Moab Lodging and Dining Reviews.
Listed below are the reviews for the Cliffrose Flats, our VRBO lodging for our 2014 trip to Moab, and the places we ate when in Moab. The dining options are listed alphabetically.
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Cliffrose Flats: Perfect!
Stayed here from Saturday, September 20, through Wednesday, September 24, 2014; reviewed October 31, 2014 See this review on Trip Advisor.
For our fourth visit to Moab, my wife and I decided to look at rental house/condo options, as we have found that rental properties provide a much better value overall as compared to a hotel as well as providing more space. During our last visit, we shared a rental condo with friends and that worked out very well, although the location well south of town was less than ideal (it was a bit of a drive to get to the parks or to the restaurants). When I started my research for our September 2014 trip it did not take me very long to hone in one Cliffrose Flats. The description on the website in terms of location, amenities and cost seemed like the perfect lodging solution for us. And it was!
To start with, the website is very easy to navigate so making reservations is a breeze. My interaction with the owners during this process (mainly by email, as I recall) was also very easy; they are a pleasure to work with.
The location of Cliffrose Flats is nearly ideal, being located just a block west of Main Street in the heart of the business district. So we were walking distance to the shops and restaurants along the main drag which was very convenient. No hassle with parking at all as there is reserved, off-street parking for the guests at Cliffrose Flats. The other nice aspect of the location is the access via “the back way” which is W 500 Street, allowing us to avoid the traffic on Main Street through town. We used this route several times when driving north to the parks (I reckon it would be useful as well going south, but I never drove it that direction).
We stayed in the Paradox unit (there are four units at Cliffrose Flats). Each unit is set-up for two-person occupancy. Paradox was ideal for my wife and me. It is basically a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment with a nice size kitchen/living room area (so a small open concept layout). There was plenty of room for the two of us plus my wife’s sister (who was staying in one of the other Cliffrose units). We took advantage of the covered patio the opened off the back of the unit from the living area. This was a great place to relax in the afternoon after a morning of hiking in Arches and Canyonlands.
Our unit had all the needed amenities and appliances. The bathroom had plenty of space, which included a large, walk-in shower. Towels are included in the rental fee and the owners also provided soap and shampoo. There was adequate space in the bedroom for luggage as well as storage space in the closet and chest-of-drawers. The kitchen was well appointed and had all the needed appliances, including a full-size refrigerator, stove and microwave. There was also a toaster, which was ideal for our morning bagels, and my wife’s favorite, a coffee maker. I believe there was also coffee in the kitchen. Add in the nice size, flat screen TV in the living room, and you have all the comforts of home.
As I recall, there are laundry facilities on the property as well as a storage room for bikes. There is also an elevated terrace for all the guests to use. It is a nice place to enjoy sunset with a cold beer or glass of wine. There is also a gas grill in the common area.
Overall, we had an exceptional time during this trip and found Cliffrose Flats to be ideal for our needs. We will definitely be staying here again when we next visit Moab.
Stayed here from Saturday, September 20, through Wednesday, September 24, 2014; reviewed October 31, 2014 See this review on Trip Advisor.
For our fourth visit to Moab, my wife and I decided to look at rental house/condo options, as we have found that rental properties provide a much better value overall as compared to a hotel as well as providing more space. During our last visit, we shared a rental condo with friends and that worked out very well, although the location well south of town was less than ideal (it was a bit of a drive to get to the parks or to the restaurants). When I started my research for our September 2014 trip it did not take me very long to hone in one Cliffrose Flats. The description on the website in terms of location, amenities and cost seemed like the perfect lodging solution for us. And it was!
To start with, the website is very easy to navigate so making reservations is a breeze. My interaction with the owners during this process (mainly by email, as I recall) was also very easy; they are a pleasure to work with.
The location of Cliffrose Flats is nearly ideal, being located just a block west of Main Street in the heart of the business district. So we were walking distance to the shops and restaurants along the main drag which was very convenient. No hassle with parking at all as there is reserved, off-street parking for the guests at Cliffrose Flats. The other nice aspect of the location is the access via “the back way” which is W 500 Street, allowing us to avoid the traffic on Main Street through town. We used this route several times when driving north to the parks (I reckon it would be useful as well going south, but I never drove it that direction).
