Location: Monticello
Top Restaurants in Monticello
Monticello Food Guide: 9 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Monticello
Monticello (/mɒntɪˈsɛloʊ/ MON-ti-SEL-oh) is a city located in San Juan County, Utah, and is the county seat. It is the second most populous city in San Juan County, with a population of 1,958 at the 2000 census. The Monticello area was settled in July 1887 by pioneers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Monticello, named in honor of Thomas Jefferson's estate, became the county seat in 1895 and was incorporated as a city in 1910.
Things to do in Monticello
1. Peace Tree Juice Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 459 reviews
Reviewed By Emmy K
Ate at peace tree for dinner on my return trip to inn at the canyons. Healthy, so accessible, just walk across the street. Sometimes, especially in Utah, healthy food is hard to come by. This place was fine. Has a sister restaurant in Moab.
2. Line Camp Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By PistachioGirl - Istanbul
We loved our dinner at the Line Camp Steakhouse: an honest home-cooked meal, lovingly prepared with fresh ingredients in a super-atmospheric setting, pleasant service—what else could one want? Who goes to Monticello for fine dining? You go there to see the Needles part of Canyonlands and after a long hike, driving back in the dark, no cell phone reception anywhere, my biggest fear was that this place could be closed off-season (we were there late November) and then what? Drive-thru pizza? Lucky for us, they were open, even though we were the only ones there (later, two other couples arrived). Some reviews call the menu overpriced. I can’t remember our bill, but I know it wasn’t shocking. You order one dish (we both had the filet mignon) and you get three (a big salad, black beans, bread etc.): plenty of food, and it was tasty. It’s a small place with little business off-season. November being a perfect time to tour the Utah parks, I’d hate for it not to be open during that time. Their four rooms were empty and we both wished we’d known about them, for we would have stayed there in a heartbeat! The place has a great ambiance. As happy as we were to have sushi, Thai and Mexican options in Moab (a great relief on a four-week NP/SP trek) this place was a welcome reminder of where we were. We had a ball, swaying to the country music, taking photos with the fox fur and the moose, my partner on the old telephone… The place is brimming with Old West collectibles. Our waitress being too young to serve us wine, it was brought to us by the female chef. Both ladies were delightful. Dinner service in the US is always much too fast for us (Dutch/Aussie), so we asked them to pace it for us, and they did. When in or near Monticello, this is the place to eat and stay!
3. Wagon Wheel Pizza
Overall Ratings
4 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By Antipodeans_Abroad - Kettering, United Kingdom
We overnighted in Monticello after a fairly long day's drive and wanted an easy option: the Wagon Wheel certainly fit the bill. It's a very casual pizza joint, operating by a young and friendly crew and they do a pretty decent job of it.
The menu is actually reasonably varied and the prices are fine. The decor and ambiance are basic in the extreme, but you do get to observe some small town comings and goings and so that's interesting in and of itself.
It's alcohol-free, so just be aware of that and they do - obviously - offer take-out. It's probably more accurately a 7/10 experience - I have to deduct a point for no alcohol - but as long as you go in with the correct expectations than it's a more than acceptable option.
The acid test (that is, would I return): Sure.
4. R & F Restaurant
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By Hilary H - Greater London, United Kingdom
Not a lot of choice in this former uranium mining town. ( the last mine closed in the 60's) but this simple place was perfect for breakfast. Our tattooed waitress was friendly and efficient. Very good food. And surprisingly wide selection for breakfast. Coffee better than in most American small restaurants.
5. Thatzza Pizza
Overall Ratings
4 based on 46 reviews
(435) 459-9715
Reviewed By Mary C - Monticello, Utah
Six years! Thatzza Pizza has been open for six years in Monticello, Utah; where has the time gone? Chatting with Linda Wigginton, owner, operator and head cook, she enthusiastically loves what she does; providing good food to her local and visiting customers. In an area where it’s common for small businesses to come and go, Thatzza Pizza is a cornerstone of the town due to an important reason, listening to the customers. Linda has taken to heart the likes, dislikes, praises and complaints; it’s the only way to know what is the best, how to improve, and, most important, make people happy so they will come back again.
