540 South Main (next to Big Horn Lodge)
Moab, Utah, 84535
(435) 259-4848
Website: N/A
The former location of Smithy's Golden Steakhouse is now occupied by the Moab Grill. Open daily from 6am to 10pm, this new restaurant offers an extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; comfort food diner meets grill with fine flavor. Acting as consultants for the Grill are Scott and Alexa Laws, the former owners of the Lamplight Restaurant of Monticello, Utah.
Three of us went there for dinner (specials featured every night), were greeted immediately by the hostess, seated and introduced to our waiter, John. We started off the meal with Roasted Potato Skins appetizer; sadly, it was a disappointing start to our meal. While there was a definite taste of potato and green onion, the flavors of bacon and cheese were completely lost. Not even the addition of salt and sour cream gave any improvement to this appetizer.
Meals come with a choice of cup of soup, side salad or fries. On Fridays, New England Clam Chowder is the soup of the day. While nicely seasoned, loaded with clams and potatoes, the soup itself was very thin. Alexa, however, noticed this quickly and remarked that it was thicker and that the cook must have thinned it out. She was going to make sure it was done properly from now on. My husband's side salad was larger than the usual side salads in most restaurants; leafy greens with slices of red onion and tomato; very fresh tasting.
The Buffalo Ribeye was perfectly cooked and well seasoned; the yam came with a delicious cinnamon butter which was absolutely delicious also with the side of Texas Toast. The macaroni and cheese was gooey with several cheeses, however needed a little more salt and some black pepper for flavoring.
The Roast Turkey platter was thinly sliced REAL roasted turkey, not that cold cut mess many restaurants serve. The gravy was rich with turkey flavor, mashed potatoes creamy and smooth and the Mexicali corn was a vibrant touch.
The Patty Melt is a classic with a medium cooked burger, grilled onions, Swiss cheese on Texas Toast. The side chosen was thick, skin on, fries, just crisped on the outside and deliciously fluffy on the inside.
Although we were comfortable after our meal, we could not resist taking home a slice of Alexa's Chocolate Cake. $8.95 might sound pricey, but the slice of cake is huge, equaling two slices anywhere else. Alexa's cake is the same that she was famous for at the Lamplight; and if you're looking for a cake for a special occasion, or just to splurge on, consider getting one of these.
We would definitely give Moab Grill another go; especially breakfast where we have heard they make a killer French Toast coated with crushed frosted flakes. With the Laws as consultants, and if the owners seriously listen to them, this could become one of the bright spots in Moab.
Mary Cokenour
