Ruby's Inn Cowboy's Buffet & Steak Room

Ruby's Inn has been feeding hungry park visitors for generations, and their Cowboy's Buffet & Steak Room carries on that tradition with gusto. The dining room feels like a cross between a ranch house and a family restaurant, nothing fancy, but comfortable enough that you can show up in hiking boots without a second thought.

The Famous Salad Bar

The star here is the salad bar. It's not just lettuce and ranch dressing (though they have those too). We're talking dozens of options, fresh vegetables, composed salads, toppings, and house-made dressings that put most salad bars to shame. Order an entrée and the salad bar comes with it, which turns a simple steak dinner into a feast.

Speaking of steaks, they do them right. Same goes for the ribs and, surprisingly, the seafood. Portions are Texas-sized, so come hungry or plan to share.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Options

Breakfast runs as a buffet these days, which works well when you're trying to fuel up a family before hitting the trails. Load up on:

• Eggs

• Bacon

• Pancakes

• Fresh fruit

The lunch menu offers solid sandwiches (the buffalo fried chicken gets mentions), while dinner is where they bring out the big guns with their Western specialties.

The location right in Bryce Canyon City means you're minutes from the park entrance. After a morning of hiking the rim trail or descending into the hoodoos, this is where locals know to come for a proper meal that won't break the bank. Service stays consistently friendly even when summer crowds pack the place.

Save room for Minnie's 5 Fruit Pie. Trust the reviews on this one, it's worth the extra stomach space. The whole operation runs like a well-oiled machine, getting hot food to your table fast without making you feel rushed. Exactly what you want after a day exploring Bryce Canyon National Park.