Dining

The Broken Oar Restaurant

Dining★ 4.5
Interior of a rustic log restaurant in Arches National Park, with a grand staircase and second-floor balcony.

The Broken Oar serves American-leaning bistro fare with a rustic Moab vibe, cutting a bold line between lodge ambiance and modern dining. The Desolation Canyon Burger is a juicy star, loaded with avocado, Swiss, and chipotle mayo, while Pickle Fries crackle with a lean, spicy batter. The Oar Burger stacks pastrami and bacon under Swiss for a crowd-pleasing bite, and the patio veranda offers mountain views to go with your highway-size portions.

Quick facts

Meals Served
  • Dinner
Signature Dishes
Desolation Canyon Burger; The Oar Burger; Pickle Fries
Local Specialties
Game blend burger featuring elk, bison, wagyu beef, and wild boar; Sweet potato fries with cinnamon sugar, salt, caramel, and lemon zest
Popular Items
Desolation Canyon Burger; The Oar Burger; Pickle Fries; Sweet potato fries

What to order

Meals Served
  • Dinner
Signature Dishes
Desolation Canyon Burger; The Oar Burger; Pickle Fries
Local Specialties
Game blend burger featuring elk, bison, wagyu beef, and wild boar; Sweet potato fries with cinnamon sugar, salt, caramel, and lemon zest
Popular Items
Desolation Canyon Burger; The Oar Burger; Pickle Fries; Sweet potato fries
Menu Recommendations
Skip generic items; go for the Desolation Canyon Burger; for a drink, local beer pairs well with the burger
Dietary Options
  • Vegetarian options available (Vegetarian Scampi)
  • Gluten-free options upon request (no croutons; gluten-free bun)

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics
Burgers $16-23; Sandwiches $17-19; Entrees (Steaks/Pasta) $25-45
Reservations Policy
Walk-ins welcome. Reservations are not explicitly required.
Typical Wait Times
Busy on weekend evenings; wait times vary but the staff is praised for handling crowds well.
Payment Methods
  • Credit cards
  • Cash
  • Debit cards
Cash Only
0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours
Mon-Sat 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM; some sources list 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM; open year-round.
Seasonal Hours
Open year-round.
Closed Days
Sundays closed.
Happy Hour Times
Not listed.
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Parking Details
Attached small private lot with limited space; expect closer parking near the entrance during peak times.
Accessibility
No explicit accessibility details found; expect standard dining layout with indoor seating and a dog-friendly patio.

Visit strategy

Best For
  • After-hike meals
  • Family dinners
Not Ideal For
Those seeking a quiet, intimate dining room
Service Type
Table service
Service Speed
Moderate
Vibe
  • Rustic mountain lodge
  • Casual
  • Family-friendly
Noise Level
Moderate buzz; busy and packed, but staff keep it moving
View Type
  • Patio views of surrounding mountains
Busiest Times
Weekend evenings
Best Visit Times
Around 5 PM to avoid longer waits
Tips Advice
  • Hit the Desolation Canyon Burger first for the cult bite.
  • Arrive around 5 PM to beat the rush.
  • Ask for a Gluten-Free Bun if needed and request no croutons on salads.

More details

Park Area
Moab, Utah
Takeout Available
1
Delivery Available
0
Dress Code
Casual
Beverage Program
Beer & Wine Only; local brews and wines
Local Beers
Local beers available
Tasting Flights
0
Tours Available
0
Bottle Sales
0
Parking Available
1
Dog Friendly Patio
1
Wi-Fi Available
0
Family Friendly
1
Family Friendly Notes
Kid-friendly; kids' menu available
Age Restriction
All ages welcome
Bar Seating
0
Seasonal Rushes
Year-round; peak on weekends
Live Music
Not listed
Has Gift Shop
0
Unique Attractions
Saloon-style porch with mountain views; dog-friendly patio
Unique Factor
Desolation Canyon Burger plus Pickle Fries; elk/bison wagyu game blend burgers
Nearby Facilities
Attached private parking; patio and saloon-style porch; views of Moab mountains
Best Time To Visit
Arrive around 5 PM to dodge the later-evening crowds; weekends can be absolutely packed.
The Order Strategy
Skip the generic burger; get Desolation Canyon Burger for the juicy patty and avocado balance. For drinks, order a local beer to complement the beef.
The Vibe Check
Post-hike HQ. It is busy, casual, and welcoming; good for families and groups, less ideal for a quiet laptop session.
The Crowd Factor
The line can extend on weekend nights; arrive around 5 PM to snag a table and avoid peak congestion.
Eat Here If Skip If
EAT HERE IF: you want hearty American burgers after Moab adventures. SKIP IF: you need a refined, quiet dining room or a coffee-centric menu.
Distance From Park
Approximately 10-minute drive from Arches Entrance Station.
Review Summary
Burgers come out juicy with solid seasoning; Pickle Fries deliver crisp texture; portions are generous and the vibe is welcoming despite crowds; no major complaints consistently noted.

Location

Creamy pasta with bread served at a rustic table in Arches National Park restaurant.Interior of the Broken Oar Restaurant in Arches National Park, a rustic log dining hall with long wooden tables and high exposed beams.

Frequently asked questions

Is takeout available?

Yes. Take Out is available; online ordering is not listed.

Do they have gluten-free options?

Gluten-free options are available upon request; ask for a Gluten-Free Bun and for no croutons on salads.

Is the restaurant kid-friendly?

Yes, kid-friendly with a dedicated kids' menu.

Is there a bar seating area?

Bar seating isn't listed; the venue centers on table service with a saloon-style porch outside.

Is there live music or special events?

Not listed in current details.

Más café

Breakfast croissant sandwich and oat milk mocha—grab-and-go perfection on a quiet Arches street.

Cafe Italiano

Caprese Panini: crisp crust, mozzarella, tomato, basil; espresso hits with bold roast.

Rooted Vine

Vegetarian bites steal the show. Pair with the extensive wine list.

Bonjour Bakery & Café

Chicken sandwich with cranberries—absolute favorite; gluten-free French toast shines.

Some booking links below are affiliate links, which may support YourNPGuide at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.