30+ Utah County restaurants we can’t live without

It's time to plan your lunch break, but where should you go?

Another chain restaurant?

Ain't nobody got time for that!

A few years ago it felt like Utah County only had that particular option, but now the Utah valley is booming with amazing independent restaurants to make any palate jump for joy. So take a break from the mundane choices, branch out, and try some of these best places to eat in Utah County!

I know this list is long but hopefully it is something that you can come back to often when you are looking for the best Utah County restaurants.

BBQ Restaurants in Utah County

1. The Smoking Apple

The Smoking Apple is one of Utah County’s best kept secrets for BBQ. The value and taste make it a great option for anyone including the budget friendly Baby Belly meal. For those looking for a little more food they have daily specials that are very filling and come with a drink. Smoking Apple is best known for their brisket and ribs. Make sure you also get a side of mac ‘n cheese and a corn bread. If you want to try something a bit different try Eric’s cheese steak sandwich or the slaw dawg.

70 N. State Street, Lindon

2. Bam Bams

Almost anyone who loves BBQ has tried Bam Bam’s Barbeque. The brisket is the best I have ever had and the rest of the meats are great too. Bam Bam’s is a bit more expensive than other BBQ joints but the food and service make it well worth it. Bam Bam’s sometimes offers cooking classes so you can learn how to really BBQ.

1708 S State Street, Orem

3. Wallabys

Wallabys is known for their Australian BBQ. My favorite meats are the ribs, tri tip, or lemon chicken. Make sure to get a side of loaded smashers (mashed potatoes with bacon, cheese, sour cream). Each meal comes with a roll that rivals Texas Roadhouse. Wallabys also offers the Boomerang for kids and light eaters along with daily specials.

69 South State Street, Orem

4. 5 Star BBQ

Another hidden gem is 5 Star BBQ. The location on Geneva Road might turn some people off but it is worth a try. Make sure to get there early if you want to have lunch otherwise the wait time can be horrendous even with a short line. The brisket is fantastic but if you are a big eater or want something unique try the Chuck Anderson which is a sandwich combination of brisket, pulled pork, and chicken on a buttered bun.

70 N Geneva Rd, Orem

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Pizza Restaurants in Utah County

5. Malawi’s

Want to eat delicious pizza and help others at the same time? For each meal you buy at Malawi’s they donate a meal to a child in Malawi, Africa. Honestly I have never had a pizza I didn’t like at Malawi’s but I love the Meat Safari and Chicken Bacon Ranch the best. Make sure you save room because the dessert pizzas are what makes Malawi’s one of my favorite places; try the Chocolate Overload or Berries and Cream.

4801 N University Ave #110, Provo

6. Slab

If you want to try a giant slice of New York style pizza head over to Slab. Each slab is ¼ of a 20” pie. The cheapest slabs start at 4 dollars and go up to 7 dollars. They have some unique ones like buffalo wing, chicken cordon bleu, or even a breakfast pizza.

671 E 800 N, Provo

7. Brick Oven

Brick Oven has been a staple in Utah County for over 50 years, although it used to be called Heaps A Pizza. Just off of campus, Brick Oven offers a fun and inviting atmosphere for everyone. Brick Oven is great for dates, families, or a group of coworkers. Make sure to try some Brick Oven Root Beer, it’s great!

11 E 800 N, Provo

8. Nicolitalia Pizza

Near the bottom of University Parkway, across from the dollar sits Nicolitalia Pizzeria. Nicolitalia is East-Coast style pizza. Some people swear by the margarita pizza although there are plenty of great toppings for the rest of us. The calzone is another good option to try.

2295 N University Pkwy, Provo

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Burger & Hot Dog Restaurants in Utah County

9. Cubby’s

If you haven’t been to Cubby’s you need to make it one of your first stops on this list. Cubby’s is probably my favorite restaurant in Provo. My favorite is the Dragon Slayer burger which has a melt in your mouth hamburger patty with buffalo sauce and blue cheese. Make sure you also get buffalo fries with your burger. If you are looking for healthier options the salads are great too.

1258 N State St, Provo

3700 Thanksgiving Way, Lehi

10. JCW's

If you are looking for a fun place to hangout for lunch, JCW's is your place. The portions are huge, and the locations are pretty busy but you can get through the line quickly if you know what you're going to order ahead of time.

580 E State Rd, American Fork
3605 Thanksgiving Way, Lehi
396 W 2230 N, Provo

11. Purple Turtle

Nestled in Pleasant Grove Purple Turtle is a local fast food joint that kicks out a nice variety and high quality of food. A personal favorite is the Mile High Burger with Bacon with sweet potato fries. The Fish and Chips are also very popular. Don’t forget to get a milkshake or a malt. Purple Turtle adds specials fairly regularly so check out their Facebook page.

85 State Street, Pleasant Grove

12. Joes (Orem)

Joes in Orem is one of those places I must have passed a million times but had never seen until recently. Half pound burgers are the norm here with great toppings like thick juicy bacon or what feels like a whole avocado. Joe is awesome, probably the most friendly guy you will ever meet, full of southern charm. If you don’t want burgers his breakfasts are second to none, especially his Belgian Waffle.

1126 S. State Street. Orem

13. JDawgs

JDawgs has grown up over the past few years. When I first started college JDawgs was in a shack near campus. Now JDawgs has a couple locations throughout Utah County. What makes JDawgs different from a normal hot dog? The combination of beef hotdogs, special scoring, JDawgs sauce, and toppings make for the best hot dog you will ever have.

