Patio Drive-In
95 N Grayson Pkwy. (Route
191)
Blanding, Utah, 84511
Phone: (435) 678-2177
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday, 10:30am –
9pm; Closed Sunday
In the late 1950s, an
A&W opened up in Blanding, Utah; with a secondary franchise in
Monticello. While the Monticello
location went bust after only two years due to lack of business; the Blanding
location was holding strong. Not wanting
to be reigned over by A&W overlords, the owner left the franchise in the
mid-1960s and the Patio Drive-In was born.
Since then, as told by Steve Bronson at the Blanding Visitors Center,
“The list of people who didn’t own it at one time is far shorter than those who
did.”
Patio Drive-In is an
example of the 1950s drive-in diner; not as large as “Al’s” on Happy Days, but
just as busy with both happy customers and employees. The current owners, Lana and Ricky Arthur,
have owned the restaurant since 2009; they have developed a strict vision
statement, “WE ARE NOT A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT. We are a food establishment
reminiscent of a bygone era where the quality of the food meant more to America
than how fast it could be served.”
Anyone visiting the Patio can see, and experience, the truth of this
statement; people talking, laughing and eating without worrying about the time;
no one is rushed out. Warmer weather can
find visitors and locals alike sitting under covered umbrellas at the tables
outside, or even sitting on the grassy lawn.
 |
| Where's Waldo and Carmen Sandiego; probably at Patio Drive-In. |
 |
| Order Area |
 |
| Menu and Server, Heidi |
At Patio, the food is made
to order; there are no heat lamp units, the one microwave is for employee
personal use only; the food is freshly prepped and freshly cooked…period! To make the quarter, or half, pound burgers
(dependent on type ordered), the meat is partially cooked on the grill, then
take a bath in house made au jus before going back onto the grill. Did you ever wonder why they tasted so beefy
and juicy? Now you know the secret, and here’s one more; the grilled chicken
soaks in Sierra Mist soda, and another ingredient I swore not to reveal, before
hitting the grill. Do you love melt in
the mouth onion rings? Thinly sliced,
separated and soaked in a buttermilk bath; hand dredged through a seasoned
flour mixture; then deep fried to a golden brown. Excuse me while I wipe the drool off the side
of my chin.
 |
| Cheddar Melt |
 |
| Chicken Ham and Swiss |
 |
| Chicken Philly |
 |
| Lil Buff Burger - 1/4 pound real Buffalo meat |
 |
| Buttermilk soaked, hand dredged Onion Rings |
Orders can be called in
for pick up, or use the drive-thru window, but be prepared to turn off the
engine and wait. Freshly cooked means
freshly cooked; this ain’t no McDonald’s and everyone is so happy for
that! Welcoming atmosphere, friendly
owners and staff, fresh made to order food; there is no way I could not put a
positive perspective on Patio Drive-In.
Visit them, if you have not already, and I bet you will feel the same as
I do.
Mary Cokenour
Patio Drive-In
Patio Drive-In is an
example of the 1950s drive-in diner; not as large as “Al’s” on Happy Days, but
just as busy with both happy customers and employees. The current owners, Lana and Ricky Arthur,
have owned the restaurant since 2009; they have developed a strict vision
statement, “WE ARE NOT A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT. We are a food establishment
reminiscent of a bygone era where the quality of the food meant more to America
than how fast it could be served.”
Anyone visiting the Patio can see, and experience, the truth of this
statement; people talking, laughing and eating without worrying about the time;
no one is rushed out. Warmer weather can
find visitors and locals alike sitting under covered umbrellas at the tables
outside, or even sitting on the grassy lawn.