We stayed in the Paradox unit (there are four units at Cliffrose Flats). Each unit is set-up for two-person occupancy. Paradox was ideal for my wife and me. It is basically a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment with a nice size kitchen/living room area (so a small open concept layout). There was plenty of room for the two of us plus my wife’s sister (who was staying in one of the other Cliffrose units). We took advantage of the covered patio the opened off the back of the unit from the living area. This was a great place to relax in the afternoon after a morning of hiking in Arches and Canyonlands.
Our unit had all the needed amenities and appliances. The bathroom had plenty of space, which included a large, walk-in shower. Towels are included in the rental fee and the owners also provided soap and shampoo. There was adequate space in the bedroom for luggage as well as storage space in the closet and chest-of-drawers. The kitchen was well appointed and had all the needed appliances, including a full-size refrigerator, stove and microwave. There was also a toaster, which was ideal for our morning bagels, and my wife’s favorite, a coffee maker. I believe there was also coffee in the kitchen. Add in the nice size, flat screen TV in the living room, and you have all the comforts of home.
As I recall, there are laundry facilities on the property as well as a storage room for bikes. There is also an elevated terrace for all the guests to use. It is a nice place to enjoy sunset with a cold beer or glass of wine. There is also a gas grill in the common area.
Overall, we had an exceptional time during this trip and found Cliffrose Flats to be ideal for our needs. We will definitely be staying here again when we next visit Moab.
Desert Bistro: Fine Dining in Moab
Dined here on Sunday, September 21, 2014; reviewed October 30, 2014 See this review on Trip Advisor.
My wife and I discovered Desert Bistro on our first trip to Moab back in 2007 and we have eaten there during most of our return visits. This most recent trip (September 2014) was the first time that we had dined at Desert Bistro since they had moved to their downtown location. Ideal location for us, as it was just a very short walk from the Cliffrose Flats where we were staying. We made an early reservation for Sunday evening (5:30 as I recall and I believe that is opening time as well). When we arrived we were seated immediately, but given the option of indoor or outdoor dining. While it was a very warm day, we opted for a seat out on the covered back patio. Not a great view, but still pleasant. The hostess was kind enough to point out which table might have an issue with the setting sun shining in our eyes, so we chose accordingly.
The service at Desert Bistro was stellar. Our server was very friendly and extremely helpful with our questions about the menu (in fact, we had very few questions as she went over the menu and the evening specials in good detail). The menu was as I remembered, sort of an eclectic mix of dishes with a number of fresh game selections (I had the elk). The meals were served fairly quickly, so everything was hot and fresh and most importantly very tasty! The only downside was that the beer on tap was all local 3.2 variety, so not that good, but there do offer bottled beer that is much better quality. They also have a nice wine selection (well, according to my wife, I stick to beer).
Overall, it was a great meal in a nice setting with excellent service. Moab is a favorite destination for my wife and me, and Desert Bistro is a favorite place to eat when in Moab. We will definitely be dining there again.
Dined here on Sunday, September 21, 2014; reviewed October 30, 2014 See this review on Trip Advisor.
My wife and I discovered Desert Bistro on our first trip to Moab back in 2007 and we have eaten there during most of our return visits. This most recent trip (September 2014) was the first time that we had dined at Desert Bistro since they had moved to their downtown location. Ideal location for us, as it was just a very short walk from the Cliffrose Flats where we were staying. We made an early reservation for Sunday evening (5:30 as I recall and I believe that is opening time as well). When we arrived we were seated immediately, but given the option of indoor or outdoor dining. While it was a very warm day, we opted for a seat out on the covered back patio. Not a great view, but still pleasant. The hostess was kind enough to point out which table might have an issue with the setting sun shining in our eyes, so we chose accordingly.
