Utah's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives

The Blue Plate Diner, which recalls small-town diners of the 1950s, has a kitschy-hip, vintage vibe and a classic diner menu with a few surprises. It's especially popular for breakfast and is a good choice for groups that include vegans and vegetarians.

Known for: Breakfast, smoked salmon, corned beef hash, vegan options.

The Burger Bar in Roy, Utah (near Ogden) is a classic burger shack locals swear by, serving burgers, fries, and shakes as well as buffalo and elk burgers. And of course, they serve fry sauce.

Known for: Burgers, fries, fresh fruit shakes, onion rings, buffalo burger, elk burger.

New Jersey native Steven Maxwell came to Utah for the skiing and stayed to serve up Italian-American favorites based on his grandmother's recipes. Maxwell's East Coast Eatery has locations in Park City and SLC. Try the Fat Kid Pizza for an authentic East Coast pie.

Known for: Pizza, meatballs, pasta.

Salt Lake pottery artist Don MacDonald and his wife Joanna decided to start making and selling sandwiches when Joanna, who grew up in Philadelphia, couldn't find a decent cheesesteak anywhere in Salt Lake City. The result is a sandwich shop inside a pottery shop, and some of the best homemade food this side of Philly.

Known for: Philly cheesesteaks, meatballs.

Oh Mai offers Vietnamese favorites like bahn mi (sandwiches), noodle dishes and more. It's become one of SLC's most popular Asian restaurants and has a passionate following.

Known for: Ribeye Bahn Mi, noodles, pho, vegan options.

Award-winning barbecue competitor Pat Barber smokes up some of Salt Lake's best brisket, ribs and other favorites in this simple but appealing South Salt Lake BBQ joint. There's live blues music Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Known for: Ribs, brisket, smoked meatloaf, burnt ends (Friday special), live music.

Opened in 1985 by the Cardenas family, The Red Iguana is one of Salt Lake City's best-loved restaurants, serving some of the best Mexican food you can find anywhere. The original location near the Utah State Fairpark is so popular, the owners opened The Red Iguana 2 right around the corner.

Known for: Moles, tacos Don Ramon (beef and chorizo), carne asada, chile verde, chile Colorado.

Ruth's Diner in Emigration Canyon has been in business for 80 years. It's a little piece of heaven and a nice escape from the city, serving homemade American classics.

Known for: Biscuits and gravy, macaroni and cheese, soups, sandwiches.

Park City native Sam Harris started out as a waiter and line cook in several local restaurants, and in 2011 he opened Sammy's Bistro with the goal of serving creative food that everyone can afford.

Known for: Asian and Southwest fusion, Texas BBQ shrimp.

The Silver Star Cafe in Park City offers an innovative twist on homestyle cuisine, along with beautiful mountain views. It's also one of the best small music venues in Park City.

Known for: American comfort food, great patio, live music.

The Tin Roof Grill in Sandy serves up amazing food in an unpretentious location. Creative combinations and attention to detail make Tin Roof's cuisine memorable. It's a great place to eat before or after a Real Salt Lake game.

Known for: Cheesecake, gourmet pizzas.