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The Best Restaurants in Panguitch

An eclectic mix of flavors and styles sure to please any adventurer.

Written By Matcha

Aerial view of a historic downtown street, showcasing the layout of buildings, roads, and architectural details from above.
Panguitch   |  Jay Dash

Panguitch’s roots lie in culinary traditions — kind of. The word “panguitch” is a Piute Indian word meaning “big fish,” in reference to what can be found in the nearby lake. Well, you may not find epic seafood options in this town, but you will find several excellent food options while taking a break along your travels. And Panguitch sees a lot of travelers, because the town serves as a basecamp to many of the top destinations in Southern Utah, with great access to the forested plateau of the Dixie National Forest. It’s also the western gateway to Bryce Canyon and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and you’re just minutes away from the western starting point of the All-American Road, Scenic Byway 12, and a short drive to the Fishlake National Forest. 

That said, a stop in Panguitch has much to offer, starting with restaurants to fuel your body up for the next adventure. Here are some of the areas top options:

"The word “panguitch” is a Piute Indian word meaning “big fish,” in reference to what can be found in the nearby lake."

1. Cowboy’s Smokehouse

To make the meat lovers in your life happy, swing on down to Cowboy’s Smokehouse. The name essentially says it all: This is a homestyle spot for folks to saddle up and dive into some delicious real mesquite barbecue. The menu offers a variety of smoked meats — including chicken, ribs, turkey, beef and steaks — and each item comes with lip-smackin’ baked beans or ranch-style pinto beans. The sauce on the meat is so divine, you might be inclined to buy a bottle and ship it back home — or simply put it on everything else you eat. Better still, stick around into the evening and enjoy live music nightly in this rustic building adorned with Western-style decorations. 

2. Henrie’s Drive-In

Fast food on a Utah road trip doesn’t mean that you need to eat the same places you find all over the country. Henrie’s Drive-In is an old-fashioned, burger, fries and shakes spot that delivers the goods. The restaurant is known for its chubby cheeseburgers, and they don’t disappoint. In addition to the burgers and fries, you’ll find some other welcome menu options, including a smothered pork burrito, enchiladas and a taco salad. Save room for the tasty shakes, an ice cream cone or a frozen root beer. There’s a small amount of seating inside or take advantage of the picnic tables outside under the shady trees.  

3. C Stop Pizza & Deli

In the mood for some pizza? C Stop Pizza and Deli has been a Panguitch staple for nearly three decades. The business, owned by the Croft family, features both dough and sauce made from scratch on the premises. Go for classics such as pepperoni or sausage toppings, or try something different such as the Hawaiian, Mediterranean, bacon cheeseburger or pork-y pine pizza. Add a side of oven-baked chicken wings for a treat. Salads are available, too.
Matcha

About the Author – Matcha

Matcha (formerly RootsRated) is a media platform that connects users with the best outdoor experiences, hand-picked by local outdoor retailers and their networks of local experts. That’s why we’re the content marketing experts for e-commerce and lifestyle brands.

BASECAMP PANGUITCH

Panguitch, Utah, captures the enduring pioneer spirit of Utah with its welcoming rural charm and strong sense of heritage. Much of the town's main drag sits on the National Register of Historic Places and offers quaint, Western-themed local shopping and dining options. Panguitch is also an important base camp for many of Southern Utah's top natural wonders, including Zion, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks.

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