The Cottonwood Steakhouse, on U.S. 191 on the west side of town (tel. 435/672-2282; www.cottonwoodsteakhouse.com), is an Old West-style restaurant -- lots of wood and a handsome stone fireplace -- that knows what to do with beef and buffalo. The solid fare includes a lean rib-eye buffalo steak plus T-bone and rib-eye beefsteaks, barbecued chicken or ribs, shrimp, and catfish, accompanied by large salads, Western-grilled potatoes, and beans. In warm weather, diners can sit at picnic tables outside under cottonwood trees. Dinners are $13 to $25. The restaurant is open daily from 5:30 to 9:30pm from March through October. Beer is available.

For a wide range of tasty bites throughout the day, do what the locals do and stop by the Twin Rocks Cafe, at 913 E. Navajo Twins Dr. off U.S. 191 on the east end of town (tel. 435/672-2341; www.twinrockscafe.com). In the shadow of the prominent Twin Rocks formation, the cafe has an open, airy dining room with large windows offering views of the surrounding red-rock walls. The American and Southwest selections range from half-pound burgers to barbecue plates to vegetarian specialties. You can also choose from a variety of sandwiches, New York strip steak, and grilled lemon herb chicken. But the most popular items by far are the regional dishes -- the sheepherder's sandwich, Navajo taco, and beef stew with Navajo fry bread, a thick, deep-fried bread. You can also mix your cultures with a Navajo pizza -- a variety of toppings served on Navajo fry bread. Breakfast items include the standard pancakes and egg dishes, plus granola and a spicy breakfast burrito. Lunch and dinner entrees are $8 to $20; breakfasts run $4 to $9. The cafe is open daily from 7am to 9pm in summer, with slightly reduced hours in winter. Microbrews and other beers are available with meals. While you're there, be sure to check out the museum-quality American Indian arts and crafts at Twin Rocks Trading Post, under the same management, next door.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.