it is food lovingly prepared with good blessings. An oasis in the desert. Thank you, thank you, Jen and Blake.
DATE: 2005-06-21
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : a few days in a row, trying a bit of everything

DESCRIPTION: Great lunch place. Good sandwiches and incredible smoothies. If you want a great drink and decent sandwich, go here. If you want a great sandwich, go to Kneaders (or Maxi's deli if you are in Salt Lake).
DATE: 2003-05-14
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Sweet Georgia Peach smoothie

DESCRIPTION: Eklectic Cafe has great breakfasts!! We make a point to stop at least once every trip!! Breakfast Burrito, coffee, cinnamon rolls, etc.! Healthy, delicious and fun atmosphere!!
DATE: 2004-04-04
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Breakfast Burrito