Dining
The Rock Garden Eatery and Bar
Capitol Reef’s Rock Garden Eatery offers a laid-back, scenic escape with classic American fare. The Bacon Blue Burger delivers an incredible flavor that lingers after each bite. Hummus stays creamy with pita, and the quinoa salad thrives on a bright dressing with avocado, cucumber, peppers, and onions. Philly cheesesteak and tacos keep the energy high in this cozy, view-filled retreat.
Quick facts
- Meals Served
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Signature Dishes
- Bacon 'Blue' Burger; Philly Cheesesteak; Tacos; Hummus; Quinoa Salad
- Local Specialties
- Seasonal and locally sourced ingredients
- Popular Items
- Bacon Blue Burger; Hummus; Quinoa Salad; Philly Cheesesteak
What to order
- Meals Served
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Signature Dishes
- Bacon 'Blue' Burger; Philly Cheesesteak; Tacos; Hummus; Quinoa Salad
- Local Specialties
- Seasonal and locally sourced ingredients
- Popular Items
- Bacon Blue Burger; Hummus; Quinoa Salad; Philly Cheesesteak
- Menu Recommendations
- Bacon 'Blue' Burger; Hummus; Quinoa Salad; Philly Cheesesteak
- Dietary Options
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free options may be adaptable
Prices & reservations
- Price Specifics
- Capitol Breakfast $17; Capitol Scramble $16; Waffles $15; Pancakes $14; Chicken Artichoke Sandwich $16; Kids Fruit Plate $8; Coffee $5
- Reservations Policy
- Reservations recommended during peak tourist seasons.
- Typical Wait Times
- No specific wait times reported; reservations advised during busy periods.
- Cash Only
- 0
Hours & seating
- Operating Hours
- Monday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Seasonal Hours
- Inn and Restaurant close seasonally starting the last weekend of October and reopen the third weekend of March.
- Closed Days
- Open Thu-Sun; closed Mon-Wed
- Happy Hour Times
- No Happy Hour noted.
- Outdoor Seating
- Yes
- Parking Details
- Free parking at Red Sands Hotel
Visit strategy
- Best For
- Casual meals
- Family outings
- Sunset patio dining
- Not Ideal For
- In-a-hurry lunch during peak season
- Service Type
- Table service
- Service Speed
- Moderate
- Vibe
- Laid-back
- Informal
- Cozy retreat with Capitol Reef views
- Noise Level
- Moderate buzz
- View Type
- Capitol Reef National Park views
- Utah wilderness vistas
- Best Visit Times
- Early morning for breakfast or sunset for dinner on the patio
- Tips Advice
- Reserve ahead during peak season
- Sit on the patio at sunset for Capitol Reef views
- Order the Bacon Blue Burger and the quinoa salad
- Takeout available; order online for a park-side picnic
More details
- Park Area
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Takeout Available
- 1
- Delivery Available
- 0
- Dress Code
- Casual
- Beverage Program
- Full bar with artisanal ales and spirits, craft cocktails, local wines
- Local Beers
- Local beers
- Tasting Flights
- 0
- Tours Available
- 0
- Bottle Sales
- 0
- Parking Available
- 1
- Dog Friendly Patio
- 0
- Wi-Fi Available
- 1
- Family Friendly
- 1
- Family Friendly Notes
- Kid-friendly with a dedicated kids' menu
- Bar Seating
- 1
- Seasonal Rushes
- Peak tourist seasons
- Has Gift Shop
- 0
- Unique Attractions
- Outdoor patio dining with Capitol Reef views
- Unique Factor
- Patio dining with Capitol Reef views and seasonal/local ingredients
- Nearby Facilities
- Red Sands Hotel on site; free parking and wifi
- Best Time To Visit
- Early morning for breakfast (7-10 AM) or sunset for dinner on the patio.
- The Order Strategy
- Skip Capitol Scramble, get Capitol Breakfast. For coffee, order the regular brew.
- The Vibe Check
- Laid-back, family-friendly; great for sunset patio dining after a hike.
- The Crowd Factor
- Reservations recommended during peak seasons; takeout available.
- Eat Here If Skip If
- EAT HERE IF: you want Capitol Reef views with solid American fare. SKIP IF: you need quick service during crowded times.
- Distance From Park
- approximately 21 miles from park entrance
- Review Summary
- Fresh ingredients; Bacon burger praised for incredible flavor; hummus and quinoa salad dressing highlighted; overall positive with mixed pricing opinions.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Is there a kids' menu?
Yes, a kids' menu with fruit plates and pancakes is available.
Is takeout available?
Yes, takeout and online ordering are available.
Is there gluten-free options?
Gluten-free options are not explicitly stated; some dishes may be adaptable.
Do they have live music or special events?
No schedule documented.
What are the parking options?
Free parking at the Red Sands Hotel.
More at Capitol Reef National Park
Dark Sky Coffee
Cinnamon Roll: warm center with a crackly crust; a must-try.
Capitol Burger
Pastrami Burger: melted pastrami, perfect patty, tangy slaw; fries crackle.
Mowgli’s Cafe
Fremont: velvety espresso, vanilla, white chocolate.
Etta Place Cidery & Taproom
Flights of cider and mead: Dry Etta Place, Grand Circle Semi-Dry, Stray Arrow Rose.
Hunt & Gather Restaurant
Elk dishes deliver tender bites with bold seasoning; fried halibut tacos shine.
Kiva Koffeehouse
Chai latte with gingerbread spice and gluten-free/vegan pastries; breakfast burrito for a quick bite.
Recommended gear for Capitol Reef National Park
Sources
- evendo.com
- redsandshotel.com
- wanderlog.com
- happycow.net
- firstwatch.com
- toasttab.com
- therimrock.net
- redrockscafe.com
- redrobin.com
- hardrock.com
- capitolreefcountry.com
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.