287 E University Parkway, Orem, Utah 84058

858 N 700 E, Provo, Utah 84606

80 NW State Street, American Fork

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14. Chubby's Cafe

The burgers at Chubby's are huge, and feature variations like the Utah Cheeseburger with fry sauce, a Pastrami Burger with swiss and mustard, and a Guacamole Bacon Burger.

336 S Main St, Pleasant Grove

Mexican Restaurants in Utah County

15. Mountain West Burrito

Mountain West Burrito has been compared by many to Chipotle which seems fitting. Mountain West Burrito focuses on local sourced fresh organic food. Mountain West Burrito uses grass fed beef and pasture raised chicken which can make anyone feel good about the choice they make. Mountain West also offers a vegan burrito which is actually really good.

1796 N 950 W St, Provo

815 N 700 E, Provo

2975 W. Clubhouse Lane, Lehi

16. Los Dos Compadres

Los Dos Compadres

is a grocery store and restaurant, and has some of the best authentic tacos around.

330 State St, Pleasant Grove

17. 180 Tacos

First off some people may say that 180 Tacos really isn’t Mexican because although 180 Tacos are street tacos they have a wide variety of different kinds from Asian to American. Most people love the Korean BBQ Pork Taco; I also really like the Steak Asada.

3368 N University Ave, Provo

18. Maria Bonita

If you are looking for generous portions of authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices try Maria Bonita. Some popular items are the Chile Relleno, Pork Enchiladas, and the Carne Asada. The service can be a bit slow at times so be prepared to wait.

167 W 800 N, Orem

19. Taco Amigo

The peach shakes in the summer are a treat for nearby businesses, and the Nacho Supreme is sure to fill you up.

1395 N. State St, Orem
239 State St, Pleasant Grove

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Sandwich Restaurants in Utah County

20. Ernie’s

Ernie’s makes one of the best sandwiches in Utah Co. People line up all day for one of Ernie’s famous breakfast sandwiches, like the Champ or the Middle Weight. If you aren’t in the mood for breakfast try the Heavy Hitter, which has breaded chicken, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese and Thousand Island dressing. You will not be disappointed. There isn’t a lot of seating if you come during peak hours.

192 West Center Street, Orem

21. Sensuous Sandwich

Sensuous has a menu you can order from, or you can build your own. I usually make my own with turkey, bacon and cream cheese. If you are a big eater you can try becoming a part of the 24 incher club. If you can eat a 24 inch sandwich in 30 minutes or less you get a free t-shirt and anytime you wear it you get a free drink.

378 E University Parkway, Orem

163 W Center Street, Provo

22. Bailey’s Restaurant and Patio

Bailey’s is a mom and pop sandwich shop. The owner Jon tries to remember everyone that comes in. Bailey’s uses high quality ingredients with great bread. Ask Jon what to get if you aren’t sure, otherwise try the pastrami.

535 N State St. Orem

23. DP Cheesesteaks

Alright, I know we aren’t in Philly but DP Cheesesteaks is the closest to a true cheese steak I have had in Utah. The combination of the bread, tender meat, and cheese make the perfect sandwich. Yes they do have cheese wiz if you like. Also don’t miss out on trying birch beer.

1774 N University Pkwy, Provo

933 W 500 N, American Fork

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Asian Restaurants in Utah County

24. Bangkok Grill

Bangkok Grill is a great place for lunch, each day Bangkok Grill has a lunch special for $6.95 you get an entrée, soup, and a side. The Massaman Curry and Chicken Satay are always a great choice.

338 E 800 S, Orem

25. Thai Drift

Thai Drift also has a great lunch special menu. You can always go with Massaman but the Pineapple Curry is really good. The service is sometimes a bit slow during peak hours so be prepared to wait.

1655 N State Street, Orem

2851 Club House Dr, Lehi

26. India Palace

India Palace has a fantastic lunch buffet. For $9.99 a person you can eat all you want. The buffet features different items every day but always has the staples like Chicken Tikka, Naan, and other items.

463 N University Ave, Provo

27. Bombay House

Bombay House takes the cake for the best Indian food in Utah County. The atmosphere and staff are fantastic. The food is almost like you are actually in India. Try starting off with some Samosas, followed by Chicken Tikka Masala. Bombay House is not open for lunch.

463 N University Ave, Provo

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Best Utah County Dessert Restaurants

28. Waffle Love

You might have seen a Waffle Luv truck roaming around Utah County, but you don’t have to chase them around, Waffle Luv opened up a shop next to Mountain West Burrito. Each day Waffle Luv has a special or you can choose from one of the many options. My favorite is the Nutella Love which is Nutella, strawberries, and whip cream.

1796 N 950 W St, Provo

29. Savory & Sweet

If you are looking for a place to take care of your sweet tooth check out Savory & Sweet. One of the most popular items is the Strawberry Cheesecake Crepe; it is amazing. They also have savory crepes if you don’t want something sweet.

182 W Center Street, Orem7

30. The Chocolate

If you are looking for the perfect place to take a date for dessert The Chocolate is that place, set in an charming old house on State Street you can have a great conversation over an amazing cazookie. A cazookie is a giant cookie with ice cream on top.

212 S. State Street, Orem

Obviously there are more than 30 great restaurants in the Utah Valley, so here's where you come in. Leave a Facebook comment below, and share your favorite spot!