Milt's in the 1950s |
Over fifty years ago,
the main highway through Moab turned east on Center, then
south on 400 East and then curved onto Millcreek Drive
just in front of Milt’s Stop and Eat. Milt’s
opened on Labor Day 1954, providing a classic diner environment
where travelers, uranium miners and locals could get a
quick meal. Today, Milt’s is still a classic diner,
one of the oldest businesses in Moab. It is still a local
operation, currently owned by Daniel and Asa Wright. True
to the idea of an “oldie but goodie,” the prices
are very reasonable. Where else can you get a cheeseburger
with really fresh beef for $2.10, a malted milk shake for
$3.75, a cone for $.75 or a complete dinner for $7.50?
Even though the highway with its trucks and heavy traffic no longer
goes by Milt’s, it doesn’t matter. Milt’s has been “discovered” by
tourists and the media. Tucked behind Dave’s Corner Market on
400 East, Milt’s has a large parking lot, a shaded picnic patio,
and a take-out window. Inside, the same eight stools and worn counter
top of years gone by impressed the New York Times reporter who wrote
October 14, 2005, “In a town where s
cenery
looms large, it’s easy to drive by the unassuming Milt’s
Stop & Eat. But this little diner, which has been doling out fresh
chili and shakes since 1954, comes through where it counts. Pull up
to the counter, where years of local elbows have worn perfect white
circles into the surface.” A recent National Geographic Adventure
Magazine also mentions Milt’s in an article on biking in Moab.
Consequently, Milt’s has become a stop for many on their way
to ride the Slick Rock Bike Trail.
True to tradition, however, the people who really love Milt’s
are the locals. They know that all the beef used is 21-day dry-aged
from The Old Geezer Meat Shop in Moab. Milt’s hamburgers have
long been reported as the best in town. Chili, especially as winter
comes on, is another favorite with Milt’s customers. As the menu
says, “locals have loved this made-fresh daily, whole pinto bean
chili con carne for fifty years.” It’s a “Milt’s
special recipe – as full of history as it is flavor!” This
special recipe chili has made Milt’s chili burger famous around
the world.
Milt’s
is also famous for their fresh cut French fries, a rare item in most
restaurants.
Other intriguing menu items include Frito Pie, “Fritos, layered
in a bowl, topped with shredded cheese and smothered in Milt’s
Famous Chili.” Or how about the Fishburger made with “delicious
Haddock served on a toasted bun with fresh lettuce and our Special
Recipe Housemade Tartar Sauce?” The Fresh Banana Shake is another
favorite.
Milt’s Stop and Eat was originally owned and operated by Milt & Audrey
Galbraith who ran it for twenty-seven years. Milt and Audrey sold the
business to John and Sonya Sensenbrenner, who operated the business
for over 20 years. Today’s owner-managers are Daniel and Asa
Wright who have both had experience in the restaurant business. Daniel’s
mother Lola used to operate the Poplar Place, and he grew up around
the food service industry. Asa met Daniel when they both worked at
La Hacienda Restaurant. Today, Asa’s mother Penny also helps
out at Milt’s.
Milt’s is open all winter from 11:00 am to 9 pm for lunch and
dinner. It’s a cozy place to meet friends and enjoy good food
in the classic style of the ‘50’s.
Milt’s is located at 356 South 400 East and may be reached at
259-7424 for delicious take-out!
