Tucked away in corners of Utah you might not have explored yet are the spots where the burgers are juicy, the shakes are thick, and the locals have been coming for generations.
Hop in as we take a delightful detour to some of the state’s best-kept secrets — small town, long-established drive-ins that serve up more than just nostalgia.
Granny’s Drive In: Heber, Utah
Centrally located in the middle of Heber’s Main Street, Granny’s Drive In is a beloved local institution. Since its inception in 1982, Granny’s has been serving up classic American fare seven days a week in the warm seasons, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and road trip travelers alike.
The menu at Granny’s is filled with fan favorites like loaded fries and their best-selling jalapeno pepper jack burger. Equally popular are the special of the month and beer-battered onion rings.
The most iconic offerings at Granny’s however, are their signature sky-high shakes. Thick, creamy, and available in 10 flavors, they are the stuff of legend and childhood memories. Whether you opt for a traditional raspberry, or venture into more adventurous territory with a flavor like Grasshopper, Rocky Road or Delta First Class, you’re in for a treat that embodies the essence of a classic drive-in experience.
On any given summer’s day, you’ll find families and friends enjoying a meal and sharing a laugh around the bright red picnic tables outside. It’s the place where high school students celebrate victories and couples have their first date together. For anyone visiting Heber, stopping by Granny’s is a tradition that’s good to the last bite.
Merlin’s Drive Inn: Garden City (Bear Lake), Utah
If there’s one thing that every visitor is told to do when they arrive in the vicinity of Bear Lake, it’s getting a Bear Lake raspberry shake. With several old-school drive-ins to choose from in Garden City, Merlin’s Drive Inn has been flipping burgers and spinning shakes for decades in this quaint town.
Choose from indoor or outdoor seating, all with a stunning backdrop of Bear Lake across the road. Then dig into your thick and creamy over-the-top Bear Lake raspberry shake. Merlin’s has mastered the art of incorporating this local berry for the perfect blend of tart and sweet. Several dozen other flavors of shakes are also available.
If you can’t resist the sound and smell of sizzling burgers, try the Merlin or mushroom options. Both comforting and satisfying, Merlin’s is a delightful journey into the heart of Utah’s drive-in culture, promising hearty food and a slice of Americana with every bite.
Milt’s Stop & Eat: Moab, Utah
If you’re heading to Moab, Utah, where red rock formations dominate the landscape, you’ll want to make sure to plan a meal at Milt’s Stop & Eat — a cornerstone of Moab life.
Satisfying appetites since 1954, Milt’s Stop & Eat is Moab’s oldest restaurant — celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The iconic burger drive-in is a beloved institution that transports diners to a simpler time and evokes the charm of mid-20th century America.
Milt’s began as a small burger joint founded by Milt Galbraith, who aimed to create a friendly gathering spot where locals and tourists could enjoy delicious, hearty meals. Over the years, its look has remained much the same as it always has, becoming a celebrated landmark known for its classic drive-in fare, friendly service, and a nostalgic atmosphere that keeps patrons returning.
The star of Milt’s menu is undoubtedly the hormone-free, grass-fed burgers crafted with high-quality beef from K Bar Ranch in Green River. Each burger is grilled to perfection, packed with flavor and served with all the traditional fixings. Milt’s still continues their commitment to supporting local food producers — sourcing their honey and produce from Castle Valley Farms and the Moab Farmers Market.
For anyone visiting Moab, a trip to Milt’s Stop & Eat will allow you to become a part of Milt’s legacy. It’s a chance to form friendships, join the locals in catching up on the latest news and refuel after a day of exploring Moab’s natural wonders.
Sherald’s Frosty Freeze: Price, Utah
Located in Price, Utah, Sherald’s Frosty Freeze has been serving this Carbon County community with delicious frosty treats and more since the 1950s. Known for its ice cream creations as well as cooked-to-order burgers, Sherald’s offers a dining experience that takes patrons back to the golden age of drive-ins with vintage signage and small-town hospitality.
Founded as Sherald’s Burger Bar, the drive-in quickly became a popular spot for its friendly service and consistently tasty food. Today, Sherald’s continues to uphold this tradition for locals and travelers alike.
Sherald’s burgers are cooked to order and served hot off the grill. The signature Sherald’s Deluxe Burger, a fan favorite, features a 1/3 pound steak burger patty topped with savory ham, melted Swiss and American cheeses, crisp lettuce, pickle, onion, tomato, and their signature sauce on a toasted bun.
For those with heartier appetites, the double cheeseburger offers twice the satisfaction. While the burgers are well known, Sherald’s menu boasts a variety of other family-friendly meals including chicken sandwiches, salads, some Greek offerings and tacos and burritos.
Cool down in the summer with classic malts and shakes in a range of flavors with plenty of candy add-ins as well as Italian sodas and floats.
For anyone passing through Price, head to the window, place your order, and savor a piece of Price’s history at Sherald’s.
Shelle’s Drive-In: Gunnison, Utah
As one of the few spots open on Sunday in Gunnison, Shelle’s answers the call for diners looking to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner out seven days a week here. Situated in the heart of Central Utah, a visit to Shelle’s is a pleasant respite to sit for a while as you satisfy your hunger or your sweet tooth with a banana split or dipped cone.
The drive-in serves up casual fare like burgers, fries, shakes and malts, but also a fairly extensive menu of Mexican burritos and tacos, and a full breakfast menu, making it a great spot for the whole family at any time of time of day.
Often raved about, Shelle’s battered fries are hot and crispy. Pair them with other comfort food staples like hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and slushes on the way in or out of town.
From the famous raspberry shakes of Merlin’s in Bear Lake to the red rock mainstay of Milt’s in Moab, these five must-visit drive-ins will add delicious adventure to any road trip. So buckle up, grab your map, and get ready to discover the hidden culinary delights just waiting for you in Utah’s small towns.
Feature Image: Burgers, fries, and onion rings from Granny’s Drive In, Heber, Utah. Photo courtesy of Granny’s Drive In.