The service at Desert Bistro was stellar. Our server was very friendly and extremely helpful with our questions about the menu (in fact, we had very few questions as she went over the menu and the evening specials in good detail). The menu was as I remembered, sort of an eclectic mix of dishes with a number of fresh game selections (I had the elk). The meals were served fairly quickly, so everything was hot and fresh and most importantly very tasty! The only downside was that the beer on tap was all local 3.2 variety, so not that good, but there do offer bottled beer that is much better quality. They also have a nice wine selection (well, according to my wife, I stick to beer).
Overall, it was a great meal in a nice setting with excellent service. Moab is a favorite destination for my wife and me, and Desert Bistro is a favorite place to eat when in Moab. We will definitely be dining there again.
Jailhouse Café: There are better places for breakfast.
Dined here on Wednesday, September 24, 2014; reviewed October 30, 2014 See this review on Trip Advisor.
For our final morning in Moab we went to Jailhouse Café for breakfast. I had been out in Canyonlands for sunrise at Mesa Arch so we got a late start and did not arrive at the café until 9:00. I guess we hit the morning rush as we had a 20 minute wait but we eventually got a table on one of the two outdoor patio areas. The service was good, but the menu is sort of a limited, but there were a few options that sounded very good. I went with the bacon, cheddar omelet. That had to be the thickest bacon I have ever eaten; it was really too thick as it was overly chewy. Too much of a good thing perhaps? I doubt that I would eat here again.
Dined here on Wednesday, September 24, 2014; reviewed October 30, 2014 See this review on Trip Advisor.
For our final morning in Moab we went to Jailhouse Café for breakfast. I had been out in Canyonlands for sunrise at Mesa Arch so we got a late start and did not arrive at the café until 9:00. I guess we hit the morning rush as we had a 20 minute wait but we eventually got a table on one of the two outdoor patio areas. The service was good, but the menu is sort of a limited, but there were a few options that sounded very good. I went with the bacon, cheddar omelet. That had to be the thickest bacon I have ever eaten; it was really too thick as it was overly chewy. Too much of a good thing perhaps? I doubt that I would eat here again.
Miguel’s Baja Grill: Five years later this is still a great place for Southwest food.
Dined here on Saturday, September 20, 2014; reviewed October 30, 2014 See this review on Trip Advisor.
One our first night in town, my wife, her sister and I headed into town looking for dinner. We were a little surprised that Miquel’s did not open until 5:00 particularly on a Saturday in September, so we checked out a few shops and returned just after the doors opened. Good thing that we got there then as there was already a good crowd. But we were seated right away and quickly had a server taking our drink order and dropping off chips and salsa. The salsa was mild but had a good flavor. Our margaritas came out quickly and they were also very good.
Lots of good looking options on the dinner menu as well as a couple additional specials. I was angling for the MOAB, as I still remembered how good it was from our visit in 2009, but tonight the kitchen was using refried beans (not a personal favorite), so I opted for the tonight’s special, the chili relleno with shrimp. My wife at the steak fajitas and SIL the chicken quesadilla. We all enjoyed our meals but agreed that the food was good but not great. But overall it was a fine dinner and a great start to our vacation. Hopefully it will not be five years until I get to eat at Miquel’s again.
Dined here on Saturday, September 20, 2014; reviewed October 30, 2014 See this review on Trip Advisor.
One our first night in town, my wife, her sister and I headed into town looking for dinner. We were a little surprised that Miquel’s did not open until 5:00 particularly on a Saturday in September, so we checked out a few shops and returned just after the doors opened. Good thing that we got there then as there was already a good crowd. But we were seated right away and quickly had a server taking our drink order and dropping off chips and salsa. The salsa was mild but had a good flavor. Our margaritas came out quickly and they were also very good.
Lots of good looking options on the dinner menu as well as a couple additional specials. I was angling for the MOAB, as I still remembered how good it was from our visit in 2009, but tonight the kitchen was using refried beans (not a personal favorite), so I opted for the tonight’s special, the chili relleno with shrimp. My wife at the steak fajitas and SIL the chicken quesadilla. We all enjoyed our meals but agreed that the food was good but not great. But overall it was a fine dinner and a great start to our vacation. Hopefully it will not be five years until I get to eat at Miquel’s again.
