Hell's Backbone Grill

Fine dining cuisine with a casual atmosphere in the middle of nowhere -- that about sums up Hell's Backbone Grill.

I was roadtripping between CO and CA, and had decided to take the scenic route (Hwy 24 to Hwy 12).  I lucked upon HBG just as they were opening for dinner service, so was able to walk in and get a table.

Service was both laid back and attentive, if that makes sense -- all my needs were taken care of, and at first it felt like my waiter was hovering a bit too much, but I struck up some conversation so it wasn't too weird.  As is my custom, I asked my waiter for recommendations, and luckily the things I was eyeing were among the first that he mentioned.  I started with the house salad, which was one of the most delicious salads I've had in a long time.  The vinaigrette has a nice spicy kick to it, which pairs well with the sweet elements (strawberries, sliced apples, dehydrated corn) of the salad.  The dehydrated corn and pepitas gave the salad a nice crunch, too.  For my entree I had the pork chop, which was served with a stone fruit sauce over lemon mashed potatoes.  The chop was a thick slab, a very generous portion, and the stone fruit sauce tasty.  The lemon mashed potatoes were unexpectedly good -- the acidity of the lemon made them feel lighter than mashed potatoes usually seem.  Since I was planning to drive on for a few more hours I chose not to imbibe, so had the rosemary limeade with dinner.  Totally refreshing and delicious.  Oh, and I almost forgot -- the black pepper biscuit.  If you don't finish what they bring to your table with dinner, take the rest for your next day's breakfast.  They're that good.

I just stayed at the Lodge and ate breakfast and dinner at Hell's Backbone Grill for 3 days.  I wanted to share my reactions which might be very personal, but they also might be helpful to foodies who have eaten excellent food all over the world.
First comment - for Utah, this is an excellent restaurant.  For the US as a whole, it's good, but no where near 5 star or a Zagat 27.

This place is a gem. Local organic ingredients, exceedingly well prepared and incredibly tasty.
We met our friends here after we each drove several hundred miles to arrive at Boulder (from opposite directions). Dinner was so exceptional, we came back for breakfast, despite the fact we were camping several miles away.
Great food, and incredible setting and an awesome staff...what else can you ask for?
Utah, especially southern Utah, isn't exactly known for a high level of service in most restaurants. This place would be one of the best restaurants in any town or city in the country. The fact Boulder is quite remote makes this place even more exceptional.
We will come back. A 10 hour drive for the best restaurant in the Colorado River drainage? Worth it.

Isn't it interesting that all of poor reviews are from CA and NY?