TRAVEL FARE.

• Author: Biton, Adva

Road trip season is just around the corner, and while you're travelling across Utah, visiting its numerous state parks and unique attractions, you'll naturally want to grab a bite to eat. You can find the Golden Arches just about anywhere--but there's no reason to forego delightful food just because you're on the road. In fact, Utah is filled with hidden food gems, eateries that offer surprising and distinctive dining options off the beaten track. We've compiled a few suggestions, from Logan to St. George, for you to try out on your travels.

Atomic Grill and Lounge

1393 US-191, Moab

moabburger.com

Down in the dazzling landscape of Moab, a day hiking, horseback riding or biking can leave a person famished--and there's nothing like a good burger and fries from Atomic Grill and Lounge to hit the spot. The restaurant offers fare that is "familiar, but unique," says owner Tim Buckingham. If you want a simple burger, the restaurant is happy to offer it--but if you want to expand your horizons by trying out elk stew, buffalo meatloaf or vegetarian chorizo, Atomic Grill and Lounge offers those up, as well. Patrons can order by choosing whatever burger they like--natural raised beef, organic chicken, grass-fed buffalo or house veggie--and then select from Buckingham's list of chef's burgers, like the Blue Duck: duck bacon, grilled onions, bleu cheese, lettuce and the house sauce.

"Why burgers? I thought it would be a great challenge. To take the most popular American dish and make it inspiring and unique," says Buckingham, who says he loves for people to be pleasantly surprised when they eat at his restaurant. "We use high-quality ingredients. I try to buy locally as much as possible. Even the sauces are made in-house."

Buckingham opened the restaurant--then called Buck's Grillhouse--in 1996, and ran the restaurant until closing for repairs in 2014. After an extensive remodel, he reopened as Atomic Grill and Lounge, where he decided to put burgers first and foremost on the menu. He still kept some of the old favorites, but he wanted his restaurant to showcase a satisfying burger that a patron could still feel good about eating. To that end, Buckingham says he loves to utilize game, and calls himself "anti-fast-food."

"The stuff they put in your food nowadays is horrible. I think people need to get back to food we used to eat a lot of back in the day. Venison and game, things like that," he says. "I think it's a good alternative--not the processed stuff they get nowadays, but real food. It not only tastes great but is good for you!"

Four Seasons Hot Pot and Dumplings

236 N. University Ave., Provo

Whether you need a respite from cold weather, a simple and soothing pot of soup, or an excuse to try out something authentic and delicious, Four...