Now, and I’ve said this before, being from New York, Brooklyn born and raised, I admit to being a pizza snob. When I first tried the menu items at Thatzza Pizza, I judged by my New York palette and found it seriously lacking. It’s been six years since that first try and here we were, hubby and myself, giving it another go around; so happy we did! By the way, I don’t judge eateries by just the food; atmosphere, attitudes and behavior of the owners and staff make a huge difference as well. Thatzza Pizza is a small shop, so it’s take out or delivery, but when you enter you are warmly greeted, questions are knowledgeably answered, and you will get exactly what you were craving.
The Pizza comes in four sizes, dough is house made and Linda admits she puts a special ingredient into the dough mixture to make it taste extra yummy. I didn’t ask, she didn’t tell and I’m alright with that as the crust was perfectly browned on the bottom and around the edges. The thickness is between thin and pan styles, but inside it’s similar to focaccia bread, light, airy and not doughy. The sauce is also house made, nicely seasoned; toppings are very generous and it just made for a delicious pizza experience.
Now when it comes to Chicken Wings, I’m a deep fried fan, but I did give them a try even though they are baked in the oven; Honey BBQ and Garlic Parmesan were our choices. The sauces are not house made, but I recognize the brand Linda uses because I use it myself at home, and it is one of the best on the market. The wings are sold by the pound, so the number you receive may differ as they are a good sized wing. The wings were meaty, sauces infused the meat instead of just sitting on top of the skin; finger licking good!
Calzones are a big favorite with hubby and myself, so we had to try out what Thatzza Pizza offered. The same dough is used as for the pizza, but the crust is dusted with grated Parmesan cheese. As a piece of calzone is brought to the mouth, the scent of the cheese invades the nostrils and you know you’re about to enter food heaven. The calzone is stuffed to the brim with ingredients; sauce, melted cheese, delicious meat; as I said, food heaven. Linda had me fooled with the meatballs, I thought they were homemade fresh and I’ve made many a meatball in my lifetime! “No”, she stated, “They are purchased premade.” and I told her she better stick to whatever brand she’s using as they are so close to homemade, I couldn’t tell the difference!
Now for some really great news, both the pizza and calzone passed the “cold pizza” test. After sitting overnight in the fridge, the flavors from the house made sauce, cheeses, veggies and meat melded together. No reheating was needed to enjoy a slice, just grab, go and eat! Oh, the wings, those were gone in one sitting, so no leftovers to try out the next day.
Folks, if you’re in the mood for some really good food, then I recommend giving Thatzza Pizza a tryout. Hours are Monday thru Saturday, 3pm to 9pm, located on the corner of Main Street and 200 South, just across the street from the post office parking lot. Mangia!
6. PJ's of Monticell
Overall Ratings
4 based on 59 reviews
PJ's is a family friendly relaxed atmosphere. We are known for our homestyle breakfast and our burgers too. We're a great place to come and enjoy a burger and play a game of pool or if you prefer, just relax and watch television. We also have wifi so you will be able to catch up on all your emails while you're traveling. See our page on facebook.
Reviewed By Nowzar A - Beaverton, Oregon, United States
I did check the TripAdvisor rating on this restaurant before going and I must say I was not impressed with the place. The staff were very nice indeed and the burger and fries I ordered were definitely above average. However, the place just didn't seem that clean. Bench seat vinyl were cracked and torn on just about any seat. My table looked grimy. So although the food was good, I just was in a state of "cringe" the whole time.
7. Subway
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By dianaelms - Taylorsville, Utah
The gal working at Subway on Saturday night was awesome! I would have given this SW a "5" had their lettuce not been old and brown. Yuck! Natausha was great about picking th mirky lettuce off of my hubbbie's sandwich and replacing it with spinach that looked a lot better!
8. Maverik Adventures First Stop
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Hayden P
This chain of Adventure convenient stores with gas and diesel, are uniquely decorated for the outdoor recreationalists that enjoy SE UT and SW CO - the monticello location is relatively new and has the usual array of grab and go foods along with the rest of what you expect in a convenient store. Clean inside, and outside plenty of areas to stretch and relax in a shaded spot or walk your pooch.
9. Chesters Fried Chicken
Overall Ratings
3 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By d f - Houston, Texas
If you can find this place open, it is great for a quick snack. My wife looks forward to the fried chicken, we both enjoy the fried potato wedges (a good sized 1/4 of a potato fried in a batter that doesn't interfere with the potato taste), and I enjoy the fried stuffed jalapenos. Not health food by any means, but if you're on the way to or coming back from hiking, climbing, etc. perhaps you should enjoy a small reward.