Moab Brewery: Extremely Average, except for the service, which was poor.
Dined here on Iuesday, September 23, 2014; reviewed October 30, 2014 See this review on Trip Advisor.
My wife, sister-in-law and I ate dinner at the Moab Brewery on a Tuesday evening in late September. I reckon we arrived around 6:00 and were told there were be a 20 minute wait for seating; not too bad as I figured there would be a bit of a crowd. However, there was first-come-first-served seating in the bar, so we opted for that. The beer was average at best (Johnny’s IPA was lame; the Red Rye IPA was better but still just OK). The service was lackluster, but lucky for us we were not in a hurry. Fortunately the food was very good. While not the greatest overall experience it was still a nice dinner (I’m not going to condemn a restaurant solely on one server being less than expedient, as we have had great service here in the past).
Dined here on Iuesday, September 23, 2014; reviewed October 30, 2014 See this review on Trip Advisor.
My wife, sister-in-law and I ate dinner at the Moab Brewery on a Tuesday evening in late September. I reckon we arrived around 6:00 and were told there were be a 20 minute wait for seating; not too bad as I figured there would be a bit of a crowd. However, there was first-come-first-served seating in the bar, so we opted for that. The beer was average at best (Johnny’s IPA was lame; the Red Rye IPA was better but still just OK). The service was lackluster, but lucky for us we were not in a hurry. Fortunately the food was very good. While not the greatest overall experience it was still a nice dinner (I’m not going to condemn a restaurant solely on one server being less than expedient, as we have had great service here in the past).
Paradox Pizza: Typical Pizza Parlor
Dined here on Monday, September 22, 2014; reviewed October 14, 2014 See this review on Trip Advisor.
After hiking around the Moab area all day on a Monday in mid September, we decided to try Paradox Pizza based on the recommendation from the owner of the rental house. We went straight to Paradox from the trail, so we were sort of dusty, but then so were many of the other patrons (point being that this is a “casual” dining option). This is the kind of place where you order at the counter then they bring your food to you at your table. We arrived at about 6:00, just ahead of the dinner rush. There was no one in line when we got to the counter, but as soon as we ordered and found a table the line was out the door (literally). Another reason to get there early is the parking; there was not a lot of space in the lot when we arrived and it was worse when we left.
The food was pretty good; but not great. I started with a salad which was actually quite good (mix of greens, cukes, cabbage and tomatoes; all fresh and ripe). We did have a bit of a wait for our pizza to come out, probably in part to the place being slammed, but it did come out nice and hot. The pizza was good, but not great. Thin crust but plenty of toppings. They do use very cheap paper plates at Paradox, so even with just a little grease from the pizza the plates become nearly useless. But we were starving after hiking all day so the pizza went down easy with nothing left to take home.
Overall, it was a good dinner. I’d eat at Paradox Pizza in the future, but it would not be my first choice.
Dined here on Monday, September 22, 2014; reviewed October 14, 2014 See this review on Trip Advisor.
After hiking around the Moab area all day on a Monday in mid September, we decided to try Paradox Pizza based on the recommendation from the owner of the rental house. We went straight to Paradox from the trail, so we were sort of dusty, but then so were many of the other patrons (point being that this is a “casual” dining option). This is the kind of place where you order at the counter then they bring your food to you at your table. We arrived at about 6:00, just ahead of the dinner rush. There was no one in line when we got to the counter, but as soon as we ordered and found a table the line was out the door (literally). Another reason to get there early is the parking; there was not a lot of space in the lot when we arrived and it was worse when we left.
The food was pretty good; but not great. I started with a salad which was actually quite good (mix of greens, cukes, cabbage and tomatoes; all fresh and ripe). We did have a bit of a wait for our pizza to come out, probably in part to the place being slammed, but it did come out nice and hot. The pizza was good, but not great. Thin crust but plenty of toppings. They do use very cheap paper plates at Paradox, so even with just a little grease from the pizza the plates become nearly useless. But we were starving after hiking all day so the pizza went down easy with nothing left to take home.
Overall, it was a good dinner. I’d eat at Paradox Pizza in the future, but it would not be my first choice.
Peace Tree: My favorite place for breakfast in Moab
Dined here on Tuesday, September 23, 2014; reviewed October 30, 2014 See this review on Trip Advisor.
After an early morning visit to the Windows Section in Arches National Park, we (my wife, sister-in-law and I) headed back to Moab for breakfast at Peace Tree. We had eaten breakfast here during our trip to Moab in 2012 and were looking forward to a return visit. This was a Tuesday morning in late September and we arrived at the restaurant about 9:00 AM. The place was busy but not packed and we immediately seated on the outdoor deck. I think at the same table we sat at two years.
The breakfast menu offers a nice selection of choices that range from the classic to an eclectic with a southwest flare. Since we were going to be hiking later today, I was not looking for a huge meal, even though I was eyeing the smothered burrito. I asked the server and she said it was mondo. OK, what is the second choice? The girls both opted for the coconut –crusted French toast and I finally settled on the classic bagel with ham and pepper jack cheese. It was very good, but actually had too much cheese for my taste (but that’s just me). Still it was a tasty meal and gave us fuel for the rest of the day.
Dined here on Tuesday, September 23, 2014; reviewed October 30, 2014 See this review on Trip Advisor.
After an early morning visit to the Windows Section in Arches National Park, we (my wife, sister-in-law and I) headed back to Moab for breakfast at Peace Tree. We had eaten breakfast here during our trip to Moab in 2012 and were looking forward to a return visit. This was a Tuesday morning in late September and we arrived at the restaurant about 9:00 AM. The place was busy but not packed and we immediately seated on the outdoor deck. I think at the same table we sat at two years.
The breakfast menu offers a nice selection of choices that range from the classic to an eclectic with a southwest flare. Since we were going to be hiking later today, I was not looking for a huge meal, even though I was eyeing the smothered burrito. I asked the server and she said it was mondo. OK, what is the second choice? The girls both opted for the coconut –crusted French toast and I finally settled on the classic bagel with ham and pepper jack cheese. It was very good, but actually had too much cheese for my taste (but that’s just me). Still it was a tasty meal and gave us fuel for the rest of the day.
Zax: Great Pizza Bar
Dined here on Sunday, September 28, 2014; reviewed October 31, 2014 See this review on Trip Advisor.
My wife, sister-in-law and I ate lunch at Zax on a rainy Sunday afternoon in late September. We arrived at 1:00 and were immediately seated. We even got the option of sitting inside or out on the patio; we chose the outdoor seating. The service was excellent. Our server was attentive and checked on us often, plus he did a great job of providing suggestions and answering question about the menu. I opted for the salad and pizza bar. It was probably more than I should have eaten, but it was quite tasty. The pizzas on the buffet were excellent with a lot of variety and some fairly unique combinations. Yeah, I ate too much, but man was it good! Plus they had some decent bottled beers available. The ladies also enjoyed their meals (my wife had pizza and SIL had a huge wrap). Great service, excellent pizza and good beer; works for me!
Dined here on Sunday, September 28, 2014; reviewed October 31, 2014 See this review on Trip Advisor.
My wife, sister-in-law and I ate lunch at Zax on a rainy Sunday afternoon in late September. We arrived at 1:00 and were immediately seated. We even got the option of sitting inside or out on the patio; we chose the outdoor seating. The service was excellent. Our server was attentive and checked on us often, plus he did a great job of providing suggestions and answering question about the menu. I opted for the salad and pizza bar. It was probably more than I should have eaten, but it was quite tasty. The pizzas on the buffet were excellent with a lot of variety and some fairly unique combinations. Yeah, I ate too much, but man was it good! Plus they had some decent bottled beers available. The ladies also enjoyed their meals (my wife had pizza and SIL had a huge wrap). Great service, excellent pizza and good beer; works for me!
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